How to organise your belongings when using waterproof roll top backpacks for cycle commuting?
A waterproof roll top backpack for cycle commuting should help you organise your belongings. Once you have found the perfect waterproof roll top backpack, the next consideration is how to pack the bag for maximum efficiency. Your day at work is going to be tough enough, without having to overthink where to find all your stuff once you get there.
To save a mad dash in the morning, it is a good idea to pack your backpack the night before, ready for your early morning cycle commute.
Here is a list of the most common items that cycling commuters need fit into their waterproof roll-top backpack:
- Laptop/Tablet/notepad paper
- Puncture repair kit
- Valuable: Mobile phone, wallet/purse and keys
- Lunch/Snacks/water bottle
- Work clothes
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Shoes
- Lock
- Everything else
Most of the waterproof bags on the market only have one big compartment or just a laptop sleeve. Fundamentally, the more pockets the bag has, the easier it is for you to stay organised and keep your belongings safe.
How to organise your belongings ready for your cycling commute?
The best roll top backpacks for cycle commuting are designed to keep your valuables, laptop and puncture repair kit stowed away separately, to keep them safe and easy to find! Unlike packing your bag for your first day at school, organising your backpack for your cycle commute does not have to be stressful.
Waterproof backpack for a laptop
Whether you are freelancer or work for a large corporation, the likelihood is that you have a laptop that you need to carry around on your cycle commute. A Laptop is probably the most precious cargo that you will be carrying with you. That is why it should be the first thing to go in your backpack. Ideally, you have a waterproof backpack for a laptop, with a separate compartment, which will give additional protection. With a cushioned divider, keeping your computer secure against your back and giving complete separation from the other items in your bag.
Large Front Pocket - Puncture Repair Kit
Next, you need to think about any items you may need en route. Hopefully, you will not need them, but being a prepared cycling commuter, you will need to carry around a puncture repair kit (spare inner tube, tyre levers, mini pump). You should put all the equipment you need to repair a puncture in a separate pocket to the main compartment (ideally with independent and external access). Not only will this save time, so you do not have to rummage to the bottom of the bag to find your tire levers. It will also protect your other belongings, should you get a flat while it is raining and are unable to find shelter.
Internal pocket - Valuables
You may not be planning to use them on your commute, but you will need quick access to your phone, wallet/purse and keys. By keeping these items in their own pocket and separate from the main compartment, you reduce the risk of “losing” them and taking ages to find them at the bottom of the bag. The last thing you want to do after commuting into work is to have to stand in reception all sweaty while emptying your gear on the floor to find your door pass. Mesh pockets are perfect; it lets you keep your phone and keys separate and also gives you quick visibility of what is in each pocket.
Main compartment - everything else
A considerable benefit of a waterproof roll top backpack is that they are 100% waterproof. The roll-up mechanism at the top of the bag is far better than any water-resistant zip at preventing water ingress. It does, however, mean that you have a smaller entrance to your backpack. Unlike the more traditional zip design, where the zip flows down the side of the bag, allowing you to open the top half completely. You can only access a waterproof roll top backpack from the top.
This is only a small inconvenience in exchange for keeping your belongings safe and dry during your commute. However, it does mean that you have to be more strategic when organising and packing your bag.
In the main compartment, you should pack in the opposite order than you will need the items. That means you need to place your shoes in first. If you are carrying these, they are best at the bottom, not only because you will be putting them on last, but also the soles may still be dirty, so by keeping them at the bottom of the bag in a packing cube, you do not risk your nice white shirt getting ruined before your working day has even begun. Your washbag can go on top of the shoes, creating a barrier to keep your towel clean and then finally your clothes.
Assuming you are taking a shower before you start work. You will have to hang up your clothes anyway and by placing them at the top, you reduce the risk of any unnecessary creases being caused by the weight of all your other belongings crushing them.
Once you have locked up your bike, you will want to be able to store your water bottle within the bag, so that you can fill it up, ready to stay hydrated for your return journey. A dedicated sleeve that will keep the bottle upright, helping to prevent a leak is an excellent solution.
Also, consider what you will do when you get caught out in the rain, although the contents of your bag will be kept dry with a waterproof roll top backpack, you will need to store wet clothes separate from other items in the bag. A removable sleeve that separates these items from the rest will help to keep your other belongings dry.
Organise your belongings in a waterproof backpack for a laptop and the rest
Organising your belongings when using a waterproof roll top backpack for cycle commuting is made more manageable with a bag specifically designed for cyclists.
The best features that will help you organise your belongings are:
- A 100% waterproof main compartment with adequate capacity
- Dedicated and cushioned compartment for a laptop
- Internal mesh pockets to keep your prized possessions within easy reach
- An externally accessed pocket to keep your greasy puncture repair kit separate to everything else
- A removable sleeve, to keep wet clothes from damaging your other belongings
- A sleeve to store your water bottle upright to help prevent leaks
Be prepared and get organised
Commuting by bike is good for your health, the environment and should be stress-free. Organising and packing your bag the night before is a perfect way to start your day off right, safe in the knowledge that you have everything you need for the day safely organised and stowed away in your waterproof roll-top backpack. A backpack that has several compartments and pockets will help keep your belongings safe, organised and dry on your cycle commute.
