You often hear the old trope that gravel is just an updated version of 90s XC mountain biking, so it's probably not a great surprise to see the resurgence of hydration packs, especially for those racing or looking to travel light by minimising the use of bags on their bikes.

There are many reasons to look at ditching your water bottles when riding off-road. Firstly, your liquid is well away from all the dirt and dust, so there's zero chance of grit in your teeth or for those in wet and muddy conditions and riding near agriculture, something potentially much worse. You can also often carry more liquid, with most gravel-oriented bags designed to carry around 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid. They also often feature extra storage, ideal for the essentials like multitools, pumps and tubes and food.

Deuter make a vast range of bags for all sorts of outdoor activities, so I was interested to see how they have taken their 125 years of outdoor experience to design something for the broad use case of gravel riding and racing.

Construction

The key difference between a traditional MTB-based pack and a gravel-oriented one is the weight and close fit. The theory is that you need to carry less, and the bag itself doesn't need to be quite as robust and crash-resistant. MTB bags also often have much larger bladder capacities, and some even feature spine protectors.

This means gravel packs actually have more in common with those used for trail running, and the Rogla 5 is no exception, though it does have more cargo capacity than pure running versions. It weighs 353g and has a 5-litre volume, which, though not huge, is plenty to fit the essentials in. Deuter recommends you carry no more than 3kg in the pack.

Along with its low weight, it also has a closer and more secure fit than a traditional backpack. I found the straps felt more like a gilet or waistcoat, with wide straps that are a complete part of the bag and use what Deuter refers to as the 'perforated lite' system. This system is very comfortable and, as it features lots of holes, very breathable. Those wide straps also have storage space, with one marked for glasses and one featuring a key tab.

The straps use a velcro strap system that sits just below your rib cage on both sides and is easily adjustable. There are two thin straps across the chest area, too, with one featuring a guide for your bladder hose. The bag can take up to a 2-litre bladder, but somewhat confusingly, it does not ship with one. Through testing, I used a 1.5-litre Hydrapak version from Uswe, which worked well, but there are plenty of options from brands like Camelbak, Hydrapak and Source available too

The main compartment has a bag zip and is easily accessible, and has separate compartments to keep your kit organised and rattle-free. It has two mesh pockets that I found ideal for tyre levers, a Dynaplug tubeless tool, CO2 canisters and gels. There's a larger zipped pocket as well and a separate bungee strap for pumps if you decide to carry one as well extra straps on the outside that you can use to carry a helmet or jacket should you need to.

Like a lot of German brands Deuter works hard on their green credentials, with the Rogla 5 made using recycled materials wherever possible and without any PFAs or harmful chemical coatings. The main section is made using a lightweight yet robust polyester and although it doesn't have a specific coating the PES fibred material does a good job of keeping water out.

My bag came in a fetching two tone green that was a great match with a lot of the gravel kit I've been testing lately, but it's also available in a graphite and slate colour. Unusually for a gravel pack it only comes in one size which is designed for riders ranging from 170-195 cm in height; I say unusual as most brands tend to offer at least two sizes as they fit more like a gilet than a traditional rucksack.

The ride

I've used mountain bike hydration bags for years and the first difference I noticed was how small the Rogla 5 is by comparison. It is a much snugger fit, and in fact I was near its maximum size-wise wise , which was surprising to me at 82kg and with a 104cm chest. Its fit is different to a classic bag too, and sits much higher up than a hydration pack would usually, which, when standing, feels a little odd, but when on the bike, it felt perfect and didn't put any extra weight or noticeable stress on the saddle or my shoulders.

The close fit means that the pack stays in place no matter how much I move around on the bike and despite the lack of a waist support. The bag would feel a little snug when the 1.5 litre bladder I was using was full, but this quickly subsided once I'd taken a drink, so although Deuter says it'll take a 2-litre bladder, I think the smaller size is preferable. Fitting the bladder is easy, with a wide pocket opening and easy-to-use openings to put the hose through and secure in place and the tube length is easy to adjust mid ride with a gentle tug should you need to.

The storage space is small, but I found it just right. It meant I could carry all the things I'd usually stuff in a saddle bag or jersey pocket. This had two benefits: one was that it made it much less likely that I'd forget the key items I needed each ride. It also meant I could use my cargo shorts and jersey pockets for storing things like food and gels, which I found really useful on the gravel events I took part in whilst wearing the pack.

The separate pockets in the main compartment are helpful too. Not only does it make things easy to see and find in a rush, it also stops things rattling around when riding. I found I could fit a packable waterproof gilet or jacket in, though not much more. Again, for racing and travelling light as I like to do this was perfect, but for those looking to carry more you'll still need frame bags or a larger pack. The bungees on the outside are a good idea, but not something I used in practice as I'm never on a gravel bike without a lid.

The storage pockets on the straps are useful, but in practice, I found I used them for either gels or storing my phone and made getting to any food mid ride much easier than fumbling around in rear jersey pockets. I rarely take my glasses off when riding, but I found they would make the pocket much bigger and more noticeable when riding so it wasn't something I used often.

All the materials used are of a very high quality and have lasted well throughout testing in varied conditions.; even after several cold machine washes, it's in perfect condition.

Value and Conclusion

At £90 it first appears cheap compared to its rivals like the Uswe Rush bag which comes in at £139 / $149.99 / €149 or the Restrap Race hydration vest at £145 / €174 but when you factor in a suitable bladder at around £40 / $/€50, it's in the same ballpark.

It is of high-quality and looks like it will last a very long time and Deuter's green credentials are to be applauded. I found it to be a very comfortable, well-designed piece of kit that I have enjoyed using and it worked well in a range of temperatures without feeling too hot or sweaty in the recent good weather. The extra liquid capacity and ability to comfortably carry all I needed without strapping stuff to my bike on gravel rides was really helpful.

The tight fit might also be a limiter for some though. I'm not exactly what you would describe as a big guy, so I was surprised how small it actually is.

The Castelli Gear Backpack has been designed to be a commuting backpack option, while also having the right dimensions so it can be used as carry-on luggage on flights for a cycling getaway.

Construction

To fend off the elements as well as provide durability, Castelli's Gear Backpack uses a water and stain resistant exterior material. Water resistant zippers aim to boost the weather resistance. Maximum volume is claimed to be 26 litres capacity, while the dimensions of the pack are 56 x 35 x 15cm.

Internally there are three main compartments. The main body houses a padded laptop sleeve and mesh zip up mesh pocket. Compartment two uses another zip up interior pocket and a lanyard hook. The final compartment uses a side entrance for easier access to essentials. There is also a water bottle holder on the side externally. All of the interior materials are easy to wipe clean.

Additional features include external loops to attach lights or clip on a helmet. The large rear straps are designed to offer support across the shoulders while perforated rear panels aim to boost breathability. These main straps also feature attachment points for lights. There are both chest and waist clip straps for added security and improved weight distribution as well as small reflective details on the straps and front of the backpack.

The ride

For me, the key to a good backpack is just how much you can actually fit inside it. And 26 litres of storage is a good amount for a bag this size, if not class leading. However, it’s also about how accessible that space is and what you are packing. The main large body of the bag is the right size to be able to put a pair of cycling shoes right at the bottom while still piling up kit and clothing items on top of that for a long weekend away. The padded laptop bag is a great addition, which doesn’t add excessive bulk but does provide essential protection for an expensive item. It can however be a little hard to access if you really pack the bag fully.

The other main compartments are not as spacious, but the placement of zipped internal pockets help make valuables more easily accessible. For commuting to work, the size is easily spacious enough to put office shoes and clothes in the bag. The easy to wipe down interior is also great, ensuring that even if it does gets dirty, it’s easy to clean.

None of the pockets are easily accessible while wearing the backpack, save for the bottle holder. I do like how the zips all have tabs to make them straightforward to open and close even with gloves on.

I haven’t tested it in the rain to see how dry it keeps the contents, but I’ve used Castelli saddlebags with the same zip structure, and they are not fully waterproof. The water resistance and shower proofing is very good though.

Another important element is how comfortable a backpack is to wear. This is where the Castelli Backpack absolutely shines. Even when fully packed to over 20kg / 44lbs, the wide straps with their padded and perforated material are incredibly comfortable and spread the weight nicely over the shoulders and back. The sternum and hip straps aim to add further stability, but in practice I never found that I needed them, so comfortable and secure were the standard straps. I also found in warmer temperatures the perforated elements of the backpack did seem to help avoid excessive heat buildup.

I appreciate the amount of additional features this backpack has, helping make it suitable for commuting. On the straps and the face of the backpack it has attachment points for lights to be fitted. This is especially useful given the relative lack of reflective detailing on the bag. These clips can also be used to hang a helmet from when the commute turns from cycling to walking.

As mentioned previously, the internal zip pockets being positioned at the top of the compartments does make access to valuables nice and easy for the user. Something that is missing though is more of a 'clamshell' opening system. I found that when items were packed at the bottom of the bag, the rest of the contents needed to be removed to access them. With a clamshell design the bag can be opened out to grab specific contents and pack more effectively in my experience.

A huge plus point, especially with UK airlines cracking down on bag size and giving on the spot charges for bags that are too large, is that it fits within RyanAir and EasyJet carry-on bag size allowance. Indeed, I was slightly surprised that it fitted within the airline's size restrictions given how much I had packed for a flight to Spain.

Value & conclusion

In terms of price, £170 is certainly towards the more premium end for a cycling specific backpack. However, when assessing value for money, the Castelli bag performs pretty well. The 26-litre storage is a fair bit more than many of the backpacks featured in our best backpacks for cycling buyers guide, while the price is not much higher.

The CamelBak and Rapha options do feature either a clamshell design or larger opening for the main compartments, but availability nowadays for those models is scarce. Most competitors use a roll-top design which is even less practical for accessing contents at the bottom of the bag.

All told, the Castelli Gear Backpack is a very effective travel backpack that’s perfect for commuting or flying. Comfort and overall storage are the key highlights, while attachment points for lights are greatly appreciated along with its protection against showers. It does lack reflective detailing, and a clamshell design is better for access and packing, but it’s still a great option.

Chrome Industries has a reputation for creating high quality, robust products which serve the needs of urban cyclists. The Urban Ex 2.0 Backpack delivers exactly on that brief. Robust enough to deal with ‘day-in, day-out’ use, and with effective waterproofing to withstand the inevitable rainy commutes. It comes highly recommended as one of the best cycling backpacks for commuters. 

Chrome Urban Ex 2.0: construction

The Chrome Industries Urban Ex 2.0 Backpack is constructed from 600D polyester and is available in both 20 liters and 30 liters. Instead of relying on a waterproof zip for its weatherproofing, it uses a roll-top design, which is generally both a more effective solution, as well as being more reliable over the long term. 

There are two ways you can go about rolling up the top. The first method - which looks the neatest and allows you to pack the rucksack a little fuller - uses the two side-strap clips to hold the roll in place. The second method is rolling the top and clipping the two ends together, just like with a basic dry bag. This is quicker and easier (it’s only one clip you have to do up, rather than two), but it means you can’t pack the bag quite as full and it doesn’t look quite as neat.

To make the rolling up process easier, Chrome has included magnetic strips at the entrance of the bag, which naturally snap together and make it easier to achieve a neater roll. Chrome has really paid attention to the little details there. 

Inside, there’s a padded sleeve which fits up to a 15" device. Just for reference, it has a measured size of 14" H x 9.5" L x 1" W. Attached to the outside of this sleeve are a couple of unzippered pockets - here you can stash two pens, a smartphone, as well as attaching a set of bike lock keys to the dandling keychain. 

On the exterior, it’s worth noting the absence of any easy-access pockets. What Chrome has included is six daisy loops. Firsty, these are reflective, which is an important touch for a backpack that’s likely to be used before sunrise and after sunset during winter commutes. And secondly, a bike lock can be threaded through and attached. 

Chrome Urban Ex 2.0: the ride

I live about 20km away from Cardiff city center and I’ve been using this backpack for those rides in and out. According to a Met Office report, Cardiff is Britain’s wettest city with 115 cm falling on it each year. So, I had a pretty apt testing ground for finding out exactly how well the bag performs in miserable conditions. 

I have to say, it passed with flying colors. With many rucksacks which boast weather protection, I will still make sure that any items I really don’t want getting wet are securely ‘double-bagged’. But I’ve become so confident of Chrome Industries Urban Ex 2.0 Backpack that I don’t often bother with double bagging electronics anymore - I’m happy putting them straight in and fully trusting in the bag’s waterproofing.

The rolltop design is neat, straightforward and simple. For the most part, I do it up like a dry-bag, clipping the top back to itself. On occasion, generally when it’s ended up being a little warmer than I was anticipating and have had to take off a bulky midlayer, I do use the side-straps and am thankful for that little bit extra volume it provides.

Let’s move onto the comfort next. The shoulder straps are neither super lightweight, nor excessively supportive and weighty in themselves - I think that it’s really important that the right balance is struck and Chrome has achieved that here, in my experience. 

The straps provide comfort which is very proportional to how heavy you’re going to be able to pack the bag - especially if you’re sticking to office-related goods. A laptop and a couple of extra layers, some food, etc.

Whilst we’re on the subject of laptops, the padded laptop sleeve is certainly one of the more generous ones I’ve had the pleasure of using. It was also useful having a compartment inside to drop a wallet and smartphone into. However, I did find myself wanting more places to separate other smaller essentials, such as some energy bars - and to have been able to access a pocket quickly from the outside, rather than having to unfurl the roll-top would have been nice.

Once I locked up my bike, I was sad to realize I didn’t actually have a bottle holder for transporting my water bottle once I’d removed it from the bottle cage. This seems a pretty basic omission for what is otherwise a very practical rucksack.

But back to the good stuff. The webbing which holds a D-shaped bike lock is a very clever idea. I used an Onguard bike lock and this didn’t fit quite as neatly as the Abus lock in Chrome’s product imagery - it was a bit too wide to fit into both the top and the bottom webbing. But attaching the lock just to the top two bands and letting the bottom hang free worked fine. I was quite surprised by how little it actually threw off the weight of the rucksack - I expected it to feel more lopsided than it did.

Chrome Urban Ex 2.0: value and conclusion

With a price tag of $140 / £154 for the 20 liter option and $160 / £176 for the bigger 30 liter capacity, the Chrome Industries Urban Ex 2.0 Backpack is in line with other highly rated brands. 

For example, the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line backpack is also a pretty simple design and costs $210 / £155 for its 21 liter capacity. CamelBak’s MULE Commute 22 backpack has a much better selection of pockets and costs $140 / £120. 

New Loox wasn't a brand familiar to me prior to this test. However, the company has actually been around since 1948, admittedly just a small family affair specialising in leather bike baggage in its infancy. Maybe the Burger family were to the Dutch as Brooks were to the English. 

Companies expand, though, and manufacturing is outsourced. Unsurprisingly, New Loox baggage isn’t made in Holland anymore. But the brand still claims to offer the high quality and impeccable customer service that was originally associated with the company.

Browsing New Loox’s website, it’s clear they are doing everything they can to meet the varied demands of cyclists; they have no less than 17 collections featuring 117 different pieces of luggage. I was keen to see if the New Loox Varo Backpack did all the things it claimed, both on and off the bike - and how it compared to the best commuter backpacks for cycling and the best bike panniers.

New Loox Varo: construction

The main body is a waterproof 420D polyester with welded seams, a roll-top closure and single, central buckle. Hooks mounted on a Racktime rail system attach to pannier rails with a spring mounted lever and lower Velcro strap holding it in place. New Loox claims it fits tubes with diameters measuring between 10 and 16mm (using supplied adaptors).

The 29 x 50 x 15cm bag offers a 22 litre capacity and weighs 1.3kg. Inside, there’s a detachable neoprene sleeve designed for a tablet/laptop, plus a small zip pocket on the sleeve and a key hook.

Padded adjustable shoulder straps, together with chest and waist straps, can be used to carry the pannier as a rucksack when it's removed from the bike. A large cushioned flap folds down to cover the hooks, providing protection for the upper back. All straps are fully detachable.

Externally there are two elasticated side pockets and reflective detailing. It's possible to attach a light to the front or sides of the bag thanks to the dedicated mounting slips.

The ride

Mounting the rack is simple and adjustment is tool-free. Two hooks sit snugly on the rack’s rail and slide into the required position. A central locking clasp then holds the pannier on the rail. Since I’ve only been testing for six weeks, I can’t really say if this tool-free system will stand the test of time. 

The hooks sit reassuringly snug on the rail but this could go either way; they could become loose resulting in play, or grit and grim could work its way and hinder movement. Regular cleaning and occasional movement here may avoid the latter.

A long Velcro strap sits on the lower section of the pannier to hold it against the rack. It's placed considerately to fit most styles of rack (I've used it on every one I own). That said, it's not as user friendly as an arm; getting a snug closure is fiddly, especially if you have a fender / mudguard mounted. 

Even so, it falls in-line with the panniers' second function as a rucksack; no one wants a plastic arm digging into their lower back. Again, I’ve got personal reservations about the long term performance of a strip of Velcro here; in time, dirt and grime could affect grip.

In the six weeks of testing, I’ve had no reason to question or fault the attachment set-up in terms of performance. The pannier has been primarily used on my e-bike for commuting and it’s remained securely in place without rattling or excess movement, the back side is rigid and hasn’t sagged towards the wheel.

Despite being secure, the pannier is far from 'niggle-free' when mounted; there are several things that aren't ideal, though some can be overcome...

Depending upon your bike’s geometry and rack positioning, the pannier has the potential to interfere with rear mech cabling. It touched the cable on mine but didn’t affect shifting. Mounting on the non-drive side will get around this issue.

New Loox’s Railtime system requires you to press the central clasp to release the pannier from the rack and simultaneously lift it - it’s a two handed job. In addition to this, reaching between the wheel and pannier to undo the Velcro strap is a faff, particularly with cold hands and fender / mudguard stays.

If you opt to leave the shoulder straps on the pannier while it’s mounted, they need to be secured around the front side to prevent them flailing about. With plenty of spare strap, you’ll want to be cutting them down or doubling them back on themselves too. 

Leaving them attached makes things quick and easy for bike-walk transitions. On the downside, it means they’re exposed to dust, dirt and the elements, rain being the worst case scenario. Their waffle like construction means they act like a sponge when sprayed with water.  

The roll-top closure works as it should but, in my opinion, there needs to be a couple of extra inches the top edge, or additional lateral clasps. As it is, only two rolls are possible, and that’s a struggle when the pannier is full. This leaves the edges a little exposed making water ingress a possibility. I’d say the single closure strap makes things convenient in terms of access but works against water-tight properties. 

Indeed, New Loox only claim an IP3 rating despite also claiming the Varo to be 'made from 100% waterproof nylon'. IP3 means it can 'withstand water sprays up to 60º from vertical', so the potential of ingress at the opening during heavy rain is realistic. I've had it out in the rain without issues, I've also taken in the shower and directed the shower head straight at the roll-top for 5 minutes... it withstood this too. 

The Varo Backpack has heaps of space inside. For me, it’s length is particularly appealing; it accommodates a rather large laptop case that no other pannier I've tested can handle. The stiff plastic insert protects contents from vibrations and the neoprene sleeve is further protection should you chose to use that. It fits my 15“ laptop perfectly. Being able to pull the sleeve out of the pannier when you pop into a shop or cafe is really handy, avoiding taking the pannier off completely.

Even with a laptop in situ, there’s plenty of place for more gear: clothing, food, spare lights, etc. If it's not fully loaded, the pannier holds it shape well; the fabric doesn’t sag or flap about. The rigid plastic back and base insert help with this. The latter isn't removeable but will fold up.

Exterior pockets are handy, though top edge lacks elasticity, so they're not overly secure. I tended to stuff gloves and lights into them while faffing about near the bike, or in transit from bike to destination. Depth here is a bonus.

Loops for extra lights, plus a small amount of reflective detailing, make the exterior look sleek and add functionality. Bolder reflective patches wouldn’t go amiss in my opinion.

As a backpack, the Varo is refreshingly comfortable; the padding at the rear does a great job of cushioning your back. Wandering around with it for anything between 20 minutes and an hour was absolutely fine. The straps are well-padded and shaped considerately with an adjustable chest strap. I never really felt the need to use the waist strap. That said, it’s worth having it stowed away in the pannier though; it’s great for securing shoulder straps when the pannier is on the bike.

Value and conclusion

A well-made pannier and rucksack for £100.00 isn't extortionate. Craft Cadence’s $108.99 / £89.99 Metro Backpack Pannier is a good comparison that potentially gets around the ‘straps-exposed-to-elements issue’, providing the zip is water tight. 

Ortlieb has a more expensive offering with its £140.00 Vario PS Pannier Backpack which Cycling Weekly's Tech Features Editor Stefan Abram used for his two-week urban and gravel adventure from Budapest to the mountains of Slovakia.

There aren't a huge number of manufacturer's offering dual-function luggage, perhaps for the reason that there are inevitable compromises so demand isn't actually that big.

In the past, I've popped a quality, comfy rucksack into a pannier and simply pulled it out at my destination... this means, despite potential capacity compromises, there are no compromises on performance of either.

The Varo Backpack doesn't come without niggles, admittedly some are surmountable. It's certainly well-made and does a decent job of being both a pannier and a rucksack, just not an outstanding job of either.

Specs

• Material: Waterproof Nylon
• Capacity: 22 litres
• Colours: Black, Grey
• Weight: 1,33 kg
• Dimension: 29 x 50 x 15 cm
• Fixer: Racktime rail system

For commuters there are a number of ways to carry your necessities to and from work, including a backpack. However, unlike a regular model, the best backpacks for cycling are designed with riding in mind. This typically leads to a more comfortable journey, thanks to better ventilation and a fit that doesn’t impede your riding.

While the best pannier bags and bikepacking bags are ideally suited to carrying heavier loads, a backpack is more convenient if you use more than one bike. They are also easy to store once at work, and can be used on foot or on public transport if you have meetings at another location, for example.

So what are the features you should expect from one of the best backpacks for cycling? They tend to offer around 15 to 30 litres of storage and have dedicated compartments to carry laptops. They often have some kind of weatherproofing, including waterproof zippers, and some reflective details. Other features might include a chest or waist strap and storage for a drinks bottle.

Our team of experienced reviewers, many who commute regularly, have tested a number of backpacks and have selected their favourites, with a view to help you find the best backpack for cycling for you.

The quick list

Best commuter backpacks for cycling

Best Overall

If you're looking to travel light, the CamelBak MULE 22 backpack is a stylish, weather resistant option for commuters.

But let's focus on what matters the most: pockets. Inside the main compartment, there is a weatherproof roll-top sleeve for a laptop or an A4-sized notebook. Over the lid of the bag, there's a handy zipped mesh pocket which we used for small, loose items.

The arm harness of each strap is also lined with useful pockets. The right side can take keys (with a key loop) or train tickets, whilst the other side is generous enough to fit a phone. In testing, we particularly enjoyed this feature as you can insert and remove your phone without having to take off the bag. In terms of specific dimensions, our tester was using a 145x70mm phone with the system without any issues problem.

The back panel has three separate zones which rest on your back and feature an air channel to help with ventilation and reduce the chances of a sweaty back. Another useful touch is that the side pockets can take a D-lock, which makes securing your bike when on the go a little easier.

Read more: CamelBak MULE Commute 22 backpack full review

Best small bag

The Compact 14+3 backpack is designed for mountain bikers and gravel riders. As suggested by the name, it has a capacity of 14 litres, with an option to expand the main compartment by an extra 3 litres, achieved by undoing a 360° zip.

It uses the German brand’s Airstripes back system, which is essentially a series of ventilation grooves and an open channel that runs down the centre to allow air to flow more freely with the aim of preventing an overly sweaty back. In practice, we found that it worked as well as could be expected.

On the outside of the bag, there are two mesh pockets for water bottles, a zipped pocket and two compression straps that help to stabilise the load and can be used to attach a helmet to. Handily, there’s also a hi-viz rain cover, stored in a pocket at the bottom of the pack.

Access to the bag’s main compartment is via a U-shaped zip. Inside, you’ll find a water bladder sleeve. The smaller compartment contains a zipped pocket with two further pockets for a wallet and a phone, two additional mesh pockets and a clip for your keys.

We’ve used the Compact 14+3 backpack for plenty of gravel rides in the Peak District, where it proved to be comfortable and unobtrusive, with the straps keeping it pretty stable over some challenging terrain.

The range of internal pockets proved helpful, allowing me to keep my possessions organised, while the main compartment was plenty big enough to store some spare clothing.

Additionally, we’ve used the backpack for general travelling, where the design proved versatile enough. As for commuting, the backpack does lack a dedicated laptop sleeve, but otherwise it has the necessary features to make us think it would work well, including that aforementioned hi-viz waterproof cover.

Read more: Deuter Compact 14+3 backpack full review

Best for pockets

The HAWG cycling backpack comes with loads of pockets, including a weatherproof backpack sleeve, side pockets that will take a bike lock or a bottle, several reflective areas and a light loop.

The harness system is stable even when not using the waist strap and there's good airflow over your back. The straps are comfortable and come with tidy-aways so the ends don't flap around as you ride, but we found the helmet carry straps a bit fiddly to use.

We weighed the HAWG at 975g - lighter than Camelbak claims. If you don't need quite as much capacity though, it might be better to consider the 22 liter MULE, though.

Read more: Camelbak HAWG Commute 30L backpack full review

Best backpack for waterproofing

Ortlieb has been making high-quality, rugged and durable bike bags for over 40 years. The Commuter Daypack takes all of this experience and expertise into a 27 liter backpack for the trendy urban rider.

As you'd expect, the Daypack is extremely well-made and completely waterproof so you can be safe in the knowledge that your laptop and clean underpants are well-protected on the way to work.

Despite its minimalistic appearance, our tester found the Daypack comfortable to wear and well-ventilated. There's a large padded pocket for your devices but otherwise the bag is one large space that will swallow all your daily wares and a basket full of shopping.

If you're a bike packer, check out their Quick Rack for panniers

Read more: Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line backpack

Best for ultimate durability

Let's get straight to it; overall, the Deuter Amager 25+ is a comfortable-to-wear bag with classic German quality construction and excellent detailing. These all add up to make this an incredibly usable bag.

This should be no surprise; Deuter’s bags are some of the best you can buy in the outdoor world, and the brand carries a lot of expertise and design into its riding bags. Deuter makes some of the best bags; indeed, the bags I have tested over the years have always impressed me.

This leads me to how it is to ride with. It's frankly excellent. It is nearly flawless aside from two very minor details. The first wouldn't have bothered me had I not used a subpar-quality water bottle, and that's it doesn't have a side pocket for this purpose. Given that it's a bag for riding, you likely put your bottle in a cage, but for off-the-bike, it means the bottle goes in the main compartment. Not ideal.

Once more, I offer a slightly nuanced view on what is a perfectly good backpack. However, as a magazine editor who travels frequently, I prefer a bit more segregation to organise my belongings during longer multi-day or big-day trips to save on faff and digging around in the bottom of the bag.

Read our full Deuter Amager 25+5 backpack review

Best backpack that doubles up as a pannier bag

The New Looxs Varo does double duty as a backpack and a pannier thanks to removable shoulder straps and a built-in pannier rack mount. It's made of waterproof polyester with a roll-top closure and the seams are welded. The bag weighs 1.3kg and there's 22 liters capacity. Extras include side pockets and light loops.

The shoulder, chest and waist straps convert the Varo to backpack use. You can use it as a pannier with these attached, although they'll quickly get wet or dirty. As a backpack, we thought it was comfortable and well-padded and there's plenty of capacity.

Read more: New Looxs Varo backpack/pannier full review

Honourable Mention

This one is for cyclists who know they'll be throwing their bags around. We've tested several Chrome Industries products over the years, including pannier bags, cycling shoes, and the Urban Ex 2.0 backpack. We have always found their products to be robust, well-made, and designed, with a good dollop of urban styling.

With its 22-litre/5.8-gallon capacity, roll top, and buckle closure system, this rugged, waterproof Freight backpack is certainly built for all conditions. While it is expensive and incredibly heavy (2.3kg/5lbs) before you even load it up, the Barrage Freight is an expertly constructed backpack.

Read our full Chrome Industries Barrage Freight backpack review

How we test

A cycling-specific backpack needs to be comfortable on the bike. It also needs to be able to stabilize the load as well as keep it protected from the elements. Commuters might look for a dedicated laptop sleeve and reflective detailing, while gravel riders will want to have some internal pockets to allow them to organize their kits as well as the option of a water bladder sleeve.

With this in mind, all of the bags in the guide have been put through their paces by our team of reviewers. We’ve tested them over many rides, assessing them for comfort, stability and performance as well as durability and weather protection. Because a backpack by nature is a multi-purpose bag, we’ve also tested them off the bike, too, to see how they would fare as a regular travel bag.

Visit our How We Test page to learn more about how we review products and how our star rating system works.

Meet the testers

How to choose

There's nothing stopping you from using a standard backpack when riding one of the best commuter bikes. However, those created with cycling in mind will tick a few boxes that might be neglected elsewhere. Here are the features to look out for:

Air channels for breathability

Chances are your body temperature will rise as you ride. Therefore, a good cycling-specific backpack will cater for this with channels at the rear or the use of mesh or more breathable fabrics.

Padded straps

You don't want the straps to put pressure on your back when you load up your pack, so look for padded straps that will promote comfort on the bike.

Chest/hip straps

Extra straps at the chest and/or hips will keep the pack in place - without these, you might find the pack swings from side to side or hangs over your shoulder when you get on the drops. These should ideally be adjustable, and some brands - such as Osprey - offer a greater amount of adjustability on female-specific packs so that the chest strap can fasten under or over the bust depending upon preference (as opposed to directly across).

Pockets

Everyone likes to organise their kit into appropriate compartments, right?! A quality cycling backpack will have a selection of pockets so you can keep your lunch away from the rest of your luggage. Sections designed for tyre levers, tubes and a pump will be helpful too, as well as zipped compartments for valuables and side pockets for easy-to-reach access.

If you're cycling to work, you might also want to look for a laptop pocket with padding to keep your tech safe.

Waterproofing

If you cycle commute on a regular basis, it's likely you'll find yourself forced to ride in the rain at some point. Many packs come with waterproof removable covers, whilst some are simply constructed from a waterproof fabric. If you're looking for a fully waterproof option, check for taped seams which will help to keep the droplets out.

Reflective details

Whilst the number one requirement when riding in the dark is a good set of bike lights, reflective details are a good idea and many packs will come with these.

Hydration system

More often a requirement for mountain bikers, a hydration system could come in handy for a roadie who dabbles in off-road riding like cyclocross or gravel bike adventures.

More mountain bike-orientated packs will often come with a bladder, whilst those aimed more at road cyclists may just have a compartment that will fit a bladder and a loop at the shoulder where a drinking tube can be stored if used.

FAQs

Ortlieb knows a thing or two about how to carry kit on a bike - the company has been doing it for the last 40 years. But does the pannier wizardry translate into rucksacks? We packed our sarnies, pants and laptop into the Commuter Daypack Urban Line and headed off work to find out.

For lots of other ways to put your stuff on your back, head over to see some of our other best cycling backpacks.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: construction

The Daypack has a casual woven fabric look (think city hipster style) but is made from fully waterproof Cordura fabric. To help keep the water out, the bag closes via a roll top and a metal hook across the strap. The muted colours help with the chic commuter look with just a little reflective detail on the stitching and logo for visibility (there's a grey, navy or rose version).

There’s a toughened non-fabric base on which the bag stands. Other features include loops for lights and a lock; a padded internal compartment for electronic devices; and an outside zipped pocket which is plenty big enough for a phone. 

The Urban Line version of the Commuter Daypack comes in two sizes, 21 or 27 litres,. We tested the 27 litre version. There are a couple of other versions of the bag if grey tones aren't your thing: "High Visibility" (black with reflective weave, 21 litres only) and "City" in a range of colours from black to vibrant yellow in 21 or 27 litres.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: packing up

Inside the Daypack, there is a removable padded sleeve with several pockets for a laptop / tablet / other gubbins. This easily accommodated my laptop, phone, snacks and bike spares without getting ridiculously bulky. The rest of the bag is one big space, so it’s easy to pack in clothes and everything else you need for the day. On a general day in the office, the 27 litres gave more than plenty of volume but it didn’t feel stupidly big.

As the Daypack doesn’t have much structure of its own, it benefits from being packed up neatly. In fact, having a laptop in the padded sleeve actually seems to make it fit better, rather than feel cumbersome.

Whilst you do need to pack sensibly, a benefit of the unstructured design is there’s a lot of flexibility to carry different loads. Volume-wise the 27 litre Daypack can accommodate a very full supermarket basket’s worth of food including cereal boxes and milk containers of varying dimensions. Very useful for grabbing your dinner on the way home from work.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: the ride

The Commuter Daypack is much more comfortable and vented than it initially appears. It’s quite a flat shape so sits onto your back rather than wraps around as some others do. This means it suits a more forward posture on the bike rather than a sit-up-and-beg position when there’s more weight through the shoulder straps.

Despite their lack of padding, the shoulder straps are also very comfortable. Their contoured shape sits nicely around your shoulders and chest and easily holds the bag in position. The waist and chest straps help keep the bag secure, but you can easily not bother clipping them up. 

The TPU back padding does a great job of cushioning the load on your back, but I was pretty sceptical how it would fare on the ventilation front, given its rather basic shape. Surprisingly, it does a good job. Granted, we tested in the British winter so we didn’t get a feel for how well it would vent in hotter weather. However, lots of layers can actually be a good test as they can hold lots of moisture, so we could still get a good feel for its performance.

The small outside pocket was useful, as were the various light loops, but the addition of a key clip in the pocket and a second pocket would add a bit more convenience and security.

The major downside of the bag is that the roll top sits quite high, which can catch on your helmet when you’re on the drops. We also found the top corners are quite pronounced, which obscures your vision when you’re looking behind and can make negotiating city traffic more difficult. The smaller 21 litre bag is actually the same height as our larger 27 litre version, so we’d expect it to have the same problem.

A less important disadvantage is that the tails of the shoulder and waist straps are very long, and so flap around and drag on the floor when you use the top carry handle. These are removable if you don’t want them at all, but nonetheless could do with being a bit tidier.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: value and conclusion

At $230 / £175 the Ortlieb Daypack is not a casual purchase. It’s not out on its own though, Chrome Industries Barrage Cargo backpack ($200 / £165) and Camelbak HAWG Commute ($185 / £150) are similarly priced, although there are many very good backpacks that are a good deal cheaper like the Altura Thunderstorm City ($100 / £80).  

The Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line is a high quality commuter style backpack. It's simple in structure and comfortable to use and is an excellent option if you want a fully waterproof bag. In keeping it waterproof there are a few downsides, like a lack of pockets, and it comes with a pretty hefty price tag too. 

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: specs

• Colours - grey, navy, rose
• Weight - 790 g | 27.9 oz
• Height - 50 cm | 19.7 inch
• Width - 32 cm | 12.6 inch
• Depth - 21 cm | 8.3 inch
• Volume - 27 L | 1648 cu inch
• Waterproof rating - IP64

Rapha's Travel Backpack Reflective sits in an increasingly crowded market. Both well-established cycling brands and more generalist luggage labels are targeting the commuter segment for a slice of that utility cycling spend.  

With so many options abounding, finding the best cycle commuting backpack for you can be a bit more of a difficult task. On the other hand, it does mean that there are many great options to chose from! Can Rapha's Travel Backpack justify its position amongst the rest? We take a look at how it stacks up...

Rapha Travel Backpack: construction

The main body fabric of Rapha's Travel Backpack is made of a waterproof nylon with a leather stripe running down the centre, which also has a small fob at the bottom to attach a light. 

The waterproof reflective material extends to the straps which helps prevent soggy shoulder straps when riding in the rain. For seriously bad weather the bag does come with a fully waterproof high vis cover, but this means that the pockets are no longer accessible. 

The outer is also reflective, making it ideal for being spotted in busy commuter traffic. To ensure better stability and weight distribution when travelling with a heavier load, the straps are easily adjustable and are paired with a magnetic sternum strap At the back, the panel is one piece with strategic ventilation shaping to allow airflow.

The top of the bag had a grab handle to make pickup very easy.

Now, let's discuss pockets. There are four external openings. The smallest of which is a zip compartment for easy storage and access of keys, wallet or travel info. The second is a padded laptop sleeve which can easily store a 13 inch laptop or tablet. You'll also find a small easy-access top pocket to get any items that you require quickly. This also has a small fabric internal pocket and zip pocket for separating items and storing valuables. 

Finally, there is the large main body pocket. This opens up clamshell-style allowing easier packing, like a suitcase. It also has a zip compartment for separating luggage, or for storing the waterproof cover. The total capacity of the Rapha Travel Backpack is 25 litres. 

Rapha Travel Backpack: the ride

I’ve been using the Rapha Travel Backpack as my go to travel, weekend, or commuting bag most days of the week. The first thing that you notice is the reflective coating, which is very eye-catching and perfect for the weather currently where I am often out walking or cycling in fairly dull conditions. When light isn’t shone at the bag, it looks a smart light matte grey, and it's only when light hits it that the bag lights up like a Christmas tree  - the reflectivity means that any traffic coming from behind or in front can easily see me, and then once I've reached my destination the backpack blends into the city scape.

I did find the bag to be waterproof enough without the additional cover when it came to dealing with showers. That said, there wasn't an opportunity in the testing period to use during heavy rainfall. 

Packing the bag was easy. I've previously been using a bag that lacks the separate laptop pocket or the clamshell opening ability, and I've now come to the conclusion that both of these qualities are things I couldn’t do without anymore. 

Using the clamshell opening you can easily open up the bag fully and lay out all your clothing or equipment that isn’t needed for easy access. This makes packing more efficient and you can get more into the space rather than cramming things in from a standard top-only opening. For items that you may need to get to in a hurry you can use the laptop pocket or the smaller top pocket. 

Another thing I loved about the bag was the zips. The laptop pocket and small pocket on the side have regular zips that are very easy to use. However the two other big pockets have zips with a finger hole in them which means that opening them with gloves is very easy, or alternatively you can use a padlock on those pockets to make the bag a bit more secure.

So what does 25 litres of capacity really give you? Well, I was able to pack away a washbag, change of clean clothes including jeans, long sleeve top, socks, underwear, scarf, gloves and bomber jacket into the main compartment. Laptop and tablet in the laptop pocket. Glasses, wallet, chargers, earbuds, keys and other bits and bobs in the smaller zip pocket. 

Even fully loaded and doing some longer walks (6+ miles) and hour long cycles I found the bag to be comfy. I did need the sternum strap at times to distribute the weight a bit better when the bag was fully loaded, but overall the Rapha Travel Backpack was very comfortable for even long periods of use. 

In the summer I can imagine that even with the airflow channels it would be a bit warm. But I’ve found even lightweight backpacks to be too warm in the summer, it's simply an issue with carrying a large quantity of belongings on your back, and why some riders may prefer to invest in one of the best pannier bags and racks.

Rapha Travel Backpack: value and conclusion

The Rapha Travel Backpack comes in at $215.00 / £160.00 for the reflective version . When comparing against other 25 litre options there are the Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L Backpack ($149.00 / £119.99) and the Osprey Archeon 25L ($159.90 / £140.00). The Patagonia offers full waterproofing while the Osprey does not. Rapha's offering is more expensive but is reflective, is arguably more stylish, and also boasts the clam shell opening. 

The Altura Thunderstorm City 30 ($96.84 / £90.00) is a budget option available however this lacks structure, so you have pack it more like a drybag. Finally you get the high end options like the Brooks England Pickwick Cotton Canvas Backpack 26l ($260.00 / £214.99). You pay a premium for the brand and quality, but the Rapha bag has equally quality materials and arguably better functionality.

Personally, I think the casual style of the Rapha backpack paired with the reflective coating and decent waterproofing makes it a fairly decent value option. I’ve had cheaper bags that haven’t lasted as well with heavy use, are more difficult to pack and arrange contents, and just don’t sit as comfortably. The price is still high though, so its value will be dependent on you. Personally I think the bag is incredibly functional, and the reflective coating is worth the additional cost over the standard one. 

Overall, the Rapha Travel Backpack with reflective coating is a brilliantly functional backpack that looks stylish enough to be used for every day, office, or travel use, while being weather-tight and visible enough to be one of the best cycling backpacks for commuters.

The clamshell opening is ideal for packing efficiently, while the variety of other pockets all prove to have a useful function. Zips that can be pod locked and also opened easily while wearing gloves makes life a lot easier too.

The capacity of the bag is more than enough for a long weekend away with a single pair of shoes, while also being compact enough to meet most travel restrictions on bag size for carry-on luggage/small bags. The reflective coating looks brilliant and is genuinely functional. Although cost is high, it is not the most premium priced option, while using quality materials and being very easy to live with. 

CamelBak has been in the business of making cycling backpacks for over 30 years now. I'm taking a look at one of its latest products, the MULE Commute 22 aimed, as you'd guess, at the commuter market, with a capacity of 22 litres.

How do the range of details, such as a weatherproof laptop sleeve, side drinks pockets, helmet loops, 360-degree reflective panels work in the real world? I found out by using the bag in a variety of situations over a couple of months.

Construction

The pack has a capacity of 22 litres and weighs 730g (719g on my scales) and will fit a torso length range of 43-53cm. It certainly fits both me at 5ft 11in and my wife at 5ft 6in comfortably. It will also accommodate waist sizes from 26-46in with the adjustable waistband.

It is made from a coated Cordura N330D material and appears to be very strongly constructed and I would expect years of service from this bag. The fabric is pretty weather resistant and it is really tough too. I had a courier bag made in a similar material and it lasted years with hard use.

CamelBak MULE Commute 22 in use

The CamelBak MULE Commute 22's main compartment is accessed via a fairly small semi-circular lid using a twin zip system. Inside the lid is a really useful mesh pocket, again with a zip, which also has a key loop. 

Once inside the main compartment there is a weatherproof roll-top sleeve for a laptop or an A4 sized notebook. It took my 14in screen Chromebook (335x225mm) with ease, but check before buying if you want to go much bigger than that.

There is also a zipped pocket lower down that can take a paperback book (for size comparison). Finally there is a loop to hook a CamelBak bladder onto, and there is a tube hole for the hose to exit via. However I'm not sure that you'll need that ability when you have two large side pockets that can swallow a one-litre bottle easily. But you do have the choice. The side pockets can take a D-lock, says CamelBak; but as I had a Kryptonite Evolution chain lock to hand I used that and it fitted in easily.

Just below the lid pocket is a small fabric-lined pocket, again closed with a zip. Beneath that is another sleeve pocket that can hold an A4 notebook/magazine/newspaper. At a push a small waterproof or down jacket can be stuffed in it too. 

Finally to complete the plethora of pockets there are two more, one on each arm harness strap. The left side one will fit a phone whilst the other side can take keys (with another key loop) or train tickets. The phone pocket works really well as it allows a phone to be inserted and removed easily without removing the pack. It helps a 145x70mm phone without problem.

The arm straps follow an 'S' shape and are really comfortable. They also fit really securely and the use of the chest strap is not always necessary. However if you like to sling a pack on and just use one arm you may not find it as comfortable. For me using both straps worked the best. Talking of stability the waist strap is easily removable and I found that I didn't need it either when walking or cycling so balanced are the arm straps, this was even with quite some weight in the pack. I did use the chest strap more which can be raised or lowered depending on ones preference.

Each strap has its own tidy-away so once the harness has been adjusted the loose ends can be tucked away inside an elasticated loop. Very neat.

The back panel dubbed 'Air Support' has 3 zones that rest on the back but then also an air channel to allow air movement and lessen the chances of a sweaty back. It was really comfortable until you over stuff the bag at which point it becomes a bit of a football. Most bags will do that however...

Returning to the main compartment, its shape is like a rectangular box, opening at one end. Some thought is needed with regard to packing as its not that easy to rummage to the bottom to get things out. That said if you're organised and make use of the other areas of the bag to house the things that you need on the go it really isn't a problem.

The less successful feature of the CamelBak MULE Commute 22 for me was the helmet carry loops. It took me a while to figure out where they were (doh!) and then I found them a bit small and fiddly to pass the helmet chin clip through. 

More than that though was, with my Specialized Echelon helmet, the TriFix (under ear strap thing) didn't allow the helmet to be clipped on both sides. Really frustrating. It's not the fault of either product, just an incompatibility issue. 

Competitor Osprey's 'Lid Lock' system is much more successful unless you have a zero vent helmet... Anyway, that's my only gripe with an otherwise fantastic bag.

Visibility

But surely this is a black bag... Well, there are six areas of reflective material giving 360 degrees of visibility for the commuter. The  mid rear section also doubles up as a light loop. There are two larger areas low down to the sides and rear, two stripes across the arm straps and finally the logo on the rear is also reflective. The centre rear reflective part also double up as a light loop to allow you to clip on a compatible rear light. Cateye, for example, often has a belt loop as an option with its lights. 

Value and conclusion

At £120 (RRP at the time of writing) this is quite a lot of money for a smallish rucksack, however given that it's likely to give many years service allied to its practical features, this makes it a good proposition if you like to travel light and smart.

However, we have one problem with this bag. A big problem... My wife has been borrowing it for her commute to London and absolutely loves it too. So we either have to get another one or spin a coin to decide who's turn it is to use it! A nice problem to have though.

There is a lot to like about the CamelBak MULE Commute 22 backpack and it has become my/our go to rucksack for a variety of tasks; from work, to travel, with errands in between. Highly recommended.

Specification

• Weight: 730g (719g author's measurement)
• Capacity: 22 litres
• Fitting: Torso range 43-53cm (17-21")
• Waist fit range 66-116cm (26-46")

The Roll Top is Stubble&Co’s take on a practical day-bag. Designed to be functional and robust enough for the commute, as well as looking smart for when just being used about town.

Packed full of useful little features, the British brand prides itself on its well-thought out designs. Sustainability is also a priority, with recycled materials used in the construction and all of the packaging being 100 per cent sustainable.

The construction: Stubble&Co’s Roll Top backpack 

Any cycling backpack worth its salt will utilise waterproof fabrics in its construction – and the Roll Top backpack lives up to this expectation. The closure system, as its name would suggest, is a roll top – which is a design we’re seeing all the more often these days.

There’s good reason for it too. A roll top is much more mechanically simple than a zip and therefore less prone to failures. The use of a metal G-hook as the fastening system for keeping the roll top rolled, further adds to its rugged credentials. Plastic clips can be broken all too easily by a simple misstep, particularly when wearing cycling shoes.

Compression straps serve the dual purpose of lowering the profile of the bag when only partially filled and reducing the potential for your things inside to rattle about when cycling. On the front there is a chest-strap, which can come in useful for stopping the bag from slipping off your shoulders – although the mesh padding on the underside of the shoulder straps and on the back panel of the bag is grippy enough that this isn’t much of a problem.

Now, onto the pockets, of which there are quite a few. The first point to note is the use of a bright orange liner fabric in all of them. It’s a simple design element but has a disproportionate effect on the liveability of a bag – it is just so much easier to find your things when they’re contrasted against a bright background.

The main section of the bag is essentially just a cavernous space for chucking your things, but there are two mesh pockets on the back panel and one zipped pocket on the other side to help organise and keep your smaller items safe. On the front of the outside of the bag, there is another zipped pocket for storing quick access items. It’s quite low profile, so not ideal for bulky items.

You might be wondering at this point where a laptop is supposed to go and the answer is in a separate zip sleeve pocket accessed from the side of the bag. This is only rated as catering for up to 16” laptops – and sure enough, I found a 17” one wouldn’t fit but a 15” was more than comfortable.

On each side, there is a water bottle holder. Excellently, these have the fabric folded over on itself and is then held in place by a piece of elasticated fabric. This provides the benefits of allowing for the pockets to be stuffed quite full, as well as providing a tight hold on your items even if only partially filled. It’s a much better solution than designs which don’t utilise elastic in any way.

The ride

Cycling places very different demands on a backpack than other activities. Bags can be perfectly fine when walking about but flop disconcertingly from side to side when used while riding – it’s annoying at best, dangerous at worst.

Fortunately, the Roll Top backpack passed this first test with flying colours. It stayed solidly in place through all the twists and turns of the backstreets and questionable cycling infrastructure. This is likely down to its quite low profile, being a lot less deep than many other designs of rucksack. But with a 20L capacity, it’s still a comparable volume to other day-bags, just the dimensions are arranged differently.

I found the padded back panel and shoulder straps to live up to their claims of breathability and they did cushion the load nicely. I found the material quite grippy as well, so even with a slippery surfaced waterproof on, I rarely felt the need to do up the chest strap.

A particular highlight is the reflective detailing on the bottom of the bag. It’s something a non-cyclist wouldn’t consider, but when you’re riding a bike with a half aggressive position (such as an endurance bike or some gravel bikes) the front of the bag tends to point pretty directly up to the sky – it’s the bottom of the bag that is in the eyeline of those behind you. 

I got on well with the pockets, finding their locations and sizes matching my needs pretty much spot on. I quite liked the fact the laptop/files sleeve is separate from the main compartment, as I find these otherwise tend to get bashed about when putting items in and pulling them out.

In terms of waterproofness, although I didn’t go for any four hour walks through the rain with this bag, I did end up using it in some pretty foul weather, albeit for only about 30 minutes at any particular time. But in that time, I didn’t experience any water ingress and am quite confident in its ability to keep out the wet stuff for a longer period of time.

The one feature I feel this bag is lacking is some kind of system for conveniently attaching a helmet to it. Although on some bags the compression straps can be used to secure a helmet onto, the arrangement on this bag doesn’t lend itself to a very secure solution.

Value

At £105, the Roll Top backpack is quite expensive. You can get much cheaper waterproof roll top bags, such as Alpkit’s Gourdon 20 for £31.99. However, the Roll Top does many useful little features and pockets as well as looking smart, all of which goes some way to justifying the price.

The Roll Top is a little smaller and doesn’t have the extra carrying capacity of backpacks such as the Chrome industries Barrage Freight backpack. But then the Roll Top is much lighter at just over a kilo and its more minimalist aesthetic is part of its charm. It's also significantly cheaper, with the Barrage Freight coming in at £200.

Verdict

In all, Stubble&Co’s Roll Top backpack represents a pretty excellent buy. Although it is more expensive than some other waterproof backpack, its functionality and looks do justify the price – and it’s still a lot cheaper than some cycling rucksacks out there. It could be improved by the addition of a good way to carry a helmet, but really, there aren’t many bags out there better than this.

Rapha has released a new Pro Team backpack that offers an anatomical fit and a claimed 'aero advantage'.

Rapha says that the new backpack is designed to allow your training to fit alongside your daily routine more easily, whether that's after work intervals or park laps your kit should be stowed more comfortably.

With 10 litres of space it's smaller than many other dedicated commuting packs but it has allowed Rapha to shorten the pack's length, giving you access to your jersey pockets. According to Rapha, the pack also has a waterproof coating as well as water resistant zips to help keep contents safe.

Rapha says that the pack has an anatomical fit, using wide shoulder straps to evenly distribute the weight. Shaped to sit low to your back, Rapha says "it remains comfortable during hard efforts and adds an aerodynamic advantage over other commuter bags" -  although it's not possible for us to verify that claim. It is also said to sit clear of your helmet.

Watch: What's faster? Bikes or public transport?

The new Pro Team backpack is finished with a concealed zip for easy access to valuables and two chest straps that should keep it sat snug in space. A reflective lower half adds a touch of visibility for when you're riding in traffic.

Other than its 10-litre capacity there's no information on its internal storage solutions and whether it has a laptop sleeve, although judging by the images it looks like it can store a large tablet at least. We have a review sample inbound so we'll update then.

The backpack is the latest in a flurry of expansions to Rapha's Pro Team range, which also features jerseys, shorts, its latest Gore-Tex Shakedry jackets and the recently added Pro Team Shoes.