I have a front basket on my bike and I typically carry my coiled cable locks as well as a tote bag to put groceries if I stop on the way home. I only carry panniers if I have to. Panniers are a pain in the backside to carry off bike and I don't like riding with a backpack or messenger bag -- I find if I carry a bag or panniers, I want to fill them up on the way home.

I don't carry lots in the basket because it is tough to control the bike if the basket is heavy. But under 10 pounds and the steering is fine.