Recently, I switched from a rucksack to a rack and panniers in a bid to solve the mystery of my back pain.
This meant replacing my 18-litre rucksack with a 34-litre double pannier.
I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so different. In fact, things that I was expecting to change, didn’t and things I wasn’t expecting to change, did.
Are you wrestling with which one is right for you? Hopefully I can give you some pointers from my own experience.
Rucksack
Most cyclists who are starting out will use a rucksack because, well, they’ve probably already got one lying around.
Pros
It’s convenient to carry around
You don’t have to make any adjustments with a rucksack – just lock up your bike and crack on with your day. I particularly like them when I’m travelling because there’s a real sense of freedom in being able to just take a bag and go.
It doesn’t involve any bike attachments
Rucksacks make it easier for people to get into cycle commuting because they normally have one knocking about the house anyway.
Plus there’s no need for a cumbersome style-cramping bike rack.
You can move faster and more smoothly
When I can, I relish zipping around the city like a wee demon. With a rucksack I feel lightweight and flexible which you just don’t get with a pannier.
Cons
It aggravates back/neck pain (possibly)
It could be something entirely different, but I reasoned that taking weight on my back wore me down over time, causing me pain.
It has to be said that I carry a hefty amount on my commute: a full change of clothes (including shoes), a couple of bike locks, my lunch, a spare inner tube and some tools along with life bits like purse and keys.
In any case, I wanted to play around with my luggage options to see if my affliction improved and it did, but only a little.
My upper body can feel restricted
I know, I know – I just praised the rucksack for giving me liberation. But being clasped in by what is essentially a shell on your back can be restrictive, especially if it shuffles on a climb.
Depending on the size, your visibility can be impaired with a bag too. This can mean that you have to crane your neck further around to see what traffic is coming up behind you.
Ideal for: less frequent commuters who carry a lighter load
Rack and panniers
Panniers attach to a rack on the back of your bike and fasten using ties or Velcro.
They do call for a spot more shopping around: consider the size of bag you need and what rack will go with it before you buy.
Pros
I can carry more stuff
It might not seem logical to carry around more stuff, but depending on the pannier, you can. So if I spontaneously buy bag of spinach on my way home (because I’m such an exciting person), I can fit it in my bag without having to open the packet to release the excess air.
It’s better for longer cycle trips and tours
Well, it’s not the commute, but a lot of Londoners like to get away when they can.
I did a trip from Bath to Bournemouth over the Easter bank holiday weekend and whoa nelly, it was way easier having panniers.
Again, they allowed me to carry more, but as I was travelling longer distances my body felt less of the strain and I could attach the panniers on the back of the bike and forget about them.
I’ve developed the thighs of a Greek God
It’s true! What my back was carrying, my legs are now pulling along, so it feels like my tree trunks are getting even more of a workout than before.
Just call me Zeus.
Cons
Loading/unloading takes longer
The weight of the panniers is enough to keep them down, but there are a couple of ties and Velcro straps for extra security.
Unlike throwing on a bag and heading out the door, loading and unloading the panniers takes a bit longer and requires more care to keep both sides even.
They make the bike a little heavier
The rack itself adds additional weight, so even without the panniers I’m slowed down. It’s frustrating, but you get used to it. Although, I will say, having the panniers means that I do more uphill riding out of the saddle, which feels better for my back.
It’s more difficult to transport the bag when you’re off the bike
Contrary to the ease of carrying a rucksack around, we have panniers.
I deliberately want to keep as much as possible off my back, so I opted for panniers that you essentially carry like a hideous double briefcase thing.
Clunky? Yes. Getting about is more difficult and as both sides of the bag are identical, it’s a nightmare trying to remember which one I put my keys in.
Ideal for: commuters who travel frequently and/or for longer distances
Which is best for commuting – rucksack vs rack and panniers?
Based on conventional wisdom, panniers are better for me. They hold more and suit longer trips.
But day-to-day, I still miss the ease of having a rucksack: it’s the absence of feeling weighed down and the sheer simplicity of it.
At least with the panniers I can stop off at the supermarket on my way home. Result!
Do you use a rucksack or pannier for your commute? Do you opt for something else entirely, like a front basket or a dinky saddle bag? Tell us in the comments below.
What sort of rack have you bought that is so heavy that it slows you down? A Blackburn EX-1 weighs 540g – that’s less than a pint of water.
As for carrying the panniers – it depends how they close. I’ve got Karrimor ones from the 80s. To carry them I just loosen one of the straps and use it as a shoulder strap.
Let the bike take the strain, let it be panniers. No more hot sweaty back. Mine are Carradice Super C so heavy, but tough as old boots. After a couple of years they get a certain look to them as though they have been left out in the sun, so if you want style over substance look away now.
Not only can you fill your panniers up, you can tie bulky stuff across the top to the rack: sleeping bags, tents, whatever, no problem. As I cycle tour I have a set for the front as well, and usually carry 6kg in each of them and 10kg each in the rear. Tent, sleeping bag, groundsheet etc., on the top.
As far as finding the stuff you want, always keep it in the same place!
Happy riding
I switched to panniers a long time ago for the same reason. I got one which looks just like a handbag with hooks (from Linus) and it is super pretty and as easy to carry around as a backpack. Win! 🙂
side pannier everytime. I’ve got a slim laptop one. fitted on the car side of traffic. I’ve found this makes a big difference in commuting. the cars give you more space when overtaking. fewer hair raising moments when cars pass
I’m looking for one that is slim-ish and suitable for laptop plus a few odds and ends. which one did you get and how protective is it?
Just do it the Dutch way: permanent double panniers! 40+ litres if you wish.. no sweat.
In the summer panniers please! Its’ cooler in every sense of the word. I have a nifty rucksack with indicator arrows that light up for the winter and dark evenings, but it is really nice to go back to panners in the spring.
One for clothes towles etc and the other for lunch spares tools money keys and so on. Old karrimor panniers which I had to repair a couple of times.
I’m an old nurse and used to cycle to and fro with a lovely basket on the front of the bike don’t see many people doing that nowadays. I tend to use the backpack but think panniers are a better idea for the reasons you give re effects on back. Backpack also more sweaty!
Rose
Hello Rose! It’s Nicky… And, yes I just got a set of panniers, but replaced a racktop saddlebag that I got fed up with trying to ram everything in. Wouldn’t use a rucksack, bad enough using one for walking – sweaty things. See you at work!
I have had both in the past, so I can agree with the pros and cons both ways. Would I go back to panniers ? Possibly not. Why? I have a road bike and a hybrid. It would mean buying two lots of everything. I also need to take the bag in to wherever I am going . So, if I have to go to work, take it there. I am terrible for lights, and illuminous items, just to keep me safe and secure and visible at night. I work as a kitchen porter, and often finish at around ten o clock in the evenings. You can never have too many lights when on a bike!
Panniers,or saddle bags as I call them, are obviously the best for carrying things on long rides or short if you are carrying something heavy.And they can have the extra safety feature of reflectors.Saddle bags,or Panniers keep the weight low.That’s where it should be!
Saddlebags attach to the saddle. Often a good alternative if you don’t want to carry as much.
Asa commuters I preffer rucksack. I don’t have to worry about valuable items when I go for any shopping. Just locking my bike and can dissapear for any time.
Panniers all the way but not double attached panniers, that sounds a real pain. Single panniers & use 2 when required. For town commuting, the Good Ordering panniers are panniers /backpack & shopping bag in one… Great pannier & stylish. Also if you have an accident, backpacks are really dangerous as get caught & cause more damage to you back than the accident & they often obscure your rear view & people out their rear light at the top which when on the bike & your shoulders are haunched over you can’t see the light… I carry so much in my panniers & of I know I’m going shopping I take 2…panniers win every time & only take a second to remove….
I use Topeak Trunk bag system and a Bar bag they are light, easy to remove and carry and perfect for commuting and for weekend trips.
I also have a back problem so prefer not to aggravate with a backpack. However if you prefer a backpack it needs to be. Secure on your back not too high up as it can impede alround vision and sometimes overheat your body.. The Topeak system works on both road bikes and mountain bikes.
I use a basket fixed on rear rack , put rucksack inside
I have a single sided pannier that looks like a messenger bag when not on the bike. It holds my laptop, rain jacket, inner tube etc but, when I commute, I also have a back pack with my suit and shoes
I’m fairly convinced rucksacks or even a bum bag with a coup of items slung round the hips caused me back ache – indeed it returns the odd time I use a rucksack going up hill. For commuting / short rides I use a smallish bag on top of my rear rack which I can sling over my shoulder when I get off. For longer trips I use a triple pannier (26l) which is all in one left right and top of the rack. Its a bit of a jigsaw to get everything in for a week long tour and sometimes a bit of brute force required. However, my triple pannier just lifts on and off (no ties required) in one which is great when your friends are lugging two or three bags around.
Bar bag is best. Saves your back, still stops you carrying too much and easy to handle off the bike. Win, win and win.
Many years ago I was knocked off my bike on the way to school carrying a rucksack. The injuries I suffered as a result were gastly. From that day it’s been panniers every trip. If all you are transporting is a waterproof then a rucksack is fine but any thing else needs to be as far from your body as possible.
I used a back pack for 40 years, I switched over to panniers because I am planning an extended ride and I wanted to get used to the weight. My hands and shoulders are thanking me. You do not realize how much stress you put your body through when you carry much more than 5 or 6 pounds.
Ortleib panniers are the business!!
They clip on and off with ease, have a shoulder strap and you can even put a house plant in the top and leave it open if you get really carried away with the shopping!
Pannier all the way. You don’t need to use two as I find that balance is unaffected by using just one. And there’s no more sweaty back to deal with on arrival at work!
I think it depends on whether you prefer performance or utility. I like having a responsive bike, so I would never use panniers. A rucksack keeps the center of mass up high with the rider, and it keeps “unsprung weight” low (unsprung weight is the bicycle; once you unweight the saddle, your arms and legs are the “suspension”). To me, a bicycle feels “dead” carrying the panniers and handlebar bag (unless you’re using a “low-trail” randonneur bike built to take a handlebar bag, and then you’ve got to keep weight in that bag). I like having a performance bike under me, and turning it into a pack animal just makes the ride less enjoyable for me. Rucksack all the way, but yes, you have to minimize its weight.
Appears I’m a rare advocate for rucksacks. I think for me just gives me the convenience, flexibility and speed. Never had back problems do HIIT classes and monthly massage! The problem re rucksacks could be answered partly in your statement ie everyone has one lying around. Wrong there is a world of difference between a rucksack and a specific designed bike rucksack. Believe me mine has supports and ventilation all over as well as multiple storage and attachments. All that equipment in a pack under 15l explains a lot. I have 25l and 30l packs that easily hold my gear. Without doubt though panniers for touring and hot weather.
I have a longish commute and quickly switched to panniers. I now have a full set of rear and front wheel bags (I tour too). I used to use double panniers (one for bike, one for office) for work but new folding bike is a wee bit different so now I have one small pannier and a fold up day sac when I have one-off extra items (like shirts at the end/beginning or the week or laptop – to work from home).
“What my back was carrying, my legs are now pulling along”
I don’t understand this. Surely – except for the weight of the rack and any difference in weight between the bags – your bike weighs the same, so your legs are working the same amount?
Anyway, I echo the other voices recommending single panniers. Most have a quick release so when you lift the handle, they automatically unclasp and can be removed from the bike. This requires no more effort or skill than putting your backpack on your back. Many also have shoulder straps to be carried as a messenger bag or as a backpack when not on the bike.
Hi Dave,
When I switched to panniers I felt like my legs were working harder – maybe that’s just me! Seriously considering single panniers though.
Anna
Panniers, lower your centre of gravity making it easier going around corners quickly, especially if it’s wet!
My main commuter has panniers but when using my road bike I use a backpack. Backpack fully loaded does cause some back discomfort for longer distance, especially with drop bars.
I don’t like that hot sweaty feeling of a rucksack. I have a Trek Domane road bike with a Bontrager rack and clip-in rack-top commuting bag which has extending drop bags either side when needed. It’s what I usually take to work although if I want to carry larger items or have a longer ride at the weekend with a night away I have a set of pannier bags instead.
I don’t think a rear mounted rack does much for the looks of my bike and they certainly do alter the feel and balance – making my bike rear heavy, in fact when climbing hills in low gear it takes extra effort to keep the front tyre on the road by standing and leaning forward over the bars. So weight and load are limited unless you have a properly designed touring bike with the the additional front pannier rack too (which I don’t).
As it is, mine is ideal for an 8 to 30 miles ride to and from work containing my lunch, inner tubes, multi tool, tyre levers, jacket and certain items of clothing and phone etc.
The rucksack also raises a cyclist’s centre of gravity making fast cornering and manoeuvres tricky too.
I bought a small Topeak handlebar bag which when filled can make the steering feel heavy.
I have used both on and off over the years and there is no perfect solution. Depends on how much you need to carry and whether you are on and off the bike much en route.
I tend to use panniers more these days, but a back pack is more convenient if you have to carry your stuff around much off the bike.
If your thighs are getting bigger after switching to panniers, it’s probably because the pannier allows you carry more stuff so you are lugging more total weight around on the bike.
It’s not because of where you carry it – whether the weight is on your back or on a bike rack, your legs still have to move it. Unless you’re on an e-bike of course.
What ever happened to old biking. If you want to be comfortable and want to carry all of your belongings get a car as you will have a big boot to carry your belongings and nice soft leather seats for comfort. Most nearly all models come with a roof doors and electric windows if you really want to travel in style. I have a bicycle 2 wheels a chain and a seat to take me from A to Z. I have regularly travel by bike up to 80 miles in a single trip no panniers not comfort and no pain just a small rucksack with essentials (i.e house keys, mobile phone and my wallet. Bikes were not really designed for comfort the technology available have made the modern cyclist want more. But for me I am happy being old school biker I have strong legs maintain a proper diet and always do my warm up exercises before hopping on my bike for a long journey.
Old biking is confined to the masochists, as it should be. You can tell people to use cars to carry stuff but that’s antisocial, expensive and in London often slower. Bikes can do it and it’s good they can.
I use neither. I prefer a Carradice saddlebag with a quick release system which comes with a carry strap. Depending on what I’m taking, I switch between the Longflap and Barley with my waterproof jacket strapped to the top. Weight is on the bike with no rack. Only downside is fitting a rear light, it has to go on the bag which means you always have it with you with no fear of leaving it on the bike to be pinched or fitting it to the rear stay.
I weekly commute, with a folding bike. Need a rucksack, as can’t get through ticket barriers whilst wheeling bike and carrying a pannier. And can’t fold it and wheel it with pannier attaches. But hate sweaty back, instability, and reduced flexibility/ visibility of a rucksack. Came across the Altura Morph, which converts in a few seconds from one to the other. It’s an absolute dream. And the pannier fixing has a really quick security tab, so I’m not nervous of losing my laptop. The laptop compartment is a padded, floating section, so I no longer dent it when I dump it on the ground. Internet searching found one that was considerably reduced. Very comfy as a rucksack too. Comes with waterproof cover. Heartily recommend.
Basic English grammar folks!
Rucksack vs panniers: which is BETTER for commuting?
You need to be comparing three things – or more – before you can use “best”.
PLEASE try and get this right.
I have been cycling over ten years. In my experience, if you are carrying small stuff in your bag and cycling few miles journey, you can use a small backpack or a school bag, no need spending too much money on pannier bags. Also, the advantage of a small backpack, just lock/unlock your bike you are off, it is so quick, No need fiddling with panniers. However, I wouldn’t recommend large backpack or rucksack, very uncomfortable, sweaty, it could restrict traffic viewing behind you, also, not enjoyable to view your surroundings while cycling, and it could be dangerous during accident.
Pannier bags are excellent. I use a single pannier bag for commuting or casual cycling, etc. I use double panniers for long journeys, for big shopping, etc. Don’t waste your money on rubbish pannier bags, buy quality ones, even if second-hand quality bags from ebay, in the long run save you money.
I don’t see the point of Trunk-bags, why would you waste 60 quids on a little bag that looks like insulated lunch box. You might as well get chest bag or bum bag from Poundland.
I agree with most of it, but that last comment is very strange. Yes, you can spend 60 quid on a trunk bag, but you can get them far cheaper. Your example of poundland bum bags for example – you can easily spend hundreds on a designer-brand bum bag if you want.
Which brings me to another point: if you are not carrying much, put it in a cheap bum bag, clip it around the handlebar stem upside-down facing backwards with the strap set very short, then flip the bag forwards over the handlebars. It’s a cheap quick-release small handlebar bag and much better than wearing a small backpack.
There is no good reason to use a small backpack on a bike for anything other than overflow storage if you carry one of those small fold-up backpacks and bought more than your on-bike bags will carry. If you’re doing a lot of on-off short trips and don’t even want a quick-release bum/bar bag on the bike, a canvas messenger bag resting on the back of your bum and saddle is better than a backpack making you sweat.
To MJ Ray, If you observe bicycles on the roads, most bicycles are under £200. Some of big brand bags cost more than the bike price. Every morning I see construction workers cycling to work carrying small backpack that look like school bag. Which is why I said, for those people who are not bicycle fanatics like some of us, no need spending on a bag more than the bicycle. I got bum bag to carry phone and wallet, I still need a single pannier bag to carry in it first aid, little towel, bananas, also to carry extra lock, my bike expensive, twice my bikes stolen in the past ten years, too many thieves!
I think we’re basically agreeing. I just point out you can get £5 trunk bags as well as ones costing more than the bike, or high price designer bum bags too.
I commute from Devon to London, by bike and train – I then stay over in London for a few nights.
Decathlon have a great range for me, they actually have a decent pannier overnight bag (with wheels and a handle to hold as you walk).
I also have a laptop bag from Decathlon I can just clip on and go. Although I’ve decided I need to leave more kit in London and try and get down to one overnight/ laptop bag combined if poss
Just to warn cyclists, Schwalbe marathon plus tyres are horrible to fit on the wheels and to remove from wheels. I bought a pair of puncture resistance marathon plus tyres, such a nasty tyres. I have been using specialized tyres which are light and simple to fit in. Marathon plus are heavy and shit tyres, I would not recommend it.
CJ. I have been using the marathon plus on my gravel bike for 18 months and have had one puncture. Admittedly it took me 40 minutes to get the tyre on and off. I run mine at 100 psi with mavic aksium wheel and get 20mph average. Its based on personal preference i guess.
For touring Marathon are the best option. They are durable and rool quite well u der a heavy load. I usually mount them on the wheel, when new, with no tube for overnight. I have no real problems mounting them after that. They usually wear out before I puncture and I get 8,000 miles out of a rear tire.