Cycling Backpacks

Our cycling backpacks cover city commutes, sports rides and bike touring. Of the 12 styles, 8 have room for a hydration bladder, which is not always included, 5 have reflective details for riding in the dark and 5 weigh under 400 g. Four are named for mountain biking. One 20-litre roll-top hooks onto a rear rack and switches between pannier, shoulder bag and backpack, with a rain cover included, and another clips onto city and folding bikes.

How to choose the right backpack for cycling

Choosing a backpack for cycling is not just a question of style. Comfort, capacity, waterproofing, safety and ergonomics are all criteria to consider for your daily commute or your sporting adventures. Whether you ride in the city or love mountain biking, the right cycling backpack improves both your mobility and your safety.

A cycling backpack suited to how you ride

For getting around town, go for a compact, lightweight bag with well-organised compartments, where a laptop, a lock, personal belongings and a wash bag all find their place. For sports rides or bikepacking, choose a more technical model with padded shoulder straps, hydration bladder compatibility, a chest strap and a stabilising waist belt. A 20 to 30 litre backpack generally offers the right capacity for a day. For long distances or rides over several days, turn to a model of 35 litres or more.

Ideal capacity: how many litres?

• 15 L: for short journeys, with a few personal belongings.
• 20 L: perfect for every day or a leisure ride.
• 25 to 30 L: room for a laptop, a change of clothes, a waterproof pouch and a meal.
• 30 L and over: ideal for hiking backpacks or bike touring.

A secure laptop compartment

A quality bike bag includes a padded compartment dedicated to carrying a laptop (13, 15 or even 17 inch). This compartment should sit snugly against your back and be held by straps or hook-and-loop fasteners, to ensure the best weight distribution and maximum security.

Internal organisation: a place for everything

A good bag for carrying on the bike offers:

• A roomy main compartment
• Zipped pockets for small items
• Side pockets for a bottle or a lock
• A built-in key clip

Quick access to your things is essential, especially when you stop often.

A practical opening system

Choose a bike backpack with a smooth zip, a roll-top closure or a side opening. Avoid complicated closures that slow down access.

Hydration: bladder or bottle?

For long rides or sustained effort, choose a backpack that takes a hydration bladder (with a port for the tube). In town, a side pocket for a bottle is often enough. Either way, the hydration compartment should be separated from the rest of the contents.

Waterproofing: an essential criterion

A waterproof cycling backpack is a must in bad weather. Compare the protection stated in our waterproof backpacks collection. Look for waterproof materials such as coated nylon or TPU, heat-sealed seams or a built-in rain cover.

Comfort and ergonomic carrying

Your cyclist’s backpack should offer:

• Padded shoulder straps and adjustable straps
• A ventilated back (mesh, foam or tensioned netting)
• A chest strap and a hip belt for stability

This ensures comfortable carrying, even over long distances or in strong heat.

Stability and safety

A bag that moves while you pedal is a danger. Favour models with:

• Compression straps
• A narrow shape to limit swaying
• A rigid back panel or protective plate on mountain bike models

Visibility at night

A good backpack for cyclists should include:

• Reflective strips
• Attachments for an LED rear light
• Visible or fluorescent colours for riding at night

Carrying a lock and heavy items

Put heavy items such as a D-lock in a reinforced compartment, close to your back. Some models have a dedicated space to avoid knocks and keep you comfortable.

Style and versatility

Urban cycling backpacks go for a discreet look, with a simple design, quality fabric and colours such as black, khaki or navy. Some convert into a laptop bag, a shoulder bag or a handbag for mixed use between work and leisure.

Ordinary backpack vs cycling backpack

An ordinary backpack often lacks:

• Back ventilation
• Support suited to cycling
• Waterproofing and visibility at night

The best cycling backpacks combine a clean design, sturdiness, functional compartments and ergonomics.

Which cycling backpack for the city or mountain biking?

The choice of a backpack for cycling depends on how you ride, your journeys and your needs: waterproofing, comfort, capacity, safety. A well-designed model will go with you every day, on the bike as well as on foot. For the trails, each of the four mountain bike backpack styles takes a hydration bladder. Take the time to compare the backpack styles available and choose the one that gives you the best balance between performance and practicality.

See also our sports backpacks collection for a full selection of sports backpacks.