A bag for commuting

[HermioneN]

Rock and roll eh?

I've just got a new job in the city (swings plaits, belts out a chorus of 'there must be more than this provincial life') which I'll get to using a train and the tube, but I've managed so far with just my handbag since I go everywhere by car.

So I'm tapping in to your collective wisdom. Please help

I'm going to need to be able to get a laptop in it, I think probably a rucksack style for ease of movement but not one that looks like I could otherwise take it hiking.

Any recommendations for a suitable bag, and in fact anything else I should think of please?

Knomo make lovely commuting and computer bags. I have a Beauchamp, simple and compact on the outside, clever pockets on the inside and big enough for water bottle, phone, heels and other bits.

Buy a Spanish fan for the tube and download City Mapper, best travel app ever and it tells you the best carriage of the tube to get on, to arrive closest to the exit.

Ahh Ketchup I just saw this, thanks. Which Beauchamp do you have?

I still have a largish handbag rather than rucksack. A large black leather bag from Cos. I leave a range of smart shoes at work and do the trainer commute too.. so much comfier/quicker! Good luck.

Thanks fiorentina, will look at Cos now, I'm all over the shoes already (priorities )

The Osprey flapjill backpack is awesome. Have owned it since 2011. Use it daily for cycle - commute to London. Honestly there’s barely a mark on it. I’m amazed at how strong it is.

What I like most is that it’s slimline and fits flat on your back, yet you can get a lot in it. A bulky backpack on the Tube is annoying. It’s also dead comfy with wide shoulder straps and clips to take the weight off should you need it. I don’t think it looks like you’re going hiking. It might not be mega stylish but I’m glad I chose this bag as it’s been a good investment. I have the dark grey one, but it comes in many colours.

I have received many compliments on my bag over the years. It’s probably my most commented on item, which is weird as it’s not fashionable but it is smart.

This is the inside of the bag. You can just about see the laptop sleeve at the back. There are front and side pockets as well as a big open section in front of the laptop sleeve. The back is lightly padded.

Thanks Liberty appreciate the input and the photo, your picture shows it better than the one on their website!

I agree Knomo bags are excellent. I have a wheelie one for business trips. It’s a cabin bag style- I’ve had it since 2013 and it’s had a lot of use. It’s very durable and pretty stylish.

No worries hermione

If it doesn’t help you it might help someone else I remember what it was like getting a job in the big smoke and scoping out all the commuting/ cycling kit to make it all run like clockwork - until the trains goes belly up! Would have appreciated a thread like this.

I've got a knomo rucksack which fits a quite large (and heavy!) laptop plus paperwork, cosmetics, chargers, pens, pads etc. It is brilliant and very comfortable to carry around. Highly recommended.

Don't get a Kanken rucksack whatever you do, they are most definitely NOT for commuting or comfort or value. I use it for walking the dog so it only contains leads, poo bags, tissues, treats.