With multiple capacities available from 38l to 68l, the superb Osprey Kestrel (for men) and Kyte (for women) let hikers choose which size they want based on the length of their expedition. We tried the 58l Kestrel on a four-day hiking and camping trip and were thoroughly impressed by its overall comfort and impressive range of technical features. Plenty of cheap bags don’t take care of all the details, and your shoulders will feel it too. It’s worth investing in one of the best gear haulers on the market to protect your health and your valuables better. I like that this bag is super versatile and that it could be used not only on the daily commute but for fun on the trails on the weekends. The hard-wearing exterior and dark colour mean that any potential damage or dirt from the weekend’s adventures won’t be seen. Whilst commuting it’s likely you’ll be bringing along expensive and important documents, laptops, hard drives and other gear you really don’t want to get wet! The chances are you’ll also be standing at a bus stop or walking from the underground station to the office in all kinds of weather.

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You won’t find a gear hauler better suited for biking to work in this price range. There are even built-in blinker light attachments if you plan on working late!

Best backpacks for the commute

While the bag comes with a hefty price tag, its various uses and high-quality materials more than justify the price. Principally designed for commuting but capable of taking a lot more than the urban hustle in its stride, the Osprey Nebula is among the best bags of its type. It’s stuffed with padded slots and pouches for all your laptop, tablet and smartphone storage needs, yet capacious enough to hold up to 34l of gear for a day out on the trails.