People who rely on bicycles for daily errands can have a hard time finding backpacks that are suitable for holding groceries or running other errands. Often times panniers, or baskets, instead of backpacks are used for carrying objects across town, but they may not work for everyone.
If you happen to own a mountain bike, you may not want to adorn it with a basket. It’s also nice to have a backpack that can double for travel or a nice day hike.
Osprey Packs Radial 34 Daypack
Many cyclists also don’t want attachments on their bike and would prefer to throw a backpack on. This article is written for those people.
10 Best Bike Backpacks for Carrying Groceries (or running other errands)
| Rank | Image | Name | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | Osprey Packs Radial 34 Daypack | Check the price |
| 2 |  | Timbuk2 Tuck Pack | Check the price |
| 3 |  | Chrome Barrage Cargo Backpack | Check the price |
| 4 |  | Ortlieb Velocity Backpack | Check the price |
| 5 |  | Just Porter Streeter | Check the price |
| 6 |  | Timbuk2 Hitch Backpack | Check the price |
| 7 |  | Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack | Check the price |
| 8 |  | Hynes Eagle Flight Approved Carry on Backpack | Check the price |
| 9 |  | MAGMA MGA47350 Rolltop Backpack III | Check the price |
| 10 |  | Brooks England Pickwick Day Pack | Check the price |
Biking Backpacks for Groceries Reviews
Our table above is the best guide to choosing a pack, but if you’d like a few more details check out our “at a glance” reviews below.
#1 Osprey Packs Radial 34 Daypack
The Radial 34 by Osprey is a 34 liter bike specific backpack that will ensure a comfy ride.
The pack features a roomy main compartment that will easily fit some groceries. This pack was chosen to be put on this list for its comfort with a full load (which is very important when used for shopping).
It also features some nice extras such as a kickstand to keep it upright, and a helmet holder for when you are walking around the store. The bag even comes with a rain cover to keep everything dry when on grocery runs in poor weather.
#2 Timbuk2 Tuck Pack
The Tuck Pack is a spacious backpack that features a roll-top closing system.
Having a roll-top closing system allows for users to compress or create extra room in their bag depending on how much they roll it.
Timbuk2 made this pack with a “stuff it” mentality. Meaning that the bags main component is easy to stuff full of anything, making it perfect for groceries.
The wide mouth top makes it easy to take groceries in and out of. There is also side pockets to hold a lock and water bottle. This pack also features a reflective zipper and an attachment spot for a rear bike light. This is great for people who do their shopping during the evening. The Tuck Pack is also designed specifically for biking so is comfortable to ride with.
#3 Chrome Barrage Cargo Backpack
As a cargo backpack designed around cycling, the Barrage will carry your groceries with ease.
The Barrage by chrome features a roll-top closing system for its main compartment. Inside you can see that there is plenty of space for groceries and a strong main buckle makes sure the top will not unroll on you. The main compartment is also fully waterproof.
On the outside there is a net compression system that you can use to carry pretty much anything as long as it is big enough that it does not fall through the holes. This is great for a large grocery item that you do not want the place inside the pack. Chrome backs this pack with a lifetime warranty, so go ahead and put it through its paces.
#4 Ortlieb Velocity Backpack
The food supply in your place of residence is running low, but there is a terrible rainstorm going on. Put on your rain gear, grab your Velocity backpack and get on that bike.
The Velocity backpack by Ortlieb is a simple, yet effective, fully waterproof backpack.
Its large main compartment is similar to a dry bag and will fit quite a few groceries. There is a handle on the top which is nice to use when walking around the shops. The corners are fitted with protective material, as are the feet.
This is another backpack that is made to be comfortable when riding. The back panel makes use of robust foam that allows for great air circulation. Chest and waist straps are included to make sure the pack does not bounce around when you are on the back.
#5 Just Porter Streeter
The Streeter backpack by Just Porter is a mid-sized, boxy backpack that can fit an abundance of cargo.
On the outside you will find a quick access pocket which is perfect for storing your cell phone or wallet in. The main flap is held down via magnetic buckles making quick access to the main compartment an easy task. There is a large laptop pocket just underneath the flap which can be used for flat groceries such as wraps.
Inside the main compartment is a simple space that is designed to hold just about anything. Perhaps the best thing about Just Porter is they donate one bag full of school supplies to children in need every time a back pack is bought. So if you are looking to help people in need, and purchase a grocery carrier, the Streeter will allow you to do both.
#6 Timbuk2 Hitch Backpack
The Hitch backpack by Timbuk2 is a canvas duffel bag style backpack that allows you to carry loads large and small.
The pack is made of 300D Geo Poly Twill which is a soft utility waxed canvas that presents a weathered look.
The packs main compartment is large and designed to be stuffed full of a variety of objects, which is why it works perfectly for groceries. On the outside is a small zipped pocket for quick access to your phone, wallet, or keys. There is also a stealth zipped pocket on the side of the pack.
The Hitch backpack was built for cyclists and as a result features a vista loop for attaching bike lights. The pack is comfortable to ride with even when full. Reflected zippers are a nice finishing touch and makes you visible in low light conditions.
#7 Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack
Many of your groceries will end up being washed in the kitchen sink, so why not carry them in one?
The Kitchen Sink by Oakley is a massive backpack with an abundance of storage potential.
The large main compartment will hold a bunch of groceries without fail. The great thing about this pack is that you will still have room to carry plenty of other items at the same time. There is a pocket for your 17” laptop and a front organizer panel. A fleece sunglasses pocket will keep your lenses intact and the compression molded back panel is very comfortable.
There is even a shoe compartment at the bottom of the pack that can be used for storing groceries (if you have some that you are not worried about crushing).
#8 Hynes Eagle 40L Flight Approved Carry on Backpack
Sometimes you may feel like you need a suitcase to fit your groceries into. Well this pack gives that to you.
This 40L pack by Hynes Eagles is an extremely spacious suitcase style backpack. It looks and wears like a normal pack but opens via zippers just like a suitcase. This design allows for ample storage space, perfect for a trip to the grocery store.
The downside to this pack is that it is not specific to bikers, so it does not fit quite as well as many others on the list. However, the shoulder and chest straps do work very well when it comes to holding the pack in place. This pack is also water resistant which is always a nice addition for cyclists. It has been designed to work as carry-on luggage so it doubles as a great travel bag.
#9 MAGMA MGA47350 Rolltop Backpack III
Another roll-top backpack with a huge interior, this backpack will help you carry your groceries with little hindrance.
The Rolltop Backpack III by Magma is designed to carry DJ or mixing equipment which makes it a strange choice for this list. However, it deserves its place as much as any of the other bags do.
The pack has a well-padded backp anel which is comfortable when the pack is loaded with uneven items such as groceries. Its main compartment lacks dividers which makes it easy to put full grocery bags right inside. The roll-top close is water tight which can help prevent the bags holdings from going soggy. On the front there is two pockets that can hold more small food items or a wallet and phone etc.
Overall, this pack works great for a trip to the store.
#10 Brooks England Pickwick Day Pack
If class is what you are about, and a backpack is what you need, then take a look at the Pickwick day pack.
Brooks England hand makes the Pickwick pack in Italy where they put great care into making outstanding bike backpacks.
The Pickwick is not the biggest carrying option, but its simple interior compartment allows cyclists to stuff in at least a shopping bag worth of groceries.
This pack uses top-quality vegetable tanned leather for its straps. It is extremely comfortable to ride with, even when full. This pack looks luxurious but is rather simple in design. For cyclists who want a nice looking bike pack that can be used for groceries from time to time, this is a perfect choice.
The downside is the bags price considering its simplicity.
Final Thoughts
With the exception of the Brooks England Pickwick, you’ll notice most of the above packs are a little larger than your traditional commuting backpack.
Looking for something sporty? Go with the Osprey, Ortlieb, or Oakley.
Made specifically for bikers? Choose the Timbuk2, Chrome, or Just Porter.
For something a little more chic and different try the Hynes, MAGMA, or Brooks England.
Whichever one you choose, happy shopping!
I’ve used a Vaude bike Alpin 30+5 for many years to do my grocery shopping and recommend them. It has 2 sections in the main compartment so you can unzip the top section and have one big compartment or have two smaller compartments.