backpack or panniers?

[Sara_H]

My choice is panniers every time.

I mostly use Basil double panniers that fit over the rack and are left in place (cable tied to the rack to make them fiddly to remove to fox thieves). I then just chuck in what ever I'm shifting that particular day. They are handily the exact same size as two small supermarket "bags for life", so I keep a couple of these folded flat in the bottom ready to use when I do my shopping.

I also have a pair of Ortlieb back rollers for cycle camping.I've got a shoulder bag that turns into a handlebar bag and a linus shopping bag with panner fixings. I have 2 Basil shoulder bags, which I use as my everyday handbag. They have concealed pannier fittings and so are great for just clipping on to my folding bike rack.
OH has a couple of "man bags" that have concealed fittings too, one has a padded laptop section, but he mostly uses a back roller for work.

 

[clid61]

i now ride 3-5 days a week to school and back 15 miles in total with 7.5 being in the morning and again in the afternoon
i currently ride wearing this (not as full as in photo)

i find especially now it is warmer i get a rather sweaty back and as showering isn't an option it isn't particularly nice
i already have a rack fitted but am now wondering if i should get a cheap pair of panniers to rectify this problem?
Cheers Ed
P.S:can weigh bag with typical days contents later if you want

Have you considered a seatpost bag ? I use one they're very very good !
http://www.klickfix.de/index.php?mod=1&lang=en

 

[sazzaa]

I have this on my bike, absolutely love it as it can be small or you can fold out the panniers, holds loads of stuff, would never go back to wearing a rucksack now!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Topeak-Trun...TF8&qid=1396698983&sr=8-3&keywords=topeak+dxp

 

[boydj]

A rack pack is ideal. Easily removed for taking into the office. However, a couple of bungees would suffice to hold the rucksack on top of the pannier rack.

 

[fossyant]

It's a personal thing. I've used rucksacks in the past, but due to a shoulder injury switched to panniers. I don't like the look of a rack, but needs must. I used a Topeak MTX rack for about 4 years, it's great but not waterproof. I used a cover when raining. Switched to a pair of Ortlieb Front Roller Classics (smaller than the back rollers) and they hold loads, look really smart and are waterproof.