Distribution

[Singlecell]

Hi everyone,

I've got an idea of all the gear I'm gonna get for some short trips throughout my province, roughly 100-300 k at a time. This includes...

2- forty litre panniers- sleeping bag, bivi or lightweight tent, food, aluminum dutch oven with water filtration system encased inside for protection... http://www.mec.ca/product/5024-314/mec-world-tour-2-40l-cycling-panniers/?f=10+50002+50156
1- eight litre handlebar bag- bear spray, bear bangers, flares, food... http://www.mec.ca/product/5026-252/mec-rando-handlebar-bag/?h=10+50002+50012+50156&f=10+50002+50157
1- seven litre rack pack- food... http://www.mec.ca/product/5026-251/mec-rackpack-2-rt/?h=10+50002+50012+50156+50157&f=10+50002+50156
1- average sized backpack- for tools, medical, and extra clothes and rain suit, something like these... https://www.armynavydeals.ca/asp/products_details.asp?SKU=CD126&catid=2047&ItemName=Medium%20Modular%20Assult%20Pack , https://www.armynavydeals.ca/asp/products_details.asp?SKU=CD129&catid=2047&ItemName=Modular%20Assault%20Pack%202

So pretty much just one question. To start with the most important, if you only had two panniers, would you put them on the front or back??? Why???

Also, do I need two more panniers? To balance the weight out? The rack pack is gonna be backed with food, and will be on the opposite end of the panniers.

Keep in mind the trail I'm using runs through many towns and cities, so I'm not too worried about water, not only that but my water filtration system is super light and kickass.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Want to do some heavy riding as soon as possible!

EDIT- Ah by the way I'm 230 pounds, so theirs gonna be a lot of weight on the back end, that's why I'm asking, maybe I should put some weight on the front end???

[dave]

There is a lot of experience and information related to panniers and how to set them up over at CrazyGuyOnABike.  Maybe this could help you out:

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/search/?query=weight+distribution&main_type=all

[Singlecell]

Eh man thanks a lot. Honestly should've done some searching the forum before I post anything I found out a huge amount of information so far, and realize now what kind of configuration I want. I also realize panniers are kinda out in regards to anything but the longest distance riding. For these short one or two day trips it doesn't seem justified, and my wallet will thank me for the breathing room I believe as well.

So I guess I'm just sticking with the handlebar bag, frame bag, seat bag, and back and possibly even a front rack, to hold my sleeping bag and tent. Honestly, Maybe most wouldn't agree with me on the weight issue, but I got this seven pound anodized aluminum dutch oven that just rocks. I keep a katadyn hiker pro, which weights like under 400 grams, inside of it to protect it. http://www.mec.ca/product/5007-114/katadyn-hiker-pro-microfilter/?f=10&q=katadyn

I know it's heavy as all hell, but honestly the thing rocks. Guess I'll be carrying that in my backpack. Heh, we'll find out if I can deal with that or not.

[Singlecell]

Okay wait a minute the dutch oven isn't 7 pounds it's like 4.27, guess that's not so bad for a multi purpose one item piece of cookware.