I have been looking for a replacement for the sleeping bag, but nothing suitable has come along on the used market at a price I am willing to pay. My friend made the quilt I use and it compacts down to about the same as the sleeping bag, not small enough. With the large mountain panniers everything is working out just fine. I don't pack extra stuff because I can, thus the load is as light as I can make it with the items I have on hand. As it is, I am not complaining about weight at all when the bicycle that I favor for touring comes in at over 35 pounds with racks!