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Maybe you’re a college student. Or maybe you just live in a big city. In any case, you’re caught in a situation in which you don’t have easy access to a car. So what does this mean? Well, it means that you’re going to have to get around on foot or by bike, of course. You’re going to have to commute. But commuting can be a very strenuous activity. Between pedaling, walking, and carrying all of your necessities along with you, it can began to wear you out. This is why you need to invest in a high-quality commuter backpack.
Commuter backpacks help to reduce the strain of your commute by reducing the amount of strain on your body. Thin, lightweight, and minimalist, they can be carried around easily with little to no hassle or effort.
What is a Commuter Backpack?
Contents
A commuter backpack is like any backpack, only it’s designed to make commuting much, much easier. Commuter backpacks usually achieve this by weighing very little, and taking up minimal amounts of space. They are often used by bicyclists, but can be used by foot commuters as well.
With straps constructed to fit closely to your back and shoulders, commuter backpacks reduce the amount of bag bounce you get with each step. This helps to take strain off of your back, and makes each step all that much easier.
Also Read: Our Carry-On Bag Reviews – Top 10
What are the Benefits of a Commuter Backpack?
The primary benefit offered by a commuter backpack is the benefit of being able to carry a number of different items with minimal strain and effort. Many commuter backpacks possess built-in laptop sleeves that allow you to carry your computer safely and easily to wherever you’re going to.
Typically, commuter backpacks are limited in storage space. Because they aim to be lightweight and small, they can’t accommodate the same amount of storage that’s accommodated by standard backpacks. However, if you’re looking for something that can carry your necessities from place to place with minimal effort, a commuter backpack is just what you need.
Who are the Contenders for Best Commuter Backpack?
Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpacks – Measuring in at 11.8 inches x 7.1 inches x 17.7 inches, the Kopack Slim contains a 14.6 inch x 10.5 inch laptop sleeve which accommodate computers up to 15.6 inches. Made with durable nylon fabric, it is both tear-resistant and waterproof, making it great for commuting in inclement weather. With tight, compact, padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back area, it leaves very little strain on your shoulders, neck, or back, making it comfortable to carry it all times.
The North Face Jester Backpack – Equipped with a 15 inch laptop sleeve, a large primary pocket, an internal zipper pocket, an internal velcro pocket, and an internal pencil pocket, the Jester provides you with a bevy of storage space. Made from heavy-duty polyester, it possesses excellent ventilation capabilities, keeping you cool, and preventing sweat from building up. With compression-molded shoulder straps, it form fits to your particular shape, making it as comfortable as possible.
Aquabourne EOS Commuter Bike Cycling Backpack – Lightweight, durable, and equipped with battery-powered LED lights, the Aquabourne EOS is the perfect commuter backpack for night riding. With a laptop flap capable of storing up to a 15 inch laptop, it also provides a large, primary storage area for clothes, books, and other items. To keep it sturdy and stable on your back, it’s equipped with adjustable, padded shoulder straps as well as an adjustable chest strap.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Commuter Backpack
While all backpacks possess most of the same qualities, they also possess several small differences that make all the difference in their quality and functionality. The quality of commuter backpacks, in particular, is judged based on very small differences between each backpack. Because commuter backpacks must be fairly easy to carry, they tend to be minimalist in their construction. In any case, when choosing a commuter backpack, it’s important to consider its size, comfort, storage capabilities, and construction.
Size
Though commuter backpacks are built smaller than standard backpacks in order to accommodate long-distance riding and walking, their size still matters. When purchasing a commuter backpack, it’s important that you’re able to fit all of your necessities into it, whether those necessities be laptops, books, or water bottles.
Comfort
Probably the most important aspect to consider when choosing a commuter backpack is its comfort. You’re going to be walking or riding your bike with this bag on your back for extended periods of time. It’s important that it doesn’t cause any undue pain or discomfort.
Storage
Commuter backpacks possess different levels of storage in a number of different ways. While some commuter backpacks only posses large, zippable areas, others have keychain holders, water bottle holders, and a bevy of other storage devices. It’s important to know what you plan to carry in your backpack before purchasing it.
Construction
As with any product you buy, it’s important to consider the construction of a commuter backpack. These backpacks are made from a number of different materials, and contain different levels of cushion. It’s important that the backpack you choose is practical when it comes to meeting your specific needs.
Size
Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpacks
Measuring in at 11.8 inches x 7.1 inches x 17.7 inches, and capable of holding up to a 15.6 inch slim notebook computer, the Kopack Slim is perfect for transporting laptops from place to place. With the ability to form-fit to your back and shoulders, it weighs just 1.56 pounds, making it easy to lug around while on a bike or on your feet.
The North Face Jester Backpack
With measurements of 19.7 inches x 7.5 inches x 13.4 inches, The North Face Jester provides you with plenty of room for storing books and other items. Weighing in at just 1.68 pounds, it’s ridiculously easy to pick up and carry from place to place, whether on your back or in your hands.
Aquabourne EOS Commuter Bike Cycling Backpack
Measuring in at 19.7 inches x 7.1 inches x 13 inches, the Aquabourne EOS has plenty of room for everything you would want to store in it. Weighing in at 1.8 pounds, it’s a little heavier than the Kopack Slim and North Face Jester, but is still very easy to carry from place to place.
Comfort
The North Face Jester Backpack
Equipped with shoulder straps that are designed to compress and mold to your shoulders, the North Face Jester is as comfortable a commuter backpack as you’re going to find. Its padded air-mesh back area provides you with a superb barrier that serves to keep books and other items from putting strain on your back while also reducing the buildup of perspiration.
Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpacks
Lightweight and equipped with a wide, top loop for easy pick-up, the Kopack Slim is as comfortable a commuter backpack as you’re going to find. With padded shoulder straps as well as a padded back area, it provides a firm, but gentle cushion between your body and your various items.
Aquabourne EOS Commuter Bike Cycling Backpack
Equipped with padded shoulder straps as well as an adjustable chest strap, the Aquaborne EOS can be adjusted to fit your exact size and comfort specifications. Though its back area is not as cushioned as the North Face Jester and Kopak Slim’s is, it’s still plenty comfortable.
Storage
Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpacks
In terms of storage, the Kopack Slim offers four different storage pockets. One large storage pocket is great for books, folders, and other various paper items, while its laptop pocket is a perfect place to store your computer. It’s also equipped with a tablet storage pocket and a small accessory storage pocket.
The North Face Jester Backpack
With a laptop sleeve built into its primary storage area, the North Face Jester provides just a bit less storage capacity than the Kopack Slim. It also contains a secured zipper pocket as well as a pencil and velcro pocket to store smaller items. With elastic bands stretching across its exterior, it enables you to store water bottles and other large items.
Aquabourne EOS Commuter Bike Cycling Backpack
As far as storage goes, the Aquabourne EOS does not contain as many pockets as the Kopack Slim and North Face Jester. It has one large storage area for clothes, books, and other miscellaneous items as well as a laptop compartment to store up to a 15-inch long laptop.
Construction
Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpacks
Made from a tear-resistant nylon fabric, the Kopack Slim holds up very well through years and years of wear and tear. Water-resistant and equipped with lockable zippers, it provides both easy access and superb anti-theft capabilities. It’s available in both black and gray.
The North Face Jester Backpack
Constructed of durable polyester, The North Face Jester holds up exceptionally well over time, ensuring that it will serve you well for years. Water-resistant with excellent ventilation capabilities, it will keep your books and electronics safe while keeping your back and shoulders dry and comfortable.
Aquabourne EOS Commuter Bike Cycling Backpack
With a high-quality soft polyester shell, the Aquabourne EOS is both easy to store and as durable as backpack’s come. Equipped with LED lights that can flash slowly, flash quickly, and glow, it’s great for riding with during the night. It should also be noted that it is waterproof.
Our Backpack Reviews Are In
Kaukko New Feature of 2 Side Pockets Outdoor Travel Hiking Backpack – Best Cheap
Perhaps you’re looking for a commuter backpack at a very affordable price. If so, you should consider this high-quality backpack by Kaukko. Made of tough, weather-repellent nylon, and measuring in at 11.8 inches x 18.5 inches x 6.3 inches, it can handle just about anything you throw at it, from laptops to clothing. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps provide you with maximum comfort, allowing you to carry the backpack both loosely and tightly. If you’re looking for a high-quality commuter backpack at a very affordable price, you must consider this one.
Pros:
- A great deal of storage space
- Very lightweight
- Superb back and shoulder padding
Cons:
- Some durability concerns when it comes to its hardware
Aquabourne EOS Commuter Bike Cycling Backpack – Best for the Money
While it’s not the best commuter backpack overall, the Aquabourne EOS is the best commuter backpack for its price. With padded, comfortable, and adjustable shoulders straps as well as a chest strap, it fits snugly and securely to your body, ensuring that it will stay in place at all times. Equipped with battery-powered LED lights and simple, but sufficient storage, it’s a great commuter backpack for use at either day or night. If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, the Aquabourne EOS is the best commuter backpack for you.
Pros:
- Possesses built-in LED lights
- Large storage area
- Fits very securely to your body
Cons:
- LED lights buzz
Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpacks – Best Overall
While there are a number of high-quality commuter backpacks on the market today, we consider the Kopack Slim to be the best commuter backpack there is. Water-repellent, tear-resistant, and made out of a durable nylon, it can withstand a great deal of wear and tear, ensuring that it will be around for a number of years. Equipped with a large storage area, a laptop sleeve, a tablet pocket, and a pocket organizer, it’s capable of carrying just about anything you could ever need. If you’re looking for the best commuter backpack on the market today, you should definitely consider the Kopack Slim.
Pros:
- Water-repellent and tear-resistant
- Feels very comfortable on your back and shoulders
- A lot of storage space
Cons:
- Water bottle holder is a little small
In Conclusion
Whether you’re commuting to school, work, or to play basketball, you’re going to need something that can carry your necessities. For this reason, you need to invest in a commuter backpack.
Compact, lightweight, and durable backpacks like the Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpacks are capable of storing a great deal of possessions into a very small space. Want to make your walk or bike ride as comfortable and as easy as possible? A commuter backpack is the answer.