Originally Posted by headwind15

Because having different weighted stuff in your front panniers can result in your bike pulling to one side, I recommend filling things that do not change weight in your front panniers and spend some time weighing them (loaded) until they are within a pound (450 grams) or closer to being the same. Stray away from putting food and clothing in your front panniers, as aforementioned weight differential as you eat/ fill up with food and wear different amount of clothes. Since 1985 (when I started), I have always gravitated to putting food in the left rear pannier. Currently, I am putting my tent & pneumatic pad + pillow in the front. I do not recommend packing tent poles vertically as they may punch a hole in your bag(s). Try what works for you. I have seen many posters on you tube and honestly have never seen two videos where people pack the same way.