Best Laptop Bike Bags: Top 9 for Commuters

Transporting a laptop is one of the biggest challenges for commuting cyclists. Keeping your laptop dry, secure and protected from bumps and scrapes isn’t easy. Worse still, a laptop is probably the most expensive item that you’ll carry, so the stakes are high.

Weight is another issue. Not everybody owns or even wants one of the thinner, streamlined laptops and if you already have a lot of office supplies to carry adding a bulky computer can be the final straw. It’s enough to make some people abandon the idea of cycling to work altogether. Fortunately, there are nowadays more options than ever for safely and comfortably transporting your laptop.

Join us as we break down the options.

• See Laptop Cycling Backpacks
• See Laptop Messenger Bags
• See Laptop Pannier Bags

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How Can I Carry My Laptop on a Bike?

A secure laptop bike bag is your best option for transporting your laptop to and from work. Long gone are the days when cyclists were forced to put up with standard rucksacks: you can now find plenty of bags designed specifically to hold laptops securely and comfortably.

With so many choices, it’s important to consider a few things before you buy a bag. Water and weatherproofing is the most important aspect. Look for material that’s fully waterproof to protect your tech – the last thing you want is moisture getting in.

Lightweight bags cut down on excessive weight but be sure that there’s ample padding to protect against bumps. Many bags also come with reflective detailing to keep you safe at night, and during the darker winter months.

Types of Bicycle Laptop Bags

Let’s break down the most popular types of laptop bags available.

Cycling Laptop Backpacks

Cycling laptop backpacks are the closest to a traditional rucksack. They’re worn on the back and are extremely spacious. They come in all shapes, sizes and prices, ranging from budget options to much more expensive offerings. The material also differs, so look for something fully waterproof.

The big advantage of backpacks is space. As well as a vast main compartment for your laptop (and plenty of other items like stationary, papers and a lunch box) you’ll get a range of smaller internal compartments and exterior pockets. The latter is useful for storing water bottles and snacks on the road. Many backpacks also come with reflective detailing and some are extremely stylish.

The main downside of all this space is bulkiness. Backpacks can be heavy and some cyclists don’t like wearing something so weighty on their backs. Despite all the pockets, arranging your items can also be more difficult and it isn’t as easy to dip in and out of a backpack as it is with a messenger bag. 

Laptop Messenger Bags

A slim-lined and substantially lighter alternative to the classic backpack, messenger bags are worn to the side. They offer a snugger fit for your laptop so it won’t move around as much and their lightweight feel makes them an excellent choice for longer commutes.

Whether you prefer the weight of your laptop on your back or at the side is ultimately a matter of taste, although some cyclists feel that messenger bags affect balance. Still, they have a much more professional look than a rucksack and hold your laptop in a single, internal pocket. Some have smaller exterior pockets but their slimmed-down design usually means less storage than a rucksack.

Messenger bags are generally more stylish than their ruggedly-designed, rucksack counterparts and they transition easily from road to office. They can also be carried by hand as well as slung over the shoulder (most feature carry handles) but beware: since messenger bags offer a snugger fit, be sure to get a size that matches your laptop exactly!

Laptop Pannier Bags

Pannier bags mount on the sides of a bike, at the front or the back. Their main benefit is that they shift the weight from you and onto the bike – you won’t have to carry your laptop on your back or slung across a shoulder. That makes for a more comfortable journey.

These bags are useful for commuters who find that carrying a rucksack makes them sweat or that the additional weight of a messenger bag affects their balance. Most panniers are fully waterproof and are easy to attach and detach. They’re fantastic if you have a long commute to work and really take the strain off your body.

Downsides include weight imbalances and cost (panniers tend to be one of the more expensive options, especially if you want a really high-quality one). Volume can also be a problem. Panniers generally aren’t as spacious as rucksacks so you won’t be able to store as many other items with your laptop.

Laptop frame and handlebar bags are also available, but these are somewhat harder to find and can be more difficult to fit on your bike.

Best Cycling Laptop Backpacks

When it comes to laptop backpacks, size and weight are everything. Look for a mix of internal and external pockets, as well as ergonomic straps that distribute weight across your back. Waterproofing is, of course, essential.

1. Rapha Reflective Travel Backpack

• £160
• $200
• €200

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 25 L
• Size: 25 x 42 x 17 cm cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 13″

Simple and stylish

Reflective detailing

Fully waterproof

With its sophisticated stylings and fully waterproof, exterior coating, the Rapha bag has all bases covered. Its generous 25 L capacity and 13 inch laptop sleeve give ample storage space and mean that you’ll be able to carry much more than just your computer. You also get a zipped pocket on the side for smaller items like keys and a specially moulded back panel designed to promote airflow.

Pros

• Waterproof coating
• Comfortable back panel
• Quick access pockets

Cons

• On the expensive side
• Won’t hold bigger laptops
• Could be more visible at night

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2. Chrome Barrage Night Cargo Backpack

• £210
• $260
• €260

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 20 L
• Size: 50 x 30 x 43 cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 10′

Extreme night time visibility

Welded shell for waterproofing

Weight distribution straps

If you’re looking for a heavy duty bag capable of enduring even the worst road conditions, then the Night Cargo is for you. Its welded shell is totally impervious to water and even features an additional, waterproof lining. Visibility is also second to none. The bag retains its understated looks in the daytime but lights up with extreme reflectivity as soon as night falls.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Secure roll top
• Very high visibility

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Chunky
• Harder item accessibility

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3. Mission Workshop Rhake Laptop Backpack

• £570
• $700
• €700

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 22 L
• Size: 53 x 55 x 13 cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 13″

Vast amounts of space

Easy item sorting

Comfortable and ventilated

Yes, it’s the most expensive backpack on the list but this is a top of the range bag that more than justifies the cost. Featuring a padded laptop compartment, iPad sleeve, two exterior pockets and a mesh compartment, you certainly won’t be short of space: this bag feels much bigger than its 22 litre volume. It is (of course) fully waterproof and features exterior straps for coats etc.

Pros

• Top of the range
• Loads of spaces
• Lots of compartments

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• Limited colour options
• No reflective strips

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Best Laptop Messenger Bags

Messenger bags offer a much snugger fit for laptops, so be sure to double check the size and ensure that your computer will fit. Elsewhere, look for secure seals around the top of the bag, waterproof material and a few internal pockets to make item sorting easier.

1. Chrome Industries Citizen Night Messenger Bag

• £190
• $230
• €230

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 24 L
• Size: 33 x 55 x 18 cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 15″

Big internal volume

Lots of reflective detailing

Fits most laptops

One of the complaints sometimes levelled at messenger bags is their limited storage – not so here! The Citizen boasts an impressive 24 litre capacity, which makes it bigger than some backpacks. There are plenty of pockets and compartments too, and a quick-release buckle makes it super easy to access your items. Reflective strips are top notch and the laptop sleeve is fully padded.

Pros

• Spacious interior
• Extra safe at night
• Great internal sorting

Cons

• Somewhat bulky
• Drab design
• No carry handle

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2. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

• £80
• $90
• €90

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 14 L
• Size: 38 x 27.5 x 13 cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 13″

Economically priced

Range of trendy colours

Good internal organisation

One of the more budget friendly options on the list, the Timbuk2 doesn’t compromise on quality where it matters. The waterproof coating is fully weatherproof and can be wiped clean, making maintenance a simple business. The buckle is quick adjust and easy to alter on the move, while the multiple internal pockets are cleverly arranged to distribute weight. The result is a comfortable, secure and stylish bag.

Pros

• Lightweight and compact
• Weight stabilisation
• Excellent waterproofing

Cons

• Not the biggest
• Only fits laptops up to 13″
• No reflective detailing

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3. Mission Workshop Monty Messenger Bag

• £220
• $270
• €270

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 21 L
• Size: 40 x 25 x 12.5 cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 15″

Generous volume

Cross-chest stabiliser

Waterproof mesh

Customisation is key here. Depending on weather conditions you can use the bag as a roll top or traditional fold down – there’s even an optional cross-chest stabiliser that smoothens out ride quality and helps with balance. Two laptop compartments (one for a 13 inch laptop, the other for up to 15 inches) give you plenty of space and there’s also a zippered pocket on the front.

Pros

• Two laptop compartments
• Two waterproof layers
• Stable ride

Cons

• No reflective details
• Quite expensive
• No easy access external pockets

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Best Laptop Pannier Bags

Pannier bags free you from the yolk of carrying a laptop on your back/over your shoulder and they’re generally favoured for longer commutes. Look for well-made panniers with secure attachments, good waterproofing (to repel splash back from the road) and stabilisation technology.

1. Ortlieb Pannier Office-Bag High-Visibility

• £170
• $200
• €200

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 21 L
• Size: 40 x 30 x 17 cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 15″

Highly reflective

Carry handle

Quick lock mounting

Ortlieb specialises in road safety and their highly reflective pannier is no exception. The whole bag lights up, guaranteeing that you won’t be missed in even the worst weather conditions. Elsewhere, you’ll also find excellent waterproofing credentials, quick lock mounting and a carry handle that transforms the pannier into more of a briefcase. It’s not the most spectacular bag on the list but it’s rugged and up to any ride.

Pros

• Safe in low light
• Lots of compartments
• Fully waterproof

Cons

• Not the biggest
• Only available in one colour
• Fairly basic

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2. Goodordering Laptop Backpack Pannier Bag

• £80
• $90
• €90

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 28.8 L
• Size: 36 x 32 x 14 cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 15″

Budget price

Fun and quirky design

Doubles as backpack

The two most notable aspects of this bag are that it’s absolutely massive and comparatively cheap against the other offerings here. Admittedly, that huge 28.8 litre volume shrinks to a more modest 19.5 when rolled up, but the bag is extremely versatile. It can be a pannier, a roll top or simple buckle fastening backpack. For the particularly intrepid, it’s also engineered to fit inside a plane as hand luggage.

Pros

• Well priced
• Secure roll-top
• Versatile

Cons

• Quite large (so bulky)
• Not the lightest
• Design won’t appeal to everyone

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3. Ortlieb Twin-City Pannier Messenger Bag

• £80
• $90
• €90

Prices are approximate

• Volume: 9 L
• Size: 39 x 30 x 12 cm
• Fits Laptops Upto: 13″

Lightweight, compact and stylish

Dual purpose shoulder bag

Value for money

The Twin-City fits a lot into its compact package. It’s dual purpose and can be used as a messenger bag with a few simple readjustments. The QL2.1 mounting system means quick and easy mounting and the shoulder strap is nicely padded for when you want to carry the bag. There’s reflective detailing all around and the fabric is waterproof (apart from on the exterior pocket).

Pros

• Budget price
• Lightweight and compact
• Works as a shoulder bag

Cons

• Quite small
• Outside pocket not waterproof
• No roll top

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