I commute 9 miles each way in the hot, humid midwest. I've done the backpack thing and, well, I've learned to take clothes to work on the days I drive and have invested in soap, deoderant, extra makeup, etc that I leave at work so I could leave the backpack at home. The money I save in gas pays for those things. I have a bag for my handlebars that I stick my lunch, wallet, phone and work keys in. As far as the bike shorts, I used to feel self conscious too until I went to my first organized ride. Don't feel self-couscious about those shorts. You're doing something good for yourself and you're staying active and healthy which I bet is a lot more than the person who would make a comment about your shorts!