How many of you use a backpack

[wahday]

I usually wear a hydration pack on day rides so I am used to riding with that much weight. I always wear one bikepacking mainly because water is scarce around here and I really need that storage space. So I will carry 3l on the back and load most everything else on the bike. The ability to stash smaller items (raingear and such) is also nice. Typically I need to carry up to 6-8 liters at a time so including the pack in the equation means I can spread that weight/pain around. 

In the past I have overloaded the pack and it sucked - energy draining and it made me sore. Strangely, I do find wearing a reasonably weighted pack gives me a sense of comfort and security.

[SkinnyTraffic]

I always have a backpack, although I rarely carry water in it (if so, just a bottle and not a big bladder) and nothing too heavy. I like it for keeping things on my person that I want when I'm away from my bike (resupplying/relaxing in towns, taking side hikes, day rides when I leave most gear at camp, etc.)  Also makes a handy pillow on cold nights when you're wearing all your clothes! I spent many years working as a bike courier, and nowadays carry a daypack for most any ride lasting over an hour or two... so I'm very adapted to it and it never bothers me.