Elegant rucksack - oxymoron?

[PiratePanda]

Tangent from University Academic Fashion:

Background: upping my game in the professional fashion stakes now I have hit 43 and am no longer anywhere near a size 8. University academic, obvs.

As well as ideas for a new wardrobe, I definitely need a new work bag.

It can't be a handbag, tote, or messenger bag. It HAS to be a rucksack-type because I have a hidden disability that means I can't carry heavy things on only one side. For the same reason, it needs to be as lightweight as I can get. It also needs to be waterproof-ish, as I cycle, and it needs to be big enough to carry a mac-book pro plus the odd book, A4 folder, umbrella, toiletries bag, etc.

But I do NOT want an outdoors style rucksack, not even a "ladies" one. I want it to be elegant. Soft leather, maybe, but not e.g. Cambridge satchel company - their leather is too heavy (weight, not gravitas or despair).

Please no-one mention Fjallraven. I hate them.

I had a LV backpack but i've swapped it in favour of a tumi, which has been really good.

Brandalley have Orla Kiely ones nearly half price - I got a lovely navy and black print one that is waterproof and just big enough to hold my work laptop and all the other rubbish I carry round with me.
if you sign up you got £10 off first purchase as well.

Knomo Beauchamp. They are ubiquitous in London amongst female commuters as they really do look good with smart clothes.

Try Tiba + Marl

Not cheap but are really nice

Some great suggestions!

Sandqvist Hege or Alva

I love these two, saw yesterday on John Lewis

www.johnlewis.com/white-stuff-classic-rucksack-tan/p3263980

www.johnlewis.com/modalu-olivia-leather-backpack/p3090130?sku=236665851&s_kwcid=2dx92700022663951521&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq7iolOa71QIVJbXtCh3B7QNfEAQYASABEgI99PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have this this one from Sweaty Betty, it has a padded laptop pouch.
www.sweatybetty.com/clothing/accessories/all-accessories/black-luxe-rolltop-rucksack/

Seconding Knomo. Bit expensive but look amazing.

One of the Sweaty Betty ones? The All Sport Backpack is lovely, it's black with rose gold zippers.

mandarina duck

Leibskind do a very lightweight backpack OP.
John Lewis stock them. Lovely soft leather.

I think mine was about £350.
Hush also did a gorgeous one a couple of seasons ago, but the straps were rope iircc so if you have to cycle a long way they might cafe a bit

I just bought a really nice Harris tweed one and am coveting a blush pink jigsaw one

Thirding Knomo. I have a brown leather backpack that still looks smart after three years' constant use, including occasional rainy bike rides.

I asked exactly this question of my sister earlier today, Pirate!
I've never been keen on backpacks but a broken vertebra has forced me to reconsider.
I have the added problem of only being 5ft3 so it's a very fine line between a useful size and looking like a pack donkey 😄
So I shall be piggy backing on your thread if you don't mind??

Fourthing Knomo. I have one that looks just as good as when I first got it done years ago. Can carry laptop, charger, mouse, notebook, lunch, purse etc in mine.

This is a thread full of the most luscious things. I have a thing for perfect luggage of all shapes and sizes and I am just drooling.

I do really like the Knomo range; stylish and practical, built for purpose. Going to check out our local T K Maxx today to see if they have any of your suggestions in.

@Auntpodder re Ally Capellino - that's so weird! The "men's rucksack" section is identical to the "women's rucksack" section. Nice though.

Am also loving that Gymtote bag.

I have also had to give up nice work bags following progressive trapped nerve and back/shoulder pain...

Love the Harris Tweed one

I do not know why we don't give our students/children/younger employees much better advice about work bags and laptops. Since I have had chronic long-term pain - nearly ten years now - I have a proper ergonomically set up work station that still allows me to use a laptop (just not on my lap!), know how and when to take rest breaks, and have given in to the rucksack carried properly on both shoulders.

Check out Douglas Gavin. Amazing leather backpack that converts into a handbag. And there's a sale on too I think.

I mean Alfie Douglas!

This is the Harris tweed one