Best cycling backpack 2020
The best cycling backpack can be a roll-top, zip-through or messenger bag but whatever the style, for bike commuting and long leisure rides, it's a must. If you cycle to work, chances are you'll need to take your gear with you-a change of clothes, your laptop, packed lunch, etc. And maybe one of the best cycling gilets, for if it gets chillier.
Sure, a regular best backpack will do the job-and bike-friendly covers exist to up their visibility-but a cycling-specific backpack will make life easier if you regularly pedal to work, and will mean other cyclists see it and muse on how discerning and hardcore you are.
Cycling-specific backpacks come with features such as a padded laptop sleeve, easy-access pockets, reflective detailing and attachment loops for essentials like locks and lights. They'll also have ergonomic straps to hold the backpack steady while pedalling and, ideally, be built with aerodynamics in mind, as far as possible.
This buying guide includes our pick of the best cycling backpacks for all budgets.
Altura is best known for producing a range of wallet-friendly cycling clothing but this backpack shows the British brand isn't just a one-trick pony. It's primed for commuting by bike, with a range of compartments and pockets to keep your gear safe, including a 15-inch laptop sleeve, fleece-lined valuables pocket, an easy-access pocket for bike tools and stretchy mesh pockets on the outside. The main compartment also has an expansion zip to increase the capacity up to 30 litres in total.
On top of that, there's an LED light attachment on the outside, along with an external D-lock pocket, while a high-vis rain cover is also included. Compression straps and a hip belt help keep things comfy when you're stamping on the pedals.
The list of features I expected from the Chrome Industries BLCKCHRM 22X Yalta 3.0 as follows: (somewhat) waterproof constriction, loads of storage space in the main compartment, roll-top closure. But what I actually got was way more than just this, although this roll-top backpack does have all the features mentioned above, too.
The Chrome Industries BLCKCHRM 22X Yalta 3.0 is just one of the most practical cycling backpack I've seen in a while. It has a big main compartment that can be filled with 26 litres-worth of stuff, so that's pretty straight forward. But it has a removable waterproof liner that can be used as an additional bag if needed.
On top of this, it has two padded 'hidden' compartments on the side for phone or other valuables, a bigger, also 'hidden' pocket for laptops-although I used it as a place to transport my D-lock separate from the rest of the stuff in the bag-and a smaller zipped front pocket for keys and other small bits. Oh, and on the side, you will also find a longer zipped pocket for water bottles or brollies. Never thought I'll have a roll-top with so much organising potential!
As for ergonomics, the Yalta 3.0 has a moulded back panel with 10 little ridges so instead of having one big sweat patch on your back, you'll have 10 smaller ones. Jokes aside, the moulded back panel actually helps air circulation between your back and the bag, so you will feel less hot and more comfortable as you ride. The shoulder straps are padded and have little storage daisy chains on them, although I would have appreciated the chain on the front of the bag so I can carry my D-lock outside the bag. I'm being super picky here, though.
The outer shell is covered in water repellent nylon which is better than having a waterproof liner inside the bag: this way, the water will roll off it and the bag won't get heavier as it doesn't soak up all the water. The 'BLCKCHRM' bit in the name refers to the colour of the bag and the Yalta 3.0 is indeed black, which won't help visibility in the dark but you should always have bike front lights and bike back lights on anyway, even in broad daylight, so there is that.
We love minimalist cycling bags here at T3. What we love even more is when style matches high-quality materials, and this is just the case with the Brooks Dalston Tex Nylon backpack. Made out of hard-wearing Tex Nylon, this waterproof bag is just perfect for urban riders who couldn't care less about having 7,000 separate compartments in their bags and just want a bag that looks good and feels good on the shoulders.
It might not have loads of extra pockets, but the Brooks Dalton Tex Nylon does have a dedicated laptop sleeve, of course, along with internal organisation for small items as well as two outer pockets for water bottles and umbrellas.
The genuine leather straps are just the icing on the cake, as well as the two new colourways, Octane and Orange, which will surely make you stand out from the crowd. Possibly.
