It’s time we take a moment to speak about storage solutions for those commuting on wheels.
If you’re a cyclist and you cycle your way to work and during the rest of your day, you know how key and vital having a good backpack is, and you know the difference a good commuting backpack designed for the specific purpose of cycling can make when it comes to keeping your gear safe and organized.
A good commuting backpack for cycling purposes is all about making you feel comfortable and stable as you ride while making the task of hopping on and off from the bicycle go as smoothly as it possibly can.
There are a bunch of backpacks that may achieve this at a first impression and you might even be tempted to think any regular backpack will serve, but not all will do the job right.
The next section focuses on de-bunking some of the main aspects that make a good commuting backpack for cycling.
Best Commuter Backpacks for Cyclists
Key aspects of the best commuter backpacks for cyclists
Water resistance
This one is extremely important, if not vital. If you cycle day in and day out, you know the weather can be your most fearful adversary. Taking precautions will not only help you save efforts when cycling, but it will also help protect your belongings.
Water-resistance is a key feature of any commuting backpack, you really don’t want to find yourself with a backpack that lets your stuff get soaked. Unless you’re Aquaman. Then you may not care that much.
Pockets and spaces
This is a bit of a personal trend. It really depends on what kind of things you need to carry. There are backpacks that focus on detailed oriented storage filled with compartments, and there are those meant for simple bulk storage.
There is no way of saying one is better than the other when they both have very different end goals.
I mean, if you’re a tech geek and you have a lot of gadgets you probably want one that offers multiple compartments, so you can keep your gear properly divided.
But think about this; what if Thor needed a backpack just to carry his hammer around? I’m pretty sure he would find a single large pocket backpack the most ideal. Get the point?
Straps
Weight distribution is something you want to try and make the most effective you can, as it will affect directly your physical condition and your endurance to cycle.
Go for a commuting backpack that has both the adjustable waist and sternum straps. The tighter you can adjust them, the more the weight you are taking away from your back to handle. Therefore, they are of extreme importance. Choose wisely, like Yoda.
Reflective detailing
It’s a must other drivers can see you if you don’t want to be in danger. At night, you shouldn’t even consider cycling unless your gear has some sort of reflective traits.
As the first point of focus for others spotting you from behind, a good commuting backpack will have an effective reflective detailing that will make sure they don’t miss your presence on the road.
Trust me on this one; you’re not ready to escape unharmed from getting hit by a car yet, Hulk.
Now that you know, pick your pack!
I took a few backpacks out on a trial run, over the past few weeks. It’s time we take a look at some of the best commuter backpacks for cyclists, from the ones I had the chance of trying.
All of these babies will make sure you have the best time cycling and that you can focus on enjoying the best of it, without worrying about your gear being in danger while you pedal to the max.
1. Banjo Brothers Commuter Backpack
This may seem like an ordinary messenger back, but it just takes the best of the style and improves upon it. It takes the upside of the space and looks of a messenger bag, but upgrades its straps to ensure total adequate weight distribution.
It also sits a bit lower on the back, and the point of that is to avoid blind spots when turning the head back to see.
2. Blackburn Wayside Backpack and Pannier
A more classy approach, possibly with the young commuting executive in mind. It’s designed around carrying your laptop but it also has two other compartments for documents or folders.
The backpack is certainly more oriented for an office worker and it goes for a more discreet look maybe because of that. In addition, its waxed canvas construction gives it all the impermeability it needs.
The name gives it away, it can act as a backpack or as a pannier.
3. Streeter by Just Porter
One of the big bonuses of this one is the lifetime warranty. The idea of being covered for life when it comes to storage solutions on the move sounds very good to my ears.
Of course, this wouldn’t mean a thing if the backpack itself wasn’t of high-end quality. This pack covers every aspect a commuting backpack for cyclists needs to, and it makes sure to make a top-notch quality job in all of them.
Another great bonus? For every backpack sold, Just Porter gives a bag packed with school supplies to children in need. What other better reason for you to get the backpack?
4. Thule Pack n’ Pedal Commuter Backpack
Not much more to say, except it’s another very popular and extremely reliable option to also consider.
It covers all the key aspects with the added bonus of looking really good thanks to the simple but functional design. It also passes for a regular backpack, which may come in handy in some situations.
Definitely one I would consider for myself and you should too.
Final Thoughts
I think that’s all you need to know. Now that you even had some examples, it’s your time to do some research and find the best commuter backpacks for cyclists that are most fitting for your specific needs.
Think of the key aspects we spoke about and find the best option from within your price range. After that, it’s happy cycling every day!
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