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.)
People in London don't ride the subway with laptop bags and shoulder straps? That really surprises me.
If I have to stand on the train I just put the bag on the floor between my legs. It's not really that big of a deal. I have backpacks and messenger bags too and can certainly think of commuting circumstances when one of those options would be better. For my personal situation, the commuter pannier is nearly always better and has been very much worth the investment. It just comes down to personal preference and the nature of the commute.