I played the backpack game for about 6 months and that was enough. Switched to panniers last month and what a difference. No more numbness in my lower back, and I've gained the option of stopping of for some groceries or whatever, becaue I have additional space available now. I got the Performance Trans-It Pros, and they seem great so far....they even have rain covers! I'm all for the panniers...although if you have them loaded full of stuff, it might not be a great idea to leave them outside of some businesses. (a downside, I guess, that is not the case with backpacks)