Properly adjusted cantis are an absolute joy... when I was building up my touring bike I opted for cantis (XTR's) because they provide excellent braking power, don't interfere with racks and fenders, and have great pad life. That, and the actual brake itself will outlast a v-brake and is less prone to failure.

I have also used cantis on my fixed gear touring bike and fixed gear winter bike... and I really am a fan of being able to stop quickly and with a great deal of control.