With current Coronavirus measures meaning people should avoid public transport, for those still needing to travel to work or to the shops for basic necessities, cycling is proving a popular option.
Whether it’s because you don’t have access to a car or you prefer a more environmentally friendly option, commuting by bike remains a useful and convenient mode of travel.
So, finding a backpack that will carry your belongings, safely and securely is key. There are a whole host of cycling backpacks out there, from stylish offerings to hardy, durable options and upcycled designs. Here’s our guide to picking the right backpack for you.
How to choose the right backpack
Whilst your individual needs will dictate which backpack is most suitable, or to your taste, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, what do you need the bag for? That will also determine the size of the backpack you need. Consider how often you’re cycling, where you’ll be taking the bag and exactly how hard-wearing you need it to be. For example, if you’re just using it for a short cycle to the park a couple of times a month, that’s very different to facing the rain and range of weather the daily city commute throws at you throughout the year. The more you use it, the more comfort comes into it, and some backpacks flex to fit your back or are women specific.
Then there are other factors to consider. Are you cycling in the dark often? Do you need something with hi-viz? What’s your preference on the closure of the bag? There’s options such as zips, hooks or clips, which many will have a personal preference for. You need to inspect the bag too to see whether it has the compartments you’re after, such as a padded laptop pocket (and be sure to make sure it actually fits your laptop!) or somewhere to store your lock and clip on your helmet. Of course, there’s also the price to consider. You can spend quite a bit on a good cycling backpack, but a budget option could also fulfil your needs. Some manufacturers will have policies whereby if there is a crash or wear and tear, they’re willing to repair your backpack.
Let’s not forget style. There is a huge choice of colours, materials and designs. Are you after something a bit more unique or do you need something sleek and smart that will blend in as you sweep into the office? Is it likely to get muddy and wet, so you need a material you can wipe or wash down easily? Be realistic, it’s always upsetting when a smart bag gets scuffed up because the reality is you needed something that could be put through its paces instead. Here’s our pick of the best out there.
Proviz REFLECT360 Cycling Backpack
Max. capacity: 30L
Dimensions: height: 54cm, width: 34cm
Waterproof: highly water-resistant with waterproof AquaGuard zips
Reflectiveness: highly reflective
Laptop size: up to 17"
For visibility, this backpack is surely unrivalled. It’s created from a unique fabric, engineered using millions of tiny, highly reflective glass beads making it a fantastic option for those who commute through the dark winter months. It also features a ventilation system to help air move more freely around your back, has an inner laptop sleeve, several smaller compartments and a front zip pocket. On testing it felt light and the soft padding on the straps and back made it a comfortable choice. A bonus is that although the fabric is highly reflective, its light grey colour is not garish in daylight - offering something many hi-viz options lack with their fluorescent tones. It’s a pretty straightforward design: a classic backpack shape with zip fastening and mesh side-pockets but that simplicity, along with its outstanding visibility, means it will be a much reached for option, whether for commuting or a trip down to the park.
Ortlieb Velocity 2020
Max. capacity: 23L
Dimensions: height: 50cm, width: 30cm, depth: 16cm
Weight: 880g
Waterproof: yes
Reflectiveness: very minimal
Laptop size: 15”
German brand Ortlieb is a well-known name amongst cyclists. You’re sure to spot its panniers amongst the rush hour commute or pictures of touring holidays. Some even brag about how long they’ve had them, so hard wearing are the products. Their courier-style backpack, which offers the same waterproofing and durability of the panniers, is one of their most popular items. Back with a refresh, it now has a removable padded laptop compartment and a velcro fastening which makes opening and closing the bag super speedy. If, like me, you worry about how long the velcro will last, there’s good news: Ortlieb promises to renew the velcro pad should it wear out after intensive use. A loop just below the fastening can be used for attaching a rear light when riding, or a helmet when off the bike. There’s also a good amount of padding on the shoulders and back, plus the bag is completely waterproof. It comes in six colours: black, yellow, olive, coral and a petrol blue, with a smaller 17-litre option available if you’re after something a bit smaller.
23 litre option: £100 | Ortlieb
17 litre option: £89.99 | Cycle Store
UPSO Burtonwood Backpack
Max. capacity: 26L
Dimensions: height: 50-62cm, width: 28cm, depth: 15cm
Weight: approx. 950g
Waterproof: yes
Reflective: no
Laptop size: 15"
If you’re after something unique, UPSO’s Burtonwood backpack is a great option. Crafted from old lorry tarpaulin, recycled seatbelt webbing and firehose, no two bags are the same. Not to mention that the whole process of creating these eco-friendly bags takes place in one Lancashire factory and uses solar energy to power the sewing machines. Also, given the fact that it’s upcycled waterproof lorry tarp, you can be happy it will be durable, while any scratches or scuffs will just further add to its weathered appearance. Fastened by poppers, the top then folds over and is secured with a hook, while a looped strip on the outside allows for items to be attached. Although there are a couple of interior compartments, a laptop sleeve and a pocket which you could pop your phone and keys in, a downside is that neither are padded. Whilst personally I felt the padded back and (unpadded) straps made of old seat belts were comfortable enough, some might find the lack of padding on the straps an issue.
Rapha Roll Top Backpack
Max. capacity: 25L
Dimensions: height: 47cm, width: 33cm, depth: 13cm
Waterproof: no. Water-resistant
Reflectiveness: reflective tabs and reflective bottom panel
Laptop size: 15”
Released last summer, Rapha’s roll top backpack has fast become a favourite of the brand’s collection. It comes in three colour-ways: black, a trendy olive green and Rapha’s signature black/pink combo. Although rigid in shape (which means it doesn’t fall over when you put it down), it has a clever back panel that flexes to fit the curve of your spine. There are some thoughtful features too, such as a hidden side pocket, reflective base (most handy if you’re in an aerodynamic position rather than upright) and loops for attaching a bike lock. It offers nice, robust padding on the straps and in its easy-to-use inner 15” laptop sleeve. Although the backpack claims to be made from an abrasion-resistant fabric, personal experience saw a few scuffs and scratches, while although the elasticated fastener which hooks into place is a clever design, it can be a bit fiddly to use.
Le Col Commuter Backpack
Max. capacity: 60L
Waterproof: yes
Reflectiveness: yes
Laptop size: 15”
Another sleek and stylish choice, Le Col’s Commuter Backpack comes with a lot of nice details. It’s waterproof and durable and has reflective detailing on the straps, sides, base and front of the bag (for 360 degree visibility on the road) as well as three outer zipped pockets as well. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the design of this backpack by Le Col, the brand founded by Welsh ex-professional cyclist Yanto Barker. There is an outer pocket with a padded base, which you can zip your laptop into - this was something I wasn’t a huge fan of, although admittedly it is a nice idea to keep it seperate from the rest of the contents of the backpack, including any damp kit. What I did like however was having both a zipper fastening across the top of the bag, which can also be rolled down and clipped, plus internal mesh pockets for storing shoes or other items. It also felt surprisingly light, although packed out it can hold up to 60L.
Osprey Tempest Backpack
Max. capacity: 20 L
Dimensions: height: 50cm, width: 28cm, depth: 27cm
Weight: 740g
Waterproof: no
Reflectiveness: very minimal
Laptop size: N/A
Although I normally wouldn’t seek out a female specific backpack, it’s important to find a fit that feels comfortable and works for the dimensions of your body. Osprey’s Tempest back system boasts a women’s specific fit, with an ergonomically shaped hipbelt, harness, yoke and back panel. There are handy pockets aplenty with this no-fuss backpack: zipped pockets on the hip belt, another on top of the pack and a large PowerMesh pocket on the front to pop a damp jacket into, away from the rest of the contents. Another popular Osprey option for cycling is the 26 litre Metron, which unlike the Tempest, has a padded laptop and tablet sleeve.
Trakke Assynt Backpack
Max. capacity: 20L
Dimensions: height: 51cm, width: 26cm, depth: 17cm
Weight: 1kg
Waterproof: water resistant
Reflectiveness: no
Laptop size: 15”
Scottish brand Trakke make cool and stylish backpacks that any hipster worth their frothy oat milk cappuccino would be seen carrying. One of the more pricey options on this list, the backpacks which are crafted from British-made materials and handmade in Scotland, also come with a guarantee for life. So not the cheapest option but definitely a sustainable choice. The 20 litre Assynt backpack, made from wax canvas, comes in four stylish options: black, olive, cumin or navy. It also has an exterior zip pocket and interior zipped pocket. If you don't mind parting with a bit more cash though, there is the option to customise with the brand's travel pouches which add to the maximum capacity of the bag.
B’Twin Waterproof Bike Backpack Elops Speed 500
Max. capacity: 25L
Waterproof: yes
Reflectiveness: yes
Laptop size: up to 17”
If you’re after something similar to the Ortlieb backpack but on a budget then you could do worse than go for something like this B’Twin backpack. Waterproof, durable and with reflective strips on the straps and the front of the bag, it offers a fair few things you’d look for in a cycling backpack. It also has multiple compartments so you can store a laptop, attach a lock to the pack, and put your phone in the side pocket. At under £50, it’s a great budget pick.
Knomo Kew Commuter Backpack
Max. capacity: 26.2L
Dimensions: height: 66cm, width: 32cm, depth: 14cm
Weight: 1.1kg
Waterproof: no. Water resistant
Reflectiveness: yes. Reflective features
Laptop size: 15”
One for the style conscious, London brand Knomo have created a selection of practical backpacks that also look good. Their Kew Commuter backpack comes in a very fashionable palette of grey, black or sand (the last being the least practical of the shades). It has a roll top which can be clipped shut easily and a strap to compact the bag. There is also a nice padded compartment for a laptop and a few additional pockets to keep you organised. If you’re after a bag to lug your clothes, gym kit and work supplies with you but also want something you can take out to meetings then this bag ticks the boxes.
Deuter Bike One Rucksack
Max. capacity: 20L
Dimensions: height: 49cm, width: 24cm, depth: 19cm
Weight: 830g
Waterproof: no. Comes with rain cover
Reflectiveness: minimal reflective features
Laptop size: n/a
This Deuter rucksack packs plenty of practical features neatly into its 20 litre bag. The front pocket unzips to reveal an ‘organiser’ where you can pop spare keys, inner tubes and any other bike tools. There’s also an elasticated inner compartment to keep any wet kit separate and a helmet bracket which can be put in place to hold your helmet once you’re off the bike. A rain hood and sitting mat are also included, making this a bag you’ll want to take on a ride on the trails as well as for a commute to the office.
Verdict:
While all the backpacks here will get the job done, there is certainly a variety to suit different tastes and priorities. Personally though, I'm highly impressed with the reflectiveness of the Proviz backpack. The fact that it's not a fluorescent colour, so can blend in during the day before revealing its effectiveness once it gets darker is really smart. Ortlieb's waterproof backpack is a great practical choice if you're a frequent commuter and will be facing all types of weather, although its lack of reflective features lets it down slightly. Whilst the creativity and resourcefulness of UPSO's upcycled truck tarp bags get high praise from us and would make a fantastic gift for any cyclist.
