Originally Posted by
mcours2006
I hope I am able to achieve this level of enlightenment someday.

But right now I can't just putter along at a leisurely pace. But that's just me, so hence my preference for a small backpack.
Lol I do still pass my fair share of people

But I don't think panniers really have the effect you think they do. If anything, I go quicker with panniers than I would with the same load strapped to my back.