The Best Backpack For Cycling to Work / My Favorite Commuter Backpacks

I am a daily mid-distance bike commuter and backpacks are my method of choice for getting my stuff to work. In this video I will introduce what I think is the best backpack for cycling to work.
❤️ Patreon ❤️ / twowheelcruise
🞂🞂🞂 Get your TWC stickers here
www.redbubble.com/people/twow...
🞂 TWC Shirts shop.spreadshirt.com/twowheel...
=============
In this video I focus more about the features of each backpack I recommend, rather than the brands themselves. There is no perfect bag for bike commuting, each one has it's own set of pros and cons. Here are a few types of backpacks that I would recommend.
Craft Cadence - large waterproof bag
craftcadence.com/products/cra...
Lightweight and versatile with lots of pockets & easy access
amzn.to/2Uz1aGI
Budget friendlym small and waterproof
amzn.to/2tFNO0d
100% waterproof and large storage
amzn.to/2UCMyX0
There are a bunch of different options that work as well for all different budgets. Let me know your solution in the comments!
🞂🞂🞂 My Gear twowheelcruise.com/camera-gear/
🞂 Main Camera Sony A6400 - amzn.to/2ZDkjaX
🞂 GoPro Hero Action Camera - amzn.to/33fGfsI
🞂 DJI Osmo Pocket Camera - amzn.to/35E8gvq
🞂 External microphone - amzn.to/2KMs1cs
🞂🞂🞂 My Websites
🞂 Blog twowheelcruise.com/
🞂 Learn Japanese jlptsensei.com/
🞂 Cycling Data Calculation Tools datacranker.com/
🞂🞂🞂 SOCIAL MEDIA
🞂 Strava / strava
🞂 Instagram / twowheelcruise
🞂 Facebook / twowheelcruise
🞂 Twitter / twowheelcruise
🞂 Email [e-mail]
🞂 Disclaimer
Some links may be affiliate links where we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
#biketowork #cyclingtips #cycling

[@crcomments8509]

I used various backpacks commuting, for years. Then I tried panniers, which I find so much better no sweaty back, no backache just generally more convenient. I still have back backs for hiking, if I need to use another bike then I can use the backpack. Also unless you are doing some proper cycle touring and need it to be very strong, you can make some quick release adapter for the pannier rack.

[@kazuwilliams5222]

I have been a bike commuter for about 25years and have two main bags: The Hauser and Sanction. Both of them are Mission Workshop bags. When I bike tour around, I slap the rack and panniers (Axiom Monsoon)onto my bike, Nimbus. A few years ago, I accidentally went to Kyushu during rainy season. The Axiom panniers worked amazingly to keep my belongings dry. I also always keep the Full Windsor in the tool roll. I have traveled to Sweden, Korea and Japan and the Windsor has almost everything I need. I really enjoy your videos and use them to smile after a long day of work. Thanks! Also, your wife has inspired my girlfriend to begin cycling.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! That's awesome, Thuong was happy to hear that 😁

[@richardulrich6089]

I'm in my 60's and a bit portly. But I use my daughter's old dancing backpack, complete with the dancing school logo. This leads to some rude comments from my work collegues around my dancing ability. In any case, my comuter bike was recently stolen, so I went and purchased a Giant Roam, which I'm quite happy with. My old bike had a very comfortable seat, but my new bike less so. I think it might be interesting on hearing your views as to different seats. Enjoy your channel very much. Regards.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

If it works it works 🙂 I don't have much preference with saddles, but do prefer more firm ones

[@andythousand345]

Great video, Cruise. I’ve tried all of these types of bags and completely agree with everything you said. My messenger bag clips onto the front of my Brompton so it eliminates the need to hang from my shoulder.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Those Brampton's just think of everything don't they ;)

[@reyskidude]

i ended up buying the Craft Cadence (black) in Aug after watching your video on it (the 100km ride to/from embassy). been great for my bike commute so far, doesn't bother my back at all. will definitely try it for longer rides.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It's been a really solid bag 😁

[@DavidBigandt]

Good info, thanks. I use a waist strap that is designed for a full size backpack and instead attached it to a common sports bag. Which makes a large fanny pack for my Rollerblade commute .

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I forgot to mention the waist bag! 😱

[@kennylippiatt]

I only have one bike so the prospect of a 700 gram rear rack didn't bother me too much. The extra weight is worth it to me for the convenience of being able to use convertible 2 in 1 backpack pannier bags. My favourite of which being the ortlieb vario 2.1. The mounting system is super easy to use and the switch between backpack and pannier is simple. Completely waterproof with 20L of internal space as well. It's a German company and they have a KZbin channel which showcases how their mounting systems works if anyone is interested.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

The Ortlieb bags are great, very easy to use mounting system 🙂

[@johnnydwicked]

6:38 Craft Cadence face-kun, we meet again. =P I currently bike commute with one of those roll tuck waterproof backpacks like the Craft Cadence. I have a Marchway which I bought for like $20 on Amazon. I have the largest one which is 40ML but it doesn't have good storage features like the Craft Cadence one. Everything is disorganized when I place things inside so I ended up buying a compartment insert for the bag which kinda solves the issue but it adds extra weight while I'm commuting by bike. Despite that, it's a nice water proof bag; it's probably way overkill for me and I have a bad habit of carrying around 10lbs of extra weight in the bag such as bike locks, bike mini multi tools, bike pump, 2 spare tubes, portable battery, snacks, and dry shirt and jacket....pretty much a kitchen sink lmao. BTW, when you sweat, does your bag start to smell especially around the straps and the inside part of the bag where it rest against your back? Mine sure does after 2-3 months so I cleaned it with either rubbing alcohol or dish soap. Same applies to my bike helmet. :D

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It really helps having designated areas to store certain items for easy access, but it's also nice having one big space. I haven't had any problems with smells thankfully, maybe from all the rain water? Lol

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Fortunately just carry a small lock, but always make sure there's some snacks in the bag 🙂

[@davidking3699]

Smaller sub-bags are ideal for these big bags... put your different stuff in smaller bags and load them up into the big one... so food in one bag, technology in another... and you can also transfer those smaller bags into any other bag as well, and the system is familiar, because you know which bag has which stuff in it... also, I use a system with heavy elastic straps on a flat board - called Grid-It, by Cocoon (different sizes)... great for keeping phones, cameras, USB drives, battery packs, cables etc secure and organised - lift it out and everything is right there The waist straps are great, esp. with a lot of weight, if you stand up to pedal, the bag can swing side to side if not fastened to the body...

[@omardin8410]

A good feature to look in a cycling backpack are these little velcro straps that secures the excess length of shoulder strap down the bottom so they don't flap about. My old Camelbak H.A.W.G has them. If there aren't any you can always roll the strap up and tie it with a cable tie, it makes the pack so much neater. I love it so much I do that to all mine and my kids backpacks now. Also a good feature to have is the ability to remove or tuck in the waist strap. Personally I don't think a waist strap is needed, a chest strap is a must better method to secure you pack for cycling than a waist strap.

[@GeekBoi]

I like to use garbage disposal bags inside my backpack on wet days. They are pretty thick plastic so they hold up quite well while still being fairly lite and take up very little space.

[@yewnammak750]

Of all the bags you’ve reviewed the last one the Musette bag is My favorite one lol cheers!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Haha, thanks :)

Nice review. I like your channel. I've been using my bike to go to work for about six months and use a 10 liter saddle bag and sometimes I use a laptop bag attached to the handlebar. Greetings from Guatemala.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! :)

[@richardstoffel6585]

I use an Oakley Aero bag, it’s comfortable and breathes pretty well. Offers padding, not super bulky like most backpacks so its fine to bring the amount i need to usually bring. It has a net to hold your helmet and a padded pocket for your sunglasses (it is Oakley). There’s a strap on the back side that i use to attach another rear blinking light it also has reflective material. If I don’t want to use a bulkier back pack I’ll take this.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Sounds solid

[@Le_Petomane]

Thankyou so much! following the advice from this video my son ( he is a paraplegic) is no longer gay! I really appreciate this recipe, although i didn't have all of the ingredients i substituted the backpack for a bungie cord and it stretched very far enough for a family of 5. Anyway my son is now straight but my husband is now gay, quite strange but i think we can solve that using the same method. He works in mysterious ways as they say. See you on Monday. God Bless. x -Crissy Mcbride.

[@frankyu4967]

Another great 2WC production, what are your next KZbin goals for 2020? Given your view count up to 3.3m+ and growing sub base.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks Frank! Always happy to see your comments since you're one of our first few fans :) The channel has been a fun project these last few years, and I have some very big goals and plans for the channel in 2020. I can't go into specifics yet, but let's just say there are going to be some big changes, one of which I'm sure you'll really enjoy ;)

[@urbanfireblade]

I use the Berghaus 24/Seven+ 20Litre rucksack. They do a range of 15L, 20L 25L and 30L all varying with pockets etc, but i find the 20L version the best for cycling with the internal size and bonus external side pockets(material pockets not weak mesh ones) so means easy quick access to items like hand sanitizer(Covid 2020!) and face masks without opening the rucksack, it's really comfortable. Something which my other rucksacks suffer from is that although they have a padded back section, when you carry items in the main compartment the weight of them at the bottom of the bag makes it sag down and thus rests against the lower back with no padding as its the bottom of the bag. The Berghaus 24/7 15L and 20L don't do this due to their design, so only the rear padding rests against your back. I'm looking at my other 10+ rucksacks lol all stacked ontop of each other, and happy to say the Berghaus 24/7 20L is my fave for daily use and cycling.

[@sashas6167]

I like your review. Very informative.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@kevinjfeeney77]

You can add sternum straps to bags that don't have them. I use the add on sternum strap on a Jansport backpack. I also use an Outdoor Products Ridge daypack....or my Chrome Metropolis messenger bag. I also use the Roswheel 3-in-1 pannier system, especially for grocery store runs. I do have racks on 4 of my bikes, so using panniers aren't a big deal. I picked up an Embark pannier open top bag too. Last bag I am after is the Two Wheel Gear convertible backpack/pannier....the large one. The disadvantage to the Ridge daypack is that it's too compartmentalized....I have started to prefer using open type bags so if I need to carry boxes...it's easier.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

That's a good idea, I hadn't thought about that. Maybe one day I'll make my own custom backpack 😁

[@kevinjfeeney77]

@@TwoWheelCruise in after the Two Wheel Gear Plus convertible pannier/backpack next.

[@fehrcarlo2381]

An old "Ocean Pacific" school backpack. And it still does the job!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Some backpacks can last a really long time :)

[@desmondho6876]

I recently picked up the Dakine Roll Top 28L backpack - waterproof, side pocket for bottle, downside no sleeves inside and the outside pockets arent seal but its really breathable on the back I spent a long time looking for a backpack that didnt look like Orbital backpacks with the mindset it looks good and waterproof was ESSENTIAL ..... Living in UK its not that its sunny here all the time.... if you want a office like one then timbuk2 rogue/spire - waterproof and office like backpack or sports but not too sporty check out the Adidas NMD backpack (there should be one with a massive reflective on the back) Overboard backpacks are great alternatives to Orbital backpacks (similar to the craft cadence)

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@UnDeath91]

i use for my commute the Brandit US Cooper Lasercut. its a 40L backpack and its waterproof. its kinda big but if u need to go buy some food after work you got the space for that. i ride with it for a year now. :) and because its black i strapt a bike light on it to be a little bit saver on the road

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yes, the extra space is really nice for picking up things on the way home 🙂

[@whodoyouwanna]

I bought the Craft Cadence base on your first review on it. Very worth it as it was lower priced compared to known brands.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Awesome, it's a great bag 😁

[@heikkirautanen]

I normally use Deuter Race X backpack, there's just enough room to carry my lunch, phone & spare tube and tools. If I need to carry more, I have Banjo Brothers Metro backpack (18 litres) and to carry relly big loads I take my Banjo Brothers Messenger bag. It's huge, 33 liters... I personally don't like panniers, when loaded, they make bikes so different to ride.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yep, I'm the same. Try to stick to a light bag when I can, and bust out the larger bag when needed. The loaded bike feeling is very different, but I don't mind it so much on longer tour rides.

[@rinky_dinky]

pannier racks are the future

[@jjcitytor6174]

Thanks for this video. For the past five years, I've been using the Hylete Icon 6-In-1 Backpack. It even includes a thermos pocket to keep your coffee hot. It's modular, so you can convert it to a messenger back, and it has a modular day pack. I usually carry my laptop, coffee thermos, water, food for the day, sometimes extra clothes for the deep Canadian winters.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Sounds like a true modular bag, I've been curious to try one of those out!

[@Batistareparosautomotivos]

Top! I want a bachpack

[@jameswalker8300]

I have about 15 Back packs/bags and each has its own use. I use three for photo. I use some for shopping ad others for different ride set ups. The perfect number of bags is one more than you have hahahahah

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Definitely gotta add some camera bags to my collection ;D

[@maxkrug2000]

Nice video! I love a clean bike look without gadgets or racks or bags but I find it uncomfortable to have everything in a backpack so I use a panier =(

[@Kosmonooit]

I find back breathability / sweat accummulation a factor with back packs, and it does vary.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Definitely, a good bag needs some good back ventilation

[@Colinke]

Mission Workshop does make great bags for commuters or bike couriers.

[@MasterCosgrove]

I live in Taiwan so I think the climate is similar to Japan but a bit warmer. I have about 5km commute so round trip is like 10km. I just have a standard school backpack but when I have to bring my MacBook, the textbook for class and all the corrections in the students notebooks I can’t fit it all in one bag. So I have this shoulder bag it always dangles around when riding so it’s a pain. The swimming pool is also like 7km away, so I have all my swim kit and I’ve never found a good way to carry my pool kit back in my bike. So I usually just use the motorcycle.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I used to use a big hiking bag for my big load days. And yeah, Taiwan seems quite a bit warmer than here

[@HerrenGamingNews]

I'm new to cycling this is my first year commuting so far i've used backpacks and i just got my Ortlieb panniers. if i'm just carrying light stuff to work I don't mind a backpack even in the summer i know either way i'm going to be sweaty not matter the time of year however I prefer a 20 litre panier I own two of them. once a week I bring my work clothes home to be washed and no they don't get smelly even though I work in a shop and when i have to bring them home they get very heavy and my back hurts. if i have to pick up geroceries then having a pannierwill increase my carry capacity and i'll be able to carry stuff without hurting my back. I don't mind the ewxtra weight or drag i cycle to work so i can commute and work out at the same time

[@jlcasabal]

I’ve used pacsafe backpack before. Then I switched to timbuk2 medium size messenger bag for a larger compartment.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

The timbuk2 bags are great and last a long time :)

[@jlcasabal]

Two Wheel Cruise yes! Been enjoying using on my bike to work.

[@lawrencelapointe7207]

Mamachurri with an old messenger bag, a lock and a thermos.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Mamachari is great for carrying stuff :)

[@Batistareparosautomotivos]

From Brazil 🇧🇷

[@grim4954]

I use messenger type of bags. I like messenger bags because for what there made for they can carry a good amount of items there waterproof and very strong. I will switch from a chrome industries brove ha ha ha that bag is crazy big but its not the biggest one that I have. And I have a timbuk2 bag and its a cool shoulder bag very light to.

[@pmd7914]

I've always called the second last bag a conference backpack because I got it at a conference. Your vid made me curious, they are called drawstring backpacks, can buy them, also patterns available online.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I used to call them soccer bags because I used them for soccer in high school haha. That name makes sense though

[@petezAAPete]

Ork- red is a fast color

[@K-G-S_66]

Hey cruis loved the video Some good stuff Just wanted to ask you My next road bike is Java siluiro 3 i have done enough research but still wanted to know if you have any ideas about java bikes Thx for reading my question and Ride safe👍🚲

[@dhanjithlal]

Java's are heavy. And it's frames are not that top quality But still a value for money bike

[@K-G-S_66]

@@dhanjithlal well the known brands are java and trek in my country so I'll do more research on trak hopefully I'll find something perfect for me thx btw

[@dhanjithlal]

@@K-G-S_66 I would suggest trek blindly..treks frames are strong and light, top ride quality

[@K-G-S_66]

@@dhanjithlal trek it is then👍your tip means a lot thanks for your time

[@dhanjithlal]

@@K-G-S_66 😊 my pleasure

[@dhanjithlal]

A medium size trekking bag will do most of groceries run

[@huhummmmmmm]

back sweat...

[@gilmpix]

How much does your bag weigh with all the stuff in? Mine weighs around 6-8 kgs and it really puts a strain on my shoulder and back after a while. So I install a rack and strap my bag there. It takes care of my back pain, not to mention the sweaty back problem. I wonder if you've had any experience with back pain related to heavy bag pack and how you dealt with it. Thanks in advance!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I would say mine is about the same, but maybe more on Monday and Fridays. Sometimes I will slightly adjust the strap position during my ride to prevent all of the pressure from being on the exact same position. I also try to change bags every other day or so for the same reason. I find that doing some core exercises help with back pain, though I haven't been the greatest at doing that myself lately..

[@DirtyTesla]

I only have one bike so I can use a paneer bag

[@TwoWheelCruise]

You got a rack on the back?

[@DirtyTesla]

@@TwoWheelCruise no 😂

[@lijane5698]

Hi, we are supplying the same quality and competitive bike backpack.

[@corynardin]

Do you have a video on that sweet bike rack in the background?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ-klKSpl610isk

[@jered2177]

What model is your schwinn?

[@sir_lander]

Those bags will burn to wet my back, I prefer a rack, don't care the weight I think is some type of training for my legs like Goku jajaja

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Legs like Goku 😂

[@SiklistaRepublika1987]

Outdoor Backpack that i always used, and sometimes i used my Camelbak Sling Bag

[@64maxpower]

Being able to ride to work would be the best

[@christill]

I did use an Ortlieb pannier for a while on an older single speed bike I had. But I haven’t got around to setting it up for any of my current bikes. Until recently I’ve been using an Alpinestars bag aimed at motorcycle commuters. I had a scooter from 2014-16 and then just kept using it until the strap finally broke after 5 years of daily use. And then I got an Ergon backpack since it was on sale and I wanted to try something more cycling specific. I’m not sure though after using it. The design of the compartments and the lack of total waterproofness without an extra cover kind of bother me. I might get one of those roll-top ones at some point soon because they are so useful.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

The roll-top bags are great since they keep everything dry and safe from falling out.

[@khazza930]

the sad left-most bike with no saddle :(

[@TwoWheelCruise]

😥 sadly not ridden lately

[@knightwish1623]

I've lost count of how many backpacks I have .... You say that the one bag had no cushoning and items tend to dig into your back ... back in 2011 I had an accident on my way home from work on my bike, in the bag I had a metal thermoflask which broke 3 ribs after landing on it ... the cushoning didn't help much ... also had concussion and broken collarbone ... and worst all the bike was wrecked, but I ended up getting around 10,000€ compensation from with other man's insurance :-) so a new bike

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yikes, that sounds like a painful and expensive lesson. Fortunately it didn't come out of your wallet :P

[@ajry4068]

I hope I get the one using by Dora

[@stuartperry8141]

I stopped using backpacks because they hide my safety reflective vests when I ride at night.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

That is one downside 😥

[@olewornhat]

I need a bag that will hold a 12 pack of bottles (8'' x 10'' x 10'' high).

[@ryand141]

I like spending 70+ quid on plastic. It makes me all warm and fuzzy.

[@justindinamling566]

What about commuting to school?? I had to carry all of my notebooks and books?? Any tips??

[@TwoWheelCruise]

If you regularly carry more heavy items, a rack or basket might be better

[@jomarcmariquina]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤

[@TwoWheelCruise]

:)

[@carlotupas5317]

can we get free stickers when we order something in the page? (=

[@TwoWheelCruise]

The t-shirts are a separate company and ship direct. Otherwise I would definitely include free stickers in any order..

[@carlotupas5317]

@@TwoWheelCruise thank you for replying! :)

[@GrayFox-xd9ww]

Can u make a car video???

[@TwoWheelCruise]

What do you mean?

[@GrayFox-xd9ww]

Two Wheel Cruise can you make reviews of vehicles 🚗

[@kelvingrover4043]

Can you send me some cruise decals I'll pay for them

[@DirtyTesla]

Thumbnail looks like a big face

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Why do you think I chose this bag for the thumbnail? :P

[@DigiKunt]

Hope you're dodging the coronavirus! Are you taking any precautions to avoid catching it?

[@christianfilipponi9042]

By not reading stupid comments like yours he already does more than needed.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

There have been some cases fairly nearby so we are staying away from touristy areas for the time being.

[@DigiKunt]

@@christianfilipponi9042 Thanks for your non constructive troll like response

[@debbiepeter112]

@@christianfilipponi9042 Why is that a stupid comment? It's a serious question!

[@cbolt8089]

Indian cheese bags

[@thewanderer673]

Not liked. Next video please with some good scenery.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It's winter and dark during most of my commute. More ride videos once spring comes

[@desmondho6876]

I recently picked up the Dakine Roll Top 28L backpack - waterproof, side pocket for bottle, downside no sleeves inside and the outside pockets arent seal but its really breathable on the back I spent a long time looking for a backpack that didnt look like Orbital backpacks with the mindset it looks good and waterproof was ESSENTIAL ..... Living in UK its not that its sunny here all the time.... if you want a office like one then timbuk2 rogue/spire - waterproof and office like backpack or sports but not too sporty check out the Adidas NMD backpack (there should be one with a massive reflective on the back) Overboard backpacks are great alternatives to Orbital backpacks (similar to the craft cadence)