First tour in sight - help!

[Pikey]

I'm currently planning my first tour, getting kit together, planning route etc... So far has been going ok.

Until now - as a newbie I have no idea what pannier size to buy.

I am going on my cannondale mtb, as my routes will get a bit gnarly (I hope), have a rack now fitted over.the disc brakes but no idea what size panniers to get. I was gonna buy big, but a few people have mentioned heel strike.

Stuff I was gonna take (only a 3 day trip):

Sleeping bag with compression bag.
Gelert solo tent.
2 shorts and jerseys.
Hexy stove and 16 fuel tabs, in 2 mess tins.
Towel and wash kit.
Food for trip (mre or the like) and brew kit.
Trackies to kip in and casual shorts / tshirt.
Water bottle.

Would a 40l double set do it? Do I need to go smaller to avoid heel strike? Any help is much appreciated.

 

[oldfatfool]

Would a 40l double set do it? Do I need to go smaller to avoid heel strike? Any help is much appreciated.

Not much help but it all depends on the length of your chainstays and the size of your feet

If you are buying your panniers from your lbs then I am sure they will let you try them for fit first.

 

[rollinstok]

A sleeping mat is pretty important as both insulation and comfort. I carry mine strapped to the top of the pannier rack.
A cheap foam one is better than nothing, the self inflating ones are the best ( but not the heavy Argos style )
Thermarest or something similar would be good, a 2/3 length is even better for cycling/backpacking.
40l sounds enough but you never know until you start packing
heel rub is sometimes a problem with the geometry of a mtb, careful positioning of panniers can help eliminate it, with a bit of luck you'll be ok as it doesnt happen with every bike

 

[irw]

The larger your panniers, the more you will find to fill them!