Up until now I've had a preference for panniers and perhaps a dry bag on the bars, got a new gravel bike now and not sure how to load it up...
Until now I've done road/hardpack trails on a CX bike with panniers, and a couple of shorter mtb bivvys with a drybag and frame bag.
My new bike has a dropper post so that rules out a big saddle pack, I have a half framebag to leave space for bottles, so it looks like a new rack is on the cards, can't see that I can get everything on without a rack.
I quite like the slimline racks, anyone use one of these? I haven't found any panniers that 'sling' over the narrower platform, has anyone used drybags instead of panniers without them falling or sliding off the rack?
If you are keen on using a pannier rack, the closest I have seen to a dry bag which maintains the lightness of bikepacking stuff with the security of a pannier is these ones from Alpkit:
https://www.alpkit.com/products/toliari-20-pannier
(there are three sizes available, I found the 20 litre to be ideal and discounted at the moment!)
They are light, simple, secure, cheap, have a slim profile and totally waterproof.
I use a tortec slimline rack on my commuter and it is ace with the above panniers. For a lighter version of traditional pannier set up, I have found this pretty good.
I don't understand the attachment system on those Alpkit panniers, there seem to be two entirely different types in the thumbnail links. The main picture shows loops that need something added to attach to a rack and the other system is fairly basic plastic hooks that don't lock on all that securely IME with the risk of them coming off on bumps or when brushing against the undergrowth.
"the main picture shows loops that need something added to attach to a rack and the other system is fairly basic plastic hooks"
You sure you're not confusing front and back? The front have extra attachment loops, the back have the clips you mention.
There's the Wolftooth Valais which clips around a dropper post to protect it so you can use a bikepacking style saddle bag with it. You lose about 25mm of travel. There's a limited choice of bags at the moment and AFAIK none of the UK manufacturers are making one.
My wife uses an Arkel Randonneur rack which mounts to post and saddle rails then straps a dry bag on top of that. It uses a plastic collar around the seatpost. You don't have to mount it as low as in the images on that link, my wife's is attached at the top of the seatpost. Again you'll lose a little travel in the dropper.
Thanks guys, something to Google this evening
The alpkit panniers I use are the ones with the plastic clips at the top (the others are designed to be "strapped"?). The clips a tough and clip very firmly to the pannier, plus you can secure them with a velcro strap at the bottom. Never had them come even close to coming off.
Whilst the bag of the Alpkit Tolari fabric construction is strong and durable, the clips are fragile and you have to work out your own method of securing them at the bottom e.g. bungee. I took a pair to Rovaniemi and in the dark, whilst pushing the bike through some trees clipped a sawn-off treetrunk. The plastic clips just broke, so had to spend about 20 minutes at -20C unscrewing the retainer bar in order to slide some cable ties behind - no fun in those conditions. Alpkit don't do spare clips either, but they did send me a whole new pannier as a replacement. OK for riding to the shops, but not expedition quality IMO.
I tried many set ups over the last 8 or 9 years including the use of racks and panniers and even a bob yak as well as saddle, frame and bar mounted options.
The use of the dropper will limit your ability to carry without some kind of compromise, be it weight, bulk or stability.
If not internally routed then the easier option is to leave it at home on trips out. Your bikepacking riding style is probably like to be different anyway so probably won't be as necessary.
If you're bikepacking to do really want/need a dropper post?
Assuming the answer to that is "Yes, I really need a dropper!" Then I'd be buying one of these: https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/cockpit-and-grips/products/valais-25 and the seat pack of your choice (but pick one with a relatively slim post strap.)
If you're bikepacking to do really want/need a dropper post?
Assuming the answer to that is "Yes, I really need a dropper!" Then I'd be buying one of these: https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/cockpit-and-grips/products/valais-25 and the seat pack of your choice (but pick one with a relatively slim post strap.)
I linked to the Wolftooth Valais earlier in the thread.
Generally when bikepacking I've rarely a need for a dropper post, the terrain is usually much easier than say a trail centre. You also need to consider that you are putting a lot of miles of wear onto the dropper post as you'll be sat down for much of the time.