27.5 mt bike bike packking gear?

[Marsha]

I am just entering the world of  bike packing. I have a XS Giant Obsess 27.5 Mountain bike.  I have only 7" top clearance under my seat and the top tube is rather larger in circumference and almost no area for a frame pack.  I have a carbon frame which also limits what racks I could mount.  Any help or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

[wahday]

For a rear rack I use the Thule Pack n Pedal Tour Rack. It clamps on to your seat stays so it fits most bikes regardless of material or lack of mounts. Worth a look - it used to be called Freeload and was made by a New Zealand company. I have read reviews of use with carbon frames with no issues. I have carbon bars and mount a handlebar sling on there with no issues FWIW. Rear rack with stuff on the bars and a backpack should be plenty for most overnight adventures.

[aphoto]

Revelate Pika requires 6.5" of clearance between saddle and tire. Not sure if that is your compressed measurement or not.

[Michael_S]

Greg at Bolder Bikepacking makes a small rear bag that would fit. It will fit a summer sleeping bag and bivy. 
http://bolderbikepacking.wordpress.com/

with that and a front roll, a top tube bag and maybe a small pack you could make it work.

mike