COMMUTER BAGS

Which backpacks tick all the boxes for transporting your gear and valuables?

Regardless of the bag’s size, I packed exactly the same kit for testing: a laptop, a packing cube with a change of clothes, a shoe bag and my regular tool roll

Commuting on your bike can be more pleasant with the right backpack, but the wrong one could be an expensive mistake. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an old faithful or have finally lost patience with the floppy old sports pack you found in the back of the cupboard, I’ve been out riding with a selection of the top picks to help guide your choice.

I’ve reviewed a wide range, from bike-specific commuter packs to more versatile luggage hybrids. Regardless of the bag’s size, I packed exactly the same kit for my testing: a laptop, a packing cube with a change of work clothes, a shoe bag and my regular tool roll. In a 20-litre bag, this should be a good fit, with perhaps space for a lunch box and a few extras. In my view, minimal packers will appreciate a fairly compact 20- to 25-litre volume bag, while messier packers might need 25- to 30-litre. Need something that will be suitable for travel too? Go 30 litres and above, but look for features, such as organising pockets and compression straps to keep it stable when the pack isn’t full.

Bear in mind that even if the fabric seems waterproof, the pack won’t be completely watertight unless the seams are welded, so you may need to add a pack cover for full rain protection.

If possible, before you buy a backpack, load it with the kit you’ll carry and get on your bike. My opinion on the comfort of every single backpack tested here changed once I wore it on the bike.