Yes. As others have said, you will find many uses for panniers in addition to your commute. I commute with one pannier everyday and I do not notice any appreciable difference in how the bike handles. I also carry a pannier everytime I ride. I carry tools, rain gear, spare clothing, etc. Panniers don't have to be expensive. The one pictured here is from a pair that I purchased at Performance for probably $40 to $50. I since purchased Ortliebs but the ones from Performance are still perfectly serviceable.