Decided between panniers and a backpack for my 8-mile commute

I was going back and forth between Ortlieb panniers and just using my old backpack for biking to work. After a week of sweating through my shirt with the backpack, I bought the panniers and a cheap rack off Amazon for $80 total. Way better for my back and I can carry a change of clothes without getting nasty. Anyone else switch away from backpacks and find it worth the money?

3 comments

3 Comments

roberts.troy1mo ago

Man that sweaty back struggle is real, glad the panniers worked out for you.

wadefoster1mo ago

@roberts.troy worth every penny for a dry back.

nora541mo ago

@wadefoster you mention it's worth it for a dry back - but does the pannier setup handle rough gravel or just smooth pavement? I'm curious because I've tried a few racks that claimed to keep things dry but started rattling after a few bumpy miles. Your experience could help narrow it down if you've tested it on uneven ground.