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

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Bimble

Bimbling along ...
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?
 
Rack and one pannier for me. Carrying bulky boots is the deciding factor! :okay: Why have those on your back?
 

ianrauk

Tattooed Beat Messiah
Location
Rides Ti2
I much prefer pannier and bags over rucksack. Every now and again I use the non panniered bike to get me to work so have to use a rucksack. OK, the bike feels much nicer, quicker and more nimble but the weight on my back is a bind. Rather the bike take the strain.
 
What Ian said. I sometimes use a backpack when using the Brompton as I'm usually multi-modal and the train stations I use don't have lifts/escalators, so it's easy to pop and down flights of stairs carrying the B if I'm using a backpack. But everyday door to door commuting, 11 miles each way, no way.
 

Haitch

Flim Flormally
Location
Netherlands
Used to use a rucksack but disliked the weight and extra sweat. Now use a single pannier. Not quick and nimble enough to have any bike-responsiveness issues.
 

Drago

Legendary Member
personally, for my old commute I went with back pack, it didn't sweat me out unduly, and by keeping the weight off the bike itself it still felt light and flighty beneath me.

However, had my commute been longer or my load heavier I may have preferred other options.
 

KnackeredBike

I do my own stunts
Messenger bag all the way here, backpacks are too sweaty and panniers overkill as I don't usually carry much. Plus part of my commute I filter past a long queue on a narrow road where there isn't much more width than the centre line. I'd probably be less comfortable doing that with panniers.
 

Twizit

CS8 lead out specialist
Location
Surrey
Hate carrying anything on the bike so everything lives at work and I use the occasional train or motorbike day to ship stuff home for washing etc - but then I know I'm lucky having decent locker storage and good facilities at work.
 
OP
OP
Bimble

Bimble

Bimbling along ...
Hate carrying anything on the bike so everything lives at work and I use the occasional train or motorbike day to ship stuff home for washing etc - but then I know I'm lucky having decent locker storage and good facilities at work.
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. :laugh:
 

wisdom

Guru
Location
Blackpool
Panniers.Well one mostly to be honest.
Occasional backpack use if I use the roadie for work.
Find the pannier/s a lot more practical and more important waterproof.
 
Alpkit rucksack usually,sometimes augmented with one of their tailpacks.

If I'm taking a lot of stuff in or need to have a lock I take the Trek fitted with panniers but it's not very often.
 
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