Is there such a thing as a smart rucksack?

[HeadFairy]

I don't want one that looks like I'm off to climb Ben Nevis, I'd quite like one made of a proper material, leather is fine, or decent strong cotton material, but smarter looking. Does such a thing exist? There's a cheapo one in Marks and Sparks made of nylon but it's a bit flimsy, looks like it'll fall apart in seconds and is not terribly attractive.

[bebesequin]

Kipling?

[HeadFairy]

they're ok bebesequin, but still nylon and I think nylon looks tatty really quickly.

[TheHAUNTEDHouseofMirth]

Like this?

[PigeonPie]

Have a look at the Healthy Back Bag Company they have lovely bags which fit loads in - I've got the small one and can fit everything in! They're not quite rucksacks but they have a similar sort of feel.

[HeadFairy]

that's getting there HoM... now if I could just find a nicer colour... (I'm fussy aren't I?)

[HeadFairy]

Oh PigeonPie, those look really nice. I'm just leaving work but will have a look later. Thanks!

[PigeonPie]

I'm a complete convert and will be asking for them for Christmases and Birthdays for years to come in all sorts of colours! And once the DSs are bigger and I can go down to a smaller bag (ha ha) then I can have the extra small!

[HeadFairy]

If you're still around PigeonPie... how do they feel on your back? The reason I really need something like a rucksack is that after years of carrying a heavy handbag I've knackered my shoulder so I need something that distributes the weight more evenly. A rucksack is ideal for that, plus it leaves me with both hands to deal with ds.

[PigeonPie]

It feels great! It's specially designed so that you put your things in the pockets inside which distributes the weight more evenly. Just one warning - I thought I'd lost my iPod the other day, but I finally found it in a pocket I didn't know I had (it now lives there!).

Quite a few shops stock them so you might be able to find somewhere locally and try it out - although I took the risk and ordered mine directly.

Have fun.