Originally Posted by
ypsetihw
Not having any experience touring, I guess I'm surprised that people who are into touring seem to place rather low priority on being able to ride the bike unencumbered when they are in a temporary location. I was thinking of RV drivers who ALWAYS tow a car or golf cart or bikes or motorcycle so they don't have to drive the RV around all the time when they makes stops or setup camp. To me, the trailer accomplishes this, racks do not.
Guess I don't really consider having a rear rack (weighs less than a water bottle) on my bike as being "encumbered". I'm sure I can't tell the difference while riding whether the rack is there or not. The panniers snap off in seconds (as quick as detaching my trailer) so only the rear rack stays on the bike - and frankly I find it handy to have some carrying capability even when leaving the camp so I can grab some groceries or other items while out and about.