Best commuter backpacks for cycling to work

As the weather improves, cycling to work becomes much more attractive. So here's our rundown of the best backpacks to keep your stuff organised and dry on your daily commute...

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By Fin Cousins

Published: January 27, 2023 at 4:36 pm

Cycling to work can be a revelation. Escaping the arduous drive, the humid inside of a bus, or the mad rush of a train journey can completely change how you view your working day.

But one of the best bits about going to work by bike is that you can also turn your commutes into training sessions.

Now, you might be an aerodynamic, Lycra shorts-wearing commuter that loves nothing more than waging war on other two-wheeled vehicles (everything from electric bikes to scooters).

Or you may be more of a jeans flapping in the wind, phone in one hand (don't do that), mountain bike kind of commuter. Both types will need to solve a common issue, one that has plagued cyclists since the dawn of time: carrying stuff.

While pannier bags can take care of that job, a good commuter backpack can also solve your problems. They’re often secured with adjustable straps to keep them locked in tight, with multiple compartments to store your things. Often, a good cycling backpack can also offer some much-needed visibility on the road.

We’ve listed our picks below, which are based on in-depth research and analysis of consumer reviews. If you’re looking for some more inspiration, have a look at our list of the best cycling backpack deals on the market.

Looking for some more commuting advice?

This bag from cycling specialists Ettore is designed to be entirely waterproof, featuring a roll-down top made from tarpaulin with heat-welded seams. There are also fully adjustable straps, including straps for the waist and chest to keep everything locked in tight.

The black and white outer layer also uses a high visibility reflective pattern to ensure you stand out on the road in the dark. For an extra touch of visibility, the brand has also included a front light loop for attaching a bike light to your bag.

There are other little touches for convenience, too, such as a small, zipped front pocket and a carry handle at the top. It's available in two sizes: 25L and 30L, with just a £1 difference between the two.

The simplistically titled Riderbag aims to provide top-of-the-range safety, with high visibility material for the day and reflective materials for the night.

It's designed for both motorcyclists and cyclists, with a pocket specifically designed for a back protector (although you’ll have to purchase one separately).

It's also said to be water resistant, with a high-vis waterproof cover included in the price. For office commuters, there's a laptop compartment that can fit a laptop up to 16 inches.

The 35L backpack should be suitably spacious for most rider's needs. There's also a helmet net, so you can avoid having to drag your helmet around the office with you.

This backpack from Stubble & Co is designed with cycling in mind, featuring sealed seams and water-resistant zips in an attempt to keep your possessions dry through rainy commutes.

There are visibility safety measures woven subtly into the outer layer, with a reflective base to help keep you seen while cycling in the dark.

There's also an adjustable chest strap to keep the backpack tightly secured, plus pockets to help carry your bike lock, and a water bottle or umbrella.

The laptop pocket is designed to hold any shape up to 16 inches. Plus, the muted, sleek black design makes this an attractive option for everyday use.

This backpack from Osprey can hold 32L in the medium/large size, but is able to adjust to different torso lengths – shifted by adjusting the shoulder harness.

There's an internal organiser for bike specific tools and spares, a bike helmet attachment, as well as smaller zipped pockets for your GPS or sunglasses.

It's designed for commuters and mountain bikers but features capabilities for more intrepid uses. For longer rides, there is also an external hydration sleeve that can be filled with a water reservoir.

Osprey provides a high visibility rain cover that can be deployed to protect your pack and gear, as well as reflective graphics and a blinker light attachment.

Chrome Industries’ Barrage backpack features an adjustable five-point net system to allow for additional storage, offering space to hold your cycling shoes or helmet when you get to the office. There are side pockets, too, which feature U-locks to keep your water bottle secure.

Other notable details include the abrasion resistant nylon shell outside and a waterproof tarpaulin liner to keep your items dry. It's not the biggest at 18-22L capacity, yet is able to fit a laptop up to 15-inches and appears to be a well-rounded option.

Proviz's cycling backpack aims for maximum visibility, with a muted grey colour in daylight that shifts to an entirely reflective material in the dark. You can also attach your own LED lights, using an integrated loop.

There's also a ventilation system that's designed to allow air to move around your back in order to stop any uncomfortable, clammy feelings. There's space for a two-litre hydration reservoir, plus side pockets to hold water bottles or lights when travelling in the day.

Constructed of a neon outer with a roll top, Oxford's creation carries a number of notable features at a reasonable price. The welded seams and waterproof fabric suggest this bag should keep your possessions from getting soaked in wet weather.

Meanwhile, the neon outer layer comes with a full 360-degree reflective detailing. For a bit of added comfort, there's an air mesh fitted into the back panels, plus fully adjustable straps for a snug fit. The only drawback might be the 20L capacity, but at this price, there's plenty to like.

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Top image credit: Getty Images/Jordan Siemens

Fin Cousins is a digital writer for Our Media's special interest brands. He works across BBC Science Focus and 220 Triathlon, offering recommendations for the latest tech, innovative gadgets, and state-of-the-art training gear.

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