Gearhungry logo. Gearhungry logo.
  • Gear
    • Gun Cleaning Kits
    • Pocket & Folding Knives
    • Penlights
    • Slingshots
    • See More
  • Home
    • Essential Oil Diffusers
    • Cold Brew Coffee
    • Tea Makers
    • Hygrometers
    • Meat Cleavers
    • Lunch Boxes
    • See More
  • Tech
    • Shower Speakers
    • Mini Projectors
    • HDMI Cables
    • Smart Doorbells
    • Gadgets
    • Electric Toothbrushes
    • Vertical Mouses
    • CD Players
    • See More
  • Tools
    • Torque Wrenches
    • Tool Chests
    • Torque Screwdrivers
    • Ratchet Screwdrivers
    • Spirit Levels
    • Breaker Bars
    • Tool Bags
    • Cordless Lawn Mowers
    • Locking Pliers
    • Electric Precision Screwdrivers
    • See More
  • Fitness
    • Fitness Gifts
    • Boxing Gloves
    • Gym Equipment for Your Home
    • Curl Bars
    • Barbell Collars
    • Mouthguards
    • Speed Bags for Boxing
    • See More
  • Style
    • Leather Belts
    • Stretch Denim Jeans
    • Trucker Hats
    • Beard Trimmers
    • Men’s Walking Shoes
    • See More
  • Fun & Games
    • Chess Sets
    • Adult Jigsaw Puzzles
    • Graphic Novels for Adults
    • Basketballs
    • Beach Volleyballs
    • Gundam Model Kits
    • LEGO Technic Sets
    • Adult Coloring Books
    • Laser Tag Sets
    • Frisbees
    • See More
  • News
  • Blog
  • More
    • About Us – Learn More About GearHungry
    • Editorial Guidelines: How We Create Reviews and Buyer’s Guides
    • Advertise
    • Brand assets
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Gear

Best Cycling Backpacks In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated November 4, 2018
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
Learn about The Gearhungry's Editorial Process
GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

Cycling backpacks allow you to transport water, clothing, rain gear, work-related tech, papers, books and much more. The best are highly water-resistant or downright waterproof as well as being lightweight, comfortable and affordable. Whether you need a compact backpack for carrying only a laptop and some peripherals or you need a 20-liter bag to carry all of the above-mentioned items rest assured you’ll find one to fit your needs in our list of the best cycling backpacks.

The Best Cycling Backpack

1
Timbuk2 Spire Cycling Backpack

timbuk2 spire cycling backpack

Timbuk2 has partnered with Apple to produce a-one-of-a-kind cycling backpack that will cradle all your most precious Apple tech in the lap of comfort, safety, and luxury. Spring showers and the gnarliest city streets are no problem for the Timbuk2 Spire. With air mesh padding in the back, numerous access points, custom-designed pockets, and some of the most comfortable shoulder straps you’ll ever find, the Spire is a Timbuk2 backpack after the Apple lover’s heart.

Key Features:

Designed specifically for Apple tech

Fully waterproof rolltop

Water-resistant 630D nylon shell

Specification:
  • BrandTimbuk2
  • Model306-3-2007
  • Weight2.36 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

2
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

osprey daylite plus daypack

Osprey makes some of the best backpacks in the world. Whether you’re traveling around the world or going for a quick bike ride, their packs will make your life better. That’s a fact. One of the main reasons for splashing out on the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack is its undeniable quality. It’s made from 210D nylon double-diamond ripstop, making it super lightweight and ultra-tough. Plus, it has a large capacity of 20 liters and a well-designed system of shoulder straps, sternum straps, and mesh back. 

Key Features:

20L capacity 

Made from 210D nylon double-diamond ripstop

Large panel loading main compartment 

Front panel shove-it pocket 

Mesh-covered die-cut foam back panel

Specification:
  • BrandOsprey
  • Model845136034952-P
  • Weight1.19 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

3
Sunhiker Small Cycling Backpack

sunhiker small cycling backpack

The Sunhiker Small Cycling Backpack is one of our favorite budget backpacks. It’s designed for both cycling and hiking, which is why it has thick shoulder straps, a mesh back, and a sternum strap for stability. Made from tear-resistant nylon, this is a tough little backpack – it’s water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and super durable. In terms of pockets, it has two main pockets, an exterior zippered pocket, and two mesh bottle pockets. We also love the fact that it’s available in 13 colors. 

Key Features:

20-25L capacity 

Made from tear-resistant nylon 

Breathable mesh shoulder straps 

Exterior zippered pockets 

Available in 13 colors 

Specification:
  • BrandSunhiker
  • ModelFBA_M0714
  • Weight12.3 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

4
Incase Icon Cycling Backpack

incase icon cycling backpack

The Incase Icon is a beautifully balanced bike waterproof backpack that holds everything nice and snug to the body. It’s large enough to accommodate all your tech and then some. The padded inner sleeve accommodates a 12.9-inch laptop or iPad Pro, there’s a zip pocket for peripherals and the pack as a whole is water-resistant and lightweight.

Key Features:

12.9-inch sleeve for iPad Pro

Lined inner pocket for laptops

Zip pocket on top for misc items

Specification:
  • BrandIncase
  • ModelCL55532
  • Weight2.8 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

5
Herschel Little America Cycling Backpack-Black

herschel little america cycling backpack-black

With classic design touches that evoke 20th-century Alpine mountaineering backpacks and the ability to transport all your 21st-century tech in comfort and safety, Little America represents the best of both backpacking worlds. Open it up and enjoy the signature Herschel striped lining while you’re tucking in your laptop, camera, tablet, phone, USB flash drives, and more.

Key Features:

Fleece-lined 15-inch laptop sleeve

Ergonomically designed shoulder straps

Adjustable drawstring closures

Specification:
  • BrandHerschel Supply Co.
  • Model10014-00001-OS
  • Weight1.5 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

6
Osprey Packs Escapist 18 Daypack

osprey packs escapist 18 daypack

The Osprey Escapist 18 is a sleek, handsome bag that’s in the running for the best commuter and work backpack. There are a plethora of convenient features including a blinker light attachment, stretchy side mesh pockets, a lined top pocket for your sunglasses, a built-in rain cover, a zippered pocket on the shoulder strap, and more.

Key Features:

Sleek, aerodynamic design

Ridge foam back panel for optimal ventilation

Built-in rain cover

Specification:
  • BrandOsprey
  • Model032118-550-2-M/L
  • Weight1.75 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

7
Pelican Mobile Protect 35 Liter Backpack

pelican mobile protect 35 liter backpack

Sometimes all you need is a laptop and a cellphone. Sometimes you need a laptop, extra running shoes, a rain jacket, water, snacks, a bike pump, U-lock, and a whole lot more. For those times there’s the waterproof Pelican Mobile Protect backpack. At 35 liters it’s one of the largest cycling backpacks on the market.

Key Features:

1000D water-resistant nylon shell

Molded EVA shoulder straps

Specification:
  • BrandPelican
  • ModelSL-MPB35-BLK
  • Weight2.43 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

8
Brooks Pickwick Day Pack

brooks pickwick day pack

The Pickwick Day Pack from Brooks is a “no nonsense” pack with a simple profile, unadorned shoulder straps, single point of entry, and canvas shell. It will transport your gear safely and dryly and when you arrive you’re going to score major style points. Inside there’s a dedicated tool pocket along with a separate pocket for your cell phone, scratchpad, bike lock, and more.

Key Features:

Made by hand in Italy

Water-resistant canvas outer shell

Tanned leather connection points

Specification:
  • BrandBrooks England
  • ModelBB043A07266
  • Weight1.98 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

9
Banjo Brothers Commuter Backpack

banjo brothers commuter backpack

Practical and handsome the Banjo Brothers Commuter Backpack provides all the water-resistant storage capacity you need to get your gear where it needs to get. There are side pockets for quick access, mini U-lock storage, a flashing safety light, reflective striping, a cell phone pocket on the shoulder strap, and a fully welded, removable waterproof liner. Be sure to check out our reviews of the best bike seats for more great bike gear.

Key Features:

Fully welded waterproof liner

Multiple access points

Extra-wide shoulder straps

Specification:
  • BrandBanjo Brothers
  • Model01150RBAN-P
  • Weight1 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

10
Velo Transit Men’s Edge Pro 30

velo transit men's edge pro 30

Velo’s Edge Pro 30 is a roll-top cycling backpack that provides 30 liters of storage and the most exterior pockets you’ll find on any cycling backpack. Bring along everything from your big laptop to a windbreaker jacket and keep everything bone dry even in the pouring rain with the removable fully welded waterproof shell.

Key Features:

Exterior pockets for peripherals

Removable waterproof liner

Valuables pocket for keys and more

Specification:
  • BrandVelo
  • ModelVLBPEDPRO30M-BLK-L
  • Weight3 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

11
Park Slope Daypack

park slope daypack

The Park Slope Daypack looks and feels very much like a standard backpack. The difference though is in the details. From the 1000D water-resistant Cordura shell to the handsome and rugged top carrying loop to the extra padding in the sleeve that accommodates your 15” laptop this is a serious piece of personal transport gear. Find more great bags like this by checking out our guide to the best Black Diamond backpacks.

Key Features:

1000D Cordura fabric shell

Padded laptop sleeve

Water resistant

Specification:
  • BrandManhattan Portage
  • ModelMP1281BL
  • Weight5.29 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

12
LOCALLION Cycling Backpack

locallion cycling backpack

The Locallion Cycling Backpack is designed to hug your back when you’re flying down a dirt track on your bike. With thick shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a waist strap, you can adjust this backpack to feel like it’s a part of you. This is super important when you’re cycling because you don’t want anything throwing off your balance. In terms of storage, it has 18 liters of space split into seven different pockets. It’s also made from waterproof nylon, so you have time to find a cover if it starts raining. 

Key Features:

18L capacity 

Made from waterproof nylon 

Space for a water bladder (not included)

Sternum strap and waist strap 

Available in eight colors 

Specification:
  • BrandLocallion
BUY ON AMAZON

Cycling Backpack Buying Guide

Features To Look For In Cycling Backpacks

Breathability - Riding a bike is a sweaty business so the best cycling backpack will have plenty of channels in the back through which air can circulate so moisture can be whisked away.

Capacity - The capacity you choose will be a function of your needs. If you want a cycling pack for long weekend trips you’ll want 20 to 30 liters of storage. If you only intend to use the pack to bring your laptop to and from work a small cycling backpack will do.

Padding in the Straps - The more you intend to carry the more robust the shoulder straps will need to be. For heavier loads you’ll want padded, adjustable shoulder and waist straps as well as a sternum strap to stabilize the load when you corner or have to stop quickly.

Pockets - Pockets are where it’s at. Any laptop pockets should be padded and secure the computer firmly. You may also want to make sure there’s a pocket large enough to accommodate your lunch or snacks. And a dedicated pocket for your phone.

Waterproofing - Waterproofing is essential for any cycling backpack. At the very least your pack should be able to stand up to a vigorous spring shower. Ideally, it will have either a waterproof shell or a waterproof liner.

Reflective Details - You have to assume that drivers aren’t looking out for you. So your cycling backpack should have generous amounts of reflective material. Preferably on the back and sides as well. If it also has flashing safety light then all the better.

Hydration System - If you are intent on riding long distances you’ll want to consider bringing along a hydration bladder. In those cases choose something like the Velomacchi Giro that is designed to accommodate just such a bladder.

man wearing cycling backpack

Types of Cycling Backpacks

Hydration Pack - The hydration pack is mostly for those who ride long and ride hard. If you like to do 100k on a Saturday you’ll need one. If, on the other hand, you just ride your bike 5 miles to work each day you won’t.

DayPack - Daypacks look a lot like standard backpacks and for cycling, purposes are usually defined as those with 20 liters or less of storage space. They’re also designed to accommodate work techs like laptops and cell phones.

Midsize Backpack - A midsized backpack is a bit bulkier, will need more robust straps and will typically provide up to 30 liters of storage space. 30 liters is usually way more than any bicycle commuter will need.

Expedition Pack - The expedition pack is 30+ liters in size, has a large, padded waistband, is often built to accommodate a hydration bladder and is typically used for cross-country bike trips.

Cycling Backpack FAQ

Q: What is a cycling backpack?

A: A cycling backpack is one designed with the unique demands of the bike rider in mind. It should be aerodynamic, fit tight against the body so as not to disrupt the rider’s balance, be water resistant or waterproof and have pockets to accommodate everything from laptops to snacks, rain gear, phone chargers, sunglasses and more. It should also be light and have comfortable, well-padded straps.

Q: What material is the best for cycling backpacks?

A: The best cycling backpacks are made of water-resistant nylon, water-resistant tarpaulin or treated cotton duck fabric like is used on sails. An actual waterproof cycling backpack is rare mostly because waterproof material adds both weight and cost. A good water-resistant 480D nylon shell should be more than enough to meet most people’s needs.

Q: Which capacity cycling backpack is right for me?

A: Capacity is driven by need. So how big your backpack is will depend on how you plan to use it. Less than 10 liters just to carry work tech. More than 30 liters if you like to take road trips.

Q: How to maintain a cycling backpack?

A: Each cycling backpack will come with its own care instructions germane to the material and fabrication methods. Don’t ever wash your backpack without reading these care instructions carefully first. You could undermine fabric integrity or compromise its water resistance.

Q: Should I spend a lot on a cycling backpack?

A: More expensive backpacks will use top-of-the-line materials, employ robust double and triple stitching throughout, be 100% waterproof and last for years. Moderately priced backpacks won’t give you all of that but at the same time, not everyone needs all of that. Sometimes you just need a cycling bag to carry your laptop and keep it dry. So how much you spend will be up to you.

Related Reads
Gear post-thumbnail
Best Bike Seats in 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: July 23, 2018
Gear post-thumbnail
Best Bike Locks For Maximum Safety In 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: January 15, 2018
Gift Guides post-thumbnail
Gifts For Cyclists in 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: September 7, 2018
Style post-thumbnail
Bring Your Tech Anywhere: The Best Laptop Backpacks In 2022
author-image
by Tuesday Kirby Kahl
Last updated: June 30, 2022
Style post-thumbnail
Best Canvas Backpacks In 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: February 18, 2019
Tools post-thumbnail
Best Tool Backpacks In 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: December 26, 2018
Gear post-thumbnail
Best Gaming Backpacks in 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: September 3, 2018
Style post-thumbnail
Best Ultralight Backpacks In 2022
author-image
by GearHungry Staff
Last updated: April 30, 2019
Sign Up Now
GET THE VERY BEST OF GEARHUNGRY STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
Gearhungry logo
  • Home
  • About Us – Learn More About GearHungry
  • Contact
GearHungry – West Hollywood, California
8605 Santa Monica Blvd
PMB 30337
West Hollywood, California 90069-4109 US
GearHungry – Denver, Colorado
1624 Market St Ste 226
PMB 30337
Denver, Colorado 80202-1559 US
GearHungry ©2025 Privacy policy Affiliate Disclosure
DMCA.com Protection Status