Bikepacking gear on small frames

I’d keep the bottles as the fixed point: fit the cages first, check you can actually pull a full bottle out, then size a half-frame bag around that clearance. Dense kit goes low in the remaining triangle; a small seatpack is for light, bulky things only if it clears the tyre under load. If that still leaves a capacity gap, I’d use a small rack with low panniers before hanging more weight on the fork; fork cargo makes steering feel heavier.

I wouldn’t make a small rear rack the automatic next move on a small frame. Pannier and heel clearance can be the limiting factor; a light, balanced pair of fork bags can be easier to fit, even if you feel that load in the steering. I’d keep dense kit in the triangle and use the fork for lighter, bulky gear when the bike’s clearances suit it.