Good looking backpack for commuting

[weallhavedreams]

Hi guys,

Hoping you can all help with some recommendations for stylish backpacks that will work for my commute (2.5hrs each way on trains/walking) and hold a 13" laptop.

I've been having a lot of trouble with my neck, back and accompanying headaches and think my days of shoulder bags are over. I've looked over some old threads and can see things like thr Fact + Fiction Charli, Sandqvist, aspinalls etc. suggested previously so just after some up to date suggestions. The Sandqvist and Aspinalls are a little out of budget perhaps.

I love the Charli but is it REALLY comfortable or is it more fashion focused?

Thanks in advance.

@BubblesBuddy - my physio told me my current back pain was caused by pulling a wheelie case and carrying my handbag at the same time! My rucksack, when well fitted, is much more comfortable to me - less twisting on the spine.

Wheeled bags are terrible for backs and big trip hazards in crowds.

You do need to try the bags - many are heavy even before you've put stuff in hence the popularity of nylon ones.

twodogs mine is from a shop local to me in London so might be worth asking about local stockists to you?

I have a Samsonite Zalia. Got many compliments at work.

horsedoor I love those leather eastpak back packs, I'm drawn to the embossed and eyelet ones.

Try Mia Tui, they have a work style backpack.

@Violetroselily

I love your Accessorise rucksack (and the price!). Can you fit a laptop in there?

@Unadventurous yes my work laptop easily fits inside it

I love my nylon Knomo. I've used it every work day for two years and it's still looking pretty good so worth the money IMO

The other thing with commuting is to strip down what you travel with to the minimum. I now carry nothing but laptop, my A4 day book, charger, mouse and my little kit of connectors, pens etc, this is enough for all the hot desk locations I use. If you have to carry a lot of papers/files that might be different. Plus water bottle /coffee cup I guess. Sometimes I use a slim briefcase style bag and a separate little cross body bag for keys, tickets and purse, splits the weight.

I'm not sure it qualifies as good looking but I swear by my Fjallraven. I was unsure due to the thin straps (you can buy thicker ones instead to add to it) but it's been excellent. Because it opens nearly all the way round you can pack it like a mini suitcase , and the weight is really equally balanced on your back. I am fully converted, they are incredibly light when empty. The slight downside is that they don't have a lot of pockets but I use little pouches to keep me organised. They also come with a pad that you can use to sit on, but I use it in the laptop pocket as a bit of cushioning when I carry my laptop. I bought it as a work bag, but it's become my handbag at weekends too as it's so versatile and looks nice when emptier. Also top grab handles are very useful. I sound like an ad - I'm not - I have just been really pleasantly surprised

After spending a lot of money on many fancy laptop bags I ended up using this one the most. Important thing is it the bag is so light weight and has a separate section for laptop which is padded. I use the tube a lot in London so needed something compact.

www.cathkidston.com/brampton%20bunch%20multi%20pocket%20backpack/bags-view-all/cath-kidston/fcp-product/1028742

I have just ordered this as an interim measure on my quest for the perfect commuting backpack

Took it to work today and am quite impressed. It looks better in real life - less top heavy. Seems to be well made for the price. Being able to completely open the top is great as you can easily find things at the bottom of the bag. The top handles mean that you can also carry it like a normal bag if only walking short distances .

Here it is

I have had the same quest for ages. I used to have a Fiorelli leather backpack that only just got laptop but got right of adding other things. But they redesigned it recently and now it's just too small for my laptop (why???)

I bought this 6 months ago and I couldn't love it more. Big wide comfy straps. Space for laptop, lunch and more. I can carry a lot of weight in this without back/shoulder issues.

Unfortunately not currently available on Amazon but if you Google it you might find it elsewhere. The company, Stilled, do other similar models too from what I remember.

A bit pricey but one of my best buys of last year.

STILORD 'Toni' Vintage satchel... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072Z8QGPK?ref=yo_pop_ma_share&tag=mumsnetforum-21

I went through this just before Christmas and settled on a Rains one like this
www.uk.rains.com/collections/backpacks/products/field-bag?variant=7675047837753

Also liked this one
www.uk.rains.com/collections/backpacks/products/msn-bag?variant=13320685977657

But they aren't for everyone - they're a little too hipster. Very light though!

I don’t recommend the Fact + Fiction bags. The zippers are cheap and the main one on my Charli has completely failed after 7 months. Unfortunately I didn’t read all the reviews complaining about the zippers. The owner of Fact + Fiction refuses to repair or replace it & has been a pretty difficult person to deal with over email, so it’s been an expensive lesson. Great idea/design but very poor quality & customer service.

I did see a really nice bag yesterday on my commute which turned out to be a men’s Knomo bag. I also see quite a few Tumi Carsons in the City which look nice (but very expensive!)

uk.knomo.com/products/brackley-15-6-inch-leather-backpack-black-45-402-bdd

Knomo. I have used my leather red one for 3yrs and it's still going strong. Straps are wide and comfortable, everything fits. I love it.

I had a Herschel - it ripped after a couple of years. Recently got a Fjallraven Kanken. Really pleased so far - it's very spacious, strong and very light (which is great for me as a carry a lot of crap to work - gym clothes, lunch, breakfast, makeup bag, purse, book) and has a small zipped front pocket, and two side pockets (for umbrella etc).

So glad I came across this thread. I was looking at the Knomo Harewood and one of the Sandqvist bags. Went for the former in the end - I didn't like the buckles on the Sandqvist and I loved the pickets and finish on the Harewood. Green version currently 20% off ...

• pockets not pickets. That would be unique feature!

@WobblyLondoner have you received the Harewood yet? I was eyeing it on the website, but cannot find the measurements!! I know it's aimed at business users, but I'm after one for 'multi' use.

@chatwoo Yes, got it today. It's c 30cm wide by 40 tall. I will be using it for everything though the excuse for buying it is a new job. It's smart but not so smart you'd feel out of place going out with it. It is bigger than I'm used to, so I suspect I'll use a smaller bag if I'm just popping out etc.

I really like it, have just had a sadly enjoyable 30 mins putting all my stuff into it and deciding what goes where. The detachable straps are particularly nifty...

Thanks @WobblyLondoner, I am tempted but it's just a bit too big. I will have a look at the other Knomo sale items though...

Just an update guys.

Ordered the Charli from fact + fiction and the knomo Beauchamp.

Charli has hard leather straps and is really big (ideal changing bag I guess) but would have been a pain on packed trains and I think quite painful on shoulders.

Knomo is beautiful and slimline but roomy and has padded straps so seems a winner! Will be test driving on Thursday but very pleased with look of it! (Wanted the beaux but couldn't justify the extra cost)