Originally Posted by acidfast7

anything not leaving me with the full range of two arms/hands is really a no go on a busy subway commute (london). Something hanging from one's side will easy cause a "situation” on a narrow platform.

I can see why people might sweat more with a backpack, but i still find the panniers an expensive one trick pony. For example, would i really want to stand on a train for an hour holding what you presented (i'll take the backpack every time and continue to read a book on the mobile phone with two free hands.)