First, my tent is never stored in my panniers. A wet tent will make everything in the pannier damp. I sewed up a waterproof breathable tent bag out of a synthetic marine canvas, WeatherMax, and bungee it down between my rear Panniers. The fabric heavy enough to take day in, day out wear and tear of touring. Perhaps more importantly it is provides a very high degree of UV protections that lightweight tent and stuff sack nylon lacks.
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On a trip you've got worry as a companion, for you're always concerned about what happens next and sticking to an itinerary. . . . on a journey you never have to worry. Something always happens next.
- Gordon Hempton: One Square inch of Silence