Panniers & Toolkits

I've been using the Deuters 48 litre rear panniers. They're great and durable. Their rain cover is bright yellow, so I've been putting it on even when it wasn't raining.

As for the bike - you may consider buying it in Asia. I've been to a few bike shops in Thailand (only in Bangkok actually) and they have a very good variety (especially of Giant, Marin and Trek bikes) for relatively low prices.
I considered the Iguana, but then went a bit up to the Speciallized Rockhopper (LX). Having 9 gears on the cassette helped in some fierce uphills with all this load.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by novice
I am off touring around SE Asia at the end of the year and am about to buy my equipment. Am looking at Blackburn or Tioga panniers. Does anyone have any opinion on these? Blackburn are quite cheap but does that mean that they are [censored]? What about Deuter?

Also, I am looking for a toolkit to take with me and am finding it very hard to locate any, either in my local bike shops or on the internet in Australia? Would a Parker multitool suffice for touring? Does anyone have any recommendations of what to get and where to get it from?

Final question, I’m probably going to get a Giant Iguana. Does any body have any opinion on the Iguana? Or is there a better bike in this price range (AUS$800)?

Appreciate any responses.

Cheers, Robin

I have no experience with your brand of bags. I bought some from Nashbar and they have worked well. A thought - just as any task will swell to fill its allotted space, the junk you carry will swell to fill the bags you buy. My advice is to pack light on the clothing and other incidentals and throw in a few more tools. On my tours I always carry a spare tire, tube, small adjustable, folding hex key, chain breaker, some extra spoke, nylon tie wraps, as well as a multi tool, A knife and pair of needle nose pliers like a Leatherman is a nice addition. Anyway good luck, but my guess is if this is your first long distance tour, you'll pack more than you really need.

On toolkits, your LBS may be able to help you out with that, perhaps create one for you.