The 10 Best Cycling Backpacks In 2022
Though you might think your standard everyday backpack is up to the job, cycling backpacks are a worthy investment—especially if you regularly commute to and from work on your bike.
Cycling backpacks are specifically designed with cyclists in mind. Manufacturers know that you need something that not only does the job but is comfortable and looks the part, too.
When riding a bike, 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’ and everything else.
However, the good news is cycling backpacks are custom built with features that make carrying your belongings from A to B across different terrain and in adverse weather a breeze. Balancing comfort with practicality and, of course, style, the best cycling backpacks provide everything you need and then some.
Whatever your budget, we’ve got you covered. In no particular order, here are 10 of the best cycling backpacks in 2022 designed with your daily commute in mind.
Table of contents
1. Lomo Hi-Viz Dry Bag
2. Chrome Industries Barrage Cargo Backpack
3. Altura Grid Backpack
4. Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City Backpack
5. Upso Burtonwood Backpack
6. Rapha Roll Top Backpack
7. Chrome Yalta 3.0 Backpack
8. Proviz Reflect360 Cycling Backpack
9. POC Berlin Backpack
10. Oxford Aqua V20
1. Lomo Hi-Viz Dry Bag
RRP: £35
Key features
- Fluorescent for increased visibility
- Removable internal mesh pocket
- RF-welded seams
Made from fully waterproof and strikingly fluorescent material, the Hi-Viz Dry Bag by Lomo is perfect for cyclists (and even motorcyclists) who want to keep their belongings safe and stay seen on the road.
These high-visibility backpacks have several retro-style reflective panels and stripes placed down the front, which reflect light in the direction it came, increasing your visibility when cycling in the dark. Reflective strips can also be found on the front of the bag’s shoulder straps to improve visibility from the front.
The backpack also has a roll-down closure flap and RF-welded seams to ensure it stays completely watertight and protects your gear even in the heaviest downpours and when travelling at the fastest speeds.
There’s a handy removable internal mesh pocket, too, suitable for your wallet and other small items.
2. Chrome Industries Barrage Cargo Backpack
RRP: £189
Key features
- Ergonomic shoulder strap
- Waterproof tarpaulin liner
- Adjustable 5-point cargo net system
Although at a noticeably higher price point, the more you read about Chrome Industries’ Barrage Cargo Backpack, the more you realise why so—and it’s hard to argue against, all things considered.
This sturdy, watertight backpack is built to adapt to any weather. It has a fully welded, abrasion-resistant main compartment, adjustable exterior 5-point cargo net, and an expandable rolltop allowing extra baggage for those longer commutes or busier days in the office.
The sternum strap also features Chrome Industries’ iconic buckle, which, aside from helping with weight distribution, also looks pretty cool. Smart but practical, this could definitely double up as your office bag.
While we’re talking style, it’s worth mentioning the Barrage Cargo is also available as a tote bag.
3. Altura Grid Backpack
RRP: £60
Key features
- Laptop sleeve and internal organiser
- Roll-top closure
- Reflective detailing
Another cycling backpack designed with the modern urban commute in mind, the Altura Grid looks just as at home in the workplace as it does on your back out on the road.
With a sizeable laptop sleeve and internal organiser, you can cycle safely in the knowledge that your belongings are not only secure but orderly, too.
Not only that, its water-resistant finish also combines with the rolltop closure to ensure everything inside the backpack stays dry. The front storage pocket is also very useful for grabbing things quickly at short notice, mid-commute, without having to stop and undo the rolltop strap.
Notice the addition of stylish reflective detailing with light loops, too. These are, of course, there to increase your visibility in the dark, and there’s also an attachment loop for you to connect your other smaller bits and bobs, such as mini lights and locks.
4. Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City Backpack
RRP: £135
Key features
- Back padding with ventilation
- Removable breast and waist straps
- Waterproof
Made from super-lightweight but durable, waterproof nylon fabric, Ortlieb’s Commuter Daypack’s are a perfect choice no matter where you work or what you do.
Available in either 21-litre or 27-litre and with rolltop closure, a large main compartment, and a separate padded notebook compartment, there’s a safe and secure place for all your belongings and equipment.
Noted perhaps above all for its outstanding carrying comfort, Ortlieb’s striking chevron-style back padding has several ventilation channels to take some of the heat from your back—not to mention its stylish German aesthetic.
The Ortlieb logo itself is also made from reflective material for improved protection and visibility at night. However, as handy as its zippered front pocket is, please be aware that this part of the bag is NOT waterproof.
5. Upso Burtonwood Backpack
RRP: £80
Key features
- Grey polyester lining
- Padded back mesh
- External loops for attaching other accessories
As innovation goes, cycling backpacks arguably don’t come much more creative and unique than the Upso Burtonwood.
Each backpack in the Burtonwood range is individually cut out from old lorry tarpaulin and made up with recycled seatbelt webbing and firehose, creating a totally unique bag every time. In fact, no two are identical – the one you see on the website is the actual one you’ll receive should you place an order.
Have a browse of Upso’s website—the design variation is like nothing you’ll have seen before on this market.
There’s a real authenticity to these backpacks. Each one has marks, scuffs and blemishes consistent with the material’s previous life on the road. Now, it’s here for your time on the road, too.
With a large and flexible capacity thanks to its rolltop, 15” laptop pouch, and padded meshing for back comfort, you’ll find all the features you’d expect from any standard cycling backpack here—but we know it’s a lot more than just that.
6. Rapha Roll Top Backpack
RRP: £100
Key features
- Abrasion-resistant fabric
- Pink interior lining
- Heavy base binding
Rapha’s Roll Top backpacks are abrasion-resistant and inspired by the hard-wearing bags and satchels often used by traditional bicycle couriers.
Starting at the top of the bag, the roll down section is secured by a cleverly designed clip that automatically retracts and keeps out of the way while the bag is open.
You’ll find three EVA panels on the back, too, which work together to form an ergonomic fit to keep you cool. The bag’s signature Rapha stripe is also webbed to allow other accessories, such as lights and locks, to slot in nicely.
Inside the bag itself, the use of pink lining makes it much easier to locate your items, especially in the dark. At the same time, a heavy binding around the base stops the bag from falling over when set down.
7. Chrome Industries Yalta 3.0 Backpack
RRP: £154.99
Key features
- Padded 15” laptop sleeve
- Cordura TPX durable laminate
- Weatherproof rolltop
This backpack is the very definition of multipurpose—in fact, you might not even need separate bags for different activities.
The Yalta 3.0 consists of the lightest, but toughest material Chrome Industries has ever made, with plenty of space to accommodate the working day or even an overnight stay after a long day of cycling.
The material is inspired by technical canvas and the famous 22˚ slant that makes it tear-resistant. It’s well-made, spacious, and makes the most of every inch, with an almost full-length side zip for easy access to handy additional storage space.
A fully detachable waterproof inner tote bag is also a surprise, unique feature of this backpack. This can be ‘Velcro-ed’ in place around the inside of the rolltop and used as you please. Having a separate bag within a bag (if you like) is great for things like carrying shopping or your sweaty post-cycle gear.
8. Proviz Reflect360 Cycling Backpack
RRP: £69.99
Key features
- 30-litre capacity
- Elastic loop for accessory attachment
- Adjustable chest strap
Designed with extreme comfort in mind, the Proviz Reflect360 backpack fits closely to your body for maximum stability while out on the road.
That said, its Beetle ventilation system still allows air to circulate freely around your back, so you remain comfortable for the duration of your ride despite the close-fitting.
The bag is also made from highly technical fabric. It displays a modest grey colour in daylight, while at night, its millions of integrated reflective beads reflect external light to help improve visibility.
There are tons of other features too, including adjustable waist, hip and chest straps, a laptop compartment, and space for attaching a 2-litre hydration pack and clip straw.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. The Reflect360 backpack comes ‘highly commended’ by Cycling Plus Magazine and is the Evening Standard’s ‘top pick’ for commuting cycling backpacks.
9. POC Berlin Backpack
RRP: £140
Key features
- Reflective fabrics and detailing
- Fully taped seams
- Fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment
With highly water-resistant fabrics and fully-taped seams, the waterproof Berlin backpack by POC keeps your belongings dry no matter how heavy the rainfall.
The bag features a dark reflective print that provides both discretion during the day and increased visibility at night.
Unique to POC, too, are its See Me pockets, which you’ll also find on the brand’s waterproof coats and parkas. These allow cyclists to indicate left or right via voice control and use a smartphone screen as a flashing light. The See Me pocket comes with a magnetic patch on the Berlin backpack for use with the additional POC Modular Visibility unit.
This backpack’s other practical features include a stowable elastic strap for helmets and other lightweight item storage and smaller zipped side pockets ideal for your phone.
However, it’s important to mention that due to its use of magnets, this backpack is not recommended for people with a pacemaker fitted.
10. Oxford Aqua V20
RRP: £59.99
Key features
- 20-litre capacity
- 3x mesh padded panels
- Water-resistant zipped external pocket
Made from sturdy PVC tarpaulin, Oxford Aqua V20 backpacks are suitable for all cyclists and all weather conditions.
The material used on them is wipe-clean, waterproof, and has welded seams for extra security. The rolltop closure and external zipped pockets also provide extra protection from the elements, while the adjustable waist and chest straps lie along the back panels for padding.
Reflective detailing also helps improve your visibility in poor light, and there’s an equally reflective webbing loop for tail light attachment as well.
Available in either 12, 14, or 20-litre capacity and a range of colours, too, the Aqua V20 range has enough variety for you to pick and choose the perfect bag for you.
Specialist cycling insurance from Cycleplan
Regular commuter? Often cycle with a backpack? Wherever you cycle and whatever your reason, you need to ensure you have the right insurance in place first.
At Cycleplan, our specialist cycling insurance is designed to cover a range of bikes, so whether you’re in the market or already own one—you’re in the right place.
Our comprehensive range of insurance policies are specially designed to protect you, and your bike, with Personal Accident cover included as well as Theft and Accidental Damage protection, too.
We also offer Public Liability, which covers your legal fees should you damage property or injure somebody while out on your bike.
Click here to learn more about our cycling insurance and get an online quote today.
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