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Loading your bike for a multi-day trip means your feet are your only connection to the machine, so the right pedals decide if every push feels solid or sketchy. This guide breaks down the best bikepacking pedals for how you actually ride, whether that means locking in with clips for efficiency or keeping flats for quick foot drops on tough terrain. You’ll get honest picks based on real owner experiences and the specs that matter most for loaded bikes.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
We’ve ranked the top models for durability, grip, and weight to help you choose the best bikepacking pedals for your next adventure without the guesswork.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Bikepacking Pedals
Before you pick, ask yourself one question: do you want to clip in for maximum pedaling efficiency, or do you want flats that let you put a foot down instantly on rocky climbs? Both styles work for bikepacking, but each suits a different riding style and comfort level.
Clipless vs. Flat Pedals
Clipless pedals, like SPD-style ones, lock your shoes to the pedal for a solid connection that transfers power on long climbs. Flats give you freedom to reposition your feet and step off quickly when the trail gets technical, which many riders prefer on loaded bikes.
Platform Size and Grip
For flats, a wider platform spreads pressure across your foot, so you stay comfortable on all-day rides. The grip comes from replaceable pins that dig into your shoe soles, and some riders find aggressive pins too grippy for quick foot adjustments.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Type | Weight | Platform Size | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano PD-M520 SPD★ Best Overall | Clipped-in touring efficiency | SPD Clipless | 380g | — | Amazon |
| PNW Range CompositeBest Value Flats | Grippy flat pedals for big feet | Flat | 390g | 110mm | Amazon |
| Race Face Chester LargeLarge Platform Pick | Large flat platform stability | Flat | — | 115 x 110mm | Amazon |
| DMR V11 Composite | Durable commuter flats | Flat | 450g | 105 x 105mm | Amazon |
| Funn Funndamental | Adjustable grip on alloy platform | Flat | 415g | — | Amazon |
| Funn Mamba S | Hybrid SPD and flat versatility | Hybrid | 402g | — | Amazon |
| Crankbrothers Double Shot | Dual clipless and flat riding | Hybrid | 403g | — | Amazon |
| LOOK KEO 2 MAX | Road-style clipped efficiency | Road Clipless | 130g | 500 mm² | Amazon |
| SHIMANO XTR M9100 | Pro-level XC clipping | SPD Clipless | 420g | — | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 6,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The do-everything clipless pedal that just keeps spinning for years.
For bikepackers who want to lock in and pedal efficiently for hours, the Shimano PD-M520 is the crowd favorite. It’s a double-sided SPD pedal, so you can clip in from either side without looking down — a small thing that feels huge when you’re wrestling a loaded bike up a steep pitch.
The real story here is durability. Owners describe a “tank-like build” and Some buyers report it lasting 25 years or more.. The quality is so trustworthy that One rider’s knee pain resolved after 500 miles thanks to the pedal’s float. — that’s the small side-to-side movement that lets your knees track naturally instead of being locked rigid.
It’s not the lightest option at 380g per pair, but the aluminum and Chromium-Molybdenum Steel construction is what buys you that longevity. Compared to the cheaper composite flats below, this is the set you bolt on and forget about for a decade of touring.
Why Owners Stick With It
- Double-sided clip-in makes mounting quick and easy
- Build quality that shrugs off years of abuse
- SPD compatible with virtually any cycling shoe
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Not a flat pedal — you need clipless shoes
- Slightly heavier than premium race pedals
Reach for this if: you want a reliable clipless setup for multi-day tours and don’t want to fuss with your gear.
Think twice if: you prefer dropping a foot instantly on technical terrain — you’ll want a flat pedal instead.
2. PNW Components Range Composite MTB Pedals
A wide, stable composite platform that holds medium to large feet firmly.
If you ride flats, the PNW Range is what wins people over: a stable 110mm platform that gives your foot a confident place to land, even with big shoes. The glass fiber-reinforced nylon body keeps weight reasonable at 390g while staying strong enough for aggressive riding.
The replaceable steel pins are the headline feature. They grip aggressively — so much so that some riders actually removed half the pins to make repositioning their foot easier. That’s a good sign for traction, but it tells you the grip is serious.
Owners mention it shrugs off rock strikes and that the pins swap out easily, with spares included. At a claimed 4.53″L x 4.25″W, it’s a larger footprint than the DMR V11 below, so you get more room to find your balance on long gravel days.
What Riders Rave About
- Large platform suits bigger feet comfortably
- Aggressive steel pins keep shoes locked in place
- Replaceable pins and a lifetime warranty
The Honest Trade-Off
- Pins can be too grippy for quick foot adjustments
- Composite body won’t match alloy durability on heavy rock strikes
Grab these if: you want maximum flat-pedal grip for a loaded bike and don’t mind a little extra traction.
Skip if: you like to shuffle your feet mid-ride — you’d be removing pins on day one.
3. Race Face Large Chester Pedals
A big, concave platform that makes pedaling feel more powerful and secure.
If you wear size 11 shoes, the Race Face Chester Large gives you a wide, stable base that riders say is comfortable with no spindle bump — that’s the axle ridge you can feel through thinner soles. Its 115 x 110mm platform with a 16mm height is built around one idea: size matters.
What stands out is the grip. The 8-pin configuration, including 2 co-molded plastic pins, delivers what owners call “gorilla grip” that sticks to any shoe, even work boots. The concave shape cradles your foot and locks it in, which riders say makes pedaling feel more powerful on long climbs.
The Chromoly steel spindle offers the strength to handle aggressive riding, and the lifetime warranty even covers crashes. One owner logged 500+ miles on flowy trails and called it excellent., noting The reduced Q-factor (width between pedals) improved knee alignment..
Why It Earns Its Spot
- Wide 115 x 110mm platform for confident foot placement
- Concave shape locks your foot in securely
- Lifetime warranty that includes crashes
What to Know
- Some riders found the pins flop when lowered, needing spacers
- Grip is aggressive — less forgiving for quick foot shifts
Best for: riders with larger feet or anyone wanting a rock-solid flat platform for technical descents.
Who it isn’t for: riders who want a lighter, less aggressive platform for casual touring.
4. DMR V11 Composite Flat Pedals
A square, dependable flat pedal that outlasts expectations on rough roads.
The DMR V11 is the choice for riders who want a no-fuss flat pedal that just works. At 105 x 105mm, it’s a square, relatively thick platform that owners say cradles your foot well thanks to its concave shape front to back. The glass-reinforced nylon body resists getting chewed up better than aluminum.
Durability is the recurring theme here. One owner ripped just a single pin out over 1,000 hard-charging miles., and another was “amazed how long these pedals have lasted.” The 4140 CroMo steel axle (a strong chromium-molybdenum alloy) backs up that toughness.
On a bike loaded with gear, these grip well with riding shoes — one commuter said their feet absolutely stopped slipping on bumpy road sections. The trade-off is the thicker body means more ground strikes on rocky trails, so they’re better suited to smoother bikepacking routes.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Proven long-term durability on hard miles
- Grip that keeps feet planted on bumpy sections
- Removable pins and a strong CroMo steel axle
Consider This
- Thicker platform increases ground strikes on techy trails
- Heavier than some alloy competitors at 450g
Choose it if: your bikepacking mixes gravel roads and commuting where durability beats lightness.
Look elsewhere if: you’re tackling rock gardens where a slimmer pedal would clear obstacles better.
5. Funn Funndamental MTB Flat Pedals
A CNC-machined alloy platform with pins you can tune to your liking.
The Funn Funndamental is for riders who want a premium flat pedal with real adjustability. It’s CNC machined from 6061 aerospace alloy to create a deep, roomy platform, and the chamfered edges help clear rocks. At 415g, it’s lighter than the composite DMR below while offering a stiffer feel.
The standout feature is the 44 height-adjustable, two-way pins. You can tune the grip to your riding style, and owners say the customization lets you dial in both grip and concavity. One 235-lb rider found their feet stayed planted until they intentionally moved them, even in sand, rain, and mud..
Maintenance is a differentiator too. The patented Grease Renew System (GRS) lets you service the pedals in about 60 seconds without getting your hands dirty — genuinely useful on a multi-day trip. Riders moving from clipless to flats specifically praised the freedom of quick movement with trail shoes.
The Premium Perks
- 44 adjustable pins for a custom grip feel
- 6061 aerospace alloy body is stiff and durable
- Tool-free grease service in under a minute
Small Gripes
- Installing the pins is tedious, per owners
- Flat pedals in general require technique on front-foot force
Pick this if: you want a tunable, serviceable alloy flat for varied terrain and don’t mind paying for it.
skip it if: you want a simple, cheap flat pedal — the adjustability is overkill for casual riding.
6. Funn Mamba S MTB Clipless Pedals
A two-in-one pedal that flips from flat platform to SPD clip instantly.
The Funn Mamba S answers the classic bikepacking dilemma: clip in for efficiency or go flat for security? It’s both. One side has an SPD clip-in mechanism, and the other is a flat platform with pins, so you can flip the pedal to switch modes mid-ride.
Owners love the versatility. On steep starts, riders use the flat side for a stable push-off, then flip to the clip side for the climb. The single-sided design means it takes a moment to find the right side, but the less free-spin actually helps with side selection, according to one gravel rider.
The SPD cleats are included, and the mechanism is crisp and compatible with standard SPD shoes. At 402g, it’s a reasonable weight for a hybrid. The compact dual platform gives lower weight and better ground clearance than a full-size flat, which helps on technical trails.
Why It Wins
- Flat and SPD sides in one pedal for total flexibility
- SPD cleats included, crisp clip-in mechanism
- Compact design for better ground clearance
Keep in Mind
- Single-sided clipping requires finding the right side
- Hybrid compromises both flat size and clip weight
Perfect for: riders who want the option to ride clipped or free without swapping pedals.
Not ideal for: purists who want a dedicated clipless or oversized flat pedal.
7. Crankbrothers Double Shot MTB Hybrid Pedals
A dual-sided hybrid built to handle both trail and city miles with premium bearings.
The Crankbrothers Double Shot is a well-engineered hybrid that offers a clipless side for efficient pedaling and a flat side with in-molded ribs and pins for grip. It’s designed for riders who split time between trails and city streets, and the dual-sided design means you can flip it quickly.
The advanced bearing system is a key upgrade: an outboard Enduro cartridge bearing and inboard igus II glide bearing with a double seal system. That translates to smooth, long-lasting rotation even when things get muddy on a tour. A wider Q-factor with a longer 5mm spindle improves shoe clearance.
Customers note the clipless side works great with no break-in, and the flat side grips regular shoes well. One rider noted the flat side lacks grip with clipless shoes, which is expected for a hybrid. It’s backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, and one owner confirmed it survived two trail wrecks.
The Standout Features
- Premium Enduro cartridge and igus II bearings
- 5mm longer spindle for better shoe clearance
- 5-year warranty with crash-surviving durability
The Catch
- Flat side grip is weak when wearing clipless shoes
- Clipping in can be a hassle single-sided
Best for: bikepackers mixing long clipped stretches with city or farm-road riding.
Skip if: your route is purely trail — a dedicated pedal does either job better.
8. LOOK Cycle KEO 2 MAX XXX Pedals
An ultra-light road pedal that’s barely felt underfoot but delivers full power transfer.
For bikepackers on smooth gravel and pavement, the LOOK KEO 2 MAX is an efficiency machine. It weighs just 130 grams in your hand — so light you barely notice it underfoot. The carbon body and chromoly spindle keep it strong while minimizing rotating weight that matters on long climbs.
The 500 mm² stainless steel contact surface gives you a large, stable area for power transfer. That’s the surface that connects your cleat to the pedal, and a bigger one means more stability through each stroke. Riders praise the crisp, precise clip-in and clip-out at medium tension.
Adjustable tension between 8 and 12 lets you dial in how firmly you’re held. One owner rode 400 miles including a century (100-mile) ride and praised the reliable, no-unexpected-release feel.. The catch is the mixed feedback on unclipping — some find it extremely difficult, so it demands practice.
Why It Impresses
- Ultra-light 130g carbon body
- 500 mm² stainless contact for stable power transfer
- Adjustable tension from 8 to 12
Before You Buy
- Unclipping can be difficult, per mixed owner feedback
- Road-focused, not ideal for technical MTB trails
Choose this for: fast, light touring on roads and smooth gravel where every gram counts.
It’s not for: technical singletrack or riders who want easy, forgiving unclipping.
9. SHIMANO XTR M9100 XC Pedal
The race-bred SPD pedal that’s surprisingly approachable for loaded touring.
The Shimano XTR M9100 is the top-tier XC pedal, and it’s earned its reputation. Made with a lightweight, high-performance aluminum body and an anodised hub, it’s built for cross-country racing but translates beautifully to bikepacking. The low platform height provides pedaling stability, keeping your foot close to the spindle.
Owners consistently praise it as the easiest SPD pedal to clip into, which is critical when you’re tired on day three of a tour. One rider ran 2,500+ miles over a year with no issues., calling it “nearly bomb-proof.” It’s survived multiple rock strikes without failure.
At 420g per pair, it’s not the absolute lightest, but riders say the reliable clip-in and never-unintentional release more than make up for it. The adjustable clip tension lets you set your preferred hold. The main caveat is mixed durability feedback — most last well, but a few report failures within months.
The Pro Benefits
- Easiest SPD clip-in mechanism owners have used
- Low platform height for stable pedaling
- Adjustable clip tension for personal preference
Honest Caveat
- Durability is mixed — most last, some fail early
- Not the lightest clipless option at 420g
Reach for it if: you want pro-level SPD performance and easy clip-ins for long XC-style tours.
Think twice if: you’re on a budget or want the absolute lightest setup possible.
Understanding the Specs
SPD vs. Road Cleats
SPD-style pedals use a recessed cleat that’s easy to walk in, making them ideal for bikepacking where you’ll be off the bike exploring. Road cleats like LOOK KEO have a larger contact surface for efficiency but are harder to walk in. Your shoe choice should match your pedal system.
Platform Size and Concavity
For flats, a wider platform spreads pressure across your foot for all-day comfort. A concave shape — where the middle dips slightly — helps cradle your foot and lock it into place, reducing fatigue. Bigger isn’t always better if it causes ground strikes on rocky trails.
FAQ
Are clipless or flat pedals better for bikepacking?
Will SPD pedals work with my existing cycling shoes?
How do I know if a flat pedal platform is big enough for my feet?
Are composite pedals durable enough for multi-day trips?
Do I need special shoes for hybrid pedals?
How important is pedal weight for bikepacking?
Can I use mountain bike pedals on a gravel bike?
What does adjustable tension on clipless pedals mean?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most riders, the bikepacking pedals winner is the Shimano PD-M520 because it delivers class-leading durability and reliable double-sided clipping at a crowd-pleasing price. If you want grippy flats for technical terrain, grab the PNW Range Composite. And for the ultimate versatility of both worlds in one pedal, the Funn Mamba S is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.