Baskets on rear rack are the way to go for easy carrying/access of packages or backpacks.

I've always done the backpack. I've been commuting for nearly 18 months.

- - The backpack doesn't hurt my shoulders because I'm nearly horizontal much of the time. Instead, it just strengthens my back. When I don't cycle for a while, the first thing to get out of shape and get back into shape is my back.
- - I occasionally carry loads over 50 pounds. The only problem with heavy loads is that I have to unclip the backpack strap that goes horizontal across my chest because it will restrict my breathing. However, the breathing restriction is only noticable if I'm trying to go fast. On the other hand, with all that weight, that horizontal chest strap makes the difference between back exercise and back pain. On the occasions that I have to make this decision, it's a lose-lose situation (horizontal strap = restricted breathing; unclipped horizontal strap = back pain).
- - The best option might be to combine a large backpack with a small, aerodynamic rack. When there is a lot of weight, you can try to put the heavy things onto the rack.

This solves a lot of the problems with wearing a backpack. (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=#post14743718)
In addition to those three advantages, the box also ensures that you won't have hard objects uncomfortably pressed against your back.

Another tip: Get a backpack with straps along the back of it. When some items won't fit inside the backpack, you can put them in a bag and tie the bag to those straps.

I have an interesting solution to this.

I use a timbuk2 shift pannier/messanger bag.
90% of the time it is used as a pannier on my rack. If I am in a hurry or it is very windy (like yesterday) I use it as a messanger bag. It sits on my pelvis, not my back, so there are no shoulder, spine, or sweat issues, and no problems riding into the wind.

I went a few years strapping a 'brief case' bag to my rack. About once a year it came loose and rubbed the wheel or went flying. I bought a decent pannier briefcase and still kick myself for not doing it sooner.

[QUOTE=teachme;1487600

Just got into commuting a few weeks ago and have been toting the backpack for the 26 mile commute. (13 there and back)... Sure feels good to be freed from the constraint of the pack.[/QUOTE]

The first time I commuted years ago while wearing a pack, I just knew it had to go. I bought a rack and spent a few years messing with different ways to mount the pack to it. I stumbled into a great solution last year. My wife went shopping for new backpacks for the kids to use for school. She bought some The North Face packs and got me a Borealis model. These come with buckled straps that go from the front of the pack to the rear.



These are perfect for mounting the pack to the side of a rear rack, sorta like a pannier.



I'm extremely happy with this setup. The pack mounts in a couple of seconds, and unmounts just as quickly. It has held securely for over a year of commuting. The pack holds my clothes, a laptop, and lunch; everything I need for the workday. You are correct, sure feels good to be freed from the constraint of the pack.

I run a backpack strapped to rear rack with 6-hook cargo net. Extra stuff on my back is not something I want for 30 mi RT in 95-degree heat and 100% humidity. If backpack is full, handle is facing the saddle, bottom facing back of a bike. If it is semi-empty I fold it in half and mount sideways (bottom facing side). Two hooks go in front of the rack, two middle hooks cross under the rack and go on opposite middle trusses, last two hooks are fixed on rear trusses, sometimes criss-cross: right hook on left truss and vice versa. I also carry extra cargo net and couple cords in my backpack - just in case.

Clip rear blinkie on the net and ready to go.

Good juck

SF

I lost my bike (and everything else I owned ) in a fire several years ago. I managed to pick up a bike for free afterwards which had a small kid carrier on the back. That was a decent place to through my backpack for my commute, which was pretty short then. Nothing beats nice panniers and a rack though. For me it is not so much the weight even, but just getting hot and sweaty from that non breathing layer on my back.

I only have that problem in the summer where I live.

I split the difference. I have a 3L Camelbak that I wear on my back, obviously, and a rack with a soft side cooler that I put my clothes and misc other stuff in like lunch and what not. Takes most of the weight off my back and the water is easier to reach and a little more sanitary on wet and dirty days. The weight provided by the Camelbak keeps me in a better posture too with my shoulders back and my back straight. I certainly notice a difference with no pack.

Then you don't ride hard enough the rest of the year.

Lights

Exellent solution. One of those times when you say " why didn't I think of that ?"

I'm currently part of a design team as a mechanical engineering student who is designing a rear rack mounted backpack rack which would attach to a standard rack (ie topeak explorer) and would either rest in a parallel or perpendicular position. In the vertical position, it would allow you to attach your backpack. When not in use, it would fold down, and merely rest on top of your rack. We are designing it to hold 25+ lbs. It's mostly about the design of the clamps which attach the two racks. I'll keep this post updated with our results.

dude, what took you so long?

I'm lucky to have a closet at work stocked with clothes and toiletries.
I still have a bag full most days. I swapped to backpack in spring summer just to be able to ride it non-commuting on the weekends but now that winter is here and clothes are bulkier I'm going to put the rack, bag and fenders back on. I do like the feeling of no bag on my back, I sweat too easily to cover up too much.

Do you find that it is easier to do wheelies?

Another option is the Rixen & Kaul KLICKfix Vario Rack. I use one on my road bike for commuting (in the higher position, so basically is hidden behind you) and it works great



KLICKfix Vario Rack. Available at Amazon

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I got mine from VELOFRED

AMAZON also carries them.

well worth the money ... they're super common over here

The Vario rack was mentioned upthread, and it is cool. Provided the light 11lb/5kg max load is acceptable, it's fairly versatile and looks like it provides some neat, stable carrying options.

Like the similar Xootr, both of these have a quick release system that allows the rack to move between bikes easily, but neither have a quick release seatpost bracket, so it means that even when not using the rack, there's a remnant mount left on the bike, which I don't really like. If someone could design a mount that came quickly and fully off the bike (and could still handle 20lbs; I'm usually carrying bottles of wine! ) I'd be a really happy camper!

I have a backpack attached to a rear rack for my daily commute. Bungee cords suck, but bungee nets are the greatest thing since sliced bread:

https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item...FYN_QgodpCwAhQ

And they're cheap.

-Warr

The Vario looks like it would be ideal..............under ideal conditions.

As was pointed out already, it has a rather modest weight rating and the rack comes off, but leaves the mount behind. And then there is the question of visibility. Any seat post mounted lights or reflectors will be blocked partially by an empty rack and fully when you put a bag on it. The workaround to that would be attach the light(s) to the bag, but most lights have to be aimed for effectiveness- and that's hard to do when your dealing with a 'floppy' material like fabric.