been there too... but i just went the other way... i upgraded to a larger carradice. i'm currently far away from a local brevet series and my 'training' has me sometimes riding solo or with just a few friends. i usually bring along the kitchen sink - but in the winter or shoulder seasons this is a good thing. on an organized ride or brevet it might not be - as there are outs and others along the way. getting caught in the cold rain in the mountains taught me a good lesson on what / when to carry.

i did the pockets, small saddlebag, bento box system for a full series and then several centuries - it is effective for sure - especially when you narrow and perfect your system - but throw in an odd repair, a long section between controls, or variable weather - and i found i didn't like the weight in my pockets and would rather them be in the bag.

guilty here though of carrying extra weight - i keep the same gear on my bike most days - so i'm used to it - and its comforting to know that most things are always where i packed them or left them - be it a run to town or a run to the next state.