Ever gone grocery shopping on your bike and ended up being frustrated as hell trying to balance everything? In times of such crisis, a reliable biking backpack is undeniably helpful. They make the ride easier as well as prevent your groceries from spilling.
The best biking backpacks for groceries are the Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack and the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack. The Oakley has multiple storage compartments and has a rugged build. The Hynes can carry up to 40 liters and its strap quality ensures that it fits nice and snug on your back.
In this comprehensive guide, I have compiled a list of the best biking backpacks for carrying groceries. By the end, I’m sure you’ll find one that suits all your needs.
Best Bike Backpacks for Groceries
- Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack (Top Pick)
- Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
- Brooks England Pickwick Day Pack (High End)
- Jack Wolfskin Ecoloader Strap Bag
- LOCALLION Cycling Backpack Bike Pack (Budget Buy)
- MAGMA MGA47350 Rolltop Backpack III
- Ortlieb Velocity Backpack
- Timbuk2 Hitch Backpack
Compare Top Grocery Backpacks For Bikers
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack | 92 |  Best for multiple storage compartments | Check Out On Amazon |
 Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack | 91 | Best for large capacity | Check Out On Amazon |
 Brooks England Pickwick Day Pack | 82 |  Best for comfortable leather straps | Check Out On Amazon |
 Jack Wolfskin Ecoloader Strap Bag | 86 | Best for extra storage compartment for helmets | Check Out On Amazon |
 LOCALLION Cycling Backpack Bike Pack | 88 |  Best for sponge-padded adjustable straps | Check Out On Amazon |
 MAGMA MGA47350 Rolltop Backpack III | 89 | Best for durable exterior | Check Out On Amazon |
 Ortlieb Velocity Backpack | 80 | Best for rugged, waterproof materials | Check Out On Amazon |
 Timbuk2 Hitch Backpack | 76 | Best for internal organizer | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Bike Grocery Bags
When writing this guide, we spent a lot of time going through the available models, starting with the world’s most well-known brands.
We put all the top options on the market to bring you the following reviews of the best biking backpack for groceries.
1. Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack
Overall Score: 92
When it comes to biking backpacks or any kind of outdoor accessory for that matter, they don’t get better than Oakley.
This bag is spacious, rugged, and very well-made. You can tell that it’s thoughtfully designed with massive amounts of space and storage options to fit all types of different items.
The backpack has a primary compartment area as well as a pocket that’s large enough to fit a laptop. This is in addition to a fleece pocket that’s designed to keep accessories such as your sunglasses.
At the base of the backpack is a shoe compartment. They really thought of everything!
Advantages
- Versatile and thoughtful design
- Contains a convenient shoe compartment
- Constructed from rugged materials such as nylon and polyester
- Machine wash friendly
- Comes with front organizer panel
- Features a zip closure
Disadvantages
- The main access flap can sometimes be difficult to open quickly
2. Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
Overall Score: 91
The key to finding the best biking backpack for groceries is to make sure that the one you select is spacious enough to handle all the stuff that you’d normally buy during a single trip to the store.
This model from Hynes Eagle is ideal for this purpose. It can hold items weighing up to 40 liters and offers a stylish design.
In fact, it looks more like a small suitcase than a backpack and this is done on purpose to make carrying it that much more comfortable.
This is a great backpack and its strap quality ensures that it fits nice and snug on your back so that your stuff doesn’t fall off.
You’ll be glad to know that this bag is also water-resistant so if it rains your items will remain safe inside.
Advantages
- Made from water-resistant materials
- Has a carrying capacity of up to 40 liters
- Doubles as a travel bag
- Comes in a variety of colors
Disadvantages
- It’s not made for bikers
3. Brooks England Pickwick Day Pack
Overall Score: 82
If the best bike panniers for groceries are what you’re looking for then you should definitely consider the Brooks England Pickwick Day Pack.
This backpack grocery bag is definitely thoughtfully made, with a stylish exterior that’s made from high-quality materials.
It’s not as large as other bags on this list but it makes up for its size by providing a number of useful compartments that’ll really come in handy when it comes to storing grocery.
It features high-quality tanned leather straps which are great to use in order to cycle comfortably. This bag is great for other daily errands as well.
However, if you’re shopping on a budget then we’re sorry to say that this might be out of your price range as it’s a bit on the pricey side.
Advantages
- Enhanced stability
- Roll-top closure
- Made from Blue Sign certified materials
- Comes in a wide selection of colors and sizes
Disadvantages
- It’s pricey
4. Jack Wolfskin Ecoloader Strap Bag
Overall Score: 86
The Jack Wolfskin Ecoloader Strap Bag is large, spacious, and suitable for carrying up to 34 liters’ worth of items.
It’s made from polyethylene and 100% polyester, giving it a durable exterior and interior. It also comes with a suspension system that you can use to conveniently organize items.
But, what truly makes this one of the best bike bags for groceries is the fact that it comes with a storage compartment for your helmet.
Not only that, but this grocery shopping backpack also features a rain cover and waterproof construction for safety.
Advantages
- Features reflective material
- Offers a pressure-free, close-contact fit
- Comes in a variety of colors and sizes
- Allows for freedom of movement
- Features active ventilation
Disadvantages
- Poor quality bottle attachment strap
5. LOCALLION Cycling Backpack Bike Pack
Overall Score: 88
This backpack from LOCALLION is a cycling backpack specifically designed for bikers. As such, it sports a versatile design that’s suitable for all kinds of different outdoor applications.
It’s perfect for short journeys to the shop and back, with a back that’s made from padded and breathable materials that guarantee a comfortable trip.
It comes with sponge-padded adjustable straps which are designed to prevent your shoulders from getting painful due to extra pressure, and this is in addition to waist straps that are designed to increase the comfort factor even further.
Advantages
- Reflexive strips
- Constructed from tear-resistant and durable materials
- Convenient design
- Breathable and comfortable
Disadvantages
- You mustn’t tighten the strap too much as it could break
6. MAGMA MGA47350 Rolltop Backpack III
Overall Score: 89
The MGA47350 Rolltop Backpack III is one of the best bike bags for groceries and here’s why; it comes with a spacious interior and a durable exterior to keep your grocery items nicely cushioned and safe from harm when you’re riding through rough and rocky terrain.
There are no dividers in the main compartment which makes it a breeze to store different items. But, it does have a watertight roll-top cover that’s designed to protect the bag from moisture build-up.
No soggy bottom here folks!
There are also two front pockets for smaller items and another pocket dedicated specifically to pens, phones, and other tiny items.
Advantages
- Perfect for groceries
- Features zippered side access
- Compatible with most hand luggage
- Flexible height adjustment
Disadvantages
- There are no interior pockets
7. Ortlieb Velocity Backpack
Overall Score: 80
With its durable construction, this backpack from Ortlieb makes a great addition to your grocery shopping run accessory kit.
This backpack features rugged, waterproof materials which makes it suitable for use in wet conditions. It’ll surely protect your items from damage through moisture.
But hey, don’t let the simple design fool you; this shopping bag backpack for carrying groceries is a biker’s dream, as it sports a spacious compartment designed to accommodate a large number of items.
There’s also a convenient handle that’s designed to make carrying this bag that much easier, as well as corners made from quality materials to offer further protection from the elements for your stuff.
Advantages
- Comes with a zippered pocket to keep items safe and secure
- Features strap loops that can be utilized for back-end safety lights
- Comfortable
- Available in three different colors
Disadvantages
- It’s pricey
8. Timbuk2 Hitch Backpack
Overall Score: 76
This backpack from Timbuk is available in small and medium sizes and offers a reliable receptacle in which to carry important items while on your bike.
This backpack also comes with an internal organizer designed for small objects such as your phone, tiny books, and pens. Other features include zipped pockets and a roll-top system.
Not only that, but this Timbuk2 Hitch Backpack also boasts added flexibility features as it can be compressed and expanded depending on your needs.
Advantages
- The body is made from soft utility waxed canvas
- Comes with a side access zipper
- Features small front pocket with zipper
- Internal organizer
- Available in three colors
Disadvantages
- Low-quality metal rings
How to Pick the Best Biking Backpack for Groceries
How to carry groceries on a bike?
As an avid biker, you need a special backpack to carry all the essential items that you carry every day as well as grocery items that you buy from the shop just as you use your bike pouch to keep your mobile phone or other devices secure.
If you’re on the lookout for good bike pouches or bags, feel free to check out my article on best bike saddle bags.
But, it’s important to know what you’re looking for when searching for such a backpack for grocery shopping.
That’s why we’ve prepared a list of crucial factors to consider when shopping for the best biking backpack for groceries.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics are the foundation of any backpack because they determine how comfortable it is to carry. For a backpack that’s designed for bikers, this shouldn’t be an issue.
What you’re looking for is a model that offers stability and comfort while you’re carrying it so that it doesn’t get into any awkward positions while you’re cycling for cardio on your way home.
Keep in mind that cycling is a unique activity that requires an entirely different stance to walking or even running.
For instance, you need to ensure that it has an adequately padded harness that won’t put unnecessary pressure on your muscles or make you tired.
Small things like carrying groceries on a bike can make all the difference.
Waterproof
A waterproof backpack is essential if you live in a place with consistent rainfall. Feel free to check out my list of the best waterproof biking backpacks to find options that’ll keep your valuables safe from water.
The last thing you want is for the things inside the backpack to get damaged because you experienced a spot of rain on your back from the grocery store or you’re keeping water inside it because you don’t have a bicycle water bottle cage installed.
If you are looking for water bottle cages, my comprehensive of guide on the best water bottle cages to find something that’ll prevent your water bottle from falling off during rides.
In addition to being constructed from waterproof materials, your backpack should feature welded liners, and coated zipper. You could also go the extra mile by adding a rain cover to your backpack.
Style
When looking for the best biking backpack for groceries you should also ensure that it has the right style elements to suit your needs and preferences.
For example, look for a color that won’t clash with your road bike. On that topic, you can go through my list of the best budget-friendly road bikes to find something that suits you.
The material that it’s made out of will also determine how much abuse it can take over the years without wearing out quickly, so you should keep that in mind as well.
If you’re looking for a sleek design, then you’re spoilt for choice because there’s no shortage of designs that meet that description.
Size
When it comes to biking backpacks or even bike camera bags; size DOES matter. While you don’t want a massive backpack that’s difficult to carry, you also don’t want one that’s too small.
What you’re looking for is something right in the middle. It should be large enough to fit all of your grocery items but without breaking your back.
Ideally, this should be of a standard size with a packing capacity of between 20L to 30L.
Other Features
As a biker, you’re not really concerned about your backpack having different features, because you could easily get trapped going down that rabbit hole.
With that said, if you’re going to use your backpack for running errands and going to the grocery shop then you’ll need something with a few distinct features.
The most important thing is to avoid a backpack with unnecessary features and stick to a model that comes with the features that you truly need.
The Biking Backpack Should Have Multiple Storage Compartments…
So, what’s the best way to carry groceries on bike? Well, there you have it!
We’ve just given you all the keys to finding the best biking backpack for groceries, including a list of the top options on the market as well as important factors to keep in mind as you go through it.
But, if you still don’t know which to choose due to how fantastic all these options are, then please allow us to recommend the Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack.
This well-designed backpack is incredibly spacious, it’s made from high-quality materials that are made to last, and it has enough internal space to fit a 17-inch laptop.