Transporting a laptop computer is without doubt one of the greatest challenges for commuting cyclists. Conserving your laptop computer dry, safe and shielded from bumps and scrapes isn’t simple. Worse nonetheless, a laptop computer might be the costliest merchandise that you simply’ll carry, so the stakes are excessive.
Weight is one other problem. Not all people owns and even desires one of many thinner, streamlined laptops and if you have already got a whole lot of workplace provides to hold including a cumbersome pc will be the ultimate straw. It’s sufficient to make some individuals abandon the thought of biking to work altogether. Happily, there are these days extra choices than ever for safely and comfortably transporting your laptop computer.
Be part of us as we break down the choices.
How Can I Carry My Laptop computer on a Bike?
A safe laptop computer bike bag is the best choice for transporting your laptop computer to and from work. Lengthy gone are the times when cyclists have been compelled to place up with normal rucksacks: now you can discover loads of baggage designed particularly to carry laptops securely and comfortably.
With so many decisions, it’s essential to contemplate a number of issues before you purchase a bag. Water and weatherproofing is crucial side. Search for materials that’s absolutely waterproof to guard your tech – the very last thing you need is moisture getting in.
Light-weight baggage reduce down on extreme weight however make certain that there’s ample padding to guard in opposition to bumps. Many baggage additionally include reflective detailing to maintain you secure at night time, and in the course of the darker winter months.
Varieties of Bicycle Laptop computer Baggage
Let’s break down the preferred forms of laptop computer baggage out there.
Biking Laptop computer Backpacks
Biking laptop computer backpacks are the closest to a standard rucksack. They’re worn on the again and are extraordinarily spacious. They arrive in all shapes, sizes and costs, starting from price range choices to way more costly choices. The fabric additionally differs, so search for one thing absolutely waterproof.
The massive benefit of backpacks is area. In addition to an enormous important compartment on your laptop computer (and loads of different objects like stationary, papers and a lunch field) you’ll get a variety of smaller inner compartments and exterior pockets. The latter is beneficial for storing water bottles and snacks on the street. Many backpacks additionally include reflective detailing and a few are extraordinarily fashionable.
The primary draw back of all this area is bulkiness. Backpacks will be heavy and a few cyclists don’t like carrying one thing so weighty on their backs. Regardless of all of the pockets, arranging your objects will also be tougher and it isn’t as simple to dip out and in of a backpack as it’s with a messenger bag.
Laptop computer Messenger Baggage
A slim-lined and considerably lighter various to the basic backpack, messenger baggage are worn to the aspect. They provide a snugger match on your laptop computer so it received’t transfer round as a lot and their light-weight really feel makes them a superb alternative for longer commutes.
Whether or not you like the load of your laptop computer in your again or on the aspect is in the end a matter of style, though some cyclists really feel that messenger baggage have an effect on stability. Nonetheless, they’ve a way more skilled look than a rucksack and maintain your laptop computer in a single, inner pocket. Some have smaller exterior pockets however their slimmed-down design often means much less storage than a rucksack.
Messenger baggage are usually extra fashionable than their ruggedly-designed, rucksack counterparts they usually transition simply from street to workplace. They will also be carried by hand in addition to slung over the shoulder (most characteristic carry handles) however beware: since messenger baggage supply a snugger match, make sure you get a dimension that matches your laptop computer precisely!
Laptop computer Pannier Baggage
Pannier baggage mount on the edges of a motorbike, on the entrance or the again. Their important profit is that they shift the load from you and onto the bike – you received’t have to hold your laptop computer in your again or slung throughout a shoulder. That makes for a extra comfy journey.
These baggage are helpful for commuters who discover that carrying a rucksack makes them sweat or that the extra weight of a messenger bag impacts their stability. Most panniers are absolutely waterproof and are simple to connect and detach. They’re improbable in case you have an extended commute to work and actually take the pressure off your physique.
Downsides embrace weight imbalances and price (panniers are typically one of many dearer choices, particularly if you’d like a extremely high-quality one). Quantity will also be an issue. Panniers usually aren’t as spacious as rucksacks so that you received’t have the ability to retailer as many different objects along with your laptop computer.
Laptop computer body and handlebar baggage are additionally out there, however these are considerably more durable to search out and will be tougher to suit in your bike.
Greatest Biking Laptop computer Backpacks
Relating to laptop computer backpacks, dimension and weight are every thing. Search for a mixture of inner and exterior pockets, in addition to ergonomic straps that distribute weight throughout your again. Waterproofing is, after all, important.
1. Rapha Reflective Journey Backpack
Quantity: 25 L
Measurement: 25 x 42 x 17 cm cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 13″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 160
- 🇺🇸 $ 195
- 🇪🇺 € 195
✅ Easy and trendy
✅ Reflective detailing
✅ Absolutely waterproof
With its subtle stylings and absolutely waterproof, exterior coating, the Rapha bag has all bases coated. Its beneficiant 25 L capability and 13 inch laptop computer sleeve give ample cupboard space and imply that you simply’ll have the ability to carry way more than simply your pc. You additionally get a zipped pocket on the aspect for smaller objects like keys and a specifically moulded again panel designed to advertise airflow.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Waterproof coating | On the costly aspect |
| Comfy again panel | Gained’t maintain larger laptops |
| Fast entry pockets | Could possibly be extra seen at night time |
2. Chrome Barrage Night time Cargo Backpack
Quantity: 20 L
Measurement: 50 x 30 x 43 cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 10″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 210
- 🇺🇸 $ 260
- 🇪🇺 € 260
✅ Excessive night time time visibility
✅ Welded shell for waterproofing
✅ Weight distribution straps
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a heavy obligation bag able to enduring even the worst street situations, then the Night time Cargo is for you. Its welded shell is completely impervious to water and even options an extra, waterproof lining. Visibility can also be second to none. The bag retains its understated appears to be like within the daytime however lights up with excessive reflectivity as quickly as night time falls.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Extraordinarily sturdy | Fairly costly |
| Safe roll prime | Chunky |
| Very excessive visibility | More durable merchandise accessibility |
3. Mission Workshop Rhake Laptop computer Backpack
Quantity: 22 L
Measurement: 53 x 55 x 13 cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 13″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 565
- 🇺🇸 $ 700
- 🇪🇺 € 700
✅ Huge quantities of area
✅ Straightforward merchandise sorting
✅ Comfy and ventilated
Sure, it’s the costliest backpack on the checklist however it is a prime quality bag that greater than justifies the price. That includes a padded laptop computer compartment, iPad sleeve, two exterior pockets and a mesh compartment, you actually received’t be in need of area: this bag feels a lot larger than its 22 litre quantity. It’s (after all) absolutely waterproof and options exterior straps for coats and many others.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| High quality | Extraordinarily costly |
| A great deal of areas | Restricted color choices |
| Plenty of compartments | No reflective strips |
Greatest Laptop computer Messenger Baggage
Messenger baggage supply a a lot snugger match for laptops, so make sure you double verify the scale and be certain that your pc will match. Elsewhere, search for safe seals across the prime of the bag, waterproof materials and some inner pockets to make merchandise sorting simpler.
1. Chrome Industries Citizen Night time Messenger Bag
Quantity: 24 L
Measurement: 33 x 55 x 18 cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 15″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 189
- 🇺🇸 $ 230
- 🇪🇺 € 230
✅ Large inner quantity
✅ Plenty of reflective detailing
✅ Suits most laptops
One of many complaints generally levelled at messenger baggage is their restricted storage – not so right here! The Citizen boasts a powerful 24 litre capability, which makes it larger than some backpacks. There are many pockets and compartments too, and a quick-release buckle makes it tremendous simple to entry your objects. Reflective strips are prime notch and the laptop computer sleeve is absolutely padded.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Spacious inside | Considerably cumbersome |
| Additional secure at night time | Drab design |
| Nice inner sorting | No carry deal with |
2. Timbuk2 Traditional Messenger Bag
Quantity: 14 L
Measurement: 38 x 27.5 x 13 cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 13″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 72
- 🇺🇸 $ 89
- 🇪🇺 € 89
✅ Economically priced
✅ Vary of classy colors
✅ Good inner organisation
One of many extra price range pleasant choices on the checklist, the Timbuk2 doesn’t compromise on high quality the place it issues. The waterproof coating is absolutely weatherproof and will be cleaned, making upkeep a easy enterprise. The buckle is fast alter and straightforward to change on the transfer, whereas the a number of inner pockets are cleverly organized to distribute weight. The result’s a snug, safe and trendy bag.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Light-weight and compact | Not the largest |
| Weight stabilisation | Solely matches laptops as much as 13″ |
| Wonderful waterproofing | No reflective detailing |
3. Mission Workshop Monty Messenger Bag
Quantity: 21 L
Measurement: 40 x 25 x 12.5 cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 15″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 220
- 🇺🇸 $ 270
- 🇪🇺 € 270
✅ Beneficiant quantity
✅ Cross-chest stabiliser
✅ Waterproof mesh
Customisation is vital right here. Relying on climate situations you should utilize the bag as a roll prime or conventional fold down – there’s even an elective cross-chest stabiliser that smoothens out trip high quality and helps with stability. Two laptop computer compartments (one for a 13 inch laptop computer, the opposite for as much as 15 inches) offer you loads of area and there’s additionally a zippered pocket on the entrance.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Two laptop computer compartments | No reflective particulars |
| Two waterproof layers | Fairly costly |
| Steady trip | No easy accessibility exterior pockets |
Greatest Laptop computer Pannier Baggage
Pannier baggage free you from the yolk of carrying a laptop computer in your again/over your shoulder they usually’re usually favoured for longer commutes. Search for well-made panniers with safe attachments, good waterproofing (to repel splash again from the street) and stabilisation know-how.
1. Ortlieb Pannier Workplace-Bag Excessive-Visibility
Quantity: 21 L
Measurement: 40 x 30 x 17 cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 15″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 165
- 🇺🇸 $ 200
- 🇪🇺 € 200
✅ Extremely reflective
✅ Carry deal with
✅ Fast lock mounting
Ortlieb specialises in street security and their extremely reflective pannier isn’t any exception. The entire bag lights up, guaranteeing that you simply received’t be missed in even the worst climate situations. Elsewhere, you’ll additionally discover glorious waterproofing credentials, fast lock mounting and a carry deal with that transforms the pannier into extra of a briefcase. It’s not essentially the most spectacular bag on the checklist but it surely’s rugged and as much as any trip.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Secure in low gentle | Not the largest |
| Plenty of compartments | Solely out there in a single color |
| Absolutely waterproof | Pretty primary |
2. Goodordering Laptop computer Backpack Pannier Bag
Quantity: 28.8 L
Measurement: 36 x 32 x 14 cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 15″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 75
- 🇺🇸 $ 90
- 🇪🇺 € 90
✅ Funds worth
✅ Enjoyable and quirky design
✅ Doubles as backpack
The 2 most notable features of this bag are that it’s completely large and relatively low cost in opposition to the opposite choices right here. Admittedly, that vast 28.8 litre quantity shrinks to a extra modest 19.5 when rolled up, however the bag is extraordinarily versatile. It may be a pannier, a roll prime or easy buckle fastening backpack. For the significantly intrepid, it’s additionally engineered to suit inside a airplane as hand baggage.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Properly priced | Fairly giant (so cumbersome) |
| Safe roll-top | Not the lightest |
| Versatile | Design received’t enchantment to everybody |
3. Ortlieb Twin-Metropolis Pannier Messenger Bag
Quantity: 9 L
Measurement: 39 x 30 x 12 cm
Suits Laptops Upto: 13″
Worth (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £ 75
- 🇺🇸 $ 90
- 🇪🇺 € 90
✅ Light-weight, compact and trendy
✅ Twin function shoulder bag
✅ Worth for cash
The Twin-Metropolis matches rather a lot into its compact bundle. It’s twin function and can be utilized as a messenger bag with a number of easy readjustments. The QL2.1 mounting system means fast and straightforward mounting and the shoulder strap is properly padded for if you wish to carry the bag. There’s reflective detailing throughout and the material is waterproof (aside from on the outside pocket).
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Funds worth | Fairly small |
| Light-weight and compact | Outdoors pocket not waterproof |
| Works as a shoulder bag | No roll prime |
David Jones is a author, poet and content material creator adopted by over 280,000 readers on his writing Instagram account. A lover of the outside, he’s a eager bicycle owner across the Liverpool space. He additionally likes to journey additional afield and hopes to see as a lot of the world as attainable from the seat of a bicycle!
