Commuting: Backpack vs. Bikepack

My commute is around 30 miles (out and back) and I frequently extend the return journey to bring it up to 50-70 miles. I found my backpack was just destroying my back over those distances and spent ages faffing around with different bags to try and fix it.

Finally stumbled upon the idea of bikepacking kit last year and have since used a full frame bag and a large seatpost bag for the commute. The full frame bag was great, although you lose your bottle mounts and the size of your frame will limit what you can carry. On my 58, I could fit everything I possibly needed that day and a water bladder for hydration. The saddle bag is also very good and can actually fit more than the full frame pack and is fully waterproof...although it does wobble about when you're putting the power down, which can be annoying. I've found myself using the seat pack more as it's 100% waterproof and easier to remove the dry bag from the bike at work than unpack the frame pack.

To my mind, a frame bag or seat pack is more aero than a rucksack - the frame bag is tucked into the frame, so very little facing into the wind and a seat pack is largely hidden behind the bulk of the rider (whereas a backpack tends to sit into the wind above the rider, unless they have a very upright position). I also think they're a better solution than panniers as they have an aero benefit while also being more out of the way and less likely to snag on something (this is probably far less of an issue for people with panniers than I imagine it to be...).

I don't find that either affects my power when climbing and prefer climbing with bikepacking bags than a rucksack - basically you're just riding a slightly heavier bike, so you probably won't be quite as quick up the hills, but not far off. I've taken a heavily laden seat pack on fast rides with guys who race and happily kept up (and beaten several up the hills).

I'd say go for it - work out which style suits you and I doubt you'll go back to using a backpack!

I've got 3 degenerative discs and my old non bike specific ruck sack used to hurt my lower back. I was looking into panniers and other options but went with the Osprey trans alpine and not had any problems, weight distribution is better amd the shoulder , waist straps make a lot of difference. 30 ltrs , plenty of room for work clothes, breakfast, lunch, snacks, spares, rain, helmet attachment...I'm getting on fine with it , 12.5 miles each way and it's easy to carry/ access stuff when I'm on the train.

Panniers are the best thing ever invented for commuting IMO

The only notible drawback over a rucksack other than ruining the look of the bike is above 27mph I get a bit of a weave on due to the front of the bike being so light and the drag at the back .... But above 27 is only one segment so I can live without pushing hard for that 20seconds

As far as comfort goes though it's a billion times nicer and easier than using a rucksack

The pannier is heavier, the rack is heavier and I over fill the bag ... Yet despite the extra weight over a rucksack there is no difference in time over a 10-30 minute journey

iPete wrote:

I've personally gone full circle. Backpack > Panniers > Large saddle bag > Backpack. Largely because I have a choice of bikes and only need to do a backpack run 1-2 times a week with a modest amount of clothing.

Unless you plan on light touring, I'd skip the bikepack stuff, I know they are very in right now but just get a decent bag for behind the saddle, like a Carradice. Keeps you aero.

I've gone from backpack to pannier to backpack. I found that my packed lunch was getting shaken to pieces in my pannier, but it was far more comfortable.

I've gone from 5 years of a backpack to panniers mainly because I got fed up with having a sweaty back. Panniers are great!