Waterproof Panniers vs Non-Waterproof + Dry Bags...?

[tbessie]

I agree it's not necessary or essential but my point is why not? Why avoid using them? As some one said "things happen." On my trip to Europe in the French Landes I encountered flooded road crossing and I had no choice but to ride across. My BG panniers literally floated across and I would have hated to think if I had dumped the bike.
I guess I'm just more risk adverse from backpacking solo for weeks at a time.

So your non-waterproof BG panniers floated? Do you mean they were virtually waterproof in that situation, even though they weren't "officially" waterproof?

- Tim