Originally Posted by
tom cotter
The touringstore.com will hook you up. As Indy has posted, knowing your needs will really help you select the best combo. Like any other trip - Ya gotta know how much "stuff' you are going to pack before you can decide which suitcase to use - so to speak. The touring store can size you up. Figure on spending about $500 - $700 all up on quality bags and racks. Money well spent.
And don't forget the bar bag! A place to keep the things you need to reach, wallet, camera, sunscreen, maps, snacks, etc.
+1
Do everything Tom says and you'll be happy. This is what I did last year, and I'm super happy with thetouringstore, my Oteliebs panniers, and the handle bar bag. First tour last year went great in a large part due to the bags I bought.
I now also use my Orteliebs for commuting to work. It's nice putting in 4 days worth of uniforms, riding 35 minutes in the rain, and having everything come out clean and dry on the other end with out the use of rain covers.
Even if you decide not to go with Orteliebs (there's lots of great panniers out there, and enough threads comparing them to make the decision process frustrating), thetouringstore was awesome to deal with.