Panniers vs. Backpack for commute

[KathiCville]

What do riders think about the possibility of using a trunk bag (Arkel? Topeak?) instead of a backpack? Or maybe a combo of panniers and trunk bag?

Does shifting a bit of the weight from a panniers-only set-up to panniers-and-trunk-bag either help or hinder maneuverability? Or would the change be minimal?

[withm]

What do riders think about the possibility of using a trunk bag (Arkel? Topeak?) instead of a backpack? Or maybe a combo of panniers and trunk bag?

Does shifting a bit of the weight from a panniers-only set-up to panniers-and-trunk-bag either help or hinder maneuverability? Or would the change be minimal?

I love, love, love, my Arkel trunk bag and it is always on my bike. It's expandable, but it's really not big enough by itself for commuting. Assuming a change of clothes, shoes, purse type items, lunch, and work related items you really need a pannier, or maybe a set if you are hauling a lap top too.

For commuting I've used a single small pannier (Arkel T-28?) with the Arkel trunk bag. I've never noticed any change in maneuverabiltiy with work stuff, but if I have both panniers fully loaded with groceries or unevenly loaded with lots of heavy stuff you do have to be a little more careful.

[amandar]

One vote for saddlebags, although with a laptop you will have to get the largest carradice.
I use an Acorn med/large saddlebag, and it is awesome. All I need to carry is a shirt, pants, wallet, keys and tools though. I can also lash a jacket to the outside. If you're a minimalist it's plenty big.
The only problem is where to put my shoes. I currently wear my shoes (chromes) when commuting. One of these days I'm switching back to clipless, and then I'll have to leave a pair of shoes at work.
My bike comes into my workplace with me, so theft is not an issue. If it was I'd remove the seatpost and bring the whole thing in.
Carradice bags are huge, I can fit shoes, pants, jacket, food, tools, etc. with room to spare into a long flap.