11 Best Backpacks for Groceries - Cycling and Walking Grocery Backpack
Living close to a grocery store allows you the benefit of quick stops on foot or bike. But unfortunately carrying multiple heavy bags home by hand isn’t so convenient. This is where using a backpack for groceries comes in!
In this buying guide we’ll help you find the best grocery backpack that’s tough, roomy and comfortable enough for your next trip to the grocery store.
We split our grocery backpack recommendations into two sections:
The Large and Heavy Duty backpacks are the biggest and best backpacks for groceries we could find while the Mid-Sized and Lightweight section features lightweight backpacks for smaller grocery hauls.
Using the expandable Timbuk2 Parker Commuter as a backpack for groceries
What to Look for in a Grocery Backpack
The elephant in the room is that there are very few “grocery backpacks” on the market. Maybe a brand has designed one but we couldn’t find many backpacks thats sole purpose is to haul groceries at the time of publishing. Instead what we focus on here are backpacks that can be repurposed for comfortable carry of groceries.
With that said we have narrowed down our options to backpacks that meet the following criteria:
A big open main compartment
Comfortable shoulder harness with chest and/or waist straps to help with load distribution.
Heavy duty construction that can take on some weight.
Read more about our grocery backpack criteria
1) A Big Open Main Compartment
A large open compartment is a must for a grocery backpack so we focused on featuring backpacks that didn’t have too many extra pockets inside the main compartment.
We used half gallons cartons to test a lot of these bags. They are bulky, heavy and give a good reference point for size since most people are familiar with milk cartons.
Between 30 and 40 liters seems to be the sweet spot for a weekly grocery haul for one or two people with an expandable or roll top backpack that can add more room as you need it being the ideal.
Along with having a roomy main compartment you want it be easy to clean in case of accidental spills. This is where we are partial to Chrome and Ortlieb backpacks because their main compartments aren’t lined with fabric so they can be easily wiped down if needed.
The Chrome Barrage Cargo can fit two half-gallon cartons inside its cargo net
2) Ergonomic and Comfortable Under Weight
We feature backpacks that have good ergonomic designs for their shoulder harness and back panels. Groceries can get heavy and thin shoulder straps just aren’t going to cut it. A semi-rigid back panel is a bonus to prevent awkward grocery items from poking you in the back.
Mission Workshop includes load lifters with their shoulder straps in their larger backpacks - these are small straps at the top of the back panel that helps stabilize heavy loads. It’s features like these add up to comfortable wear when hauling groceries.
Making sure you choose a backpack with a sternum strap and waist belt is important when picking out a grocery backpack. As the load gets heavier you will need a way to redistribute the weight evenly to help prevent that weight from just sitting on your shoulders. This is especially true with larger backpacks over 25 liters.
Heavy duty construction on display: The Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City has bolted on shoulder straps
3) Heavy-Duty Construction
Our top picks are judged primarily by their construction quality because a grocery backpack needs to be heavy duty enough to take on heavy awkward loads like milk cartons and soup cans. We can’t afford a backpack that runs the risk of tearing under load because of cheap construction quality.
Some of the large and heavy duty backpacks recommend on this list are on the pricer side but that’s only because they take their construction quality seriously. These backpacks don’t skimp corners.
In our search we were partial to a few backpack brands that checked off much of our criteria - Mission Workshop, Chrome Industries, Timbuk2 and Ortlieb. These brands design some great bags for bike commuters and put emphasis on strong reliable construction and ergonomic design which is exactly what we want in a backpack for groceries.
The Chrome Urban Ex 30L as a grocery backpack (shown with 3 half-gallon milk cartons inside)
A Word on Shopping Carts
If you need to regularly haul a lot of heavy groceries and walking is your main mode of transportation then you are probably better off with a good old fashioned utility shopping cart. Shopping carts are relatively lightweight and can conveniently fold up for easy storage. You can usually grab one on Amazon and it will last you years of use.
For those who rely on a bicycle for transportation or don’t have to haul as many groceries - going hands free with a backpack may be a better choice.
Best Grocery Backpacks - Large and Heavy Duty
Mission Workshop The Rambler
The Rambler by Mission Workshop is one of our favorite expandable backpacks and its easy to see why once you dive into all of its features.
This American made backpack goes from 22L to 44L using an expandable zipper design that can be deployed in seconds. And because small footprint when compressed, the Rambler can be used as a sleek daily work or school backpack and then expanded to fit your groceries on your commute home. An internal frame sheet, chest strap, side compression straps and shoulder strap load lifters all work together to offer comfortable carry of heavy groceries.
Need more room for groceries? Check out the Mission Workshop Vandal with its insane 29-65L expandable capacity.
Chrome Barrage Frieght
What sets the Chrome Barrage series of backpacks apart are their bombproof heavy-duty construction and internal TPE tarp liner that not only offers waterproof protection but makes the main compartment easy to clean in case of an accidental spill. The exterior cargo net is also incredibly versatile and it can easily carry anything from a frozen pizza box to a six pack of beer.
The Chrome Barrage series of backpacks comes in three different sizes
Chrome Barrage Cargo (18-22L)
Chrome Barrage Freight (34-38L)
Chrome Barrage Pro (80L)
We recommend going with the Barrage Freight for grocery carry because of its larger capacity and extra support with the included shoulder strap load lifters. You can also check out our Chrome Barrage Cargo review for a closer look at the smaller Cargo size.
Read more about the Chrome Barrage series
The Chrome Barrage series of backpacks are one of our top picks for anyone looking for a reliable grocery backpack for its heavy-duty construction, wide open roll-top main compartment and useful exterior net for extra cargo.
The main compartments of these backpacks are perfect for grocery hauls as it’s just one big open compartment with a single slip pocket that stays flat when not in use.
Below is a photo of the interior of the Chrome Barrage Cargo backpack which has an internal capacity of up to 22 liters. We recommend sizing up to the Chrome Barrage Freight for larger grocery hauls.
Chrome Barrage Cargo 22L main compartment lined with heavy-duty TPE Tarp
The exterior cargo net is the Barrage’s standout feature. The 5-point attachments makes it super easy to strap in extra items that would take up too much room inside the main compartment.
The Chrome Barrage Cargo’s exterior cargo net can hold two half-gallon milk cartons
One con worth considering if using as a backpack for groceries is that these bags are heavier than most with the smallest Barrage Cargo weighing 3lbs when empty and the Barrage Freight weighing 4.7lbs respectively. They are made with a heavy-duty 1050D nylon and are lined with 500D TPE tarp - two ultra-tough yet thick and weighty materials.
Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack
We are big fans of the Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack as a groceries backpack for its expandable main compartment, versatile design and fantastic quality.
The main compartment goes from 26L to 35L using an expansion zipper that takes seconds to deploy. This design is perfect for those looking for a backpack for groceries that can also double as their daily pack for work or school. When compressed, the Parker Commuter offers a slim profile with great features such as a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for daily items.
When it comes to comfort features, the Timbuk2 Parker Commuter has everything you could want in a grocery backpack - a generously padded back panel, cushy shoulder straps and both a chest strap and waist belt for added comfort when hauling heavy loads.
Read more about the Timbuk2 Parker
The Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack was designed with cyclists in mind and you can see this throughout its tapered design, comfort features and reflective panels for safety on the road in low light.
Timbuk2 Parker Commuter back panel and shoulder harness
The Parker Commuter offers a hefty shoulder harnesses and back panel with a raised cushioned back panel that prevents awkward poking from grocery items inside the bag as well as both a chest strap and waist belt for better weight distribution. It’s comfort features like these that makes the Parker Commuter a great grocery backpack for bikers.
Inside the Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack (with 3 half-gallon milk cartons)
Like many work/school commuter backpacks, the compressed 26L main compartment is roomy enough to accommodate everyday items while still keeping a low profile. We found that you could still fit three half-gallon milk cartons at the bottom of the main compartment when compressed.
The Timbuk2 Parker Commuter expanded and fully loaded with groceries
The magic happens when you expand the Parker Commuter backpack to its full 35L capacity. The main compartment will taper outward to allow you to fit heavier groceries the bottom and lighter stuff like pasta boxes and vegetables at the top. This tapered design allows for more comfortable cycling when in the riding position.
Ortlieb Messenger Bag
The Ortlieb Messenger-Bag is a large 39L waterproof commuter backpack that means business.
This backpack is a nice mix of lightweight and tough which is perfect for loading groceries. The shoulder straps on the Ortlieb Messenger-Bag are bolted on to ensure durability under heavy weights - in fact each Messenger-Bag is rated for a max load of 30.9lbs. A chest strap and waist belt also helps with weight distribution. Inside you’ll find a very generous large open unlined main compartment that’s easy to wipe down in the event of accidental spillage.
Chrome Urban Ex 30L Backpack
The Chrome Urban Ex has long been ranked as one of our favorite roll top waterproof backpacks and it performs surprisingly well as a grocery backpack thanks to its versatile features. Let’s list some of the ways the Chrome Urban Ex makes a backpack for groceries:
The main compartment is just one large deep open area with few pockets to get in the way
The roll top design allows you to adjust the bag’s size to your grocery load
It’s built like a tank plus it’s completely waterproof - you won’t have to worry about rips or tears under load.
The Chrome Urban Ex comes in a 30 liter size (we recommend this size if you haul bulkier items) and a 20 liter size (go with this one if you prefer a more compact bag).
Read more about the Chrome Urban Ex
The Chrome Urban Ex is made with a tough 600D polyester textile with a PU coating for water resistance. The knurled welded construction keeps water from finding its way into the bag and is the special sauce that makes the Urban Ex waterproof.
The shoulder straps are adequately padded and when combined with the adjustable chest strap provides great support under heavier loads. In fact, Chrome has recently redesigned their shoulder harness for improved comfort.
The Chrome Urban Ex 30L can fit 3 half-gallon milk cartons at the bottom of its main compartment with a lot more room to spare.
Inside the Chrome Urban Ex you’ll find an admin panel with a padded laptop sleeve and pockets for smaller items. When used as a backpack for groceries, this panel is non-intrusive and stays against the wall of the main compartment so that you can utilize its full capacity.
The Chrome Urban Ex backpack’s roll top design in action
One of our favorite features of the Chrome Urban Ex is its expandable roll top design that allows you to adjust the bag’s size to your load. For groceries the main compartment functions a lot like a very large paper bag allowing you to stack your grocery items neatly inside.
Got Bag Rolltop
Available in over a dozen fun colors, the Got Bag Rolltop is a laptop backpack that can double a grocery backpack thanks to its removable padded laptop sleeve panel to maximize internal space on shopping days.
The rolltop design allows you to expand or compress the bag size according to your load while a waterproof construction offers protection from the elements. We found that the slick TPU lined interior is easy to clean in case of accidental spills which is a huge bonus when using a backpack for groceries.
Got Bag offers the full-sized Rolltop Backpack (31L) and the smaller Rolltop Lite (26L) that features narrower shoulder straps to better fit smaller people. Between the unlimited color options and different sizes to dial in the perfect fit - you are sure to find one you’ll love!
Mission Workshop The Fitzroy
The Fitzroy by Mission Workshop is a great option for anyone looking for a large rucksack that can be reliably used as a grocery backpack when needed.
The spacious main compartment gives you 40 liters of packing room with the ability to add more room in a pinch with the flap fully extended. For carrying heavier loads, The Fitzroy is equipped with an internal frame sheet back panel and padded shoulder straps with adjustable load lifters and a chest strap for dialing in comfortable carry under load. Mission Workshop also offers a padded waist belt that can be purchased separately if needed.
Each Mission Workshop backpack is made in the USA with mil-spec construction for years of reliability. The brand constructs some of the toughest backpacks on the market and The Fitzroy is no exception.
Best Backpacks for Groceries - Mid-Sized and Lightweight
Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City
If you are looking for a tough yet lightweight backpack for groceries with a small footprint then we couldn’t recommend the Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City enough.
The Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City features a completely waterproof construction thanks to its taped seems, a durable nylon construction with a reinforced bottom, bolted on shoulder straps for extra peace of mind under load and only weighs 26.5 oz for strong yet lightweight carry.
What makes this backpack special is its completely removable padded laptop sleeve. When removed you’ll have access to a wide open “bucket style” main compartment that’s perfect for groceries and easy to wipe down in case of accidental spills. The roll top design also makes it simple to adjust the backpack size to your grocery load.
Read more about the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City
Ortlieb is a German brand that specializes in waterproof cyclist bags and the Commuter-Daypack City was their answer for the busy urban commuter who needs a reliable and versatile bag they can take anywhere.
Inside the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City 21L main compartment (shown with 2 half-gallon cartons)
The removable laptop sleeve panel makes it easy to switch between daily work/school carry and errands like grocery shopping by giving you an open “bucket-style” main compartment to load grocery items with ease.
Its completely waterproof and lightweight construction also makes the Commuter-Daypack City a great option for outdoor adventures outside of the city and since it weighs only 26.5oz you can easily pack the Commuter-Daypack City on longer trips.
Heavy duty bolted shoulder straps and ribbed foam back panel on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City
When it comes to comfort, the shoulder straps on the Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City are not as thickly padded as some of the other grocery backpacks on this list but when combined with the chest strap and waist belt this backpack surprisingly provides comfortable carry under heavy weight. The back panel is made out of cushioned foam strips that also do a great job under load and are raised enough to prevent pokes from any awkwardly shaped the items inside.
Harber London TotePack
Harber London is the maker of some of our favorite work backpacks for men due to their sophisticated designs and handcrafted construction. With the TotePack, the brand offers an attractive yet sensible design that surprisingly makes a great backpack for groceries thanks to its large open bucket-style main compartment that makes packing bulkier items a breeze.
We have to admit that the Harber London TotePack isn’t for everyone. It has a high end construction and a matching price-point. But for those looking for a sophisticated look - we can’t recommend the Harber London TotePack enough. Every detail is meticulously considered giving you a handsome backpack for work, travel and even runs to the grocery store.
Read more about the Harber London TotePack
Each Harber London backpack is handmade in Spain by expert craftsman and you can see the care put into each Totepack thanks to its use of full grain leather, rugged water resistant textiles and aviation grade aluminum buckles and metal hardware.
The interior is made up of one very roomy 22-liter main compartment that features a padded laptop and tablet sleeve that discreetly stays out of the way when not in use making it perfect for packing bulkier items like groceries. We could easily fit 3 half-gallon cartons of milk at the bottom of the backpack with room to spare on the floor.
Inside the Harber London TotePack
You can wear the Harber London TotePack as a backpack or carry it as a tote bag on lighter days. The leather shoulder straps are very comfortable thanks to a cushioned foam backing that prevents the straps from cutting into your shoulder under weight.
Unfortunately, the Harber London TotePack does not include a chest strap or waist belt to help with weight redistribution. This is a major reason why we did not include it with our heavy duty backpacks above. But for lighter loads and quick grocery trips - the Harber London TotePack shines by offering a very roomy main compartment and a handsome design that will definitely gain some compliments when worn.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack offers a super lightweight yet roomy backpack that gives you the versatility you need for impromptu shopping trips after work. Along with having to the ability to convert to a tote bag when needed, the Black Hole Tote Pack is also stuffable and can compress down into its own pocket for easy transport when not in use.
The 27 liter main compartment is large enough for grocery carry while still allowing for a compact profile when worn. The main compartment is wide open with just a small pocket for essentials so that you can take advantage of the full capacity inside.
Timbuk2 Tuck Laptop Backpack
The Timbuk2 Tuck Laptop Backpack is a lightweight pack known for its reliability and versatility. A side-access laptop sleeve and internal admin panel makes organizing daily carry a breeze while its expandable main compartment gives you the room you need for quick grocery trips on your way home.
It’s internal capacity can be adjusted between 20-26 liters thanks to its classic rolltop design that can compress and expand to fit your load.
Timbuk2 offers the Tuck in a variety of great colors and even gives you the option to design your own in their custom shop. If you are looking for a reliable rolltop for groceries that can also be used for daily carry and travel then the Tuck just might be what you are looking for.
