I agree..

I used to choose between two evils like that untili I started using a messanger bag with a front strap. Solved both problems.

Backpacks are at the wrong place for biking:
- too high to really keep proper ballance
- lead to way too much sweat.

Messanger bag with a cross strap sits on my pelvis bone, keeping my back dry and breathable, while not making my torso top heavy.

I use a hiking pack that's vented on the back and has front straps to keep everything in place. Zero complaints. Mountain Fourteener by Camelback. I usually ride without the bladder and put it in for hikes in the mountains. Holds a change of clothes and I leave shoes at work.

CamelBak Fourteener 24 Hydration Pack - 100 fl. oz. - REI.com

That's some serious riding! :-)

I used my backpack today on my bike and kept it in the proper place: the basket! As life would have it, the only reason I brought it was because I had a meeting and I thought I wouldn't make it home between. Turned out one meeting ended early and the other started late. It was unneeded. But my front basket held the backpack and a medium sized purse with a little room to spare.

Backpacks really aren't my style at all. I couldn't carry around a hiking backpack all day!

I've seen the Banjo Bros bags on line, but never in person so I'm hesitant, and they still cost enough to make me question if the savings would be a good value. Backpacks are totally out of the question, I'd rather go with a quick release seat post rack as a last resort.

I ride with a backpack often. Do my commute with a backpack filled with my clothes, lunch, and sometimes even a laptop. Have done up to 80 miles with a backpack.

I find the key is to get a pack that adjusts so that it just rests in the small of your back when you're riding - that way you don't even notice the weight.

Maybe it's the clothing then?

- Andy

I have commuted with a back pack and then decided against it. Not because it was too hot, but because it couldn't hold what I needed it to. I opted for a Chrome messenger bag and have not looked back. I don't do the whole basket/rack/pannier/whatever commute. Neither of my fixed gear bikes accept those and that is fine with me. I get to work in the summer, and my back is sweating, but then again, I am sweating as well. I don't dilly dally when it comes to riding to work. Get on the bike and move out! I don't have time to dink around with panniers and adjusting the load and ensuring that it is even. I pack my bag with my necessities and hit the road. It sits nicely on my back, doesn't shift around, and holds everything I need while keeping the lines of my bike clean and my load light.

+ for the messenger bag.
I also ride a fixed gear bike and although I've searched for some sort of rear or front rack I can't find one that will install easily on my frame. I like the messenger bag because I can swing it around and get stuff without having to take it off like with a backpack. I have also been able to fit some big things that I know wouldn't fit in a normal backpack.

I disagree with the messenger bag ... I find it way to mobile when I'm riding in the mountains ... I guess that I want one bag for everything ... traveling (rail / boat / bus / plane), cycling, jogging to work ... a messenger bag doesn't meet those requirements.

I find 20L more than enough for a few days of clothes ... a 13.3" rMBP, mobile, wallet, passport, pens/pencils, deo, facecream, toothbrush and the U-lock ...

and lunch in a tupper.

I've optimised most of life that way ... it's like living in a MUJI.

You haven't used the right messenger bag then. Mine has a side stability strap and it stays put even under full acceleration off of a light with 49:15 gearing. To get to speed on the main road with that gearing I have to start dancing on the pedals right off the bat side to side, and the bag stays put.

I don't want a ridiculous looking bag with a seatbeat buckle ... not so good when rock climbing.

With a laptop there aren't as many choices, but for a light commuting load I've tried just about everything except front panniers and a trailer. The solution I've come to may be a little eccentric since I haven't seen anyone emulate it, but it's the most convenient, lightest, and out of the way. I take a nylon drawstring knapsack and hang it tight in the front triangle. The only downside is if you have extra layers in the morning it can be bulky on the way home. A full change of office wear however is no problem.

Or maybe they don't know how:

I'm not following you. A messenger bag with a front strap (i.e. chrome or Timbuk2) works great for those of us here with your requirements. Then again, I use a chest strap on a backpack too...

LOVE my backpacks!

I have a lightweight for the days I don't need to carry my laptop (usually Tues, Wed & Thurs) and a super-duty Zixtro for when I do.

I don't like the way paniers change my bike's handling; when the load is on my back I feel like have more control over the weight.

I suppose you can get used to anything if you use it enough...

My point is that I can't go rock climbing with a messenger bag. I want one bag that I can do everything with and a messenger bag is essentially useless off the bike

Today was my first day commuting with a pannier this year, and I miss my backpack.

Meh, i use both backpack and panniers. In warmer weather or when i'm in a big hurry my back can get a lil sweaty. Just par for the course really, i don't see the problem.

Supposed to be 78 tomorrow. Kind of glad i don't have my bike back from the shop yet, as the last time i rode it was below freezing, and i need to get my wardrobe in order.

- Andy

A trick to hang a backpack from a rear rack: https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...rear-rack.html

Since turning 37 I haven't. A pannier lets me carry heavier loads with more comfort and no hot wet spot on my back. Wish I'd done that a decade sooner.

I used a messenger bag because it looked cool, but then ditched the whole style after actually riding with one loaded down with usual commuter stuff. Went with a pannier for a while, but not the easiest thing to carry off the bike. And it meant a rack on any bike I wanted to use for commuting. So I finally tried a backpack -- just right.

Yes, my back gets warm and sweaty. No, it's not the end of the world, and is something I'm willing to put up with compared to the discomfort of a bag with only one strap and the issues I have with panniers.

I've bungee tied my backpack to the rear rack before when I got tired of carrying it on my back.



However, I have minimal tire clearance, and I really need to put some of that corrugated plastic cardboard stuff back on the rack, or get a rack with the center strip to help protect the bag from rubbing the tire and picking up all the road spray.

Opinions differ .. I have a collection of Audio cables, a pre amp , electronic tuner , Music books in binders , and can even stow a Folding Music stand In it.
It's been more useful as a shoulder bag off the Bike than On.

the Messenger bag I got in the 80s has a waist belt , I wrap it around the tubes of My Brompton bag Support frame , and have the frame to strap Boxes On

and wear the Bag, Or usually have the bag attached to the frame and take them off together .. not wearing It to ride

Oh man, Backpacks vs. Panniers is nearly as hot of a topic as Clipless vs. Platforms in this subforum.

Panniers work on the right bike and the right conditions such as an easy place to store your bike, low theft situation, not having to carry it up and down flights of strairs, etc. When I say right bike, I mean a bike geared towards load carrying. You can put a rack on an aggressive frame if you try hard enough, but the weight will really jack up the ride quality. Been there done that. They have their place and they are awesome when they are convenient and work.

For people who like to ride a little quicker and maybe have to jump on and off trains, carry a bike up stairs, don't want to leave bags on bikes, etc, a backpack is awesome. And sure enough, there's this crazy thing that's been around for a while called "backpacking." There's this whole following behind it going back decades. They've been carrying stuff on their backs for a long, long time and have generally refined it to perfection. So people who are into this really obscure "backpacking" thing have even made lightweight packs that, when sized and packed properly, stay securely mounted to your body (not flopping around) and distribute the weight to your hips, not your shoulders. They even have ventilation to keep your back cool. Heck, some of these "backpacking" companies even started making cycling specific packs! How crazy is that? Didn't anyone call them and tell them they were stupid and backpacks on bikes are stupid?

I tried really hard to like panniers on my bikes, but they aren't the right bikes for panniers. I have a couple of very nice backpacks that I used to commute about 15 miles roundtrip for a little over 2 years in TEXAS. I did not have a problem with getting too hot. My back was sweaty, yes, but my back would be sweaty with no backpack and 1 mile of riding in the dead of summer here.

Well it sounds like you're using your bag for more than just commuting to work. Everyone has different needs so no bag can accommodate everything. I use mine to and from work in city traffic, picking up groceries, misc errands etc. It can hold everything I need and then some, overall it's been a big step up over my old backpack, which I find fine for using when off the bike.
Also, the messenger bag doesn't move at all with a secondary side strap. To get my backpack to be as stable as my messenger bag I'd have to pull the shoulder straps tight and use the belt attached too it, too many adjustments and straps.