Is there such thing as a fashionable backpack?

[Chocchip88]

I have two small children, one of which I often wear in a sling. After nearly strangling the poor baby with a cross body bag I have accepted my fate of being a backpack wearer . My husband thinks I look like a tourist but it leaves me hands free so I don't care.
My current backpack of choice is a rather unattractive yet practical navy nylon Mamas and Papas number, but I have decided to treat myself for Christmas. But wear to look? I suppose my budget is up to about £100 (but cheaper would be good), I don't even know what I'm looking for really.
Any help appreciated

Get yourself an Eastpak, i have two.

Fjällräven Känken are neat and trendy, not so much stylish but a good change bag I think.

I like blue and white striped ones with tan leather parts like these. I saw a student carrying one the other day and it looked really stylish :)

I love the Kanken! Get one of those!

The Kankens are very trendy at the moment.

My husband thinks I look like a tourist

No, you look like a normal mother of young children! Whereas I looked like a rambler... I rapidly gave up any attempt at style and started using an old Karrimor day sack because it was comfortable and avoided sweaty overheated back.

Hmm...the shoulder straps on the Kanken look very narrow and likely to dig in. Has anyone got one?

I like the blue stripey with tan buckles too.

Loads of teens and trendy youngsters have backpacks at the mo.

You are obviously a style icon without realising it

Yummy mummy do nice back packs. That's what I might get for number 2. Like the idea of being hands free!!

Yes, yes, I must be a style icon. Who knew? Next you'll be telling me that snot covered clothes are the latest thing (don't you just love this time of year!).
Think I'm going to go with the Kanken. Now to choose a colour...

I have this Spencer Devine one - it's amazing, it can be worn as a shoulder bag, a tote or a backpack by adjusting the straps. It's a thing of beauty. A bit over budget but it's gorgeous. Which I'm not convinced the Kanken is, sorry - depends on your style I guess whether it looks cool or geeky. I've seen leather backpacks in TK Maxx and Topshop too, maybe worth a look if you like the idea.

That Spencer Devine one is gorgeous!

I bought this Oxford Bag Company one for my sister recently.

I have the same problem as you OP, and I've given up on the change bag and bought an Eastpak. I'm not sure I could claim its 'fashionable' but it's simple and nice looking in the pale grey that I've got here

The problem with leather is it is heavy before you put stuff in, especially if slinging!

Umm, no tbh there is no such thing as a fashionable backpack.

So I'd go the whole hog and get one that's fit for purpose. An outdoorsy make in plain black for example.

Alternatively, you might be able to get a bag that is convertible between backpack & cross body (sorry no links, my mother got me one years ago and I didn't like it but YMMV).

I have this www.grafea.co.uk/shop/Leather_Rucksack.html and it is lush.

I have the same grafea as Boodles

It is indeed lush :)

I'm lusting after this one Troop London I'm hoping DH will pick up on my hints!

No idea whether it is fashionable though!

I have a classic kanken. It is fab and have stuffed it full of junk before and the straps haven't dug in. Go on, get one!

I have a couple of troop london back packs along with various other makes for various purposes.
I dont care too much about trendiness, I find other types of bags annoying to carry so I pretty much only ever use backpacks.

My kids have Kankens, they are great but the colours & styling may be slightly garish for an adult. Liberty have some v. nice backpacks. I like this one Sandqvist