Well if you are in a relatively flat city, using the bike for commuting and light packing; I would go with a road bike gearing: triple crank set 50/39/30 for example with a cassette 12-27 and thin tires.
But if you are more into tough tourings, gravel and dirt roads plus supercharged panniers and bike, I would definitely select a mountain bike gearing: triple crank 48/38/28 for example with a cassette 11-34 and moderately thick tires.