Is this backpack nice/stylish?

[worrywart98]

I live in town, have two kids (5 and 3) and in the next few months am hoping to ditch the buggy. I often do bits of supermarket shopping whilst out and about so in the interest to having two hands to help kids across the road, was planning on getting a backpack/rucksack to enable me to still carry stuff. But I dont want to look like a French exchange student!! What do you think of this: www.asos.com/eastpak/eastpak-london-backpack-in-grey-with-contrast-tan-straps/prd/8377625?clr=opgrademist&cid=12496&pgesize=25&pge=0&totalstyles=25&gridsize=3&gridrow=6&gridcolumn=1

any other ideas or options?

I was about to write a similar thread! Except I'm hoping to find one that has an outside pocket for a bottle (easy access).

I quite like this one. Anyone have any suggestions with a bottle pocket? Sorry to hijack!

I like that eastpak one but my only thought is will it keep the water out if you get caught in the rain? I live in a very wet place though so maybe thats not so much of a consideration for you!

I think it looks nice. :) But if the leather straps are your means of access beware. There's a reason magnetic snaps caught on.

I got this for holiday and am in love with it

www.victoriassecret.com/pink/backpacks-and-bags/collegiate-backpack-pink?ProductID=338460&CatalogueType=OLS

It's got loads of pockets and it very comfy.

No worries Creme! I am glad I'm not the only one who is taking the leap from lovely handbag (albeit massive mummy handbag) to a [shudders] backpack. Although the thought of having two hands spare is very appealing!

The others I've been looking at are these: www.fjallraven.co.uk/kanken - but none of the colours are quite right for me (and there's no drinks holder...)

Thanks everyone. Ugh yes good points re the waterproof-ness and the straps! FFS!

I like this one but no drinks holder

That is really cute!!

If you like patterned stuff how about Cath Kidston? Not much use if you want something plainer though.

Not sure about OP but Cath Kidston is a bit floral/50s housewife for me...I love that hedgehog one so much I may forfeit my drinks holder requirement eventually, but going to exhaust the internet first!

Yeah I'm also not really a CK fan, but thank you for the suggestion WeeM.

Who needs a drink anyway, Creme? Dehydration v Style - surely no contest?!

I love my Kankens (I've got Big, Maxi and reKanken) - simple, comfortable and you can fit TONS in them...the Big and other smaller sizes have a size pocket for bottle or brolly. They are clamshell design so you can unzip them pretty much open for easy access to all your crap. I'd definitely recommend them and go for one with padded straps - more comfortable and less likely to rub against clothes/cause bobbling.

I have this ellesse one. It's great

www.footasylum.com/mobile/ellesse-rossano-backpack-105740/?src=froogle&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvdG62dDZ1QIVxp3tCh0b1AwREAQYCSABEgJK6PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Just saw this and thought they were lovely (pricey though!):
www.sophiaandmatt.co.uk/handbags/
They are handmade though by the two designers in London.

Dakine have some nice ones. Lots of designs , sizes and patterns.

I don't go for fashion shop rucksacks any more. Outdoors and camping shops have the best selection - waterproof, pockets, good straps, drinks holders, air flow backs...

I just recently moved my stuff into a north face backpack. I feel a bit smug about it 😄 Totally delighted with myself.
I also like the jansport bags. (Maybe a bit studenty for you?).

I recently bought this bag from North Face for days out with kids www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/the-north-face-womens-electra-rucksack-E2114627?id_colour=122&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-OCW5v7x1QIVS7ftCh27rw2TEAQYBSABEgJS2_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds. It's small and light which is why I like it but might not be what you are after. The one you linked to looks massive!

I would say though that I don't think mine is particularly stylish. I was thinking if I am converted to using a backpack I might then invest in a nice leather one! It has been a revlatation not having a heavy bag weighing down on one shoulder! Also the children have their own mini rucksacks that they like to carry and I put their water, snacks, sunglasses in so I don't have to carry them all.

I really like that North Face bag. Trouble is, DP and I both have North Face coats so we will look like North Face wankers with a North Face bag to match!

I've ended up getting a cheap one from Amazon that has the bottle holders. If we like it and use it a lot I'll probably upgrade us to something more stylish!

North Face wankers

OP, I'd go for substance over style every time.

I ditched my car years ago and walk everywhere (arthritis, nor environmental!) and have been through many rucksacks over the years.

A stylish fashion one on your back that you can't even see comes a poor second to a high-end functional one, imvho.

I have a Rains one that is brilliant but just one big bag so you do need to use a mesh bag r something or you lose everything. I don't mind as I swap bags a lot. I have this one:

www.asos.com/rains/rains-messenger-backpack-in-black/prd/7592034?affid=14173&channelref=product+search&mk=abc&currencyid=1&ppcadref=761030383%7C39786860323%7Cpla-281178464094&_cclid=v3_aae2d550-8cbf-5814-a28d-b7ffd5c00f03&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwqWc64Ly1QIVpr_tCh3akg9ZEAQYASABEgLaQPD_BwE

...which is like a tardis, but wish I had got this one which I see everyone with now as mine is a bit wide for y very narrow shoulders:

www.asos.com/rains/rains-backpack-in-black/prd/7592040?affid=14173&channelref=product+search&mk=abc&currencyid=1&ppcadref=761030383%7C39786860323%7Cpla-286833369497&_cclid=v3_31bca365-9b25-5d22-b164-4d8cbc3e9493&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwqWc64Ly1QIVpr_tCh3akg9ZEAQYAyABEgJyP_D_BwE

If I was you I would go with the fjallraven one, Oh loves the brand because it is both stylish and incredibly practical as well. Very well made and last for ages.