Although some of us are not having to commute because of a summer holiday or permanently working from home, finding that really good commuting rucksack is still a quest that many of us face. You want enough space, but not too much, and you want the bag to not leave your back all sweaty. So, here are four of the bags we're currently testing, and a pair of sunglasses to complete the bunch.
These reviews are dropping in the near future, but for bags that we've already reviewed, check out our reviews page. To browse the ones that scored top marks, head over to road.cc recommends.
Chrome Industries Ruckas Backpack 23L - £105
Chrome Industries’ Ruckas 23L Backpack is a robust and adaptable urban backpack, that's at home on or off the bike. It has a 23-litre capacity and durable construction, including a weatherproof outer shell, and comes with claims of longevity and protection against the elements.
> Best commuter bikes
The interior comprises various compartments and pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve, facilitating organised storage and easy accessibility.
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Jack Wolfskin Helsinki Rolltop - £115
Jack Wolfskin’s Helsinki Rolltop has a rolltop closure, and it’s designed for ‘outdoor enthusiasts’, including cyclists.
> Best cycling backpacks
The roll-top design allows for adjustable storage capacity based on individual needs, and the bag is made with durable materials to withstand rugged outdoor conditions. Inside there are multiple compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve. The bag comes with ergonomic shoulder straps and a breathable back panel, which aim to make those backpack commutes that little bit less uncomfortable.
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Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Backpack - £90
Next up, we have the Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Backpack, a bag specifically designed for cyclists. This backpack offers a sleek and lightweight design, and 10 litres of space specifically crafted to meet the demands of professional riders.
Despite the pro rider target market, the Pro Team Lightweight Backpack comes with multiple compartments and pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve, implying that this is still a bag for commuters, not for ultra-racers. You might also notice the two chest straps, which should further help keep the bag stable. And that lightweight bit in the name? It weighs a mere 332g, which we reckon might have something to do with it...
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Apidura City Backpack - £130
Apidura’s City Backpack can take up to 20 litres of cargo, and it offers a very minimalistic design for urbanites. The construction is water-resistant, and the interior is equipped with multiple compartments and pockets, allowing for efficient organisation and easy access to belongings. The shoulder straps are padded and there's a chest strap, a key pocket on the side and an attachment option for a backlight.
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Tifosi Rail Race Interchangeable Clarion Lens Sunglasses - £89.99
Yes, these glasses are not a bag, but our five cool things include five items, so these shades made the selection! Tifosi Optics’ Rail Race Interchangeable Clarion Lens Sunglasses feature – as the name suggests – an interchangeable lens system.
> Best cycling sunglasses
They come equipped with Clarion lenses, which are coated to enhance clarity and reduce glare, and provide 100% UV protection. The shades weigh only 32g thanks to the lightweight frame, which also boasts an ‘aerodynamic design’.
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Only within LTNs or where the motor vehicle has been tamed with infra, lower speed limits, removing incentives to "nip through" - and after a...
'Useless"? You're not one of those "outdoor cycling" purists by any chance?
Helps keep an eye out for close passes I guess? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kPM3wy4asC8
Every time we have a storm in the UK, many trees are blown down, so a few trees removed for a family cycle lane will not make much difference to...
Every mechanic I know hates Muc-Off Wet Lube with a fiery passion because it accumulates gunk like no other....
I wouldn't worry about it. Secret_squirrel is only the sole arbiter of what is acceptable for discussion in road.cc comments in his own head,...
Beautiful wheels, I wouldn't say no. But have a look for the 2000-era Gipiemme Grecal Parade wheels to see an early example of a similar look.
Ah, but they're criminals - by definition if they entered illegally. It's when they change the laws to enhance their power and then break them...
Haptic feedback somewhere in the sytem? Just triggers a vibration when you press the shift button?
I'm very sorry to hear that. I followed her comments on Twitter and responded a few times when I still used that platform. Her posts were smart and...