Hello All,

I'm new to mtb bikepacking, looking forward to BearBones200... :)

What do I need? I have a bike, Cannondale Trail 29er
I've got bivi bag, sleeping bag, tarp etc...

I've got a pair of outlier panniers, and an old rear rack at home...but a lot of you guys seem to be running a lighter set up... I'm minded to go with a canoe bag strapped to my handlebars, and a 25 litre backpack for essentials and my water bladder.

Are front racks worthwhile?

I really don't think there's a right or wrong answer here but many folk do start with racks and/or packpacks but often change to frame bags and harness set up's quite quickly.

In general bikes handle better with luggage spread over them rather than centred in one spot. They also usually handle better with more weight over the front than the rear, so rear panniers aren't always ideal off road.

I'd suggest using a drybag strapped to your rear rack and another drybag strapped straight to your bars. Combine that with the smallest/lightest backpack you can get away with and you should be good to go