I've seen quite a few people suggest panniers of some sort, but I'd like to see a pic of the rack that the OP is talking about. Not all racks are optimal for pannier use.
As far as the QR systems go, quite a few manufacturers incorporate some version or another, but they add weight/price and tend not to be interchangeable with other brands.
Odds are the OP got Trek (I can't keep up with everyone's new bikes...) and if so, that means the Bontrager w/Interchange system... and that is probably the most expensive of all QR set-ups as far as value goes.