Tested: The Best Commuter Backpacks for Heading Back to the Office

There’s no denying our proclivity for hiking and travel bags, though, if you’re anything like us, the carry solution that probably gets the most use in your rotation is likely your daily commuter pack. As this segment has grown in popularity over the years, it’s become inundated with options, muddying the waters and making it difficult to hone in on the few standout models in the segment. Well aware of this reality, we’ve looked high and low for the sector’s latest and greatest, before proceeding to carry out hands-on testing of each model in this guide and review of the best commuter backpacks — whether you’re driving, riding, or walking. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A COMMUTER BACKPACK

While shopping for a commuter backpack isn’t all that different from the process of purchasing a normal EDC, work, or travel pack, there are still a handful of factors that one should no doubt take into account when shopping — the most important of which we’ll be breaking down directly below. 

Defining Commuter Backpacks: First thing first, let’s talk about how we defined commuter packs. While “commuter” can often correlate with cycling, we decided to take a broader approach to commuting – seeing that many of our team members take a different method of transit into our Los Angeles office. Whether you cycle, drive, hop a train, take a bus, hail a cab, walk, run or even skateboard to work each and every morning — we’ve tried to provide an option for every popular mode of commuting. It’s also worth mentioning that while panniers are a great option for cyclists, we focused specifically on backpacks for this guide.

Overall Design: Not unlike any other style of backpack, commuter packs come in all manner of different designs, from thoroughly modern models to classically-styled rucks to watertight roll-tops. As a result, we recommend reviewing a wide array of different types and styles of packs that are currently available before pulling the trigger on your purchase, as the sheer abundance of options on the market practically guarantees that there will be something out there that jives with your personal taste, wants, and needs. 

Size: As backpacks that are largely intended for day-to-day commuting, most commuter packs are sized to carry one’s daily essentials, and not much more. As a result, these bags tend to be sized somewhat similarly to office and everyday carry backpacks — which typically offer between 15 and 25 liters of storage space, though there are obviously outliers and exceptions, including expandable bags.

Primary Materials: The material or materials used to construct a bag’s shell will play a monumental role in the pack’s overall quality and durability. Some of the most commonly-utilized constructions in this space include high-denier poly and nylon blends, waxed canvas, and leather, as well as more modern proprietary materials such as CORDURA, X-Pac’s VX sailcloth, or Dyneema. What’s more, in addition to the shell material, you’ll also want to review if said material has been bestowed with any type of fortifying treatment such as a PU or DWR coating or finish. 

Secondary Materials:Though obviously not as pivotal as a backpack’s shell material, secondary constructions can also play a significant role in its overall quality and user experience. Areas to look out for when reviewing this element include the bag’s shoulder straps, back pad, grab handles, and liner material, just to name a few. 

Construction Technique:The materials used to craft a bag are of extreme importance, but so too is the manner or means in which said material or materials have been pieced together — i.e. the bag’s construction technique. On top of overall durability, this area can also impact a bag’s level of weatherproofing and water resistance. 

Hardware & Trim: An area that separates the market’s more high-end options from their cheaper counterparts, a bag’s hardware and trim elements are also crucial to review when shopping. More specifically, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the bag’s buckles and fasteners, zipper types and tracks, zipper pulls, and any logos, labels, or branding. 

Organizational Amenities: Because of how the bag’s contents are prone to moving around and shifting when its wearer runs, rides, climbs stairs, or hops a train, organizational amenities inside a commuter bag are even more important than a regular bags bevy of internal pockets, slips, and organizers. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for external elements that can be used to carry or organize any other garments or pieces of gear. 

Weatherproofing: When used for commuting, a backpack’s ability to stand up to the elements is of pretty major importance — though this factor becomes even more crucial when dealing with cycling-specific commuter packs. These bags’ level of waterproofing is largely owed to the bag’s design, shell construction, whether its seams have been stitched, welded, or taped, whether or not the bag has any presence of any special fortifying treatments or finishes, and use of water-resistant or waterproof zippers, and whether or not its primary construction has been kiss-coated.

Device Storage:As our laptops and tablets become increasingly integral parts of our work lives, the need for protective device storage has never been more important. As a result, you’ll want to review if a bag possesses a dedicated slip, compartment, or pocket for housing a laptop and/or tablet, and if so what size devices it can house. Additionally, you’ll want to look into whether this compartment or pocket is padded, weatherproof or waterproof, and if it utilizes a false bottom or other type of protective setup. 

Harness System: Though it largely only applies to cycling bags, one element that separates these backpacks from normal everyday carry and work packs is the purpose-built cycling-focused harness systems that they possess. Like motorcycle backpacks, many cycling bags have been designed to keep the pack panted firmly against their wearer. Even if you aren’t riding, you’ll still want to review any commuter pack’s harness system as this element will play a major role in the support it offers, how it distributes weight, and how comfortable it is to wear.

Cycle-Specific Features: If you ride a bicycle or motorcycle to work, this is a crucial area to explore. On top of their special harness systems, a decent number of backpacks that are made specifically for cycling feature a variety of amenities and elements aimed at addressing the needs of riders. This can include everything from reflective elements to help riders better be seen by drivers in inclement weather, point for mounting bike lights or action cameras, carrier systems for helmets, and slips, loops, or pockets for housing bike locks. There are even some riding bags that have D30 chest armor integrated into their shoulder straps.

Selection & Testing

As the pandemic is increasingly in our rear-view mirror, more and more people are returning to the office, resulting in a huge demand for commuter-specific carry solutions that’s been answered by an ever-growing number of commuter-focused backpacks and bags. With so many options to choose from, we opted to begin our search for the segment’s very best by first generating a list of criteria that we would use to guide our hunt. This included looking at each bag’s material selection, construction technique(s), size and weight, weatherproofing, hardware and trim, closure, and style and design. Based on these elements, we scoured the market, using these factors to generate a shortlist of models that we suspect may stand as some of the best that money can currently buy. 

As informative as product images and spec sheets can be, the reality is that looking at these bags online only tells one part of a larger story, as it isn’t until actually testing these bags that one can start to get a more complete sense of how a commuter bag performs — and how it stacks up against the competition. So, after compiling or initial list, we then proceeded to source samples of each bag in order to conduct hands-on (or rather “back-on”) testing. Gaining hands-on experience with each of these commuter packs would ultimately help shine a light on other crucial areas such as each model’s overall construction and build quality, and comfort.

In order to carry out this testing, each bag was worn for an extended period, being used to commute to and from HICSONTUMPION HQ on both a bicycle and motorcycle. We also wore the bags while walking around the neighborhood and in-between rides. Because we’re based in sunny Los Angeles, our local climate didn’t really allow us to put the bags’ weatherproofing to the test, but we carried out our own “in-lab” testing using a hose. Additionally, this testing phase would also allow us to glean a more comprehensive sense of each backpack’s harness system and support. Following this testing period, we were then able to narrow our initial shortlist down to a final selection of carry solutions that we found to be the best commuter backpacks currently available.

Chrome Industries Urban EX 2.0 30L Backpack

Best Value Pick: Not only does Chrome Industries hail from Portland — a bicycle commuter’s mecca — but they were specifically formed with cycling in mind. As such, you can count on all of their carry options as superb solutions for your day-to-day haul. However, we’re quite partial to their minimalist-style Urban Ex rolltop backpack. Built with a hybrid nylon/polyurethane upper and a synthetic rubber base using welded seams throughout, this bag is perfect for staving off moisture — which is aided by its waterproof radio-welded seams. It also has a rolltop closure, external webbing for modular attachments, a dedicated laptop pouch, and — most importantly — a lifetime guarantee.

Having been designed largely for cycling and commuting, the Chrome Industries Urban EX 2.0 30L does a superb job of lending itself to these specific applications. Despite being one of the OGs in the space, a series of updates over the years have resulted in a thoroughly modern bag that features a harness system that’s as impressive as the thing’s weatherproofing. I did wish the outside of the bag featured a water bottle pocket so I didn’t have to store mine inside the bag  — with my gear and tech — though certain bottles I own allowed me to lash them to the face of the pack’s loops  (items sized to perfectly fit U-locks). 

North St. Bags Davis Daypack

Best American-Made Pick: Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, North St. knows a thing or two about how tough a commuter bag needs to be when cycling is your primary form of transportation. As such, they made their Davis Daypack with a weatherproof DWR-coated CORDURA re-Cor exterior to stave off all but the heaviest downpours, which pairs beautifully with its rolltop closure for even more water-resistance for everything inside. It also has a water-resistant zipper, a sailcloth liner, and an internal scheme that’s designed for modularity. Made by hand, the bag boasts a level of quality that frankly didn’t leave me in any way surprised to learn that it comes backed by a lfietime warranty. 

I also no doubt appreciated the fact that the pack’s water-resistant zippers, the fact its flexible re-Cor shell can be folded, rolled, and/or packed, and its exterior side pockets being large enough to house water bottles or U-locks. And, while it doesn’t necessarily change the user experience, I really liked the fact that this bag isn’t just made in America, it’s largely made regionally, with the majority of the fabrics, trim, and hardware that comprise it being sourced in the Pacific Northwest before being pieced together there. While these next areas don’t outweigh the many, many positives that the Davis backpack has going for it, its harness system could be a little more robust and supportive, it could really use some better back-padding, and its buckle system could really benefit from an upgrade. And, while you can fit laptop or two into the pack, the brand’s available Hook & Loop Laptop Sleeve is sold separately for an extra $35 — an upgrade that I wish came as standard, but nonetheless one worth making. With those gripes aside, fantastic cycling commuter bag. 

Ortlieb City Commuter Daypack

Best Waterproof Pick: Ortlieb might not be a household name, even amongst the most vigilant of carry enthusiasts, but that should not be taken as a slight against them, as they make some truly impressive bags. To demonstrate my point, I give you, the Ortlieb City Commuter Daypack. IP64-rated, this German-made 21-liter bag is a superb weatherproof cycling bag thanks to its PU-laminated nylon exterior, roll-top closure, series of organizational features, and fantastic harness system. And while its minimalist form, great craftsmanship, and excellent waterproofing would enough in my book to earn it a spot on this list, it’s suite of genuinely useful and well-thought-out features — such as small external quick-access pouch, removable waist and sternum straps, custom-designed ventilation channel-equipped back padding, multiple reflective details, loop attachment points for your helmet, lock — push it over the edge. The fact this bag was developed from the ground up for cycling really shows, and for obvious reasons it’s hard not to really appreciate that when viewing backpacks through this lens. Above and beyond its suite of cycling-specific features, heavy waterproofing, and premium aluminum hardware, I also appreciate the fact this well-crafted backpack actually affords pretty decent value all things considered, with less than $200 getting you a weatherproof, German-made carry solution with a sleek minimalist form that, on the inside, is brimming with features. 

While I have nothing really bad to say about its design, materials, or construction quality, I was left with mixed feelings when it came to its IP64 rating. On one hand, it does inspire some confidence and I think it’s cool seeing a bag earn an Ingress Protection rating. On the other, it’s a bit like seeing a sleek car advertising a 10-second 0-60mph time, as IP64 — I.e. the ability to stand up to sprays and dust — isn’t the most robust of IP ratings. Though they provide great, well-balanced support, the bag’s shoulder straps could really benefit from some padding to bolster comfort. I also didn’t love that the backpack is devoid of exterior water bottle pockets —forcing me to house my gear and tech in the same compartment as my bottle, which can be a bit anxiety inducing. Even taking these downsides into account, the City Commuter Daypack’s myriad of positives more than outweigh its short list of shortcomings, and I’d generally give the thing high marks across the board. 

Rapha Backpack 30L

Best Cycling Pick: As one of the most eminent names in cycling garments, gear, and accessories, it’s frankly unsurprising that Rapha makes one of the best cycling backpacks currently on the market. Boasting 30 liters of storage space, the Rapha Backpack features a roll-top design that’s cut from a rugged oil-waxed 420-denier nylon. Equipped with a 15” laptop sleeve, the bag boasts a fully waterproof main compartment that’s been supplemented via a pair of quick-access front pockets. If you’ve ever used any of Rapha’s kit, you’ll no doubt be familiar with its excellent quality and construction — a trait that’s in no way lost on the brand’s cycling backpack. Trimmed in a pink liner, the inside the of bag boasts thoughtfully laid-out organizational elements that reminded me a lot of those found in the more expensive Mission Workshop Rhake. 

Before even getting my hands on the thing, I already really liked that Rapha Backpack features an IPX4 rating — meaning it can easily to up to splashes, and almost any rain. Another monumental part of what makes this bag shine in my opinion — especially for cycling — is its generous bevy of cycling-specific features such as its reflective details, dedicated bike-specific carry pocket, and the raised lightweight padding that it has to increased airflow. All in all, I was really pleased with Rapha’s attempt at a roll-top cycling bag, and at the end of the day the only real complaints I was left with was the fact its laptop pocket would struggle to fit notebooks north of 13”, and its pink liner didn’t particularly resonate with me — though I realize this latter area is subjective, and I will recognize the bright, high-visibility hue does provide plenty of contrast, making it easy to locate the bag’s contents (not unlike many of Aer’s bright orange liners). It’s also worth pointing out that this backpack is offered in a smaller 20-liter version, as well. 

Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack

Best/Most Versatile Pick: As its name implies, the Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack is a carefully-designed carry solution that’s been engineered from the ground up specifically for those who cycle to and from work. The bag is crafted around a polyethylene vinyl acetate that on its own affords decent weather resistance, though that didn’t stop Timbuk2 from also bestowing the backpack with an ultra water-resistant drop liner and a zip-away removable rainfly that can collectively stand up to anything short of a monsoon. The overall construction quality of this backpack feels solid — plus its included lifetime warranty no doubt points to decades of dependable use. Inside, on top of a laptop compartment that can house notebooks of up to 15”, the backpack also features a series of slips and dividers that’s more minimalistic than most of the other bags I tested, opting for a layout that provides organization for daily essentials — rather than loading the thing up with organizational amenities that will see little to no use. 

The Parker’s sleek, minimalist form has been treated to several reflective panels to help its wearer better be seen by drivers in inclement weather. Alongside its expandable design, ample weatherproofing, and solid durability, another element that I found to make this bag even better for cycling is its stellar harness system, which comes loaded with adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps. In its standard form, the bag offers 26 liters of real estate, though thanks to a clever design and the use of magnetic compression strap, this cycle-focused carry solution can be expanded to a much larger 35 liters. This expandable element also massively ups this model’s versatility, as it allows the backpack to also be super heavily conducive to travel. I also found the bag’s tricot lined outer pocket to be perfect for securing stashing a wallet or phone wallet, as the pocket is secure, yet super easy to access on the fly. The Parker Commuter Backpack’s only real Achilles heel is the fact that it clocks in at a fairly heavy 3.8lbs — making it one of the heaviest models that I tested. 

Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac

Best Urban Commuter Pick: Since its inception in 2014, San Francisco-based carry solution company Aer has built its name on delivering highly-calculated and highly-functional backpacks and bags, combining a host of utilitarian features with hardwearing constructions and sleek minimalistic designs. And the brand’s MO imperfectly exemplified by the Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac. Cut from insanely rugged X-Pac VX-42 sailcloth, the City Pack Pro X-Pac offers a collective 24 liters of storage space spread across a host of compartments, organizers, and dividers. Paired with Duraflex hardware, the bag’s weatherproof YKK AquaGuard zippers open to reveal a bluesign-approved high-visibility orange interior liner, along with a 16” padded and suspended laptop pocket, a flat-lay main compartment, an easy-access front pocket, and a quick-access top pocket with soft lining for stashing smartphone, sunglasses, and other more delicate items. Sporting a fully-blacked-out finish, the exterior of the pack also features a luggage handle pass-through, a contoured back panel, and an exterior water bottle pocket. 

Despite the fact it wasn’t specifically designed for cycling, the City Pack Pro X-Pac is incredibly conducive to commuting on two-wheels, thanks to a heavily-padded and largely adjustable strap and harness setup that includes a magnetic-coupling sternum strap and a padded back panel. I also thoroughly appreciate the use of an insanely durable VX-42 sailcloth for the bag’s shell, as it practically guarantees the thing will have no problem standing up to bumps, abrasions, and even the most severe weather. Aer also makes the City Pack Pro in a 1,680-denier CORDURA version, though with the X-Pac-spec being even more rugged and lightweight makes it a superior choice for cyclists in my opinion. With its rugged construction, stellar organizational features, and myriad of travel-friendly amenities — such as its flat-lay opening main compartment and luggage handle pass-through — Aer’s City Pack Pro X-Pac is also extremely versatile, lending itself just as well to EDC and globetrotting use as it does cycling. My only real gripe with the bag is the fact that its hip flaps/welts could be a bit larger in order to help mitigate slippage or shifting during heavy motion — though it’s also hard to fault Aer or the bag for this, as it wasn’t specifically designed for cycling. 

Mission Workshop Rambler

Best Premium Pick: In today’s world, it’s not uncommon to pay a pretty significant financial premium for goods from more high-end brands. And while often times you’re simply shelling out extra dough for a logo — and the exclusivity that’s associated with it —  there are some brands that justify the steeper cost of their wares through the use of top-shelf materials and top-notch craftsmanship. Case in point; Mission Workshop. The San Francisco brand’s Rambler backpack perfectly encapsulates its MO, with an over-engineered, meticulously-developed design that’s been brought to life using hardwearing materials. Pieced together around a carbon fiber -reinforced internal frame suspension system, this roll-top bag features four main compartments, urethane coated zippers, a Black Diamond Ripstop liner, a front zippered compartment that can fit most 13” laptops and tablets, and a secondary sleeve in the pack’s roll-top compartment that can accommodate notebooks of up to 17”. 

Made in America, the Mission Workshop Rambler sports the option of being secured/configured in a roll-top mode, or a more casual flap-down setup for when being used off-the-bike. On top of boasting Mission Workshop’s usual brand of world-class build quality and premium materials, my favorite part of this backpack is almost certainly its expandable design, which allows it to open from 22 liters up to 44. Considering how limited storage space is when commuting on two wheels, the ability to double the backpack’s hauling capabilities is a huge deal. And, while I legitimately love this bag and highly recommend it — if your budget allows for it at least — it isn’t without a few minor shortcomings. For its price, I would have liked to see the bag’s optional removable sternum strap included as standard, as it hugely ups the bag’s conduciveness to cycling use. The same goes for its available main closure Cobra buckle upgrade (though this piece of hardware does come standard on the pricier black camo variant of the Rambler). It’s also on the heavier side at 3..7lbs, but considering its 44 liters of storage space, that’s to be expected. We also can’t talk about fantastic Mission Workshop commuter bags — whether riding a bicycle or motorcycle — without mentioning the legendary Rhake (and Rhake VX), as it’s unequivocally one of the best backpacks currently being made.  

The Best Everyday Carry Backpacks

Many of us are still working from home, and perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more suited for everyday life? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best EDC backpacks.