See, this i all the reasons why i was leaning towards a backpack. Mainly because going to school would be a pain with panniers and having to lug them through school. Only negative of a backpack that i can see is the potential sweaty back in the hot and humid summer... The whole carrying the weight on my back vs on the bike doesnt really bother me. Also, how about pedal wise and what is better for someone who want to dress for the destination, not the ride. Clipless with sneaker style bike shoe/ change of shoes, toe clips, or just the simple flat platform pedal?