check these out. they are very well made, and check out the price for the world tour set!
mec's in-house outdoor gear is every bit as good as makers such as arcteryx, mountain hardwear, black diamond, etc. and the prices are unbeatable.

i've had the waterproof set for about a dozen years. they are now closer to grey than black, due to ultraviolet exposure, but every bit as waterproof as ever.

i'm currently using the world tour. maybe 5 or 6 years with little to no dicernable wear. the main compartments are cavernous, the top compartments are floating, & plenty of other pockets for organizing. you will need waterproof covers. again, mec`s in-house pannier covers have never let me down yet.

both bags are great, but the the waterproof pair might be a little smaller than you'd like for a cross-asia trip.

i should mention that these panniers stay on my bike, which is also my daily commuter/ shopping bike, so they get quite a bit of use.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1262440774636

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1262440774640

good luck on your tour