Commuting - Panniers vs Backpacks

I used to use a backpack, but decided it was too much weight on my back everyday (not to mention made my back sweat like crazy!)

so anyhow do you use pannier bags, backpack or something else... and do you think it might be bad for your back?

Panniers keep the center of gravity low, take the weight off the cyclist, don't make your back sweat and are in every way superior.

Panniers are the best!!! I can carry lots of stuff or nothing at all, doesn't seem to make a lot of difference. I picked mine up for $5.00 at Value Village, best investment of my biking career! Backpacks really screw up ventilation when wearing a jacket and I can't see around one with my helmet mirror.

Panniers. Backpacks simply make it too hot as far as I'm concerned (take it from someone who has commuted in temps > 40C )

Panniers, definately. I have ridden with both, and panniers are better by far.

I like panniers when I am touring but as far as the commute is concerned I have to stick with the backpack. I do all my shopping on my way home and for security and ease I will stick with the back pack. I must agree though it does make ones back sweat that s the only drawback I can see. I don't even feel the weight of it anymore.

I'm a backpack man. I did try panniers for a while but for the distance and time I was travelling I found that I spent more time putting them on and off the bike than I did anything else.

Having said that I'm thinking of putting a pannier rack back on for the days when I want to carry a bit more.

Panniers for the reasons above, but also because I think backpacks restrict your ability to check behind you (if heavily loaded), and upset balance more easily.

panniers for my commuting clothes and heavy stuff...

except i also carry a packpack with my basic papers and stuff in it. i have a special Deuter backpack with a mesh back so there is lots of airflow so the "sweaty back" is minimized.

i often think i should leave the backpack at home, but i just like having all my "stuff" with me.

occaisonally when i ride one of my other bikes to the office i carry all my gear in the backpack as the full suspension and road bike don't have racks. it works for occaisonal riding, but i don't like so much weight on the back and wouldn't do it every day.

Those people who think panniers take a long time to fit or remove, you must be using the wrong style.
For touring, it may be OK to have a slow-fitting system, you put them on in the morning and take them off in the afternoon.
For my riding around town, I often remove the bags 4 or 5 times. Modern clip-on fittings take about a second to attatch or remove. Not all modern panniers have modern fittings, but Ortleib and even the retro styled carradice have them. You shouldnt mess around with hooks on bits of elastic.

I use panniers in winter when I have to carry more clothing to work and have to keep my cold/rain gear handy just in case. I use a messenger bag during the warmer months.

I've used backpack, panniers, messenger bag, and saddlebag. I have now settled into using the messenger bag almost exclusively. It has become my constant companion, even off the bike--sorta my "mans purse." It serves as my brief case when I travel. It gives me more flexability for changing bikes for my commute. If I go out to the garage and my fixie that I normally commute on has a flat, I have the option to simply hop on my of my other bikes. If I needed to park my bike somewhere besides my office (or when I run to the store), I don't have to fumble with taking off/putting on panniers.

I will add though, that if I had a lot of stuff to carry--like say a laptop, I'd use panniers.

Dave

Prefere a trailer with a bag over anything else. ihave a B.O.B. Yak trailer with the water proof dry sak.

I love my panniers. I use to ride with a backpack, but I could not stand my back getting all sweaty (especially when going to work).

I do have a Timbuk2 messenger bag, in case I need to haul a little more than my panniers can carry. The messenger bag, if set up right, can be comfortable. I have it set up so the weight sits on the rear side of my hip/lower lower back. I don't sweat nearly as much.

The only thing I don't like about the messenger bag is sometimes, when bunnyhopping or hitting a big bump, the strap will dismount from my shoulder and fall onto my arm. It hasn't caused a wreck as of yet, but my riding is more cautions because of it.

Backpack.

I tried panniers, and in spite of mounting with two quick velcro attachments and quick-pull up straps, it's still a pain.

That backpack can make my back sweaty, but I'm going to shower when I get there anyway.

As far as a pannier lowering my center-of-gravity, I don't think 5-10 lbs on my back versus over my rear wheel is going to change anything compared to the extra 20lbs around my waist that needs to be trimmed....

Panniers.

I can't understand these problems with taking panniers off - but maybe it's the panniers. Mine are simple Altura ones with what I thought was pretty much a standard Rixen & Kaul fixing system - press large button and pull to remove, or simply slide hooks onto rail to fit - either action takes literally two seconds, less than unshouldering a rucksack carried on two shoulders and only the same as unshouldering a single shouldered bag.

Predictable weight balance, no discomfort, greater capacity - panniers make sense.

Richard

I used a backpack for many years and hated how sweaty it made my back. I switched to a trailer this past spring and would never go back. I would have considered paniers, but the dog is too big for them.

Panniers, and the farther the ride the less tolerable I think backpacks become.

It also helps a lot if you have secure bike parking so you can leave the panniers permanently mounted to your commuting bike.

RichC

i will never go back to backpacks. the comment above about the "longer the ride, the worse a backpack becomes" is right on the mark. panniers are super convenient and MUCH more comfortable. and to anyone who doesn't think a backpack raises your center of gravity much--you must not carry much in the backpack. i've tried carrying stuff both ways and it sure is more stable with panniers, especially on high-speed descents!

I should add, that I also made the switch to panniers because I commute to the university and often have to carry 10-15 lbs of books with me, in addition to cloths, shoes, lock, and tools... so the weight thing was an issue...

as for removing panniers I bought a 'cheap' set of bags, which attached by 4 belt type straps and 2 small bungie cords attached to the bag... it would take 2-3 minutes to remove at the most.... perhaps some people are trying to remove the whole pannier rack? which would be a pain considering you have to get tools out to remove it... :)

Right now I use a backpack, of which I'm not a fan.; Soon (after I pay off my new baby) I'll get a rack and some decent panniers. Suggestions (I'll do a search anyway)

You can see a modern instant clip-on fitting for panniers here:

http://www.carradice.co.uk/technical-info.htm

http://www.klickfix.de/gepaeck3e.htm

No need for any velcro.

When I switched to a Srumpjumper for my commutes, I didn't have the rack installed - I went w/ a Camelback - Their largest modle - found the ability to have it sit a little lower on my back and the ability to connect a belt at the waist as well as the chest secured the bag well.

Center of gravity is indeed higher - I liked the performance of the bike more w/ the weight off the rear panniers, however. I have gotten rid of the Stumpjumper and will be riding a Bacchetta recumbent - I will be interested in seeing how I will manage the load then on my commute to school everyday.

For longer tours I am planning on pulling a BOB rather than using panniers.

Tim

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MichaelW
You can see a modern instant clip-on fitting for panniers here:

I posted earlier that I used a backpack because it was quicker than the panniers that I have, which are cheap ones from Nashbar. Might take only 30 seconds (more or less) to latch on, but even 3 seconds is longer than it takes for me to put on a backpack.

My ride is about 6 miles (10km) long each way, and in my backpack I carry tools, pump, clothes, wallet and keys. Maybe 5-7 lbs (2.25-3.25kg).
I never notice the weight. And as I said before, I don't worry about my back getting sweaty because the rest of me gets very sweaty, with or without a backpack, and I have to shower anyway.

I think all I'm saying is that a backpack works FOR ME. And I spent maybe $15 (US) for this backpack several years ago. I don't think I can get quick-and-convenient panniers for anything near that.

Now when I go on longer, recreational rides, I do use my panniers because the times spent mounting and unmounting them is a tiny fraction of the total time spent on the ride.

Enjoy your riding!

hey bradw, i totally understand. if i'm just doing a short ride in the city to go to the bank or go shopping at the bike shop or something i often take the backpack and no pannier(s).

actually, my main reason for not taking the panniers the times that i do has nothing to do with attaching/detaching them from the bike/rack, but that if i ride somewhere like a shopping center or a restaurant and then go inside for a few hours and walk around, the backpack is much easier to carry and much less bulky. (squeezing down shopping isles in a clothing or harware store or whatever with one or 2 full panniers over my shoulder is no fun)

like i said above, except for recreational ride only (actually, i usually have a camelback) i pretty much ALWAYS have my backpack with me, although i put most of the stuff in the pannier(s) for commuting or major shopping or whatever.

but the backpack is super convenient on and OFF the bike - but not if you have to ride with very much in it!

I'm about to get a bike with disc brakes. Does the position of the disc on the rear axle have any implications for my ability to attach a rear rack (and thus, to use panniers)?

I suppose I'm in the same situation as bradw. I have a 6-7 mile commute, have a hot shower waiting for me when I get to work etc etc.I have also had bad experiences with panniers, which could very well be down to inexperience on my part and poor equipment.

When I tried panniers before I found that they actually caused greater unstability as the seemed to sway from side to side when I had to stand on the pedals. Thinking a bit more about it this would indicate that it was the rack that was at fault as it was not very rigid. I've also got a cheap pair of panniers that hook on the rack and need to be tied or bungee corded to the rack to stop them falling off.

Maybe I'll invest some money in a better rack and try again. This brings me to a question. Are racks and panniers totally interchangable or do you have to buy a pannier to match a rack?

Originally posted by philosoraptor
I'm about to get a bike with disc brakes. Does the position of the disc on the rear axle have any implications for my ability to attach a rear rack (and thus, to use panniers)?


It definitely has implications, on both counts.

Racks may or may not be easy to attach, depending on the shape of the stays, and on where is the brake hardware vs the location of the eyelet and of the rack struts.

Likewise, even if the rack fits, check that the pannier won't interfere with the brake itself (ex.: by leaning on it).

Regads,

Another vote for the preferance of Panniers. Good quality are very slick and easy to remove off the bike.
I must admit I use both backpack and panniers for my weekend shopping commute, it just gives me the added carring space capacity.

When I am riding the back pack is dropped in a foldable wire basket that is attached to the rear rack. This to me was the best solution when the pack is in the basket it is like a pannier and when I am at my location I can just pick up the back pack and sling it on me and walk off.

Recommendation to riders trying this who lives in a more crime prone area like my city New York, I would use some metal wires at several points on the basket and tie it against the rack to deter theft and while riding I loop a bungee cord thru the two shoulder straps to prevent any scum bucket from running off with my pack while I am stopping for a light.

Originally posted by philosoraptor
I'm about to get a bike with disc brakes. Does the position of the disc on the rear axle have any implications for my ability to attach a rear rack (and thus, to use panniers)? Check out these guys. Old Man Mountain (http://www.oldmanmountain.com/)

Courier bag . A nice wax-infused canvas Timbuk2 bag. Holds the day's clothes, laptop and accessories, and isn't too heavy for my 13 mile R/T commute. Of course there is also the fact my bike isn't that long and my heels would hit the panniers that I tried...

There are other alternatives besides panniers, backpacks and messenger bags.
Carrdice make some very useful saddle bags, holding 7 to 25 litres of kit . They are ideal for many commutes, as well as for long day rides. You dont need a luggage rack, so the setup is much lighter than a rack-top bag.
Saddlebags should not be confused with seat-packs, they can take a heavy load. They are aerodynamic, and carry the load close to the bikes centre of gravity for good balance.

They are best attatched to the bag loops on Brooks B17 saddles, but Carradice do make some alternative mounting systems.

Rivendell, Brandford and other fine retailers supply Carradice.

Originally posted by MichaelW
There are other alternatives besides panniers, backpacks and messenger bags.
Carrdice make some very useful saddle bags, holding 7 to 25 litres of kit . They are ideal for many commutes, as well as for long day rides. You dont need a luggage rack, so the setup is much lighter than a rack-top bag.
Saddlebags should not be confused with seat-packs, they can take a heavy load. They are aerodynamic, and carry the load close to the bikes centre of gravity for good balance.

They are best attatched to the bag loops on Brooks B17 saddles, but Carradice do make some alternative mounting systems.

Rivendell, Brandford and other fine retailers supply Carradice.

I agree Michael, there are also large triangle bags that can carry quite a bit of stuff, but panniers and backpacks seem to be the most popular (at least what I see here the most)

My Panniers use the hook/elastic system and I have only had them fall off once that I can remember. Granted the worst bumps I hit are at railroad crossings. I find I have much more energy when I have all the weight off my back. I used to get back aches at the end of my commutes (36 miles round trip) with my loaded backpack. Also, interestingly enough, I have not been honked or yelled at nearly as much since I went to Panniers. I don't know why. I think perhaps they recognize me as a commuter just like them maybe. I think before they might have thought I was a college student or something. Anyway, the feedback from drivers has gone way down and just that makes them worth it for me!

Hi,
Panniers. But what i don't understand is people taking them off. I put them on in the spring. I know from experience, the day after I take them off, I am certain to need to transport something
large, or heavy, or both. Some year, I would like to get the really good ones. But my take on this, is that for a bike to be more than a toy; you've got to be able to carry a few things....groceries,whatever.

I have to take mine off when I'm at hte gym showering. I leave my bike locked up outside. They'd probably be gone if I didn't take them off. Plus, I have all my stuff in them that I need while in the gym. They are a bit of a pain to get on and off. But I use them in the winter because I have more stuff.

In the summer when I have alot less clothes and stuff to carry, I like to use a courier bag... no mus or fuss getting on and off the bike. And it's light enough that I don't get back pains.

PBW

Following up on MichaelW's post, Carradice makes what I consider an excellent solution for commuters in its SQR (Seatpost Quick Release) line of bags. An unobtrusive plastic mounting block installs on the seatpost, and a bracket on the bag drops right into it. I have blocks on both roadbikes and can move the bag from one bike to the other in literally seconds. I have the "Slim" model, which is an ironic name because it seems to be the largest bag. There are three models, all of which probably hold about the same amount, but the Slim is wide enough to hold notebooks if necessary. The Slim probably has about 1100 or 1200 cubic inches of space. It holds more than I need for most commutes. I also have panniers that I can use on my fully loaded commuter, but the Slim get's 95% of the work.

I am thinking of trying a wire basket mounted along the rear wheel, big enough that I can put my breif case in it. I have been using a backpack but it makes my back sweaty.

Originally posted by jfz
I am thinking of trying a wire basket mounted along the rear wheel, big enough that I can put my breif case in it. I have been using a backpack but it makes my back sweaty.

there is a special type of pannier bag, which is simply an open bag to carry groceries, which would work like a wire rack.
or you can just bungie cord it to the rack, which has worked for me :)

i have used a back pack and a trunk bag of sorts i find drawbacks to both the back pack holds more is more secure on than the bag i used but tends to affect balance more and makes you sweaty which is more of a problem in the winter than the summer for me. I am going to try a set of pannier if someone could recommend a good pair they are using that are not to expensive.

For commuting, a rack pack (trunk) did the job. I had a "blue-collar" job (retired now), kept a change of clothes at work. Friday was "drive to work day" so that was when I swapped work clothes.
BTW anybody else notice how much crazier drivers are on Fridays?
gino;)

Having tried Panniers, backpack, and messenger bag, I have come back to the backpack. I didn't like the way the panniers made my bike feel. The messenger bag was a nightmare, they are ment for small loads, and short distances. My commute is 35 mintues, and in that 30 minutes with a messenger bag, I had the worst neck pain, back pain, lung pain, head pain, and the biggest nastiest bruise I have ever had on my back. So I am back to my trusty backpack. But for a backpack to be a truly suitable commuting tool, I think it should have lots of padding, a hydration system, airflow straps, a pull-out rain cover, a helmet compartment, and a place for shoes.

Well I use a rack and on top of that is mounted a green grocery handbasket without the handles. It's basically an open plastic box that I put whater I want in. It holds a lot of stuff, is higher than panniers but lower than a backpack and looks so dorky no one will steal it. It's light by itself and has perfect drainage (rains a lot here).
And just in case your wondering, no I didn't steal it from the grocery store, I bought it for $3.50 CDN.

I use a messenger bag as I have yet to use panniers. I would like to try panniers,but with a bag I can take everything with me without anything getting stolen.

The sweaty back does get old sometimes though.

Ride safe

Pat

Im sitting here in the library, my bike locked outside, and my pannier bag safely by my feet. Modern pannier bags are easily removable, and it is almost unheard of for someone to leave their pannier bag attatched to their parked bike in any city in the UK.

I voted for panniers, because When I did the Montreal/Toronto bike ride about two years ago, I was using a backpack and I will not do that kind of thing never again, Its just like you have been inside the ring with two WWF wrestlers and beat the crap out of you, never again....

Originally posted by orguasch
Its just like you have been inside the ring with two WWF wrestlers and beat the crap out of you, never again....

I heard the wrestling was fake. Can't be that bad, can it?

:D

I started out using a backpack. Then, I switched to a rack. Then, my rack finally broke and I went back to a backpack. Then, I went back to a rack, again.

People say a backpack is unsteady, but I found a funny thing: whenever I switched from rack to pack or visa versa, the shift in
weight distribution was very unsettling, especially when standing.
But I always adjusted.

A backpack is quick, easy and cheap. But if you're having problems finding a comfortable seat, try getting that weight off your back, first. That may be all you need to find that your present seat is very comfortable, indeed!

Does anyone know of an aero-pannier? Has anyone attempted to make an aero-pannier? I live in OK and a 25 mph headwind is common... hence the need to be as aero as possible. Ex. Simply moving from the bartops to aerobars can increase speed from 7 MPH to 12 MPH in the aformentioned headwind. I guess it's time to break out the duct tape and sheets of clear plastic?