As a kid I used to bicycle to school from April 15th to november 15th. That was roughly 7 miles one way.
When in college I used to bike to work (1/4 mile) but that was to work mainteance.
Factory work I've biked a few times only. Never for the store.
The bike packs or a regular backpack with your clothes sealed in a plastic bag always worked for me. And yes, bring comb and deorderant etc.
It beats paying the gas prices however.
