HB,

Really, to a repeat some earlier suggestions, you need to go out and either commute yourself or actually *look* at some commuters. At least here in Seattle (and I suspect elsewhere), *most* commuters *don't* use panniers. I suspect it's for several reason:

- panniers are not as "cool" as messenger bags or backpacks
- some people hate panniers
- lots of bikes can't easily accommodate racks and panniers
- some people don't want to attach racks to their bikes because they use their bikes for non-commuting purposes on the weekends
- a good messenger bag or backpack has other off-bike uses, too -- a pannier is pretty much a pannier.

As for me, I use an Arkel Bug pannier. Pretty much everything I need. I prefer having a separate rain cover vs. a waterproof pannier, but I'm in a minority on that.