I need my hands free, so I'm reluctantly looking for a rucksack.

[Luxaroma]

Preferably in brown leather, maybe canvas. Something interesting, nothing dainty, maybe vintage looking. Medium sized. My budget is around £200. I'm really struggling. I like the whistle and cos versions but they don't come in brown. Has anyone seen anything?

I have a dodgy shoulder and bought a zatchels backpack before the summer holidays as I knew I'd be carrying around water bottles and packed lunches etc and couldn't face lugging it in a handbag. Mine is a kind of mint green and I know you wanted brown, this might be too patterned for you though.

Or this

No idea about brands (I carry an ageing-disgracefully Lidl one), but I've seen those school satchel things with rucksack-style straps. Maybe that would suit?

Only other bit of advice is, WEAR BOTH straps! Not just one side, esp if carrying any kind of weight. I very nearly crippled myself doing this...

Might be a bit downmarket for the OP but I have switched to an Accessorize rucksack for a changing bag recently and I think it's actually quite nice. Not terribly practical, but it's a nice tribal pattern style.

Why don't you check the Zatchels flash sale out? You can customise your order to add back straps to all of the satchels.

Have ordered this one

www.catherineaitken.com/collections/backpacks/products/hepburn-backpack-claret-black

Hope it's more brown than wine - I really like the check through it and it's very simple design.

very nice - is it the same as the NOTHS one you linked to above?

Yep, bought it from her directly though so she didn't have to pay commission. I love her other bags too, the messenger style one looks like a mimi berry musette bag.... but I don't need any more bags.

neither do I

lovely

Those Kanken bags are deliciously ugly

Love this one too - bit expensive for a cotton bag!

www.selfridges.com/en/mismo-cotton-backpack_346-3003779-MS102714/

Herschel
www.selfridges.com/en/herschel-post-backpack_193-1000201-POSTYELLOW/?previewAttribute=Pastel+yellow

I sometimes feel I'm the only person on mumsnet who HATES her Kanken. I wish wish wish I'd returned it when I had the chance.

Terrible quality, rubbish stitching, over-priced, nasty material. Ugh.

My DP bought a lovely canvas rucksack from Tchibo (I think it was callled?) and it is FAR far better quality, roomier, looks better and cost a LOT less.

HiDesign do lovely leather rucksacks.

I have a lovely leather floral one from Zatchels - they had plainer ones too. And I think they still have a half price sale on!