Originally Posted by
WalksOn2Wheels
Absolutely. Racks and panniers have their place, but for a 2-3 mile commute, a backpack makes a lot more sense. I tired the panniers route for myself, but quickly found a decent set of bags and a rack are easily over 5 pounds EMPTY. I ended up going with backpacks, and it did me well for commutes ranging from 7 to 11 miles. For longer routes, I eventually got a lightweight saddle bag designed for bikepacking, but that's an entirely different thread.
I say this often i do not like messenger bags or backpacks. I put my purse in my front basket. My front basket (and rack) easily handle a large ourse and small bag of groceries or a small lurse and normal bag of groceries. My u-lock stays tgere too. Or i put it in my rear rack. A backpack may make the OP quite hot and sweaty, which may not be her intent for tge work commute. Especially as it is a short enough distance to be mostly sweat free. Also being heavier tends to make you get hot faster than fitter people. That extra bag may not be that helpful.
When I cart my bike on the stairs, i keep my purse in my shoulder. It is easier if you have a shoulder or crossbody bag vs a handheld purse.
Some other notes about stairs: i hope your staircase is a wide staircase that is straight not curvy! Narrow staircases are tricky.