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I’ve tried various packing setups and ou of everything I’ve tried and used the Carradice super C (big one) with a QR Bagman support is my favourite. Easy to pack, works as a satchel type bag with shoulder strap, easy to fit and remove, useful side pockets, rock solid.
The big super C is better than the Nelson long flap and other classic looking Carradice imo as the leather straps and metal buckles are a pita compared to plastic clips/webbing.
TM-
Just recently bought a lightly used big Super C for a (future) tour. It's a very functional size. I did a test pack and dumped most of my stuff in it (sleep stuff, clothes, tools) without even thinking and it still has space. Can even strap tent to the outside if it's starting to look full. My only concern is the bagman support, which some people say isn't suitable for rough roads. Hoping they actually mean gnarly singletrack/very skinny tyres and that I'll be OK.
Belagerent
My friend has one. It'll work, but it will sag and sway and be hard to pack perfectly. I have a smaller podsacs seat pack and it's pretty crap.
The more expensive stuff is better. But it's more expensive. They will both carry your gear.
Tbh I'm in the same boat as you, mostly riding hardly touring etc. But I wanted to support my local so when I went out j bought the bike bags they had in (miss grape, who you never hear anything about but I find fine) and I don't regret it.
If you feel like you can't put up with the low quality of podsacs (which is very real) then your best bet might be cruising the bay and the buy and sell. That said they aren't many huge bargains on the second hand market right now due to demand.
My opinion is that seat packs like that are actually pretty crap for long rides and that will be exacerbated by the low quality. If your use case is long rides with a bit of touring, rather than tours with a bit of long rides then get a second hand carradice (or even a new one, they aren't very dear and don't lose much value). It will be better for your use case unless you're truly shredding the single track. I have used my super c lightweight audax on credit card type tours and it has much much better access than my bike packing roll bag which is basically designed to be accessed once in the morning when you pack up and once in the evening when you unload rather than throughout the day.