When I commute to work I use the Detours Toto Urban Pannier. These are easy on and off the rack yet ride securely. The handles make it easy to carry into work. I haven't used them in rainy conditions so I cannot attest to how they would perform in the rain. They do come with rain covers. I don't feel unbalanced with a single pannier. I use two panniers only when carrying extra items to and from work. Most of the time a single is all I need.
Susan
Try not. Do or do not... there is no try.
Yoda
2004 Airborne WASP (road)/Selle An-Atomica
2010 Bike Friday New World Tourist (commuter)/Selle An-Atomica
2010 Bike Friday Pocket Rocket Pro/Selle An-Atomica