A few years ago on this forum, I mentioned that I disliked cycling with a backpack or even a messenger bag. I felt like a freak because alot of people like it/don't mind.

But now I'm noticing more people here and now when I bike around, more people using panniers.

The reason why I use pannier(s) 99% of the time, is that I am a small boned and petite person. (5'1" @ 97 lbs.) Most messenger bags are just too big and slide off my small back or bump uncomfortably along my side.

And I would like to save my back as the years go by, by not cycling with much or no weight on my back at all.

My whole body feels freer, stronger when I cycle and particularily going up hills without sweating more with a heavy backpack against my body.