Originally Posted by
drmweaver2
+1 wrt the last question, and it's not just Bob's. It's any trailer v pannier thread, it seems.
FWIW, I just weighed 4 old-style Blackburn panniers w/rain covers and a low-rider front rack that I picked up on eBay AND the rear rack that came with my Windsor Tourist. Compared to a Bob trailer, wow, a total of 3 pounds difference (less than the Bob)! I've just received a different manufacturer's trailer (not for public release/sale yet) and the total weight difference is even less. If we were talking about big Arkel's or Ortleibs, I would almost bet the trailer would set up might come out ahead (especially with true expedition racks which I don't have).
Exactly! I know there are some who do lightweight touring but most don't. When reading some of the bag versus trailer threads, the anti-trailer group makes out using trailers akin to dragging a lead weight uphill. But usually no supporting net weight differences are offered. The truth is, there isn't much of a weight difference between the two systems. Weight really isn't an issue.