Sweaty backpacks
 

I wear a backpack while I ride now, I don't really mind it since I barely feel the weight on my back after a few minutes on the saddle unless the bag is overpacked and poking me in the back. I don't even mind the sweaty back since it will be absorbed by my jersey or I could just take off my shirt and feel awesome. My only problem now is that the back contact area of my backpack is covered with a very soft material that soaks up all my sweat and whenever I ride to school my backpack is wet with sweat, sometimes when I ride with my shirt off even some items inside the backpack have sweat on them. Even when I drive and have a dry backpack, I can still smell the mustiness of my backpack, it doesn't stink though so I don't even know if I'm driving people away.
Now I'm looking into a new bag (specifically a timbuk2 hemlock) and want to know if it's a typical thing to have your backpack soaking wet with sweat? Are all bicycle specific backpacks backed with wicking material? I know panniers are awesome but I need the quick, affordable, carry-it-all, transport option.

Get a rack and strap your backpack to it. That's what I do. You can also look into cycling specific backpacks but they can get pricey. You can also look into panniers that double as backpacks off the bike.

Having a sweaty back is a result of many factors. If its hot and/or humid you will sweat. If you are exerting yourself you will sweat. If there is little to no ventilation between pack and rack then sweat will build up. I have a Jansport Revolt 32 I bought from a discount store for about $30. It has an egg crate design on the back to help increase air flow (among other things). I still strap it to my rack though.

Just bough Timbuk2
 

Have the same problem with backpacks so gave them up for the summer. Just got a Timbuk2 messenger bag (don't know what it's specific type is called but it doubles as a pannier and hooks on my back rack). When I'm on the bike it simply hooks on the rack, off the bike, the hooks are hidden with velcro straps and it's a great messenger bag. Bought it online from REI. So goodbye sweaty back.

I use a GolIte Ion backpack. It's not cycling specific, but it's pretty much water proof (no mesh pad or anything. It never really gets wet (or if it does, the water evaporates off it quickly as I've never noticed it being wet) and very lightweight.

There is no compelling reason to ride with a backpack.

I understand it may be what you have, or you can't afford anything else, but those are reasons not to buy a messenger bag or rack/pannier setup, not good reasons to wear a backpack.

Honestly, unless your off-bike activities require a backpack, get a messenger style bag at least. It will solve your problems and enhance your riding experience.

The timbuk2 hemlock is a lot like my timbuk2 grubstake. Same strap design and same back. You will sweat. It's like a big black blanket covering your back.

I was considering the hemlock when looking for a bag a few weeks back and didn't pick it for a few reasons. There are a few reviews on the hemlock and they all say the outer pocket is worthless. Only a small velcro secures it and when the bag is full it doesn't close, and if it does, barely. Also no waterproofing, and the rolltop will block your view on the bike.

+1 to a rack and bag that can clip on and off easily. I rode with a backpack for a while and am very glad I made the change. You can buy a decent rack for twenty dollars or less normally, totally worth it.

Netting
 

I use one made of a mesh material. Pretty strong, inexpensive and light. I barely even notice it

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_3824wt_913

Look around on the Meijer site, and you should be able to find a $30 rack with pannier frames and a $16 saddlebag type pannier set.

Unhook two quick-release buckles and you can just lift the bags off and carry them like a briefcase.

The only real complaint I have about the panniers is the lack of outboard loops to attach lights, but that was easily fixed with some spare webbing. Lights on the outside corners of panniers really help the bike look wider to drivers.

my chrome rocks for this. if it gets too funky, pull out the guts and throw it in the washer

My solution, which works for virtually any bike - (except for narrow drop bars):

http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/...8gbbasket.html

Use p-clips if you need to:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.a...S&currency=USD

I used to use a rear rack and panniers, but I like being able to strap by back pack up front because it distributes the weight better IMO, and then I just have to lock up and grab my back pack in the morning when I get to work. I like this a lot better than messing with panniers, but to each their own.