When commuting by bicycle one of the most flexible and convenient ways of carrying luggage is with a backpack. Backpacks designed for cycling offer better ventilation and a secure fit that doesn't impede your helmet or riding.
Of course, bike panniers and frame bags offer a similar solution and are fantastic for carrying heavier and more awkward loads but require being fitted to your bike's frame. This is why cycling backpacks are so simple; you can easily swap between multiple bikes without worrying about hardware or fixings.
All the backpacks tested for this guide offer between 20 and 30 litres of storage capacity. Bags around this size offer a good middle ground that balances weight with storage capacity. These backpacks mostly include organizers for laptops, waist and chest straps, waterproofing and a place for a bottle. There are excellant bags that sit outside these sizes but we have found them to have too many compromises.
In this guide, we have seven backpacks that have been put through their paces by the Cycling Weekly team and that we think are well suited to cycling. This includes bags from brands specialising in luggage like Camelback and Ortlieb. With their Mule Commute 22l and Commuter Daypack covering the best compact and most waterproof options. We also have some lesser-known options like the Rapha Travel Backpack which brings style and visibility to what is usually a very utilitarian category.
The evergreen MULE combines durable materials, a host of pockets and an air channel back to reduce sweatiness. There is space for a D-lock on the outside and a system for attaching a helmet when it's not being worn, although we found this a little fiddly.
Rapha's backpack has a minimalistic design that hides a useful number of pockets, easy access clamshell zip and excellent reflectivity for extra visibility. However, the seams aren't fully sealed against the weather and it can feel awkward when packed full.
With a 30 liter capacity, the HAWG is at the larger end of the scale for commuting, but it is a great way to carry kit around. There are lots of well-thought-out pockets for organisation and a weatherproof sleeve for protection. Carrying it is comfy, but the helmet straps weren't perfect.
Ortlieb's expertise lies in making bags as waterproof as possible, so your cargo will be very well protected from the elements inside. There is only one pocket though (intended for tech), and the roll-top can snag on your helmet if the bag is very full.
Tough and weatherproof, the Barrage Freight backpack certainly lives up to the heavy-duty sound of the manufacturer's name. The external mesh panel is extremely useful for carrying larger items and there are other pockets for organization too, but its build quality comes at a cost - both cash and weight-wise.
With shoulder straps and pannier rack attachments, the Varo is ideal for commuters who prefer to carry the weight on the bike as far as possible but then have a walk into the office. It's waterproof with a roll-top closure but you need to make sure the straps stay clean, and it is a bit weighty.
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Helmet carry was fiddly and doesn't suit all helmet strap systems
If you're looking to travel light, the CamelBak MULE 22 backpack is a stylish, weather resistant option for commuters.
But let's focus on what matters the most: pockets. Inside the main compartment, there is a weatherproof roll-top sleeve for a laptop or an A4-sized notebook. Over the lid of the bag, there's a handy zipped mesh pocket which we used for small, loose items.
The arm harness of each strap is also lined with useful pockets. The right side can take keys (with a key loop) or train tickets, whilst the other side is generous enough to fit a phone. In testing, we particularly enjoyed this feature as you can insert and remove your phone without having to take off the bag. In terms of specific dimensions, our tester was using a 145x70mm phone with the system without any issues problem.
The back panel has three separate zones which rest on your back and feature an air channel to help with ventilation and reduce the chances of a sweaty back. Another useful touch is that the side pockets can take a D-lock, which makes securing your bike when on the go a little easier.
Rapha deliver some quality cycling products including cycling shoes, jerseys and water bottles. So we tested the Rapha Travel Backpack...
Featuring a reflective waterproof nylon exterior, the Rapha Travel Backpack is an option for commuters who often find themselves caught in the rain. Though the seams are not taped, nor are the zips Aquaguard. Instead, there's a stowable fully waterproof cover you can pull over the bag in truly biblical downpours.
The bag has a capacity of 25 liters. This is divided between a main body which has a fabric splitter to organize your luggage, a small pocket for valuables, a padded laptop pocket and another small pocket for access to keys so you don't have to remove the bag. For security, the zips have big loops so you can padlock them and open them easily wearing thick winter gloves.
In testing, we liked the reflective coating on the straps which improved visibility for cycling in the dark. We found both straps well padded and comfortable to wear for long periods of time, as well as being easily adjustable. A sternum strap with a magnetic clasp is also present for increasing stability.
All in all, the Rapha Travel Backpack is expensive when compared to other options. , but succeeds in being stylish enough to use in any environment, not just for commuting or for travelling, while also being better value than several options available.
The HAWG cycling backpack comes with loads of pockets, including a weatherproof backpack sleeve, side pockets that will take a bike lock or a bottle, several reflective areas and a light loop.
The harness system is stable even when not using the waist strap and there's good airflow over your back. The straps are comfortable and come with tidy-aways so the ends don't flap around as you ride, but we found the helmet carry straps a bit fiddly to use.
We weighed the HAWG at 975g - lighter than Camelbak claims. If you don't need quite as much capacity though, it might be better to consider the 22 liter MULE, though.
Ortlieb has been making high-quality, rugged and durable bike bags for over 40 years. The Commuter Daypack takes all of this experience and expertise into a 27 liter backpack for the trendy urban rider.
As you'd expect, the Daypack is extremely well-made and completely waterproof so you can be safe in the knowledge that your laptop and clean underpants are well-protected on the way to work.
Despite its minimalistic appearance, our tester found the Daypack comfortable to wear and well-ventilated. There's a large padded pocket for your devices but otherwise the bag is one large space that will swallow all your daily wares and a basket full of shopping.
In testing, we thought the external cargo net is the best part of this bag. The robust, secure netting and four adjustable clips to hold items that don't fit well inside the main compartment, such as helmets or shoes. On the outer, there are also two side pockets which are useful for storing water bottles, as well as one vertical zipped pocket for valuables.
With its 22 liter capacity and roll top and buckle closure system, this rugged waterproof backpack is certainly built for all conditions. While it is expensive and on the heavy side, but the Barrage Freight is an expertly constructed backpack that keeps its contents dry and lasts and lasts.
Straps need to be removed in pannier mode to stop them from getting wet or dirty
The New Looxs Varo does double duty as a backpack and a pannier thanks to removable shoulder straps and a built-in pannier rack mount. It's made of waterproof polyester with a roll-top closure and the seams are welded. The bag weighs 1.3kg and there's 22 liters capacity. Extras include side pockets and light loops.
The shoulder, chest and waist straps convert the Varo to backpack use. You can use it as a pannier with these attached, although they'll quickly get wet or dirty. As a backpack, we thought it was comfortable and well-padded and there's plenty of capacity.
North St. Bags are hand-sewn in Portland and produced in small batches using high-quality, eco-friendly materials. They are designed for active travellers, commuters, and trekkers.
The upcycled version of the Davis Daypack from North St. Hannah tested back in 2023 was a limited edition but based on a standard model available year-round. The Davis Daypack features a roll-top closure, side and front pockets and a single large main compartment, which according to Hannah is "impressively waterproof".
While not the most affordable option considering its lack of features, the Davis Daypack makes up for it with a robust and durable construction. Considering this and its eco credentials and high levels of water resistance, this lack of features can be easily overlooked. If you are looking for something a little different that matches style with durability, the North St. Bags Davis Daypack might be worth a look.
What to look for in a cycling backpack for commuting
There's nothing stopping you from using a standard backpack for your cycle commute. However, those created with cycling in mind will tick a few boxes that might be neglected elsewhere. Here are the features to look out for:
Air channels for breathability
Chances are your body temperature will rise as you ride. Therefore, a good cycling-specific backpack will cater for this with channels at the rear or the use of mesh or more breathable fabrics.
Padded straps
You don't want the straps to put pressure on your back when you load up your pack, so look for padded straps that will promote comfort on the bike.
Chest/hip straps
Extra straps at the chest and/or hips will keep the pack in place - without these, you might find the pack swings from side to side or hangs over your shoulder when you get on the drops. These should ideally be adjustable, and some brands - such as Osprey - offer a greater amount of adjustability on female-specific packs so that the chest strap can fasten under or over the bust depending upon preference (as opposed to directly across).
Pockets
Everyone likes to organise their kit into appropriate compartments, right?! A quality cycling backpack will have a selection of pockets so you can keep your lunch away from the rest of your luggage. Sections designed for tyre levers, tubes and a pump will be helpful too, as well as zipped compartments for valuables and side pockets for easy-to-reach access.
If you're cycling to work, you might also want to look for a laptop pocket with padding to keep your tech safe.
Waterproofing
If you cycle commute on a regular basis, it's likely you'll find yourself forced to ride in the rain at some point. Many packs come with waterproof removable covers, whilst some are simply constructed from a waterproof fabric. If you're looking for a fully waterproof option, check for taped seams which will help to keep the droplets out.
Reflective details
Whilst the number one requirement when riding in the dark is a good set of bike lights, reflective details are a good idea and many packs will come with these.
Hydration system
More often a requirement for mountain bikers, a hydration system could come in handy for a roadie who dabbles in off-road riding like cyclocross or gravel bike adventures.
More mountain bike-orientated packs will often come with a bladder, whilst those aimed more at road cyclists may just have a compartment that will fit a bladder and a loop at the shoulder where a drinking tube can be stored if used.
How we test
Whilst there is plenty of crossover with standard walking rucksacks, a cycling-specific backpack will be more comfortable when bent forward in a riding position on a bike.
Commuters will regularly need to carry heavier items like a tablet or a laptop, which are not usually needed when out hiking. Hence, the ability to keep tech and other things separate from work clothes or your lunch is a desirable attribute for a commuting pack. Last but not least, some form of weatherproofing is vital for a bag that may be used year-round. With these criteria in mind, the bags on the test were used and abused on and off the bike to determine their best features and possible weaknesses.
FAQs
Should you wear a backpack when cycling?
Cycling with a backpack certainly has its pros and cons, while they are covenant, flexible and capable of hauling a decent amount of stuff, they can be heavy to ride with and make you sweaty.
It's best to consider what you need to haul and what facilities you have on your bike to use the alternatives. If you regularly find yourself carrying heavy or clunky items like laptops, shoes and clothing, it may be worth considering using a pannier bag and rack.
For lighter items such as gym kit, lunch or a few daily essentials then one of the recommendations above could be just the ticket.
What size backpack is best for commuting?
All the backpacks we have tested in this category have between 20 and 30 litres of capacity. This offers a nice middle ground that balances weight with storage capacity. There are plenty of smaller and larger bags available but we have found that this starts to introduce too many compromises.
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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.
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