Bike backpacks for commuters: 7 commuter backpacks in a practical test

An important prerequisite for this is the right equipment, first and foremost a suitable rucksack. This should be water-repellent, offer good back ventilation and have enough storage space for things like a tube, pump or laptop. Ideally, it should fulfil all these requirements without being too expensive. 7 models in comparison: models, summary and rating at a glance:

• Vaude Proof 22
• Osprey Metron 24
• Heimplanet Motion Arc 20*
• Deuter Amager 25+5
• Tatonka City Park 22
• Btwin Speed 900
• Evoc Urban Pack 25

Vaude Proof 22

Vaude offers a modern, waterproof roll-top rucksack in black. We couldn't quite make use of the stated volume of 22 litres, but there is actually room for around 20 litres - still enough for commuting essentials such as a laptop, pad, change of clothes, tube or pump. The Vaude* offers well thought-out features and a comfortable back system. However, the number of pockets is rather small - we would have liked a little more here. Otherwise, the rucksack has a high-quality feel, which is to be expected given the price. Plus point: Made in Germany.

Name: Vaude Proof 22
Volume*: 20 litres (BIKE measurement)
Weight*: 1097 grams (BIKE measured value)
Price: 180 Euro >> at Amazon or Mountain friends available at a reduced price

BIKE EVALUATION: (school marks)
Carrying system (40%) 2
Handling (30%) 2.5
Safety (10%) 4.5
Weather protection (20%) 1
Overall grade: 2.2

Osprey Metron 24

The Osprey Metron is more of an MTB backpack than a commuter backpack. The Metron 24 offers slightly less volume than stated, but is still perfectly adequate. There are also plenty of pockets to stow equipment neatly. The carrying system is solid, although there are other models with better ventilation. A rain cap is hidden in the base of the rucksack.

Name: Osprey Metron 24 Pack
Volume*: 17 litres (BIKE measurement)
Weight*: 1043 grams (BIKE measured value)
Price: 170 Euro >> available here at a reduced price

BIKE EVALUATION: (school marks)
Carrying system (40%) 4
Handling (30%) 2.5
Safety (10%) 3
Weather protection (20%) 1
Overall grade: 2.9

Home Planet Motion Arc 20

The Heimplanet Motion Arc is a simple leisure backpack that is also suitable for occasional commuting by bike. However, the back system was not very convincing, nor were the ventilation and workmanship. The pocket management is solid and the material proved to be surprisingly waterproof. Nevertheless, the impression remains: for this price, I would not recommend this rucksack for frequent commuters.

Name: Heimplanet Motion Arc 20
Volume*: 17 litres (BIKE measurement)
Weight*: 772 grams (BIKE measured value)
Price: 159 Euro

BIKE EVALUATION: (school marks)
Carrying system (40%) 4.5
Handling (30%) 3.5
Safety (10%) 4.5
Weather protection (20%) 2.5
Overall grade: 3.8

Deuter Amager 25+5

The Deuter Amager 25+5 The pendulum backpack impresses above all with its first-class carrying system, which sits comfortably on the back and offers a high level of carrying comfort. It is also waterproof and scores points with well thought-out little details. However, there is some criticism: we would have liked more pockets, including on the outside, and the price is high. In addition, the actual volume in practice is slightly less than stated.

Name: Deuter Amager 25+5
Volume*: 20 litres (BIKE measurement)
Weight*: 993 grams (BIKE measured value)
Price: 200 Euro >> available here

BIKE EVALUATION: (school marks)
Carrying system (40%) 1.5
Handling (30%) 2.5
Safety (10%) 4.5
Weather protection (20%) 1.0
Overall grade: 2.0

Tatonka City Park 22

The City Pack 22 from Tatonka is a successful all-rounder. The knapsack design is particularly impressive, as the main compartment can be opened very wide. The pocket management with its outer pockets is also well thought out and practical. The laptop compartment seems rather simple, as does the back system, which only scores a 4 when heavily loaded. Overall, the City Park 22 is a lightweight, practical rucksack with clever pocket management. Reflective elements have been omitted.

Name: Tatonka City Park 22
Volume*: 22 litres (BIKE measurement)
Weight*: 991 grams (BIKE measured value)
Price: 90 Euro >> available here at a reduced price

BIKE EVALUATION: (school marks)
Carrying system (40%) 4
Handling (30%) 1.5
Safety (10%) 5.5
Weather protection (20%) 2
Overall grade: 3.0

Btwin Speed 900

The Btwin Speed 900 is the surprise par excellence. At just 80 euros, it is extremely affordable compared to its competitors - and yet it offers all the important features: it is waterproof, has solid pocket management and sits comfortably on the back with a medium load. With a score of 2.3, the Btwin Speed 900 from Decathlon In short, if you're looking for a reliable, functional backpack at a fair price, the Btwin Speed 900 is the right choice.

Name: Btwin Speed 900
Volume*: 22 litres (BIKE measurement)
Weight*: 960 grams (BIKE measured value)
Price: 79,99 Euro >> available here

BIKE EVALUATION: (school marks)
Carrying system (40%) 2.5
Handling (30%) 2
Safety (10%) 2.5
Weather protection (20%) 1
Overall grade: 2.1

Evoc Urban Pack 25

In practice, the lightweight Evoc Urban Pack performs well: plenty of storage space, well thought-out pocket management and solid carrying comfort - plus it is waterproof. There are no weaknesses to be found, especially when commuting short distances with a light load. With a score of 2.7, the Evoc Pack 25 compared to competitors in the midfield. To summarise: Pocket management and volume are excellent, wearing comfort is average. The lack of reflectors cost additional points.

Name: Evoc Urban Pack 25
Volume*: 22 litres (BIKE measurement)
Weight*: 956 grams (BIKE measured value)
Price: 150 Euro >> available here at a reduced price

BIKE EVALUATION: (School marks)
Carrying system (40%) 3.5
Handling (30%) 1.5
Safety (10%) 6
Weather protection (20%) 1
Overall grade: 2.7

This is how we tested it:

We tested each rucksack for at least 60 kilometres, mostly with a medium load and rather fresh to mild temperatures of 3 to 13 °C. We didn't rely on the manufacturer's volume specifications, but instead filled the backpacks with specially filled bags - there were certainly deviations. In addition, the rucksacks were weighed and tested for their reflective elements; there is still room for improvement in almost all models. Most of the rucksacks are made of waterproof outer material. Some materials only have a water-repellent effect - we tested these under the shower head.

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