I’m hunting for a commuter backpack that can actually do it all, and I’m hoping folks here have ideas.
I usually run panniers on my own bike, but my commute is often a mix of my bike, Lime bikes, and the bus, so I need something that works well on my back too.
Must‑haves:
Fits a large laptop (16–17”).
Really water resistant (rainy‑city commuter).
Comfortable shoulder straps/back panel for loaded rides and walking.
Bike + transit friendly, not huge or floppy in a crowded bus.
Lightweight (not a 5 lb empty pack).
Real external carry: webbing/straps where I could reasonably strap a bike wheel if needed.
Nice‑to‑haves:
Side access to laptop and/or main compartment.
Luggage pass‑through sleeve for sliding over a suitcase handle.
Not super tacticool; a bit of MOLLE is fine, but I’d rather it look more urban than military.
*Ortlieb Vario 26* 2 in 1 -> Panier and backpack, also great quality.
I have my work clothes in it. When I arrive at work, I lock my bike and take the bag from the bike, transform it into the backpack, take it in the shower and after that it goes back on the bike. After work basically the same, without taking a shower.
I use this every day for 2.5 years now and have been satisfied. I do wish it had a place for a water bottle, that worked well on the outside. They have a newer model that I haven’t tried and it looks like there’s more placement options for things on that one. They also sell backpacks, but I can’t attest to those.
AlbinoDigits on
The Osprey Metron Airspeed 34 is my recommendation. I’ve owned two of their bike commuting backpacks, and they were both excellent. The pockets are all well designed and useful. It includes a rain cover. The suspension system makes a big difference when cycling long distances and/or in hot weather. The waist strap is there when you need it and easy to move out of the way when you don’t. The Osprey warranty is also great, and it’s why I’ve had two of their bike commuting backpacks. The first was replaced under warranty after I was hit by a car.
Other considerations….
Deuter makes great backpacks and also has an excellent warranty, but I don’t see any that I like as much on their website for bike commuting.
You could purchase a messenger-style backpack if you want something arguably more stylish and with weatherproofing built into the design; however, it makes for a bulkier, heavier backpack, usually with fewer features and less organization. Chrome and Mission Workshop both make these types of bags.
Arkel makes a pannier backpack called the Bug that I’ve always heard good things about.
Edit: I missed the part about external carry… The Osprey would not work well for that; however, that’s something I rarely needed, even when I didn’t have a car. I do own a messenger backpack that I would use in those instances, but it’s just not a good everyday backpack for all the reasons I already mentioned.
Jolly-Command8853 on
Two Wheel Gear Backpack/Pannier Convertible. Two sizes, one is larger with an external laptop compartment. It’s missing your external web strapping though, but it’s perfect otherwise.
Cheomesh on
Would suggest proviz but the webbing does it in. Maybe Chrome’s Barrage? That’s got webbing and I liked the Urban explorer I had off them. Trash also has webbing heavy ones.
pasquamish on
Arkel Bug Pannier hits many of your requirements. Dedicated laptop sleeve, easily converts from bike to back, a few clips that could be repurposed for your needs.
It’s been my commuting bag for 9 years and one of my touring bags for 4 multi-day trips. After 20K+ miles, mine is a bit beat up but still going strong.
8 Comments
I’m hunting for a commuter backpack that can actually do it all, and I’m hoping folks here have ideas.
I usually run panniers on my own bike, but my commute is often a mix of my bike, Lime bikes, and the bus, so I need something that works well on my back too.
Must‑haves:
Fits a large laptop (16–17”).
Really water resistant (rainy‑city commuter).
Comfortable shoulder straps/back panel for loaded rides and walking.
Bike + transit friendly, not huge or floppy in a crowded bus.
Lightweight (not a 5 lb empty pack).
Real external carry: webbing/straps where I could reasonably strap a bike wheel if needed.
Nice‑to‑haves:
Side access to laptop and/or main compartment.
Luggage pass‑through sleeve for sliding over a suitcase handle.
Not super tacticool; a bit of MOLLE is fine, but I’d rather it look more urban than military.
Well, you literally asked for this video: https://youtu.be/-K-wHns8tY8?si=OKEIDo3MTYkA-ZbG
*Ortlieb Vario 26* 2 in 1 -> Panier and backpack, also great quality.
I have my work clothes in it. When I arrive at work, I lock my bike and take the bag from the bike, transform it into the backpack, take it in the shower and after that it goes back on the bike. After work basically the same, without taking a shower.
I’m more partial to over the over the shoulder strap type bag. [https://www.timbuk2.com/products/2023-classic-messenger-bag?variant=40578608070698&campaignid=22386040505&adgroupid=174073933621&creative=742374249264&matchtype=&network=g&device=t&keyword=&absrc=Google&abid=742374249264&abcampid=22386040505&abgroupid=174073933621&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b87lJBnbrcDOIFQ-vwGr2GL9DbyyymtuLnRswwm-nwZtbQFrw0HXm44aAgs9EALw_wcB&abkwdid=pla-297216999309&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22386040505&gbraid=0AAAAAD_JjMpAUSv9xHYSJETr5NiGWHTe1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b87lJBnbrcDOIFQ-vwGr2GL9DbyyymtuLnRswwm-nwZtbQFrw0HXm44aAgs9EALw_wcB](https://www.timbuk2.com/products/2023-classic-messenger-bag?variant=40578608070698&campaignid=22386040505&adgroupid=174073933621&creative=742374249264&matchtype=&network=g&device=t&keyword=&absrc=Google&abid=742374249264&abcampid=22386040505&abgroupid=174073933621&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b87lJBnbrcDOIFQ-vwGr2GL9DbyyymtuLnRswwm-nwZtbQFrw0HXm44aAgs9EALw_wcB&abkwdid=pla-297216999309&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22386040505&gbraid=0AAAAAD_JjMpAUSv9xHYSJETr5NiGWHTe1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b87lJBnbrcDOIFQ-vwGr2GL9DbyyymtuLnRswwm-nwZtbQFrw0HXm44aAgs9EALw_wcB)
I use this every day for 2.5 years now and have been satisfied. I do wish it had a place for a water bottle, that worked well on the outside. They have a newer model that I haven’t tried and it looks like there’s more placement options for things on that one. They also sell backpacks, but I can’t attest to those.
The Osprey Metron Airspeed 34 is my recommendation. I’ve owned two of their bike commuting backpacks, and they were both excellent. The pockets are all well designed and useful. It includes a rain cover. The suspension system makes a big difference when cycling long distances and/or in hot weather. The waist strap is there when you need it and easy to move out of the way when you don’t. The Osprey warranty is also great, and it’s why I’ve had two of their bike commuting backpacks. The first was replaced under warranty after I was hit by a car.
Other considerations….
Deuter makes great backpacks and also has an excellent warranty, but I don’t see any that I like as much on their website for bike commuting.
You could purchase a messenger-style backpack if you want something arguably more stylish and with weatherproofing built into the design; however, it makes for a bulkier, heavier backpack, usually with fewer features and less organization. Chrome and Mission Workshop both make these types of bags.
Arkel makes a pannier backpack called the Bug that I’ve always heard good things about.
Edit: I missed the part about external carry… The Osprey would not work well for that; however, that’s something I rarely needed, even when I didn’t have a car. I do own a messenger backpack that I would use in those instances, but it’s just not a good everyday backpack for all the reasons I already mentioned.
Two Wheel Gear Backpack/Pannier Convertible. Two sizes, one is larger with an external laptop compartment. It’s missing your external web strapping though, but it’s perfect otherwise.
Would suggest proviz but the webbing does it in. Maybe Chrome’s Barrage? That’s got webbing and I liked the Urban explorer I had off them. Trash also has webbing heavy ones.
Arkel Bug Pannier hits many of your requirements. Dedicated laptop sleeve, easily converts from bike to back, a few clips that could be repurposed for your needs.
It’s been my commuting bag for 9 years and one of my touring bags for 4 multi-day trips. After 20K+ miles, mine is a bit beat up but still going strong.