Bikepacking Bike
I use a hardtail. I started with an old hard tail which worked fine but flexed under load due to extra weight. The trailer was better and I could even use it on my full suspension bike; not that good for the bike though.
At the moment I use a Surly ECR which is a dedicated touring bike. Its strong and comfortable.
I did swap the tires out for 2.4 and added front suspension to stop the wrist ache.
I added a dropper so its more fun when free of bags. Also use two chain rings so I have plenty gears to cart the heavy panniers up hills, pushing is another option.
The touring handle bars are for those long days in the saddle.
The ECR is a very comfy steel bike but due to extra strength also has extra weight. The 100mm front suspension does make the bike more fun and raises the very low bottom bracket a little. Surly also make two trail bikes (Krampus and Karate Monkey) which could double as bikepacking rigs and be fun on the trail.
Plenty of other bikes would suit (i.e take a rear carrier)
On One Big Dog (good geometry)
Bombtrack Cale (good geometry)
Merida Big Trail (good geometry)
Specialised Fuse (good geometry)
Any hard tail would take a carrier if using pipe clamp brackets for the bottom mount and seat post clamp. Saying that I have had the bottom brackets break on me doing it this way.
list of fixed fork bikes here
There is always the option of using a rack that fits any QR hardtail.
Or use a 'any bike' rack; low weight loads only.
Any bike will do though, just need to use the appropriate bags. I like panniers so like carrier mounts on the chain stays. The racks are handy even if you don't use panniers.
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