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Original poster

Best rucksack for secondary

30 replies

OpalSky · 24/09/2024 08:57

Looking for recommendations for a strong rucksack for secondary as my DD rucksack already falling apart and only had it since start of term.
Need one that can:

  1. carry a very heavy load
  2. can fit an A4 ring binder or 2
  3. colour black preferable
  4. has a water bottle holder section on the side
  5. no massive great brand logos, small ones fine
  6. lasts ok in rainy conditions without all books getting soaked
  7. strong and last well!

Is this a difficult ask? 🙏🏼

OP posts:
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Merona · 24/09/2024 23:05

mugboat · 24/09/2024 11:44

Got this one for my daughter, we have the same criteria as you and it fits the brief
https://uk.justhype.com/products/hype-black-maxi-backpack-2?variant=39328875839588&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxsm3BhDrARIsAMtVz6Pt75yZL4-WnMcRW2-Dy0M6YlP6YhUx5rRGqwv63TU1-TMGMaZa0pgaArlmEALw_wcB

Another vote for Jansport, very hard wearing and fit everything!

Original poster
OpalSky · 24/09/2024 23:01

AmberDachs · 24/09/2024 22:17

@OpalSky it was in fact so amazing I bought myself a slightly different model for work. And that one is still going strong too 🤣

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@AmberDachs fantastic! 😁

OP posts:
boulevardofbrokendreamss · 24/09/2024 23:00

ThisOldThang · 24/09/2024 22:22

Swissgear are very popular with IT workers. Mine is 10+ years old and still going strong.

https://www.swissgear.com/backpacks

It workers aren't at school and wanting to fit in with crowd 🤦🏻‍♀️

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 24/09/2024 23:00

Eastpak, Jansen or Nike. But is very area dependent.

Poppy1999 · 24/09/2024 22:41

And another vote for Kanken.

RampantIvy · 24/09/2024 22:27

Another vote for Kanken. They are ££ but indestructable.
DD got hers in year 12 and it has seen her through A levels, a degree, various trips abroad and weekend visits to friends in the UK and daily use taking lunch etc to work.

AmberDachs · 24/09/2024 22:17

OpalSky · 24/09/2024 20:05

Ooh lots of good suggestions. @AmberDachs wow that rucksack looks amazing, I want one for myself 😅

@OpalSky it was in fact so amazing I bought myself a slightly different model for work. And that one is still going strong too 🤣

JaninaDuszejko · 24/09/2024 20:48

Another vote for Eastpak. My DDs got new bags a few years ago, the Eastpak looks good as new and is now being used for 6th form, the Kanken looks bashed about (although still fully functional and I suspect the bashed appearance is part of the charm). My youngest has just started secondary and based on the performance we've bought him an Eastpak.

RobinEllacotStrike · 24/09/2024 20:43

A large kanken. My dd is still using hers in y12 - we got it for her in Y7. Still in top condition

Original poster
OpalSky · 24/09/2024 20:05

Ooh lots of good suggestions. @AmberDachs wow that rucksack looks amazing, I want one for myself 😅

OP posts:
CatChant · 24/09/2024 16:31

Jansport Big Student backpack.

AmberDachs · 24/09/2024 16:03

Not cheap but my DD in Year 10 has a Nordace Siena backback that she got in Year 7 and it's still going strong with not a mark on it or any frayed material. And we're talking a girl here that insists on carrying everything including the kitchen sink in it at all times...

Blueuggboots · 24/09/2024 15:21

My son has this rucksack.

PROETRADE Extra Large Backpack... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C2YLXB4Z?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare

BarqsHasBite · 24/09/2024 14:22

Have a look at Dakine, it’s a German brand which you can buy on eBay. They come in different sizes and I have 2, they’re really well made and have lots of pockets and comfy straps.

HawaiiWake · 24/09/2024 13:55

Eastpak and Jansport. Check Jansport website using the filters so you get the right specs and buy on Amazon if they have a deal on same item.

Original poster
OpalSky · 24/09/2024 13:25

@MyBestFriendKenny I didn’t want to name the brand, but Firetrap brand I will not be buying as I bought the Firetrap City Backpack from Sports Direct, this particular one does have a bottle holder pocket. It has got a hole at the bottom of the bottle holder pocket within one week of having it, and now another hole has appeared at the bottom of the bag today. It’s only been 3 weeks of school, surely a bag should last longer than that😓

OP posts:
MyBestFriendKenny · 24/09/2024 12:13

My two both got Firetrap backpacks this year. My new y7 DD is tiny and we wanted something well padded to make sure it was comfortable. My DS liked it too so he got the same bag with a slightly different pockets configuration. The only issue we have is that there isn't an outside water bottle pocket. They are so much better quality than the Adidas bags that DS has chosen since y7. We got them for a very good price in Sports Direct.

Original poster
OpalSky · 24/09/2024 11:59

Thank you all. These are great suggestions! I will look into them and see if DD happy with the look too. I don’t mind paying more, as long as it lasts.

OP posts:
Thatsthebottomline · 24/09/2024 11:08

Berghaus 24/7 bag will do the job. They last forever and come in black. Can be pricey but worth it.

GreenPeasandMint · 24/09/2024 11:01

Not obvious teenagerish but Sammsonite ones actually lasted 5 years… Samuel Vimes Boots…

sw10krg · 24/09/2024 10:56

Also recommend Eastpak- have survived cycling, tubes, trains, planes etc.

Kittybelle123 · 24/09/2024 10:55

2 DDs yr 13 and yr 11, London commute to school involving bus and tube. Older DD started with a Kanken as that was the trend but it got battered and looked very tired quickly. Since that they have both had this:

https://www.johnlewis.com/eastpak-orbit-backpack/black/p109859970?sppc=2dxxmixedfashionnBAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1wiXor-VFINfttxmqugTK192&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxsm3BhDrARIsAMtVz6NFu9izSsPYhllHxDKnmPLZJfHis6UBZCaJD1BtotZ1fVzaSl118dcaArFEALwwwcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

not had to replace and still both looking very good despite the books and files they have to carry.