Panniers or Rucksack (haversack)

[fossyant]

Panniers here these days after a shoulder injury. Depends - if you are carrying alot of weight, then panniers. I'm often at other sites, so the panniers are loaded with heavy locks and a full set of clothing. I will be single site based next year, but what that might mean is the 'drop down' side panniers on my Topeak MTX could be folded up !

Plus you get extra SCR points with panniers.

 

[wilkotom]

Panniers. I have a pannier that converts to a rucksack (Vaude Cycle 28) and the times I have it on my back it's far more noticeable than when it's on my bike.

 

[Mike!]

I use both but usually panniers on the commuter, I have Ortleibs which are 100% waterproof and bomb proof. Most of the time they are too big for what I need but the option of being able to stop on the way home for shopping (when the boss calls with an order) is great!

I have a Berghaus 15lt rucksack (with an airflow system) which I sometimes use if I bring in the MTB or Roadie but don't really like using it as i find it a bit restrictive!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I used a rack bag when I cycle commuted, I could get a change of clothes, sarnies and stuff in it. Rucksacks are rubbish.

 

[Booyaa]

Panniers for me.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Panniers for me. I don't like having to plan my day from start to finish so if I have 2 panniers on, I can decide to go to the supermarket on the way home.

I hate not having the ability to carry something, because it's guaranteed that whenever I don't have that capability, I'll need to carry something. Like today thanks to a broken spoke I'm on my rack-less bike and have a wheel to pick up on the way home.

 

[thefatcyclist]

Rucksack (25ltr) for me as I don't have to carry much on my commute and it is easier once off the bike.

 

[paulw1969]

Rucksack for my 14 mile round commute...no problems for me taking in change of clothes etc...weight i dont find a problem either (the rucksack that is...not me :-) )

 

[boydj]

Rack bag is relatively easy and more comfortable than a rucksack - especially if you want to take the long way home occasionally. Having a rack on the bike makes you very flexible as you can always add panniers of you have a big load to carry.

 

[Kookas]

How's the filtering on your commute? I'm thinking panniers (particularly fully laden ones) might make some of the tighter filtering quite difficult, to the point that you might get stuck in traffic more than you would without them, depending on your route.

 

[Octet]

Just purchased a set of panniers, despite my commute only being a very short 4 miles it is all up hill and I find that wearing a rucksack makes my back really sweaty.

I think the general advice for this thread is correct (IMO), if you have a lot to carry like I do (a laptop, multiple ring binders, text books etc.) then panniers are the way forward but if you are only taking a spare set of shoes and a shirt for when you arrive then a rucksack will be fine.

If you do go for the pannier route, look at the racks which connect to the seat post as they are a lot easier to remove such as for weekend rides (or just follow the N+1 rule).

 

[Moodyman]

How's the filtering on your commute? I'm thinking panniers (particularly fully laden ones) might make some of the tighter filtering quite difficult, to the point that you might get stuck in traffic more than you would without them, depending on your route.

If panniers make you think about not filtering then, there really isn't room to filter safely.

 

[Rustybucket]

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)

Just bought some of these. I'm going from a rucksack to panniers. Will try them out next week

 

[Kookas]

If panniers make you think about not filtering then, there really isn't room to filter safely.

Maybe. I've seen some people riding with pretty big panniers though.

 

[ComedyPilot]

A saddle bag by Carradice?

.....now where did I leave my beard trimmer and my open-toed sandals.....?