The 18 Best Commuter Backpacks for Cyclists
When you commit to cycling everywhere you go, you quickly find that your life shrinks to the size of a backpack. Seeing as how your backpack is storage for the day's essentials, you want to guarantee they're protected by a quality bag, something that's both rugged and stylish and can stand up to daily use. Most importantly, it needs to be big enough to store your everyday items without being so large that it's impossible to cycle with.
These 18 commuter backpacks break the mold, providing the space, style, and durability you're looking for. From canvas bags with plenty of storage space to waterproof satchels made for bulkier items, these bags offer a little bit of everything for the average consumer, making life on two wheels that much easier.
When choosing a commuter backpack, you want to look at five qualities of it: Versatility, reflective details, a comfortable and secure harness, ample organization and storage, and water resistance. Each of these bags is top notch in most or all of those categories.
Timbuk2 Especial Raider Backpack
Some commuter backpacks are all about storing everything you could possibly need. Timbuk2 promotes reducing your daily load to carry only what you need. Weighing in at less than a pound, the Especial Raider is comfortable to carry along and its one dozen color choices lets you pick one that fits you best.
Despite its smaller size, Timbuk2's bag can carry a laptop and iPad and is outfitted with genuine leather binding for extra durability. Machine washable nylon stands up to daily wear and tear and an insulated interior even keeps your water bottle from sweating all over your items.
Assynt 17 Backpack
Made from waxed canvas, the Assynt 17 Backpack calls to the same durable material you'd expect to see on a mountaineer. The innovative design features a 15"laptop pocket with a 17 liter opening that gives you immediate and easy access to everything you're carrying with you. Two additional pockets will store the smaller items you're used to having on your person.
Comfortable harnesses remain in place regardless of how fast and hard you're pedaling, ensuring you don't have to think about losing the bag during your ride. The Assynt 17 is a durable bag that will keep your most valuable items protected wherever you're going. Two sturdy nylon straps keep the top flap closed and secured.
Incase ICON Backpack
Incase remains true to itself with the ICON Backpack. The latest evolution of Incase's classic design may appear simple, but there's so much to it that makes it perfect for commuters. Compartments dedicated to all of your necessary electronics will keep your items protected from the elements while intelligent organization makes room for extra accessories you would otherwise have to leave at home.
Described as "tech-optimized,"the ICON series backpack is crafted with airflow channels that provide a little extra cushioning for your gear. Padded shoulder straps with a series of adjustments promise a comfortable fit no matter your size or body build. The ICON is built to feel customized for each buyer.
Boreas Bernal
Built with an integrated Super-Tramp suspension along with a stretch top-panel, the Boreas Bernal is created for a carry load of all shapes and sizes. The conforming material stretches just enough so you're personal effects aren't cramped in together while still providing the protection you want for your most valuable items.
Several exterior attachment positions and compression straps allow you to customize the wear for maximized comfort. Whether you're commuting on a bicycle or taking the train, the Bernal will serve you well with its sturdy build and flexible design. Made from nylon and a stretch polyspan and including a top-lid closure, removable hipbelt, and dual side compression, there's plenty to draw attention to Boreas' Bernal biking backpack.
Mission Workshop The Rambler
Mission Workshop's Rambler has a design that borderlines unique without losing classic functionality. Mission Workshop aimed to produce a bag that was among the most durable options on the market, made from a water-resistant material that makes up the main compartment.
Used either as a roll-top or flap-down configuration, the Rambler can double its size, going from 1,350 cu. In. to 2,700 cu. in . for when you're in need of extra storage. Each compartment is waterproof thanks to urethane coated zippers, waterproof material, and a reinforced carbon fiber frame suspension.
A front zippered pocket is large enough to fit up to a 15"laptop and tablet or slip a 17"laptop into the rolltop compartment.
Timbuk2 Custom Prospect Laptop Backpack
The real purpose of this cyclist commuter bag is right there in the title-it's made specifically to keep your laptop safe and you can bet that it delivers on its promise. Available in a slew of colors, the Laptop Backpack is made from a durable and versatile nylon that will keep your most valuable electronics, including a 15"laptop, protected on your ride.
Flap, boot, front, and side panels allow you to customize the biking laptop backpack for what you need, whether you're traveling with the bare essentials or with everything you need for the day. The airmesh ventilated back panel and roll-top closure keep your items dry while delivering on a cushioned interior intended to prevent unwanted damage and increase the bag's total volume.