Commuting Accessories

10 Waterproof Commuter Cycling Bags

Keep your laptop dry on the way into work when it's pouring

If you’re not a fair-weather cyclist and are continuing to cycle to work through the winter, you will need appropriate gear. One item that we listed in our essential commuter accessories kit list for this season was a waterproof back-pack.

Commuting to Work Makes You Feel More Lively

The electronic devices that we trust our whole lives unto require protection from the wet weather that we are so accustomed to in this country. Not to mention our clothes for the office and any other belongings that you don’t want to flood on your way to and from work.

Five of the Best High Vis Backpacks for Commuting

We’ve had a look around at what brands are offering to the wind, rain or shine commuter this season and have put together a list of 10 recommendable bags for a dry result.

DHB Waterproof Rucksack -£49.99

Waterproof options tend to be relatively pricey but DHB always come up with great products for a more modest budget. This rucksack is entirely waterproof to withstand even the toughest of commutes and keep your daily essentials safe in all weather conditions. The design also translates to being off the bike too.

Rapha Rucksack – £180

This Rapha rucksack is a smart option, perfect for work and with plenty of storage capacity for your daily commute. It also has padding and waist straps to make you more comfortable on the bike.It’s made from Rapha’s signature fabric which is water resistant for a light shower and, should the heavens really open, you can whip out the high vis pink rain cover that fits neatly over the bag and tucks away into a subtle pocket when the sky clears. There’s also a special compartment for your laptop.

The Chrome Bravo – £130

Chrome make some excellent commuter bags and the Bravo is one of the most versatile backpacks designed with a padded laptop sleeve and a waterproof main compartment. There’s also a nylon gusset that extends out should you have more to carry than usual.

Altura Vortex 25 Waterproof Backpack – £80.99

Altura’s Vortex backpack is fully waterproof and has space for a 13″ laptop with its padded sleeve. It also has neon yellow straps for to make you more visible on gloomy days.

Ortlieb Track Rucksack – £111

This Ortlieb Track 27 Litre Rucksack will swallow up lots of gear for extended tours. The backpack is waterproof with roll closure and is made of tear and abrasion resistant nylon fabric to stand up to the toughest of outdoor conditions over any terrain.

Fjallraven Waterproof Packbag – £15

We’ve included these these waterproof packbags as an alternative – should you not want to spend too much money on waterproof a bag, but want protection if it rains. Made from a durable, waterproof nylon with PU coating and taped seams, you simply pop your clothes and equipment inside these bags, and then place them inside your normal pack. They have an easy roll top closure that shuts with a very durable metal hook.

Fjallraven Skule 20 – £75

Fjallraven make bags that can withstand the Scandinavian winters and therefore designs like the Skule are durable, strong day creations. The Skule has a padded compartment on the inside for a 13-inch laptop, and several pockets and compartments, including a safety pocket, to keep the contents organised. This one even has a safety whistle! It has a waterproof base and zips to keep your stuff dry and there is also an added rain cover for really heavy showers.

Proviz Rucksack Reflect 360 – £69.99

The ProViz Rucksack Reflect 360 is a great option for high visibility on dark mornings and evenings. The reflective material covers the back and also most of the shoulder straps making you as clear as possible for pedestrians or vehicles on coming or approaching you from behind. It is fully waterproof for wet days and has other perks like gear loops and mesh pockets.

Ortlieb Velocity Back Pack – £67.49

To carry office essentials and a change of kit when you get there – the Ortlieb Velocity Back Pack is a comfortable reliably waterproof rucksack. With a removable inner pocket and waist straps to support your shoulders, it’s also got a reflective panel so you’ll be seen by motorists.

Hump Rucksack cover – £17.99

If you don’t want to spend a fortune and would rather just adapt your own rucksack, the Original Hump keeps your backpack contents dry and ensures you’re seen by passing motorists. It packs small and as tapered seems to you can just whip it out and pop it onto your bag.

A good backpack is just one commuter essential – check out our guide on autumn must have’s for more tips on what you need for happy October miles.