Hello

Know just what you mean about carrying SLR's. I have done a fair bit of touring and have carried both a compact and my SLR Canon 400D.

I use an Ortlieb bar bag with an Ortlieb Padded camera  insert which can be removed and used in any Pannier Rack pack as an alternative.

My Bar bag is the Ultimate 3. Their lightweight, waterproof version version. Now 5 years old and still perfect. Ortliebs quick release bar fitting is the best Just by it with the map holder.

Get the Camera insert from Action Outdoors (prod 354) £15. Not many suppliers stock it. I think they do the bags too.

I will say though that I bought a Pannier rack pack last year and now carry my camera in that as once an SLR is in the Bar bag there is little or no room for other things and it's a little top heavy on the bars. Using a quick release Rack Bag or just taking the camera out if you stop seemed to work fine.

The rack pack I chose was an Altura Dryline Rack Pack. You get a Velcro/clip rack board which stays on the bike and allows the rack pack to be easily removed with the panniers. It's also a lot lighter than most others.

Hope this helps Enjoy your trip.