Whether you start your day by cycling to work or look forward to the weekend when you can hit the trails on two wheels, having a backpack that can keep up with you can make your next bike ride feel like your very own Tour De France.
Having a bag that is comfortable enough for long rides and can be adjusted to fit close to a rider’s body is a must when looking at cycling bags. Padded and adjustable shoulder straps and a chest strap are features that should be included in cycling bags, with a loose backpack flopping from side to side and shifting weight while riding not only making for an uncomfortable ride, but also a dangerous one.
Cyclists who enjoy long distance rides or those who ride during hot weather should look for bags that include hydration bladders. Not only do they hold a large amount of water, often with insulation to help keep liquids cool, hydration bladders also come with bite valves that allow users to hydrate without taking their hands off the handlebars to grab a bottle of water, adding an element of safety.
Packs that feature adjustable strap openings on the front of the bag or mesh webbing are ideal for cyclists, with this area designed to hold helmets when not in use. This area is also perfect for storing clothing, like a wind-resistant or waterproof jacket, a must-have when cycling during inclement weather.
It can be uncomfortable and risky to cycle with your wallet, keys, and phone in your pockets, which is why a bag with zippers and smart organizational pockets are important in a cycling pack, helping to keep your personal items safe.
We’ve put together a list of three amazing cycling bags that are perfect for travel or every day use and can go with you from your bike to the office and beyond. Check out our suggestions below to see which bag works best for you. Happy cycling!
1. TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack
Featuring a 2L hydration bladder and a large opening for ice and water, the TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack will keep cyclists hydrated whether they’re heading to work or on the trails. The bladder is attached to a kink-free sip tube that has a cushioned bite valve, which makes it easy to stay hydrated while cycling. The front of the bag features a mesh covering, which is ideal for storing a helmet when not in use, or extra clothing. The 18L bag has ample room for clothing, food, or shoes, with side mesh pockets for added storage and additional water bottles if necessary. Pros of the bag are its large opening on the bladder, which make it easy to add ice and water, and to clean it. We also like that the bag is comfortable enough to wear all day, with padded shoulder straps and a chest strap, and it has a sewn in rain cover on the bottom of the bag that makes it easy to keep your belongings dry during surprise downpours without having to worry about remembering the rain cover. The TETON is our heaviest bag at 2 pounds, but it’s durable with some customers noting they carry up to a 13-inch laptop in the bag, making it a great option for those who cycle to work or school.
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2. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack
A true hydration pack, the Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack is smaller in size than the TETON, measuring 16.5 x 9.5 x 2.8 inches, but boasts the same 2L hydration bladder with the added bonus of BPA free insulation to keep water cold up to five hours. The Mubasel has a large interior compartment and a smaller zippered compartment on the front, as well as mesh webbing to hold a helmet or clothing. The padded shoulder straps and chest strap keep the bag firmly in place, with waist pockets on either side ideal for quick access items like keys, a phone or cash. We like that the bag also features reflective strips and a safety whistle for added protection. The bag does not have a rain protector like the TETON, but it is water-resistant. Ideal for customers looking for a hydration pack with a bit of added storage, some customers found that the lack of additional mesh water bottle pockets a con and many noted that the drinking valve can be difficult to use.
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3. Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack
Our most lightweight option weighing only 0.7 pounds, the Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Durable Travel Hiking Backpack is ideal for travelers, with the backpack able to fold into a small bag that measures only 9 x 8.5 x 2.2 inches. When unfolded, the 35L bag measures 20 x 13 x 7.5 inches, which adheres to most carry on size restrictions for air travel. Unlike the first two options, The Venture Pal is not designed to hold a water bladder, although one can be purchased separately, and the tube can be held between zippers. The bag does come with side mesh pockets that are designed for easy access to water bottles. The Venture Pal has a large main compartment as well as two front zippered pockets, and an interior pocket. Although it’s lightweight, the Venture Pal still has many pros of heavier bags, including padded straps, a chest strap, and a double layer bottom for added protection. The Venture Pal does not have the front webbing like the TETON or Mubasel, which means it can’t hold extra items like clothing or a helmet on the outside. Cons of the bag include the quality of the material, with many customers finding that the bag showed wear and tear after a few uses. Many customers also noted that the water-resistant protective layer began to peel inside the bag.
Image courtesy of Amazon