Backpack vs panniers on a 10 mile commute - the sweat test was brutal

I spent three months commuting from Arlington to downtown DC with a basic backpack and showed up to work drenched every single day. Finally grabbed a pair of Ortlieb panniers off Craigslist for $50 and the difference is night and day. Not having a sweaty mass of plastic pressed against my spine in 90 degree humidity was huge. My back actually stays dry now and I don't have that gross soaked shirt look when I walk in the office. The only downside is I have to plan my load out better since I can't just cram stuff in a single bag. Anyone else made the switch and wonder why they waited so long?

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seth_allen21d ago

Man that sweat test is no joke, glad you found a fix. Panniers really are a game changer.