[QUOTE=indyfabz;17493850]
That would be a lot of stuff up front and probably unruly. If everything is not snug it will bounce around. And if the bucket ever came loose, you could be in big trouble. Wind resistance would be another issue. A cover for rain to prevent the bucket from filling with water?
Getting stuff out of panniers in camp is not a big deal. You are presumably going to have to get clothes out anyway. My tent and plastic tarp sit on the back rack. Cooking gear is in the right front pannier. Put things you might need to break out while on the road (e.g. rain gear) in the left panniers since you will most likely lean the right side of your bike against something (.e.g, guardrail).
Here is what things looked like during my MT tour last summer:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/davez2...57645062932708
https://www.flickr.com/photos/davez2...57645062932708
That right rear pannier is bloated with my sleeping bag. Color coordination is optional.
Here is the pie:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/davez2...57631829948559
Great pics - I may have not stated it correctly. If I go with the bucket, it would be in lieu of front panniers. I am prety sure I can keep the total weight, including the bucket under 15 lbs. I would use one of those 'Home Depot' buckets that comes with a air/watertight lid. I assume that the wind resistance of front panniers and a round bucket would be approximately equal and I would need to make sure that I attach it securly. Also I am not sure if I would have enough room between the rack platform and the bottom of the handlebars. Like I said, it is just a thought, but it sure would be nice to have a bucket in camp.