Backpack vs panniers vs rack bag vs handlebar bag vs...
 

I've been through the four options, and am currently on "backpack" for the second time, about to head to "rack bag" for the second time.

Most inconvenient thing about backpack, surprisingly, is that you can't remove a jacket while wearing it. I almost always start the commute with jacket on, and want to remove it after 10 mins.

Haven't found the benefits of racklessness to outweigh the inconvenience factor.

(Maybe I should give "handlebar bag" another go...)

Steve

I dislike the backpack and I'm thinking of buying a seatpost rack.

I prefer the rack and panniers front and back.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...rossloaded.jpg

I run a single pannier but I am finding it a bit annoying - tilts the bike slightly and when carrying the bike it makes it very difficult. I plan to switch to a carradice saddlebag which means the weight is closer to the centre and the bike looks cleaner :)

I use a backpack, or a converted kiddie trailer. Nothing in between...though there have been times a rack would come in handy such as when I need to run to the store to get a big pack of paper towels and that's it. I'll probably get a rack pretty soon for stuff like that.

And you can't stop and remove it...because you're wearing a backpack? How does that figure? Oh, maybe you meant without stopping pedaling? I'd love to see how you manage that without a backpack.

I have a rack on my bike, so I can run panniers for commutes, or grocery runs. For longer weekend rides / short rando stuff, I usually just have a small saddle bag and small front bag, both <$15 at the LBS. When I ride with the computer I have a messenger bag, with laptop pocket.

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Post-Por...pr_product_top

+

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Compact-...2866241&sr=1-1

I've only used a backpack, and it's all I can see myself using in the future, unless I live somewhere slow enough to roll with a basket.

I have a rack with shopping bag panniers. It's like ragging a parachute. I can haul my clothes, computer and lunch as well as a few student papers, but it makes the ride slow.

On light days I carry a backpack. I roll about 12 with the panniers, 15-16 with the backpack. Huge difference in feel and fun. Still, on days i need to haul, its the panniers. They are also nice in teh heat,, when a backpack feels pretty hot.

I've gone from messenger bag, to panniers, back to messenger...now I use a Carradice Nelson Longflap supported by a Bagman Expedition. A pricey combo but oh so happy with it.

When I had to wear suits at work I wore a backpack. Didn't like it cause it made my back sweat, but didn't really have a choice. Luckily we switched to business casual for the summer so I just rock a handlebar bag with items I need, patch kit, shoes and lunch. I'm really happy with it and I sweat less from not having the backpack holding in all that body heat.

I tried a Carradice Nelson once or twice a while ago but didn't like the way it made the bike feel. Felt like it slowed down its handling. Guess it would be fine if you had a casual commute, but cutting in and out of traffic I needed the bike to respond quick.

While I'd like a good rack and pannier setup, backpack works fine for me. I can haul 20-30 pounds on my back for 10-20 miles with no problem.

I do this all the time. During the spring and fall, I tend to need a shell or windbreaker at the beginning of my ride but need to remove it about three-quarters through the commute. There's a quiet street on my commute that happens to come along right around the point in the ride where I'm getting a bit too hot. I ride no-hands for half a block, take off the jacket, roll it up so that it's a long tube with the arms at either end, and tie it around my waist. Easy peasy.

I wouldn't recommend this for everyone, and if I hit a twig or a car pulled out while one arm was halfway through the sleeve it'd be a catastrophe, but it's certainly possible.

Oh, and on-topic: rack with panniers and trunk. Backpacks don't work for me on anything longer than a 15 or so minute ride, as I get too hot. I'm currently looking at adding a handlebar bag, as well.

I don't have to carry much. Lately, I'm using a tool bag. I strap it to my rack with bungie cords. It was about $7 from Harbor Freight. The shape makes it very convenient to strap it on and off. The bottom is stiff, which helps, too. I can leave it zipped or unzipped or in between.

I'm thinking of getting a front rack or handlebar bag, because they're the most convenient.

Over the years I've gone through multiple iterations and combinations of backpack, panniers, rack trunks, saddle bags, handlebar bags, baskets, milk crates, etc. Nothing is static in this life - things change. ;)

I use a trunk bag occasionally on my commuter, but lately have been tossing the same backpack I use on my roadie in the Wald front basket and leaving the trunk bag at home. And, I just ordered a Chrome Metropolis so I'll be trying the whole messenger bag thing too.

I've got a Schwinn seatpost rack, upon which sits a totebag with extra tubes and some tools. I will sometimes bungee a second bag on top of that, and I usually wear a soft Swiss Army attache that has a shoulder strap and two lumbar straps. That thing isn't going anywhere. I wiped out on a descent a few days ago, and while the plastic doo-dad that adjusts one of the straps broke on impact with the pavement, the other two held, and the bag probably cushioned my fall!

I recently changed bikes, from a dept store hardtail MTBSO to a Univega Trail hybrid I found on Craigslist. I believe the new ride can take a bolt-on rack, so I may change my set-up once I save up some cash. Mebbe get some fenders, too.

/F/r/e/d/ Kevin

This was my setup on my 1st bike. And now I roll like this on my 2nd bike.

All/any of the above depending on the situation, my load, and how much I feel like humping in that day.

I currently run one rear pannier on light days, and two when I have to bring home laundry or wear warm clothes in the AM ride and cooler clothes for PM. I just added a bar top bag for whatnots and tire change stuff.. I have a rack top bag I used for commuting, but it is a small rounded shape and can't handle extra clothes, etc. I like the panniers in general.

What about a backpack on a front rack like a Cetma or Wald? You could also rock the Arkel Bug on a rear rack.

I prefer to use a messenger bag for commuting, shopping and riding around the city, once in a while I'll use my roll top backpack both are 100% waterproof (sealline brand). I've tried a rack with a bag on top of it and I also have panniers but I just don't like to use them for everyday riding because the bike feels awkward and heavy. I like to keep my bike flickable and light ,it's easier to manuever and bunnyhop. . I often ride some unpaved narrow singletrack trails on my way home so panniers wouldn't work for me. The only time I would consider using panniers and rack is if I was touring for a couple of days.

Parkinson's law says "the work expands to fit the time allotted" and there is a related law which says that the junk expands to fit the space allotted. My theory is that if you carry a large bag, you tend to carry enough to fill it.

If I go shopping, I can bungie the grocery bags to my rack. Other than that, I don't carry a big bag.

I dislike wearing my back while riding. My back gets too hot and sweaty.