Originally Posted by
tinrobot
I stopped using Ortliebs when I started traveling light. They're fantastic bags, but heavy. A set of Ortlieb front bags is just shy of 4 pounds, the rack is probably another pound. That's five pounds. Rear bags can be another 4-5 pounds. If you're trying to get under 25 pounds, 5-10 pounds worth of bags is significant.
If you're worried about weight distribution, hang a dry bag off the handlebars to move some weight forward.
You're right that a pair of rear Ortliebs & rack are 5+ pounds, but most people seem to be replacing it with 3+ pounds of frame packs, seat bags, and handlebar bags. For me the simple convenience of panniers is well worth the couple of extra pounds, for general touring. Weight matters but not like it does for backpackers.
My rig from my tour this May/June, 24.2 pounds of gear (base weight, includes panniers, not rack). 40 days, 100% camping, cooked meals:
