The Best Cycling Backpacks (Review) in 2023 | Autance

For the all-around cyclist, effective hydration is essential. And with this insulated hydration backpack from Mubasel you’ll be able to quench your thirst. This back is a great value for the money, and you get a super-looking cycling backpack that’s also well made. Perfect as an MTB backpack or for more general biking activities, you get a lot for your money. A two-liter, BPA-free hydration bladder that’s also leakproof and comes with effective thermal insulation means you can be sipping cool water for up to five hours. Inside the pack there’s also a decent amount of storage, with three compartments to fit phones, wallets, maps and even a lightweight change of clothes. Outside you get a stretch mesh pocket.

Comfort has also been addressed with this smart cycling backpack as you get well-padded shoulder straps plus an adjustable waist strap for extra stability. It is not totally waterproof, but for the price this is an awesome all-around cycling backpack.

Perfect for a long day on the trail, we think the Oasis 1100 is one of the best cycling backpacks for MTB sports.  It has a decent 18L capacity but is slim and lightweight, so you can just pop it on your back and get on with your trailblazing! There’s also an easy-to-use and clean 2-liter hydration bladder – we like the push-lock cushioned bite valve for quick and easy water dispensing without the dribble.

There’s also a decent amount of internal space plus external pockets, bungees and mesh slots for all your essentials.  It is also super comfortable even on the gnarliest of trails thanks to its low-profile frame, adjustable straps, foam stabilizer and breathable air mesh back panel. It comes with a rain cover too.

For a simple and sturdy way to transport your precious tech when on your bike, check out the Rogue from Timbuk2. As a top loader, the Rogue is a bit of a square, but the geek look is pretty cool. Definitely for the urban cyclist, its outer is made from water-resistant TPU and the whole design feels tough enough to cope with the mean city streets.

There’s a decent sized internal compartment, big enough for a 13-inch laptop we’d say and zipped outer pockets. You also get external webbing for attachments and straps to keep everything in place. The shoulder straps are adjustable, although they are quite close together so perhaps not the most comfortable if you are really broad across the top.

Small, but perfectly formed, this lightweight daypack from outdoor specialists, Osprey is a tough mountain bike backpack that’s surprisingly spacious to boot. There’s no internal hydration bladder but there is an inner sleeve which can accommodate a tablet or a water reservoir, making this backpack ideal for going from daily commute to weekend blast out on the MTB trail.

Space-wise, you get a large internal compartment, which can easily pack a change of clothes and all your biking essentials, while outside you get a ‘shove pocket’ as well as a couple of zipped ones for security. It comes with a mesh-covered foam back panel and spacer-mesh, adjustable shoulder straps as well as a chest and waist strap to keep the whole thing securely in place.

Inexpensive and cheerful, the Zomake lightweight backpack is a good back up to have in the office or at home when you have unexpected stuff to carry. Zipped down to be stored inside its front pocket, the capacity of this bike bag is surprisingly large – up to 20 liters – so it’s also a good pack to have on a shopping trip where you are likely to come back with more than you went with!

And, despite its lightweight credentials, it’s also pretty sturdy thanks to the water- and tear-resistant nylon material. As a serious cycling backpack, it lacks features such as a hydration bladder and an air-mesh back panel, but for a casual cycling backpack, this is a great-priced Plan B.

If you’re after a multi-sport hydration pack that to fit seamlessly on your back, then take a look at this sleek number from Mubasel Gear.  A quality hydration backpack that won’t break the bank, this cycling backpack is impressive. The compartment holds a 2-liter BPA and leak-free bladder (which comes included) which has a large enough opening to add ice on those hot summer riding days. And, thanks to the large opening, it is super-easy to keep clean.  What we also like about this small cycling backpack is there is still room for your essentials, with a zipped side panel for a lightweight jacket and your gadgets as well as a mesh pocket for your tire pump and nutrition bars.

Space, size, durability and access to a decent water supply – the Tactical Molle has everything a serious cyclist needs when out clocking up those miles. This hydration backpack is also a tough dude that fits like a dream, thanks to its ergonomic design. And the army styling just adds to its appeal.

As one of the best cycling backpacks, it sits nicely on your back, and the padded shoulders, along with the chest and waist straps keeps everything secure. You also get an internal 3-liter hydration bladder so ideal for endurance road cycling or MTB. Made from 100 denier, water repellent nylon, your gear is also going to be kept dry and safe, and with a main compartment plus two roomy outer pockets, there is plenty of space for all your essentials.

The Outlander is a great cycling backpack when you don’t want anything to weigh your biking performance down. Lightweight, water-resistant and durable, and with a roomy 20-liter inner capacity, this is a pack to simply strap on and go. And when your done with your time on the trail, this little beauty packs down into its own pocket for easy storage. Pop in it your car and you will never be without when the urge to go two-wheeling calls!

There is no hydration bladder, but you do get two side water bottle pockets, plus two front zipper pockets and plenty of inner space, so this cycling backpack can also double up as your commuter bike bag too. A nice price, a great range of colors and really durable, this is a versatile cycling backpack you’ll get a lot of wear out of.

Our next pick is this versatile and tough daypack from Sunhiker that can take you from commute to trail without breaking into a sweat.

Although it looks small, it has a decent capacity for day bike trips, offering up to 25 liters of space for your stuff. And while there is no inner hydration bladder, you do get two decent sized water bottle pockets that are easy to reach, even when you are pedaling. It is designed to last, made from tear, scratch and water-resistant nylon. It also comes with breathable mesh shoulder straps that are a decent width and plenty of external pockets and compartments. And in the design, Sunhiker have got the balance and weight distribution pretty spot on.

For some retro urban cool on your work commute or cycle to college, we love the look of this laptop backpack from Kaukko. The old-school knapsack vibe is enhanced by the durable fabric and quality build, making it an effective cycling backpack for all your tech. Made from durable polyester that can repel a shower, the straps and buckles are also sturdy enough to keep everything neat and secure. Inside you get a compartment to fit up to 15.6-inch laptops, as well as a spacious main compartment for your A4 folders, binders and paperwork. And there are enough outer pockets for your smaller stuff. And for such a smart-looking, formal backpack, we liked the comfort fit, thanks to the padded shoulder straps and back panel.  A desirable, urban cycle backpack at a budget price.

With the looks of a watersports dry bag and in a color to make sure you are seen, the BackSåk is an awesome bag that’s perfect for those soggy commutes or unpredictable trail rides.

Made from a heavy duty 500-denier PVC to keep things watertight, you can confidently take to the road with the BackSåk, knowing that all your gear is going to stay bone dry. Welded seams and a roll-down top just adds that extra layer of waterproofing security, making this a wet weather top buy. Space-wise, you can choose from an ample 25 or 35 liters, plus zippered inner and outer pockets. And while there is no hydration bladder, there are external D-rings to clip on a water bottle or two.  Add in a padded back support and cushioned shoulder straps and with this super waterproof cycling rucksack, you can be sure of a dry and comfortable bike ride.

Sleek and unassuming, this is a well-balanced urban cycling backpack that sits well on your back and holds all your gear snug and secure. You get all the build quality you would expect from a backpack at a mid-to-high end price, but it is not too over the top or in your face.

What you do get is done well – spacious and well-organized padded storage for your laptops and tablets up to 15 inches, alongside well-designed pockets for all your extras. Airflow channels have been added to the molded back panel and padded straps for a cool and comfortable ride, even in a hectic rush hour and the integrated sternum strap disperses weight to keep. You and your backpack nice and balanced.

With its iconic good looks and a tough urban reputation, the Little America Backpack from Herschel is a rucksack classic.  Tough, stylish and practical, you get a quality commuter backpack that works well with the pedaling city lifestyle.

Made from 100-percent polyester, with an inner drawstring closure and secure over flap, the inner is padded and fleece-lined to keep your tech cocooned and protected. Everything is clipped together with magnetic strap closures. Add in an air mesh padded back panel and contoured shoulder straps and you can make that bike commute in both style and comfort.

With security and safety often a concern, Nomatic has come up with an awesome bike backpack that thinks it is Fort Knox. Our premium pick is at the top end of our best cycling backpack budget, but you get a whole lot of security for your dollar. It does have the look of a small carry-on and will expand from 20L to 34L when you need it too, but it also fits neatly on your back thanks to its innovative strap system.

To keep your laptop and personal belongings safe as you ride you get lockable external zippers as well as a hidden RDIF blocking pocket on the back of the bag for your cards and smartphone. Add reflective ink and you will also be safe and visible at night. Made from water-resistant 500D tarpaulin fabric, you also get two water bottle pockets and plenty of extra pocket space for your smaller items. And at less than four pounds in weight, this is a super backpack for your cycling commute.

Now here’s a fantastic idea – a suit carry case that transforms into an easy to carry cycle backpack! The team at Henty Wingman came up with a cool niche product that is an essential for the business commuter that prefers two wheels to four but still needs to look corporate smart. The waterproof roll up bag design keeps a full suit or uniform wrinkle free, while its two-bag combo design enables you to keep wet, dirty or worn clothes separate from your fresh apparel.  Plus, you also get a dedicated storage space for a 15-inch laptop so you can carry everything with you to that business meeting. A great idea which is also a time and labor saver so if you are a regular cycle commuter that needs to make a quick change on arrival, then you will certainly get your money’s worth!