The front panel of the backpack is also covered in daisy-chain webbing and offers a large Velcro strip on the outside of the flap closure, although these may be difficult for many riders to utilize effectively.The interior of the pack does not have much in the way of the organization except for a 15-inch laptop sleeve and some additional divider sleeves. The Sydney’s plush padding cushions against heavy loads. by Carry HQ, October 11, 2016. This high-quality backpack from Thule incorporates many design features targeted to make the commute to work as comfortable as possible.First, in contrast to many other cycling backpacks, the laptop sleeve is on the front of the backpack rather than directly against the rider’s back. While the pack made from high-denier nylon, it cannot stand up to more than a very light rain without soaking through. Today's best Osprey Radial 26 deals. It’s also worth noting that the top of the pack can allow splashes to get inside the main compartment since it is a fold-down flap rather than a roll-top closure. This laptop backpack from SWISSGEAR is large enough to hold 17 inch laptops safely while you ride. Also, there are two mesh water bottle pockets and a zippered pocket in front of the laptop sleeve – although this pocket can be so tight as to be somewhat useless. The backpack does have side pockets, but they're not big enough to hold a standard water bottle if the bag is filled to capacity.The backpack is made from durable, water resistant polyester, although you might want to purchase a separate rain cover if you live in an especially wet area. Osprey brings the same thoughtful design to its new commuting pack as it does to the hiking-oriented models the brand is known for. Second, the paneling itself is a foam material rather than a mesh. Best cycling backpack 2021: commuting backpacks rated and reviewed The products mentioned in this article are selected or reviewed independently by our journalists. It features a water-resistant canvas exterior, a roll-top closure design and webbed nylon shoulder straps. Both methods are easy, although chances are you’ll pick one and stick to it rather than utilize the versatility.The outside of the pack doesn’t reveal much organizational capacity – there is just one splash-proof zippered pocket for small items like keys and papers. And between the several dividers within the front pocket and the small zippered pockets on the back panel and above one of the deep water bottle pockets, we found a home for all our knickknacks. It also features a built-in USB charging port, so we could power up our phone as we pedaled, after plugging in a portable power bank. As for fit, the pack stayed in place reasonably well on bike commutes, even in the absence of a waist and sternum straps. It kept our stuff organized and dry within the three zippered compartments, which had space for a laptop, tablet, shoes, and more. In general, heavier bags are made from heavier, more durable materials or offer more pockets or dividers. The 13 Best Laptop Backpacks for Travel. By Bicycling Test Team. The padded shoulder straps are very comfortable, though we wish the back was equally as cushioned. The best bike commuter backpack . It doesn’t have a laptop pocket, so you might consider storing your tech in a sleeve for protection. Oct 23, 2020 The right backpack can make your trips easier on … Timbuk2 Lane Commuter Backpack Earlier this year, Timbuk2 launched their "No Wet Laptops" campaign with several water-resistant options. We loaded up every backpack with our daily essentials, including a laptop, lunchbox, change of clothes, and other items. There is room for just about everything on the inside, and lots more can be strapped to the outside of the bag; including a tripod, light stands, reflectors, water bottles and even a jacket. If you can’t stand zippers, get the Pickwick backpack. These are our 10 favorite commuting backpacks for people traveling in any weather, hauling a lot of gear, or who just want something with a classic look for the office. 15.2 oz. The padded shoulder straps are contoured and feature a built-in suspension to keep weight off your shoulders. Some messenger bags offer space for larger laptops, although these days it’s also possible to find backpacks that can hold large laptops, so this is not a huge factor anymore. Get it as soon as Mon, May 4. This pack features an internal drop liner to keep the bag contents safe in the rain. The Icon backpack is a favorite best laptop backpack choice for its understated style and huge carry capacity (and well-padded shoulder straps for carrying it all comfortably). However, having all that organization does you no good if the bag is causing you pain because of its weight. There are laptop and tablet sleeves – up to 16.5 inches and 10 inches, respectively, although neither has much padding to protect your devices. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. TIMBUK2 Robin Commuter Backpack is an exceptionally designed backpack for bike commuting. Unfortunately, it doesn't include a hip or sternum straps to help pull the backpack closer to your body. It was a tight squeeze, but the Lako did it, impressing our tester enough to report: “It’s freaking awesome.”, Capacity: 20 L | Weight: 1 lb. This gives the backpack more structure against your back and prevents it from sliding down when weighted. The fly is brightly colored to keep you safe in dark, overcast conditions and can be stashed away inside the pack when the sun returns. Topo’s signature eye-catching color block pattern comes in bright and muted tones for every style. You wouldn’t know the bag is so effectively waterproof just from looking at it, though – the exterior design is highly stylish and features sharp metal buckles to button down the flap.Another great feature of this messenger bag is that it features a total of nine different compartments. Still, if you want a backpack that can also become a tote or shoulder bag, look to the Lako. There is a small zipper pocket for valuables, but expect to put your laptop in a protective case as there is no divider padding your computer otherwise. Capacity: 21 L | Weight: 1 lb. In addition to having enough room, the right backpack will also protect what you put inside it. | Weatherproofing: Water resistant | Tech Sleeve: Yes. We then wore them while riding bikes, walking around town, and running errands, paying attention to how each felt and how easy it was to get in and out of the various pockets. Just as the name suggests, the Timbuk2 Medio Cycling Laptop Backpack is a true winner when it comes to cycling specific commuter bags. In effect, the backpack is a modified pannier bag and features a similar heavy-duty 500-denier PVC construction. 10.5 oz. It's a great option if you find that your phone is running out of juice by the end of the workday.This laptop bag is built to hold a 15 inch laptop in the padded rear compartment. Durability issues aside, many customers have found the backpack a perfect fit for their commuting (urban or otherwise), rating it high for its waterproofing, sturdiness, and comfort. The internal compartment, which has a drawstring closure, includes a laptop sleeve and a small zippered pocket. This messenger bag is designed to hold up to the elements thanks to a heavy-duty, water-resistant Oxford fabric construction. A robust internal organization system prevented the pack from becoming a black hole, and the extra-long zipper on the main compartment made it easy to load and unload. There’s also a small zippered pocket on the back of the bag for a phone, although the pocket is nicely padded so it won’t irritate your back while riding. For many commuters, messenger bags and backpacks are at the forefront of those choices. Before diving into backpacks and messenger bags, it’s important to consider whether these are a better option for you than panniers – there are advantages, and disadvantages to both carry systems.Panniers are ideal because they take the weight off of your body and put it on the bike frame. Need a small bag to carry just the essentials, a pack with a pocket for a laptop, or something capable of carrying a bunch of groceries? Flap closures, on the other hand, may be more or less effective at keeping water out – waterproof bags with flap closures often have a secondary protection measure, like a drawstring closure inside. The best backpacks for travel; The best backpacks for hiking; Best backpacks for the commute 1. This is key from transforming the backpack from a commuter to a travel__, to a camera backpack. Targus Sol-Lite Max Backpack Designed for Durable, Strong Protective Water-Resistant, and Comfortable for Traveling and Commuter fit up to 15.6-Inch Laptop, Black (TSB971GL) 4.6 out of 5 stars 27. It can stand up to heavy use, even if you use this as a travel backpack as well as for commuting. I’m putting the answers to all of your biking questions in one place. By putting the weight of your gear over the rear wheel, they can negatively affect your handling as well as your bike’s acceleration and braking. 9.6 oz. Plus there’s an interior padded laptop sleeve to take care of up to 15″ tech. Second, the top can be pushed down and cinched with buckles to straps on the sides to keep the top from flopping around while you’re riding. With Rydoze, I just want to share my experiences and help you along on your cycling journey. The Best Commuter Backpacks for the Daily Grind. Both bags and backpacks are extremely versatile, relatively inexpensive, and able to hold a surprisingly large amount of stuff. Here are some of our favorites. There’s also no waist strap, but the shoulder and sternum straps were easy to adjust and dried quickly when we rode through rain. Roll-top designs offer a few advantages. Keep in mind that no matter what type of bag you get, you’re only going to want to use it if it’s comfortable to ride with. The one thing we didn't love is that since the space is split up into so many compartments, it can be hard to carry clothes or other bulky items. We appreciated being able to store small items in the (water-resistant, not fully waterproof) front pocket. The backpack has an oddly rectangular shape but is comfortable thanks to the wide shoulder straps and ventilated mesh back panel. The squishy padding on the shoulder straps and back panel kept us comfortable under heavy loads, though we noticed the close-to-back design wasn’t as breathable as those of other packs. However, each compartment is filled with little organizers to help you keep track of smaller items like pens and notepads. And on the few occasions he deployed the rain fly when storms closed the pool early, his cargo remained dry after his 2-mile trip home.—Jen Sherry, associate test director, 47 Well-Designed Gifts for Cycling Enthusiasts, The Best Bike Lights to Illuminate Your Ride, RockyMounts Hendrix Compact Folding Bicycle Lock, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Best Cycling Backpack for Commuting - Timbuk2 Robin Pack. 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