BIKE BAGS: A ROUND-UP OF THE BEST BACKPACKS FOR RIDERS
There are few things more ubiquitous than a Herschel-donning guy on a bike. We get it, they’re roomy and simple, sturdy and stylish. But, there are other options out there and because you’re busy and important and probably on a deadline, we’ve rounded ‘em up for you. And not only that, we’ve told you why they’re so good. Feel free to use these descriptions word-for-word when someone asks about your new kit because you’re busy. And important. And probably on deadline.
Padded shoulders. Low-light visibility thanks to the subtle grey and black reflective design. Basically all the same dark hues you’re used to so no one says “you’ve changed, man” and to top it all off the big Y-3 logo at the top that says “I’m doing something different here. Respect it.”
Big enough to fit your macbook or a small Waycom and probably a Sainsbury’s Meal Deal.
(For bonus points: Y-3 is the marriage of Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas. He’s known for avant-garde aesthetics and they’re known for ‘impossible’ not being a thing anymore).
If no-one says “you’ve changed” with the Y-3, they might say it with the Gucci. But who cares, you just spent £1290 on a backpack – you can buy new friends. There’s pockets-galore on this beauty so you can fit the can of beans for lunch in one side and the box of lentils for dinner in the other. In the middle can go all your tools and probably a jumper for an English summer’s eve. Also, now everyone knows you can speak french and you care about wildlife which, side note, they don’t get from the picture of you and a chained up tiger from your Happn profile.
From work to weekend and then maybe a part of your kid’s inheritance.COACH is an enduring classic and this one is available in brown or black but make sure you treat it to protect it from the rain. This one is fitted out with multiple pockets suitable for multiple devices and is as rugged as sport calf leather allows (a lot). Then, when the workday is over – haul it out to Gatwick and it’ll fit into the overhead locker with everything you need on a weekend away. Unless that weekend away is to the snow and you plan on taking your Canada Goose with you.
If you’re the type to still have a pencil case, money’s on you liking this Briggs & Riley organisational dream. Clips and zips, pockets and a magnet sealing exterior. The dream. Streamlined and reminiscent of Mary Poppins’ bag of tricks, you’ll never be ferreting around for house keys or rogue Pret sandwiches ever again. The pen loops are made from top-grain leather and, wait for it, there’s a hidden RFID blocking security pocket on the back panel which means no digital pickpockets. There’s even a screen-protecting lining so tablets can go straight into the pockets. This bag was made for you and James Bond.
Not dissimilar to the COACH in style, Matt & Nat are the frontrunners in the vegan/ eco leather world. Even the lining is made from recycled materials which is gonna be right up your alley since you’re biking to work to save the environment right? Right. It features inside and outside pockets (both sealable and waterbottle friendly) and also adjustable straps for those who like to ride it low. Resistant to rain, cleanable with a damp cloth, and no need to treat it before use.
