to want a nice work bag that doesn't damage me?

[Magenta82]

First world problem I know, but I'm getting frustrated in my search!

I have to carry a 15.6" laptop and for years I used a briefcase that has a shoulder strap. However I'm finding it is getting too heavy and making my shoulders and back hurt.

I've started looking for a backpack in the hope that it will be better for my back but I'm not having much luck.

Apparently women only use tiny laptops or tablets so all the nice women's bags are too small or flimsy and whilst the men's are better made and more practical they tend to be fairly ugly.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice, professional looking, practical, work backpack, ideally in leather (or something that makes it look smart)?

The closest I have found is this www.samsonite.co.uk/senzil-laptop-backpack-15.6---black/116226-1041.html , but I don't love it and I feel like if I am spending three hundred quid on a bag it should make me happy!

Thanks for the help

DH has a smart black backpack which he uses for work which came from John Lewis. I can't find the exact one he has but there are several on here www.johnlewis.com/browse/sport-leisure/suitcases-bags-accessories/backpacks/_/N-et6 which look possible and certainly cheaper than the Samsonite!

Have a look at knomo bags. Pretty expensive but very lovely!

The Briggs & Reilly Sympatico looks ok

A lady on my train had a lovely back pack with her laptop in, it was by moleskin- the notebook people

Lipault have some nice ones:

www.lipault.co.uk/j.p.-gaultier-collab-mix-backpack-m-burgundy/112383-1153.html?cgid=bags_backpacks

www.lipault.co.uk/plume-elegance-laptop-backpack-m-navy/90834-1596.html?cgid=bags_backpacks

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_63238+PL137SLT_-1

Leather backpack? Put laptop in neoprene case

Get a practical, comfortable bag and forget about whether it's a man's/woman's. Not being in pain is much more important.

I have a lovely laptop bag/back pack from IKEA! In the shop I thought it was boring and black but outside it was a lovely olive green.

I have this one - it's brilliant and very very comfy;

i-stayput.com/collections/i-stay-bag-range/products/is0106-2-i-stay-15-6-16-inch-ladies-laptop-bag

My husband also uses one from the backpack range - he's please too!

I've been coveting this one:

bearandbear.com/product/sandqvist-hege-backpack-18l/?attribute_pa_color=black&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxLON8u384AIVDuh3Ch27EwnkEAQYDyABEgLs3fD_BwE

I have a grey Herschel backpack. Not cheap but classic, waterproof and laptop section. I had terrible pain from lugging a heavy bag around. This has been a revolution. Look at Style 'retreat' or City

I use a cath kidston one, but depends on your style and your work environment mine is a bit like social care/teaching, so not hugely formal attire etc

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Men-Women-Shoulder-Canvas-Backpack-Rucksack-School-Travel-Laptop-College-Bag-z/263606054072?hash=item3d60252cb8:m:mJKsKypnWj5gGi-A0bINq6Q&var=562665911124

I have this one, and you honestly wouldn't believe how durable it is. I've had it a year and it's spotless, and my laptop weighs a ton. I can fit lots in there on top of the computer.

www.eastpak.com/uk-en/backpacks-c120/padded-pak-r-black-ink-leath-pEK62064O+00+999.html

I have this. It’s not that attractive but has grown on me but is super comfortable, has taken a lot of weight with no damage to straps etc and is a good size.

How about these bags?
www.fjallraven.co.uk/equipment/kanken/

I’ve got a Hershel backpack, padded insert for the laptop, pretty sturdy and plenty of smart colours to choose from, found mine in tk maxx but I think rrp is only about £60.

miatui.com/

These bags are good, I recently used one of their back packs and cross body bags on a recent vacation. Well made and reasonably priced, I got a discount for buying a bundle of two bags.

Thanks for your help everyone, I'm really liking Knomo and Lipault and have also discovered Aruku which is lovely.

I really appreciate the help, I had spent hours on google trying to come up with something.

Hi,
I’m the founder of Aruku so appreciate the mention 😊. The benefit of our backpacks is we don’t sell through retailers (only through our website) so we don’t have to put a big mark up on our products to pay for the ‘middle man’. So essentially you’re getting much better value for money than if you buy through a high street store. We also manufacture at the same factory as one of the worlds most well-known luxury brands so we’re confident we’re delivering a premium product that will last. Just thought this was info worth sharing!!! Happy shopping 😊