Old 26" rim brake hardtail or remove dropper post on my FS Fuel EX to bikepack?

[Flat Pedal]

Newbie to bikepacking, I'm planning 3-4 day bikepacking trip in the VA portion of Geo. Washington National Forest this spring. I'm not sure which of my bikes to set up. I have a cheap 2010 Raleigh Talus 3, 26" rim brake hardtail or I can remove the dropper post (for my seatpack) on my full suspension 2017 Fuel EX 8 and bikepack with it. I'll have to replace the dropper post when I get back before I hit my regular trails (which would be a major hassle) if I use the Trek. The old 26" has room for a larger frame bag but only a 100mm rockshox air fork and was only an entry level bike when I purchased it, but I have upgraded the drive train, rims, tires, etc. The Fuel EX is a 130mm front & rear travel 29er trail bike with hydraulic disc brakes, better transmission, and beefy 29" tires that roll over everything except boulders, trees and houses. The Fuel EX is the better, more capable, fun bike with better brakes. The 26er has the rim brakes but more pack/storage areas available and no modifications needed. I'm open to advice but I'm leaning toward the hardtail even though the Trek would be a lot more fun and capable on the trails.

[fotooutdoors]

In general, ride a similar bike to what you would choose if unloaded. If you are riding the trails (not forest service roads) in George Washington national Forest, I would recommend the full suspension bike, assuming you can get you load on it.

Personally, I only have rigid bikes, but I still ride the bike that I would usually ride if unloaded on the same route.

[AZTtripper]

Are the trails you want to ride technical? If so I should think you want FS. How hard is changing the post, is the post due for services? Would it make sense to have a spare seatpost, that works with the seatbag you have,  or should you be converting to a smaller dropper?

That's more Q's then A's but only you have to live with the choice you make. FS bike sounds like more fun even if it means carrying less or putting more on your back.

[alpamayo]

I've tried packing on my old rim brake bike. Granted I'm using road STI's on V-brakes, but I found he braking to be not adequate for a loaded bike. My hands were wrecked from grabbing brake all day. If your rim brakes are better, your experience might be better.