Do you think the backpack/handbag as rucksack trend will last?

[Bolingbroke]

I've got my eye on a backpack, I've seen some nice looking ones at Whistles and Radley, so I'll be potentially spending £150-300 (for me that's a good chunk and I'd want to get a few years wear out of it).

So... do you think this backpack trend will last? Or will I look a bit daft next season when the next bag thing comes around?

[Bolingbroke]

Bumping myself so this doesn't disappear. Anyone?

[Oly5]

I think they are awful, sorry! For school kids

[squizita]

I bloody hope it does. So useful! The trend means there are stylish ones not just jan sport stuff.

[Toffeelatteplease]

No they are really annoying.

I had to have them for a while due to whiplash injury. Security wise you want one which has a security pocket on the back side of your bag the side where the shoulder straps are ie so someone can't just unzip the pocket behind you and get to your purse.

Also they are a right fiddle with children. A cross body bag you can just drop stuff in. The back pack you have to half take it off every time.

They are occasional useful but I'm not a fan

[Bolingbroke]

Thanks all! squizita which one do you have/like?

That's a thought re just shoving stuff in your bag toffee, I hadn't considered that. Though I don't have kids, so wouldn't be as much of an issue.

[botemp]

Trend? It never caught on, their availability is the result of retailers paying the same trend forecaster agencies who 'magically' tell them what we all want years from now and in what colours. The backpack is just part of a rotation that nods to the nineties.

They're a pickpocket's dream and they're never going to be suitable to carry much in without straps digging in your shoulders. The stylish ones are never going to be very practical. My advice, if you desperately want one wait till the sales there's always plenty of them in it.

[Toffeelatteplease]

I got mine off eBay. Nice real leather ones second hand between £10 and £20

Also you have to think about what kind of coat you wear. Capes, shawls and anything too baggy or bulky are out. They do look good with a nice fitted blazer.

It's a good job I didn't get rid of them if they come into fashion

[squizita]

Non brand leather one.

Have a toddler - much more practical and less painful than a shoulder bag. Inner back pocket for valuables.

[SellFridges]

They just look dated to me. And a bit hideous. Unless you are also wearing a slip dress at Glastonbury.

[readingrainbow]

My new handbag can easily convert into rucksack straps and it is AMAZING. I can hold it on one shoulder when wanted, and when I need to run after my crazy toddler, I can put it on both shoulders so it doesn't keep slipping down my arm. I have very slopey shoulders so this happens all the time when I'm holding her hand or chasing after her. It's super convenient.

[EmpressTomatoKetchup]

My black leather backpack comes with a top strap so can be worn like a shoulder bag. Buy a cheaper one if you are worried.

[specialsubject]

Backpacks are really useful. Valuables - keys and wallet - go in pockets. Easy.

[MadameCholetsDirtySecret]

I love my Longchamp backpack style bag. It isn't too big and is a fab orange colour. I'm thinking of getting another one.

[Bolingbroke]

Where's yours from empress?

[IWantToLiveInPawnee]

I've used backpack handbags on and off for 20 years, all designer, so no, they aren't going to go away!

I love the mini Verity in Whistles.

My very stylish aunt uses a Herschel backpack as a back and she makes it look tres chic.

[toffeeboffin]

Reading that's amazing!

[EmpressTomatoKetchup]

Last years John Lewis, about £100.

[coppergrey]

I have a black leather Michael Kors one and I love it. Initially got it because carrying my massive shoulder bag was causing me real pain. Now I can fit everything I used to carry in my backpack without injuring myself! It's not really a hassle to get things in and out of it - totally worth the few times you have to slip it on and off to be completely hands-free the rest of the time!

I did worry about the pickpocketing thing at first but I've not had a single issue and I've used it all over the place, from New York to Lisbon to London!

It's this one, btw - www.farfetch.com/uk/shopping/women/Michael-Michael-Kors-Rhea-backpack-item-10859482.aspx?gclid=Cj0KEQjw9tW5BRDk29KDnqWu4fMBEiQAKj7sp63fr9ZfT1-gy0Z1pFns_66O3x3iMfCo57j3SbIHfyMaAkPG8P8HAQ&storeid=9560&ef_id=VLa8AAAABVMZX9ot:20160513141833:s

[Bolingbroke]

Thanks empress.

copper that's really really nice and looks a decent size too.

[stickygotstuck]

I've really no idea, S&B is not my natural habitat, I am just passing.
But if you really want to know my opinion, I have been using them for over 30 years, and I predict it will last another 30

Seriously, why would anybody every wear anything else? [misses the poing, exits S&B]

[Madbengalmum]

Sorry, but dont necessarily think there is a trend for backpacks, think they are for kids and Japanese tourists, sorry.

[lucy101101]

I was walking through John Lewis the other day and saw this bag and I have to say it was beautiful and the leather is very high quality. It also has well finished edges etc. so looks a lot more expensive (more like Coach price and quality). I didn't buy it as I am a cross body fan but it really was a beautiful bag:

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-genevieve-leather-backpack/p2515864?colour=Black

[coppergrey]

It is beautiful, Boling! People always tell me they love it, it's such a classic shape and great quality so it'll last and last. I've taken it all over the place, roughed it about a bit (it currently has a bit of mud on it from a weekend of camping! ) but it still looks good as new.

Go for it, you'll love it! I bought mine via Sarenza as it was quite a bit cheaper than elsewhere... looks like it's not on the site at the moment but worth keeping an eye out in case it comes back.

[FrikkaDilla]

I love stylish back packs. I cycle a lot so very practical to wear one that transforms to a regular shoulder bag once I get off the bike. I've had one (not the same one!) for about 20 years.

[Bolingbroke]

That's really nice Lucy. A few people have said John Lewis so I'll have to check out their selection.