Help me find the ultimate stylish-but-practical rucksack

[Bubbinsmakesthree]

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?

@Julykthat I have the Bantry B in medium - it's honestly such a good bag. I like the Fallraven ones but so many people have them now and this is a bit different.

Those Roka ones do actually tick all the boxes - though they seem a bit slim so slightly dubious about the capacity (why, why do bag manufacturers not always provide the capacity of their bags, drives me mad!)

In my hunt last night I found these on Amazon - basically a knock-off of those Anello ones recommended near the start , and the same basic ‘wide mouth’ style as the much-loved changing bags.

A bit boring but they were on a flash sale last night so at £16 it seemed crazy not to (they’re still only £20 when not on sale):

Himawari Polyester Backpack School Bag Fits 14-inch Laptop (Navy) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0753VG33R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ot.qDbZCNV6HY?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Agree that the Fjallraven kanken is just a bit too ubiquitous.

Brilliant Ella, thanks for that. I have a Piccadilly and a Bantry in my basket. Can't decide which to go for. Do I need both perhaps?! I love the colours.

@Bubbinsmakesthree there's plenty of capacity in the Roka - I'll post a pic in a bit.
@Julykthat I can already justify buying an extra bag

@Bubbinsmakesthree

Trakke- made in Scotland. I have messenger bag and DH has rucksack so can confirm water tightness. They have various styles, sizes and colours. Quality is brilliant, they will last a lifetime.

Or Ecoalf Very stylish and sustainable. Might not be big enough but worth a look.

I've just bought this; https://www.themountainfactor.com/product/rucksacks-and-bags/rucksacks/patagonia-arbor-day-pack-20l/?attributepaacolour=geode-purple&attributepaasize=all&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvoqBRDQARIsAE-bsH-oR5qgWABLuheTUnHd7R4sRhF4lFgXinarIwrAaF4sgzeOLrOZTDsaAs-aEALww_wcB

I appreciate it's a bit practical/dull, but it's really well made and comfortable to carry. Plus, I like that it's made out of recycled plastic bottles. I've got a kanken, but I find the corners on the zip annoying for some reason...

I've got this which seems to tick your boxes, and I see it's already been recommended up the thread: www.joules.com/Women/Handbags-Purses/French-Navy/Coast/Rucksack?id=200199|FRNAVY

Herschel are well made and every colour and style

www.herschelsupplyco.co.uk/?&utm_source=google&utm_term=herschel&utm_campaign=Search_Branded_Herschel_UK&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=7JydlNQx%7Cpcrid%7C323145663808%7Cpkw%7Cherschel%7Cpmt%7Ce%7Cpdv%7Cm%7C&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhJrqBRDZARIsALhp1WTBBdNc1DjtWKMjrHiFve04Kikn8WLdUaORW-bs_uHaMDriC3zwF8kaAj75EALw_wcB

@Ellapaella omg thanks for the
Link! Love those bags