Stylish and comfortable backpack for work? Please help!

[StripyDeckchair]

I would love some recommendations for a bag for work. I've recently returned to work after maternity leave and I'm finding that post-pregnancy/lugging around a 1 year old, I really need to look after my back more. My old shoulder bag just isn't working for me.

My commute involves a walk and I'm around and about at meetings/travelling a bit most weeks, so I thought a backpack would be the answer.

I am looking for a backpack that could fit a few (thin) files of A4 paper and a macbook air 13 ", plus the usual bits and bobs. If it had space for a water bottle too that would be great but not essential. It needs to be at least showerproof.

Everything I can see at the moment either looks like it was designed purely for fashion, with ridiculously uncomfortable thin straps, or - at the other end of the scale - makes me look like I'm headed off back to school or on a Duke of Edinburgh trip. I'm quite petite, so the latter is a real concern!

Is there such a thing as a stylish AND comfortable backpack? I will be getting a lot of use out of it, so would be prepared to make a bit of an investment.

Thank you!

miatui.com/collections/backpack

Thank you Nellie! This is brilliant!
The Sydney looks great.

Any other suggestions for me to compare?

Cora and Spink do some lovely quality bags

Great - like the look of the Ten Ball! Thank you!

m.asos.com/dune/dune-backpack-in-dusty-pink-with-detachable-front-purse/prd/9186763?clr=pink&SearchQuery=dune%20backpack%20in%20nude&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=1&gridsize=2&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=5

I have this in the pink, it also comes in black. I love it and it fits A4 folders in too

uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_1.7/4905610300

I have this one. It fits a laptop so A4 files shouldn’t be a problem (but maybe check the measurements). I carry a lot of rubbish around with me each day and never have a problem getting stuff in it, and there’s also side pockets for a water bottle and umbrella

I have the Mia tui Sydney and absolutely love it

shopfactandfiction.com/collections/backpacks-2

Fact + Fiction Charli - I bought as a gym bag but use it all the time when travelling for work. Can’t rave enough about it, it has slots for umbrella, drink bottle, shoes, laptop, etc

I have a Knomo Beauchamp

www.knomobags.com/uk/laptop-bags/women?handbag_type=927

I have the Sandqvist Hege and love it - loads of room and really stylish here

I had no idea there would be so many options! I was obviously looking in the wrong places. Thank you everyone!

With a couple of those, the straps do look a bit insubstantial and I worry about comfort but then having a personal recommendation makes me think again.

Glittery - I had a Dune purse which I loved and which lasted really well.

Violet - thanks, one of my two current shoulder bags is accessorize and is going pretty well considering it was very inexpensive.

I think I'm torn at the moment between the mia tui and the fact and fiction one. That does look brilliant fleurie.

Ank and Now - thanks, I will have a good look at these too. The Hege is gorgeous but I think that may be pushing it with the price even if it is an investment piece. I'll have to have a word with DH and see!

buy none of those,fashion victim jobs with a ton of fussy trimmings that add weight. they also look dickish.

go to a bloke shop and buy something with a hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps. it will work, last and you wont pay the pink tax or wreck your back.ho

never buy anything designed for women.

...sorry about typos. mn is designed for women so has crap coding.

I have a Seagull pack. I don't know if you would call it stylish, but I find it perfect for when I have to go to conferences etc. It fits all my laptop and work stuff in, and usually enough for an overnight stay too.

And its built for wearing while walking round and commuting - padded straps, cushioned back (for ventilation) pockets for water bottles, little hole to feed earphone wires through, elastic thing to slip sunglasses into etc.

www.ebay.co.uk/i/222906500129?chn=ps&adgroupid=59254216928&rlsatarget=pla-431000936349&abcId=1134056&adtype=pla&merchantid=119036103&poi=&googleloc=1007247&device=c&campaignid=1340026304&crdt=0

I saw a girl on the train today with a fact and fiction backback and it was beautiful

Mandarina Duck have some good options too.

I've found TK Maxx have a good selection of backpacks. Check out the men and children's sections as well as sports and women's.

I like Paperchase backpacks too.
www.paperchase.co.uk/gifts/bags-and-travel/backpacks

Specialsubject - it's definitely a good idea to check out the men's ranges too, thanks. Quite a few of the companies mentioned above seem to be unisex though. Also I do want something that looks quite smart. Open to any suggestions of packs targeted at men that look suitably stylish. Definitely not wanting to put fashion above substance though.

Off to look at the other suggestions... Thanks all!

I love my Kankens - get one with padded straps. I've used Osprey, North Face and Berghaus and Kanken hands down the most comfortable daypack I've ever used - they are surprisingly comfortable to carry, extremely lightweight and you can fit tons in them. I like they that they are bare minimum design and open practically clamshell style so you can get at everything. I've also got a great, smarter Rains backpack for when it's torrential and I've been eyeing up my friend's Sandqvist.

I carried a normal shoulder shopper bag the other day and wondered how people manage it - it totally buggered my gait up and was rubbing my shoulder within 10 minutes.

I have this Orla Kiely one and use it all the time. It's very comfy. Wouldn't hold a laptop though.

www.amazon.co.uk/Orla-Kiely-Womens-Quilted-Backpack/dp/B00S69FQHE?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Scaramanga have some nice leather ones.

All backpacks are unisex!
Must check out the seagull ones.

I also have a Knomo Beauchamp one and I love it. It has loads of compartments, including a laptop one, padded shoulders and it looks good. It's made my commute so much more comfortable.

op wants to save her back. fashion jobs with heavy twiddly bits , padding, crappy straps and no hip belts are no good for carrying more than a lipstick and a brick phone, and even the phone is a bit heavy.