Messenger bags?

[Bron]

I use a rucksack with a mesh back. The bag itself is held off your back, so there is plenty of air circulation.

The back system is shown here: http://www.deuterusa.com/futac_system.html

but I couldn't find the rucksack that I use on their webpage. Oh, and it's not nearly as cool looking as the timbuk2 bags!
Bron

[Haudlady]

I do bring my clothes in to work in advance... I pick a couple of my favorite outfits, and leave them at work. Then I have extra incentive - on those days I don't want to ride, I know I have to if I want to wear that great shirt!

I wear a small Camelback and put my lunch in there (no water pouch) - yes, it's a little sweaty, but I don't like stuff around my waist. Besides - the Camelback is insulated, so my sandwich has a better chance of making it without overheating!

[Lise]

Like tulip, I think panniers are wonderful. BUT. I don't have a rack on my Bianchi, as I do on the Larkspur. AND. I have to carry the bike + whatever's on it down a flight of stairs to the basement of the clinic, and back up at the end of the day. SO. I've taken to riding the much lighter Bianchi, and putting my stuff either in a backpack from Target ($12) or my medium Timbuk2 ($60). Of the two, I'd say the backpack is the most comfortable! Of course! The Timbuk2 holds more, however, and looks cooler. Depends how cool I want to think I am, I guess! The stability strap on the Timbuk2 keeps it secure against my back. I sweat under both of them.

[run it, ride it]

I toss my lunch and coveralls in a backpack. Sure it's hot and heavy, but I think of how amazing I'll feel on rides -without- the backpack.

Leaving clothes at work is not an option--I was only issued one pair of coveralls and believe you me, they need a washing daily.

[betagirl]

I have 2 Timbuk2 messenger bags, the medium and the small. The medium is what I use most often when I commute. You can fit a small body in there. They're not exactly cheap if you get them off their website, but I've seen them on sale at places like Performance and REI.

[cusepack]

Timbuk2 bags get my vote as well. The stability strap for the back works well and, the bag also has little reflective straps for close to dusk rides. Yes, they're a bit on the expensive side ($60 for small), but, I considered it an investment as it's relatively indestructible and it may be the last bag I purchase. Okay, so I might want a fun color later on, but it's incredibly durable and well worth the money.

[Geonz]

So... these "stability straps" - they would keep the thing from sliding around? How's that work? Boobage is an issue for me... it's gotta be on one side or the other, or between 'em and that always seems to put things in the wrong place. (Kinda like suspenders, which I always thought were cute in theory...)