Backpack that keeps things in the right place

[LambChopsMcGee]

So I've just been on holiday, wearing the baby in the sling and carrying things in a backpack (and a bumbag, so yeah, I am not being all that stylish...but please help!)

However, my backpack is one big compartment and quite...sack like. Every time I wanted something out of there I had to rummage around for ages as it just all swirled around like it was in a washing machine as I walked.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a nice (ish) looking backpack that has some extra organisation/compartments without looking too...functional and enormous? I saw the NorthFace Women's vault pack, and thought that was nice, but advice from more stylish types much appreciated!!

I am also just rocking a vile green Karrimor bumback (when I wear the baby ONLY) and wondering whether to accept it and buy a "cooler" Herschel one in black or just wear the gross one for now...

Thanks in advance.
Writing this has made me realise what a slob I have become!

How do you like the style of this ? I have this for 5 years (! just realised) and it is still in a very good condition. It has one main compartment with a laptop section, then a smaller zipped compartment for pen and valuables (I think this could be bigger). At the top there is cushioned (not padded, but nice fabric) where I keep my sunglasses. At the front there is an insulated compartment for sandwiches etc, which I usually use for wet wipes and tissues. I like that it isn't bulky, but still roomy.

I lusted after these...

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00V8529I2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1495128032&sr=8-1&keywords=jujube+backpack&tag=mumsnetforum-21

Osprey might be a brand worth investigating

www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/everyday-commute

as they are very practical, good quality and, depending on which you go for, have lots of pockets.

(I don't know if it's a good idea to put in a hydration system)

I used to have a North Face one that had great organisation and pockets but God, it was ugly and heavy and I still checked every pocket before finding what I wanted. I'm now a total Kanken convert - it's one big space and a little front phone/wallet pocket and side space for water bottle/brolly but for me the reason or works is that's it's not a top loading bag. You can unzip it pretty much all the way around so plonk it on lap/table and you can get at what you need immediately. It's a bloody godsend in eg airport/at work to get at what you need without unloading everything. Light, comfortable (mine's got padded straps) holds LOADS and I love the minimalist/utilitarian style - and loads of colours. I sometimes wear a Fjallraven Pocket bag with it if need to get at phone/wallet without taking bag off.

@MightyMunki oh wow now I'm lusting after it too

How about one of these?

Because you can out the baby in it too

www.gooutdoors.co.uk/walking/equipment/rucksacks/baby-carriers

Ohh, I love all these ideas!
I had been coveting a Kanken, bingo (great name...!) and I thought about the open all round thing, but on this trip I was often rooting around in the bag while it was on DP's back, so I think the uglier/bulkier options might work better in that way?

The Ospreys look nice, are they maybe a bit deep though? As in stick out from the back??

Get a handbag organiser to go in it? Thats what i did with my Jaegar Hix backpacjk which i use as my everyday work bag. The one i got was made b y Tintamar but lots of them around