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.

That'll work, I guess, but it's awfully easy to hang a backpack on one of these, a Xootr Crossrack. Plus it's out of the way in an aero position behind the rider.

I use a back pack and I can't wait to get a rack...the back pack sometimes is heavy

So how are you securing the pack to the rack? Two bungee cords in an x pattern? A cargo net? Hired a surfing Oompaloompa to stand on it?

I have issues with a product like this:

-Blocks the seat post, where a vast majority of tail lights are designed to mount.
-To ensure that you don't have to ride home wearing your pack, you have to remove the rack. Some places frown on you bringing in the odd piece of metal...
-Most of the mounting brackets I have seen limit the load to no more than 15 pounds or so.

I was once interested in the Vario, which is a similar concept but more versatile design IMO, but decided against it due to the low weight rating and lack of a place to mount a light.

Thats the first time I've ever seen one of those... Looks like a good idea, but I wanted the rack because I plan on evolving into panniers.

Yes the backpack is heavy on the shoulders, but I found out on my ride home today that against the wind the pack on the rack offers quite a bit of resistance. Its just a different feeling while I'm riding.

I'm tieing the top handle of the pack to the seatpost and the bungee cords in a criscross pattern over the bulk of the pack. Its ok, but I'm definitely going to a bag and panniers.

Yeah, when I first started commuting I tried strapping my pack to the rack but got tired of messing with the cords or how it tended to shift from time to time while riding. I had also tried some saddlebag panniers, but their design didn't work so well for a multimodal commute (bus/bike)- and I had heel strike - then I came upon this solution. No longer running like this, but may go back to it some day.

I have the same Topeak Explorer on both of my bikes. FWIW, I have the MTX EXP bag. Easily carries my laptop on one side, a change of clothes and my lunch on the other. Plus, there's a ton of space on top for wallet, first-aid kit, glasses, and all the little stuff. It slides right on and snaps secure. Nice shoulder strap too.

It isn't waterproof, so you'll have to spray it with something. I used the Kiwi stuff. Works great.

I don't know how big your current load is, but since you're wanting to transition to panniers, may I make a suggestion? Think about getting one of those grocery panniers. Depends on how big/full your backpack is, but going this route has a couple of advantages.

1. Assuming your current pack will fit inside, this should give you an idea of what riding with a single pannier will be like.
2. More versatile- you can stop off at the store on the way home, fill up your pack and put any over-flow in the pannier.
3. Grocery panniers tend to be cheaper.

The rack looks like a great addition, nice!

I love my rear rack and panniers. When I finally got waterproof panniers, it completely took rain out of the equation. I still have to dress for the rain during my ride, ride safely in the rain, etc., but my panniers can fit all my stuff and keep it all dry. Towel off and change into dry clothes at the office, and voila, I have beaten the rain.

You have a good plan, stick with it!

Yes, thats the one I'm going to get! It looks roomy enough and I really like the clip in system.

Thanks!

Personally I really like using a backpack. It's good to have some weight on the spine. Without some stress somehow, it tends to lose bone density.

I had a 66 pound bag of cement in mine one time with a few smaller items for a handyman project. Not many paniers will handle that. (City folk, you're just city folk )

Never wanting anything on my back, I started with a rear rack and panniers. Hard to imagine anything else would have enough capacity considering everything I carry..... change of clothes, towel, lunch, rain pant and jacket, gloves, hat, light weight fleece top, tights, headband, and helmet cover. Of course, the extra items are based on current weather, not summer. The extra tube, patch kit, tools etc. are in a seat bag.

You might be on to something... The pack on my back was less drag when riding against the wind.

I don't want to dissuade you from taking the path of least resistance, but though I did have to replace my Knog Boomer seatpost light, the Xootr Crossrack Bag has light loops on it, and in fact, I doubled my rear light output with this system because I put two Boomer Wearables on the bag! I guess my point is that for me, the benefits of the rack system outweighed the issue of needing to rethink tail lighting, which was not difficult to figure out.
I suppose places like a courthouse or airplane might be problem for odd pieces of metal, but generally, I don't think that's much of an issue, at least not in my life. It's a one pin quick release, so really easy and fast to pop on/off. The other option would be to lift off the bag, remove the rack, and just slide it onto your lock. Another alternative would be to remove the locking pin with a bolt. Me, I don't lockup in high crime areas or high risk situations, so not an issue for me.
The Xootr is 25lbs. It also accommodates most standard mounting panniers. I have the Xootr bag, which is capacious, waterproof (er, highly water resistant), and has secure rack (pannier) mount and shoulder strap. Very convenient for me.
The Vario has it's benefits, but it's only rated to 5kg/11lbs, which is more of novelty piece than a utility piece, and at a higher price, it just didn't pass muster for my needs. Plus, I don't trust the plastic bits to durable like aluminum, especially through my cold, Michigan winter rides.

One more thing.

Having panniers that securely lock into place is a good idea.

Mine uses a bungee cord stretched between a ring at the base and two clips at the top to secure the pannier to the rack. If the bungee isn't tight enough, the clips fall off the rack. Three times now, I've had a pannier fall off while going over either a rail road track or very low curb at slow speeds. Not good.

The Crossrack is designed to accommodate a standard mount pannier. The matching bag is a voluminous 1600ci/26L job. Big. Nice features like a compression strap across the middle keeps smaller loads snug.

Here's my whip:

Quality panniers mount securely. They're costlier than lower quality bags, but secure in exchange.

After reading your response to my earlier post, I went and actually checked out the Xooter site. The rack is cheaper than i anticipated- about the same as a standard rack. That bag is about the right size for most of my needs. Since they state the rack is bikes with smaller diameter wheels- like their own- I was going to ask you if you'd post a pic to help me visualize. You've already answered my questions before I even knew to ask them .

I also use a backpack, I didnt like the bungie cord thing(one came off after I hit a pothole, it caught in the rear spokes, and caused me to fall over)

So I chopped the legs off a front basket and put it on my rear rack, now I just through my backpack into the rear basket unsecured

I have a Knog bag that works either as a messenger bag or pannier with a cam-lock attachment. I use it mostly off the bike and nobody would guess it's a bike bag. As a pannier it is adequate, but this isn't something you'd go cross country with, just as a commuting bag.

Now if I could get the rack off the bike my son took with him I'd be all set. In the meantime I'm using a backpack because I don't really like riding with the messenger bag on my shoulder as it doesn't stay put.

This is how I secure my backpack to the rack. This will have to do until I get the pannier system that is compatible to the system. I like your ingenuity toastytoad!