Rapha Backpack 20L

The Rapha Backpack 20L is a roomy bag with plenty of pockets, a durable outer fabric and good weather resistance. It's comfortable to carry too and looks just as good away from the bike as it does when you're riding – it's certainly not a rucksack that screams 'cyclist'.

> Buy now: Rapha Backpack 20L for £120 from Rapha

Our best cycling backpacks buyer's guide covers our top choices from around £50 to £200.

Rapha has designed its backpack with plenty of compartments, which allows you to carry bulky items like a laptop and clothing while providing other areas for those little bits and bobs you want easy access to, and don't want to have to go rummaging around to find.

The 20-litre version we have here seems bigger than its volume might suggest, which I think is down to the backpack's quite rectangular shape that allows you to pack things right into the corners. If you want to go large, Rapha also makes a 30-litre model.

The main compartment has a pouch that'll take a 15in laptop, but other than that it's just a large open space. When commuting I could easily fit a pair of trainers, jeans and hoody inside, all bulky items that the bag swallowed easily.

The oil-waxed 420D nylon material used for the exterior is described as water resistant, but the addition of a roll-top closure rather than a zip allows Rapha to say that the main compartment is completely waterproof.

I tested this in the real world by riding in heavy rain and also by giving it a blast from the bathroom shower, and in both cases there was no water ingress.

The front pocket covers most of the front panel and is accessible through a zip at the side. The only issue I had was that the pink lining material would occasionally get caught in the zip, which then required plenty of force to pull it out.

Not a major issue, but a bit of a faff when you are trying to get out of the door and you can't get the zip pulled shut.

Inside the front pocket you'll also find another zipped section and a small pouch area at the bottom ideal for keys and the like. It all helps to keep things organised and stops things rattling around too.

The backpack is finished to a high standard, and the nylon material is very hardwearing. A large reflective strip runs down the middle for extra visibility, but it's dark enough in daylight that it doesn't scream cyclist's rucksack, and you also get a subtle light loop too.

In fact, the whole bag looks just as good off the bike as it does on it.

I found it comfortable on my shoulders too. The fabric did feel quite rigid when the bag was brand new, but once I'd loaded it up and used it a few times it became more supple and more comfortable.

The straps offer a good amount of adjustability and there's a sternum strap to stop it swaying. I used this bag when I was riding a more upright e-bike and on my road bike, and the Rapha bag sat on my back just as well on both bikes.

There's a decent amount of padding where the bag sits against your back and it's firm enough to allow a small amount of air to pass through between the pads if you are pushing the pace a bit.

The padding isn't as thick as you'll find on some more performance-orientated bags though, so on warm days you will get a bit sweaty.

Value

The backpack comes in at £120, which is a tenner cheaper than Apidura's City Backpack. This has the same volume as the Rapha with a similar shape and design, albeit without a rolltop closure, and Suvi rated it for its simplicity and low weight.

Craft's 30-litre Cadence bag does have a rolltop design to make it waterproof and I found it well organised in terms of pockets and pouches. It costs just £99.99, which compares well with the 30-litre Rapha, which is £140.

The Elops Cycling Backpack Speed 520 is a little less subtle than the Rapha, but Laurence reviewed it very positively. It's slightly bigger at 25 litres but is tough, waterproof and very practical for cycling and walking. It also comes in at just £69.99.

Conclusion

There are cheaper backpacks available, but Rapha's is very well made, well designed and performs impressively against the weather. It's robust too.

Its biggest bonus, though, is how good it looks whether you're off or on the bike, so it'll get just as much use when I'm walking around the shops or taking the train.

Verdict

A great-looking and robust bag that's impressively waterproof – and good for cycling and off-the-bike duties