All this advice is pretty convincing that I should just get an ultralight pack instead. Heck, at some of the weights, I might get an ultralight overnight pack just in case I do want to go full on backpacking. Of course, not all my stuff is light enough for that, but that's another story...

In any case I'm about to pick up some barely-used Trek Basic panniers from craigslist for 30 bucks, that'll get me touring for the 2 weeks until I start working. Too bad they're not Ortliebs since it's looking to rain every day in the 10 day forecast, but I can live with trash bags for a few short trips. Ortliebs have to wait until I get a paycheck anyhow.