@Sallar55 this year's set-up vs last year's set-up. Packing list is virtually the same (including my first night dinner of taco beans, wraps, and cheese). Except this year i didn't need to take a stove or toiletries as my friends carried those (I had tools and first aid kit). The difference is the bags, and that's it (maybe a bit of weight because of the tailfin, but not much).
On last year's set-up, I had everything in compression dry bags (clothes in one, tent another, towel rolled up and shoved in, food, stove, gas, mug, utensils shoved in where they fit) as that was the only way to pack it tight enough to get the clearance for the rear wheel.
As a short cyclist, who enjoys bikepacking, I've done a lot of experimenting with what works best for me, and the riding I like to do. So far, the tailfin and mini-panniers for up to two weeks (which is really the max I will be going away for as work and family commitments) works really well. It's solid, packing is quick and easy because I don't need to take ages making sure I've rolled up and compressed everything exactly right, and I have full use of my dropper.
You may do a lot of standard, long distance bike touring. Good for you. But stop it with your disdain for bikepackers- it may not be how you would do things, but it doesn't have the disadvantages you make up in your mind.
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