I have never owned a fat bike in all the years I have been cycling. I have always loved the idea of one, and for bikepacking, I feel they could be the perfect machine. The big question in my mind is, are fat bikes for bikepacking?

To test this theory, I got myself a fat bike and decided to ride it to get a feel for what it might be like on a bikepacking trip. In this article, I will share my thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of fat bikes and why you might consider them. 

What Is A Fat Bike?

A fat bike is basically a mountain bike with huge tires. They are generally designed for very tough conditions, such as snow and beach riding, and really sit by the rule simplicity is key. They are comfortable, easy to ride, and good value when it comes to buying one. 

They typically come with no suspension as the tires are so big at 4” that you don’t often need it. They are very simple when it comes to fixes, and gearing is kept too low down not only for sharp hills but also for very loose terrain a mountain bike would even struggle with.

Why You Might Choose A Fat Bike For Bikepacking?

There are many reasons why you might want to choose a fat bike for bikepacking. Here’s what you need to know.

Amazing Terrain Versatility

The first thing to mention is the way a fat bike can handle rough terrain off-road. With the huge 4” tires, you can ride over pretty much anything, and you can do it comfortably as well. You generally run fat bike tires around as little as 20 PSI.

Comfort

Huge tires, a relaxed riding position, and flat bars. This screams comfort, and I completely understand why a lot of people choose to ride fat bikes. They are fun to ride, and you can comfortably sit on them for a very long time. 

Simplicity

Next, we have simplicity. There’s not much to a fat bike. Ultimately, it’s a mountain bike without suspension. They are incredibly basic, so making repairs on the go isn’t too difficult. Some parts, such as wheels and tires, can be challenging to replace, but in general, very little can’t be fixed in a local bike shop. 

Carrying Capacity

Fat bikes are big bikes, and because of that, you have the ability to carry a lot more than you might think. You can load these bikes up, and not only will they take a lot because of their simplicity, but they will also ride great with extra weight.

Durability

Fat bikes are strong. They are incredibly durable, and when it comes to taking a few knocks, they have great resistance no matter what you are carrying. They are generally made from all different materials but stronger. 

They Look Amazing

There’s no denying that fat bikes look amazing! They have those big chunky tires and just scream I can go anywhere and do anything. I feel like they offer something completely different compared to the look of any other bike. 

Why You Might Not Choose A Fat Bike For Bikepacking

There are actually quite a few reasons why you might not choose a fat bike for bikepacking. This will help you understand why we don’t see many on the trails. 

They Are Heavy

Fat bikes are not light. Although there’s not a huge amount to them, they generally weigh a lot. This makes the riding difficult at times, but adding more weight in bikepacking gear also leaves you with a very heavy setup.

Laggy

Big tires, like on fat bikes, are very laggy and just steal wattage from your legs. On the road they are not smooth, on the trails they are good too but again not smooth. You are making the work harder for yourself.

Jack Of All Trades, Master Of Sand And Snow

When it comes to fat bikes for bikepacking, they are great for all-round cycling on mixed terrain, but they are not perfect at anything apart from sand or snow. This is important to remember, as it will limit daily mileage and goals you might want to achieve.

Some Parts Are Hard To Get

Generally, with road, gravel, and mountain bikes, if something goes wrong, there’s a strong possibility a bike shop will be able to fix it or, in the worst case, have a replacement. With fat bikes, if certain things go wrong, it’s more challenging. Wheels, bottom brackets, tires, and tubes are the worst ones on an adventure. 

What To Look For In A Fat Bike For Bikepacking

When it comes to finding the right fat bike for bikepacking, there’s not a huge amount that you need to look for. In my opinion, I would look for these qualities in a fat bike if I were going to take it on an adventure. 

• Rack Mounts – So important for carrying kit on a fat bike.
• Relaxed Geometry – It needs to be comfortable and not aggressive, some are. 
• Standard Components – Although some things will be different, you need most of the components to be easily replaceable. 

Popular Fat Bikes For Bikepacking

When it comes to picking fat bikes for bikepacking, there will be some amazing models to choose from and some we highly recommend. Here are our thoughts depending on budget, as this is one of the biggest factors for many. 

Budget Fat Bikepacking Build

Voodoo Wazoo Fat Bike

If you are looking for an amazing budget bikepacking fat bike, then I highly recommend the Voodoo Wazoo. I don’t think they make them anymore, but for around $400, you can get an absolutely mint one. 

They are geared well, fairly light, incredibly durable, and have great geometry. This is the bike pictured in the article today. It’s a beast, and I highly recommend trying one, even as an entry-level bike, before investing in something more expensive. 

Mid-Range Fat Bikepacking Bike

Kona Woo

Kona is well known for making a good bike, and the Woo is no exception to that rule. Not only does it come in around $1000 for a new or out-of-season model, but it also looks great, comes with some great components, and ticks every box for us.

They have a much higher quality level than the budget versions and come with some nice additions, such as thru-axles and internal cable routing, which just give it a little bit more and improve the experience. 

High-End Fat Bikepacking Bike

Trek Farley

If you are very serious about fat bikepacking, then the Trek Farley could be right up your street. It’s not cheap, around $3000, but it has everything you will ever need for bikepacking, and for a fat bike, it is incredibly light.

Utilizing a 27.5” wheel instead of 26” wheels like most bikes and coming with top-end components, it’s not just going to be a great ride, but it’s going to perform excellently. It’s not cheap, but the value is there.

Tips for Fat Bike Adventures

When it comes to going on a fat bike adventure, there are thoughts that you should take away before leaving the house. 

Understand Traveling Is Hard With A Fat Bike

Bike boxes for flying generally need to be bigger, storing the bike in hotel rooms and hostels is harder, and even getting on trains if you need to is an absolute pain. 

Take Some Spares

If you’re going really remote, then it’s good to ensure you have the right spares. Lots of inner tubes and good patches, and for super remote adventures, maybe even a spare tire.

Don’t Overestimate Mileage

Traveling with a fat bike is hard, and it’s good to understand you won’t be able to cover the same distance as a gravel bike or road bike. Be realistic with mileage.

A Final Note: Fat Bikes For Bikepacking

Bikepacking is an amazing way to explore the world, and the fat bike is a good tool for that. It’s important to understand the limitations of a fat bike and what you are getting yourself in for. Start with a small getaway and see if it works. 

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