Seat pack clearance issue

[Utah Matt]

I am new to fatbikes and bikepacking, thought not to bike touring (on the road).  Originally I was interested in a large seat pack like those made by Revelate Designs. But I don't think one will fit on my bike. I currently have a Surly Pugsley. Let me explain. I have pretty short legs and a medium (~18") frame is what fits me best as far as reach and comfort in the saddle/cockpit. That means that I have to lower my saddle so that it is only about 4-5" up from the frame. This does not leave enough clearance for a large seat pack. Is the next best option a light rack with gear in a dry bag strapped on top?

Thanks.

Matt

[Done]

Is the next best option a light rack with gear in a dry bag strapped on top?

Seems like a good idea. There are several different racks out there that are pretty tough, and not too heavy. Old Man Mountain's racks probably the best combination of strength and weight. I've used one, and it was great. Freeload racks are also pretty popular, but I've never used one.

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/
http://www.freeload.co.nz/

There are a number of seatpost racks out there too. A lot of them seem to break, although I've heard that there are some tougher options as well. Probably the lightest option, but you'll have to do some research to make sure that get one that's strong enough for your load.

[dave]

I'm not sure if you've already checked out this particular seat bag, but Revelate does make a smaller seat bag specifically for situations where there isn't a lot of clearance between the saddle and the rear wheel.  It has the same width and length as the bigger version, but is "shorter."  It still has a pretty large capacity and so might be the ticket for you.

If that won't even fit, then we're talking six inches of clearance or less.  The racks suggested by Toby are good.  You'd have to carefully choose a rack and a bag to sit atop the rack that would fit, but it's certainly doable. 

Regarding seatpost racks, I have had one break on me.  I agree that some better options are out there now compared to what I had, but then again in order to make the racks stronger, I think they end up being heavier and may outweigh the freeload or old man mountain options.

Personally, if I had a rear rack, I'd go with one of the brands Toby recommended, and be glad that it doubles use as a fender to keep mud off my backside.

[Rando Richard]

Let me make a shameless plug our new seat bag line, made right here in Utah.
Check out the eoGEAR bags, and in particular look at the new # 2321 Angled Saddle Bracket, which yields more clearance on smaller frames.
http://www.eogear.com/index.php/cycling/bags-packs/eogear/randobag.html

[NT]

Greg at Bolder bike packing made a custom seat bag for my wife. I think he now stocks some in that size. It's thinner than the Revelate Pika.