Whether you’re considering cycling to work, or just need a more practical way to carry your stuff to and from the office, the best commuter backpacks should have enough space to carry your daily essentials without added weight or bulk. Whether you need a women’s fit or one to fit your laptop, these commuter bags have you covered.
The Eagle Creek Wayfinder Collection features four different sizes of backpacks, two sizes of the convenient waist pack, and one crossbody bag—all designed to let you carry as much or as little as you like no matter where your commute takes you.
What to Look for When Choosing a Commuter Backpack
If you commute daily, your first priority should be comfort, so choose a pack with wide or padded harness straps that will spread the weight of your gear evenly across your shoulders. Look for a pack with a waist strap if you feel you need extra stability.
Remember to keep in mind what you’ll be carrying and choose the right size bag for your needs. You don’t need a 40L bag if all you plan to pack is one laptop and a water bottle. Prioritize your packing list and choose a bag with the optimum capacity.
If you’re a bike commuter, consider packs that have lash points so that you can tie it to your bike rather than carry it on your back. You’ll also benefit from expandable compartments and cinch straps so that you can easily transport your work clothes and a change of shoes (which should be protected in a shoe sac!).
If you run to work, don’t forget to ensure that the pack is made from weatherproof materials, has chest and waist straps for security, and that it has waterproof zippers or a cover that can be deployed in heavy rain.
Best Commuter Backpack with Laptop Pockets
The 40L and 30L Wayfinder Backpacks are ideal for tech-heavy train commuters who travel with more than one device. A hidden zipper on the back panel gives access to inner pockets, which can accommodate a power bank and phone, and there are also pass-through top clip cords on the shoulder strap into the laptop compartment to enable on-the-go charging.
Inside you’ll find a padded, 17” laptop compartment with an additional tablet sleeve protected by a Secure Zip Toggle and a Central Lock point that enables the user to secure the compartment without using a lock. The laptop compartment also features a water-resistant zipper for weather-proofing.
Best Women’s-Fit Commuter Backpack
If you’re looking for a versatile backpack designed specifically for women commuters, consider the Wayfinder’s women’s-fit range. All packs feature padded, ergonomically shaped shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap, a safety whistle, and a padded back panel.
Not only that, all three women’s fit sizes—20L, 30L, and 40L—have ample space for tech, a stash pocket for a wet jacket, and a fleece-lined pocket for glasses and/or a phone. They also boast lash points and TPU-coated gear loops that you can attach a bike light to if you bike to and from work in the dark.
If you’ve managed to negotiate more vacation time, these packs double as a fantastic carry-on bag.
Best Backpack for Bikers and Runners
Biking to the office and looking for a lightweight pack option? Consider a roomy crossbody bag; it has the same convenient compartments as the full size Wayfinder backpacks, but allows a personalized fit for optimum comfort during your bike commute. Featuring a stretch mesh water bottle pocket, top grab handle, and reflective hit on its bottom lash point for low-light visibility, it’s also made using bluesign® approved fabrics and recycled materials harvested from landfills (so you can feel good about your environmental footprint.
Have you taken up cycling or running to work in order to achieve a better work life balance? Consider the benefits of mixing business travel with vacation time and look at a bleisure break.
Whatever way you commute, ensuring you have the right pack will make your life a whole lot easier. What are you waiting for? Ditch the poorly-organized messenger bag and migrate to Wayfinder backpack or waist pack that best meets the needs of your daily commute.
Related Links (from Eagle Creek blog):
Put to the Test: 7 Situations That Call for a Migrate Duffel
Duffel or Suitcase: Which is Best for Your Next Trip?
Organization Hacks: Use Eagle Creek Gear To Get Your Life In Order
