Is a backpack or a pannier better for my laptop?

Pannier (Ortlieb Office-Bag) advantages: no sweaty back, better waterproofing; downsides: awkward to carry when leaving the bike. Backpack (Ortlieb Velocity) is easy to carry anywhere — office, meeting, coffee shop. For pure commuters: backpack. For people switching between cycling and walking: backpack.

Will my laptop stay dry in a 'water-resistant' backpack in real rain?

In drizzle or a short shower: yes. In a serious cloudburst (Dutch summer): no, even Vaude Cycle 28 is soaked through in 10 minutes. Use the included rain cover or invest in a truly IP67 waterproof pack (Ortlieb Velocity).

How do I solve the sweaty back problem?

Choose a backpack with a mesh back ventilation system (Vaude Aeroflex, Thule airmesh). For longer rides (>10 km): switch to a pannier or a hybrid like the Basil Flex Backpack that hooks on your rack. A thin cycling jersey under a waterproof pack also helps.

Can I bring a backpack on the NS train?

Yes, in all compartments — a backpack counts as hand luggage. For your bike: buy a bike day ticket (€7.50) or use OV-fiets as an alternative. Tip: choose off-peak train times (Mon-Fri 06:30-09:00 and 16:00-18:30) if you want to bring your bike.

Which backpack is the best waterproof option under €70?

AGU Clean Shelter Backpack (€65) is the smartest choice — Dutch brand, truly waterproof, 17 L. Limit: too tight for a 15-inch laptop plus much extra. For 15-inch: stretch budget to Vaude Cycle 28 (€90) or accept that AGU Shelter is enough for 13-inch.

Cycling Backpacks

Waterproof commuter backpacks.

5 products

For Dutch commuters carrying a laptop daily between home and office, a good cycling backpack is the difference between a wet MacBook at Amsterdam Centraal and a dry presentation. With 200+ rainy days a year, waterproofing isn't a luxury but a necessity.

The choice is roll-top versus zip, waterproof versus water-resistant, and whether or not to have a padded laptop sleeve. An Ortlieb Velocity (€110) is fully waterproof (IP67) but lacks laptop padding. A Vaude Cycle 28 (€90) has a padded laptop sleeve but is water-resistant with a separate rain cover. The Thule Pack 'n Pedal Commuter (€120) combines both.

For the average NS train-bike-train commuter, back ventilation (against sweaty back) and reflective details (visibility in winter dark) are as important as waterproofing. Capacity of 20-28 L fits a 15-inch laptop plus daily essentials. For lighter loads, the 17 L AGU Clean Shelter (€65) is plenty.

Filter by brand

Ortlieb Velocity

Ortlieb · Waterdichte rolltop rugzak · 23 L / IP67

€110

Vaude Cycle 28

Vaude · Commuter rugzak met laptopvak · 28 L / Laptop-vak + regenhoes

€90

Thule Pack 'n Pedal Commuter

Thule · Premium commuter rugzak · 24 L / rolltop + laptopvak

€120

AGU Clean Shelter Backpack

AGU · Waterdichte minimalistische rugzak · 17 L / waterdicht

€65

Basil Flex Backpack

Basil · Hybride rugzak / pannier · 17 L / hook-on rear rack

€40

Buying tips

For expensive laptops (MacBook €2000+): choose IP67 waterproof (Ortlieb Velocity) — no compromise in cloudbursts.
Back ventilation (mesh system) is essential for commutes >5 km — prevents sweaty back at the office.
Reflective strips or panel isn't extra — critical for visibility in Dutch winter dark.
Volume of 20-25 L is the sweet spot for laptop + lunch + rain jacket + gym kit — more is overkill.
A roll-top closure keeps water out better than a zip but takes 10 seconds extra to open.

What does the ART certification mean and which level do you need for your bike or e-bike? Compare ART-1 through ART-5 and the requirements of Univé, ENRA, Centraal Beheer and Unigarant.

Read the guide →

Frequently asked questions

Best cycling backpacks per bike type

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