I have just switch from messenger bag to panniers. I had a Chrome Citizen and a SealLine Urban Backpack. They are both wonderful back pack to ride with, I actually road with the Chrome one summer and a 150mile 3 day tour/week away at a friends, with mainly clothing in it, they are both nice, but I get sick of the sweat. my shoulder, and back, I hate walking in to places like that.

Also I just got a LHT, so I decided to get the most out of a rack for the first 2 weeks I had a rack with a crate mounted on it, it was nice because I would ride with my bag straped in there, and then just wear it at when I walk, I would have to say though it does make you more top heavy but if you can get over that, then your good,

I did decide to get some cheap panniers though some Axiom Seymour(Cheap on Amazon) I got them today so I can't really say much, so far I like them, better weight placement, cleaner look then a crate, they are a little messy to take off the bike, but it works, and then you do have to carry them, mine don't have shoulder straps, I might try and make hooks or something for that. I did decided to carry a JanSport bag stuffed up in the bottom on my pannier, in case i ever need any more space, it doesn't take up much,