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Help me find the ultimate stylish-but-practical rucksack

36 replies

Bubbinsmakesthree · 01/08/2019 14:32

We’ve finally made our way through the ‘nappy years’ (yes!) and the changing backpack we’ve been using (one of those random brands you can buy on Amazon) is on its last legs.

While I’ve had a couple of those Amazon bags and they’ve served us well I’m ready to move on from them.

However many trips out with the family still demand a whole load of spare clothes, snacks, drinks etc so a good practical rucksack is still a must - I just want one with a bit more style. I love the look of brands like Rains, Sandqvist and Fjallraven however i’ve not found one the quite ticks the boxes.

I’m looking for:

Unisex styling
20-25 litres size (ie a good sized ‘daypack’)
At least one decent zipped exterior pocket and preferably some internal pockets too.
Ideally external pocket(s) for water bottles.

Basically i’ve been spoilt by the changing bags with a million pockets and all the rucksacks that have more stylish looks don’t measure up on the practicality stakes.

There must be something out there that fits the bill?

OP posts:
sanitygirl · 01/08/2019 16:03

You need an Anello backpack! www.zalando.co.uk/catalog/?q=anello+backpack

It's a Japanese brand and quite hard to find but Zalando is a reliable stockist. I have an orange one and love it- get loads of compliments

slipperyeel · 01/08/2019 16:19

Matt & Nat are nice but they’re quite pricey for non leather

I liked the look of this one when I saw it in store www.johnlewis.com/kin-sette-tote-backpack-black/p3763329

Bubbinsmakesthree · 01/08/2019 19:59

Ha those Anello ones are very like the random changing bags on Amazon - though they look slightly better quality and a more interesting array of colours. I was hoping for something a little bit different but maybe I just need to accept that this style just does job!

OP posts:
Bubbinsmakesthree · 01/08/2019 20:04

Matt + Nat have some bags that i’d love for work but nothing with the unisex utility-chic vibe I am after.

That John Lewis bag sums up lots i’ve seen - stylish but I need more pockets!

OP posts:
Stayawayfromitsmouth · 01/08/2019 20:05

Have a look at hiking rucksacks. Osprey/ low alpine/deuters/dakine/berghaus are decent brands. Lots of pockets and places to clip things. Comfortable to wear.

HardAsSnails · 01/08/2019 20:15

Having tried Kanken and Eastpac, and neither being as practical as I'd like, I've ended up with a 22L Samsonite Guardit backpack, it's plain and functional not stylish, but it does have many pockets and separate sections.

Bubbinsmakesthree · 01/08/2019 20:15

This Fjallraven one seems to tick every box but the weird closing mechanism looks like it might annoy me

OP posts:
OP posts:
Bubbinsmakesthree · 01/08/2019 20:25

I’m sure I could find a hiking rucksack that meets all the practical requirements...but it’s not quite the look I want (fussy I know!)

OP posts:
Alislia17 · 02/08/2019 04:12

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LaPampa · 02/08/2019 06:50

Have a look at millican

Laquila · 02/08/2019 07:03

I know exactly what you mean OP, but don’t rate your chances of finding it!!

I’ve had a Kanken for years and it’s been bloody brilliantly (apart from the lack of internal pockets), but the square shape and zip-around (rather than top-loading drawstring thing) have spoiled me for other, inferior backpacks!

Have you looked on zesty? Lots of lovely oilcloth ones on there but sadly the top-loading style seems prevalent. Bet of luck!

Ellapaella · 02/08/2019 07:03

Have a look at Roka London bags. I have one and love it. Very good quality and loads of room.

Laquila · 02/08/2019 07:03

Zesty 🙄

Etsy!!

Ellapaella · 02/08/2019 07:04

https://rokalondon.com

Trumpton · 02/08/2019 07:14

Did is in same position and just chose this one for her birthday .

Help me find the ultimate stylish-but-practical rucksack
stucknoue · 02/08/2019 07:15

Dakine have so many designs and styles, very study - look on amazon

pink1173 · 02/08/2019 07:27

Mia Tui- great bags and rucksacks

Lovemenorca · 02/08/2019 07:30

Whistles
Love love love it

user1474894224 · 02/08/2019 07:33

I have the large Mia tui rucksack. It doubles as a work back - fits a laptop, and also a day bag for when I don't want a hiking look. It has an internal insulated bottle holder as well as two side pockets for water bottles can carry a picnic for 4 or raincoats for 4 and spare clothes. Has enough pockets for stuff and is just great.

Name739017 · 02/08/2019 07:55

I have the Lefrik Scout, would recommend.

sallyscallop · 02/08/2019 07:58

I have this - love it, waterproof, loads of pockets.

Help me find the ultimate stylish-but-practical rucksack
patientzero · 02/08/2019 08:09

I love the Day Et Birger Mikkeksen ones. They’re usually about £20-£30 via TK Maxx. Machine washable, massive, comfy straps, massive external pocket with 2 side pouches for bottles.

Appreciate the colour of this one may not suit but a good example of the style: www.tkmaxx.com/home/hobbies+leisure/luggage+travel-accessories/travel-bags/pink+black-backpack/p/11280117

www.tkmaxx.com/home/hobbies+leisure/luggage+travel-accessories/travel-bags/pink+black-backpack/p/11280117

Julykthat · 02/08/2019 08:16

I love those Roka bags Ellapaella, especially the Piccadilly. Which one do you have?

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