The Best Backpacks for Cycling, From Trail to Tarmac

When it comes to cycling, the right pack can make or break your ride. Whether you’re grinding out a century, carving through the hills, or just commuting to work, your carry needs to be dialed. You want lightweight efficiency, a stable fit, and just enough storage—without the bulk. A good cycling pack moves with you, keeps essentials within easy reach, and stays comfortable mile after mile. From hydration vests to bikepacking haulers, we’ve picked what we think are the best options out there. So, clip in, lean forward, and let’s dive into the best packs for cycling—built for speed, comfort, and function.

CamelBak H.A.W.G.® Commute 30 Backpack (US$64.95)

Tailor-made for bike commuting, the H.A.W.G.® Commute 30 Backpack delivers thoughtful organization and access with the comfort you need for an active life on the go. The panel-loading main compartment provides quick and easy packing and access, while the weatherproof laptop storage offers added peace of mind in inclement weather. A variety of pockets and attachment points keep you tidy and organized, with external storage for a water bottle, bike helmet, and bike light. Plus, small essentials stay close at hand courtesy of pockets in the Command Center Harness. A removable waist strap provides stability when you’re traveling at speed and the reflective detailing helps keep you visible in low-light conditions.

USWE MTB Hydro 9L Hydration Pack (US$159.99)

When it’s time to tackle the trails, the USWE MTB Hydro 9L Hydration Pack offers trusty storage for hydration and essentials in a comfy, durable build. The No Dancing Monkey (NDM) 1.2 harness system delivers bounce-free carry comfort while still enabling freedom of movement. The pack comes with a 3L Elite hydration bladder with a slider opening for convenient cleaning and accommodating ice on hot days. A front quick-access pocket keeps tools and snacks at the ready and two external attachment straps offer handy storage for an outer layer or body armor.

Apidura City Backpack (US$164)

Apidura’s City Backpack fuses the durability and weather protection of bikepacking gear with clean urban style. The weatherproof pack features welded construction that takes rainy commutes in its stride, while the sleek silhouette looks right at home on city streets and in work environments. Internally, you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve, mesh slip pockets, and a zippered pocket to organize small items and valuables, while quick-access essentials stay at the ready in an external zippered pocket. The pack includes a removable waist strap and sternum strap for stability and comfort, with an attachment point to secure a bike light.

Chrome Industries Kadet Max WP (US$165)

While it’s technically not a backpack, the Kadet Max WP should be on the radar of anyone seeking a tough yet lightweight everyday cycling bag. It offers cross-body carry in a rugged, waterproof build that embraces the daily commuter grind both on and off the bike. Providing a fully welded waterproof exterior and IPX7 waterproof zippers, this is a solid pick for wet-weather rides. The useful storage for daily essentials includes a padded 15″ laptop sleeve and an assortment of smaller internal pockets for EDC and work accessories. An external pocket stores quick-access items, with a padded rear U-lock holster also on hand. The shoulder strap is ambidextrous and the bag also includes a removable stabilizer strap.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack (from US$180)

Ortlieb’s Commuter Daypack is built in Germany with a waterproof construction that will defy any rainy commute. The roll-top closure offers flexible packing volume for changing loads, with the internal padded laptop pocket keeping tech safe on the go. An external zipper provides grab-and-stash storage for your small EDC. On the comfort front, the ventilated back panel helps keep you cool on the go and the sternum strap and waist belt tag team to stop loads swaying while you’re putting miles on the clock. And with 21L and 27L options, you can choose one that best suits your particular carry needs.

EVERGOODS CPL16 (US$229)

Love the CPL24 but wish there was a smaller option? Enter the CPL16, the small brother to the Civic Panel Loader 24L and a great choice for smaller frames and/or carry loads. The panel-loading main compartment makes packing and access a breeze, while top and front pockets ensure those smaller items are always close to hand when you need them but secure when you don’t. The pack’s externally accessible laptop sleeve is padded and suspended for trusty tech protection, plus it also doubles as storage for a hydration bladder. Built with a water-repellent, custom-developed 840d ballistic nylon 6 balanced woven exterior, the pack is tough enough for urban streets and outdoor trails alike, making it a handy hybrid to have in your carry arsenal.

Mission Workshop Hauser 10L Hydration Backpack (from US$270)

Part of Mission Workshop’s Acre collection, the 10L Hauser is built to go anywhere outdoors your two tires can take you. The weatherproof hydration pack features a roll-top closure that can also be used in flap-down mode for additional weather protection. Four external pockets provide secure, weatherproof storage for quick-access gear, while the included tool roll is removable for easy use out and about. External straps also provide attachment options for gear such as a helmet or pads. Made in the USA, the pack comes in three fabric options to suit personal tastes and features an Ariaprene perforated back panel and shoulder straps for breathability and comfort. The pack accommodates most 3L hydration bladders (a bladder is not included) and is also available in a 14L option if you need more carrying capacity.

MAAP X côte&ciel Saru Orion Blue (US$295)

French carry brand côte&ciel teamed up with Australian cycling brand MAAP on a limited-edition collection that includes the sleek Saru Orion Blue Backpack. Blending fashion-savvy styling and performance in one, the pack is designed for urban use with three quick-access pockets for frequently used items and an interior padded 16″ laptop sleeve. Built with water-resistant fabric and YKK AquaGuard zippers, this is a chic option for those who want to step it up on the style front without sacrificing everyday functionality.

Ortlieb Atrack Bike (US$300)

When you’re embracing the demands of bikepacking, you need a bag that can keep up and let you focus on the journey. So Ortlieb created the Atrack Bike, a tough bikepacking bag with an IP67 waterproof rating that will handle whatever the weather throws at it. The bag features a rear waterproof TIZIP zipper in the back panel that provides wide-opening access to the main compartment while keeping gear secure and protected from the elements on the go. The bag is compatible with a hydration bladder if desired and includes a sealable opening for a drinking tube. On the inside, you’ll find four zippered pockets and a compression strap for organization, and the bag can also be paired with optional accessories to accommodate external carry loads.

Mission Workshop Rambler (from US$390)

Need to carry a lot one day and a little the next? The iconic Rambler has you covered with its expandable design that grows from 22L to 44L so you can roll with whatever the day has in store on the carry front. Built in the USA in a choice of durable water-resistant fabrics, the pack features a carbon fiber-reinforced interior frame and a breathable shoulder harness for comfy carry. Five sections including two large and one small front pocket, a rear roll-top compartment, and the expandable main compartment keep gear organized and accessible as needed, helping you adapt easily on the fly to changing carry needs.