Originally Posted by
GeneO
Sweat doesn't bother some people doesn't bother me. Backpacks are more convenient to get access to - for one you don't have to get off the bike or twist like a pretzel to get access, secondly you can use it off-bike as well, thirdly you can use it on bikes that are not outfitted for racks. And you don't have to have a rack on the bike when you don't need to carry a load.
No offence intended with my question. I was just curious. I too use both panniers and a backpack, and I generally prefer panniers unless the load is very light. Ive never had to get to my baggage while riding, so I never thought of that possibility. I'm aware of the "no-need-for-a-rack" advantage, as I've already mentioned in my original post.
As for off-bike use, I've seen messenger bags that double as panniers. I could also get an expansion kit to turn my Ortlieb panniers into backpacks if I wanted to.