Work backpack for laptop + lunch, not too hideous!

[Narya]

I'm looking for a smart, good quality backpack (probably black) for work that will hold a 15" laptop plus cables, notebook, packed lunch and purse, phone etc. Budget up to about £100 if good quality.

Looks-wise I accept its going to have to be pretty chunky to fit all that in, but don't want it to look really cheap. Doesn't need padded straps as I won't be carrying it very far, just need my hands free for nursery dropoff/pickup so I can carry DS and his stuff as well.

I've seen these two:

Sandqvist

and

Wenger

I think the second one is a bit smarter looking but has slightly mixed reviews on the quality, plus I'm not sure its going to be big enough to fit lunch as well as laptop.
Any thoughts on these, or suggestions for other ones I've missed??

I love my Matt and Nat backpack. It’s a decent size but looks stylish. I have this one but there are other colours and styles on their website.

mattandnat.com/shop/brave-clay

I’ve just bought a bag for exactly the same thing - after lots of research and reading old threads on here I bought a Rains backpack. I LOVE it. So practical but also cool (unlike the rest of my wardrobe)
www.uk.rains.com/products/backpack?variant=7675004583993

I was a bit worried by how much it would hold, but found a YouTube video of a blogger showing everything they kept in their Rains backpack (loads). Definitely fits laptop, lunch and more : )

Ooh thanks both of you, those look good. Choices, choices! And good tip about YouTube, I hadn't thought of checking out reviews on there.

I am lusting after a Kanken no. 2:-

www.fjallraven.co.uk/shop/fjallraven-kanken-no-2-laptop-15-F23569-deep-red/?sku=7323450260385

I've got a 15 inch knomo backpack I'm really pleased with.

I swear by my black Herschel rucksack. The ladies version is a lot more compact than the men's one, and fits my: laptop, charger, notebook, lunch, thermos, makeup bag, umbrella+ random bottom of the bag paraphernalia!

I have a knomo too very happy with it. It’s smart, pretty waterproof and comfy.

@Swiftier
I've got a Matt and Nat shoulder back and fancy one of those back packs. How comfy are the straps with a fully loaded bag ?

That Rains one is lovely, I may order one!

I love my Anello backpack in black. One of my key criteria was side pockets for a water bottle and umbrella, which a lot of other brands didn’t seem to have. I carry all the things you mentioned, plus various bits of random crap, and it’s big enough!

I love this - lots of pockets, very sturdy. I have two!
https://miatui.com/collections/sydney-backpack/products/sydney-backpack-multiple-colours?variant=7544009654336

I'm a big fan of kipling bags. I like the patterned ones but this one may be more grown up /business like 😊

Loads of pockets/storage

I have at least ten....

www.kipling.com/uk-en/sale-c10499/deeda-n-9260f3-k1342956k00-999.html

Have a look here...

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3470177-Good-looking-backpack-for-commuting

Thanks all, much appreciated! I haven't looked properly at all the specs yet but I'm liking the Kipling one and the Rains one so far. Thanks @chatwoo for that other thread as well

@CheeseRolls they are pretty comfy. They aren’t fully padded like you’d get on a more techy bag but the straps are fairly wide and thick.

I've the Knomo. Love it.

RAINS all the way! Completely waterproof, even the zips.

I have one of these, because my criteria were “no black, no nylon”:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01ID6QL0U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03__o00_s00?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8

I’ve just got a Cora & Spink ‘Butter’, after getting one of the much smaller ‘Ten Ball’ bags last year and loving it. The bigger bag is great too - waxed canvas, great size for work laptop plus A4 folder etc but not too big and comfy to carry.

don't buy from Matt and Nat! Not all their products are vegan and only 1 of their factories has the appropriate certification to prove so, the others don't. Also, if you search for them on GlassDoor they have horrendous reviews, it sounds like they treat their employees like dirt. Just a warning if your concerned about being ethical!!