Commuting to work by bike? Eight backpacks that are ideal for cycling in all conditions

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If you're thinking about commuting to work by bike, be mindful that a simple backpack can hugely affect the experience.

As you can't wear sweaty cycling clothes all day, your pack will need to be large enough for a change of clothes and you may also want room for your lunch, a laptop and a bike lock.

But you also need to look for bags that are ergonomically shaped, sweat-wicking and waterproof so you can stay dry and comfortable in all cycling conditions.

From high-visibility and fun fluorescent bags to discreet and chic black daypacks, here are eight of the best.

Oakley Enduro 25 Liter 2.0, from $53

If you're looking for a hard-wearing and long-lasting backpack at an affordable price, the Oakley Enduro range takes some beating.

Made with durable materials, the bags help protect your cargo and keep you organized. There are compartments for your laptop, shades and other essentials so you can easily locate what you need when you reach your destination.

Oakley is a brand synonymous with helping athletes to keep their focus in action sports and the padded straps of this backpack will keep you comfortable so you can concentrate on your ride.

CLICK TO BUY AT OAKLEY

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Ortlieb Velocity 2020 23 Liter Daypack, $140

There's no need to choose space over style with the Ortlieb Velocity Daypack and it features a unique courier-bag shape.

Available in several cool colors from attention-grabbing yellow to fashion-forward coral and olive, you'll get noticed on your ride and in the office. It's not the cheapest option, but Ortlieb promise it will last a lifetime and customers are able to ask Ortlieb for new Velcro pad refits for free should they wear out.

It's packed with useful features, from a padded laptop sleeve to a large zippered inner pocket, as well as impeccable waterproof performance and rear padding for comfort.

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Eelo Cyglo For Full Visibility, $69

For cyclists concerned about standing out on busy roads, the Eelo Cyglo backpack ensures maximum visibility in all conditions. The LED screen allows you not only to be seen but to communicate with drivers.

You can share with other road users that you'll be turning left, turning right, and if there's a hazard coming up. This is done by a remote control that clips seamlessly onto the handle bars.

Light and waterproof, it will fold down to the size of an iPad mini when not in use.

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Proviz Sports Reflect 360 Backpack, $99.99

The Reflect360 cycling backpack looks and feels great while keeping inclement weather out and protecting the contents.

Designed using a reflective outer-shell, it's a modest gray color by day but transforms into a bright shiny silver at night when caught by headlights or another external light. The material is highly water-resistant and has storm zips for extra protection.

You're able to fit it close to the body so it feels stable and it has an integrated BES Beetle ventilation system to ensure good airflow between the cyclist's back and the backpack.

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Someone Somewhere Lightpack, $55  

The Lightpack from Someone Somewhere stands out from other other backpacks not only because it's durable super-lightweight (the brand says it's 40 per cent lighter than the average bag), but it rolls away to practically nothing. In fact, when rolled up and secured with its elastics, the Lightpack takes up less space than a Chipotle burrito. 

Someone Somewhere works directly with local artisans across five of Mexico's poorest states, who produce the bags using the traditional pedal loom. This threads material tighter than any industrial machine, creating a highly durable material that will help withstand the elements on your commute.

The brand says it aims not only to increase the income and ensure fair wages for the artisans it works with, but also to preserve culture by incorporating their techniques, tools, and designs into the products and encouraging new generations to continue the tradition

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Banjo Brothers White Metro Backpack, $49.99

If you're likely to be cycling in the rain, you'll be pleased that this is made from vinyl tarpaulin material with an extra liner that gives it excellent water resistance.

Twelve interior and exterior pockets and a padded laptop sleeve keep you organized without adding too much bulk. Available in white, red or black, the backpack is wide and thin rather than round and bulky, which is great for style-conscious riders.

You'll also feel confident in low light with front and rear reflective tape and a webbing tab for a safety light.

CLICK TO BUY AT BANJO BROTHERS

Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe Backpack, $139

This commuter backpack stands out thanks to its great organization with multiple compartments.

Suitable for both men and women, the classic black design is stylish enough to wear with a business suit but you'll feel comfortable when riding thanks to the mesh padding that will keep you cool on the commute.

It has separate pockets for everything you need including a laptop, notebook and water bottle but compression straps allow the shape to become more compact when you don't have much to carry.

CLICK TO BUY AT NORDSTROM

Tumi Finch Backpack, $450 

With a minimalist design and made from highly durable Ballistic Nylon fabric, this bag will remain a constant throughout all fashion trends. 

A waterproof cover is contained inside the bottom pocket to protect the bag on rainy days and there are padded adjustable shoulder straps to protect your back.

An earphones pocket on the back strap and a separate laptop sleeve make this backpack ideal for modern commuters.

CLICK TO BUY AT TUMI

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