Probably not the most ideal platform to start a bikepacking build, but it was easier to convince myself to equip my current hardtail than to buy another bike 😅

That looks great! Maybe the bike isn’t optimized for long plain gravel roads but I’ll bet you’ll have the most fun of your group on every single section of singletrack.

Looks great to me! As they say, the best bikepacking bike is the one you already have. 🙂

I also use the Elkhorn rack and those REI Link panniers and I really like them both. Just curious, what do you think of them so far?

Sweet! I did the same thing! I ride a Scout 290 for endurance and bikepacking, and it’s working great. One crucial mod for me was to add a 2 degree angleset, so the head angle is now about 66.5 degrees with a Fox 34, 140mm up front. The only other change I make is to switch out tires to suit whatever terrain I am riding. Currently, using Rekon f/r for rougher terrain and Continental Race King front with Cross King plus Air Liner Lite insert rear for faster speeds. My only complaint is that it gets a little heavy… but it really only feels that way standing still! 🤩

Having read the post and the conversation, I can confidently say that I could help with installing any bags, both on the front fork and the rear part of the bicycle. I have been making bike racks and various mounts for bike bags and backpacks for over 30 years. Take a look at my work on my Instagram account—I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of solutions. Yes, it will take some time to go through everything, but I believe you won’t regret it!

https://preview.redd.it/dslo0sijemie1.png?width=1532&format=png&auto=webp&s=24b0bab688f96a1f2590548444c59d929651ccd7

No need to mess with the HTA, just get some faster rolling tires.