I bike to and from work every day and I've found that when I need to bring a lot of stuff it's easier to stuff it all in a backpack and wear it. Somehow the bike feels heavier when I load it in the basket than when I carry it myself - don't ask me to explain that one - perhaps it has something to do with how it changes the center of gravity?

Anyway, it requires a sturdy backpack obviously, but I recommend it.