Originally Posted by
Takara
Panniers are dull and minimal, but they're still the best hauling technology for touring, I think. Unless you're carrying extra for, say, a bunch of unloaded kids or elderly people riding along with you.
I backpack (bushwalk) so am familiar with going light and will carry that over into my bike touring (I do this when I just fly as well).
However, I want to off-road tour and here in WA water is an issue. I often have to carry up to 9 litres for a two day backpack. Hence just panniers are not necessarily the idea setup if I have to load up with water. Also the centre of gravity is higher with panniers which I suspect is more of an issue off-road.
This journal gives an idea of touring with an Xtracycle and a BOB.
Regards
Andrew