Originally Posted by MMACH 5
Because I commute 18 miles, each way, I put my 4 to 8 pounds of stuff in my mini-panniers and on the rack.
I think distance and weight is key here. I wonder how many backpackers commute more than 5 miles one way. Granted some things I carry in my panniers, such as my pump, could be attached to the frame, my panniers weigh much more than 8 pounds loaded.