7 best cycling bags for commuting to work
Today is the annual cycle-to-work day which means most of you up and down the country should be hopping on your two wheels to work this morning.
The annual day is organised by Cyclescheme and was designed to encourage everyone to get their exercise in for the day and cycle to the office instead of cramming into a stuffy train.
This year marks its seventh run and is expected to surpass last year’s record of over 25,000 cyclists hitting the road.
READ MORE: These are the best office-appropriate shorts for men
But whether you’re just cycling for the day or a peloton pro, if there’s one item you need to accompany you on the ride, it’s a bag.
From panniers to handlebar bags, there are plenty of suitable options, although the cycling community has frequently settled for the standard 20-30L backpacks to transport all their belongings.
There are backpacks galore that feature a waist and chest strap for security and compartments and internal organisers to keep your laptops, tablets and valuables safe and easy to find.
We’ve rounded up some of the best cycling bags that have either received the best reviews on cycling blogs or the brand website itself, and bags that have been handpicked and recommended by members of the Yahoo Style UK team.
Happy cycling.
Bekahizar 20L Ultra Light Backpack
Bekahizar 20L Ultra Lightweight Backpack | £12.99 | Shop it now
This water-repellant and all-round backpack is a great option for those looking for versatility. It has been handpicked by the Amazon team and has over 300 customer reviews. It features multiple compartments, including two front zip pockets and an internal divider to support a 13” laptop as well as bungee side pockets to fit a 500ml bottle.
Declathlon B’Twin 500 Waterproof Pannier Pack Bike Bag 20L
Decathlon B’Twin 500 Waterproof Pannier Pack Bike Bag 20L | £24.99 | Shop it now
Handpicked by a Yahoo Style UK staffer and cycling pro, this pannier bag has earned its strikes thanks to its design, great value and versatility. It can be hooked onto your bike’s pannier rack to transport belongings such as your laptop and documents safely. Our reviewer said it’s best feature is the fact that it can be clipped on or off easily without hassle or fuss.
Crumpler Dinky Di Messenger
Crumpler Dinky Di Messenger | £99.90 | Shop it now
Another staffer favourite, this Crumpler Messenger bag is not only stylish but is a commuting staple. With integrated loops for accessory fastening, clips and Velcro-fastened flaps, your belongings will be kept safe and secure. It’s got plenty of space, too; an external zip pocket under the main flap, and side flaps to keep valuables protected.
Herschel Casual Day Backpack
Herschel Casual Day Backpack | £80.52 | Shop it now
This is a commuter favourite not only because it’s one of the coolest bags on the market but that it has unlimited amounts of space. Whilst it’s not technically a cycling-specific bag, our reviewer said it enables him to carry all his belongings, his laptop and then some. It features a fleece-lined divider to keep your precious laptop protected and front pocket to keep your more urgently-needed belongings.
REFLECT360 Cycling Backpack 30L
REFLECT360 Cycling Backpack 30L | £60.99 | Shop it now
With the new season approaching, it would be prudent to opt for a cycling bag that keeps you visible, which is why this Proviz backpack is a recommended option from another Yahoo Style UK staffer. It’s got pretty good reviews online too with customers praising the bag for it’s most impressive feature: it is really bright when lights shine on it. There are multiple internal compartments and can hold up to 30L.
Rapha for Apple Convertible backpack
Rapha for Apple Convertible backpack | £80.50 (WAS £115) | Shop it now
As one of Rapha’s bestsellers, this Apple Convertible backpack is a sleek and stylish accessory to carry your trusty laptop safely. It’s super versatile and can be used as either a backpack or a tote bag and is made from durable water-repellant material and in-built padding for protection against any weather conditions. Plus, the brevet stripe at the bottom of the bag, not only matches your Rapha bib shorts, but add visibility for when night falls.
Altura Sector 25 Backpack
Altura Sector 25 Backpack | £32.29 | Shop it now
Among all the bags on cycling blogs, this option from Altura was, by consensus, a clear favourite. It has been specially engineered for cyclists, featuring Altura Draft Venting back system and pre-comfort straps to ensure you are cool and comfortable during your ride. It also has easy-to-access pockets and compartment for tools and essentials as well as a protected compartment for laptops and tablets.
The editors at Yahoo UK are committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. At times, Yahoo UK may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.
