When it comes to bikepacking, you have many different components choices. One thing many bikepackers struggle with, and a question I always get asked is, “Tubeless Vs Inner Tubes Bikepacking?”

In the bikepacking community, there’s quite a lot of controversy when it comes to this subject, and at the start of a event, you will see a complete mix of bikes using both systems. What is the best for bikepacking?

As a user of both tubeless and inner tube systems when bikepacking, I have a lot of experience in both, and I feel tubeless is sometimes the way forward, and inner tubes are much better at other times. In this article, I’m going to be telling you everything you need to know by discussing:

• What Is Tubeless?
• What Are Inner Tubes?
• Tubeless Vs Inner Tubes Bikepacking
• Which Is For You? Tubeless Vs Inner Tubes Bikepacking

What Is Tubeless?

Tubeless is a system in which you have sealant instead of inner tubes inside your tires. This sealant stops the air from getting out and can self-heal when the tire gets punctured, providing the hole isn’t too big. 

Not only is the self-healing ability impressive, but tubeless sealant typically weighs much less than inner tubes, and there’s a reduction in rolling resistance. Tubeless tires can also run much lower pressures without the risks of pinch flats. 

Tubeless wheels, valves, sealant, and tires are required for this setup, and if the sealant doesn’t work, although messy, you can put an inner tube in as the worst-case scenario. You will also find that installing tubeless tires can be a little more challenging, and you often need a boost pump. 

What Are Inner Tubes?

Inner tubes are standard on bikes when they are new. They are small rubber tubes that go inside the tire and, when pumped up, create the volume required to ride a bike without damaging a rim. 

Not only are inner tubes easy to change, but they are very reliable when it comes to repairs. You can also repair inner tubes with patches, making them a very easy solution to work with and also very simple, especially on bikepacking adventures.

Inner tubes are cheap to buy, and so are the tires to match. They can’t self-heal, and you do have to be careful when running at lower pressures, but apart from that, they are still one of the best solutions for many.

Tubeless Vs Inner Tubes Bikepacking

When it comes to comparing tubeless or inner tubes, there’s a lot to discuss. Here’s what you are going to find. We will pitch them against each other and create a final score.

Cost

When it comes to buying tubeless tires, they are costly, and you’re spending a minimum of $40 on each tire plus $10 for the sealant, then you need valves too for another $10. So, all in all, a basic tubeless system costs at least $100. You could even add $20 for fitment at a shop making $120.

Inner tubes are much cheaper. You can pick tires up for as little as $15, and the inner tubes are about $5 each. You can easily fit them yourself, and the total cost can be as little as $40, which is the same price as just a single tubeless tire. 

As far as cost goes, inner tubes are much cheaper. Some cyclists say you do save money not needing to replace inner tubes on tubeless, but I wouldn’t say it’s anywhere near $80.

Tubeless 0 – Inner Tubes 1

Assembly

Next, we have assembly. Tubeless tires are easy to get on when you know how, but they often require a boost pump to seat the tires properly. They can offer a challenge for most if you are new to it. 

Inner tubes are incredibly easy to set up, and most people are already used to it. Just throw a tube in, and you’re ready to go. When it comes to assembling inner tubes again, take another point.

Tubeless 0 – Inner Tubes 2

Performance

When it comes to performance, tubeless is incredible. Sealant is generally lighter than a standard inner tube, so you can easily lose 200 grams on your wheel and tire system. It can be run at lower pressures, and you have reduced rolling resistance. 

Inner tubes will perform well and do a good job when bikepacking, but they are heavier and have more rolling resistance. You could lighten them up with a TPU inner tube but it still doesn’t feel it offers the performance of tubeless. This one goes to tubeless in my eyes.

Tubeless 1 – Inner Tubes 2

Reliability

Reliability is one of the biggest factors when it comes to tubeless vs inner tubes for bikepacking. Tubeless is very reliable. It can self-heal, you can plug it to repair large holes without removing the wheel from the bike, and you always have the messy option of putting a tube in. 

When inner tubes are punctured, the whole wheel has to come out, and the tire needs cleaning before the tube is swapped out. If you plan to repair them, it doesn’t always work, and you often find them leaking air. You also, unfortunately, risk pinch flats. I feel this one has to go tubeless again.

Tubeless 2 – Inner Tubes 2

Longevity

When it comes to longevity, it really comes down to the tires more than what sits inside them. In my experience, after 2000 – 3000 miles, I notice that tubeless tires generally have more issues than inner tubes.

Larger rips in tubeless tires often continue to cause problems if not repaired properly, and I have also found that any repair is typically temporary. When inner tubes, you might suffer more punctures when the tire is old but less than tubeless, in my opinion.

Tubeless 2 – Inner Tubes 3

Spares Required

Another very important advantage when it comes to tubeless vs inner tubes for bikepacking is the spares required to be carried for each. Tubeless, you only need a plug and repair kit and two spare tubes. That’s all I personally take for thousands of miles.

With inner tubes, I can have three or four tubes for thousands of miles and a repair kit. However, this tends to take up a lot more space, especially when limited packing space is involved, and larger inner tubes are used. 

With tubeless, you can get away with carrying less, and realistically, some bikepackers only take one tube and just continually repair. I highly recommend two over one though. This goes to tubeless.

Tubeless 3 – Inner Tubes 3

Which Is For You? Tubeless Vs Inner Tubes Bikepacking

When it comes to choosing tubeless vs inner tubes for bikepacking, there’s a lot to consider, and whichever way you go is your personal preference and will more than likely be right for you. I use both but it completely depends on the situation I’m riding in.

Ultra Cycling, Racing, And Off-Road Riding

If I plan on bikepacking competitively, I will always go tubeless. Yes, it is more expensive, but it offers so much more. It’s lighter, faster, can be run at lower pressures, and you can even carry fewer spares. It makes a huge difference over long miles. 

When it comes to off-road riding, I have always found that tubeless is just so much better. Running lower pressure eliminates pinch flats and stops you from carrying all these heavy inner tubes around.  I really like WTB Tires when I go tubeless!

Bikepacking, Training, And Road Riding

When it comes to general bikepacking, I’m not worried if I use tubeless or inner tubes. If I’m not in a rush and just on an adventure, then it doesn’t stress me either way. Although, as mentioned above, for off-road riding routes, I do prefer tubeless.

When it comes to training, I am happy to use inner tubes as it’s cheaper, they make me work harder, and for road riding with higher pressures, inner tubes can be much easier than tubeless. Plus, it teaches you how to change inner tubes quickly and efficiently. I feel Continental make the best tubes.

A Final Note: Tubeless Vs Inner Tubes Bikepacking

When it comes to choosing between tubeless vs inner tubes for bikepacking, it really comes down to what you like to use. I am happy to use both and they both offer great advantages against one another. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. If you enjoyed this article, you might like The Ultimate Biking Kit List, How To Train For Bikepacking, or Dealing With Dogs When Bikepacking.