Another person here who is a big fan of the 42 (or 44) 32/22 crank. My old mtn bike has this gearing, that I use for commuting and have toured with. I also strongly agree with the suggestions of a 11-28 cassette in the back to keep the jumps between shifts close to each other--my bike has always had this cassette range, and when I needed to replace it along with a chain a few years ago, I got another exactly because I liked the spacing and specifically didnt want to go with the more common 11-32 or 34 that would have had bigger jumps between gears. Mine is a 8 speed, and the cassette was maybe $20.
As noted, the gearing range of what you will be changing to will allow you to get up steep stuff while being easier on your knees (and ticker too) while still allowing you to pedal down a hill at 30mph if you are so inclined.

Ive toured a fair amount in hilly terrain, Im a light guy and dont mind climbing, but I am convinced that this range of gearing is excellent for anyone who will have any amount of load on a bike. Last May I biked a bit in very mountainous country with this gearing, and was so glad to have it, going from 45mph to a 5mph grunt in a very short time rather often. I was very grateful of the 22 tooth granny.

Lets face it, for the vast majority of the time we ride, we are in the range of speeds of 15-30kph (sorry, I think in km, so lets say 9-20mph) and a bike with this gearing is perfectly well suited to these day in, day out speeds. On downhills I spin out at about 50kph or 30mph, but in the big scheme of things, this doesnt happen very often BUT as others have mentioned, the times we are schlepping up a steep hill when tired and can downshift lower--THIS happens more often, and yes, one really really does appreciate being able to find a lower gear.

My wife rides an older Vita, also with the 48/36/26 and she hardly ever goes into the large chainring, so I know exactly what you mean.

You have made a very good choice with this change, and yes, putting weight of even two panniers with stuff on a bike drastically makes it that much harder going up hills, and even on the flat is just more work, and lower gearing is the way to go.
You will see that with your two full bags on the bike, a large part of the time you will be in the 32 ring, I know I am, and when tailwinds present themselves, or with slight downhills, the 42 or 44 is there too so you dont have to be in the 11 or 12 tooth cog at the back for a long time (its harder on the chain, especially the 11)

Im sure you know, on internet forums, it easy for every Tom Dick and Harry to spout off opinions, but do feel assured that the majority of the people who have responded here agree on how this crank will make your riding more enjoyable (the whole point yes?) and as a bonus, your knees will be thankful too.

*the only thing I would criticize with a 44/32/22 is that if unloaded, I find I need to switch more often between the 32 and the larger chainring. It doesnt really bother me that much, and is completely and utterly overshadowed by the advantage of lower gearing for hills with weight on the bike.