If you have a long commute on public transport and have lots to carry (like lunch), what bag do you use? Bonus points for waterproof-ness

[Tanukisan]

I'm soaked, my stuff is soaked, and it weighs a ton. I carry in lunch and always end up with two bags as it doesn't fit in one.

Drowned rat is SO not a good look.

I use my company issue laptop rucksack.
I tried to look stylish with a leather satchel, but it pulled my back - and there wasn't as much room as I'd hoped for.
Accompanied by my longish black trench and a brolli today.

just bought mysekf a good old fashioned back pack

Could try a les pillages by longchamp. The large size with long handles. Can't attest to its waterproof ness as it has not been raining much since I started using it

Another Longchamp fan here.

I use a healthy back bag + a small bag for my purse. Its not particularly smart but is light comfortable to carry (although I made the mistake of getting a beige colour which looks grubby once rained on- dark colour next time). Its not totally waterproof but keeps the contents dry. Because you wear it quite high on your back, an umbrella will protect it well. Mine is fabric, but I'm tempted to splash out on a leather version. Its a bit of an awkward shape - especially if you need to carry A4 files or similar, but is good for carrying clothing and lunch. Mine has several external pockets including a drink/ umbrella pocket, and a zip ticket/purse pocket, also an internal pockets and slots. I think there are different configurations, including one for a laptop. I bought it originally for hands free trips out and about with ds (for his spare clothing/food) but have found it good for commuting.

I use a longchamp for lunch/notebooks/makeup/chargers/etc then my handbag (can be worn on shoulder/crossbody) is not massive and reasonably light.
The longchamp can be carried on my shoulder, crook of arm or in hand as needed.

I don't get how some people have a really tiny lunch- my stuff seems to take up loads of room.

If you're after something more like a backpack, I've seen a few people with Kanken backpacks which don't look like you're going to the gym so much.

Ps always found my longchamp v waterproof

I keep most stuff at the office - fruit, cutlery, yoghurts etc. one day I use my lunch break to buy supplies, so on a day to day basis I just need the fresh stuff.

currently watching twin peaks with dh, I ended up watching jonathon creek proper retro. will definatly check out all the suggestions thanks.

omg wrong thread, I have never done that before always wondered how people did it, still have no idea.

A Kipling tote bag. It's pretty good but I have to use several clear bags inside it, as it hasn't got enough sections. It does fit both breakfast and lunch in though, as well as a brolly, a Kindle, a pencil case and makeup bag and a pile of essays!

I use a Longchamp as well. There are lots of different sizes and handle lengths.

The kankens don't seem to have very comfortable straps.

I use a rucksack - unfortunately not that stylish but better for my niggly back. I also have one of those waterproof rucksack covers from Milletts-type shop which makes it even trendier.

The good thing about Longchamps as well is that you can fold them up- so if you leave books or your lunch in the office or at home you can fit it in your handbag.

Yet another vote for Longchamp Le Pliage. So light but tough and waterproof and looks at home in and out of town.

For something still light but more structured. With loads of compartments etc strongly recommend Kipling City Bag ( sorry can't link from phone).

Another with a backpack with built in rain cover. Definitely not stylish but great for my back and totally waterproof

have a look at the Mai-Tui bags, they are kind of marketed as Mummy bags but I think they are great for work, they have insulated waterproof pockets inside for holding bottle of water for example, but I have also used for wet umbrellas! Lots of useful pockets, key chain, matching make-up bag etc etc. lots of different sizes and styles. I have a few and can't rate them highly enough

Knomo Curzon tote bag will fit laptop, kindle, small handbag, umbrella, lunch and strange things that you didn't know were still in the bottom of your bag.

Really liking the Longchamps, very stylish.

I ve toyed with the idea of longchamp but just don't like them!
So I ve various totes - whistles do one every season. And like Remus I use clear smaller bags to separate contents.
Zara tote also.
For summer have gap version and Vanessa Bruno canvas version but they re a bit useless really in any kind if wet weather
Jaeger have a new tote this season I ve just ordered in a deep green am hopeful it ll do the trick for this winter. Will link later.

I am sitting on the bus with my newly purchased (thanks to Mumsnet) longchamp. I got the new version (neo I think) as it is tougher and harder material so I am hoping waterproof. I got it in bilberry a lovely deep purple. It's very fab. And is currently carrying work papers, lunch, makeup bag, shoes and random stuff quite happily. I then have my small mulberry for purse, phone, kindle, keys that rather cleverly can fit in the longchamp too!

Sounds good! Enjoy.

I love mn, since reading this thread I now need a longchamp and a healthy back bag, until 10 minutes ago I didn't know they existed