As we stopped in B & Bs this trip, rather than camped as we usually do, our luggage needs were massively reduced. Because of this we decided to wear rucksacks rather than put paniers on the bikes - the theory being the bikes would ride better and the luggage would be more portable when we got to places.

While both of these were true, the rucksacks did get a little tiresome on the longer days - I'm not sure if I'd tour with a rucksack again.