What capacity panniers?

[yashicamat]

Apologies for having to ask this, I have searched about a bit but I couldn't find an answer to this perhaps obvious/daft question.

I am looking to buy a pair of rear panniers for my LHT which arrives on Monday. I am on a bit of a tight budget following the cost of the bike though.

My current two choices are:

Altura Arran 36 litre (pair) which are £44.99
Altura Dryline 56 litre (pair) which are £74.99

These are both from Royles in Wilmslow which is fairly local to me.

The thing is, I really don't know which size to go for. I am looking for sufficient capacity for relatively light weight cycle camping, thinking up to 5 days at most. Obviously as I (undoubtably) get into longer trips, then front rack/panniers can be purchased to both better balance the bike, but also provide additional capacity.

When I go backpacking, I tend to use a 50+5 litre rucksack, but I don't know how cycle camping compares really . . .

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Rob

 

[Ben M]

If you intend to get front panniers in the future, get the largest panniers on the rear that you can, as you want to have as little as possible on the front wheel.

 

[ASC1951]

You will have to be very disciplined if you get the bigger ones - most people tour with far too much stuff.

I used to take only what I could fit into my rear panniers, which I then unpacked and redistributed using the front panniers as well.

 

[AWG]

I think it's also essential to go for the best waterproofed panniers too Rob. Royles is a good store. I'd also ask Rick Green in Handforth as they are completely family run. I'd show them the bike and discuss it with Rick and his son.

Regards.