I used to use panniers with outside pockets before switching to Ortliebs without outside pockets.
I never like the weight and balance of storing drink bottles there. Bottle holders on the frame balance bike better, and spare 1.5 liter bottles as low as possible in the bag itself.
Mostly I commute and have small pump, a multi tool, tyre evers and innertube+ patches with me at all times in the bottom of the bag in a plastic sandwich box. The rest is my change of clothes (leave work shoes permanently at work), but clean office attire to change into on arrival. There is enough space for my lunch, and some waterproofs at a squeeze too which I would also carry as needed.
What I used to carry in my outside pockets were my emergency tools and spare tube. But as I hardly ever needed them, when they were needed, the outside pockets often meant they were wet or messy from the elements. So I never really missed those pockets, and am happy just to pack more into my Ortlieb Back Roller classic. When I actually need to get to my box of bike bits, it is invariable rainy and dark and I cannot reach what I need at the bottom of the bag without emptying the top items out. ONLY at that point do I miss having outside pockets. For the other 364 days of the year, happy not to have pockets with everything clean and dry in the bag.
