Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
My front panniers usually get my more dense type stuff. Sometimes my front panniers weigh almost as much as the rear. But some of that weight is strapped on top. I usually store my rain gear on top of my front panniers. My Ortlieb Front Roller panniers (I think they now are called Sport Rollers) have a strap over the top and I use that strap to hold my rain gear where it is really easy to get to fast if I suddenly need it.
Good tip. One in return: I discovered that UV-degradable sensitive fabrics, when stored in the open like that, will get damaged. My nylon hiking pants fell apart. (Later polyester ones are better.) So anything that is exposed to the light outside the bags, I like to put in lightweight stuff or sausage bags, which are often nylon, but cheap to replace. I use same inside my backpack/panniers for organization, so usually buy them in a group assortment of sizes and colors for economy.