When you ride your bike to work, mornings feel different. More people are biking to work these days, so finding a good cycling backpack is a must. The right backpack can turn your ride from a sweaty chore into a fun part of your day whether you’re riding on busy streets or nice bike paths.
I’ve tried out many backpacks and biked a lot. I learned that the best cycling backpack is more than just space to put your things. It needs to be comfy, protect against the weather, keep you visible, and still look good when you get to work.
Why Your Regular Backpack Isn’t Good Enough for Biking
Think about this: You’re halfway to work, and your laptop is sliding around in your backpack. Your shirt is wet from sweat, and your shoulders ache because the weight isn’t spread out right. Sound familiar?
Normal backpacks just aren’t made for biking. They don’t let air flow, they don’t put the weight in the right place when you lean forward, and they often don’t keep your stuff dry when it rains.
Backpacks made for biking fix these issues. They’re made to make your ride safer, comfy, and easier.
What to Look For in a Cycling Backpack
1. Good Air Flow
A good cycling backpack has a part on the back that lets air move between your back and the bag. Look for mesh or spots for air to get through. This will stop your back from getting too sweaty.
2. Made for Riding
When you’re leaning forward on your bike, your backpack should move with you. The best backpacks are shaped to not catch the wind. The straps should also be in a spot that works with how you sit on your bike.
3. Protection from the Rain
Your laptop and clothes need to stay dry when it rains. You should be able to get to rain covers or waterproof spots fast. Look for bags made of material that doesn’t let water in and zippers that keep water out.
4. See and Be Seen
You need to be seen when you’re riding. Good cycling backpacks have bright strips that reflect light, colors that stand out, or lights built in.
5. Spots for Your Stuff
The best backpacks have spots to keep your work things away from your bike things, like a spot for your laptop and a clip for your helmet.
Top 5 Backpacks for City Bike Riders
1. Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2
Greatest Overall for Tech People
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 changed how I think about keeping my bike gear together. The inside can be changed based on what I need to take with me, like camera gear or my laptop and work papers.
Main Things:
- Zippers on the outside to get to things fast
- Material that keeps water out, with a rain cover if you need it
- Guaranteed for life and made very well
- Comes in two sizes: 20L and 30L
The way the bag closes with magnets is great. You can get to your things without taking the bag off. This is super useful if you’re using different ways to get to work.
Price: $259-$299
See the Price and Read Reviews →
2. Chrome Industries Barrage Cargo
Ideal for Carrying A Lot
If you take everything with you when you bike, the Chrome Barrage Cargo is for you. This strong backpack has lasted through rainstorms and being thrown into bike racks.
Main Things:
- Completely waterproof
- Big, with space for 45L
- Very strong and guaranteed for life
- Comfy to carry, even when it’s full
I’ve used mine every day for three years, and it still looks new even after being used in the city.
Price: $295
Go to Chrome Industries →
3. Osprey Radial 34
Good Price and Made for Biking
The Osprey Radial is a good mix of being useful for biking and for everyday use. The way the back is made lets a lot of air flow. I get to work with less sweat than when I use other backpacks.
Main Things:
- Great air flow because of the AirSpeed back
- Spots for a laptop and tablet
- Rain cover built in
- Spot to put a light
The spot to put your helmet on the outside is smart. You don’t have to carry your helmet or try to stuff it in your bag.
Price: $140-$160
Find Great Deals on Osprey Radial →
4. Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Commuter Backpack
Suits for Using Different Transportation
The Thule Pack ‘n Pedal works great for days when you use bikes, trains, and your feet to get to work. It looks good and works just as well in the office as it does on your bike.
Main Things:
- Laptop sleeve that can be taken out and used as a briefcase
- Rain cover that reflects light
- Comfy to wear for a long time
- Looks good for any workplace
The laptop sleeve is cool. You can take it out when you get to the office and leave the rest of the bag in your locker or at your desk.
Price: $189
See Thule Bike Gear →
5. Deuter Speed Lite 21
The Lightest Option
The Deuter Speed Lite 21 proves that small can still have good features when you need to travel light. It’s just over a pound, so you can barely feel it on your back. But it still has space for everything you need for a workday.
Main Things:
- Very light at 1.2 lbs
- Good air flow even though it’s small
- Shaped to not catch the wind
- Good for people who want to carry as little as possible
It’s great for biking in the summer when you don’t want to carry much but still need space for important things.
Price: $65-$85
Shop Deuter Backpacks →
What to Think About for Other Riders
The Tech Person
If you’re taking expensive things with you, make sure the bag has padded spots, keeps water out, and stops theft. Look for backpacks with zippers you can lock and pockets that block RFID.
The Rider Who Bikes Far
If you’re riding over 10 miles, being comfy is very important. Get a backpack that spreads the weight well and lets air flow. Think about bags that can hold water for long rides.
The Rider Who Rides in Any Weather
If you ride no matter what, you need a bag that’s completely waterproof. Look for bags with sealed parts, zippers that keep water out, and material that can handle any weather.
The Rider Who Wants to Look Good
Your backpack is part of how you look. Luckily, many cycling backpacks look good enough to take from your bike to the office.
Things That Make Your Cycling Backpack Better
Rain Covers and Waterproofing
Even backpacks that keep water out a little can use rain covers when it’s really coming down. Pack covers are a cheap way to keep your stuff safe.
LED Lights
Many cycling backpacks have spots where you can put lights. A simple LED light can make you much easier to see in the morning, evening, or when it’s cloudy.
Packing Cubes
Keep your work clothes clean and away from your bike gear with packing cubes. This can stop smells from getting on your clothes and keep you looking good.
How to Keep Your Backpack Going for Longer
Your cycling backpack does a lot, so taking care of it helps:
Every Week:
- Take everything out of the pockets
- Wipe the outside with a wet cloth
- Check the zippers and straps
Every Month:
- Wash it by hand with soap
- Put lubricant on the zippers
- Check for loose threads
Every Season:
- Use spray to keep the material waterproof
- Check the reflective parts and replace them if needed
- Check the padding
The Price is Worth It
A good cycling backpack is around $100-$300. This might seem like a lot, but a good backpack will last 5-10 years if you use it every day.
More important, the right backpack will keep expensive stuff like laptops safe. A good backpack will also be more comfy and safer.
What Riders Say
I asked hundreds of bike riders about their backpacks. Here’s what they said:
I wish I got a good cycling backpack sooner. It’s so much more comfy. – Sarah, Marketing Manager
My Chrome backpack has lasted three years in Chicago winters and still looks great. – Mike, Software Developer
I don’t sweat as much when I wear my Osprey backpack. – Jennifer, Financial Advisor
What’s Next for Cycling Backpacks
Backpack companies keep coming up with new ideas, like spots to charge your phone, GPS to track your bag if it gets stolen, and better air flow. Some companies are trying to use materials that don’t hurt the environment and designs that can change based on what you need to carry.
Your Next Step: Picking a Backpack
Think about these things when you pick a backpack:
- What do you usually carry? Get a bag that’s the right size for what you need.
- How far do you ride? If you ride far, you need a bag that’s comfy.
- What’s your budget? A good backpack is an investment in your comfort and safety.
- What’s the weather like where you live? Get a bag that’s waterproof enough for your climate.
- How important is it to look good at work? Some backpacks look better in an office than others.
Last Words: Enjoy Your Ride
The right cycling backpack can make your ride to work a good part of your day. It doesn’t matter if you pick the Peak Design, Chrome, Osprey, Thule, or Deuter. Putting money into a good backpack will make you more comfy, safe, and give you peace of mind.
The best backpack is the one that fits you. Think about what you need, try different backpacks, and get something good. You’ll be using it every day.
Ready to get a new backpack? Your back will thank you.
What cycling backpack do you use? Tell us about it in the comments to help other riders!
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