Originally Posted by
no1mad
People's opinions on how to carry their stuff varies as much as what type of bike to ride. For the most part it's personal preference after the trial and error process. If you think that you can make do with a backpack, then try it. You determine that's not your thing, so be it. Try something else. As for me, it's the milk crate + ? (Now to find a rack that will allow me to mount my old Nashbar Townie baskets along w/ said crate....)
I guess the thread was "Panniers vs Backpack," but of course we've all mentioned milk crates, messenger bags, and other methods as well. I'm surprised nobody mentioned trailers! (Unless I missed that part of the thread).
I actually see a lot of bicycles with trailers. Most of the time they are hauling kids, but often it just looks like they are hauling groceries or some other gear. I've seen some bikes pulling the longer trailers as well (that don't have the child seats) and Xtracycles seem to be getting more popular these days. I've even seen a number of adult tricycles with platform racks lately.
But if you really need to haul a lot of stuff on your commute, panniers and backpacks are for wimps. Get yourself one of those industrial utility trikes that have the huge platform beds on the front. You know... the ones that you can use to haul and sell ice cream, deliver cut flowers, etc. If you find one change of work clothes to be limiting, you'll be able to carry your entire wardrobe around with you!
Sean