Capacious waterproof(ish) bag that's not heavy, or covered in polka dots, posies, cupcakes or animals?

[BineWox]

In an ideal world the bag would be leather, but in reality leather's a bit pricey and too heavy for my lazy bones to lug around .

Oilcloth would be good, but cutesy and oilcloth seem to be inseparable.

A4 messenger bag size/shape is probably what I'm after - or hobo bag style - needs to hold everyday crap and preferably have a few handy compartments. And cost less than £50. I'd be eternally grateful if anyone can point me towards this elusive holy grail.

It isn't quite the bill but I found things like this when browsing for laptop bags.

Having said that I'd be grateful for finding a slightly more capacious but still streamlined laptop bag. Cannot believe JL now do Cath Kidston laptop bags - grrrr nothing is safe from her chintzy mitts.

Skip hop make nice messenger style bags. About £40, tho' mine is denim, not oil cloth.
Often lots on eBay for tenner ish

golla are good

Le Pliage, prob a bit more than £50 depending on size but ever so practical; no compartments though, just one internal pocket.

ooh thanks for all the responses.

lol at Cath and her chintzy mitts (and grr at her legion of imitators in chintz!)

Am off to google...

I just bought an oil cloth bag in winter floral print from a china shop on Regent St. So Nanna, it's come around again and is nice - DH mocks it but I keep getting compliments on it. It was £10 and it was made by the V&A, so maybe check their website?

I have a kanken backpack - totally waterproof

I also have a le pliage bag or two which are quite waterproof. certainly not cutesy. but more around £60-69 for decent size

I third the le pliage, I have one 3 and they are really good. I have the two in the larger size, mainly because one I had used for 6 years and the corners were fraying and one in the smaller size. They are super light and hold so much stuff.

They are more around teh £70 mark though

I've googled Le Pliage, the bags do look rather lovely, though sadly most seem to have short handles that hook over the shoulder - I must have unsuitable shoulders as bags like that just seem to fall off me I've never got the hang of wearing them. If I were stylish and didn't have to walk far I'd be seriously tempted though.

What kind of handles are you looking for?

Get one made, I got mine made by a fb seller, chose the oil cloth (not cutesy) and was really reasonable plus made exactly to my spec.

Long handles really, that can be worn cross body if walking any distance. I just find that especially with winter coats, handbags just fall off my shoulders all the time and drive me nuts.

Bit like this but without the cupcakes

And not 'real' buckles that you have to actually buckle and unbuckle every time you want to open the bag.

Interesting idea about having one made, I'll look into that.

I like Skiphop stuff, having trouble finding one without a changing mat though?

Some of the V&A stuff is nice, hadn't seen that site before, ta.

I like the Kanken backpacks too - not after a backpack as such, but interesting to keep in mind for future purchases!

Maybe I could get a cupcake one and tippex out the cakes. Like when Adrian Mole tried to cover his Noddy wallpaper with black paint

Try tk maxx - bought a lovely plain bag from there for work. Ebay also a good place to look.

Kipling bags are supposed to be waterproof. Look on qvc

Skip hop wise you can just take the mat out of the thin back pocket of the bag. Like the tippex idea tho'- or ink stains used to wreck my oil cloth pencil cases at school?

How about checking out the men's bags uk.longchamp.com/bags/safari-sur-seine/shoulder-bag-1083689?sku=66060

Pricey though - but will last

I have one of these:

www.julieslaterandson.co.uk/product/sandstripe-satchel-bag/

It's lovely and after a year of daily use, looks good as new. I think you can also get it on notonthehighstreet? Any good?

Sorry, link fail!

www.julieslaterandson.co.uk/product/sandstripe-satchel-bag/

www.facebook.com/OhSewNiceSwindon

I don't know how waterproof this is, but I bought one in brown for ds2 at least five years ago. it went through sixth form, three years at uni, and it's still going strong (and looks nice!). I've often thought of borrowing it myself.

She also does waxy cotton ones on her own site, but I think they're much more expensive. Perhaps wait til the sales?

I like that one Faustina. I've thought about the messenger bag small size so good to hear they last well

honestly, it's amazing considering what he's done with it (and how cheap it was). It's simple but perfect - the leather parts are fantastic quality - still just as they were when I bought it.