Paniers vs. Trailer

[awcscot]

I notice most people use paniers, however, I am leaning toward a trailer.

I'd like to hear some pros and cons re both options.

[John Nelson]

The ACA has a number of articles on this subject. They sum it up this way:

Panniers excel on paved-road riding and single-wheel trailers are at their best on rough, unpaved terrain, but both can work well for nearly all types of touring. Personal preference is the ultimate arbiter.

Here are a few articles to get you thinking:

http://www.adventurecycling.org/default/assets/resources/panniersversustrailer_03.pdf
http://tomsbiketrip.com/the-trailer-versus-panniers-debate-continued/
http://travellingtwo.com/resources/biketouringbasics/chapter-13-loading-up-the-bicycle/trailers-or-panniers-which-is-best
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?page_id=8360
http://www.bikeroute.com/TrailervsPannier.php
http://www.bikeforums.net/touring/25268-bob-trailer-vs-panniers.html
https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/30815/

If you trip includes travel by air or bus or train, a trailer may involve extra effort and/or expense.

Obviously, if your bike won't take panniers well (full carbon, short chainstays, no fittings, etc.), you will probably use a trailer.

The ultralight people will say the answer is "neither".

For me, I go with the wisdom of crowds.

This is more religion than science.

[indyfabz]

Note that a two-wheeled trailer can cause problems when there are rumble strips.

[awcscot]

Good input.  I will be shipping my bike and gear back to Colorado from Washington.

I think panniers win.

[BikePacker]

Have used both (i.e., single wheel trailer) for paved riding.
All factors, for me, considered, prefer panniers.
 

[DaveB]

If you do enough reading you will find this is one of the more contentious issues among bike tourists with both sides eagerly (and sometimes heatedly) defending why their choice is better.  It's in the Ford vs Chevy and Shimano vs Campy style of argument.