Hey all,

How do people approaching using panniers vs. a rucksack (with laptop) for commuting? Wondering if it's worth investing in panniers to help make riding more comfy/less sweaty, but also concerned that rucksack is cheaper and less hassle.

Thanks!

If people would recommend panniers, does anybody have a good recommendation for very low end but reliable? Thanks

Hello there's a very similar thread concurred you being co tri used to. Here is that link...

https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/1114642-panniers-vs-backpack-3.html#post19795494

My experiences have been with both a backpack as well as panniers. I prefer panniers. When I'm in school (I also work full time) , I commute with an ortlieb office bag 2.1. Fits my books,pens, papers, laptop and lunch. On the other side of the rack i use an ortlieb sportpacker plus for my change of clothes, rain gear and shoes for work. When I'm not in school, I use both sportpacker plus panniers to hold whatever I need for work. I keep all my tubes and multitool in a saddle bag and my pump is attached to the frame.

Hope that helps.

You ride a stripped down bike, or have a rack & mudguards?

how about a front basket?

I've done it all while commuting.... trunk bag, panniers, messenger bag, backpack. I had a pair of Performance Bike's house brand (Trans-It?) and they served me well. Still have 'em but my boys use them for library runs.

I'd think for securing a laptop, I'd stick with a backpack of some sort.

You'd want some sort of padding for the laptop in the pannier. Some people use a backpack as the padding - put the laptop in the backpack, and put the backpack in the pannier.