The world would be a better place if we all rode our bikes to work. We’d have less traffic, less CO2, and fewer love handles. To get started, you’ll need the right gear, including, most important, a bag: something that carries well, holds everything you need, puts up with the elements, and looks good at the office. Here are ten of our favorites.
Showers Pass Transit ($265)
for the fully committed: those of you who want to ride every day, rain or shine. Features include a waterproof ballistic nylon build, a U-lock pocket, integrated blinking red lights, plus dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves.
Brooks England Pickwick ($212)
Brooks, long known for its beautiful saddles, kept simple but elegant, with a water-resistant waxed-cotton outer, a rolltop closure, plain webbed shoulder straps, and one hidden side pocket.
Chrome Kadet ($80)
You’re the person who packs light—no laptop, camera, and gym clothes. You need something like , which is just big enough for the essentials: lunch, windbreaker, and tool kit.
Just Porter Streeter ($170)
If you can’t stand looking at a 13-inch laptop screen and instead want to haul your 17-inch behemoth, buy , which gobbles that bigger computer plus other electronics like your tablet and phone. A tough, waterproof tarpaulin outer keeps everything safe.
Dakine Network II (Starting at $80)
Organization rules here. You get dedicated sleeves for your computer and tablet, plus a pocket for your headphones and a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses.
Co.Alition Colfax ($550)
The Colfax, from , is a 25-liter backpack with an integrated power supply that charges anything with a USB port. You can also add a wireless hard drive that talks to your phone, tablet, and computer.
Patagonia Black Hole Messenger ($130)
Like all of , the is made from a tough-as-nails ripstop nylon that shrugs off abuse and comes with a DWR coating. Inside, there’s everything you need: a laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets, and a key keeper.
Henty Wingman Suit Bag ($190)
If you have a fancy job that demands a suit, the has you covered. Slip your three-piece into the suit bag, roll that bag around the inner garment bag, and throw the whole thing over your shoulder like a messenger. There’s also a sleeve for your laptop.
Osprey Radial 26 (Starting at $170)
looks like your standard daypack but comes with an easy-to-use helmet carrier, U-lock pocket, and dedicated blinky attachment spot.
Timbuk2 Stark Messenger ($160)
This bag looks more professional than (which we still love) and adds nice touches like magnetic pocket closures (easy to open with one hand) and subtle reflective panels.