I routinely use my Pi zero 2W both at home and remote to run digital modes on my QRP rig, and connect wirelessly to my phone, Android (Kindle) tablet, or a regular PC for control using VNC. I am running Buster and use Fldigi and WSJT-X. Using the Build-a-Pi (BAP) scripts from KC4ACK it is easy to set up the Pi to connect to a known network if it is in range, or automatically become a hotspot when not. However, the tablet or other device usually needs to be told to connect to the Pi since it is not an internet-enabled connection as compared to other WiFi networks. I just select the Pi from the WiFi menu. Also, I use an inexpensive GPS dongle to get accurate time and to tell me the current grid square, which shows up on the Pi main page with a program called Conky...also provided for in the BAP options. My entire rig, antenna, battery, and digi interface fits in a small cloth briefcase, so pretty much as you are trying to achieve.
=Vic=
Vic WA4THR