Best Foldable Bike Trailers for Hauling Gear

Updated for 2026 — This article has been reviewed and updated with the latest recommendations.

There comes a point on certain bike tours where bags are not enough. Maybe you are carrying camera equipment, hauling supplies for a group, touring with a dog, or simply prefer the freedom of bringing more gear than a bikepacking setup allows. A bike trailer solves the capacity problem completely.

Foldable trailers are particularly useful for bikepackers because they can be collapsed for storage at home, packed for airline travel, or stashed when you do not need the extra hauling capacity.

Here are the best options.

What to Consider

Attachment mechanism matters. Trailers connect to the bike at the rear axle, the seatpost, or the rear dropout. Axle-mount designs are the most stable and handle heavy loads best. Seatpost mounts are easier to install and remove but put more stress on the seatpost and can cause sway at speed.

Weight capacity ranges from about 50 pounds on ultralight trailers to over 100 pounds on heavy-duty models.

For bikepacking use, 50-70 pounds of capacity handles most scenarios. Going over that limit makes the bike harder to control, especially on descents and in crosswinds.

Wheel size affects rolling resistance and terrain capability. Larger wheels (16-20 inch) roll over obstacles better and track more smoothly on rough roads. Smaller wheels (12 inch) keep the trailer lower and more compact but struggle on rough surfaces.

Best Overall: Burley Coho XC

The Burley Coho XC is designed specifically for off-road touring and bikepacking.

It uses a single-wheel design that tracks directly behind the bike, following the same line through turns and over obstacles. This is a significant advantage on singletrack and narrow gravel roads where a two-wheel trailer would be too wide.

The frame folds flat for storage and transport, collapsing to about the size of a large pizza box. The 16-inch wheel handles rough terrain well, and the suspension fork absorbs bumps that would otherwise transfer into the bike through the hitch.

Cargo capacity is about 70 pounds with a dry bag system that keeps gear contained and protected from weather. The hitch connects at the rear axle and allows the bike to lean independently of the trailer, which is essential for off-road riding where the bike needs to tilt through turns.

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Best Two-Wheel: BOB Ibex Plus

The BOB Ibex has been a touring standard for decades.

It uses a single-wheel design with a simple but effective hitch that connects to a dedicated skewer at the rear axle. The trailer tracks well on pavement and gravel and handles loads up to about 70 pounds comfortably.

The frame is welded steel, which is heavier than aluminum alternatives but virtually indestructible. It folds flat for airline travel by removing the wheel and collapsing the frame.

The included dry bag is waterproof and holds gear securely.

The ride quality is good on smooth surfaces but can be bouncy on rough terrain because there is no suspension. For gravel and rough pavement touring, it works well. For aggressive off-road use, the Burley Coho XC suspension is a better choice.

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Best Budget: Schwinn Day Tripper Cargo Trailer

The Schwinn Day Tripper is a two-wheel cargo trailer at a fraction of the price of the Burley or BOB.

It folds flat for storage, has a reasonable weight capacity, and the hitch mechanism is simple to use.

Build quality is a step below the premium options. The fabric is thinner, the frame is heavier, and the wheels are smaller. But for occasional touring on paved and smooth gravel roads, it gets the job done at a price point that makes it accessible to riders who are not ready to invest in a premium trailer.

The two-wheel design is more stable when parked and easier to load than a single-wheel trailer, but it is wider and does not track as well through tight turns or on narrow trails.

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Best Ultralight: Extrawheel Voyager

The Extrawheel Voyager is a minimalist single-wheel trailer that uses a standard bicycle wheel, which means you can use a spare touring wheel as the trailer wheel for parts compatibility.

The frame is lightweight aluminum and folds down to a compact package.

It uses a dry bag or panniers mounted on the trailer frame rather than an enclosed cargo bay. This modular approach lets you customize the cargo configuration for different trips. For lightweight touring where you just need a bit more capacity than bags alone provide, this is an elegant solution.

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Riding with a Trailer

Expect your average speed to drop by 2-4 mph with a loaded trailer. The added weight and rolling resistance are noticeable, especially on climbs. Plan shorter daily distances when touring with a trailer.

Braking distances increase significantly. Practice braking with the trailer loaded before heading onto steep descents. Use both brakes gently and steadily rather than grabbing the front brake hard, which can cause the trailer to push the rear of the bike around.

Parking a loaded trailer bike requires planning. Single-wheel trailers tip over when the bike is not being held or is not on a kickstand. Always secure the bike and trailer against something solid when stopped.