Originally Posted by Newspaperguy

I'd suggest minor changes to this load configuration.

First, make sure the weakest rider is carrying something necessary, even if it's relatively small or light. Otherwise, that rider may feel like he or she is not contributing to the good of the tour.

Second, give the middle rider two panniers, not just one. Load balance is important to me and with one pannier, the load does not balance very well. Stability is better with two. It's okay to have two panniers each half-full.