Spring is near and I am eager to go riding. I want a backpack to carry a few items (bike lock, tire repair, first aid). Nothing much. But, when I search Amazon for “reflective bike backpack small” I get results like those below which are much larger than I need. (“Reflective” if I happen to be riding at night but it doesn’t have to be.)
How do I find a backpack half that size? Maybe 1/4 that size?
Go to an actual store and look at them. That’s what I did.
Something like this?
When it comes to backpacks, I find it helps to include a volumetric term for search, in this case, 6L, but be careful, if it’s small enough, it’ll find a drinking water bladder.
I dunno what that means but thanks! That is a lot closer to what I am looking for.
I needed a small knapsack for everyday use and had a hell of a time finding one.
What eventually paid off was searching Amazon for “small backpack” or “small knapsack.” By having a rough idea of what capacity I wanted (less than 12 liters) I eventually found a woman’s “backpack/purse” that works for me. (“Woman’s” only because of the size, FWIW.)
Well, just happy to help. For the record, a drinking water bladder is like the Camelback or other hydration systems. So sometimes you’ll find a backpack that has a water reservoir/water bladder. A plastic insert as a, or as a part of backpack for drinking on the go.
I have a saddle/tailbag on each of my bikes with the stuff for that bike: Spare tube, patches, CO2 & head, small multi-tool. That is always on each bike. For most rides I just stuff the rest in my jersey pocket. If I need to carry a lock, I have a top-tube bag which also can hold wallet and other stuff. If I really need to carry a lot, I have a full frame bag and panniers. Water always goes in water bottle in cages.
I hate wearing packs while cycling.
Edit to add: I’m so happy it is outside riding time again! I’ve been out a few times smashing the pedals and it feels good. I kept on the trainer this winter so this year is getting off to a good start.
I’d rather not wear a backpack either when riding but then I want to ride to places in the city, stop for lunch or a drink and chill a bit and ride back.
That means a lock which is bulky and heavy. And, I have had a flat before miles from home which sucked really bad so I want tire repair with me. Add in a bike pump and minor first aid and I need a pack to carry it all.
But sure…if my only goal was to ride around the block a few times I could skip all that.
My city and touring bikes have racks. One Ortlieb quick-release pannier will carry everything you need. Easy to carry and if you will really be walking with it, put on the shoulder strap. A full set Ortlieb bags is enough space for a full week of credit card bike touring. Add a fork set and you are now ready for a full week of bike packing.
If you can’t tell, I love bike touring of all sorts. And also never wearing a pack in any of my biking.
I do have a cycling hydration pack since my mtn bike doesn’t have water carrying capabilities. Search for cycling pack and you’ll find them. My pack is definitely more comfortable on a bike than a normal walking pack.
Use the term “mini” in your search.
I suggest one of the smaller camelbacks maybe the Hi-Viz™ 85oz Mil Spec.
Heh…that might be a bit too small. And while I want to be seen at night I don’t need to be seen from the moon. 
They look like good stuff though…I will noodle around on their website. Thanks!
How’s this?
Small pack, beige accents
Small pack, green accents
They are 15 1/2"H x 11"W x 6 1/2"D.
that’s the one you want.
the only one that doesnt give me the sweaty-back-patch, as it floats above your body. if that is relevant to you, this is the one to get.
I also use my rack – I usually just use my Jandd economy panniers. For actual touring, I have larger panniers (and a front rack)
For local day rides I have a seat bag for tools and a spare tube.
I’ve only done one multi day fully loaded tour – took Amtrack to Everett, WA and biked Whidbey Island (1 night at Ft Ebey, 2 nights at Deception pass, 1 night at Ft Ebey)
I’ve done some overnights, and a semi-loaded 3 day weekend (biked to and from start point of a supported tour)
Brian
I am far less expert than the folks upthread. But like the OP my mission is casually ride a few miles in the city, stop for lunch / beach / whatever, then ride back. I can’t leave anything valuable attached to the bike while I’m not on it. And I’ll be not on it more than I’ll be on it. So in that way ISTM my mission is a better fit for his than the various expert cross country touring folks who’ve opined above. My bike is a sorta-mountain / trail bike, not a tourer or racer.
My solution was to get a rack:
and permanently-attachable basket:
Then I have a backpack to carry all my bike stuff in one pocket and the stuff for my particular mission du jour in another. Which backpack sits in the basket attached by a carabiner while I’m riding. And which quickly comes off and goes on my back when I leave the bike. The bike lock is stored in a clip on the seat tube.
Kinda clunky-looking, but solves the problem for me. And I can use different sized backpacks depending on whether my mission is lunch where I need a credit card, or snorkeling where I need a bunch more paraphernalia. For a really huge collection of crap I can have one pack in the basket and another on my back. Rare, but doable.
Bon voyage!
I did quite a bit of leisurely biking last year after a long hiatus. I wore a backpack the first couple of trips. Unfortunately the backpack functioned as a moisture barrier, resulting in my shirt quickly becoming drenched due to sweat. I then installed a rack as shown by @LSLGuy. Much better.
Yeah a rear rack opens up a ton of utility for a bicycle. A trunk bag will hold everything and whatever you may purchase along the way on a day ride. A pannier or two will allow for grocery runs. A basket can be mounted to it as well. No sweaty back.
I, too, do not like a backpack on long rides or when touring, but there are plenty of rack bag options now to choose from, and you can also consider “bike-packing” style bags that mount to the bike frame and do not require a rack at all.
I’m not a biker but this advice seems most sensible, especially if you go to a bicycle shop.
Considering where I live, I’d probably just pop over to REI and check out what they have on hand. Then, if there was something I liked, I’d buy it there, otherwise I’d at least get an idea of the size and features I was looking for, and see what else they have online.
If that didn’t work, I’d make the longer trip to (Richardson) Bike Mart and see what they’ve got, likely pricier and potentially less selection.
FWIW, for tire repair and first aid, I’ve got one of those little under-seat bags that holds a patch kit, a CO2 inflator, and a little first aid kit with some bandaids, etc…