So I have ridden my bike to work before, not enough, and not consistently. Finally have the bike where I want it for commuting and today I started in earnest to ride to work at least 3 days a week.

Holding everything in a backpack for now until I can get a set of bags for the rack that is on the bike.

Trying to get into the rhythm as well and off to only an "ok" start. Didn't pack a multi-tool, nor a spare tube, nor a pump. Good thing I didn't need it. Over packed on the the bike lock and won't be carrying the cable again. Packed my large 40 oz. klean kanteen water bottle, which I will now be leaving at work. I'll get another one for myself at home/errands/activities.

Also, stuffing things in plastic grocery bags to make sure they do not get wet kinda sucks. Effective though. Any one have other ideas on this?

I'm sure everyone else has had to work through these types of things when they started. Share your experiences.

Oh, and I'll post pics of the commuter shortly. It's ugly...

I got a couple dry sacks from Sea to Summit that I love. Light, waterproof and compactible and they cost around $20. You may want to consider these as an alternative to grocery bags.

Good thing you didn't get a flat. I'd carry pump, spare tube and patch kit. You never know.

I have a multi-tool that I stopped carrying since I've never needed it in over 10,000 miles of commuting.

+1 on the multi-tool, tube, and patch kit. They can fit easily into most seat bags; I use this one. The "Twistlock" allows me to easily transfer it from bike to bike. There are as many choices for pumps out there as there are for bikes. Some prefer CO2 inflators for their small size and convenience but I am comfortable with my pump, which attaches nicely to either of my 700c commuters:




As for keeping things dry I rely on my pannier; it's water-resistant enough to stand up to anything short of a deluge, but for really wet days I purchased the optional raincover. Arkel panniers aren't cheap, but like many things bike-related, you get what you pay for. I've had the bag for almost 3 years, riding through all kinds of conditions, and it still looks and works like new.

I guess I've never actually used my multitool on the road as far as I can remember, but since I pack my spare tube and tools in a small plastic peanut butter jar stuffed into a bottle cage, it wouldn't save me any space if I didn't pack it anyway. I used to use a wedge pack but I saw the peanut butter jar idea on a touring journal and I like it. I can see what's in there and where, and it's waterproof.

I have q pump, CO2, tubes, etc... just forgot to pack them. Great suggestions on the packs. I have a rack now, just need to decide on packs.

D'pends what you need to carry. A rack trunk bag works for me - I am able to fit my work clothes (khakis and a polo shirt) and my lunch in the main compartment, one side pocket holds my spare tube, patch kit, levers, multi-tool, rag, spare blinky batteries and both bag & saddle rain covers, the other is for my wallet, cell phone and keys. My rain cape ties down nicely to the top and I have a PB Superflash mounted on it to augment my rack-mounted 4D Toplight. Despite the rain covers, I still put my clothes and lunch into plastic grocery bags...rain is like a really mofugly woman - one layer of protection is not enough.

I use the Topeak racks and bags...with multiple bikes it's nice to be able to have just one or two bags (and even a basket) that I can just slap on most of them.

I also have like 3 sets of panniers which rarely get used anymore since I got my Big Dummy....but they used to come in handy when I needed more room than the rack trunk bag could handle. Again, even though the panniers were allegedly water-resistant/proof, I packed my stuff in plastic grocery bags.

Your lock should stay at work, as should your shoes, belt, ties (if applicable) and a full set of spare clothing (Murphy defeats the best laid plans sometimes), as well as a wash cloth, towel, deodorant and any other toiletries you may need.