Do I need front panniers for touring?

Cycle-touring, Expeditions, Adventures, Major cycle routes NOT LeJoG (see other special board)
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matt2matt2002
Posts: 1126
Joined: 25 Oct 2009, 7:45pm
Location: Aberdeen Scotland UK

Re: Do I need front panniers for touring?

Post by matt2matt2002 »

I did a 30 day camping tour to the 4 cornets of Scotland in ,July.
Just 2 rear panniers and a bar bag. But I felt back heavey and could have done with 2 fronts ones as well.
Depends on how ruthless you are.
I went with 1 hat and came back with 4.
I took 1 t shirt and came back with 3.
I kept finding stuff and keeping hold of it.
Also, I carried too much emergency food.
In UK you ate never a day away from something to eat.
Well, forost of most tours.
I look forward to hitching up the front ,2 for next tour,!
2017 Ethiopia.5 weeks.
2018 Marrakech 2 weeks.
2023 Thailand 8 weeks.
Always on a Thorn Raven/Rohloff hub.
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Dean
Posts: 1036
Joined: 21 Apr 2008, 2:40pm
Location: Darlington

Re: Do I need front panniers for touring?

Post by Dean »

What about a front rack?

Image
Roberts above Loch Torridon by dean.clementson, on Flickr

Rear panniers + front rack helps to spread the weight. I generally just chuck tent and sleeping stuff on the front.

The saddlebag is just for tools and stuff I want ready access to, and I have a light bag for valuables I don't want to leave on the bike.
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