My current setup is 2 x 12.5L
front panniers + bear bag & tent on the rear rack. I am considering Ortlieb
fork packs (2 x 5.8L) and a
30L DCF backpack instead. It would be lighter (and could provide an incentive to further reduce the amount of stuff that I carry) and the backpack would be very useful for day/overnight hikes. OTOH, front panniers work well (ex: easy to stow 2L water pouches on top, when needed). Not entirely clear how things will play out with this new-to-me configuration. I am also a bit concerned wrt the durability of a DCF backpack (although from what I read, they are quite resistant to abrasion)
Something I'll mull over this winter. Will read comments with interest.