Don't forget to bring the kitchen sink.
You don't need that much stuff on tour, the less the better! One reason to use front panniers is because it improves your handling. If you have more than 20 lbs of gear (guaranteed if you're camping), it is recommended that you put 40% up front and 60% in the back.
Originally Posted by peterpan1
If you compare a touring frame set-up to a racing frame, both with camping gear, I would be hard put to put my finger on the factors that would make you slower!
For most people, there won't be much of a difference, but a touring bike will be a little slower than a racing bike due to....
• a more upright position
• a more stable frame (i.e. steers a little slower, a little bit heavier)
• stronger and heavier wheels
• wider tires with more tread
• gears is optimized towards carrying loads than traveling at warp speed
The good news is, though, that you can use a touring bike as your road bike anyway; it'll probably be more comfortable on long rides than a bike made for racing, too. If it isn't fast enough for you, just lower the handlebar height, put on a pair of slick tires, and you're all set.