Is an inappropriate backpack obstructing your passion for cycling? Cycling is always considered the best mode of transportation. It is not only good for your health but also for the environment and a great relief from suffocating subway routes. But, a real challenge can be carrying the basic amenities while you’re going to work.
Haul all the necessary work items in the Best Backpack for Bike Commuters. You can refer to our buying guide and the list underneath for the same to make the right choice. We have round-up about 10 most demanded and useful backpacks for a rider like you!
Buying Guide for Best Backpack for Bike Commuters
Materials & Durability
You’ll want your backpack to be able to withstand a few falls, as these things do happen, even if we hope they don’t.
Look for a backpack made of high-density nylon or a hardshell made of blended PVC. This gives it the best chance of surviving a tarmac scrape and ensures it lasts for at least a few years.
Comfort
The last thing anyone wants to feel while riding is constrained or uncomfortable because a strap is digging into them or they can feel their gear through the back panel of their backpack. It can irritate you, be frustrating, and even result in an accident.
Water-Resistance
Investing in a backpack that is either water-resistant or waterproof for use while riding is a wise decision. You never know when it will rain, and if it does, you can’t just stop your day and hide under cover until it passes; you have to keep going.
With a water-resistant or waterproof backpack, you can ride without worrying about the weather, knowing that even if the heavens open, all your gear will remain dry and you will be able to continue riding.
Safety
Choose one with reflective materials on the outside so you can be seen easily, as well as one that is strong enough to break your fall if you have one.
The majority of the backpacks shown above have reflected materials on them, and they are all quite rugged, though some are more so than others.
Best Backpack for Bike Commuters
1) Two Wheel Gear - Alpha Pannier Backpack 25L
Two Wheel Gear – Alpha Pannier Backpack 25L
Product dimension: 19 x 16 x 3 inches
Product Weight: 2.8 Pounds
The Two Wheel Gear – Pannier Backpack is one of the Best Backpacks for Bike Commuters and it is extremely useful. It is simple to hitch onto the bike while in pannier mode. And it has a great security feature that you won’t find in other panniers. It’s a tiny little lock in the middle of the pannier that you can snap over your rack to prevent the pannier from falling off.
This security feature is extremely important. The bag itself is light, compact, and well-thought-out. You have a padded inner pocket for your laptop, which is extremely useful when attending any event or conference. Best of all, the bag is so light that it will be easy to carry even with your laptop.
Then there’s a small zippered pouch at the front top that fits an iPhone and a wallet. It’s lined with a plush, soft material. Just below that pouch is a larger one with an umbrella graphic on it. It does, of course, have a waterproof cover for those days when you get caught in the rain. On one side, there are outer pockets for keys, and on the other, there is a traveler cup.
At the top of the bag is a webbed, zippered pouch. This is a great place to keep items like protein bars that you might need on the go.
2) Osprey Radial Bike Commuter Backpack
Osprey Radial Bike Commuter Backpack
Product dimension: 24 x 18 x 7 inches
Product Weight: 3.35 Pounds
The Osprey Radial Bike Commuter Backpack looks good and performs even better because it is made of recycled nylon canvas. It’s available in both men’s and women’s sizes, has water-bottle pockets on both sides and has a stretch pocket on the front for shoes, wet clothes, or other items you might need to access on the go.
The Osprey Radial Bike Commuter Backpack has a zipper on the front that allows you to fold the upper sleeve of fabric to see what’s inside your bag; there’s also an internal sleeve and zippered pocket on the side with a key keeper.
The harness is size adjustable and can be tailored to your specific torso size, and the mesh-covered ‘Airscape’ back panel helps to prevent sweaty back patches. A U-lock is stored in a large pocket on the outside of the pack, and a small rectangle of plastic called Lidlock slips through your helmet vents to secure it.
A small zippered pocket on the side is large enough to store a wallet, snacks, or other small items that you want to keep close at hand. On the other side, perhaps the most interesting feature is a water bottle pocket that is angled back toward you, making it easier to grasp and insert your bottle.
3) RiderBag Reflektor 35 Backpack
RiderBag Reflektor 35 Backpack
Product dimension: 19 x 13.5 x 2 inches
Product Weight: 1.7 pounds
Reflective fabrics and special reflective prints are used on high-visibility backpacks. Many brands sell backpacks with reflective piping and printed logos for increased visibility in low light while still maintaining a low-key day-to-day look.
Other brands, such as Oterlieb and Proviz Sports, offer reflective fabric backpacks that illuminate in low light, resulting in a safer high-visibility product that is ideal for bicyclists, urban commuters, and schoolchildren alike.
It has extra padding on the back and straps to keep you comfortable all day, whether you are going for bike/motorcycle riding, hiking, commuting, or any other outdoor sports.
The Rider Bag is made of a lightweight, water-resistant fabric. It’s easy to clean and reflective. A high-visibility waterproof backpack cover, a paracord survival keychain, and an attachable helmet net are also included with your purchase.
This bike, motorcycle, or outdoor backpack can be a true companion on all of your journeys. Hiking, climbing, traveling, biking, skateboarding, and so on. It has a lot of room and is extremely comfortable for any sport. It also makes an excellent gift for family and friends.
The Rider bag is a 35L backpack with multiple compartments for storing your belongings. It also functions as a laptop bag, holding up to a 16-inch computer securely. Fill one of the two large stretch mesh side pockets with your water bottle. A helmet net is included for carrying a helmet, basketball, or soccer ball.
4) Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack
Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack
Product dimension: 6 x 11.5 x 16 inches
Product Weight: 2.3 pounds
The Skog Kust BackSk Waterproof Floating Backpack is a roll-top backpack made of 500-denier waterproof PVC with welded seams that keep moisture out. It’s light, simple, and a great deal if all you need is a backpack that can hold a day’s worth of clothing and gear while keeping it dry—we packed it with a laptop, change of winter clothes, shoes, a six-pack of beer, a spare jacket, a bottle of wine, and a helmet.
We also liked its minimalist design. It can be folded up for storage when not in use. When riding in the rain, the straps are simple to adjust and dry quickly. The only disadvantage is that the outside easily gets marks. Our test model is bright yellow, but the black marks from the CitiBike racks have stained it. So, if that bothers you, go for the black one.
The sternum clip and padded back support relieve muscle tension. Thick, cushioned straps adjust to provide personalized comfort. Furthermore, there are handy D-rings on the sides for attaching water bottles and other gear. Simply roll down the top and click the top clip to make an instant handle, or use the side clips and adjust for a snug and compressed fit.
It has a large splash-proof outer pocket with plenty of room for keys, IDs, and other items. Furthermore, the reflective trim surround makes you and your bag visible in low-light conditions. The back has a large zippered pocket, two mesh pockets, and a key clip on the inside to help you organize your belongings.
5) Eelo Cyglo Safety Backpack for Cycling
Eelo Cyglo Safety Backpack for Cycling
Product dimension: —
Product Weight: 365 grams
The Eelo CYGLO pack is a lightweight packable riding rucksack. The bag folds into itself to create a pack size slightly larger than that of a lightweight windproof, and it weighs only 365 grams with the electronic indicator display included (explained below). Because of its small size, it is ideal for storing in a pannier or pocket to provide additional carrying capacity on shopping trips or errands.
The pack is made of rip-stop nylon that is resistant to water. It is a lightweight fabric that is not intended for heavy use or abuse, but it easily brushes off showers and rear wheel spray and is durable enough for light loads.
There aren’t many bells and whistles on the pack’s design, such as no back padding or structure to the rucksack. It does, however, have useful side mesh pockets for bottles as well as reflective light loops on the back. It also has a useful internal valuables pocket that also serves as the bag’s stuff sack.
The CYGLO is a lightweight and portable bag that is ideal for traveling and running errands around town.
This is a rechargeable LED display that zips into a pocket on the bag’s exterior. The LED display has four signals: left, right, hazard, and ‘cycling.’ Toggling between these signals is done with a small control unit that sits on your handlebars or clips to your rucksack straps.
The LEDs are bright enough to improve visibility significantly. They will last approximately 8 hours on constant flash and 20 hours on intermittent signaling (and standby mode), and can be recharged via a mini-USB connection.
Taking your hands off the handlebars and brakes to indicate can be difficult for novice cyclists and those riding in heavy traffic. The CYGLO indicator does not eliminate the need for hand signals, but it does mean that if you can only manage to quickly jab the control unit on your bars rather than a prolonged hand signal, the following traffic will hopefully be better alerted to your intended turning ahead.
6) Arvano Bike Backpack
Arvano Bike Backpack
Product dimension: 18″ x 8.6″ x 2″ inches
Product Weight: 1.1 pounds
The Arvano Bike Backpack is made of high-quality, long-lasting Ripstop fabric and high-quality zippers. The main compartment has a double zip and an elasticated internal pocket. It has a top hole for inserting a drinking tube. It also has a compartment for storing your quick-dry sweat towel, umbrella, or wallet.
With a capacity of 6 L, it does not add a significant burden to your travel load. Adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps provide a secure and comfortable carry.
The backpack is ergonomically designed for back comfort. In the back, there is an integrated breathable sponge mesh that is both breathable and non-muggy. When riding at night, reflective strips improve visibility.
This bag is designed specifically for road biking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Last but not least, there is a small zippered compartment on the front that can hold a cell phone. The output can also be used to connect headphones.
7) LOCALLION Cycling Biking Backpack
LOCALLION Cycling Biking Backpack
Product dimension : 2 x 7.8 x 16 inches
Product Weight: 1.01 Pounds
The LOCALLION Cycling Backpack Biking Backpack features a breathable mesh pad on the back for maximum breathability and heat dissipation. It is made of lightweight tear-resistant nylon fabric, making it both light and durable. It has a simple drinking system. It can be used as a drinking bag, with a special hole designed for a 1.5-2 liter water bladder.
The Ergonomic design on the back for maximum breathability and comfort, and the chest strap and waist strap can fix the bag so the bag will not move while riding. Wide webbed shoulder straps help to reduce the burden on your shoulder. It also has adjustable shoulder straps and waist straps to fit your cycling, jogging, and running needs. Perfectly suitable for both men and women.
Furthermore, it has reflective strips for safe riding at night. This small backpack can be used as a faithful and versatile companion for your short trips or your sporting experience. You can hook to hang a riding lamp in front of the backpack. Night riding is safer with the suspension of riding lamps. There are reflective strips on the bag, so it is also safe without a riding lamp. Lastly, the outer pocket of the phone is convenient for getting items when riding.
8) Thule 100070 Commuter Backpack
Thule 100070 Commuter Backpack
Product dimension : 6.69 x 24.02 x 24.02 inches
Product Weight: 2.56 Pounds
The Pack ‘n Pedal bag from Thule has a utilitarian design that translates into an extremely functional rucksack. The roll-top backpack has an IPX4-rated main compartment to keep your belongings dry in the rain, as well as a rain cover for maximum moisture resistance. Inside, there’s a removable padded laptop compartment, a tablet sleeve, and mesh cable pockets.
It has extra padding on the back and straps to keep you comfortable all day, whether you are going for bike/motorcycle riding, hiking, commuting, or any other outdoor sports.
The Rider Bag is made of lightweight, water-resistant fabric. It’s easy to clean and reflective. A high-visibility waterproof backpack cover, a paracord survival keychain, and an attachable helmet net are also included with your purchase.
For those who are unfamiliar, Thule is a name synonymous with travel storage, specializing in items such as rooftop cargo boxes. That expertise, it turns out, fits quite nicely into their cycling commuter-friendly Pack ‘N’ Pedal backpack. It has a weatherproof main compartment, a high-vis rainfly for rainy days, a hideaway helmet attachment point, a padded laptop sleeve, and 360 degrees of reflective print for exceptional visibility even in low-light situations.
9) Badass Moto Motorcycle Helmet Backpack
Badass Moto Motorcycle Helmet Backpack
Product dimension : 16.5 x 12.83 x 2.8 inches
Product Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Badass Moto Cool Motorcycle Helmet Backpack is a great commuter backpack because it’s small (15 liters), but the helmet holder is on the outside, so you can use all of the internal space for your office and gym gear. Unfortunately, the Badass Moto Cool Motorcycle Helmet Backpack does not look particularly badass, but it does the job and is reasonably priced
On the inside, you’ll find an organizational panel as well as a padded laptop sleeve, allowing you to ride knowing your computer is secure. There is also a large main compartment and three external pockets to help you keep your belongings organized.
The back panel and straps are padded for a comfortable ride and breathable to keep you cool on hot days. Some users have reported durability issues with this backpack, but others have reported that it lasts a long time. Overall, it’s one of the best motorcycle helmet backpacks with a small capacity on the market.
10) TIMBUK2 Robin Commuter Laptop Backpack
The TIMBUK2 Robin Commuter Laptop Backpack is ideal for habitual overpackers thanks to its expandable front panel and compression straps. The top-loading bag has a 15-inch laptop compartment, dual external water bottle pockets, a TPU front panel, and water-resistant zippers to provide a temporary rain barrier if you get caught in the rain 10 minutes from home.
The shoulder straps are well padded but have vents built in to allow for some airflow, and the back panel is perforated to keep you cool and comfortable. It’s only available in black and will hide dirt and grime while still having reflective logos to ensure you’re seen on the road.
It has extra padding on the back and straps to keep you comfortable all day, whether you are going for bike/motorcycle riding, hiking, commuting, or any other outdoor sports.
The Rider Bag is made of a lightweight, water-resistant fabric. It’s easy to clean and reflective. A high-visibility waterproof backpack cover, a paracord survival keychain, and an attachable helmet net are also included with your purchase.
It also has a 15-inch laptop compartment that can be accessed from both the main compartment and a side zipper (if you don’t want to dig through the entire bag to get it out). It’s also very comfortable. Padded mesh strips on the back increase airflow and reduce sweat, and one of our testers liked how the easily adjustable straps wrapped around her shoulders comfortably.
Sam Mortin
Sam Mortin is the creator of ‘Backpack Select’.
He is a Data Scientist by Profession & a Backpacker by heart. Here Sam help people choose best Backpacks for their Travels & Commutes.