I finally stopped wearing a backpack after 3 years of commuting

I used to think panniers were for hardcore touring cyclists, not someone like me just riding 4 miles to work in Austin. But after throwing out my back twice last winter, I borrowed a friend's Ortlieb bags and tried them. The difference in bike handling was night and day, especially when I hit that hill on Lamar. No more sweaty back in 95 degree heat either. Has anyone else dealt with shoulder pain from a messenger bag and made the switch?

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kaib184mo ago

Nah, backpacks are fine if you know how to pack them right.

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lindareed4mo ago

Oh for sure, @kaib18 is totally right! I've been traveling with just a backpack for years now and it's all about how you Tetris everything in there. I used to bring way too much stuff and wonder why my shoulders hurt, but now I roll my clothes and use packing cubes and it's a game changer.

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