What bag to run with dropper?

I run a Zefal Z LIGHT PACK.
Size small holds inner tube, CO2 etc.

Sorry, should have specified. For bike packing, so primarily for my sleeping bag and bivi etc. So at least 8 litres.

Alpkit with their exo rail.

Yeah, not a fan of the eco rail. I’m being picky I know!

Have you considered a rack instead? Maybe an Aeroe Spider. That will leave you with a fully functioning dropper.

Personally, my bikepacking routes tend not to involve a need for a dropper - that or I just ride without using it. That being the case I wrap some rubber pipe lagging round the dropper before strapping my Revelate Harness on.

Topeak do a dropper bracket which allows you to use any bag and still have some drop. They work well in our experience

Just get a rack.much better

I have used a rack before but won’t fit my full sus. Not getting Tailfin / too expensive and heard too many stories of them failing.

Aeroe I’ve looked at but it’s bloody heavy. I want for Jenn ride next weekend. Last year I regretted not being able to use my dropper.

Someone musta use Ortlieb/Restrap/Apidura?

As scotroutes suggests.

I use a old bottom bracket tube I have cut length ways then slot that over the tube.

Works great for me.

Some options, in roughly cost order:
Pipe insulation
Topeak thing, as per P20, forgot the name, and your existing harness
Wolftooth Valais and your existing harness
Wayward Riders Louise
Rockgeist Gondola

ortlieb was great, very sad to have to give it away, but proceeds went to Riderresilience.cc so not all bad

https://ukgravelco.com/2022/11/09/ortlieb-waterproof-frame-and-seat-pack-review/

Thanks for all the replies. The Wildcat fits low on the seat post, hence a lot of drop is lost. Apidura sell one of their models as dropper compatible and I emailed Restrap and they said all of their models work with a dropper. I’m after feedback of anyone who has used them? Default option is the Ortlieb qr (thanks for the review rocketdog).

I have one of the Apidura ones. Use it with a Wolftooth Valais. Nice but of kit; only loose about 20mm of the dropper's dropability. Think it's only 4 or 5 litres though.

Only used it a couple of times before investing in the Tailfin setup.

Just realised; you want to run a dropper and full suspension. Best keep it to a small pack then or the rear wheel will munch the pack when you're descending.
Unless you're extremely tall and use a short dropper and a short travel frame of course.

I used to do what Scotroutes does but I bought one of these which is so much better.

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/product/1139-DP-MOUNT

I use a Wolftooth Valais with my Topeak seatpack. I lose a lot of drop but it still leaves plenty enough for bikepacking speeds. I only have so much drop to use before the bag hits the tyre.

If you want a photo just drop me message. See you in Staveley 🙂

I also use a Wolftooth Valais and recently bought a Topeak Backloader - works well.

Previously I used the Alpkit EcoRail with a cheaper Planet X saddle pack - also worked well but the bag split.

On my HT I've a 200mm dropper, so even losing half of it isn't an issue.

Yeah, not a fan of the eco rail. I’m being picky I know!

What's your reasoning behind this?

I'm currently adapting an eco rail - basically brazing another 7mm U bend bar on to it facing down to strap to. It's be similar in use to that topeak widget I guess (which I could have 3D printed instead I suppose).

Then when not in use for a bikepacking I'm laser cutting a mucky nutz style guard that will slide on instead.

The eco rail feels like a 'system' that stopped development half way through.

Topeak DP mount works very well and only take c.10mm of your dropper travel. Good if you have the clearance for it when dropper is at full travel.

Revelate Terrapin. Comes with a wolftooth Valais. I use the Vole, which is similar but smaller, and the straps do a good job at hoisting the bag up and away, and keeping it stable. The valais sits right at the top of the dropper stanchion, so you lose about 20mm

Tyre contact with the dropper lowered is the main limiting factor for me, not stanchion length lost.

Not getting Tailfin / too expensive and heard too many stories of them failing.

I'm using an omm rack and Robert axle project to mount it to the hub. Works really well. Cheaper than a tailfin, stronger than a tailfin but heavier and doesn't look as good. Seatpost clamp adapter means I can remove it in seconds when not needed.

I’ve got the Wayward Riders Louise harness and very happy with it. Might take a while to get to you from NZ though but would definitely recommend.

https://waywardriders.com

I recently got the topeak DP mount, one potential issue is that it hits the dropper seal when the seatpost is fully down. I think this could damage the dropper seal over time.

Thanks for all the suggestions. In the end I went for an Apidura Backcountry bag and Dropper Post Adapter. I’ll update how it performs.

Update - was faultless. Recommended.