I can't use a backpack, everytime I wear one (no matter how light) I end up with a crick in my back. And since my round trip is approximately 2 hours, that is one very very sore back at the end of the day. I use the panniers, one for my clothing and one for all the paperwork I haul back and forth everyday. Then there is the small wedge with tools. Getting those panniers was the best thing I ever did. (Partially because I got them used, from a friend, for free. The best kind.)