I've got panniers and backpacks. If I'm going to be all day in the saddle, I'll take the panniers. But since I'm multi-modal, I use the backpack strapped down on the rack when riding. If I can find a 'pack that is a bit more comfortable and allow my back to breathe a little, I'd consider just wearing it full time (for the turtle shell like body armor effect).

Panniers are definitely more comfortable, but if you don't have a place to store them at school or work, they'll kill you by lugging them around all day since they're totally not meant for carrying around by hand. For those, it may be well worth the backpack. (Was for me - I hated lugging panniers around all day!)

For me, here's my list of pro's and con's:

Backpack Pro's:
1. Easier and quicker (to pack and to take with me)
2. Better weight distribution
3. No modifications to bike - can use regular road bike
4. Lighter
5. Cheaper
6. Keeps my back warm in cool weather
7. Less wind resistance

Pannier Pros
1. Hold more stuff for winter commuting
2. Not hot on my back in cold weather
3. Easier to see behind me with my helmet mounted mirror
4. Generally more waterproof
5. Less weight on my saddle (had saddle sore problems)
6. Rack gives nice place to mount a light

On the one hand I can see how having the ability to carry more stuff would be beneficial when running errands. On the other hand, as a new pannier user, having panniers has turned out to be more of a hassle if I have to make multiple stops. Maybe there's something I just don't get but when you stop someplace between work and home with your panniers full of valuable cargo, what do you do with it ? With a backpack or messenger bag, it comes with you. You can choose to take your panniers with you too, but it's not nearly as convenient.

backpack...I just kind of love having a backpack. I can throw everything in there, and just go. it's so easy.

I use a backpack almost exclusively. For me I like the multiple pockets to help me stay organized. However I do have the Axiom Odyssee rack and Axiom Kootenay panniers if i need to haul stuff.

I started with a backpack on my back. While it didn't feel unnatural, even in cold weather I sweated like a dog. Plus, I couldn't carry much beyond my office stuff. And because it was black, it turned me into a bit of a ninja at night.

Next I tried putting it in a rear basket. It actually felt a little weird not having it on my back; worse, having that much weight on top of the rear rack made the bike wobble. This was the worst.

Finally - this is the best - i got my employer to spring for the Topeak DXP bag with fold-out panniers. they are just large enough for my laptop in a sleeve, and the setup is wonderful. I put my office stuff in one pannier and clothes in the other, lunch in the trunk part. Haven't ever looked back.

I've used both - the backpack is handier when you've gotta walk around, and the panniers are better for long rides with one destination. But neither are as quick to use or carry as much as my Xtracycle. I love that thing - it's like having a trunk.

I feel like I'm dragging somebody behind me with loaded panniers on the bike. It probably doesn't make a huge difference in average speed but I really like the bike to respond when I stand up to sprint. You lose that to a certain degree with panniers.

It's sort of like have a garage door opener or TV remote. It's not like getting out of your car to open the garage door is a time consuming onerous task, but it sure is nice not to have to do it.

I have just switch from messenger bag to panniers. I had a Chrome Citizen and a SealLine Urban Backpack. They are both wonderful back pack to ride with, I actually road with the Chrome one summer and a 150mile 3 day tour/week away at a friends, with mainly clothing in it, they are both nice, but I get sick of the sweat. my shoulder, and back, I hate walking in to places like that.

Also I just got a LHT, so I decided to get the most out of a rack for the first 2 weeks I had a rack with a crate mounted on it, it was nice because I would ride with my bag straped in there, and then just wear it at when I walk, I would have to say though it does make you more top heavy but if you can get over that, then your good,

I did decide to get some cheap panniers though some Axiom Seymour(Cheap on Amazon) I got them today so I can't really say much, so far I like them, better weight placement, cleaner look then a crate, they are a little messy to take off the bike, but it works, and then you do have to carry them, mine don't have shoulder straps, I might try and make hooks or something for that. I did decided to carry a JanSport bag stuffed up in the bottom on my pannier, in case i ever need any more space, it doesn't take up much,

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=150445that the crate all loaded up, lot of stuff you can fit, the center of gravity is to high though

It's a personal choice. I like to use a messenger bag for daily commuting and urban riding. I also have a roll top backpack which I use on long distance century++ rides. I did some long distance rides 100Km with my messenger bag and it was very comfortable, but I packed very light. I use the Sealline Brand bags, they are completly waterproof.

Commuting with a back pack on in 90 degree heat. No thanks.

Quote:

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Anyone prefer a backpack to panniers?

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Hell no.

I've found motorcycle saddlebags to be a good alternative to panniers since they are easy to carry around by slinging them over either shoulder like so:
http://www.spaghettiwesternreplicas....addlebag1h.jpg

I'm going to try and workout a way to mount my messenger bag to my rack. That way it's a pannier on the bike but a messenger bag when I carry. Lots of good ideas. I think I can turn one of the messenger bags I have into a pannier on the cheap. At least that's what I'm going to try

My commute in good weather is only 10 miles. I have an other route that is around 6 miles. With that short a ride, the question is irrelevant for me. I have used both and have no issues or preferences using either one.

I commute on a full-suss MTB, so panniers aren't even a choice. Don't think I'd choose them, anyway, I prefer the weight on ME. I can use it for body English, instead of having to work against it. Large loads get bags hanging off the handlebar, or the trailer.

Have a MONSTER-good backpack; carried my tools/parts, rainsuit, work supplies, a 100-oz bottle of laundry soap, and work shoes -- didn't feel the weight til I got off the bike.

Oh -- the commute, depending on conditions, can be anywhere from 2 to 9 miles one-way; the above-described ride was an old job location, 9 miles was the SHORT route.

Used to be a milk crate but my wife couldn't stand to look, said I looked like Mary Poppins. Milk crate was great, kinda like having a pickup where you could just throw stuff in the back. She bought me a nice topeak panier bag, has retractable side bags for expansion. I also wear a backpack when I need my laptop. I need to make a hardened sleeve before I trust it in my pannier.

I put my backpack into a topeak rear basket I zip-tied to my rack. I like the backpack because it's my work briefcase, holds my laptop, lunch, clothes, etc. When I stop on the way home to pick up groceries, I can wear my backpack and use the basket for my purchased goods.http://images5a.snapfish.com/2323232...3B232%3Anu0mrj

I prefer panniers, since they make the bike take the load instead of my back, especially last night while riding home with a heavy load of laundry supplies.

I'm going to get some panniers as soon as I can afford the ones that I want. For now a backpack works just fine. Since I hike a lot the extra weight doesn't really bother me. I have lockers available at work so I can leave the heavy stuff like my shoes there and not have to carry them nor do I need to drag a laptop with me.

I have been kind of thinking about this thread in the back of my mind, and thought: "Why did he rule out a rack bag?" Like a couple of others, I have the Topeak MTX rack bag with fold-out panniers. I don't really like the idea of panniers hanging out in the wind, but I have them if I need them. The side pockets with the panniers in them have enough room for a couple of small things: cell phone, wallet, etc.

It is worth mentioning that Topeak offers many different bags that work with the MTX rail, so you're not just stuck with the one bag.

This morning, I had to carry more than the bag would hold, but maybe still not enough to warrant using the panniers, so I used a bungee net to strap a grocery bag on top of the Topeak bag.

Mr. IGH - Great set up you have there. I did something similar on a scooter when I had one, and it worked just as you said. Do you know if they make one of those baskets that slides into the Topeak rack? By the way, what city do you live in?

One thing worth noting that hasn't been mentioned. If you carry a backpack, you have to remember that you may fall on whatever is in there. I read a story a few years back about a Russian guy on a bicycle who was wearing his backpack. For whatever reason, he crashed, landed on a can of Coke inside the backpack, broke his spine, and he was parapalegic from then on. This would not happen with a rack bag, panniers or a basket.

If you're just carrying clothes or a laptop or things like that, it would be fine, but it is well worth considering.

...AND he had a sweaty back.

Summer temps here get up wards of 110F. No way in hell am I going back to using a backpack. :)

Everyone's commuting needs are different, so it's a matter of using the right tool for YOUR job.

For my current commute, a rack trunk works best...unless I want to ride my road bike, in which case I opt for either my Banjo Bros Commuter backpack or my MountainSmith lumbar pack...unless I am riding the Big Dummy, in which case I can throw just about anything into one of the Freeloaders.

Over the years I've also used panniers, messenger bags, handlebar bags, saddle bags, baskets, milk crates and just about every other bike cargo device ever devised - or combination thereof. You gotta figure out what works best for you and your situation of the moment.

IMO, a either basket, front/rear or pannier style, is a very versatile option for a starting point.

I first caught wind of the XtraCycle a few years ago and decided to build my own FreeRadical subframe because I liked the concept and thought it was a great idea. It was pretty cool but after several grocery runs with 100+lbs of food/goods I realized that I didn't like the way the bike handled. I though maybe it was due to my design but last year I had the opportunity to ride the real deal, same thing... it felt squirrely when really loaded down. I still think it's a great idea in certain situations but IMHO for really heavy loads I much prefer the feel of a bike pulling a dual wheel trailer... a real shame since the XtraCycle is more convenient.

But you could have any number of other complete freak accident with your rack bag.

I also think it is a personal preference - I prefer the panniers, even the times I only use 1. I sweat alot, so it makes more sense for me not to have something on my back. I tried the messenger bag for a while and that was ok, except for the sweaty back and the occassional item that would not sit right and poke me in the back. The only glitch I am still working out is how to safely carry a laptop in my Ortlieb Back Roller panniers. I am in the process of researching this but I am still nervous since the bike takes the road jarring, where as a messenger bag or pack back would have the body to act as a shock absorber.

Oh, to be sure. I'd like to put a bit more weight on the front of ours to settle it down a bit - add a front rack or panniers, but I'd have to change the fork. For short shopping trips it's not a concern, but I don't think I'd tour on it. I have a touring bike and man, that thing loves having loads strapped to it. It handles better under a load.