We've got many different kinds and they all have pros and cons. I like the Ortlieb ones for waterproofness and ease of getting on/off, but organization is horrible. Jandd is good, but the huge top pocket gets in the way sometimes, and they are a pain in the rear to get on. We've got panniers by probably 6 or 7 different companies and like them all for different reasons. I can't remember what brands we got rid of - I know I had some Nashbar ones at one point and they are long gone - didn't hold up to thousands and thousands of miles. I know there were others we threw away too - wish I could remember what kind they were.

I find waterproofness isn't all that big of a deal - we just put everything in plastic bags and then pack them. We got used to it after a couple weeks and it worked well. And I REALLY like lots of pockets. I find pockets are a pain on a short one- or two-week tour, but essential on long tours. I can't stand having everything in one big bag and having to dig through everything to try to find something. And of course, the little things gravitate to the bottom, so I had to empty everything in order to find them. I would much prefer having pockets so I know exactly where those little tiny nail clippers and such are.