I'll be 70 next year. I've done bikepacking on my gravel bike. Was fine on level Category 3 and uphill a bit, but Category 4 with slippery rocks, side slopes, chunks, and mud got really exhausting. Then the downhills wore out my wrists from having to go slow to keep front end working. Down hill in general had me wondering about the ultimate utility of drop bars on unwholesome neglected roads and single track. Unladen with knobbies, the gravel bike is fine. Add a little weight and it's another story. I also end up looking at the ground instead of the scenery. I also run out of low gears too fast on single track.

I've been offered a beautiful riding 26" wheel Klein in great condition with fancy RockShock, remote easy lockout, suspension post, carbon cranks, etc. Top end older stuff. Rides like a dream, and the remote push button fork lock is great. There's really no mounting points, but I don't see that as a big issue for bikepacking. Could have been custom made for me as far as fit goes. The rims are a bit narrower than modern practice, but the Chris King hubs are dishy. This looks as if it would be perfect for blasting around my local (6 minute ride) steep MTB area and for retro bikepacking. I am sorely tempted. Handles more in line with my road/gravel/track experience than with modern MTB very low head angle practice. However, I haven't really adapted to modern MTB, just tested out a few times.

Opinions? Considering I'm an old school rider. Seeking to save my wrists, climb easily, and pick my way through crap more easily.