The 10 best cycling backpacks
For those who travel and commute by bike regularly, cycling backpacks are a worthy investment.
They are specifically designed with cyclists in mind, and manufacturers know that you need something that’s not only comfortable and smart but practical, too.
When cycling, your body is not in the same normal, upright position it would be if you were walking—not to mention the infamous ‘sweaty back syndrome’ cyclists love to bemoan.
However, cycling backpacks are custom-built with features that make carrying your belongings from A to B a breeze. Balancing comfort, practicality, and of course, style, a good backpack is a necessity for any cyclist.
In this blog, we’ll look at some of the best cycling backpacks available to suit various budgets, but before we do—let’s answer a few key questions.
What should I look for in a cycling backpack?
Backpacks are the go-to bag of choice for millions of daily commuters, and as cycling backpacks stay in place while you’re moving, it means they won’t get in the way and cause an obstruction while on the road.
The three most important aspects to consider when shopping for a cycling backpack (besides your budget) are space, practicality and comfort.
Space and practicality
Think about how often you’ll use your backpack and what you’ll be carrying in it.
The backpack you choose will need to be big enough and practical for all your needs. Whatever you use your bag for—be it work or leisure—will have an impact on the type you need.
Backpacks come with various features, such as additional zipped compartments for smaller items and protective pockets for laptops and other gadgets. They can also be a lifesaver for cyclists when carrying water, snacks, tools, and spare parts.
You may also want to consider whether your backpack is waterproof. A waterproof backpack will protect your items from wet weather and subsequent damage, which is particularly important if you carry high-tech electrical equipment.
However, not all cycling backpacks are waterproof as standard, so be mindful of this when shopping, and be careful not to confuse waterproof with water-resistant.
Related: What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?
Comfort
Think about where you cycle to the most and remember that your backpack will be coming with you, so it needs to be comfortable.
If your bag is too heavy or doesn’t sit right on your body, it will cause discomfort and ultimately make your rides less enjoyable, and none of us want that.
You might end up having to spend a bit more for optimum comfort, but you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
And, of course, you want it to look good, too!
What size backpack do I need for cycling?
The backpack size you need will depend on what you’re using it for and how often you’ll be using it.
Most commuters should ideally go for a backpack with between 20-30 litres of storage, as this will provide plenty of space for daily essentials such as laptops and lunchboxes, and easily double up as an overnight bag should you need it.
If you don’t use your bike and bag for commuting, though, you may find that less space, such as 10 litres, will suffice for routine tasks like popping to the shops.
Most cycling backpacks you’ll come across will likely be within the 20-30L range. However, shopping around is certainly recommended, depending on your individual needs.
The best cycling backpacks: our top picks
1. Lomo Hi Viz Cycling Dry Bag Rucksack
RRP: £38
Capacity: 30L
Waterproof: Yes
Key features
Fluorescent with reflective panels for increased visibility
Removable internal mesh pocket
Welded watertight seams
Made from fully waterproof and strikingly fluorescent material, the Hi Viz Dry Bag by Lomo is a perfect backpack for cycling (and even motorcycling), keeping you safe and seen on the road.
These high-visibility backpacks have several reflective panels down the front and on the shoulder straps, which increase your visibility when cycling in the dark.
There’s also a rolldown closure flap with welded watertight seams to protect your gear even in the heaviest of downpours. A handy, removable internal mesh pocket also provides a suitable space for small items.
At under £40, this backpack is budget-friendly, too.
More here.
2. Proviz Reflect 360
RRP: £69.99
Capacity: 30L
Waterproof: No
Key features
Adjustable hip and waist belts
Hydration bladder compatible
Elastic loop for attachments
The Proviz Reflect 360 Cycling Backpack fits closely to your body for maximum stability but still allows air to circulate freely around your back thanks to its integrated BES Beetle ventilation system.
Made from highly technical fabric, the bag displays a modest grey colour in daylight, while at night, its reflective beads get to work to improve your visibility.
There are also tons of other nifty features, including adjustable waist, hip, and chest straps, a padded laptop compartment, and space for attaching a 2L hydration bladder and clip straw.
More here.
3. Chrome Industries Barrage 22L Pack
RRP: £210
Capacity: 22L (including expanding rolltop)
Waterproof: Yes
Key features
Expandable rolltop closure for additional 3L storage
16” internal laptop sleeve
PFAS-free
Although at a noticeably higher price point, Chrome Industries cycling backpacks offer environmentally conscious quality seldom matched elsewhere on the market.
The Barrage 22L is its ‘most rugged all-condition backpack,’ featuring a fully welded main compartment, an adjustable exterior cargo net, and a tarp liner made from recycled auto glass.
Perhaps its most useful feature, however, is the expandable, water-resistant rolltop closure which allows for an extra 3L of storage space—perfect for protecting quick-access items in an unexpected shower.
It’s PFAS-free, too, as part of Chrome Industries’ ongoing commitment to avoiding ‘forever chemicals’.
More here.
4. Altura Grid Cycling Backpack
RRP: £60
Capacity: 25L
Waterproof: No
Key features
Internal organiser
Front storage pocket
Water-repellent finish
Designed for the modern, urban commute, the stylish Altura Grid looks just as at home in the office as it does on your back out on the road.
With a generously sized laptop sleeve and internal organiser, this bag allows you to cycle safely, knowing that your belongings are not only secure but also orderly.
Although not completely waterproof, the Altura Grid does have a water-resistant finish to guard against light rain. The front storage pocket is also very useful for grabbing things quickly without having to stop and undo the main rolltop strap.
Reflective detailing and added light loops also help boost your visibility at night.
More here.
5. Ortlieb Commuter Daypack
RRP: £145
Capacity: Available in 21L and 27L
Waterproof: Yes
Key features
Zippered front pocket
Reflective logo and shoulder straps for increased visibility
Removable breast and waist straps
As the name would suggest, Ortlieb’s Commuter Daypack is also designed with commuters in mind.
Made from super-lightweight but durable nylon fabric and available in either 21L or 27L sizes, this is a good cycling backpack, no matter where you work or what you do.
Buyers rave about how comfortable this bag is to wear on the road, and the chevron-style back padding contains several ventilation channels that quickly whisk heat away from your back.
The zippered front pocket is another useful feature, although be aware that this part of the bag is not waterproof.
More here.
6. UPSO Burtonwood Backpack
RRP: £90
Capacity: 26L
Waterproof: Yes
Key features
Made from recycled truck tarp
External loops for attachments
Carry handle
As far as innovation goes, cycling backpacks don’t come much more creative and unique than the UPSO Burtonwood.
Each bag in the Burtonwood range is individually cut from old lorry tarpaulin with recycled seatbelt webbing and firehose, creating a completely unique bag each time. In fact, no two are identical!
The design variation among these backpacks is unlike anything else, and there’s a real authenticity to them. Each one bears the marks, scuffs, and blemishes consistent with the material’s previous life on the road.
Of course, all the standard features you’d expect from a backpack are there, but you can’t help but feel like you’re getting a little extra with this one.
More here.
7. Chrome Industries Kadet Sling
RRP: £95
Capacity: 9L
Waterproof: No
Key features
Crossbody, adjustable padded strap
Attached bottle opener
Padded rear U-lock holster
Chrome Industries’ Kadet Sling is smaller and worn differently than most, but it is still a great choice for lightweight commutes and getting about on your bike day to day.
Worn with one strap across the chest, 9L is plenty of space for small electrical items, extra layers, or spare bike parts. The sling style gives this bag a nice casual look and feel, too, and can be less cumbersome for cyclists who don’t necessarily need a full-sized backpack.
There’s no laptop compartment in this one, but it can still fit a small (7” or so) tablet. For all its positives, though, it’s not waterproof, so be careful if you’re carrying electronics in wet weather.
More here.
8. Brooks Pickwick Cotton Canvas Backpack
RRP: £220
Capacity: Available in 12L and 26L
Waterproof: No
Key features
13” or 15” padded laptop compartment
Quick-release alloy hook and buckle
Hidden back pocket
Back at the top end of the budget scale, the Brooks Pickwick Cotton Canvas Backpack is a super-stylish, timeless bag that not only looks good but keeps your belongings safe and secure.
Ideal for both the office and leisure travel, this bag is handmade from water-resistant treated cotton and features vegetable-tanned leather detailing for added slickness.
The bag is available in either 12L or 26L sizes and contains a padded compartment for laptops with an additional ‘secret’ pocket on the back for less obvious storage for smaller valuables. The rolltop closes towards your back, too, for extra security.
Brooks bag care kits, containing a specially designed cleaner foam, are also available for these bags.
More here.
9. Alpkit Gourdon
RRP: £37.99 (20L)
Capacity: Available in 20L, 25L and 30L
Waterproof: Yes
Key features
Twin side pockets for quick access
External hydration bladder sleeve
Made from over 50% recycled material
Sometimes, simplicity is best—and that’s certainly the case with the Alpkit Gourdon.
This bag is ideal for commuting, day-tripping, and all sorts in between. Made from waterproof recycled materials and with a single roll top opening, everything inside is kept secure and dry, with an internal pocket for smaller, more delicate items.
Elasticated straps around the outside of the bag also allow you to attach additional bits and bobs—perfect for belongings that don’t need to be kept dry all the time.
Classic mesh pockets for your water bottle on the outside are a nice visual throwback to your old school bag, too!
More here.
10. Rapha Roll Top Backpack
RRP: £120
Capacity: 20L
Waterproof: Roll top compartment only
Key features
Pink interior lining for clear item distinction
Reflective strip for visibility
15” padded laptop sleeve
Rapha’s Roll Top Backpacks are water and abrasion-resistant and inspired by the hard-wearing bags and satchels often used by bicycle couriers and delivery riders.
Starting at the top of the bag, the roll down section is secured by a cleverly designed clip that automatically retracts and stays out of the way while the bag is open.
The pink interior lining makes locating your stored-away items much easier, especially when rummaging in the dark. A heavy binding around the base of the bag also stops it from falling over when set down.
More here.
Regular commuter? Often cycle with a backpack? Wherever you cycle and whatever your reason, you may want to consider protecting yourself and your cycling gear with specialist cycling insurance.
Through Cycleplan, cover is available for a range of bikes, with policies specifically designed to protect them and you, with Personal Accident cover included as well as Theft and Accidental Damage protection.
You can also get Public Liability cover, which can cover your legal fees should you damage third-party property or injure somebody while out using your bike.
Learn more about specialist cycling insurance through Cycleplan here and get a quick online quote today.
Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.
