I've quite a few touring miles under my wheels so I've tried damn near everything.
My tupence worth...or at least what works for me.
I under no circumstances would carry any weight on my person, I prefer it all be supported by the bike frame. Weight on your person is just simply too tiring. Not to mention what could happen to you or your gear if you do a face plant. And as has been pointed out, panniers and rack packs are going to transmit a lot of vibrations to your gear.
I did a multi-day trip through the Chesapeake region (Eastern Shore) on a tandem carrying a Canon A-1, FD 70-200 f/4L, FD 35-105, FD 17mm, and a ton of film. Everything fit in a Kangaroo handle bar bag. The suspension system on the bag was "springy" enough that it absorbed road shock and it was reasonable water resistant. This became my norm with variations in gear as I transitioned from film to digital. I had a good cycle buddy who actually toured with a Mamiya RB-67, four lenses, and a heavy tripod. He packed it all in a Burley child's trailer. But then, he was always a little nuts!
Today I no longer do multi-day trips but Ann and I ride a lot of Rail-Trails when we're traveling. On the bike I currently carry an EOS M3, with three lenses and a smallish flash. Still in a handle bar bag, but I now have a Sunlite cycle bag that is totally waterproof. The gear is padded with Domke inserts so things don't bang around, and it can be easily detached from the bike, it has an optional shoulder strap, when we're on foot.
I just bought, but haven't tried as yet, a new bag from Topeak, yeah, the tool guys, that's great for a small kit. My EOS M3 and a couple of lenses will fit nicely. I bought mine at REI, it's the Topeak Compact Handle Bar Bag, it comes with a waist belt so it can be worn as a fanny pack when you're hiking or on the town, and it also includes a rain cover. Looks pretty useful even if you never use it on your bike.
JD
My tupence worth...or at least what works for me.
I under no circumstances would carry any weight on my person, I prefer it all be supported by the bike frame. Weight on your person is just simply too tiring. Not to mention what could happen to you or your gear if you do a face plant. And as has been pointed out, panniers and rack packs are going to transmit a lot of vibrations to your gear.
I did a multi-day trip through the Chesapeake region (Eastern Shore) on a tandem carrying a Canon A-1, FD 70-200 f/4L, FD 35-105, FD 17mm, and a ton of film. Everything fit in a Kangaroo handle bar bag. The suspension system on the bag was "springy" enough that it absorbed road shock and it was reasonable water resistant. This became my norm with variations in gear as I transitioned from film to digital. I had a good cycle buddy who actually toured with a Mamiya RB-67, four lenses, and a heavy tripod. He packed it all in a Burley child's trailer. But then, he was always a little nuts!
Today I no longer do multi-day trips but Ann and I ride a lot of Rail-Trails when we're traveling. On the bike I currently carry an EOS M3, with three lenses and a smallish flash. Still in a handle bar bag, but I now have a Sunlite cycle bag that is totally waterproof. The gear is padded with Domke inserts so things don't bang around, and it can be easily detached from the bike, it has an optional shoulder strap, when we're on foot.
I just bought, but haven't tried as yet, a new bag from Topeak, yeah, the tool guys, that's great for a small kit. My EOS M3 and a couple of lenses will fit nicely. I bought mine at REI, it's the Topeak Compact Handle Bar Bag, it comes with a waist belt so it can be worn as a fanny pack when you're hiking or on the town, and it also includes a rain cover. Looks pretty useful even if you never use it on your bike.
JD
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