Backpacks for Commuting On a Bicycle

Finding one of the great backpacks for commuting on a bicycle can really make the difference between an easy ride or an uncomfortable one. You all ready beat the traffic jams and elbow to elbow train rides so you shouldn’t let the wrong cycling backpack slow you down.

We put together a list of the best backpacks for commuting on a bicycle along with some tips and things to look for if your not familiar with this sort of travel.

Comfort Is Important

Anytime your looking to purchase a cycling backpack or any backpack, you want to look at how the pack is constructed and what is offered on the pack to add to your comfort. Design add-ons like waist straps and sternum straps can add to stability.

Straps are also important as some straps are wider than others or offer more padding. More padding on the shoulders and back panel is a good idea if your daily commute requires a heavy load. If you sweat a lot or ride in a warmer climate good ventilation is always a plus.

Quicker Access Is Helpful

All bags are designed different and you may prefer quicker access to your keys, phone, wallet or any other items. A quick access pocket can come in handy if your in a crunch.

Some quick access pockets are purposely designed for your items like padded fabric for your gadgets or a key ring so you know exactly where your keys are and you never misplace them.

What Will You Carry

Don’t just purchase a cycling backpack, because it looks cool. Make sure the pack fits your ideal daily carry needs as a commuting cyclist. If you pack a change of clothes for the gym or work along with your gadgets and lunch you may need a pack designed to carry a heavier load.

If you carry gadgets, padded areas with designated pockets or sleeves is a great feature to look for. Waterproof material may also be a must have if you want to protect your gadgets from water damage. Some bags also come with covers so you won’t need a fully waterproof pack and you can save a couple bucks.nullnull

Såk Gear BackSåk Waterproof Backpack (US $64)

This is a serious pack and one of our favorite packs for cycling in the rain. Your items will be extremely dry if riding with this bag, we promise.

The reflector design works very well and is surprisingly bright, perfect for low visibility days or nights.

It’s comfortable for even long rides due to the great padding on the back and straps. This is an extremely comfortable back and maybe the best as a waterproof pack.

Green Guru Gear Commuter (US $76)

Made in the U.S.A. with vegan materials is this really spacious pack by Green Guru. The roll top design allows for this pack to be filled with your gear and belongings, It’s a simple pack that’s versatile and can be used not only as a commuter pack, but as a day pack.

We did not like that their is no designated water bottle or easy access pocket for one, but you can always cary one inside the pack of course. The hip and chest strap also add to the stability of this bag when riding.

Thule Paramount 24L Daypack (US $79)

Thule has a well established name in outdoor gear and this pack is no different in quality for a cycling commute. This is one of the better waterproof packs on the market for commutes.

If you plan on carrying a laptop you have dual access from the side and top. It really is one of the best designed laptop bags we’ve seen offered. The daisy chain attachment system is perfect for bike lights and the roll-top cover will assist in protecting your gear.

Timbuk2 Spire Backpack (US $90)

Timbuk2 makes some of our favorite packs for all sorts of activities. The Spire does not fall short of expectation and is one go the best packs for a cycling commute hands down.

This pack was designed with Apple products in mind like your MacBook, which could be great for Apple users as your products will fit the way Apple would have intended out of a backpack.

This bag is ventilated to reduce sweat and designed with a waterproof TPU and canvas materials. It has a rolltop that water rolls of of and cool features that bikers will really love like the daisy chain web, bottle opener and many cool pockets for organization.

Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop Backpack (US $126)

An absolute beauty by Chrome Industries the Urban Ex is a fully waterproof pack that features Knurled Welded™ construction and a rolltop closure for incase the rain comes knocking.

Easily stash or grab items you want quick access to with the water tight quick-access pocket and exterior webbing. You also have internal pockets for storing additional items.

This pack was improved for cyclist with the newly designed shoulder harness for improved comfort. Maybe the only bag matched both in beauty and comfort on the list.

Ortlieb Velocity Backpack (US $143)

The Ortlieb Velocity Messenger Backpack is an awesome bag for any bicycle commuter or active person. The waterproof design is great for those bad weather days when your on the go and can’t worry about the small stuff.

It has 20L of space and the plastic bends a little if you need to stuff an extra item or two, which is helpful. You really can’t beat it for the price and you have 3 colors to choose from in case bright yellow is not your thing.

The bag has a carry handle, padded foam and a ventilated back with shoulder straps. A couple of cool features are the protected bottom and corners of the bag that will help preserve your bag overtime and the strap loops on the back for attaching rear safety lights for or carrying your helmet when you’re off your bike.

Two Wheel Gear – Pannier Backpack (US $149)

This Pannier Backpack Convertible is a popular choice for the urban commuter. This pack mounts to a standard bike rack 6-12 mm and cane worn comfortably once removed from the rack.

It has an integrated reflective design and flasher attachment to help keep you safe and visible at night. Constructed of a very durable waterproof-coated 600D polyester and comes with a reflective rain cover.

On the inside you will have room for your laptop in the padded sleeve and enough pockets to organize all of your gear and hydration equipment.

Thule Pack-n-Pedal Commuter Backpack (US $159)

This pack was designed with the cyclist commuter in mind just as the name says. The waterproof pack has a good sized main compartment that will fit all of your gear, while the roll-top cover adds an extra layer of protection from the elements.

You can comfortably fit all of your gear including your light, U-Lock and helmet. Organize all of your gear with extra space for your laptop, phone, and other essentials.

WANDRD PRVKE Backpack (US $289)

The PRVKE Pack is highly awarded and one of the best camera backpacks for commuting on a bicycle. It really has a unique design compared to your standard packs. It comes in two sizes 31 and 21 Liter sizes.

Its made of a water-resistant tarpaulin and nylon dobby that will really protect your gear under many circumstances. It provides side camera access great for any photographers.

The clamshell design provides a wide opening and easy access to your dedicated laptop sleeve. This is a really awesome and versatile pack perfect for the quick traveler.

Mission Workshop Rambler 22L-44L (US $295)

The Mission Workshop bag is an expandable bag that can increase dramatically to hold all of your items. Perfect for commuting on a bicycle carrying work supplies, gym gear, groceries or a lot of beers and bottles.

Built extremely tough and can carry anything you want. It’s an amazing pack that distributes weight perfectly. You would be amazed on how much this bag will expand. The expansion quality is what makes it one of the great bags for cyclist on the go.

Options To Keep In Mind

You Went Green

Some riders choose to cycle commute as their way of protecting Mother Earth and kudos to you for your sacrifice. If your an environmentally conscious consumer than maybe green products that use recycled materials is important and a Joyride pack is more your thing.

Is Organization Important

If you like every site to have a designated item to save space and time when your scouring through our pack than pockets are a plus. The more pockets and pockets designed with a purpose is great to have.

Some packs have a good mix of internal pockets and external pockets allowing you the opportunity to organize the way you want to along with using your main compartment as the base for structuring your pack.

The only downside to more pockets can be the added weight to your commute an the added price when you checkout.

Adjustable Straps

As we covered above different straps can really help with stability. Many packs have a body type in mind and you can find this info on the product page.

Packs designed for women or men can have limits to the size of the straps. Other packs may have adjustable straps that can fit a range of body sizes. Some women’s packs have options for comfort on the chest strap by having the choice of fastening under or over the chest.

Waterproof It

If your commuting to work everyday than it’s only a matter of time before the clouds unleash a storm or a light snow. Having a pack with the right materials can make the difference between your gear being destroyed or not.

Different design aspects like taped seems or, water resistant materials, roll top closure or rain covers are really something to look out for. A water resistant bag should fit your needs on a daily commute, but you can be complete sure your gear will be fine if you purchase a fully waterproof bag.

Reflections

One thing to think about is quality lights or reflective devices as an added safety measure. This will increase your visibility to drivers on the road. Some packs also have attachment points where you can place a bike light or other safety features.

Hydration

We all get thirsty and staying hydrated is the key to not cramp or pass out. For this you have two main options.Your first option is to carry a water bottle or purchase a pack that comes with a water bottle holder. You can also carry a hydration pack with a water reservoir for easy drinking.

Style Matters

The top backpacks for commuting on a bicycle may not have the right office look you had in mind and this is definitely something to look for. Someone who dresses a bit more casual to work can get away with a comfortable looking pack as opposed to someone who works in a more professional setting. Minimal designs and clean colors like black, brown or navy can assist in having a versatile pack that can adapt to different environments.