Touring Bag or Panniers

[txbevo]

 I am a touring newbie. Right now I am most interested in light touring (initially just credit card but eventually including camping). I want to do rides such as the Katy Trail in Missouri, the Natchez Trace Parkway and the GAP/C&O Trail. I love the idea of one day doing a cross country ride such as the Lewis & Clark or Souther Tier. I just don't know if I am cut out for it so I want to do some of the shorter light touring rides like listed above first to see how I am going to like this touring thing. Also, I am not sure I would ever do the completely self-supported fully loaded thing.

Anyway, I would like some feedback regarding bags and panniers. I have been leaning more toward a touring bag such as a Carradice Nelson Longflap, but I am wondering if maybe I should consider some smaller rear panniers instead. I would appreciate any thoughts, helps or suggestions anyone could give me to help make a decision.

BTW:I have a Volpe (stock except for adding a Brooks B17 and different pedals). I am an experienced cyclist. I have mostly done the carbon road bike thing, but I feel like touring will be more my style. Thanks!

[RussellSeaton]

http://www.trentobike.org/General/Packing_List.html

Jobst Brandt packing list for three week credit card tours in the Alps each summer.  The key to credit card touring is to not take much.  A Carradice, a handlebar bag, a large wedge saddlebag, or a rear rack and racktop bag should all be big enough to hold the gear needed for a credit card tour.  Each will affect handling of your bike a bit differently.  But use whatever you already have or want to buy.

[randyberlin]

I see by your other posts that you also have a pilot. I have done 3 different three week solo credit card tours using my pilot and a seatpost clamp on rack and bag. It seems like it would be too small, but the lighter the better.
Also in the middle of my first tour (at about 800 miles) I ended replacing my tires stock with 25mm Gator skins. They are great on both rough roads and have very few flats.