Panniers and a rack, totally. I'm never going back to wearing a backpack on a bike except maybe a small Camelbak when mountain biking. The wind resistance is negligible for me. Unhooking is easy. I need to carry too much stuff on my commute carry it all on my back. I actually have rear and front waterproof panniers. I can run errands, go shopping, go pickup stuff or drop off something at UPS, whatever. For me commuting means utility cycling too. I would love to commute on a Big Dummy but it won't fit in many elevators.

Fascinating.. Where do you get teh pannier hooks and how did you attach them to the bag?

Got the hooks from Wayne at The Touring Store. Bought a set of 4 so I could also reinforce the mounting system on my Nashbar panniers - I feel more secure with a third hook on each of those panniers.
To attach the hooks to the backpack I just poked a hole through for the bolt and used a decent-sized washer on the inside to distribute the stress. The backpack material is pretty sturdy so I think it'll hold up fine.

I tried the rack trunk, but wen immediately back to the pack. I carry anywhere from 5-15 lbs of stuff, and once it's on, I don't feel it. I prefer to keep the weight on my body instead of the bike.

I'm with the backpackers. I have a short commute and not enough stuff to justify two paniers and I don't like the feeling of the bike loaded with weight on just one side. The only upgrade I might consider is some kind of suspended pack, to keep my back a little less sweaty. I would say that I'm more likely to use paniers in the winter when sweating is no fun and weight on the tires is good for traction.

I do have a rack on my commuter, but I generally only put the paniers on for longer runs.

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,

that 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:

Anyone prefer a backpack to panniers?

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:

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.