Best Cycling Backpack for Commuters

Best value

The Osprey Metron Airspeed 34 is a tried-and-true cycling pack from a solid line of cycling bags, and our primary tester used it for two weeks, logging over 100 miles of use with it. The fabric is highly water-resistant to handle light rain, and a rain cover keeps your gear dry when the weather takes a turn. It has an easily accessible helmet hook, but it isn't overly noticeable when it isn't in use. The pack is bulky yet features compression straps to handle any extra fabric or gear that wants to bounce around. This is handy, as the pack expands from 24 to 36 liters, making it an excellent choice for days of work that include trips to the grocery store and a workout at the gym.

The pack has a built-in shoe pouch, which you can also use for clothing. It has multiple compartments, water bottle pockets that accommodate small to medium-sized bottles, and a raised back panel that keeps air flowing and your gear lifted from your back. It also has a bike light loop, and the pack's built-in kick-stand ensures it stands up when you have to make a pit stop to fix something on your bike. Though bulky, you can use this bag as a travel backpack in a pinch, though we wouldn't recommend it long term!

• It has bike-friendly features, like a kick-stand, a helmet hook, a bike light loop, and a comfortable back panel
• The rain cover ensures your gear stays dry, no matter the conditions

• The pack is a bit bulky, even when not expanded
• The helmet hook can cover the front pockets when engaged

Best budget

Best small cycling backpack

The TIMBUK2 Water Resistant Mini Prospect Backpack keeps things simple in more ways than one. It's a smaller version of the brand's popular Prospect Backpack, so if you find the Mini too small, you can upgrade to the larger model! The 300D polyester shell has a PVC coating, which makes the exterior nearly impenetrable. It has a rolltop closure that doesn't take as many rolls to seal, which we appreciate, as the process is quicker than other rolltop bags we've tested. Plus, at 13 liters, this pack is small, so it won't weigh you down on your way to work, school, or to hang with friends. In addition to being lightweight, the harness system is well-padded and aerated, adding comfort to your ride.

Such a small pack is a dream to ride with, but it has drawbacks. You can only fit a 13-inch laptop inside, so those with larger computers won't be able to bring them along for the ride. That said, it's a solid choice for those with smaller laptops or those who work with a tablet. If you aren't bringing much tech, you're set! Plus, it has dual water bottle pockets, so you don't have to worry if your bike doesn't have bottle cages.

• It's small and lightweight, making for a comfier ride
• The exterior is waterproof, so that you can ride in the rain

• It only fits up to a 13-inch computer inside
• There aren't any vibrant colors available

Best splurge

When most people think about cycling backpacks, they think about big, tough-looking bags. Meanwhile, the Rains Rolltop Rucksack is rugged, malleable, lightweight, and has a high-fashion style that we rarely see in cycling packs. It's crafted from polyester and PU fabric, making it highly water resistant, though if you'll be riding in the rain for hours, we'd recommend another pack. The rolltop design is secure, though the clip isn't as fast to open as others we've tested.

This pack is quite minimalistic, though it does feature a secondary compartment, sternum strap, a sizable main compartment, and a side-access laptop pocket that makes grabbing your computer quick, especially compared to the rolltop design. Rains specifically mentions cycling in their product page for the Rolltop Rucksack, but there isn't a bike light loop, which feels like a letdown. That said, it's easy to add one to your bike stem!

• The bag is more stylish than other cycling packs we've tested
• There's a secondary compartment and side laptop access, which is handy while on the go

• The rolltop is slow to open, hindering access
• There's nowhere to clip on your bike light

Best cycling commuter backpack

Best waterproof cycling backpack

The Ortlieb Vario is intense. While that can deter casual users, it shouldn't. It quickly transitions from a backpack to a panier bag, with more perks than you might initially think. If you aren't aware, a pannier bag is a cycling bag that attaches to your bicycle's front or rear rack. This is handy for commuting because you don't have to carry it, so your back doesn't get sweaty, and you can put it on once you've locked your bike to finish the journey on foot. If you don't plan to use the bag for this purpose, we wouldn't recommend it, as the hardware takes up space and adds weight.

Apart from attaching to the mounting system of your choice (QL2.1 or QL3.1), this bag has more features that make it a solid option for commuting. The materials are intensely water resistant, and the rolltop closure is incredibly secure, giving this pack an IP64 rating. That will handle commutes in almost any weather, so long as you aren't jumping off your bike into the water. The bag has a laptop compartment, stowable shoulder straps, and a secondary compartment for quick-use items. This is one of the most technical bags we've ever tested, but it's well worth it if you plan to cycle in the rain or don't always want to carry a backpack!

One note on this pack: if you and your bike are lightweight, you plan to stow many heavy items in your Ortlieb Vario without another pannier bag on the opposite side, the ride can feel a little lopsided. Still, it's manageable, and you can always jump into backpack mode if you're carrying a heavier load than usual!

• It can be used as a pannier bag or as a backpack
• The materials are incredibly water-resistant

• The hardware adds weight and takes up space if you aren't using the pannier feature
• The back panel takes some getting used to

Best backpack for long-distance cycling

The Osprey Hikelite 18 is a hiking pack, but it has loads of features that make it a solid choice for cyclists. First, its AirSpeed harness system keeps a constant air flow behind the back panel to prevent your back from overheating and offering bouncy comfort. The pack has both sternum and hip straps, which are ideal for longer rides or when bouncing over rough terrain. There are two large water bottle pockets crafted from stretchy mesh, so you can stay hydrated or bring along extras like a travel tripod or an umbrella.

If you get caught in the rain, there's an included rain cover stashed in the bottom of the pack, so you can ensure all your gear stays dry. This isn't a super-friendly pack for those bringing lots of tech, but the water bladder storage area works for a laptop in a pinch, and a smaller secondary compartment works for smaller gear. If you are looking for a bag to take on a hike, for a long bike ride, to the gym, or to work, the Osprey Hikelite 18 covers all your bases.

• The harness system is incredibly comfortable and breathes well
• It has an included rain cover to keep your gear dry

• There's no dedicated laptop sleeve
• It has loops that work for a bike light, but they aren't centered

Chrome Industries is a staple for cyclists, especially in urban environments, and the Barrage Cargo Backpack is one of their most popular bags for bicyclists of all dimensions. It features a rugged 1050D nylon exterior and a 1000D TPE Tarp interior, which will keep water at bay. There's cargo netting on the pack's front face that you can attach items to or stow large gear behind, and durable YKK and Duraflex hardware that'll last you for years. Plus, it has two water bottle pockets to stay hydrated with a travel water bottle.

Though this pack is highly durable and packed with features, it's quite heavy for its size. That said, it expands from 18 to 22 liters depending on how much you roll the top of the bag so that you can get some extra gear inside in a pinch. The back panel is densely padded and has air channels to keep things cool, though it isn't as aerated as some of the packs on this list.

• The material is highly water-resistant and rugged enough to handle urban environments
• You can attach gear to or behind the cargo netting

• The harness system gets a bit sweaty after a few minutes of riding
• It's heavy for the capacity

The TIMBUK2 Lane Commuter Backpack looks sleek, comes in fun colorways, and has many cycling-friendly features. From the bike light loop to the sunglasses attachment point, you can stay safe and keep your gear close at hand without anyone knowing that you purchased the bag for cycling. Designed for work or school, it can fit up to a 15-inch computer. Multiple compartments keep your gear organized, and there's a rain cover to ensure everything you pack inside stays dry, even when the going gets wet.

At 18 liters, you can't fit everything you'll need for school, work, and the gym, but you can likely fit two of the three, which isn't a bad compromise for such a small and comfortable pack. The lower portion of the pack and the upper section of the shoulder straps are reflective, so you can be seen by cars whether you're cycling or on foot. The sternum strap is a nice addition, as it keeps the shoulder straps in place when flying across campus, the city, or down the trail.

• It has a bike light loop and reflective accents to keep you safe
• There are multiple pockets to keep your gear organized

• The capacity isn't ideal for every kind of commute
• Though we dig the options, there aren't a ton of colorways available