Nice rucksack/backpack?

[niminypiminy]

Is there any such thing as a nice rucksack/backpack? I cycle a lot and also need to carry a lot of stuff around (books, notebooks, diaries, packed lunch blah blah blah). I don't like shoulder bags (give me achy shoulders) and I can never find anything in tote/shoppers. A bag I can carry on my back, and has at least a front pocket so I can keep keys and phone easily to hand seems to be the answer. But are there any nice ones? It's easy to buy something utilitarian, but I would quite like it to be attractive as well as practical.

Yes, there are loads of nice rucksacks . . . although the pretty fabric packs are not waterproof, and the more robust ones are not so attractive. What features are you actually looking for? What colours do you like?

Can I politely suggest you do a search on Mumsnet for 'rucksack'? There seems to be a rucksack thread on here every couple of months, so there will be plenty of suggestions on the previous threads.

Have a look at Kanken. They're very durable and good looking too. I've had mine since I was a kid and it's still going strong.

I've got a Cath Kidston one which is really nice. It's an oilcloth type fabric so ok in the rain and plenty of pattern choices. There is a divided pocket in the main part of the bag which could be used for a laptop (also good for nappies, wipes). Small zipped pocket on outside which comfortably holds keys, purse and phone.

Plumpcious I did do a search, thank you, and came up with some good ideas. Mind you, just about everything comes up here every couple of months! Do you post this on every thread?

I like the look of those Kanken ones, although the straps seem rather narrow -- how comfortable are they once you've got a lot in there.

I like the look of Eastpak leather rucksack, here, but they are expensive! I like plain, unadorned things more than things with lots of bells and whistles. Cath Kidston, sadly, would be too patterned for me!

I'm quite drawn to the Healthy Back Back Co bags, here, but how well do they carry things like books or laptops? (Not that I often carry my laptop around but I nearly always have books). Does anyone have any experience of them?

I have the healthy back one in grey and it's great. I bought it for schlepping round theme parks with last summer and it was comfortable.

I recently bought a Kanken - very pleased with it!

I have a Kanken and cart around loads of heavy books and student papers. I can't be doing with discomfort, but this rucksack is excellent and my back/shoulders/neck never get sore. Mine has a separate laptop section in the back and the main section is surprisingly roomy. Can't recommend highly enough.

The straps are comfortable. My kids have them too. I think there's a section on the website where you can get extra strap padding if you need it. I've just looked and there is 20% off with jan20

I've got a few Kipling ones nice and strong but nice and light.