FIrst trip, luggage rack for full sus?

[neilus]

Evening riders!
Im about to head off for my first trip, ive bought the Topeak MTX rack which has the bracket on the seat post as the only weight bearing point. It says max weight 9kg but im really worried about a cracked seat post.
I mean...Topeak is a good quality manufacturer if they say 9kg max, that should be credible right? I plan to use the back racks for bulky light stuff - tent, sleepingback, clothes, waterproofs, i estimate this at about 6kg max so i should be well under that 9kg limit. The rest of the stuff will go in the bar bag.
WIll i be ok do you think?
Thanks!

[evdog]

The 9kg limit is for the rack itself and its bracket, not the seatpost.  It is the bracket where it mounts to the seatpost that has to support the weight of the load.  So the rack should be fine as long as you don't overload it.  I would think the seat post would be fine too.  They can support heavy riders, a 9kg rack shouldn't be an issue. 

A couple things to think of - carry a couple extra straps in case gear on the rack decides to come loose.  It can get bounced around a lot and can be harder to keep secure than you might expect.  If you have a full suspension bike also check the rack has enough clearance so it doesn't rub the tire when suspension is fully compressed.