Hi

For FWIW

You would be better with hard cases, I have done lots of trips in Europe and I used to have soft luggage. I would never use soft stuff again and certainly not for any kind of distance trip. Soft panniers are just about OK on a trip in good weather but if it turns nasty you will regret not buying proper hard luggage.

Everything got wet thru with any of the soft luggage that I have tried, even "waterproof ones". Also, they are a ball ache to fit and are generally a PITA.

Just my view but its based on many many tours of the continent.

Al.