Rated 5 out of
5
by
Liam Chau from
Every rider should have one...
Spent a while looking for a suitable, low-profile backpack that wouldn't interfere with training, not be a distraction when putting in an effort, and not bulky enough to cause any noticeable drag. This does the trick in a bunch of ways, but is also far from perfect.
First things first,
Size; it's not big. Take that as you will. It helps for being an 'invisible' pack whilst riding, but it also doesn't hold much gear. You can fit a 13 inch laptop without much fuss, but if you add shoes...that's about it. I often carry my laptop and a some small clothing items. Where I've found it most useful is in taking warmer riding items for the ride home after work, where the temperature is hugely varied from dawn through to dusk. i.e I'm wearing warmers, a gilet, and long fingered gloves on the to work and then short items on the way home, without cramming my jersey pockets full of garments. Win. The pocket on the strap is somewhat useless for anything other than keys or maybe a gel/bar or 2. The internal pocket is entirely useless for anything other than a bank card, which brings me to...
Comfort; Good wide straps, with padding, plenty of retention and adjustment, so finding a good, comfy fit isn't difficult, and getting the bag secure is also a breeze. The issue is in the back of the bag where it meets your back... quite important. The little pocket inside of the bag if used for anything other than a completely flat/pliable item, WILL be felt whilst riding. There is very little padding to speak of on the bag, which means you have to be mindful when packing, either where things go, or in what order, to minimise their noticeability when on the bike.
There isn't an air channel or 'lift' from your back, which means no ventilation. Same for the straps too, no ventilation. Basically, you will sweat. A lot. That is all.
Quality; It's good, not great. It isn't a Chrome bag, or a Mission Workshop bag, but then, it costs a lot less than both of those and is uniquely placed in the market for it's size and application. I haven't tried it in the rain, but based on how it's constructed/feels. I wouldn't feel confident that my laptop would survive the trip. Potentially an incorrect assumption, but not worth risking my device to be proved wrong. Other than that, it feels as though it will last a while with regular use.
Summary; Despite it not being a perfect bag (if there is such a thing) the practical application, comfort and ease of use make it a perfectly good item for a general daily carry, commuting or training companion. It does a good job of almost not being there when you're riding, and holds enough of the essentials to be highly useful and easy to recommend.
Date published: 2022-10-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Daryll from
Great commuter backpack
Great commuter backpack…sits high and tight on your back…spacious enough for spare clothing bar shoes…
Date published: 2022-10-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Davies 72 from
Perfect commuter bag
As a daily commuter this bag is all you will need. Been using a bar bag for a few years, but a bit of a faff to unmount and fit. Happened to spot this bag on the website, a bit pricey but a good investment. Fits all my day items with room to spare, and you hardly notice that it's fitted to your back once your cycling. A few compliments from work colleagues as to the quality. Buy..
Date published: 2020-11-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Larnz from
Perfect riding backpack
This backpack is an essential commuter companion. Perfect size, extremely comfortable, lightweight and functional.
Date published: 2020-04-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Amazing for daily commute
This bag is designed for a light commute. If you’re looking to put your laptop, lunch container and clothes. I’ll recommend another type of bag. In general the bag is confortable and light. I commute 2hrs round trip 3 or 4 times per week.
Date published: 2021-05-03
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Gazhump from
Great bag just wish it was a little bigger.
Wore this bag a few time on my commute of 18 miles each way. What a great bag this is. Very comfortable and you hardly notice that you are wearing it. I just wish that it was a little bigger to fit more clothing in. I feel the zip compartment is in the wrong place for keys as you’d really feel them against your back if the bag is full.
It is figure hugging and the shoulder straps are very comfortable. When worn you can still access your jersey back pockets with ease, or wear a Rapha hip bag underneath it.
It’s a bag that might not look like there is much to it (and you’d be right) however its performance is top notch. If you are after a small bag for commuting then you really should invest in this one.
Date published: 2023-06-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
carl0049 from
Really comfortable.
Bought this for my comute to work. Could not have wished for a better product.
Light, compact and really comfortable.
Date published: 2020-04-25
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Markle from
Great for Commuting
Compact, waterproof and comfortable to wear. Also doesn’t interfere with your heart monitor.
Date published: 2020-10-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ivelemyselfdown from
Functional, stable rucksack, surprisingly roomy
Excellent commuter-sized rucksack, stable when riding and fits in more than you think.
Following the rule of buying smaller rucksacks than you think you need (as you always fill them), I went for this one for the daily commute.
Simple design which works well.
- Chest straps hold the bag tight and avoid a waist strap to dig into you.
- Surprisingly waterproof, ridden in downpours and bag contents remained dry.
- Big reflective panel at the bottom is also thicker to withstand road spray and general extra wear as you put the bag down once you take it off.
- Strap pocket is handy and I can easily fit in work pass & lanyard, keys and earphone case.
- In terms of bag volume, I can pack the following without stretching the fabric or zips: old 13” work HP laptop (definitely not a thin model); work shirt, socks and pants; mini pump; A5 hardback notebook; lunchbox and fruit; accessories bag (usb cable, another earphone case, pencil case, more work passes). I can also squeeze in a gilet or arm warmers if needed
- I use jersey pockets for phone and small tool bag
- Rucksack sits high up which is positioned above jersey pockets but not so high that it hits the back of your helmet
The only downside is a useless internal pocket that sits between your back and the laptop. Put anything more than an envelope within and it digs into your spine. Perhaps useful if you don’t need to carry a rucksack but remains unused for me.
Overall though, very pleased.
Date published: 2023-07-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Nick56 from
Perfect size
Always thought there was a place for a compact aero bag for roadies and this bag is spot on!
Date published: 2020-04-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
AzharAzhar from
Excellent bag - best one I’ve had
Comfortable, lightweight and very well made. The bag sits well on th e back and doesn’t cause any drag when you’re on the drops. Really glad I bought one.
Date published: 2022-08-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ollie69 from
great fit
Greatt fit perfect size and hardly feels like youve got anything on your shoulders
Date published: 2020-04-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Risa from
Commuter Pack for 13" Laptop and Kit
Yes, you can ride to work with your laptop and still reach your pockets!
Date published: 2021-05-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mirek from
Pro Team Lightweight Backpack
Very light and practical backpack for road riding.
Date published: 2022-09-16
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Snyggve from
For lightweight comutes
On the small side, a regular size computer will maybe fit but most likely not. Bigger size phones will not fit in the strap pocket. Would have been great with a pocket inside the main compartment (for phone and/or pump/hose/tools).
Great body fit! Sits high up on the back without interference from the helmet. Quality is up there with the rest of the Rapha lines.
Date published: 2020-10-25
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Pablo b from
Excellent bit kit. Lite small very well balanced.
At first I was a little apprentice about the price tag! but it’s the best little backpack I’ve had small well balanced. I can fit my lunch in change for work but no shoes. Not problem as I leave them in work.. would definitely buy again too marks rapha. The only thing I would alter is possibly another zip pocket on right strap.. very happy.
Date published: 2020-10-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Yazmoi from
It's perfect.
I love this little pack. It's big enough to carry everything I need, but small and light enough to be unobtrusive when I'm riding. It's well made and elegant, and the reflective panel is a bonus for early morning riding. But most of all, because of the wide straps, it's really comfy. I'm very happy with it.
Date published: 2021-02-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Michael JP from
Well designed and stylish backback
I live in Japan and often take various trains to visit distant climbs. A bike (rinko) bag is required to board a train. Although I generally arrive at a station and leave my bag in a paid (coin) locker, if I am visiting multiple climbs and then returning from a different station, I will pack light and have used in the past different types of bags to bring my rinko bag and a dry base layer. These included regular backpacks, small/foldable backpacks and large saddle bags, I decided to try the Rapha Lightweight backpack as the size, weight and how it sits on your back while riding looked promising. On that day, after completing the second climb, I began to long descent after taking pictures at the summit. After a few kms enjoying the downhill I panicked as I thought I had left the backpack at the summit while taking pictures as I could not feel it on my back. I stopped and reached back and realized I was wearing it and didnt feel a thing. Unbelievable...highly recommended.
Date published: 2023-12-29
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Owd Fella from
Stylish but not very useful backpack.
Stylish and nicely made but very limited in purpose and flawed in design. The internal security pocket is not deep enough, there is no segregated stowage and most importantly the backpack can only be accessed by fully opening the all around zip - meaning that loose items can fall out and jackets etc cannot be 'stuffed' in on the move.
Date published: 2020-08-13
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Adam D2 from
Inside Color & Size
The size of the bag is the size. I wish it was slightly bigger.
The inside is the Rapha pink which is Rapha’s thing. However in practice it’s kinda a poor choice. My work shoes, I’m teacher so I’m working indoors, have left dirt marks all over the bright pink in a short period of time. To me it makes more sense for the inside to be a darker color to hide the dirt better.
Date published: 2022-09-28
Rated 3 out of
5
by
ed1967 from
Good but a little to small
Happy with it but it should have had something to prevent sweating on your back
Date published: 2020-04-10
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Gruppeto Greg from
A handy light social ride backpack
Very light, well made, small backpack that fits snugly due to the double clips. I like that it sits high on my back so I can still access my jersey pockets whilst riding. I use it on those rides where I need to pack for changeable weather.
Date published: 2021-02-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mary10 from
Best commuting backpack
I simply love this backpack. I use it mainly for commuting and can fit my lunch and personal belongings. It doesn’t take a lot of stuff but just enough for my needs. And it gives access to the jersey pockets. Great design again Rapha!
Date published: 2020-10-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
erik1982 from
Great commuter backpack for day-to-day use
Excellent commuter backpack: It fits snuggly on my back, with a tight fit, has enough room for a small laptop and a few spare supplies (1x shirt, 1x pair of socks, 1x underwear), and the shoulder/breast pocket is ideal for keys/entry card. Could have benefitted from more visible colours in addition to the reflective elements for when commuting at dusk/dawn. Overall still the best commuter backpack for daily usage.
Date published: 2020-10-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Zebra from
Superb backpack
Superb pack. Nice bit of room and really easy to pack. Zip poker on the straps is a nice touch. The reflective material works a treat. The bag washes well. Fit is snug on the back and it stays where it is.
Date published: 2020-10-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Brummie from
Highly Recommended
I’ve been using this pack for a month or so now and I’m impressed. It’s deceptively spacious, but still feels unobtrusive whilst riding: it’s also ver stable. Highly recommended to anyone who is coy this pack.
Date published: 2023-04-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DaddyG from
Small but perfectly formed.
Fabulous little pack with just enough space for shoes, a small laptop and spare tubes levers and a pump. Or perfect for Sunday rides when you need a little more food and a few tools.
Date published: 2020-12-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
gscozzison from
Great packpack
Great little commuting backpack, high quality and nice little features. Sits high on your back so you have easy access to your jersey pockets, it is perfect for my use.
Date published: 2020-06-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Koen13 from
great commute backpack
A handy size for those commute rides, sits nicely on your upper back & the reflection is also very good in these dark winter days
Date published: 2022-11-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JasonHarries from
Excellent
Excellent rucksack for both bicking and short walks. lightweight, and comfortable.
Date published: 2022-08-29