If you are a cycling enthusiast and prefer to take your bike everywhere as a means of transportation, then you know how difficult taking personal items with you can be. The great thing is that you do have some options, with one being a cycling backpack, or rucksack, to help hold your stuff, keep it protected from the elements, and allow you a bit more freedom in where you choose to ride your bike to.
The best bicycle backpack is one that fits you comfortably and provides the room you need to take your own personal items, and hold those you need to transport from one place to the other. The following article explains the types of packs you might be interested in, and some of the top rated choices to consider.
Table Of Contents
Top 5 Bicycle Backpack Choices to Consider
Brand | Details |
|---|---|
 Granite Gear Cadence Backpack | |
 SHIMANO Tokyo 17L Backpack | |
 Showers Pass Utility Backpack | |
 Deuter Race EXP Air Biking Backpack | |
 Osprey Talon 22 Backpack |
Commuting by Bike
Commuting by bike to work, the store, or simply around town for random errands is more than just a great way to get your exercise. It is a fantastic way to help reduce your own personal footprint in the environment. First off, you may very likely get to where you need to be much faster than by vehicle as you will not have to contend with as much traffic (remember, bikes on the road are subject to the same laws as vehicles).
But you also will not have to deal with the cost of driving, or the concerns with vehicle emissions. Plus, you get an awesome workout even if you aren’t exerting yourself. Keeping your self moving is a great way to help improve overall health, and also stay toned and in shape for when you have more serious biking to do.
Why You Want a Bicycle Backpack
As mentioned, it is difficult to haul around too many personal items when biking to and from work, stores, or when visiting. It’s even harder if you need to transport items home. A good bicycle pack is an awesome way to carry your essentials, and still have room for quite a bit of quick pick up items.
Backpacks also carry a surprisingly large amount of items and can help you stay quite organized. They are lightweight in design, made for comfort carry, and are actually a healthier way to carry many items as the weight is distributed across the core of your body rather than pulling on shoulders or neck muscles like many other bags are wont to do.
If you like to bike to and from work, then a good bag can be the perfect mode of transportation for your work items as well. Many exist that will protect and keep safe any important items as well if weather is a concern at times. Plus, most bags easily serve dual purposes and uses making them convenient and comfortable to carry.
Details to Consider
Backpacks are not a one size fits all item, nor do they have specific models and series that span across brand names. Rather, backpacks of all types are varied in design, size, and use- which pretty much means that is you have a specific need or want in mind, you can most likely find it with a little bit of time.
This can get a bit consuming however, and to get yourself started you may want to consider some of the following details that are commonly offered in various designs to help narrow down what you are initially looking for.
Reflectivity
Being visible while riding should be an important focus at all times. Bright clothing and reflective designs can go a long way towards making sure both motorists and pedestrians see you. Many bags incorporate reflective strips and patterns in their bags to help you out.
Width of Straps
The size of the straps can mean a big difference to your pack sits balanced and comfortable. Starp width also determines how the weight is distributed, and so consider the use of your bag and how much weight you plan on using. Also, take into account your body shape and size for comfort.
Padding
Padding along the backside of a pack can be a nice touch, especially if you regularly need to transport objects that may have hard surfaces or angled edges.
Waterproofing
Roll-top designs and other waterproofing materials help keep whatever you are transporting nice and dry. Other styles may be water resistant or even come with a special cover to place over your pack when the weather turns.
Size
Backpacks come in a great array of sizes - leaving you the ability to pretty much find what you need with the space you require a pretty easy process. Consider what you need to carry, and what you may want to carry to narrow down your choices.
Cooling Channels
Larger packs do cover more of your back and can create a lot of heat entrapment. Because of this, you will often find larger packs designed with cooling channels to allow a free flow of air.
How to Choose the Best Bike Backpack for Your Needs
A lot about the backpack that is best for you has to do with personal preference and actual need. Your body shape and size will determine a lot of what might feel comfortable as well, and is worth taking into consideration.
What items need transportation?
If all you want to do is carry along some smaller personal items then there is no need to buy anything too large. Simple sling bags or small rucksacks are great choices for smaller, everyday items. If you know you need to transport larger items, or even small amounts of groceries and other purchases from time to time, then a larger, compartmentalized bag may be a better choice.
What climates do you bike in?
If you ride only when the weather is clear and sunny, then you don’t have to worry too much about moisture protection. But if wet and/or cold weather is an issue, you may want to consider something that ensures your belongings are protected.
What distances do you travel by bike?
The longer you haul around a bag, the more chance you have of finding the pack you thought was comfortable, isn’t. Be sure to look at the fit and structure of a pack and look over the comfort ratings prior to purchase. Many places you order from provide easy returns if you discover immediately if the bag does not work for you.
Top 5 Bicycle Backpack Choices to Consider
The top reviewed backpack choices below offer a great selection of options to highlight what is available. These are trusted brands and are popular with biking enthusiasts for comfort and use.
Granite Gear Cadence Backpack
Granite Gear designs some seriously comfortable and useful products, and the tall and slim profile of their Cadence BackPack makes it an excellent choice for cycling enthusiasts. With a specialized Repela-Fabric for a water repellent barrier, this durable fabric is thick, long lasting, and keeps your materials protected for transport even in bad weather. It also has a padded back panel with lumbar support and a breathable, load bearing shoulder harness. A waist belt and sternum strap helps distribute weight and keep it balanced as well.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Purchase This Product?
This is a larger, durable pack for longer commutes and larger loads. It is designed to sit comfortably and allow for easy internal organization.
SHIMANO Tokyo 17L Backpack
Made for cycling enthusiasts, the Shimano Tokyo 17 L pack is made from a durable ballistic nylon to keep rips, tears, and snags from occurring. Treated with a waterproofing, it also helps keep your belongings dry and protected, plus the rolltop closure ensures no leaks through a zipper. A padded laptop compatrment is included, as well as lots of space to organize anything you need to carry.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Purchase This Product?
This is another top notch choice for durable use that can handle a wide variety of larger items. The details included provide ample space to clip your helmet to, as well as locks and other riding accessories.
Showers Pass Utility Backpack
This is a lightweight, waterproof bag designed to be a reliable go-to for all your backpack needs. Welded seams and watertight zippers define the detail provided in this bag, as well as fleece lined inner compartments for easy organization, and a place for your hydration bladder for longer rides. 4 LED beacons blink red, and are integrated into the sides and back of the bag for high visibility, making this a great all-around choice.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Purchase This Product?
If night time commutes are part of your MO, then this is a bag seriously worth considering. The attention to detail holds your belongings, and makes you noticeable no matter what the weather or light conditions.
Deuter Race EXP Air Biking Backpack
Lightweight nylon provides durable, expandable volume, an easy stretch compartment, a place for your hydration system, and an additional rain cover for inclimate weather. This bag is full of quality details such as a place for your shades, light, helmet, and multiple storage compartments make this a well organized product. It also has an air compression system for easy comfort when fully loaded, and to help distribute weight and provide a comfortable carry.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Purchase This Product?
Great for all day use, this is a bag worth looking at if you need a dependable bag for both cycling, and casual use.
Osprey Talon 22 Backpack
This pack is built for versatility, and is much more than just an outdoor go to for cycling, but also a wide range of other activities. Available in two sizes : a small/medium, and medium/large, you can pick the pack that fits your personal frame the best for comfort and use. Ventilated, and made from a BioStretch harness, it is made for easy weight distribution no matter what you are doing. Helmet attachment, hip belt packs, compression straps, a hydration sleeve, trekking pole attachments, stretch pockets and bungee tie offs are all details to make you use even more convenient.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Purchase This Product?
This is an excellent all around bag for your outdoor activities. With all the options for various sports, and the choice of size for your body type, this bag is a comfortable, popular pick.
Conclusion
A bicycle backpack is an awesome addition to your riding style, especially if you commute regularly, or like to use your bike as a main mode of transportation. Personal preferences, needs for your various activities, as well as the space needed for your items of transport should help drive your choices of products. The above picks are popular with consumers, and are some the best tried and true products for biking enthusiasts.