Panniers vs Backpack
 

I have always just used a backpack for commuting to work or to my van pool. Panniers are new to me and I have never used them. I have no problem just using a backpack and throwing all my work clothes, but is there an advantage to using panniers instead of backpacks?

Depends on how much weight and how far your going. There is an argument that back packs will make you top heavy thus more prone to accidents in emergency situations...but I don't put much stock in that.

If your currently using a backpack and have experienced no problems with an aching back then why switch to panniers? Work clothes are light in weight, I don't see an issue to continue using the backpack.

Panniers, no question. If you've used them you know why.

There is a huge advantage to panniers. No sweaty back, no weight on your back, better movement of your body.

You might also be interested in the ones that double as backpacks and shoulder bags.

The Arkel Bug looks nice. I have some of their other panniers, and I love them. If you get something like this, then it can be a backpack when you want it to be and a pannier otherwise.

Basically, as other people have mentioned, panniers are generally nicer than backpacks. You can relax and let your bike carry the weight, instead of your back. I routinely use panniers for 40 pounds of groceries and I don't even notice the weight. I cringe to think what a backpack that heavy would be like :)

As one who has used both the only benefit for panniers is with a big load. For work clothes Panniers are overkill and invite the rider to carry more stuff. Plus the weight of the rack and bags is much heavier than the weight of a backpack. Finally a backpack is usually much cheaper than a good rack and panniers combo.

I think it's always important to point out that you don't need a bunch of special equipment to commute.

+1

For all of you who fart in the backpack's general direction and applaud the pannier, I do the same in reverse. I don't care if my back sweats (it's not that bad), or if the weight is on my back (better than on the bike), and I like my bike to be balanced and as light as possible. It's not for everyone :)

I recommend trying panniers and seeing what you like. One is not better than the other, we all have different preferences. And if anyone brings up the weight on the rider vs. weight on the bike argument, please do a BF search to look for numerous other threads on this topic.

I have opted to use my backpack on a few days where the commute to work was all against strong headwind. Panniers are aerodynamic disasters compared to a backpack.

Instead of a pannier that doubles as a backpack, I have just used the backpack on the bike carrier rack and works fine. Use bungee cords to hold it on. I don't think I'd leave panniers on the bike when parked (especially after having the bike stolen last week from job site). To make the back pack fit, you have to fold down the top 1/3 and tuck under. Be sure to tuck in and secure any straps from the backpack so they don't get churned into the wheel or chain.

Panniers take the load off my back, making it easier to ride and to react. I carry my work clothes in one and my rain gear and bike tools in the other. I have some room to bring other stuff home if needed, like a laptop.

Plus, I like to ride an additional 15 miles on the riverside bike path before going home. The panniers facilitate this and make the ride more enjoyable.

>and I like my bike to be balanced and as light as possible.

Funny, for touring or general getting around, I agree with you, but for commuting I find bike balance doesn't matter as I'm going in straight lines on a very predetermined course. There's no real manoeuvring where it would be a problem.

Though, since I have a shower at work now, I'm tempted to try backpacking it once just as an experiment.

The other option no one has mentioned is a rack top bag. Slightly improves handling and aerodynamics.

I've also commuted a couple of times with just a handlebar bag.

Steve

I've found Wald folding baskets to work great on my commuter. They're out of the way when I don't need them and the attachments are so that I don't have to worry about anyone lifting them off the bike when I'm not around. When I commute, I just drop my bag in the basket and go. No tie downs, no straps, no sweaty back, no worries.
http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/...ingbasket.html

Another alternative I've found works for me is the bicycle business pannier. It attaches like a pannier, is easily removable and large enough to carry any clothes I may need and keep them wrinkle free when packed correctly.
http://inertiadesigns.com/catalog/pr...roducts_id=168

+1

Love my ortliebs, so much better than my backback!

I just feel "freer" when using rack and pannier. Plus there's the sweaty back thing, i also find that the backpack interferes with my helmet mounted 'take-a-look' mirror. My $0.02

I use a single Metro pannier from Performance. It clips on and off in seconds and holds everything I need to commute. Panniers increase the Fred factor, but IMO make commuting easier.

As a few have said, the backpack is more streamlined and ususally cost less than panniers and you don't need a rack. There's not a right answer, just what works for you...

Agreed!

I just switched over to panniers from a backpack. Bought a cheap, on-sale pair from Nashbar, I love them! No way I'm going back to a backpack. It's hot in FL, and it is so nice to have fresh air on your back! Now being new to "commuting" and what not, I was skeptical about panniers and bought a cheap pair (which work perfectly fine!), but now I know they're totally worth it, I wish I would have spent the money on a pannier-backpack style, as pluc and jrockway has mentioned; would be a more convenient way of carrying a pannier around town...though my current panniers do have a handle that I can carry them as a brief case.

Milk crate. Just drop your backpack in it and ride.

Yup, that one disadvantage is truly there. That said, I commute on a single-speed, and the usual nightly 10-mile ride home directly into the west wind only makes me stronger when I am out on my "real" bike.

I personally don't mind a backpack in the heat, but in the winter, it is trunk rack or panniers all the way. I actually just use them year-round now, but it wouldn't be a big deal to use the backpack in warm weather for me. I just hate wearing a backpack over a jacket and base-layers when it is freezing or below. I really, really hate it.

Absolutely! I rode this way for years. A milk crate is fine; I actually preferred a wire basket obtained from my LBS - I think it was designed for a handlebar basket. Attach it to the rear rack with zipties, put a small bungee across the top, and you're good. Just drop your regular backpack in and go!

I have since moved to the Arkel Bug for commuting, as I was looking for a bit more stability provided by keeping the weight (laptop, textbooks, clothes, lunch) at axle-height. It is a very nice pannier and an ok backpack - no waist strap for instance to heavy loads are awkward as a backpack. Not very many functions like internal pockets either.

Thanks for the info. Right now, my commute is only 8 miles each way and I do not carry much weight in my backpack. I will do a little more research on the different types mentioned and give them a try. Thanks again.

I just installed a topeak trunk bag. It has handles on a couple sides plus a detachable shoulder strap in case you want to carry it like that. It also has two fold out panniers in case I need more room. I havn't had a chance to use it for work but I am looking forward to ridding myself of the backpack. My lunch and lock will fit better in the trunk as well.

It has a rail that slides into the matching rack and clips to the front. I have a differant bike with larger panniers but that is not needed for my work commute.

I just put a rear rack on my road bike (now other roadies shun me ) but the other night I rode home with the backpack on, because I didn't have bungees to hold it on the rack. On the ride home I got right hooked by a van, my helmet save my head, my backpack saved my back.

+1 for backpacks full of work clothes!

I do want to get a trunk bag, i was hoping for one for father's day but I got Yankees tickets instead.

+1 Yankees!

I'll have to buy my own trunk bag.

I use both. Nice weather I ride my nicer bike that has no rack so I use a backpack. My winter bike I use panniers.