The best backpack for cycling commuters

Small in size and price, the Elemental is basic with a main compartment, mesh side pockets and a zipped pocket on the front for grabbable items like keys or your phone. With a single grab handle and dual adjustable backpack straps, it's finished with signature Nike Air branding printed in white and red on the front.

If you open this bag up, be careful, because you may fall inside it. It’s a vast expanse of a bag but with no set storage compartments. Ideal if you’re putting in shoes and clothes on top of it. Not great if you’re adding little items as they can get lost. Even the front zipper pocket is cavernous.

This sizeable waterproof backpack is excellent because one day you’re going into the office, you have to take everything with you, from your pants to your laptop. This will hold it all. You’ll likely still have room for a towel, too. Several pockets are included in the design, ideal for organising the kit, and the bag closes securely using a roll-top and buckle. The shoulder straps and back panel are breathable to keep you comfortable, and the bag is finished with reflective details on both sides to maximise visibility.

When we think of Chinook, we think of an army helicopter or a large North Pacific Salmon. Altura may think of a warm, dry wind blowing down the east side of the Rocky Mountains, which is where this backpack could take you. Well thought out for cyclists, there are light clips, helmet storage compartments and pockets inside to separate what you need.

A slimline 30L backpack for full waterproofing on those winter commutes. The Hi-Viz yellow is the winner, purely for greater visibility. If you’re cycling in the rain, you want to be as noticeable as possible. The bright yellow gives you that advantage in poor conditions. With a roll top and fully waterproof, you should be able to get everything you need, but there is a single compartment with a laptop pocket to try and keep things separate.

We love messenger bags. How they feel and what they can hold is an excellent addition if you commute to work. They also have things in a more briefcase style so things can be easier to access. Inside the bag, you’ll find a protective laptop and document sleeve, small zipped and open pockets and organiser sleeves, in addition to the 18L main compartment.

This utility backpack from Nike is a little more fashion-conscious but still functional. Plenty of pockets on the front and a main compartment which fully opens. A mesh side pocket and a grab handle on the top and side make for easy carrying.

A high visibility backpack which has been designed with cycling commuters in mind. The list of features includes a key clip, a detachable waterproof shell, and a zippered pocket at the side for your phone are convenient things to have. Plenty of storage space inside and pockets for your laptop and other items keep everything separate and easy to access. It also expands for an extra 5L of storage.

Not only does the Italian cycling brand make killer parts steeped in cycling history, but they also make this mega backpack. If you’re a proper Campag kid, you might want to look at this because the waterproof backpack with a roll top certainly looks the part as you commute to work. Not massive at 18L, but it’ll look great whether you’re in full lycra or commuter clothes.

Do you want a massive backpack that will hold everything and keep it dry, while being built to military standard and getting the job done? This is the one for you. It comes at a much higher price. The manufacturer says this backpack is built to last a lifetime, so we guess you’ll only have to buy it once. But then again, it depends on what it goes through in that lifetime.