I always wonder why freedom challenge riders carry such big backpacks? would it not be easier to pack more gear onto the bike in saddle bag and/or frame bag? handlebar roll also an option? Seems to me that it would take less weight off the rider and saddle pressure?
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I have done the backpack thing, but went for bike bags this year and it worked well as I didn't carry a lot of "extra" gear with me. If you want to carry a backpack look at the Salomon 12L or 15L runners backpack, these fits snug on the body and allow for at least most of your clothing to be stored on your back and some water in the 2 front chest pockets. Then there are the stretchy mesh pockets that can also double as feed storage. This will come close to around 3-4 kg on the back which in my opinion is the max I would like to carry.
Be mindful that carrying that extra weight on the back adds pressure on the sensitive parts when sitting a long time.
I'm a backpack fan to keep the bike light...do test outings to discover your preference. You lug the bike around a lot! Have you tube video on Ride to Willowmore.
Backpack is better. When portaging, bike rests on it. Too much weight on the bike makes it difficult to lift over gates and fences. Plenty of those. Some riders do have saddle bags that they put into a backpack on the long portages. Also an option. I went with two feedbags on the handle bars, spares bag under the seat and a 5kg backpack on a hardtail and it was fine.