Originally Posted by
billyymc
Holy backache Batman! How much stuff do you plan to carry on your commute? I use an LL Bean ESCAPE daypack for my commute - 28 miles RT. I leave my shoes at work, and our work is business casual dress code. I can fit my clothes and a laptop in the bag. It's not specifically waterproof but I've ridden in downpours in it and it has kept my stuff dry. It is pretty low profile and doesn't create drag -- I've ridden with bigger packs and they are definitely a problem. It's not pricey either - $70 I think.
Use the smallest pack you can get away with...those things above look huge. I guess if yoru commute is short it might not make much difference.
Corrected -- thought my pack was the Ridge Runner...is actually an Escape. Not sure they still make it.
This point has been made countless times, but why would you assume that what works for you works for other people?
Some of us want to be able to stop for groceries on the way home from work. Some of us carry two or three books and a bag of tools. Some of us carry extra lighting, extra layers, coffee cups, thermoses, laptops in hardshell padded cases, etc... My bag is 2600 ci when fully expanded and that's not big enough for me be carrying my laptop, a change of work clothes, my coffee thermos, and still stop for more than a few small grocery items on the way home. I certainly couldn't get, say, a half gallon of both milk and OJ. It's big enough but sometimes not quite as big as I want.
And no, big bags do not get in the way or otherwise cause "a problem" when they're well designed. As long as it hugs the body close and folds down when you don't need that space, they're fine. Nor are they backaches if they're well made; I've ridden with over 40 lbs on my back.
One of the benefits of riding around with at least 10 - 15 lbs on your back (or just on your bike, as most people use panniers) all the time, is that when you squid up for a recreational ride and have little or no weight it feels like you're flying.