Train commuters - which backpack please?

[CatholicSquirrels]

I've got a job that means I'll be catching the train to work. I've narrowed it down to 2 backpacks and I'm not sure which would work best for what I need. I like the storage sections of this one but am worried it wouldn't fit a lunchbox in. Does anyone have one similar to this and is there room for a boxy lunchbox? The other choice I'll add to the next post.

Laptop
A4 folder
A5 Kindle
Laptop charger
Phone charger
Phone
Purse
Umbrella
A5 sized lunchbox
Water bottle

This one has a roll top so can fit more in but is less 'organised' per se. It would more easily fit the lunchbox and umbrella in but would all my stuff just rattle around? Or would the laptop back pocket and Kindle front pocket be enough organiskng?

Regardless of what they look like, you need to try them for size. I've had several bad ones that looked the part but weren't comfortable. When I found the Wenger Swissgear fit me perfectly, I stuck with them.

The madlug roll-top bag is bigger than you think it's going to be. And of course you can roll it down/up as needed.

You'd definitely fit everything on your list inside it, but the downside is of course not being able to easily put your hand on individual things because it's all jumbled in together.

Personally for a work bag I'd go for more pockets but I don't know how big that bag is - could you email them with your list and see what they think?

@TheCheeseBadge

The madlug roll-top bag is bigger than you think it's going to be. And of course you can roll it down/up as needed.

You'd definitely fit everything on your list inside it, but the downside is of course not being able to easily put your hand on individual things because it's all jumbled in together.

Personally for a work bag I'd go for more pockets but I don't know how big that bag is - could you email them with your list and see what they think?

Good thinking thank you!

I have an Amazon Basics one that has lots of sections, I really like it for making sure I can separate delicate stuff from heavy, food from electrical items etc. One thing I'd sayis how much can you downsize? Is there an option to have one laptop charger at home and one in the office for example? Do you get to choose what device you have? The difference on days when I need to carry my iPad compared to carrying my (still quite slim) laptop is surprisingly noticeable. My husband has a computer that is not much bigger than an iPad, but he docks it with a second screen at home or work.

There are chargers on the desks but I was in a 4 hour meeting yesterday then back on a 2 hour train so would need to bring the charger for non desk time.

I had a roll top bag and it drove me mad because I couldn't easily see into it or reach into it to find things.
Do you need to take the laptop charger to the office or do they have docking stations? I hate having to carry my charger around as its extra weight and the cable get tangled. Do you need the phone charger or can you just take a USB lead and plug it into your phone and laptop?

After advice from the helpful Gareth at Madlug I bought this one:

"Official Madlug™ Roll-Top Tech Backpack | Every Bag Gives Dignity." www.madlug.com/collections/laptop-backpacks/products/grey-roll-top-tech-backpack

Hopefully it'll arrive in time for me to use it going down to London on Tuesday!

I love love love my rains backpack!

Fits everything and still not bulky for train.

www.thelittlegreenbag.co.uk/backpacks/laptop-backpacks/rains/backpack-15-inch/28555

I have it in the black holo and it's stunning!