Best luggage for a 3-week trip?

I trust a used bike after a good inspection, not a number.

My back thanks me for that upgrade daily.

Planning three weeks across mixed roads and some gravel. Torn between soft panniers for the falls I will inevitably have and hard cases for security at hostels. What has actually worked on your long trips?

Soft for the rough, hard for the city. For three weeks I would run soft panniers plus a good dry bag and a small lockable tank bag for the valuables.

Soft, every time. Less to break when you drop it, and your shins will thank you.

You do not need the boutique brand. A mid-price set plus quality straps has carried me thousands of kilometres.

Measure your head before you trust a chart.

We do not even get that model, sadly.

Soft luggage for the rough, hard for the city.