Best Bike Commuter Backpack in 2022 – Easy Riding
Congratulations. You’ve decided to take up commuter cycling. You’ll not only save on car expenses, but you’ll also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And bike commuting in the city may get you to work more quickly since you can whiz past traffic jams.
The only problem is how to transport a laptop or other everyday carry, the usual lunchbox, and perhaps a change of clothes. Fear not. Humans have been carrying a load on their backs since walking upright. This guide will help you choose a bike backpack designed to carry your gear comfortably and in a way non-damaging to your body.
You can find a bike backpack designed for specific needs with storage space, pockets, and all the features you need for happy bike commuting.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Backpacks
- INOXTO Cycling Backpack LightweightBest Value
- Osprey Packs Radial Bike CommuterBest Overall
- RUPUMPACK Insulated Hydration BackpackMost Comfortable
Whether you’re looking for comfort, the best value for your money, or top-of-the-line, you’ll find the best bike commuter backpacks below.
OUR TOP PICKS
TOMSHOO 20L/30L Cycling Backpack
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Timbuk2 Robin Pack Lightweight, OS
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Best Value INOXTO Cycling Backpack Lightweight
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NEVO Rhino Cycling Backpack
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Best Overall Osprey Packs Radial Bike Commuter
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TETON Sports Oasis 1100
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Most Comfortable RUPUMPACK Insulated Hydration Backpack
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Thule Pack-n-Pedal Commuter Backpack
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LOCALLION Cycling Backpack
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Proviz Sports Reflect360
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Our Favorite Backpacks
TOMSHOO 20L/30L Cycling Backpack
Weighing less than two pounds the TOMSHOO is highly versatile and good for hiking, camping, and other outdoor sports. Even if you bring along your soft-side cooler!
The double-layer design features a special inner layer that can hold a water bladder and includes a convenient hole for tubing. A rain cover is included to protect the bag and all your gear, and the reflective logo and strips make riding after dark safe. Breathable, athletic material, extra back support, and adjustable straps make your ride more comfortable. The waist strap can be adjusted to prevent increased weight on your shoulders.
The bag has several compartments, and with a capacity of 20 to 30 liters, you can fit in a lot of essentials, but it may not be the best cycling backpack for the office if you need to carry electronics that are larger and more expensive than a tablet. The TOMSHOO backpack has high-quality material and workmanship, and its versatility makes it a good choice for the weekend outdoor sportsman.
Pros
- Top-quality straps, zippers, and stitching
- Has a very supportive strap system
- Good for multiple outdoor activities
- It's priced right for tighter budgets
Cons
- Not quite as roomy as some other commuter backpacks
- Side pockets need to be a little deeper
- No small pocket (for keys, etc) accessible from outside the backpack
Timbuk2 Robin Pack Lightweight, OS
The Robin bike backpack is small yet feature-packed. It’s produced by a well-established (over 25 years)San Francisco company that claims to “fuse passion and style to create durable, functional products.” The versatile bag is good for everyday use. The coated nylon top flap helps keep contents dry, and if you’re caught in a downpour, you can pop out a reflective rainfly.
It features an air-mesh ventilated back panel and a removable waist strap that lets you secure heavy loads on your hips. Two side pockets stretch to fit a U-lock or water bottle. The magnetic closures give it a stylish look and make getting in and out of the bag easy. The reflective mesh panel illuminates with direct light, and you can attach a blinky light under the front bottom panel.
Pros
- The main compartment is quite roomy and will hold a 13-inch MacBook proMac
- Fully waterproof rain cover
- A manufacture's warranty can be requested from customer service
- Holds two 32-ounce water bottles
Cons
- A few customers report that it's not durable
- Top flap isn't highly functional
- It's somewhat pricey
INOXTO Cycling Backpack Lightweight
The INTOXTO outdoor sports rucksack is designed with both men and women in mind. It “weighs” in as one of the most lightweight bike backpacks available at only 1.32 lb. With a capacity of 18 liters, it’s smaller than many other backpacks, but some great space-saving features make up for it. These features include two main compartments, multiple pockets, a stretchy pocket on the backside, space for a helmet hood, and two mesh pockets on each side for extra water bottles or similar-sized items.
Additionally, you’ll have a zipper pocket on the top for smaller things like your keys or toll coins and storage space on the bottom for a rain cover. It’s fashioned of high-quality fabric and lined in nylon. Reflective strips make riding after dark safer, and an emergency whistle is included on the chest strap. Some buyers may be skeptical of the low price, but this little backpack appears to be a great value for the price.
Pros
- Nice padding on the backside
- One-year after service for quality problems
- Great value for the price
- features a water bladder hose strap in the shoulder strap
Cons
- Not listed as water-resistant
- A cover is not included
NEVO Rhino Cycling Backpack
The NEVO Rhino has an average overall rating of 5 stars and 4.8 for features including comfort and value for the price. It comes in an attractive Caribbean blue color and is made of high-quality breathable mesh nylon fabric. This backpack is durable and fairly lightweight. It provides good ergonomic support and the back straps are breathable and adjustable.
The strong waist buckle system is high-loading, tightens easily, and is able and to support lots of weight. This bicycle commuter backpack has shoulder straps, a hip strap, carabines, a whistle buckle, and easy-to-access zippers. It has lots of pockets for all those miscellaneous items you need to take to work or class. A 3-liter water bladder with a straw system is included. Overall, the NEVO Rhino is an amazing product for your money.
Pros
- Multiple compartments designed specifically for commuting
- Thermal insulted compartment for the water bladder
- High quality for a lower price
Cons
- Somewhat heavier than other backpacks (5 lbs for the 60L)
- No water-resistance features are listed
- No warranty information is available
Osprey Packs Radial Bike Commuter
This smart-looking classic black Osprey is the backpack you’d expect the company executive who likes to hike on weekends to own. The main compartment laptop sleeve has all the room and organization you need for the electronics and other things you need for your busy work schedule including a separate document sleeve. More spacious than it looks, the padded laptop sleeve will fit two laptops nicely.
You’ll find compartments and pockets you didn’t even realize were there, and the volume expands from 26 liters to 34 liters to accommodate all your everyday essentials for the office or a hiking trip. The main compartment also includes a roomy zippered pocket for shoes, clothes, and other items you want to keep separate. Other storage features include a scratch-free zippered pocket to stash your sunglasses and phone and a lid lock helmet attachment.
This backpack is super comfortable with an adjustable airspeed back panel providing superior ventilation to reduce back sweating. And it’s surprisingly lightweight at 2.47 lbs. Commuting in the rain? No worries. The Osprey includes an integrated highly-visible rain cover.
Pros
- Includes a "kickstand" to keep it from tipping over when placed on the floor
- More spacious than it looks
- Expands for extra storage
- The buyer can request a warranty from customer service
Cons
- Although recommended for hiking, it has no water bladder
- not highly-reflective for night cycling
- Difficult to access a water bottle from its storage sleeve
TETON Sports Oasis 1100
If you enjoy cycling for outdoor adventure in addition to commuting and don’t have a heavy load for work or school, the TETON Sports Oasis could be the commuter backpack for you. With a capacity of 18 liters, the main compartment is roomy enough for extra clothing, a lunch box, and one small (10-inch)laptop. The 2-liter water bladder can be upgraded to a 3-liter one, and a kink-free sip straw is included.
The TETON comes in a variety of colors. Choose orange if you want more visibility. It’s lightweight( only 2 lbs) and specifically designed for comfort in mind. The multiple compression straps allow you to tighten your load for a great fit and the athletic cut is suitable for all body frame sizes.
Other comfort features an air mesh back panel for good airflow to your back. The adjustable waist, shoulder, and chest straps work together to provide hours of comfort. The quality and design of the TETON are supported by more than 1,000 5-star reviews.
Pros
- A good price for the budget-conscious
- Includes a lifetime warranty for defects in materials and workmanship
- Has high-quality stitching
- Includes a bungee cord system for helmets
Cons
- Limited storage for electronics
- No Laptop sleeve
RUPUMPACK Insulated Hydration Backpack
Very lightweight (1.4 lbs), the RUPUMPACK is suitable for cycling, hiking, running and commuting and is designed to fit men, women, and children. The padded straps, waist straps, and back are fashioned of water-resistant nylon. Although a bit on the small side(18-liter capacity)the unique multiple compartment design includes double pockets on the waist strap for your cell phone and other smaller items.
The straps are adjustable, zippers are hidden and heavy-duty, and safety reflectors are included on the front and the shoulder straps for after-dark commuting. A 2.5-liter water bladder is included to keep you hydrated, and you’ll appreciate that it’s made of BPA-free FDA-approved material.
A clip on the right shoulder strap keeps the hose bladder in place. Made from high-quality aluminum foil, the hydration insulation layer keeps water liquids cold for as long as four hours. In fact, you can use the RUPUMPACK as a portable cooler both indoors and outdoors. Overall, this backpack is reasonably priced, comfortable, and reliable.
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Lots of storage space for its capacity
- After-sales service for quality problems within 1 year
Cons
- Backstraps are long and may slide off the shoulders
- No cover for rain
Thule Pack-n-Pedal Commuter Backpack
If you must commute after dark or in wet weather, the Thule Pack-n-Pedal may be for you. It features a 360-degree reflective screen print strip to increase visibility from every angle as well as a light attachment on the back. The rain cover (included) also has reflective screen print. The rolltop closure and waterproof main compartment keep contents dry.
This commuter backpack has carrying solutions to meet all your office and school needs from up to a 15-inch laptop to your phone, helmet, and U lock. There is a padded laptop sleeve and removable, and the tablet sleeve rests on top rather than flat on your back for a more comfortable ride.
Also adding to comfort are breathable shoulder straps and airflow channels on the back panel. The weight is fairly light (2.56 lbs) considering it has a capacity of 24 liters. Overall, in spite of some great features, the price is a bit steep.
Pros
- Excellent choice for night commuting
- Has a hardshell pocket for protecting your glasses
- Separate compartments for the rain cover
- Laptop pocket
Cons
- Some material quality problems have been reported
- A bit cumbersome to open since you must release side-squeeze buckles
- Slightly overpriced
LOCALLION Cycling Backpack
Weighing in at a mere 4 ounces over a pound, the LOCALLION backpack is a good choice for the commuter who can leave most of their job-related gear at work. Reliable, durable, and versatile, the 18-liter cycling backpack is a great companion for short journeys and daily use. The external storage system features a high-capacity pocket that will easily hold a cell phone and an umbrella.
The internal compartment will accommodate an iPad, a change of clothes, and a few other necessities. There’s a zip pocket for a helmet and a compartment for a water bladder (not included). An upper zipper pocket holds your keys and other smaller items, and mesh water bottle pockets are on each side.
For comfort and breathability, you’ll appreciate the adjustable padded shoulder straps, and the back material is padded with mesh to facilitate heat dissipation. This backpack also has reflective strips for night travel and the shoulder straps contain a drinking hose for an added water bladder and headphones. Overall, the features make the Localion good value for the price.
Pros
- Quality and durability at a good price
- A compact look that holds more than you'd think
Cons
- Not suitable for cycle commuters with a larger build
- Water bladder not included
- Not listed as waterproof
- Not suitable for carrying larger electronics
Proviz Sports Reflect360
The Reflect360 is so-named for its unique reflective outer shell. The material’s millions of beads are a stylish gray in daylight and catch headlights for ultimate reflectivity at night. At less than one pound it’s very lightweight, yet the 30-liter backpack allows you to carry lots of gear. The main compartment has a roomy zipped mesh pocket, and organization is a breeze with multiple slip pockets included.
The backpack fits snuggly to your body giving you stability and comfort. An integrated ventilation system provides good airflow to keep your back cool. Waist and hip straps are adjustable to give you the best individual fit. The bag is waterproof for protection against the elements, and storm zips on the main opening provide extra protection.
A 2-liter water bladder with a compatible straw and easy-to-access clip is included. The Reflect360 is pricier than some backpacks of similar capacity and features, but if you must commute after dark in heavy traffic, this cycling commuter backpack is well worth the cost.
Pros
- Accommodates a 15-inch computer easily
- Lightweight with a large capacity
- Highly reflective for night use
Cons
- A few reports of the reflective material peeling after light use
- More expensive than some other comparable bags
What To Look For In A Commuter Pack
When looking for the best commuter backpack, you’ll want to consider the following categories.
Comfort
It goes without saying that you’ll want to consider only the lightest bike commuter backpacks. Manufacturers know this, and most are fashioned with this in mind. Other features to consider include adjustable straps, adequate padding, and breathable material. A water bladder and safety for night commuting also add to comfort.
Best Value
You’ll want your commuter backpack to last, and it makes no sense to buy something for a low price only to replace it over and over. Features to look for include quality workmanship through materials and stitching. Look for durability at the best price and storage compartments that meet your needs.
Features
There are a huge range of features that will suit all kinds of commuters, so you have to decide what you need for yourself. However, things to watch out for include a place to store your helmet, rain jacket and other gear once you arrive at your destination. As well as handy organizational spots for things like your keys, phone, laptop (if you carry one) and a change of clothes.
Some packs have other features which are not as crucial: such as the kickstand on the Osprey (handy though), a water bladder which might be optional depending on how far you commute, and reflective areas on the pack for night riding.
Our Favorites
Here are our picks for the top backpack for commuters in each of the three categories.
Comfort
The RUPUMPAC Insulated Hydration Backpack fits all body frames, is lightweight, has padded adjustable straps, reflectors, and a 2.5-liter water bladder.
- The FX series of two-piece rods was created for anglers for all ages and skill levels
- These versatile rods cover a wide variety of applications and lengths; and they can be enjoyed on any stream; river or lake; or for light saltwater applications
Best Value
The INOXTO Backpack is made of durable, high-quality materials, highly rated and includes one-year after service for a low price.
- 【Ergonomic And Comfortable Design】: The breathable backpack and suspension system is designed in accordance with the back movement structure of the body, which is comfortable and breathable to adapt to human muscles. Scientifically distributes the weight of the backpack evenly to the entire backpack, effectively alleviating long-term weight-caused muscle pain problems.
- 【Inoxto Hydration Bladder】: Our hiking backpack comes with a 2 liter hydration water bladder. The water temperature is -20 ~ +50 ℃, and it is easy to clean. The water line (40 '' long, 1cm diameter) provides healthy water flow and is easy to drink.
Top of the Line
The classy Osprey is our pick for good looks, quality, and lots of high-end features.
- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season