Do you prefer panniers, backpack, messenger bag or something else for your commute?

[Twizit]

Ah ha ... so that's how the no-loaders get their gear in to work; I'm not at all guilty of the odd twinge of jealousy as the unencumbered float by at speed, all unburdened-like, swishing between traffic with nary a care.

Ha ha - that would be me although on occasion under sufferance I've been known to use a small rucksack or courier bag for "smalls" / laptop etc

 

[Tin Pot]

I see a wide range of commuters on my rides to and from work and I've noticed there's quite a broad range of bikes, clothing, and carriers people use for lugging their kit.

I started out with a backpack I got from Edinburgh Cycle Coop, and after reading about racks and panniers on CC I invested in a set-up and fitted a rear rack and a pair of panniers (went for a pair to even it out, but in reality only ever used one of them to the point where I eventually just took the empty one off).

I ran this set-up for about six months but felt the rack and panniers were a bit overkill for my stuff (and were slowing me down - although that's debatable) so I switched to the backpack again and haven't thought anymore about it - backpack is, it seems, my preference.

I've never tried anything else, but can't see a messenger bag working for me due to the bulky size of the boots I need to carry.

What about you? What's your preferred carrying method and have you tried other things and found they did / didn't work for you?

Don't carry anything.

Leave all you need at work.

 

[flake99please]

I use a pair of front panniers on the rear rack.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Pannier, mostly one, sometimes two, trailer if I'm planning a mega shop.

 

[rivers]

Backpack. I only have one bike that I use for everything (commuting and leisure rides), so I would rather not fit a pannier rack. I don't pack much in my backpack, usually just a change of clothes, maybe my laptop, so my back doesn't get too bad.

 

[mjr]

I only have one bike that I use for everything (commuting and leisure rides), so I would rather not fit a pannier rack.

I can think of some things that you can't do without a rack (mostly around carrying ungainly loads), but what can't you do with a rack fitted? Even mudguards are more of an obstruction when packing the bike into a car.

 

[Drago]

Genuine question. Does anyone use a trailer for commuting? Reason I ask is my youngest has finally outgrown her Spokey Joe trailer so I'm planning to convert it to cargo use.

 

[rivers]

I can think of some things that you can't do without a rack (mostly around carrying ungainly loads), but what can't you do with a rack fitted? Even mudguards are more of an obstruction when packing the bike into a car.

I do not carry ungainly loads. I'm fitting a rack to my wife's bike. She can carry the ungainly loads :-).

 

[Jimidh]

As I only commute part of the week by bike I usually take in clothes for the week and leave them at work.

Whenever I need to take anything in I just use my Camelpak rucksack.

 

[Jimidh]

I do not carry ungainly loads. I'm fitting a rack to my wife's bike. She can carry the ungainly loads :-).

You mean she's giving you a backy???

 

[jonny jeez]

Rucksack for commuting...I have a crumpler messenger bag that cost a fair bit that I've used twice (on the single speed) and cant get on with....its in the back of the wardrobe hiding from Mrs Jeez

Panniers seem sensible but feel to utilitarian for me, too much like the bike is no longer for fun and is a bit of an instrument. I also find a backpack more nimble...so long as its not too hefty.

 

[burntoutbanger]

5 pence Tesco carrier bag. It carries my lunch then gets folded and put into a pocket for the return leg so it can be used again the next day.
Then my commute in is only two miles and is performed in the clothes I will be wearing for the day, have been known to extend the commute home to 60km on occasion though!

 

[si_c]

Rucksack for me, I'm quite happy carrying loads on my back provided both the hip/waist and sternum straps are adjusted properly.

13 miles each way and I don't really notice it, plus I can nip through small gaps and not worry. Mixed loads up to and including locks, shoes, laptop etc as well as paper scratch pads and clothes.

I keep some shoes under my desk and shower kit in my bottom draw. The desk is right by the door so I'm not upsetting anyone when I collect it before a shower.

 

[burntoutbanger]

[QUOTE 4684555, member: 259"]But how do you carry it on your bike on your commute?[/QUOTE]

Swinging from the handlebars.

 

[ianrauk]

plus I can nip through small gaps and not worry

Can do the same with pannier bags on the back. You can only squeeze through gaps that are as wide as the handlebars. Pannier bags are usually no wider.