In that case I'll contribute the requisite trunk bag endorsement... yes, the weight is carried higher on the bike than a pannier, but not as high as a backpack, and trunk bags get far less spray and mud than than panniers do here in rainy Seattle!

You've pretty well addressed one of the downsides of panniers. They get kind of nasty when it's wet. Not something you're going to want to carry around when your ride is done even if it's got good straps and a quick release system.

The trunk bag is one alternative but doesn't carry as well as a backpack. Throwing a backpack in a crate is another choice. Not everyone likes the aesthetics of that one and sometimes they don't fit so well.

Fietsbob's suggestion is kind of cool. Looks to be on the small side but it's hard to tell and maybe there's other options.

Arkel has backpacks that can be carried as trunk bags as long as you use their Randonneur rack:



and Tout Terrain makes a Sherpack rack to hold a backpack without the crate workaround:

+1

OP, I should mention, as a previous poster noted the Osprey does come with a deploy-able waterproof cover. It's in hi vis yellow, and fits perfectly around the bulk of the pack. Takes two minutes to install. However, during torrential downpours like we have had in Colorado lately (nice avatar there!) the straps of the pack will get water logged.

Banjo Brothers makes a pretty inexpensive commuter backpack that doesn't have the wings that interfere with rear vision like other waterproof packs do.

It works well enough but it's a case of you get what you pay for. The liner is waterproof but wears over time. They sell cheap replacements so it's an OK solution but I suspect it makes the pack heavier than it needs to be. I've also busted the little arms off a couple of the buckles. Again it's something you can replace, but...

I ride with a handle bar mirror and the "wings" on my Seal Line roll-top bag have never been a problem and have never compromised my rear view vision. I can also turn my head and look back without any problems.

It's one of the complaints I saw in the reviews and the same for the Ortliebs. I'm sure it's a manageable problem.

I have been commuting with this and I absolutely love it. Holds a ton of stuff, including my scrubs, dinner, lock, repair kit, glasses case, etc. Roll the scrubs up and insert lengthwise and the will stay wrinkle free.

Yalta Rolltop Backpack | Yalta Bag | Chrome Industries

And like the OP, no interest in panniers, trunk bags, racks, etc for me. Put it on my body and go.

Thank you for proving my point.

In no uncertain terms: no one was asking about panniers, and no one asked for your commentary on my post. You decided to pick out the one sentence in my post that is so cliche, it barely has any concrete meaning in the modern English vernacular. I didn't tell him to plug his ears and run (or cover his eyes and scroll, as it may be) at the mention of panniers. I was more specifically telling him that he will hear two common complaints against backpacks, and then I spelled out how those two common complaints are bogus for his situation.

Let me spell it out again: Don't listen to parrots who chime in with "SQUAWK! SWEATY BACK! SQUAWK! WEIGHT ON BACK AND SHOULDERS!" as long as you get a properly fitted pack and are lucky enough to not live in stupid humid weather.

Now, did you have any suggestions for backpacks he can check out? Or did you just drop in to disrupt and derail in the name of peace?

Thanks everyone. I should have been more clear. I am not looking for panniers or a trunk bag. I want a backpack and was just looking for some backpack suggestions from you all.

You came to the right place but most times we, as the original posters of topics, need to wade through the pissing matches people have. Welcome to the forum!

End of of the day, you'll get many opinions. Good to listen to them all. Some may be relavent now, some later in cycling life.

Best of all worlds, backpack (any backpack or messenger bag) in basket.

Portability convenience, no weight on back or sweaty back issues.

I needed a bag to carry in food and new change of clothes for the weeks I do not drive at all. So, I bought a very lightweight small backpack off Amazon. It's very thin and folds up nicely, fits in my triangle bag which hangs off my frame where I stuff it for my ride home.

I have not used it at all in the summer though. Mostly I hate having anything on my back in humidity and heat. So, I stuff the food and clothes in the triangle bag and saddle bag hanging off my seat. That seems to do the trick.

I prefer backpacks to panniers, and I rack my pack on two of my three bikes. Before my new bike this year I commuted mostly on my rackless, fenderless roadbike with an old Eastsport backpack. When it finally started tearing to the point it couldn't be fixed (old innertubes and superglue) I replaced it with a rugged,Swissgear pack. (The new version of my old backpack had been remarkably cheapened and made too delicate.) It really is a personal style and choice. On the roadbike, I learned to leave the straps loose, and let the pack rest on the small of my back. That allows air to flow down my back. The only part that sweats is (are) the front of my shoulders where the straps rest (gently). For me, I want a compartment for my extra lights, batteries, velcro and bungies and tools; a compartment for an extra layer of bike clothes, plus heavier gloves...extra shirt for going into businesses, hat, etc. A pocket or two for emergency cash and ID. Then a big one for my work clothes. I also want those mesh pockets on the sides to carry my water bottles to and from the bike, or carry them when I go into a store. In fact, that is why I prefer the backpack. I know they make paniers with straps, but I like having my hands free, and I find my backpack system works for me. My "big" commuter bike has a rack and Wald folding baskets, but my new commuter just has a rack. I figured, if I had to stop at the store to pick up some thing on the way I could strap it to the rack and wear my backpack. (hasn't happened yet). As far as waterproofing goes, I carry a tall kitchen trash bag or two and bag the pack when it's racked...and cover it best I can when I'm wearing it. So I guess my suggestion is ask for suggestions (like you have done) try them out in person...make your choice.