Suggestions for a budget bike packing bike

[scott of the woods]

It’s that time of year again when those who’s employers entice their employees to part with their hard earned cash pre tax to purchase a new bike, and my mate is looking for a mtb style bike for general fun and bike packing duties.
His conditions are, it’s got to be new (buying through c2w scheme) ,max budget £750 but hopefully less, and a 29er (but maybe a 27.5 if everything else ticks the boxes)
The results I’ve found even when you search for”bikepacking” throw up gravel bikes which he doesn’t want.
So far we’ve come up with
Specialised Rockhopper (his choice, I think there are better bikes out there that would meet his criteria)
Sonder Frontier (my choice, but the very top of his budget)
Pinnacle Kapur (my 2nd choice and at the bottom of his budget)
Any other suggestions of bikes to look at?
He’s not a brand snob just wants a bike that is suitable for a bit of a blast yet comfortable enough for a bit of multi day riding.
There’s got to be more options out there in this price range or has everything gone over to gravel wankers.

Cheers
Scott

[ScotRoutes]

Trek Marlin 7?
Cube Aim?

[wriggles]

I have always ended up underwhelmed by bike to work savings. Think can find better value buying second hand, with carefull looking. Especially as market seems to be cooling at the moment.

[scott of the woods]

Trek Marlin 7?
Cube Aim?

Cheers I’ll have look at those

[scott of the woods]

I have always ended up underwhelmed by bike to work savings. Think can find better value buying second hand, with carefull looking. Especially as market seems to be cooling at the moment.

I agree, but this is for someone who doesn’t have the ability to save and wants a bike now!
I saw a perfect Ramin on Marketplace for £600 with oodles of bags, and a couple of others for £300

[MuddyPete]

Voodoo Bizango from Halfords = £600. A couple of blokes I ride with have it and report it's pretty good .
I've not ridden one myself.

[scott of the woods]

Voodoo Bizango from Halfords = £600. A couple of blokes I ride with have it and report it's pretty good .
I've not ridden one myself.

Cheers Pete, I’ll have a look
I find looking for a budget bike harder than something more expensive.
I know a lot of people rated the voodoo fat bike, hopefully he can make a decision

[The Cumbrian]

I use my Voodoo Bizango for bikepacking, as well as normal mountain biking. I was going to upgrade last year, but I like it so much I haven't bothered.

Here it is in action:

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=19785

Cheers, Michael.

[scott of the woods]

Looks like a cracking bike and the trip looked great as well