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As a cyclist, having a reliable and waterproof backpack is essential for any journey in all weather conditions.
A high-quality waterproof backpack should protect your belongings and keep you comfortable and ready for any adventure. A good quality waterproof backpack should also have plenty of pockets to keep all your belongings organized and easily accessible, and quite frankly, it should make you look good while doing it. Ergonomic, functional, and stylish.
We’ve made a list of our best waterproof cycling backpacks so that you can transport your stuff without worrying about its safety. Rain or shine, these rucksacks can handle it all.
Best Waterproof Backpack for Cycling
Here’s our list of the 9 best waterproof cycling rucksacks.
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WELDED WATERPROOF ROLLTOP
Chrome Industries URBAN EX 2.0 Backpack
Rolltop backpack with welded waterproofing and attachment loops for d-locks.
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DURABLE AND ERGONOMIC
Ortlieb Velocity 23L
Ergonomic waterproof backpack with an excellent warranty.
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AFFORDABLE DRY BAG
Ettore Eclipse Cycling Rucksack
Value for money hi-vis drybag with heavy duty Tarpaulin.
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SOPHISTICATED AND SLEEK
Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0
Smart looks and a tidy interior for the discerning commuter.
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COMMUTE IN STYLE
Rapha Travel Backpack
A compact, refined backpack for commuting or overnight trips.
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URBAN EXPLORER
Osprey Arcane Rolltop 25
Everyday backpack with IPX4 waterproof protection to keep your belongings safe.
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18L COMMUTER BACKPACK
Thule Paramount
Streamlined and expandable water resistant backpack designed for everyday use.
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AFFORDABLE AND EFFICIENT
Elops Cycling Backpack Speed 520
Well priced, minimalistic waterproof backpack from Decathlon.
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COMFY COMMUTER
Camelbak Mule Commute 22
Surprisingly roomy weatherproof bag with some great additional features.
Waterproof Cycling Bag: Key Features
When searching for a waterproof backpack for cycling, it is crucial to consider several key features that will ensure that you can protect your belongings, whatever the weather.
A good backpack shouldn’t just protect your stuff but enhance your overall cycling experience. After all, it shouldn’t just be a dry bag but should have features that specifically help cyclists’ in the saddle.
Materials play a vital role in the performance and durability of a waterproof backpack. Look for high-quality, waterproof fabrics that provide reliable protection against the elements. Materials such as nylon or polyester with a waterproof coating or laminate are excellent choices. Reinforced seams and a good closure system are also crucial, as they prevent water from seeping in through the stitch lines or via any openings.
Easy access is another great feature. Opt for a rucksack with a thoughtfully designed main compartment, allowing quick and hassle-free access to your essentials. It’s also great if they’ve got some well-placed compartments and external pockets so you can keep your stuff organized.
Size is also an important consideration. Find a size that strikes the balance between having enough storage space for your daily needs without hindering your comfort whilst on the bike.
Reflective details are well appreciated, especially for those who plan on cycling at night or early in the morning. You want to be able to ride with confidence, even in low light conditions. It’s a safety feature that’s too often overlooked unfortunately.
Finally, what does the bag do to ensure you’re comfortable? After all, you don’t want to arrive at work a sweaty mess in humid or warmer conditions. Look for breathable bags with specific technologies that ensure airflow between your back and the backpack.
Best Cycling Commuter Backpack for Rainy Days
Here’s our list of the best cycling commuter backpacks for rainy days.
1. Chrome Industries URBAN EX 2.0 Backpack
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£140 -
$167 -
€158
Prices are approximate
- Materials: 600D Poly / PU coating on surface & TPU backing with Polyester lining
- Capacity: 20L
- Weight: 830g
- Size: 44 x 37 x 15cm
Rolltop design.
Welded waterproofing.
Rugged, urban aesthetic.
Introducing the URBAN EX 2.0 20L Backpack from Chrome Industries, an excellent companion for urban cyclists seeking both style and functionality.
Thoughtfully designed with the needs of a modern cyclist in mind, this sleek roll-top isn’t just a pretty face. It’s constructed from rugged materials, such as a welded waterproof construction and PU-coated zippers that will keep your possessions dry in a downpour.
It’s also got exceptional attention to detail when it comes to the storage solutions inside. It features multiple compartments in the interior for organisation, as well as a neat external space (with reflectors for visibility!) for your D-lock.
With a mesh-covered back panel for ventilation, you won’t arrive at your destination covered in sweat either.
Safe, stylish and ergonomic; it’s an excellent choice for a waterproof cycling backpack for commuters.
2. Ortlieb Velocity 23L
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£115
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$140
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€132
Prices are approximate
- Materials: PD620, PS620C (PVC coated polyester)
- Capacity: 23L (17 & 29 models available)
- Weight: 880g
- Size: 50 x 30 x 16cm
Velcro roll closure with lifetime warranty.
Great colour options.
Detachable waist & chest belt.
Introducing the Ortlieb Velocity 23L Backpack, a waterproof backpack that’s a great marriage of form and function.
With its generous 23L capacity, the Ortlieb Velocity is designed to accompany you on both daily commutes and longer journeys, providing ample space for your essentials without compromising on style. It even comes in 17L and 29L models. We especially like the 17L; a great option if you just need to take a few documents or a small laptop to work and back.
The backpack features a robust PVC-coated polyester fabric, which not only resists daily wear and tear but also ensures exceptional water resistance. Rain, splashes, or accidental spills are no match for this backpacks waterproof construction and roll-top closure system.
But it isn’t just waterproof, it’s comfortable too. The padded shoulder straps distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders, minimizing strain and allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. The removable waist strap is also a nice touch if you don’t always need the support.
It’s a well designed, well tested backpack with a timeless aesthetic. And, if that isn’t enough to convince you, maybe the solid guarantee on the velcro closure will.
3. Ettore Eclipse Cycling Rucksack
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£45
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$55
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€52
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Made from Heavy Duty 100% Waterproof Tarpaulin with heat welded seams. Elasticated external storage area and side mesh pockets.
- Capacity: 30L
- Weight: Unknown
- Size: 45 x 27 x 17cm
Great price.
Simple.
Heat welded seams.
The Eclipse from Ettore is a simplistic, well designed waterproof backpack and is a great choice for commuters who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on something to keep their things dry.
Aesthetically, the all-black backpack is inoffensive and discreet. With just an elasticated net and side netting on the outside, as well as a useful handle on top, it’s certainly not trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to looks.
And nor does it need to. It does it’s job extremely well without too many extra thrills. It’s made predominantly of a heavy-duty Tarpaulin, a material renowned for its waterproofing properties. It’s also got waterproof zippers, as well as heat sealed seams.
It’s definitely one of the bigger bags, so it’s not just good for commuting, but it would definitely be a reasonable choice for bikepacking on a short trip. It’s got more than enough space at 30L for your everyday needs, and a bit more just in case you need it.
The internal compartment has a smaller pocket for your accessories, such as your phone and keys, and not much else.
It’s a great value, simple dry-bag that serves as a waterproof backpack, and not much else.
4. Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0
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£90
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$109
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€103
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Water-resistant material (Mostly Nylon)
- Capacity: 26L
- Weight: 900g
- Size: 50 x 31 x 15cm
Very sharp aesthetic.
Easy-access flap-top closure.
Also great for students.
The Timbuk2 Spire Laptop 2.0 Backpack is the pinnacle of sophistication, practicality, and elegance when it comes to waterproof backpacks. But, it’s not just beautiful, it’s rugged as well.
When it comes to protecting your precious devices, this backpack leaves no stone unturned. Equipped with a dedicated padded compartment for laptops up to 15″ and a water-resistant fabric that safeguards your valuable electronics from unexpected weather conditions, providing peace of mind no matter the forecast.
It’s a particularly great choice for interns and students, who’ll not just appreciate the tidy internal and external organisation, but also the integrated bottle opener, which is really a nice touch.
The compartmentalisation of the bag is phenomenal. The outer pocket is especially noteworthy for quick-to-reach items, such as keys, a pen or your phone.
Whilst it doesn’t boast the waterproofing capabilities of some of the other bags, its water resistant Nylon outer will be fine in every situation other than a heavy downpour. It’s comfortable, breathable, water-resistant, and oh-so stylish.
5. Rapha Travel Backpack
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£150
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$182
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€172
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Nylon exterior, polyester interior
- Capacity: 25L
- Weight: 976g
- Size: 42 x 25 x 17cm
Incredibly smart.
Comes with detachable rain cover.
Modest, stylish branding.
By far the classiest backpack on this list, the Rapha Travel Backpack is a masterclass in subtly, modesty and refinement. With it’s very simply branding, it’s a nod to the cycling culture in which Rapha has become such a staple name.
Crafted from a high quality nylon exterior and waterproof zippers, your belongings will be safe and sound inside. And comfortable as well, because the backpack comes with loads of padding on the interior, meaning your laptop will be well out of harm’s way.
Beyond it’s waterproofing, it boasts a number of thoughtful features. The spacious main compartment is easily big enough for a short trip away, fitting a change of clothes and toiletries with no issues.
It’s also got a range of interior pockets to organise, as well as a low-key quick-access pocket on the outside for essentials.
It’s a popular bag no doubt about it, and, whilst not the cheapest on this list, is a great investment for those who’re looking for a top quality waterproof bag that serves for the cycle to work as well as any overnight trips.
6. Osprey Arcane Rolltop 25
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£209
-
$253
-
€240
Prices are approximate
- Materials: 100% polyamide
- Capacity: 25L
- Weight: 990g
- Size: 52 x 32 x 21cm
Well ventilated.
Environmentally conscious.
Reflective details.
The OSPREY Arcane Roll Top 25 – Daypack delivers in style and performance. Well, what would you expect from the titans of the backpacking industry?
It’s no surprise that when it comes to durable backpacks, Osprey are still dominating worldwide. The brand name at this point practically speaks for itself. The arcane RT 25 is no exception. It’s got remarkable waterproof features and is constructed from premium sustainably sourced materials.
It’s roll-top closure adds another layer of protection, preventing you (or at least what’s inside your bag!) from even the most torrential storms.
The range from Osprey is designed with ‘subtle functionality’ in mind, and it’s an excellent bag for those who want a bag that quite frankly they don’t have to think about. It’s also well ventilated and has great support.
It comes in a small range of nice colours, the ‘pine leaf green’ being a particularly cool option.
As is almost always the case, if you want a good product, you’ll have to pay the price. But, for anyone familiar with Osprey, you’ll know that it’s a price worth paying.
7. Thule Paramount
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£123
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$150
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€141
Prices are approximate
- Materials: 420D Nylon
- Capacity: 18L (27L also available)
- Weight: 2.4lbs (1.1kg)
- Size: 53 x 30 x 24cm
Expandable.
Solid 420d construction.
Streamlined, smaller model.
The nimble 18L Paramount Backpack is a (nearly) pocket size water resistant backpack that’s extremely convenient.
It’s got a great dedicated phone pocket concealed next to your back, meaning you can keep your pockets free when you’re pedalling. It’s also got a floating laptop sleeve that sits comfortably on your back whilst your riding, meaning you won’t feel it sag or being thrown around when you’re on two wheels.
You can unzip the side pockets and drastically increase the capacity, meaning it can be a relatively big backpack when you want it to be. Commuter by weekday, overnighter by weekend.
The brightly coloured interior also helps you to see your things inside, so it doesn’t have the ‘black hole’ effect that you unfortunately get with so many other cyclists’ backpacks.
The Nylon construction and roll-top also mean that you’ve a fairly water resistant product that’s absolutely enough for most conditions.
8. Elops Cycling Backpack Speed 520
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£70
-
$85
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€80
Prices are approximate
- Materials: TPU laminated and PU coated polyester fabric (100% Polyamide Lining 100% Polyamide Coating 100% Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
- Capacity: 25L
- Weight: N/A
- Size: N/A
Great price.
Reflective.
Simple.
The next on our list is the Elops Cycling Backpack Speed 520 from Decathlon. A simple yet efficient backpack made with cyclists’ needs in mind.
It’s waterproof for up to 60 L/sqm/h, which Decathlon describes as ‘heavy rain’.
Undoubtedly it’s most interesting features are on the outside. The ‘yellow sunflower’ is a great colour option for those looking for a backpack which isn’t black.
The colour, as well as the built-in reflective straps, also really help with visibility when it comes to riding on the road in the dark. Even we have to admit that safety probably comes before aesthetics here.
Whilst the material is a little ‘sticky’ for loss of a better term, there is a good amount of padding, support and ventilation on the straps and back to stop it from being too uncomfortable when you’re in the saddle.
It’s an affordable backpack which is waterproof, reasonably comfortable, and has a fair amount of storage versatility on the inside.
9. Camelbak Mule Commute 22
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£115
-
$140
-
€132
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Waterproof (materials not specified)
- Capacity: 22L
- Weight: Unknown
- Size: 43 x 29 x 23cm
Compact.
Command Center™ harness for organisation.
Roomy enough for daily essentials.
The Camelbak M.U.L.E.® Commute 22 Backpack boasts a plethora of characteristics and features that make it a standout choice for the modern commuter.
Whilst it’s only 22L, it’s deceptively big inside, and can easily store your daily essentials (and more!).
It’s got a seam-sealed construction, reinforced zipper and a waterproof fabric (not specified) which form an almost impenetrable shield against rain.
Not only is there water resistance on the outside, but the laptop sleeve is completely weatherproof, giving you peace of mind that should there be a leak, your most precious valuables will be safe.
It features a trademarked Air Support® back panel with body mapping technology, meaning that the warmest parts of your bag get the most attention when it comes to ventilation.
An excellent option for the commuter who wants to make certain that their laptop is safe and secure inside.
Best Waterproof Cycling Bag Brands
When it comes to the best waterproof cycling bag brands, it’s essential that you invest in something that’s going to last, after all, you don’t want any mishaps. There’s a number of reputable brands that have a reputation for quality and are setting the benchmark of a good backpack.
Rapha is an excellent choice when it comes to cycling goods generally. Their products are made by cyclists, for cyclists, and they always have intelligent features that are considerate of our specific needs. And, they also look great too!
Chrome Industries are a brand with deep roots in cycling. Operating for almost 30 years and specialising in products for bike messengers, they make rugged bags that can take some serious beatings on the bike. They’re always considerate of comfort, as the messengers their bags are designed for often have extended periods on two wheels.
Lastly, Osprey are another giant in the industry. Whilst they aren’t renown for their cycling goods per se, they are known for making backpacks and rucksacks that are intended for long term travel. Their bags have a diversity, a durability, and a performance which is practically unparalleled.
