Cycling Backpacks

What is the difference between a cycling backpack and a regular backpack?

Cycling backpacks are designed with the needs of cyclists in mind, focusing on volume and (user) comfort. 

For instance, a cycling backpack is designed to fit extra snug to the body and it features padding in the back and shoulder straps with excellent breathability. Not only does this make wearing the backpack more comfortable, it helps efficiently get rid of moisture. 

The straps keep the backpack in place, often aided by a chest strap or hip strap, so it does not shift or get in your way. The backpack is designed to evenly distribute the weight of the backpack.

Hydration can also be an important feature. The design of a cycling backpack often includes a section to put your water bottle, water reservoir or hydration bladder. Speaking of water: you can also select a cycling backpack based on water resistance. 

 

The pros and cons of cycling backpacks

Pros
Comfort: Breathability, adjustable shoulder straps, pockets, and so on.	Varied design: There is a wide choice in colors, materials and brands, including cycling backpacks with extra bright colors and reflective elements.
Hydration: A convenient way to get a quick drink while cycling, often without having to dismount.	No added weight: Most cycling backpacks have excellent weight distribution, so you will barely notice that you’re carrying the extra weight.
Water-resistance: With a waterproof backpack, there is no need to worry about a shower (or two).	Heat: Cycling backpacks made of the right materials have excellent breathability, to prevent heat build-up.

    










 

What cycling backpack models are there?

Bike bag and backpack in one

This breathable, sturdy backpack is essentially a removable pannier backpack. It has hooks for mounting on the bicycle carrier that are easy to fold away. Perfect for students, commuters and sportive cyclists.
 

Trekking / bikepacking backpack

A bike backpack mainly used for longer cycling trips, when comfort is especially important. With padded back and shoulders, and ventilation. Water repellent and available in various sizes.
 

MTB backpacks

Backpacks for mountain bikers are usually highly water-repellent. They have a sporty design to compliment your cycling outfit, and they offer enough storage space for a day trip, divided over several pockets.
 

Road bike backpacks

Like mountain bike backpacks, road bike backpacks feature a well thought-out design in terms of comfort and storage space division. These packs are a little smaller though, to ensure that your backpack does not slow you down while you’re trying to reach the fastest speeds.
 

Hydration backpacks

These backpacks are made for sporty cyclists (mountain bikers, road bikers) looking for practical and quick ways to replenish and maintain their hydration levels on the road. Available in various (lightweight) sizes and models.
 

Backpack models for men and women

When you’re shopping for a cycling backpack, make sure to look at the fit as well as everything else. A number of cycling backpacks by brands including Basil, Deuter, Camelbak and Thule is designed specifically to fit the female body. Cycling backpacks for women are usually narrower and more compact than “regular” backpacks, and feature specially designed hip and shoulder straps.

When you’re shopping for a cycling backpack, always make sure it fits snug to your body. After all, cycling backpacks are designed to fit close to the body, in order to resist vibrations and avoid sudden shifting in sharp corners. It is mainly important to keep your torso length and hip width in mind when looking for the right backpack. 
 

The most popular cycling backpack brands

The most popular cycling backpacks tend to come from the pricier A-brands. Experience has taught us that these brands tend to produce better and more durable backpacks that are absolutely worth the investment.

•    Camelbak: A worldwide phenomenon for hydration on the road. Camelbak hydration packs have super handy features. For instance, the latest models feature a special Air Support™ back panel with Body Mapping Technology, for extra breathability.

•    Thule: Another brand that manufactures cycling backpacks and hydration packs is Thule. Their hydration packs feature a magnetic ReTrakt hands-free return hose. After taking a sip, all you have to do is let go of the hose and it will automatically slide back into place.

•    Evoc: Famous for producing excellent cycling wear and bicycle bags, Evoc also manufactures various cycling backpack models. Its hydration packs are equal to their Camelbak counterparts. Sturdy, comfortable and with enough space to hold your water supply and other things.

Other popular cycling backpack brands include XLC and Ortlieb.
 

What to look for when choosing the best cycling backpack

There is a cycling backpack out there for everyone. These are the most important factors when choosing your cycling backpack:

Budget
What is the maximum amount you’re willing to spend? Deciding on a budget can help reduce a sometimes frankly overwhelming number of options. This can also keep you from making a spontaneous purchase that is more expensive than strictly necessary.

Capacity
What size cycling backpack do you need: small, medium or large? Larger models are great for a day trip, with enough space for food, a few tools, your phone and wallet, a change of clothes and your sunscreen.

Comfort
A cycling backpack adds weight and can quickly start feeling hot or uncomfortable when you’re cycling. Unless you have a backpack with padding on the back and shoulders, and a ventilated back panel, of course.

Hydration
Are you looking for a hydration pack or a regular cycling backpack? If drinking plenty of fluids on the road is important to you, make sure to find a backpack suitable for this.

Water-resistant or water-repellent
What suits your needs better, a water-resistant pannier that protects your things during a light drizzle, or a water-repellent bike bag that can handle prolonged stormy weather? A water-repellent bag is a little pricier (but worth the investment!) and made of heavier materials.
 

Hollandbikeshop: the widest range of cycling backpacks

At Hollandbikeshop, you will find an extensive range of cycling backpacks perfect for commuting, road biking, mountain biking, trekking, day trips and cycling holidays. In addition, we have many other models for you in different designs, shapes and sizes. 

Are you bringing a lot of stuff with you or just the bare necessities? We offer a wide choice in top brands like Camelbak, Evoc, Basil and Ortlieb. Hollandbikeshop.com is the number 1 bike shop for all your bike bag needs. We have the largest range of bicycle parts (over 100,000) available from stock.