Help! School bag dilemma! Joules Coast backpack? Other recommendations?

[NeverPromisedYouARoseGarden]

Hi. This should probably be posted in Secondary rather than S&B but I'm trying here first as DD, 13, Yr8, is after a school backpack that is practical and at least a little bit stylish.

She has a heavy load to carry - school books/library books/chromebook/water bottle/flask/lunch/at least three cute pencil cases etc etc. Current bag is a Hype backpack, her choice at start of Yr7. It has done well, better than I expected, but starting to give up the ghost now. Also it's a bit on the small side and doesn't have enough pockets.

Ideal criteria:
Decent padded straps
Good selection of pockets
Bottle holder on the outside
Key clip inside
Preferably two biggish separate pockets so lunch and books can be carried separately
Nice choice of colours
Budget £50 absolute max

No Fjallraven Kanken, no handbags, no pale colours, laptop compartment not necessary.

I am really pushing for a Jansport Big Student as I think it meets all the criteria. DD could be persuaded but isn't very keen and I suspect feels it's nerdy. And it's not exactly stylish!

She has come up with this Joules alternative which I think is lovely but I doubt will be up to the task at all. I've also read some reviews that the strap buckles can be uncomfortable.

HOWEVER, this is meant to be a birthday present and since she has to cart it around 5 days a week, it would be nice for her to have something she likes and something that doesn't induce daily huffing and eyerolling in either of us!

Does anyone have the Joules bag or the Jansport bag and can offer opinions. Or has anyone got any other suggestions? DD is tall so can carry off a decent-sized bag. Some of her smaller friends look like they're setting off to climb Everest!

teh joules is pretty but the lack of padding on the shoulder straps would really put me off- doesnt need much weight in to dig in...

my DS has a laptop so his which is fab is probably a bit overkill but they may have something more attractive - the quality of zips /fabric is a lot better than any we've had before so would highly recommend the brand
www.amazon.co.uk/Backpacks-Wenger-Luggage/s?rh=n%3A2644625031%2Cp_89%3AWenger&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

I love that Joules one, I want one! Could she use that plus another canvas shopping bag kind of thing for the very heavy days?

Thanks averythinline I'm all for good quality although I suspect Wenger might be vetoed because of lack of colour choice. Saying that, I have found a couple online which have a bit of colour/pattern, so will definitely ask her what she thinks.

Don'tFundHate - I know! DD saw it while out shopping and sent me loads of pictures and it did look nice. She couldn't really have a second bag because she is also often carrying an instrument and music bag. Another issue is she's a head-in-the-clouds kind of girl and very prone to losing things. I'd worry that another bag would just be something else for her to leave somewhere and for me to deal with the fallout!

Stylish is not a buzz word amongst teenagers and joules is not a cool brand. However, if dd likes it get it, as like you say, the huffing about it renders a self chosen one priceless.
FWIW my y9 has an Adidas back pack at the moment. Functionality and comfort were not considerations and I have bigger battles to fight (shoes, coat...)

Very true Drinkciderfromalemon. Partly I'm pleased that DD is picking what she likes as opposed to being cool for the sake of it. The other part of me doesn't want to have wasted 50 quid when some cool kid points this out to everyone else.

I don't envy you the shoes battle. I was a teenage shoe battler. Drove my mum mad over it. If it helps at all DD is Dr Martens all the way and has been for a number of years. Hard-wearing and apparently cool enough. Only problem now is she has reached the upper limit of kids sizes and next pair will be from the £££ adult range.

They are very £££!!! Dd had a pair but this year decided low top plain black Cons was the ONLY option. After tantrums in the middle of Covent Garden and stern warnings she would be replacing them when school spotted they didnt meet school uniform code, I finally relented. The bastards have never said a word. I won on the coat front tho... she is the proud owner of one. Dont think she has worn it once, but at least I feel I have fulfilled maternal duty by buying the overpriced door warmer....

Oh, God. I love the DMs. I hope we don't have to go down the low-top shoe route. I'm anticipating a similar tantrum in the middle of Joules. DD will tolerate a coat but won't bloody do it up or use the hood. Pouring with rain yesterday and she came in drenched!

If anyone else has any other school bag suggestions, that would be great. Or if anyone owns the Joules bag and can report back as to its robustness, I'd be very grateful!

I used to have the Jansport Big student, it's absolutely massive. I am 5'11 and I found it big on me. I was using it as a changing back for a newborn and toddler and even with all their stuff it was vastly bigger than I needed.

I currently have a Kanken and I know you said it's not what you want it's the best backpack I have ever had. It's light, comfortable, fits an endless amount of stuff in and never hurts my back. I have had it about six months so far and still looks as good as it did the day it arrived. I brought one because I liked the look but now I have one I wouldn't go back to any other brand and I have owned a lot of backpacks.

Thanks Lilicat. DD also thinks the Jansport one looks massive. I was hoping that it wouldn't look so bulky if it wasn't stuffed full.

Kanken is over budget and not enough pockets. Plus DD doesn't want one as she might then be considered a VSCO girl - which apparently would be OK, except for the fact that it makes you seem a bit sheeplike. I had to look it up and I think I might be a very old VSCO girl - minimal makeup (none at all, no time.), messy bun (ooh yes, no time for washing hair) ugly shoes of the Birkenstock variety (yep, many pairs, no time for tying laces). Also metal drinking straws which I would never have for fear of poking myself in the eye.

I'm now debating something like this as it's a bit like the Joules one but possibly more robust. Although it's probably the opposite and quite poorly made. I need .

You could see if she likes this? It might not be stylish enough although they do make other styles.

www.superdry.com/products?product_id=3511475&source=googleshopping&locale=en-GB&nst=0&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7OnxBRCNARIsAIW53B-Wsnq9PC_sf2nRWK_JkMNuekZfNoicUD9EyLhAd7q6RpgXnNzK9AcaAjiUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

herschelsupplyco.co.uk/shop/backpacks/classic-backpack?CAWELAID=120309250000029566&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=49766483228&CATCI=pla-302551060026&mkwid=gCzYwALf&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_campaign=Herschel_Shop_Backpacks_UK&utm_term=&utm_content=gCzYwALf%7Cpcrid%7C189180325430%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cpdv%7Cm%7Cproductid%7C10500-03258-OS%7C&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7OnxBRCNARIsAIW53B_Volj7dgIoWISd2feD-ogB10-TkcJ34dT01xLIg_RyR-DMV8sFmKYaAtlWEALw_wcB&v=10500-03258-OS

The Joules bag looks like a Herschel.The price points straddle your max budget but they do a few styles under £50 in that cotton canvas style, and they are genuinely comfortable.

How about this by Mia Tui?

DD had one of their Tote shoulder bags as a school bag last year and it lasted well. She still uses it a bit but has moved on to an Urban Outfitters tote.

One of my tweens has a Kipling ( they had a cheaper bag that just broke) and the other has a loungefly.
They both seem sturdy, resilient bags.

Herschel is often seen here. Both my girls have them. Some have pockets. They get grubby but have washed in the machine well.

Thanks, everyone.

Love the Madlug bag and everything it stands for! Amazing. Will try and sell it to DD although not sure she will have the patience for the rolltop thing and their basic backpack is too basic for her needs really. BernardsarenotalwaysSaints do you have one yourself? I'd like to know what it looks like on the inside.

Love the Superdry one but not enough pockets. Same with the Hershchel. We have looked at other Hershchel designs but none quite right.

Mia Tui is almost perfect but it looks a little bit small.

Kipling Seoul ticks all the boxes for me, except budget. DD likes them but only in certain colours/patterns...

I'm really grateful for everyone's ideas!

www.tkmaxx.com/men/accessories/bags-wallets+belts/mens-bags/navy+red-bergen-backpack/p/34027550

This looks like it has lots of pockets. TK Max can be great for bags.

HASAGEI Vintage Backpack Unisex Rucksack Daypack Casual School Travel Laptop Tablet Bags (Green) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FQI626Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ewfpEb427MB48?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

HASAGEI Vintage Backpack Unisex Rucksack Daypack Casual School Travel Laptop Tablet Bags (Green) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FQI626Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ewfpEb427MB48?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

That Mia Tui bag is pretty large. I have one and found it to big for day to day so use it when I take the kids swimming. It fits a change of clothes for each child and two bath towels.

DD has an Eastpack.

I had that joules backpack for a while and found it quite comfortable as a changing bag, so fairly full. It has a metal framed top, which she will either love or loathe.

I also have a Roka pack which is very comfy
Mine was from TK maxx but they do loads of styles online.