Best Cycling Backpacks and How to Discover Your Favourite Cycling Rucksack

What makes a good cycling backpack? The answer is very simple: a backpack that has water-resistant or waterproof features, lightweight, comfortable, durable and affordable. Whether you are looking for a compact cycling backpack that can carry your laptop and a few belongings, or a bicycle backpack that can fit a lot more, like water, clothing, rain gear, tech gadgets and notebooks, there is definitely a pack just for you. 

Not sure which backpacks for biking to get for your cycling journey every day or your next biking adventure? There are different types of cycling backpacks depending on the type of your ride, what you need to carry and weather conditions where you are, these factors might affect your choice. If you are going on a long trip and need to carry loads of stuff, then you might want to put all the weight on the back of your bike rather than carrying it on your shoulders. However, if all you need is a backpack for biking on a daily basis, then read on to find out what you need to look for in a good bike commuter backpack. 

In this article, we at CabinZero will cover the shopping guide to the most ideal cycling backpack for your needs, as well as our 8 top picks at various designs, functions and prices, which will help you choose the right biking backpack for yourself. 

Benefits of a Good Cycling Backpack - Why Do You Need a Quality Rucksack for Biking?

Breathability in a Good Bike Backpack Makes Comfortable Journey

A good cycling backpack is made of features and technology that can make your cycling journey a lot easier. For example, it would be nice for the biking bag to have the built-in mesh air system on the panel area that interfaces your back, as it allows air to flow through that gap and prevents sweating.

Bicycle Backpacks Can Offer Versatility with its Compartments and Pockets

An ideal cycling backpack should not be attached to only a simple use. These backpacks can be used for hiking, travelling, carrying your clothes, etc. If you wear it comfortably for other reasons, you will probably get the same comfort and functionality of it as a bike commuter backpack too. 

A Good Biking Backpacks Ensures Stability and Safety

Whether you are carrying the rucksack on your back or hang it on your bicycle rack, a good cycling backpack can really make your ride much enjoyable. This is why the sternum strap and waist strap are there on most of the best cool backpack for biking, to stabilise and balance your body. Moreover, stable means safe! 

Having a lot of adjustment options is also important when riding a bike. A good road biking backpack does make a big difference for your back and shoulders when it comes to the padded waist and sternum straps. 

A Simple Guide to a Good Cycling Backpack - What to Look for in a Bike Backpack?

There are various features that can turn a backpack into a good cycling experience, but the basics are simple. If you’re looking for a cycling backpack that accompanies you on day-to-day journeys, look for those that are compact, lightweight yet have enough space for all the gear you carry, including your work equipment, laptop, clothes, water, personal items, and more. 

If you are on the hunt for a good bicycle backpack for your next biking adventure, there are some extra add-on features to note. Premium cycling backpacks should be waterproof or water-resistant, lightweight, breathable, durable and comfortable. 

Waterproof and Weatherproof Biking Backpacks

Choose a bag with durable materials and waterproof/water-resistant features. This very first and fundamental rule you don’t want to go without when you are shopping for every kind of backpack, not limited to backpacks for biking only. A well-made cycling backpack should be weatherproof as you may experience bad weather during your journey, and you don’t want your belongings to be soaked with water, especially if you’re carrying your electronics items with you. Don’t forget to always keep an eye on the fabric and material that the rucksack is made of.

Choose a Bike Riding Backpack with a Good Ventilation System

Whether you go on the daily commute to work or a mountain trail, it is important to note that a good ventilation system can make the journey much more enjoyable. Look for a cycling backpack that has an airflow system on the back panel and shoulder straps as it will help with the breathability of the backpack itself.

Check the Padded Shoulder Straps and Chest/Hip Straps of the Bike Backpack

Your morning commute can turn into a nightmare if the bulk you carry on your shoulder is unpleasant, which is why you should definitely go for a cycling backpack with quality padded shoulder straps for extra comfort. 

Stability is another thing to bear in mind. Look for a backpack with a good chest/hip strap that is closely and comfortably attached to your body, which will prevent twisting and help with extra security and stability on the road. The sternum strap will keep things balanced with your back and body, while the waist strap will stabilise the load on your back and move some of the weight off your shoulders. 

Variety of Pockets/Compartments - A Versatile Bike Backpack

Think of all the other times you would use your cycling backpack for other activities, such as travelling, hiking or sports. Backpacks that offer a good variety of compartments and pockets are generally ideal to keep your belongings more organised. 

Many commuters nowadays carry a laptop with them, which is why it is necessary to get a biking backpack with a padded laptop sleeve for your laptop. 

Choose a Cycling Rucksack with Enough Capacity and Storage

Cycling backpacks come in all shapes and sizes. The capacity of the biking backpack depends on various factors, such as how you like to ride, what stuff you need to carry and the duration of your trip. The basic capacity for a biking backpack should be at 20-30L volume, which would allow you to store all of your stuff comfortably. However, if you are doing a more intense biking trip or mountain trail and would like to carry more heavy loads with you, then go for the biking rucksacks that provide 40L of capacity or more.  

>> Check out: Best 30L Backpacks

Our Top Best Cycling Backpacks and Rucksacks

CabinZero Classic Pro - A Minimalist’s Choice for a Cycling Backpack

If you’re looking for a lightweight cycling backpack with a minimalist and versatile design that can well accompany you on every journey, the CabinZero Classis Pro is what to aim for. This is the most basic backpack that has all the features you will need for a good and affordable bicycle backpack. It has a front-loading main compartment, a quick-access front panel zip pocket, and a water bottle holder, which will come in handy for your morning commutes. 

The air mesh back panel and shoulder straps with an airflow system will keep your journey comfortable, plus the waist strap providing stability. Inside, there is a padded laptop sleeve and other small compartments, along with a spacious main compartment, this road bike backpack will keep your belongings nice and neat on the journey. 

Weight: 1235 g / 2 lb 12 ounces | Capacity: 32L | Water-resistant: Yes | Colors: 4 | Material: 600 Denier Polyester Fabric with water-resistant coating

>> Check out: Best beach backpack for Your Next Vacation

CabinZero Military - A Resilient Cycling Rucksack

For adventurous folks, the CabinZero Military is a good companion whether in tough terrain conditions or a day-to-day cycling backpack. It has the features that a cycling backpack needs, with comfortable straps, a water bottle holder and a laptop compartment. Made with nylon fabric and equipped with an airflow system on the rear panel and shoulder straps, this backpack is also durable and breathable for commuters. 

This lightweight cycling backpack is made of durable nylon fabric, with top and side grab handles - those features will come in handy whether you carry it on your back or hang it on your bicycle rack. 

Weight: 850 g / 1 lb 14 ounces | Capacity: 28L | Water-resistant: Yes | Colors: 5 | Material: 1000 Denier nylon fabric with water-resistant coating

Hitting the Road with Confidence

That’s a wrap on our cycling backpack shopping guide and top picks on the best biking backpacks with a well minimalist design, superb fabric materials and features. If you are in doubt, our advice is to go for the ones with water-resistant or waterproof features, lightweight, comfortable, durable and versatile. 

Is your favourite on the list? If not, what are the best backpacks for biking that we have missed in this article? Please let us know in the comments below.