Originally Posted by
cpach
My similar-intentioned bike is 2x11 (with a subcompact crank) because I love Shimano road hydraulic brakes, but if we don't need hydraulic brakes either has its merits. It's also a bit of a matter of how low you need--getting 30t in the front and 34t is easy and in spec, 36t in the rear is out of spec and probably just works, and you can probably hack a 40t without a ton of drama, but if you're wanting a similar gear as a 22t and a 36t with a triple, the choices start getting really weird for 2x11 (Di2 with MTB FB and RD and road shifters, for instance).
I also have a straight touring bike with 3x9 with a 22t and 36t--it's probably what I would still choose if I were long distance touring in mixed terrain with moderately heavy loads.
As you say, it really depends on the bikes total weight and where you'd be touring. That's how I look at it, plus the fact that I'm very comfortable with knowing myself and not having any problems/complex/insecurities about using a rather low geared bike.
I'm both somewhat old and slow and fine with that.