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. | Weatherproofing: Waterproof | Tech Sleeve: No, This roll-top backpack is made from 500-denier waterproof PVC with welded seams that seal out moisture. Meanwhile, a sternum strap helps balance unwieldy, top-heavy loads. 10.9 oz. 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. If you typically commute to work in warm weather, take a look at this compact backpack from Osprey. It swallows a change of clothes, a 17 inch laptop, books, electronics, and more, and still has space left over. This improves the pack’s ability to contour to the shape of your back and improves the breath-ability of the paneling during hot rides. Osprey brings the same thoughtful design to its new commuting pack as it does to the hiking-oriented models the brand is known for. Because the padded back panel has cooling ventilation channels, our sweat evaporated faster. The backpack has an oddly rectangular shape but is comfortable thanks to the wide shoulder straps and ventilated mesh back panel. Style and practicality don’t have to break the bank with the Timbuk2 Rogue backpack. This pack features an internal drop liner to keep the bag contents safe in the rain. On the whole, we think this is one of the best bags for commuting to work. The pack is beautifully designed, with a flap closure that is double-strapped down to the front of the bag to keep it tight. 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. 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). Finally, the backpack straps are relatively wide and feature a highly adjustable sternum strap to keep the bag from pulling you back away from the handlebars.The pack also offers some nice features for organization. Each of these bags is top notch in most or all of … Incase Compass Backpack (US$ 79.95) Inside, the laptop sleeve is joined by a non-padded tablet pocket, elastic water bottle slot, and two other compartments that helped keep our effects neat and tidy. Plus there’s an interior padded laptop sleeve to take care of up to 15″ tech. Capacity: 27.5 L | Weight: 1 lb. If you live in a rainy area, it’s hard to beat the waterproofing of this backpack from Sak Gear. 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. If you are carrying a heavy load, a waist strap on a backpack will help distribute the weight onto your hips, while a sternum strap can prevent your backpack from leaning you backward. That doesn’t always mean opting for the most heavily padded backpack or messenger bag – more padding can mean more heat build-up during the hot summer months.Also, pay particular attention to the straps. But Matein also offers a 36-liter pack that can store a 17-inch laptop. 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. 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. Premium packs typically also have a spot to store your tablet. Still, if you want a backpack that can also become a tote or shoulder bag, look to the Lako. Second, the paneling itself is a foam material rather than a mesh. Unfortunately, there are no zippered pockets on the inside of the backpack to hold valuables. Our largest quibble was with the water bottle pockets, which are narrow and not stretchy. 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. Winter Session Waxed Canvas Backpack 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. The padded shoulder straps are contoured and feature a built-in suspension to keep weight off your shoulders. In effect, the backpack is a modified pannier bag and features a similar heavy-duty 500-denier PVC construction. You can expect to have this backpack for life. Some have expandable compartments, panels, or cinch straps that allow you to shrink it down when you don’t need all that capacity. The internal compartment, which has a drawstring closure, includes a laptop sleeve and a small zippered pocket. There are laptop and tablet sleeves – up to 16.5 inches and 10 inches, respectively, although neither has much padding to protect your devices. This laptop backpack from SWISSGEAR is large enough to hold 17 inch laptops safely while you ride. 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. 5 Best Bike Commuter Backpacks Reviews. If you lug a ton of stuff, you’ll need a roomy bag. Durability issues aside, many customers have found the backpack a perfect fit for their commuting (urban or otherwise), rating it high for its waterproofing, sturdiness, and comfort. by Carry HQ, October 11, 2016. 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. The Mlassic delivers a ton of features at a low price. The best backpacks for travel; The best backpacks for hiking; Best backpacks for the commute 1. Despite the Lane’s compact size (spend $40 more for the 35-liter Parker if you want more space), our 13-year-old tester used it all summer for two-wheeled trips to the pool, stuffing it with a towel, a phone, sunscreen, a U-lock, goggles, keys, lunch, a bottle of water, and a mask. The large laptop compartment at the back of the backpack is big enough for a 17 inch laptop. The backpack also hides a helmet attachment, which can be used to store your helmet on the outside of the pack when you’re not riding.Although the pack is waterproof by design, it is especially ideal for rainy conditions thanks to the included rain fly. They were too small to fit 32-ounce and even some 24-ounce bottles, so our tester sometimes resorted to throwing these larger vessels in the main pocket. Unlike nylon and other fabrics that are designed to keep water out but will eventually soak through, this PVC material will never allow water to penetrate.The backpack features a unique closure system that offers two ways to keep it waterproof. TIMBUK2 Robin Commuter Backpack is an exceptionally designed backpack for bike commuting. The back panel features airflow ventilation technology to keep you cool during summer rides. By putting the weight of your gear over the rear wheel, they can negatively affect your handling as well as your bike’s acceleration and braking. 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. Reasons to avoid-Expensive. Best Commuter Backpacks for Cyclists. Here are some of our favorites. Gear haulers that work as hard as you do. 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. 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. Price: Price: $39.99 & FREE Shipping. 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? The Timbuk2 Authority bag easily holds and organizes everything you need for the workday. It also has side pockets to hold a water bottle or umbrella.This backpack doesn't offer a padded back panel or ventilation. As for fit, the pack stayed in place reasonably well on bike commutes, even in the absence of a waist and sternum straps. This travel backpack from Matein brings a little bit of high tech to your commute. | Weatherproofing: None | Tech Sleeve: Yes. However, having all that organization does you no good if the bag is causing you pain because of its weight. This extremely stylish backpack from Burton is designed to make a statement as well as comfortably hold moderate loads in good weather. And there are some great minimalist options for commuters who prefer to not carry much. Also, backpacks may be less likely to shift around on bumpy roads than a messenger bag. Whether you prefer a roll-top or a flap closure largely comes down to personal preference, although it can have an impact on the water proofness of your bag. In fact, sorting bags by capacity is a good place to start your search for the best office backpack.One of the most common items that bike commuters carry is a laptop. (If that makes you feel uneasy, there is a second pocket with a zipper.) It's best if you typically commute with just a tablet, a change of clothes, and food, without carrying any extras you don't need.This backpack comes in a wide variety of colors, which gives you a chance to show off your style. 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. Quick Answer: The Best Commuter Backpacks. The flap top is sealed closed with a Velcro strap, while the shoulder strap is well padded and easily adjustable with standard metal buckles. 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. So if that will bother you, choose the black color.—Riley Missel, test editor, Capacity: 23 L | Weight: 3 lb. The exterior is wrapped in 1,000-denier nylon that still looks brand new after months of use, and the tech compartment that is independent of the main pocket has enough heavy padding that we never worried about the safety of our laptop or tablet. As a result, it can be uncomfortable if you have longer commute. And unlike some waterproof designs, the BackSåk has a convenient exterior pocket, which is water-resistant. 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. That discomfort wasn’t an issue on foot, though. Inside, there is a padded laptop sleeve large enough to hold a 13-inch laptop, as well as another divider for organizing your stuff.The shoulder strap on this messenger bag is easily adjustable, although the shoulder pad is not as thick as on other bags so you may want to limit this bag to shorter rides. It's also relatively small, so it doesn't cover up your entire back and trap heat like some other commuter backpacks do.Keep in mind that this backpack has a capacity of only 20 liters, and it doesn't include a dedicated laptop compartment. A bottle pocket on the outside can hold a small water bottle, while a button-closed pocket underneath the flap is ideal for a small tablet or a notebook. At 20 liters, we found the Rover Pack isn’t big enough to fit an extra pair of shoes along with our other daily essentials, but we liked it for running errands around town and on days when we didn’t have as much to carry. A backpack isn’t just a bag. This messenger bag is designed to hold up to the elements thanks to a heavy-duty, water-resistant Oxford fabric construction. 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. Also, the shoulder straps, while mesh, can hold in heat. 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. The best bike commuter backpack . We think the best backpack for bike commuting on the market today is the Timbuk2 Spire backpack. 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. These waterproof features can sometimes drive up the cost of a bag, so consider skipping them if you’re on a tight budget. 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. 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. First, the top can be adjusted like a roll-top bag, with a buckle system that then serves as a carry handle. Today's best Osprey Radial 26 deals. By Bicycling Test Team. In addition to having enough room, the right backpack will also protect what you put inside it. A well-padded tech pocket keeps your laptop and tablet safe. The backpack is well designed, with four different compartments to help you stay organized. 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. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. 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. 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. Lastly, we also considered the construction, weight, price, and aesthetics of each. Modelled on bike messenger bags, it's unfussy with bombproof construction. 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. Capacity: 24 L | Weight: 2 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. Best Commuter Backpack Top Selected Products and Reviews KJARAKÄR Backpack - Commuters, Travelers, Women, Kids, or School! This small backpack from Timbuk2 is ideal for commuters who only need their small laptop and a few other items for their day. However, our tester noted that the shoulder straps were a little wide for her liking, and the ridged back panel that helped with airflow irritated her lower back slightly when she wore a thin cycling jersey. While there is a padded laptop sleeve, it is inside this main compartment and only fits laptops up to 15 inches. Like most other bags it is a top load with a flip over cover. 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. Whether you prefer a messenger bag or backpack largely comes down to your preference. On the inside, there is a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve that sits against the rider’s back as well as numerous small mesh zippered pockets for storing a variety of small items. 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. Thousands of Amazon customers have been impressed with the Matein Mlassic, and we can see why. The front compartment is big enough to fit  a change of clothes, snacks, and anything else you might need for a day at the office. Second, the top can be pushed down and cinched with buckles to straps on the sides to keep the top from flopping around while you’re riding. Keep in mind that no matter what type of bag you get, you’re only going to want to use it if it’s comfortable to ride with. Mark & Graham Commuter 3-in-1 Briefcase-Backpack. Timbuk2 Lane Commuter Backpack Earlier this year, Timbuk2 launched their "No Wet Laptops" campaign with several water-resistant options. I’m putting the answers to all of your biking questions in one place. To verify the packs are as weatherproof as their manufacturers claim, we rode in the rain. Also, the nylon is water-resistant and will hold up for a short commute in the rain, but can soak through with longer exposure to water.The inside of the pack is closed with a drawstring underneath the flap, which allows the backpack to be overstuffed with clothes or shoes. 9.6 oz. For a messenger bag, make sure that the carry strap has enough padding to keep your neck and shoulder comfortable as your bag gets heavy. Our favorite is Ortlieb’s City, which is waterproof on account of the polyurethane-laminated nylon exterior. Most fit 15-inch models, but some have larger or smaller sleeves. | Weatherproofing: Waterproof with included rain cover | Tech Sleeve: Yes, If you’re a smart packer and just need something to tote around your laptop, lunch, and a spare jacket, the 18-liter Lane can handle it. Overall Dimensions: 9 x 18.5 x 13.5 inches | Weatherproofing: Waterproof | Tech Sleeve: Yes. It’s a cache, a case, a mobile base of sorts. 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. Even fully loaded, the 26-liter Metron is comfortable to carry because of the ventilated back panel, shoulder strap padding, and sternum and waist straps. There’s also a small zippered pocket on the back of the bag for a phone, although the pocket is nicely padded so it won’t irritate your back while riding. 4.8 oz. It's a great option if you find that your phone is running out of juice by the end of the workday.This laptop bag is built to hold a 15 inch laptop in the padded rear compartment. While we found ourselves wishing for hip and sternum straps, the lack of these straps wasn't a huge deal for most rides. In general, heavier bags are made from heavier, more durable materials or offer more pockets or dividers. If wet weather is a frequent concern, consider a bag with a waterproof body and zippers or one with a cover that can be easily deployed when the skies open up. Capacity: 26 L | Weight: 2 lb. It saved us time by not needing to unfurl the top just to pull out our keys. 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