A magnetic outer pocket (no zipper) was easy to access but still secure enough that we could trust our phone, wallet, and cash wouldn’t end up on the ground. One of the major challenges of commuting to work by bike is that you need a reliable way to get all of your stuff between your home and office as well. To find the best backpacks for commuting, we compared more than a dozen models. Best Bike Fenders for Commuting | Ultimate Guide, 6 Best Fat Bike Fenders & Mudguards In 2021. As a result, it can be uncomfortable if you have longer commute. Waterproof, durable and highly visible, this roll top closure backpack from Altura will best suit commuters who venture out in all weathers and travel heavy due to its 30 litre capacity. So if that will bother you, choose the black color.—Riley Missel, test editor, Capacity: 23 L | Weight: 3 lb. | Weatherproofing: Waterproof with included rain cover | Tech Sleeve: Yes. It also features a built-in USB charging port, so we could power up our phone as we pedaled, after plugging in a portable power bank. Unfortunately, there are no zippered pockets on the inside of the backpack to hold valuables. Most fit 15-inch models, but some have larger or smaller sleeves. We recommend this backpack most for the occasional short ride to work. It can stand up to heavy use, even if you use this as a travel backpack as well as for commuting. Because the padded back panel has cooling ventilation channels, our sweat evaporated faster. A waist strap stabilizes the pack and transfers some of the weight to your hips, which alleviates pressure on your shoulders. And it is a reflection of the care you’ve put into selecting the ideal loadout of items to keep on you. As a result, many of the best commuter backpacks – but not all – feature a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve that protects your computer from scratches and bumps. This is key from transforming the backpack from a commuter to a travel__, to a camera backpack. It doesn’t have a laptop pocket, so you might consider storing your tech in a sleeve for protection. Figuring out what gear and other items you’ll frequently be carrying between your home and office are one of the most important considerations when choosing the best commuting backpack for you. Thule gave the Paramount an aesthetic facelift this year, resulting in a sleeker exterior and replacing the roll-top design with a zippered flap that partially folds over (that still offers some weather protection). This pack features an internal drop liner to keep the bag contents safe in the rain. Best for Frequent Flyers. Capacity: 26 L | Weight: 2 lb. Thankfully, there are a huge variety of options for carrying gear on a bike. It also accommodates a 15-inch laptop that’s accessible from the main compartment and a size zipper (if you don’t want to dig through the whole bag to get it out). 9.6 oz. If you do opt for a flap closure, consider purchasing a rain cover for especially wet days. It saved us from unpacking and repacking just to get to our tech. The best backpacks for travel; The best backpacks for hiking; Best backpacks for the commute 1. An ideal bag for the bike commuter with a classic sense of style. The fly is brightly colored to keep you safe in dark, overcast conditions and can be stashed away inside the pack when the sun returns. The weight of your bag or backpack add to the overall weight that you’ll be carrying on your back, so it can be worth considering – especially if you have suffered from back pain while riding in the past. Gear haulers that work as hard as you do. Some have expandable compartments, panels, or cinch straps that allow you to shrink it down when you don’t need all that capacity. These waterproof features can sometimes drive up the cost of a bag, so consider skipping them if you’re on a tight budget. The back panel is not very breathable, in part because of the heavy PVC fabric behind it. Capacity: 25 L | Weight: 2 lb. But those are fine trade-offs for this extremely affordable pack. Each of these bags is top notch in most or all of … The exterior of the pack is made from heavy-duty nylon, but Burton finished it nicely to give it a clean aesthetic and a better feel than the nylon in other packs.Unfortunately, that exterior aesthetic means that there is little in the way of the external organization – this backpack has no external pockets or water bottle holders. The right backpack can make your trips easier on bike, on foot, or on public transportation, whether you’re running errands or going to work or class. Roll-top designs offer a few advantages. KAUKKO is the best backpack for college commuters, which can hold up a 16-inch laptop and has ample space to carry all your college essentials. And between the several dividers within the front pocket and the small zippered pockets on the back panel and above one of the deep water bottle pockets, we found a home for all our knickknacks. Gear haulers that work as hard as you do. Upgrade Your Everyday Carry with this Backpack, This Streamlined Backpack Was Designed Commuting, The Bike Commuter Backpack of Your Dreams, Includes helmet-carry system and rain cover, Zippered side pocket offers quick access to essentials, Water bottle pockets tuck away when not in use, Front pocket for easy-to-reach necessities, Lots of pockets, including standalone padded laptop compartment, Shoulder straps might be slightly wide for some people, Waterproof liner can be detached from shell to segregate sweaty clothes, Very comfortable straps and breathable back panel. There’s also no waist strap, but the shoulder and sternum straps were easy to adjust and dried quickly when we rode through rain. However, there is no hip belt for distributing larger weights, and the back panel is not well ventilated for hot rides. It was a tight squeeze, but the Lako did it, impressing our tester enough to report: “It’s freaking awesome.”, Capacity: 20 L | Weight: 1 lb. Having the best bike backpack or the best commuter bag can make a big difference in whether you’re able to get everything you need from your home to work and back – and to accomplish that task comfortably in any weather.We think the best backpack for bike commuting on the market today is the Timbuk2 Spire backpack. The best bike commuter backpack . First, the top can be adjusted like a roll-top bag, with a buckle system that then serves as a carry handle. Messenger bags may be more comfortable for short commutes than for long commutes since they put all of the bag’s weight on one shoulder, whereas a backpack distributes weight over both shoulders. The Top 10 Backpacks for Bike Commuting Reviewed Whether you’ve decided to make the switch to biking to work, or have been cycling your morning commute for years, finding the right backpack for commuting is crucial to ensuring you can bring everything you need Padded laptop sleeves are fairly standard these days, but make sure that compartment is large enough for your tech. At 27.5 liters, the Mlassic is the most spacious on our list, and we found it plenty roomy. Like most other bags it is a top load with a flip over cover. If you have a laptop with a large screen, ensure that the laptop sleeve in the bag you choose is wide enough and tall enough to fit your laptop.Another common thing for bike commuters to carry is a set of formal work clothes to change into once you reach the office. This 25-liter capacity backpack from Thule is ideal for the organized cyclists who want to keep all of the different items in their pack perfectly sorted. The magnetic flap on the main pocket made adding or removing gear easy (there’s also a hook and short daisy chain loop for extra security), and we especially liked the zippered side pocket for stashing and quickly accessing our phone or keys. Today's best Osprey Radial 26 deals. Our largest quibble was with the water bottle pockets, which are narrow and not stretchy. The shoulder bag is available in a variety of colors and is made entirely of cotton canvas, which is much more comfortable against the skin and looks much more pleasing to the eye than nylon. This commuter backpack features a roll top closure that's easy to open and close and cinches down if you don't have much to carry. As for fit, the pack stayed in place reasonably well on bike commutes, even in the absence of a waist and sternum straps. The backpack does have side pockets, but they're not big enough to hold a standard water bottle if the bag is filled to capacity.The backpack is made from durable, water resistant polyester, although you might want to purchase a separate rain cover if you live in an especially wet area. Since backpacks put the added weight directly over the seat, they won’t have nearly the same effect on bike handling.Also, pannier bags require a rear rack to fit onto the bike – which makes it very difficult to switch between bikes if you have multiple rides you take to work depending on the season or the weather.Backpacks are more versatile, following the rider rather than the bike.Backpacks are also designed to be carried off the bike, which can be an advantage for multi-stage commutes or if you have a long walk to your office from where you park your bike. Best Commuter Backpack Top Selected Products and Reviews KJARAKÄR Backpack - Commuters, Travelers, Women, Kids, or School! Roll-top closures are typically quite waterproof since the twisting of the material makes it nearly impossible for water to leak into the main compartment. While the main compartment is relatively cavernous, there is a dedicated laptop sleeve for computers up to 15 inches. The U-shaped zipper over the front compartment extends almost to the base of the backpack, ensuring that you have easy access to everything inside.Despite being cavernous, this commuter backpack is surprisingly easy to organize. A robust internal organization system prevented the pack from becoming a black hole, and the extra-long zipper on the main compartment made it easy to load and unload. By Bicycling Test Team. by KJARAKÄR In Stock. We hope you will love the products recommended here,FYI we may get a small share of the sale if you buy through our links and it will not affect product price in any way. It kept our stuff organized and dry within the three zippered compartments, which had space for a laptop, tablet, shoes, and more. The remainder of the pack’s front has a Velcro panel and some gear loops, although these are unlikely to be helpful to the majority of commuters.A major advantage to this pack is the ventilated mesh back panel, which stays surprisingly breathable during the hot summer months thanks to the ventilation channel down the center of the panel. Buy Now: $240. 4.6 oz. But you might find it worth the investment for near bomb-proof tech protection. Best For: Versatility Why We Love It: A little versatility goes a long way, and this Mark & Graham bag is the ultimate shapeshifter. CHECK ON AMAZON. Best of all, the work backpack accommodates larger laptops, with an internal pocket that can hold up to 15-inch sizes. In order to find the truly best backpack, you must put active thought into the process and not just find a bag that is commonly liked, but one that fits your specific needs. The Mlassic delivers a ton of features at a low price. The air-permeable shoulder straps reduced sweat buildup on hot and muggy days, and the waist and sternum straps were easy to remove when we weren’t on a bike. 5 Best Bike Commuter Backpacks Reviews. There is a small zipper pocket for valuables, but expect to put your laptop in a protective case as there is no divider padding your computer otherwise. How it works: A shorter tote handle is fixed to the front of the pack; the adjustable shoulder straps can be pulled up through attachment points to create a second tote handle or down to form typical backpack straps. If you live in a rainy area, it’s hard to beat the waterproofing of this backpack from Sak Gear. This messenger bag is designed to hold up to the elements thanks to a heavy-duty, water-resistant Oxford fabric construction. Because of that, we liked the Sydney best for walking commutes when we weren’t working up a sweat, though the detachable waist and sternum straps and slim design were nice to have when we were riding a bike. This pricey 21-liter hauler had enough room for our needs, but Ortlieb also offers a 27-liter model for people with a lot to pack. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. The pack features a wide array of pockets both inside and outside the pack and uses a unique side zipper that fully opens the front of the pack to reveal the interior and keep all of the pockets within reach.The pockets start on the outside, with an easily accessible Velcro-closure panel pocket for storing a variety of items. Although it does have a padded back panel, the BackSåk retains a minimalist structure, so it packed down small for storage when not in use. The slim design demurs at how roomy this 22-liter pack is yet makes it manageable to carry. Modelled on bike messenger bags, it's unfussy with bombproof construction. Yeti is used to designing outdoor gear that can withstand rugged outdoor environments, and that durability makes its way to the street-ready Crossroads. On the whole, we think this is one of the best bags for commuting to work. It also is designed to fit the standard 15” laptop. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Smart TVs for Picture-Perfect Clarity, The Best Mobile Hotspots for Wi-Fi on the Go, Gear of the Year: The Best Products We Tested, The 10 Best Vacuums For All Types of Homes, Our Hands-On Review of the All-New AirPods Max, The 11 Headlamps Worth Your Hard-Earned Buck. The multi-panel back offers excellent airflow on how days. Also, there are two mesh water bottle pockets and a zippered pocket in front of the laptop sleeve – although this pocket can be so tight as to be somewhat useless. The Metron maintains its slim profile thanks to compression straps, and should it start to pour, the rain cover (which stows away in a bottom pocket) can keep your gear dry. Capacity: 24 L | Weight: 2 lb. | Weatherproofing: Waterproof | Tech Sleeve: Yes. The internal compartment, which has a drawstring closure, includes a laptop sleeve and a small zippered pocket. We also liked the dedicated spots on the exterior where we could clip a taillight and stash our U-lock. Everlane Modern Commuter Backpack (US$ 68) Everlane’s Modern Commuter Backpack is a solid budget-friendly option with its clean aesthetics, quick-access pockets and choice of two compartments for organization. Read quick reviews on five top options below, then keep scrolling for longer reviews of these and more great packs, plus tips on how to choose the right one. Also, the bag can be quite warm in hot summer weather since there is no ventilating material on the rear of the bag. Some messenger bags offer space for larger laptops, although these days it’s also possible to find backpacks that can hold large laptops, so this is not a huge factor anymore. It saved us time by not needing to unfurl the top just to pull out our keys. The Sydney’s plush padding cushions against heavy loads. Plus there’s an interior padded laptop sleeve to take care of up to 15″ tech. It’s a cache, a case, a mobile base of sorts. Whether you prefer a messenger bag or backpack largely comes down to your preference. In effect, the backpack is a modified pannier bag and features a similar heavy-duty 500-denier PVC construction. Panniers are particularly helpful for longer commutes when the strain of hunching over the handlebars with a bag or backpack can wear on your back muscles.However, panniers do have some drawbacks. Not only ideal for college, but you can also carry it on your business meetings. A well-padded tech pocket keeps your laptop and tablet safe. You’ll find the information you need. There are several small zippered pockets at the front of the backpack, one of which has a variety of mesh netting inside to hold small electronics and keys. That discomfort wasn’t an issue on foot, though. The first is a zippered pocket on the outside of the closure flap, which is perfect for quick access to small essentials. The Timbuk2 Authority bag easily holds and organizes everything you need for the workday. Like the Yeti Crossroads, the padded laptop pocket, which also has room for a 10.5-inch tablet, is separate from the main compartment. While the pack made from high-denier nylon, it cannot stand up to more than a very light rain without soaking through. We’ll take a look at each in detail, and judge them not only by their features, but with each type of consumer in mind. Read our Detailed Guide to Pick the Best Bike for Commuting here. You can also quickly charge your phone or other devices thanks to the USB charging port on the outside of the bag (you need to connect your own battery on the inside of the backpack).The only complaint that we have about this backpack for commuting is that since it's so large, it can feel a little bit unwieldy while you're riding. Are you the type of person who prefers to throw all your stuff together into a single large compartment, or do you need tons of small pockets and compartments to separate your items?There are backpacks available to cater to both types of people, so really consider how you like to keep organized when choosing a design. Need a small bag to carry just the essentials, a pack with a pocket for a laptop, or something capable of carrying a bunch of groceries? Still, if you want a backpack that can also become a tote or shoulder bag, look to the Lako. We also like the grab handle on top of the bag.This backpack is made with durable, weather-resistant polyester. In addition to having enough room, the right backpack will also protect what you put inside it. There is also a reinforced shell pocket, which is ideal for delicate items like sunglasses that you don’t want to crush when you put the pack down accidentally. For many riders, especially those with back problems, this can make a huge difference in the comfort of the bike commute. The Icon backpack is a favorite best laptop backpack choice for its understated style and huge carry capacity (and well-padded shoulder straps for carrying it all comfortably). Mark & Graham Commuter 3-in-1 Briefcase-Backpack. Also, backpacks may be less likely to shift around on bumpy roads than a messenger bag. The backpack has a built-in battery and USB outlet that you can use to charge your smartphone or other devices. However, the inside of the pack is thoroughly divided so that you can have separate spaces for wet and dry gear, as well as small zippered and mesh pockets to hold small valuables from being lost in the large interior space.Note that while this bag is ideal in the rain, it can suffer in hot, sunny weather. Best Commuter Backpack for Everyday Use See this backpack on Amazon now The Timbuk2 Q Laptop backpack is made of high-quality nylon and comes with an elasticized external side pocket, which can be used to keep a water bottle on hot days. The back panel is made entirely of mesh and has additional ventilation pockets for airflow. These are our 10 favorite commuting backpacks for people traveling in any weather, hauling a lot of gear, or who just want something with a classic look for the office. We think the best backpack for bike commuting on the market today is the Timbuk2 Spire backpack. TIMBUK2 Robin Commuter Backpack. Style and practicality don’t have to break the bank with the Timbuk2 Rogue backpack. Also, note that more pockets aren’t always better – they can add weight to the bag, and outside pockets are not always waterproof. However, that does mean the bag isn’t water resistant at all, so you’ll want to leave it at home if there’s rain in the forecast.The messenger bag doesn’t have any structural support but remains comfortable even if it only has a laptop or a selection of soft items, like clothes and shoes, inside. | Weatherproofing: Water resistant | Tech Sleeve: Yes. Here are some of our favorites. There is a zippered closure on the front of the pack, although the compartment space is big enough only for a phone or wallet. 10.5 oz. Unfortunately, it doesn't include a hip or sternum straps to help pull the backpack closer to your body. In fact, you'll have a tough time fitting a 15 inch laptop inside. 6.4 oz. This year, Deuter released the UP series, a line of backpacks made from 100% recycled polyester sourced from plastic water bottles. Before you delve into the options, you must consider a few questions and keep them in mind as you move on to sifting through options and finally purchasing … The roll-top is easy to close and open thanks to the simple metal hook-and-loop closure on the outside of the bag, which can be quickly cinched down or loosened according to how much stuff is in your pack.The pack’s organization is designed for people who prefer a single large front pocket. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The padded laptop pocket is smaller than most, fitting 13 models or smaller. The only other organizational compartment inside the pack is a small mesh zippered pocket near the top of the backpack.The pack is comfortable for moderate loads thanks to the padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and back panel. And unlike some waterproof designs, the BackSåk has a convenient exterior pocket, which is water-resistant. Many commuter-specific backpack designs are intended to be fully waterproof, while some have a waterproof main compartment with outer pockets that are only water resistant or that will soak easily.If you tend to take the car when it gets wet outside, then you may not need to worry about waterproofing at all. The backpack’s stiff architecture made it seem larger than similarly sized competitors, but we also found it less comfortable against our body when we were leaning forward on our bike. 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