The Best Backpacks for Biking

Having an ergonomic, functional and lightweight backpack for biking is just one of those things that give you a head start to your day. Such backpacks for biking will keep your valuables organized and protected from the elements while including safety features like reflective strips and straps.

In this buying guide, we take a look at some of the best backpacks for cyclists with functional yet trendy designs carved out of durable and often recycled materials and with ample space for all your gear. For example, if you prefer using the same backpack for your work documents, laptop, and gym gear to switch to your workouts in the evening, a waterproof design with a removable tote will do. Likewise, anyone switching from lots of gear to just a few items needs a roll-top backpack that adjusts to their needs. If these scenarios resonate with you, check out our recommendations for some of the most versatile, comfortable and capable biking backpacks available anywhere.

If you commute with your 13-inch laptop, spare jacket, small electronic gadgets, and a lunch box, consider getting the Altura Unisex Thunderstorm City Backpack for your everyday use. It is a 30 L capacity roll-top backpack with an ergonomic design ideal for the urban lifestyle. Here, you get a padded laptop sleeve, spacious interior with inner zippered pockets, and small straps at the bottom of the bag to secure your rear bike lights. This functional commuter bag retails in bright yellow finish to keep you visible on busy roads. And, its waterproof fabric ensures your luggage remains dry regardless of the weather.

If you prefer a discrete commuter backpack with a stylish and comfortable design, opt for Chrome Industries Yalta 3.0 15 Inch Laptop Backpack. This daypack bag has all the bells and whistles for a functional urban carry. The traits include a flexible roll-top design, optimal heat regulation at the back, durable PU-coated zippers, and quick access pockets.

The Osprey Archeon 25 Men’s Roll Top Backpack is a functional biking backpack with many pockets for quick and convenient access to your luggage. More so, it includes a 3L water reservoir and adjustable shoulder harness to stabilize loads of up to 20 lbs. around your waist. And, there is a metallic frame-sheet that retains the backpack’s structure as you carry heavier loads.

Do you struggle with a sweaty back anytime you rock your favourite cycling backpack? If so, the 30L Craft Cadence backpack provides you with a convenient solution to this. It is a spacious roll-top waterproof backpack with a removable internal sleeve, a 17-inch laptop compartment, and several sides and inner pockets. More so, it features an EVA foam mesh back panel for optimal ventilation.

Here is the best small cycling backpack for crowded streets. Ridge The Commuter is a compact biking backpack with an anti-theft RFID pocket guarding your bank cards and ID against wireless theft. More so, it has double YKK zippers to keep pickpockets off your luggage. And, its expandable compartments will adjust to your luggage needs wherever you go.

The Patagonia Black Hole 25L Travel Pack is a trendy backpack for day hikers and city commutes. It holds a 15-inch laptop, water reservoir, clothes for one day hike, and smartphone. More so, it has daisy-chain lash points to secure your skateboard or yoga mat. You can rely on the padded shoulder straps to keep you fatigue-free as you commute with substantial luggage.

Are you planning a weekend camping adventure? The North Face presents you with a Fusebox Tote Commuter Laptop Backpack to accommodate your entire luggage. It is a 26L functional day bag for your streamlined organized carry. The bag relies on its durable polyester material, 100% nylon webbing, cushioned shoulder straps, and tote handle with metal snap to keep your laptop, phone, clothes, and hiking gear dry and intact.

Do you prefer a rugged, reflective look for your biking backpack? Consider getting the REI Co-op Commuter Pack. It is a compact and frameless DWR backpack featuring a main compartment that works as a 13-inch laptop sleeve or a hydration reservoir. There is an outer flap pocket at the front for your built-in rain cover. And, extra zippered pockets at the top secure your keys and phone. You can attach your helmet to durable compression straps.

Do you need a biking backpack that can double up as a spacious hiking bag for your weekend camping supplies? Get the TIMBUK2 Especial Tres Cycling backpack. The bag is a 40L roll-top backpack that expands to 50L to fit more luggage. More so, the bag has a removable tote giving you the option to switch to a much smaller carry. And a hopper EVA back panel keeps your back dry and ventilated.

Timbuk2 Especial Medio Cycling Pack is a dedicated bike commuting backpack for a safe, comfortable, and fatigue-free carry. The bag uses a sturdy water-resistant fabric with an internal organizer to keep your laptop, phone, documents, and accessories organized, dry and intact. Its quick access zippered pockets are convenient for retrieving your survival kit. And a handy U-lock porch serves as a water bottle pocket too.

Do you commute to work or go on a cycling workout early in the morning or late in the evening? If so, having cycling gear with optimal visibility is a must. For this, Proviz Sports Reflect360 is 100% Reflective High-Viz Highly Water Resistant Backpack/Rucksack using certified reflective components. It will glow even in the darkest nights, ensuring other road users can spot you and keep a safe distance. And, it has an ergonomic design for a comfortable, ventilated carry.

Three things make the Thule Pack’ n Pedal Commuter Backpack, Black the best small cycling backpack. First, it uses durable waterproof fabric for a stylish yet functional finish. There is a detachable laptop sleeve, hideaway helmet attachment, and a reflective rain cover. Hence, it fits more luggage while maintaining its compact size. Finally, this backpack has reflective elements to keep you visible from far when on a busy road.

The Osprey Metron Bike Commuter Pack is a dedicated urban-themed biking backpack ideal for a professional cyclist. Here, you get a laptop sleeve, specific pockets, and a spacious inner section with an organization panel. The exterior has a hidden lid lock attachment point for your helmet, open side stretchy water bottle mesh pocket, separate shoe pocket, scratch-resistant sunglasses pocket, and a breathable AirScape back panel. Use the 25mm webbing to stabilize the heavy load around your waist.

Do you commute in areas with unpredictable showers? Get the Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Pack to protect your luggage. This backpack has reinforced drainage holes in its side pockets, keeping your bag lightweight when cycling in a downpour. Its reflective mesh panel at the bottom enhances your visibility. And, there is a hidden vista loop for attaching a blinky light.

The Osprey Radial Bike Commuter Backpack is a bike-specific backpack ideal for light commuting and recreational cycling. It features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a separate shoe pocket, scratch-resistant sunglasses pocket, front quick-access pocket, and a zippered expansion design for flexible carry.

Chrome Industries Barrage Cargo Laptop Backpack is a rugged, all-weather roll-top backpack that adapts to extreme conditions. This Barrage rucksack features a waterproof, ergonomic design with an EVA foam back panel, quick release sternum straps, water bottle pocket, and quick access U-lock holder.

TOM SHOO 30L Cycling Backpack is a multifunctional organization backpack for a hiker on a survival trip. It’s an ergonomic bag with reflective highlights, a compatible hydration design, a lifeguard whistle, mesh fabric, and adjustable straps for comfortable carry.

The Skog Å Kust BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack with Exterior Zippered Pocket is your ultimate when going for fishing, kayaking, or boating. It features an eye-catching, lightweight, and watertight design that will float on water. More so, the backpack relies on a reflective patch and trim to keep you visible when biking in low-light conditions. And, it retails in convenient 25 L or 35 L capacity, giving you an ideal size for your luggage.

Are you a mountain biker? The VAUDE Bike Alpin 25+5 gives you an expandable biking backpack with a comfortable ergonomic design. Whether you are carrying your biking gear, smartphone, electronics, or camping gear, this backpack keeps all your valuables dry and intact throughout the climb.

The Osprey Packs Syncro 5 Hydration Pack is a highly ventilated and lightweight backpack courtesy of its AirSpeed 3D-tensioned back panel. The backpack is shaped for a comfortable carry-on on your back while cycling. Plus, it has waist straps and webbing to stabilize your luggage.

Here is a biking backpack that doubles its size in an instant. The Rambler is a water-resistant roll-top backpack with a 22L capacity. It expands to a 44 L capacity to operate as a flap-down design. Inside the bag is an internal frame sheet that maintains its shape and form. Its four compartments will fit your 17-inch laptop, tablet, clothes, cycling gear, and accessories.

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