Seems that I'm the odd one out. I prefer both, panniers to hold the stuff that I may need during the day...some food, water, tools, foul weather gear with the BOB hauling all the rest...camping gear, more food , extra water, etc. It's a better system than either alone. The big plus is that the rack is not piled to the sky with gear thus keeping my CG much lower, makes for a lot safer ride on twisty downhills..........