Thanks Mayo. Really helpful to read this. Happy riding!

Thanks Addy -- that's a really helpful perspective.

But all that said, I would love to hear what other recommendations folks might have for this kind of riding. I ride a lot of road, but bikepacking is a new frontier.

Thanks for weighing in. Yes, checking with the LBS is on the to-do list. State Bike Co. is an AZ company. Definitely budget, but they have a fairly good reputation down here. SS mainly because I need to save up a bit for gearing and think I can scratch together something fairly cheap. But I do like SS as well. Apparently it comes with a hanger for future conversion. Thanks!   

Friends,

Has anyone given the Pulsar SS 29er from State Bike Co. a run?
(http://www.statebicycle.com/products/pulsar-29er-mountain-bike)

In a nutshell, I'm looking for something that will do dirt/gravel roads (lots of great country roads in southern AZ), but that can also handle singletrack and could be loaded with some gear for longer overnight trips of up to a week or so. I know there are a lot of different rigs/philosophies for this kind of riding, but this looks like it might fit the bill -- especially given that I'm basically broke and could start riding now with an eye towards gearing and other upgrades later. But, having no experience bikepacking and little knowledge of geometries etc., I thought I would ask around first. Open to other thoughts and suggestions. Thanks!