When you’re miles from civilization with a bike laden down with gear, a reliable kickstand becomes more than a convenience—it’s an essential piece of kit. A stable platform prevents your heavily loaded bike from toppling over on uneven ground, protecting your expensive components and making camp chores infinitely easier. Choosing the right one, however, depends on your bike’s frame, your load, and the terrain you’ll be tackling.
From traditional single-leg designs to robust twin-leg center stands, the market offers a variety of solutions for the bikepacking adventurer. This roundup cuts through the noise to present the best options for 2025, focusing on durability, stability, and ease of use. We’ve evaluated stands for different mounting styles and bike types to help you find the perfect support for your next tour.
Our Top Picks for Bikepacking Kickstands
- Pletscher Multi Rear Stay Mounted Kickstand
- Pletscher Men’s Twin Leg Kickstand
- Tubus Stand for Lowrider Bicycle Stand
- Greenfield KS2 Kickstand
- Ursus Jumbo Double Leg Kickstand
- CHEPARK Bike Floor Stand Rack
- Blackburn Outpost Cargo Water Bottle Cage
- SPICIMOMO Adjustable Bike Kickstand
- Pletscher Comp Double Leg Kickstand
Pletscher Multi Rear Stay Mounted Kickstand
For riders seeking a classic, no-fuss single-leg kickstand, the Pletscher Multi is a proven choice. Its adjustable bracket is designed to mount securely to the rear triangle of the frame, making it compatible with a wide range of 26-inch to 28-inch wheeled bikes, including mountain, road, and hybrid models. This rear-stay mounting position offers a good balance of stability and simplicity.
A built-in spring allows for smooth side movement, ensuring the kickstand neatly folds away under the chain stay when you’re riding. This prevents any unwanted noise or interference with your pedaling. It’s a lightweight and reliable solution for keeping your bike upright during quick stops without adding significant weight to your setup.
Pletscher Men’s Twin Leg Bottom Bracket Mounted Kickstand
When you need maximum stability for a heavily loaded touring bike, the Pletscher Twin Leg kickstand is a top contender. Functioning like a motorcycle center stand, it lifts the rear wheel off the ground once deployed. This feature is incredibly useful for maintenance on the go or for creating an ultra-stable platform on soft or uneven ground.
This 320mm model is recommended for 700C or 29-inch wheels and mounts directly to the bottom bracket, distributing weight evenly. With a maximum load capacity of 25kg, it is built to handle the demands of a bike fully loaded with panniers and gear. The twin-leg design provides a wide, secure base that instills confidence.
Tubus Stand for Lowrider
Tubus is a renowned name in the world of bicycle luggage systems, and their kickstand is engineered with the same precision. Designed specifically for use with lowrider front panniers, this stand provides a stable footing that prevents the bike from becoming top-heavy and tipping. It is an essential accessory for traditional four-pannier touring setups.
The neutral color ensures it blends well with most bike frames, and its unisex design makes it a universal fit. While specific features should be verified, Tubus’s reputation for manufacturing high-quality, durable steel products means this stand is built to last for countless miles on the road.
Greenfield KS2 Kickstand
The Greenfield KS2 is an excellent solution for bicycles that lack a factory mounting plate. Its clever mounting system allows for a secure installation on the chain stay, providing a reliable kickstand option where one wasn’t originally intended. It comes in different sizing options, with a 285mm length suitable for most adult bikes.
This stand is known for its straightforward, robust construction. It offers a simple and effective way to keep your bike upright, which is particularly valuable when your bike is loaded with gear and you need a dependable place to park it.
Ursus Jumbo Double Leg Kickstand
Built for the heaviest of loads, the Ursus Jumbo Double Leg Kickstand boasts an impressive 100 kg maximum weight capacity. This makes it suitable not only for standard touring bikes but also for heavy-duty cargo bikes and electric bikes. Its compatibility with 24-inch to 28-inch wheelbases ensures a broad range of application.
The stand provides a substantial 18-inch outer width when the legs are expanded, creating an incredibly stable base that virtually eliminates the risk of tipping. When folded, it maintains a compact 7-inch profile for unobstructed riding. This is a heavy-duty workhorse for the most demanding tours.
CHEPARK Bike Floor Stand Rack
While not a traditional kickstand, the CHEPARK Bike Floor Stand Rack offers a unique freestanding storage solution that is perfect for a basecamp or indoor use during a tour. It supports the bike vertically by the wheels, eliminating any risk of scratching the frame, rims, or spokes. This design requires no lifting; you simply roll your bike into the rack.
Its fully adjustable sliders make it compatible with a wide range of bikes from 20 inches to 29 inches, including those with tires up to 2.4 inches wide. For bikepackers who set up a stationary camp for multiple days, this rack provides a supremely stable and accessible way to store your bike.
Blackburn Outpost Cargo Water Bottle Cage
It’s important to note that this product is not a kickstand. The Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage is included here as a crucial supporting accessory for bikepacking stability. By allowing you to carry bulky items like water bottles, tools, or even a small gear bag in otherwise unused frame space, it helps to centralize weight and lower your bike’s center of gravity.
With three sets of mounting holes, it can fit a variety of frame sizes and positions. The included straps securely hold down odd-shaped items, keeping them from shifting during your ride. A well-balanced load is fundamental to a stable bike, both in motion and when parked.
SPICIMOMO Adjustable Bike Kickstand with Double Legs
The SPICIMOMO kickstand brings a modern touch to the double-leg category. Crafted from high-quality aluminum alloy, it offers a strong yet lightweight support system for your bike. Its unique design includes an adjustable foot support, allowing for a customized fit to ensure your bike sits level on various surfaces.
This stand is engineered to accommodate traditional bicycles from 22 to 26 inches as well as electric bikes. The anti-slip reinforced rubber feet provide maximum stability, preventing slipping on hard surfaces or sinking into soft ground. It’s a versatile and sturdy option for riders looking for reliable double-leg support.
Pletscher Comp Double Leg Kickstand
Pletscher’s Comp Double Leg Kickstand continues the brand’s legacy of producing high-quality, reliable bicycle supports. As a twin-leg stand, it provides the exceptional stability that heavily laden touring bikes require, creating a solid platform that makes loading and unloading gear much simpler.
While specific details for this model are to be confirmed, Pletscher’s consistent use of durable materials and thoughtful design ensures a product that can withstand the rigors of long-distance travel. For cyclists who trust established brands with a proven track record, the Pletscher Comp is a compelling option to research further.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Bikepacking Kickstand
When I first started bikepacking, I thought kickstands were unnecessary weight. I was wrong. After a long day on rough terrain, the last thing I want to do is carefully lean my heavily loaded bike against a tree that might not even be there. A good kickstand provides stability for cooking, setting up camp, or just taking a photo without the constant fear of my bike toppling over. But not all kickstands are created equal for the demands of a multi-day tour.
The first thing I consider is the mounting style. A center-mount kickstand attaches to the chainstays near the bottom bracket. This is a common and stable option, but you need to ensure it has enough clearance for your crank arms and won’t interfere with any cargo cages or bags you have mounted low on the frame. The other main type is a rear-mount or triangle kickstand that bolts to the rear dropouts and a chainstay bridge. These often provide a wider, more stable base and keep the stand itself out of the way of potential cargo, but they can be incompatible with some rear racks or panniers.
Next, I look at the construction material. Aluminum kickstands are light, which is a huge plus when every gram counts, but they might not hold up as well under the extreme weight of a full bikepacking load on uneven ground. Steel is heavier but offers superior strength and durability. For me, the peace of mind that comes with a steel stand is usually worth the minor weight penalty. Also, check the weight capacity. A stand rated for a lightweight city bike will likely fail when you have 20+ pounds of gear on your bike.
The foot of the kickstand is a small but critical detail. A small, metal foot can easily sink into soft ground like mud or sand. I always look for a kickstand with a large, wide foot, often made of plastic or with a removable rubber pad. This distributes the weight over a larger area, preventing your bike from sinking and becoming even more unstable. Some models even have a flip-out secondary foot for extra security on really soft surfaces.
Finally, think about the mechanism. A simple, robust spring mechanism is best. It should be easy to deploy and retract with your foot, even when you’re tired. Avoid anything with complex parts or lots of small pins that could get clogged with mud or break in a remote location. The best kickstands for bikepacking are the ones you can rely on for stability on tour without adding significant hassle or failure points to your setup.
FAQ
Are kickstands bad for bikepacking bikes?
This is a common debate. The main arguments against them are added weight and the potential for a failure point on the frame. However, for many riders, the utility far outweighs the downsides. A high-quality kickstand designed for loaded bikes can be a game-changer for convenience and stability on tour, making tasks like loading and unloading much easier. The key is to choose a robust model and ensure it’s installed correctly.
Can I install a kickstand on any bike?
Not always. Many modern mountain and performance bikes lack the dedicated mounting bosses for a center-mount kickstand. In these cases, you would need to use a clamp-on model, which I generally avoid as they can damage the frame’s paint and potentially the tubing itself. Rear-mount kickstands also require specific mounting points on the rear dropouts. Always check your bike’s frame for compatibility before buying.
What is the best type of kickstand for a heavily loaded bike?
For maximum stability with a full bikepacking load, I prefer a two-legged or “double” kickstand. These lift the rear wheel completely off the ground and provide an incredibly stable platform, almost like a workstand. They are heavier and more expensive, but if you frequently stop on uneven terrain or need your bike to stand perfectly upright, they are unmatched. Brands like Ursus and Pletscher make excellent heavy-duty models.
How do I prevent my kickstand from sinking into the ground?
This is a frequent issue when camping. The solution is a kickstand foot that is large and wide. Many aftermarket “kickstand pads” or “mud feet” are available that you can attach to a small foot. A simple DIY trick I’ve used is to carry a small, flat piece of wood or a sturdy lid from a plastic container to place under the foot when on soft ground.
Do I need a special kickstand for off-road bikepacking?
Yes, you should select one with off-road use in mind. Look for a kickstand with ample ground clearance so it doesn’t get snagged on rocks or roots when retracted. The mechanism should be protected from mud and debris, and the overall construction must be tough enough to handle vibrations and impacts from rough trails. A standard city-bike kickstand won’t last long on a technical route.