I think Neil summarized it very well. A comment about durability-- I've had 4 sets of panniers, with Ortliebs being the last set. I have about 6000 miles on my classic back rollers and about half that on the front rollers. I've had several minor crashes and a couple of pretty good ones. They have been loaded in trucks, buses, boats, trains and planes; plus all the normal wear and tear. They also double as dry bags in our canoe. I came to the conclusion that they are indestructable! I always carry a small roll of Gorilla tape, which should work if I suffer the same fate as your partner. Your riding partner must have really landed hard on them to do damage.

The monsoon seasons in SE Asia are wet! Hopefully, your timing will miss it or you may have a lot of tent time.