Bikepacking bags on MTB

Check out /r/bikepacking as long as you know the measurements of the frame bag and are sure it will fit, why not?

I’ve got a bike packing setup, it’s great fun to get out for an overnighter.

I have done long trips on a cross country hardtail and overnighters on my last bike, a santa cruz hightower. I would essentially cycle to and climb a mountain and then camp near the top. I just bought a transition spur with the idea I could do more than overnighters with it.

Overnighters on the hightower were absolutely doable. I only had a tiny seat bag so as to still use the dropper and rear sus. I will use a rack with the spur. I cooked my meals beforehand but took the stove anyway (tiny alcohol stove) so as to make drinks and in case I needed more food; the cycling makes you hungry. I also used a hammock and I only did it in warm weather so I didn’t need extra insulation. I was in southern Spain so warm weather is a lot of the year. Basically I carried very little, just food, tiny cookset, sleeping bag, mat and hammock. Oh and lots of water. I think doing it in winter will be a challenge without a rack or big seat pack.

The bike performed absolutely fine on rough single track. It’s just like having a heavier rider really. The only thing that bothered me was having so little weight at the back meant it was heavier at the bars. It makes steering floppier so you exert more in your arms. Overall not a big deal as even the bar bag I used was small. All minimal effects and to be expected really. If you’re just doing overnighters then the bike will perform nearly as usual.