Backpack for University

[Shimy]

Just occurred to me that DS will need one for uni. What’s everyone else’s child using or what would you recommend? Im particularly interested in:

Ability to store laptop of about 17inch plus folder
Very good back support! So good shoulder straps and padding.

I’ve looked on amazon and there’s a myriad of back packs it’s difficult to know what to choose from.

Hi @Shimy, DS has had an Eastpak (we actually got it as a product trial via MN about four/five years ago) which is still in very good condition and which I've advised his to use as his 'starter' one for university. It's been heavy duty cleaned and has come up almost as good as new. He has the version with the leather base. I could not fault it and nor could he. He certainly used it to take his laptop with him to school in the sixth form. You can also get ones with reinforced/padded straps for added comfort. I recall DS also saying that they'd become the bags to use at his school.

If your DS is going to university he is not a 'child'..this might be a good time to take a step back.

My DDs would never have used a backpack I chose for them to go to uni. They both chose their own. They certainly didn't use outdoor wear ones. DD1 had a green tweedy one from Zara and DD2 had a black cord one as I recall. In fact DS2 loves a backpack and has several.

I just realised you have a son but my post still stands. Let him work out what he wants for himself.

Why isn't he choosing it?

Thanks @NewModelArmyMayhem18 . That’s great, I’ll have a look a their range, the reinforced straps and padding sound Just like what i’m looking for.

Aww come on guys! Why is a Mum not allowed to get her DS a gift
The lad is going off to uni so he clearly isnt tied to apron strings.
I've bought mine all manor of kit.
FWIW Shimy, mine uses an army issue Bergen, its indestructible.

I'd recommend one like this....lots of different options and sizes.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dakine-Campus-Backpack-Litre-Black/dp/B00RZU6F84/ref=sr11_5?crid=2SFDBUC9T2CCH&keywords=dakine+backpack&qid=1568057363&s=gateway&sprefix=Daki%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-5

@Serin @Aurea thanks so much for your recommendations .
I’ve just looked at the link, Not only is a very good design but comes in loads of different colours, if a bit pricey. I’ve spotted one within budget though. I’ll Search for Bergen too.

My son has had his at school for five years and it's still going strong. He's off to uni with it next month too.

He has the 33l one and it's plenty big enough.

DD didn't get around to buying one before leaving, but she was looking for something waterproof as 25 min walk to lectures.

A 17" laptop is huge & heavy. I have one because my vision isn't great when I'm tired. It's a sodding heavy thing to lug around! Does he really need to carry it? If so, I'd suggest a smaller laptop or a specific laptop carrier designed to take it.

@bring Very good point! You’re right, he doesn’t need a 17inch one, 15inch will do fine, the Dakine one is also waterproof @ifonly4. DS will be doing lots of walking as well so it’s very important.

@Shimy are you going to just ignore the fact that the majority of posters on this thread have advised you to step back and let your adult 'child' make these decisions for himself?

It's not in any way normal or advisable to still be controlling and micromanaging an 18-year-old in this way, assuming that they are neurotypical - is he?

Or does he have additional needs that mean he can't choose a backpack for himself - in which case how is he going to manage a degree?

Do people actually get involved in their adult DCs lives at uni right down to the kind of bags they use?
I think if I had asked my mum to sort me a bag out for uni she'd have told me where to go! How is this level of involvement raising independent young adults?

Surely it depends on what he likes and what is dress style is? Also what's fashionable.
In the university city I'm in it was definitely all about Herschel last year at least.

I'm an old fart but I have this www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07G3VDW4X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8 which is not as obviously laptop-esque as some of them and is actually really solidly built for the price.

Shimy are you going to just ignore the fact that the majority of posters on this thread have advised you to step back and let your adult 'child' make these decisions for himself?

Hopefully she is, yes.

Both my DSs have a North Face Surge. I chose it as a gift for DS1 as I was certain it would suit him in terms of practicality and lovely fleecy lined pockets for gadgets. He loves it. DS2 is a very different character, I offered to buy him a back pack too and he said he wanted the same as DS1.

It's not cheap, but it's excellent quality and clearly suits different types of people. Ds1 is quiet, geeky and studying Computing. DS2 is into bands, wears a leather jacket, has long hair and studying politics.

I have been looking for a book carrier for my adult . She hasn’t got much experience as she’s always had tote bags for school. Thank you for all the suggestions too.

I have just read that back and it looks a bit dodgy . Should have used the word child/daughter after all .

@ZandathePanda

I have only ever said rucksack. deliberately misses point of thread