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

[dodgy]

Because like a car boot, unless you leave loads of empty space, the thing you want is always at the far end and needs you to move other things to get at it. Longflaps or trunk bags are better because they open along a long edge and so stuff can't be buried so deep.

I use one of these to put my clothes in, pack it off the bike, then slide it in like a parcel. Simple.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/eBags-Packing-Cubes-3pc-Set/dp/B004YLIS9Q

 

[Haitch]

Only cans, stubbies or half-crates? I think even my chunky porter rack is only rated to 10kg and a full crate of pint glass bottles would exceed that.

Full crate 24 x 33 cl bottles.

My son's rack is rated at 10 kg, but it can bear his 6'2" weight without creaking.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I've no idea why day commuters aren't all using these

You need to have a good bit of seat post exposed for these, vertically challenged people like me cannot use them.

 

[Electric_Andy]

I have a rack and top box. The box is made for cycles so is roughly the same width as the rack. I can fit my towel, clothes etc in, it's totally waterproof and lockable. I used to use a rucksack but it's a devil to dry if it gets wet, and also the waterproof cover on it still needs drying (plus it balloons out behind me like a sail).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Wave-Ams...&qid=1488374295&sr=8-1&keywords=cycle+top+box

 

[martint235]

Still, image-wise the bag has baggage. Looking a it one way, t's a bit 'traditional' like something Norman Tebbit would approve. On the other hand, whenever I'm following a cyclist with a Nelson I feel reassured, relaxed and relatively confident of a level of competence.
It's not really designed for modern things like laptops but it carries them fine and with a bagman fitted you get this springy,bouncy support which is probably good for hard drives, microchips and that kind of stuff.
It keeps stuff dry.

I wouldn't ride near me then!!!

I'm still amazed at how dry they keep stuff though. Brought my laptop in through the rain this morning with not a drop of moisture on it.

 

[RedRider]

I wouldn't ride near me then!!!

I'm still amazed at how dry they keep stuff though. Brought my laptop in through the rain this morning with not a drop of moisture on it.

I spent most of a ride back from Brighton on your coat tails in total confidence. Maybe I was suckered by the bag!

 

[martint235]

I spent most of a ride back from Brighton on your coat tails in total confidence. Maybe I was suckered by the bag!

Ah I remember. I was on Lelly that day without the bag. Lelly tends to have more control and say over my ability than I do

 

[HemelChris]

I use a rucksack as my commute is mostly rough and rocky towpaths and I find messenger bags never stay in place.

 

[prawny]

SQR Slim for me too same as Dodgy, Tried messenger bags, backpacks and pannier(s) and this is what I've stuck with, clothes go in a bag for life, food in a sainsbury's carrier, wallet earphones and sundries in an old tesco carrier, got an old folding tyre and a couple of tubes stuffed in the bottom, easy enough to get out without removing everything. I've got a messenger bag at work for when I have to go to the Dental Hosptial (fairly regularly at the moment) but I don't like how the bike feels with the weight all up on my back, it takes a couple of days to get used to it, and I like to be able to add or remove layers en route. My commute is 20 miles each way, so conditions can change en route.

 

[mjr]

View attachment 342784

I really hope that bike rack is in a secure area. The locks are thicker than the rack!

 

[prawny]

Just about secure enough, I only use a £3 lock to stop builders walking off with it.

Although the other week I got downstairs and workmen had unbolted and moved the whole rack so they could park a van there. So I'd not want to be leaving a decent bike down there.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Don't normally take a lot, so I use one of those 'soft' (as I'd called them) Shoe-Bags, that have the drawstrings
I do, however, use an old lace to tie them together over my chest, so it doesn't slip about a lot

I have a few that were in 'goodie bags' after (running) races

 

[tincaman]

Just fitted a Rixen Kaul plate to a Boardman pannier I picked up cheap last year when Halfords were clearing them out. Will give it a go this week

 

[prawny]

I thought about one of them with the backpack but was concerned about getting on and off. Look like a decent solution though.

 

[tincaman]

I think that I'm going to fit an extra alloy stiffening plate on the inside as well