Backpack big enough for folders and loads of coursework.

[SLK6]

Hi, I’m starting my first year of health and social at college next month and I need a bag that is going to fit an A4 folder in it. Which ones do you use or have you used? Thanks.

Hi OP

We're going to move this over to style and beauty - you might get some good suggestions over there.

Good luck with your course!

A regular backpack should be fine. I did an evening degree after work, so I kept my big lever arch file at home (and filed notes into it regularly), and used a slimline A4 ring binder for going to lectures, which I just had the previous lecture notes, notes for that session and extra paper in.

Just a normal backpack will be fine, I carried one for my two years of sixth form and it used to fit two ring binders, a note pad, my pencil case and whatever books were needed (usually 4 or 5 decent sized ones). Plus, it was comfortable, is still going strong after being used every day for 3 years and it didn't knacker my back like my friend's handbags used to.

There’s been a couple of good threads recently on backpacks. Depends on how much you want to spend. Roka look lovely (mentioned on threads in last few weeks) but a bit pricey. Amazon have some good ones Himarari was mentioned, good reviews and around £20

I like the Herschel backpacks. Don't forget that now you're a student you can apply for student discounts at many stores online just input your student email address and other details. Plus use your Student ID card at various shops.

I bought my Herschel backpack, which is very well made, and my DD's Kanken that way from Urban outfitters. The Kanken is by no way big enough for what you need as a student.

Are you after something 'stylish' or something more 'practical', I can only help for the second:
DD had this problem, we traipsed round the shops with a full Lever arch file to test the fit and found some slightly larger than the standard 20l daypack in Decathlon, in a range of colourways. With a front section for small things and an internal pocket for a laptop it's so far been a success.
I think it's this one:
www.decathlon.co.uk/nh500-30l-backpack-khaki-id_8383598.html

I have 2 kids under 3.
We have a roxy shadow swell backpack. I seen it on some top 10 thing and I thought it would be OK. I got it on sale on roxy ebay I think for 25 pounds and it is actually massive. I highly recommend it, its got loads of wee pockets a clip for keys inside front pocket. The two big zip compartments are huuuuge. I got the tie dye one and am so glad I did. I could easily take it away a for a weekend travelling it is so big.

Oh and it's waterproof!