Took my first commute with the new rack (Topeak Explorer) and pannier (Arkel Commuter). It was much more relaxing and comfortable than with my backpack and my speed was even a little higher (15.1 mph with pannier versus 14.3 mph with the backpack on essentially an identical 18-mile route). Although I felt the weight on the rack at times, it wasn't a problem and seemed to move along fine in all conditions.

After years of being a naysayer about racks/panniers, I think I am now a convert!