While panniers are great, for many of us the easiest way to carry our things by bike is with one of the best cycling backpacks. While you can chuck your things in any old bag and it'll probably be adequate, if you're regularly going to be using it then there are features on cycling specific models that make life easier, more comfortable, and safer; think special pockets, waterproof liners, and reflective details.
For the majority of you reading this, a cycling backpack is going to form part of your commuting life, so once you've found what you're looking for then be sure to check out the best waterproof cycling jackets, the best bike lights, and even the best commuter bikes if you're starting from scratch.
As always, if you're unsure what you need and would like a bit of a steer then we've got all of the key questions answered at the bottom.
The best cycling backpacks you can buy today
If you need a cycling backpack for general use this is my pick of the bunch. The main compartment is just the right size for everyday uses, and it's lined with thick tarpaulin, so in conjunction with the rolltop closure it's absolutely impervious to rain. It's also just within the size limits for every airline I've ever flown with, and so is my go to option for every press trip. The real star of the show is the outer cargo net though, within which you can stow all manner off items, from shoes and helmets through to massive bulk bags of pasta and 9-packs of loo roll.
It's not perfect though (nothing ever is). the back can be a little sweaty if you're riding hard, and the side pockets, though they can hold a bottle of a D-lock, are very tight and hard to use if the bag is stuffed absolutely full. Despite these minor drawbacks, it's still the one I'd choose if I had to pick a single bag from this list.
For a deeper dive into why this bag is such a winner we've got a full review after using it for a year.
You can have any colour you want, as long as it's black. The DHB waterproof rucksack is basic, but excellent value if you want a no frills option. It's a drybag style cycling backpack, with an unorganised main compartment; just a void, so get a case for your laptop. It's waterproof, with a rolltop, but the material used for the body itself feels more flimsy than more premium drybag style options, particularly from Ortlieb. The corners at the bottom, where it'd get worn down with use, are reinforced with hard plastic which is a well thought out detail however.
I did find the rolltop to be an unwieldy affair though. The difference in thickness between the side panels and the front means it bunches and folds annoyingly, and the shoulder straps are rather thin. All told though it will certainly do the job better than extremely cheap options, and keep all of your things perfectly dry.
The Rapha Backpack is a genuine contender for best overall. A similar capacity to the Chrome Barrage, and a little more comfy to use as well, unless you've got anything hard in the bag; the softer back padding isn't so resistant against pointy things. The rolltop is excellent, and the bright pink interior of the main compartment makes finding things a lot easier than in a black bag.
If you're opting for a drybag style cycling backpack then you don't expect easy access side pockets, but to not have one on a standard style bag is a bit of a let down. That, and the fact the very well organised external pockets aren't waterproof is a bit of an omission to, as it means the pocket most ideal for storing things like a phone shouldn't be used to store a phone in the wet. All told though it's a great backpack, stylish too, and with a very reflective strip for fans of being seen. It's cheaper than the Barrage too, but still not what you'd call a budget option.
If you're after a drybag style cycling backpack then this is your best bet. The roll top closes with a hook and loop system, which will last longer than Velcro or plastic buckles, the size is ample for daily use and beyond, there are three external loops for mounting a whole lighting array so you can be seen, and the base is reinforced in its entirety. Like all drybag style bags it's a little formless, essentially a flexible waterproof bucket with some straps, but unlike many you do get a laptop sleeve and some organisational pockets that come on a removable insert, so if you do need to use it to chuck wet gear in on the regular you can take it out.
The straps essentially lack any padding, so as to not absorb water, so they're not the most comfy but they are wide enough to distribute the load. For safety fans too there is a lack of any real reflectivity beyond a reflective logo, so to be seen you've got to take advantage of the aforementioned lighting loops.
If the price is too much then Ortlieb do make a cheaper but extremely similar 'City' version; the one here is the 'Urban'. Bonus points if you can spot the differences.
If you like the look of the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack but don't want to splash out quite so much then the Altura Thunderstorm is a more affordable, more basic alternative. It shares many of the same features, and is a near identical capacity, but is a little more pared back in its features; the laptop compartment, for example, isn't removable in this case meaning it'll get soggy if you are perpetually using it to store wet gear.
It does shine, quite literally in fact, in the visibility stakes though, in that the lower portion is covered in reflective dashes on the sides and the rear. To supplement this there are light loops on the sides and rear too, so you can be seen from all angles.
While the straps were comfortable, the rolltop closure was a little lacking in that you can't cinch it tight, only hook it to one of three loops. Its not a dealbreaker, but it's an omission nonetheless. Also, the fact the opening aperture is already partially sewn together at the corners to allow it to fold over more neatly, but ultimately reducing the size of thing you can put in the bag, is annoying.
If you need to carry a lot then the Warsaw 2.0 from Chrome should be on your radar. Its 55 litre capacity is almost entirely handled by one cavernous, unorganised central compartment, tarp lined as per the majority of the Chrome bag range. It's not as tall as you'd expect, but it is wider than any bag I've ever used, and does impact your peripheral vision while looking behind you for incoming traffic.
Despite its whopping size there are compression straps everywhere, so you can reduce it down, and the straps have super quick cam lock buckles normally seen on lashing straps to easily adapt on the fly. Also, there are myriad of extra pockets all about the bag to stash secrets and trinkets in.
In all honesty it's overkill for most use cases, but if you need a high volume bag that's designed with cycling in mind then this is the one to go for. It's not cheap, it only comes in black, but it won't let you down. If you need to go bigger (think carefully here!), Chrome also has a Pro version of the winning Barrage model that offers a gargantuan 80 litres of haulage capacity.
There's no getting around it, this is an expensive bag. Given that it is only water resistant, has no reflective details, and is an incredibly simple design it does seem a slightly mad purchase. However, if you're commuting short distances on a posh bike in good weather and you want a suitably posh bag to match then it's got to be the style pick of the bunch.
The lightly waxed canvas will wear in and patina, giving you even more style points the longer you use it. Though the design is simple, and the straps are unpadded, the construction is extremely high quality and provided you don't totally abuse it, it's a bag that'll last you for years and years. It's also the only bag on this list that doesn't look 'technical', which will certainly appeal to some of you for both on and off the bike.
The lack of back pads too makes it a little sweaty (faster patina, right?), so short journeys only with this one too.
For some of you, you may be coming at this after a general backpack that's good for cycling, rather than a cycling backpack that's also good for general use. If I'm describing you then the Patagonia Black Hole is an ideal choice, especially for using while travelling (just watch out for those airport hand luggage allowances).
While not waterproof the main fabric is plasticised to it'll shrug off a heavy shower. The main benefits here are the comfort factor - It's perfect for all day use, more akin to a hiking bag than one designed for commuting - and the internal organisation. The separate compartments are well thought out, with a large main compartment, an upper cubby for things like glasses or your liquids, and further slots and pouches within each. The real star though is the laptop compartment, which unzips from the rear panel rather than being accessed from toe outer face. It's a minor detail, but if you're anywhere with an increased risk of theft it's a bonus for sure.
Aesthetics are important too, lets not kid ourselves. Many of the cycling backpacks look just as described; like they are for cycling, The Black Hole looks the most normal of the bunch which will definitely appeal to some.
A messenger bag offers a different proposition to a backpack. Designed with bike messengers in mind these bags offer easy access without actually taking the bag off: Simply unclip the stabilising second strap, spin it round to your front, and reach in to grab whatever is inside.
Maybe you're not a bike messenger though, maybe you've just watched Premium Rush too many times. Either way a messenger bag is still an excellent option, and in my opinion it's hard to beat the Chrome Citizen. I used one myself every day for years to commute to work. The build quality was impeccable and the wide shoulder strap only became uncomfy with really heavy loads. The tarp liner also was so waterproof that I used it as a drinks cooler full of ice on one hot evening.
The lack of structure means that they best handle softer cargo rather than anything hard and angular (my tip is to put your clothes at the back of your bag so they act as a cushion), but the flip side to this is that when the bag is more empty it easily conforms to your body and is less obtrusive than a backpack.
Though not quite so large as the Chrome Warsaw 2.0, the Ortlieb Messenger is still definitely a large option. It's about as large as you'd want to go for general use I'd suggest, but like the Warsaw it carries larger loads in surprising comfort, thanks mostly to good straps and excellent back padding.
While also being a large option, and one nominally with messengers in mind, the Ortlieb Messenger is the polar opposite in terms of design. It's about as simple as it gets; just one main cavity. No internal organisation, no laptop sleeve, no light loops, no reflective details. Just a well built, large, waterproof hold all with a roll top closure. It's big enough to fit all the shopping in too, provided you're sticking to a basket not a trolley.
While I rate it in terms of construction and its simplicity, my main bugbear with the Messenger is the closure. It's a rolltop, secured with a Velcro strap, but the strap itself isn't very long, so when the bag is full to the brim it doesn't feel so secure. Also Velcro wears out eventually; I'd rather see a hooked closure as on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack.
Along with the Barrage, this is the bag that comes with me on every press trip to hold my camera gear and electronics. Day to day though it's perfect for quick trips into town, on or off the bike. It's big enough to fit a camera, an extra layer, a few snacks, tools and tubes and the other basic necessities of modern life.
The sling style is perfect for a bag this size; one shoulder can easily handle any load at this scale, and it cinches down when not full to bursting, It's not waterproof though, despite the main zip, so go steady in a downpour if you are carrying electronics. It'll shrug off a shower no problem though.
The star of the show for me is the D-lock holster on the rear of the bag. You'd thing it'd be uncomfortable there, but it's sufficiently padded so as to never be an issue, and it means you don't need to have a lock holster on your bike, or slip it into your belt loops for quick transport.
If you cycle in low light, or at night, you've probably been concerned with how visible you are. The best bike lights help, but reflective gear uses the often bedazzling power of car headlights to make sure you're seen.
The Provis Reflect360 is absolutely the bag to go for if you want to be seen at night. It doesn't have the build quality of a lot of the bags on this list, and nor is it waterproof, but supplement it with a reflective waterproof cover from the same brand and you'll be sorted for all weathers.
The straps are comfy, and while the zip isn't waterproof it is at least long, meaning you can open the bag almost like a clam to fish out whatever may be lurking inside. It feels the most like a normal, non cycling backpack of any on the list, but despite it's drawbacks in terms of construction it'd be the one I'd be taking if I had to undertake a commute somewhere with heavy traffic. Reflective jackets exist from the same brand, and you can use them with any bag of course, but slapping a non-reflective bag on your back over a reflective jacket does slightly reduce its effectiveness.
How to choose the right cycling backpack for you
Not everyone's needs are the same, and so not everyone should buy the same thing. In my opinion the Chrome Barrage will tick most boxes for most people in most situations, but it may not be right for you, so below I've tried my best to answer all the key questions you may have so that you can ultimately make the best purchase possible.
What should I look for in a cycling backpack?
Like any backpack, a cycling backpack should be comfortable to wear, and have enough capacity to carry what you need to carry. The primary use for cycling backpacks is commuting, so with the exception of the Chrome Kadet, every bag on this list can easily hold a laptop, a packed lunch, a change of clothes and one of the best bike locks.
Beyond that you'll want to look for waterproofing if you ride in the rain, reflective details or light mounts if you're going to use it at night, or a higher capacity if you intend on throwing more stuff into it on a regular basis. Wide, comfortable straps are a minimum requirement for both comfort and stability too; nobody wants a bag that flops from side to side as they ride. This is primarily why you don't see many cycling backpacks with a suspended, vented back as you do with hiking bags: That would put the load further away from your body on a bouncy spring, which is an effective recipe for a wobbly time.
One final big decision is whether you go for an organised or unorganised compartment. Unorganised bags, i.e. just a void with no extra slots or pockets, mean that none of the capacity is wasted on pockets you may never use; you can simply chuck anything of any shape in at any time until it's full. On the flip side, particularly for commuting, it can be handy to at least have a dedicated laptop sleeve for protection as much as organisation.
Is it harder to ride with a backpack?
Adding any load to your overall setup is going to make life harder, that's just physics, so if it's for commuting the best thing you can do is leave as much at work as you can get away with.
For smaller loads a cycling backpack, provided it's well-designed, isn't going to make life all that much harder. For bigger loads though, or for longer commutes, you'll probably be more comfortable with a single or pair of panniers.
The main thing to consider is saddle comfort; having the best saddle for you is key, and why many people for commuting opt for a leather saddle, as once broken in you can do away with the cycling shorts. Adding extra kilograms to your upper body adds a corresponding load to your sit bones, so making sure you have an appropriate and comfortable saddle is paramount, plus probably a set of the best cycling shorts too.
Can I cycle with a hiking backpack?
Of course you can, and there are a tonne of absolutely capable hiking bags out there. If you're a regular hiker and an infrequent commuter then this may well be a great use of your money, but they're perhaps less suited to cycling than you'd think.
Waterproofing for hiking bags often takes the form of a waterproof cover, which is perfect when walking at 5km/h, but can get very flappy when you're cruising to work at six times that speed. Waterproof cycling backpacks are waterproof as part of their construction, so no flapping.
As mentioned earlier too, hiking backpacks with suspended, vented backs are great for hiking in hot weather, but they have a tendency to create a very wobbly load when you add in the left/right swap of pedalling.
How big should a cycling backpack be?
The simple answer is "big enough to fit all you need to carry", but I'll admit that's not overly helpful when checking a stats list. In my experience, something between 20 and 30 litres is the sweet spot. Below that it starts to get tricky to get a commuting load in, and above that they get cumbersome.
If you do need bigger loads then stability becomes more key. The Ortlieb messenger is giant but still very stable, and while the Chrome Warsaw is gargantuan, it has enough compression straps to shrink its effective size when not full to the brim.
Are cycling backpacks waterproof?
Most are, yes, but not all. If you commute in the rain, or think you might in the future then this should be top of your specs list. Arriving at the office with soggy clothes and a dead computer isn't going to make for a happy day.
Some cycling backpacks are said to be waterproof, but this may only extend to the main compartment. For a setup absolutely impervious to water ingress a drybag style cycling backpack like the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack is your best bet, as it lacks any real external pockets to allow stuff to get soggy by accident, and a roll top closure is the best option too.
Are cycling backpacks comfortable?
Some are more than others, but I've tested each and every one on this list to confirm they are. If comfort is your number one priority then look for something with wide, padded straps and a padded, but ventilated back.
The bigger the load the more comfort becomes a factor too; notice how the Ortlieb Messenger has thicker padding than the Commuter Daypack from the same brand to deal with the added payload.
Do I need a waist strap?
I'd say a chest strap is vital for stability, but the jury is out on waist straps. Personally, I find them restrictive. I never use them, and remove them if possible, but I have friends who treat them as a requirement. They're certainly more useful for stabilising bags with a round profile; I'm talking the drybag style options primarily.
In short, they can be handy for some people, but I personally wouldn't let them be a dealbreaker if the rest of the specs list floats your boat.
How do we test the best cycling backpacks?
I don't own a car, so all of my trips around town, to and from work, and to do all of my shopping I do by bike. That means I've been using these bags to carry all sorts of stuff from place to place, and in all weathers too as I don't have the option to just hop in the car if it's raining and I've run out of milk again. The big weekly grocery shop, trips to the pub, and commuting to the office all form part of my testing. I've even used the larger ones to transport the smaller ones to the office in a cycling backpack Russian Doll arrangement.
My commute is also an hour each way, which is about the limit of what I think a cycling backpack should be able to handle, so forms an ideal test in that regard. Beyond that, I'd want to look at panniers.
