Pannier bags or frame bags...how do you choose?

[YMFB]

I prefer panniers and a top bag above the rear wheel. I tried frame bags and a handle bar bag but they either rubbed me or the bike, hindered access to water bottles.

The Tailfin setup suits me as I can fit/remove the frame along with a number of combinations of panniers and bags in seconds. I use mine for commuting and am preparing to use it for Lejog next year

 

[Mike Ayling]

In the late nineteen sixties I did weekend YHA trips using a large canvas saddle bag.
I recall that it made the bike top heavy and difficult to control if thebike leaned over when pushing it.
Panniers being lower down are more stable,

 

[sheddy]

Wicker basket and panniers for shopping

Sorry, wrong forum

 

[Baldy]

Panniers on the road bike, frame bags on the mountain bike. Slimmer profile helps off road but isn't so important on the road. Panniers are easier to use take on/off etc.

 

[TheDoctor]

Panniers all the way for me, unless I'm travelling light enough to just use a saddlebag.
T-Bag if I'm touring by Brompton.

 

[TomDW]

Always panniers for me. Tried frame bags and got fed up of having to put tape on frame to prevent rub, also did backpack once, 30 odd litre one full to brim across Netherlands in a day, 25 degrees C...never, ever, again!

Agree, I think I did a short trip when young with backpack. Would never do it now, terrible in heat and when climbing. It almost seems derigeur amongst certain cycle groups to have a day backpack. It won't help you get up that hill !