Panniers or Rucksack (haversack)

[Leodis]

Its my birthday soon and the wife has kindly offered to buy me a set of panniers for my commute. Its got me thinking about how much more hassle panniers could be than using a 25ltr rucksack, are they any more trouble? Also my commute is only 8 miles each way, do you guys use them for such a distance?

 

[DCLane]

I use a 20ltr rucksack and have done so since I started. I've got panniers but decided not to use them.

 

[BSRU]

It is generally a personal preference, mine is panniers, nice big ones that hold loads of unnecessary stuff, never really like riding with a rucksack.

 

[Cush]

For every day use, I have a cheap Aldi pannier. It is really just a brief case with pannier hooks on it but it has a carrying handle and a shoulder strap and it looks smart enough to walk round town with. I have used a rucksack on the bike but was never comfortable with it

 

[Gez73]

Panniers for me. Have a rack bag that stays on constantly but the panniers are useful for weekly haulage of work clothes or other stuff. Wouldn't return to rucksack but I don't keep the panniers on and find a rack bag indispensable. Gez

 

[Koga]

8 miles with a rucksack would be to warm on my back, but once of the bike a rucksack is much easier in my opinion.
Pannier(s) can also marginally restrict your cycling as you are slightly wider (this may be an issue in towns) or on bumpy road / kerbs theyn can be "loose".
Overall I prefer panniers.

 

[Kies]

If carrying lightweight stuff then a decent rucksack such as deuter would fit the bill. Heavier loads soon become uncomfortable and panniers are the way forward.
If they are used daily,buy ortliebs. I wish I had taken my own advice. (buy cheap buy twice)

 

[Koga]

If carrying lightweight stuff then a decent rucksack such as deuter would fit the bill. Heavier loads soon become uncomfortable and panniers are the way forward.
If they are used daily,buy ortliebs. I wish I had taken my own advice. (buy cheap buy twice)

True, weight is a serious consideration.

 

[Markymark]

Switched from rucksack to panniers and much prefer them. There is extra weight (due to the rack at the back) but it keeps my centre of gravity lower and I aslo find it much cooler on my back for my warmer commutes (20 mile round trip)

 

[Leodis]

I virtually sorted the sweaty back with the Lowe Alphine AirZone 25, it doesnt bother me but just thought the extra room with panniers without worry might be better, you know extras needed for winter and dress down day and the likes. I don't leave my bike in town or anything so its pretty secure with no need to remove the panniers until at home.

 

[Koga]

I virtually sorted the sweaty back with the Lowe Alphine AirZone 25, it doesnt bother me but just thought the extra room with panniers without worry might be better, you know extras needed for winter and dress down day and the likes. I don't leave my bike in town or anything so its pretty secure with no need to remove the panniers until at home.

Interesting, never knew there were specially designed rucksacks.

 

[benb]

Personally panniers every time.
They come off in seconds, so not particularly more inconvenient than a rucksack IMO.

Or there's this (caveat emptor, as the review is less than flattering):

 

[Leodis]

Interesting, never knew there were specially designed rucksacks.

Not sure if they are cycle designed in mind but I do a bit of fell walking and its handy for that. Just keeps the majority of rucksack off you back, it does help though it does add weight

 

[Bodhbh]

It's a bit like asking people if they like tea or coffee. Well almost. I use panniers, but have used a rucksack. You get used to either. I think longer distance tends to favour panniers, but rucksacks come into their own if you're running errands and getting on and off the bike alot.

 

[Koga]

Not sure if they are cycle designed in mind but I do a bit of fell walking and its handy for that. Just keeps the majority of rucksack off you back, it does help though it does add weight

Thanks, I will check them out next time I am in town .