Originally Posted by
Drew Eckhardt
Pannier. It's much more comfortable.
I used back packs (and a BOB Yak for really big loads) for years and am so much happier after changing.
Panniers are detachable. With something like the Arkel commuter you pull one handle and the pannier comes off. There's another handle for carrying, and if you really want there are hooks for shoulder straps.
A single pannier also works great for a lot of purposes - you don't need more for a laptop, work clothes, rain gear, lock, etc.
I need to say that using one rear pannier loaded with pretty much what you list here has caused my bike to be unstable. One time I was nearly pulled in by the weight to the curb. Luckily, I was going slow enough that I was able to hit the brakes and use my foot to skid to a rough stop. The second time I was pulled into a thin, deep gap in the concrete and I ate it that time. I don't have that issue with a backpack. +1 for backpacks.