Stylish yet functional backpack

[electricdreamssheep]

What I need is a bog standard school rucksack!

But would like something that is suitable for commuting into central posh part of London on train and then bike.

Need it to have comfy straps, to hold a laptop and wires, make up bag, shoes, water bottle and a jumper if necessary.

Love the sleek stylish thin Knomo ones but just not practical for all the crap I need to schlep.

Anyone found the holy grail?

Rains do beautiful ones. My friend has them and she works in IT. They are so stylish. If I ever get to cycle to work again I will buy one.

www.rains.com/collections/backpacks

Kanken

Knomo do some lovely rucksacks

I bought this from Joules. I know people like to say Joules is twee but actually it’s a really nice roomy comfortable back pack.

@jellybeans4

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L8792Q9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_19G396V2GGF2C0PYX464?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

My friend has this one, really practical and nice!

I have this one and I know if 4 other people who have bought one after seeing it. I should have shares!

Kanken, Rains, Sandqvist etc don't usually have padded straps. For that reason I'd avoid.

I'd be tempted to go for a leather Eastpak. This is nice.

www.eastpak.com/uk-en/backpacks-c120/ciera-black-ink-leath-pEK76B64O+00+999.html

[quote nanbread]Kanken, Rains, Sandqvist etc don't usually have padded straps. For that reason I'd avoid.

I'd be tempted to go for a leather Eastpak. This is nice.

www.eastpak.com/uk-en/backpacks-c120/ciera-black-ink-leath-pEK76B64O+00+999.html[/quote]
My Sandqvist does, sure many others do too.

Victorinox back packs are very smart

Omg she's exactly the same!! Everyone compliments her on it and several people have bought it as a result of her raving about it!

That was in response to lego!

I’d have a look at Tumi.
They are quite expensive but good quality.

@jellybeans4

Omg she's exactly the same!! Everyone compliments her on it and several people have bought it as a result of her raving about it!

I wonder if we know the same person!

I have a Rains backpack. A pp says the straps aren't that thick which is true but I found it very comfortable on quite long walks from the tube. Plus it's waterproof, which is a real bonus!

Another vote for Roka. The straps are wide so very comfy, and there are plenty of pockets inside incl. a laptop pocket.
I also love my Kanken, but the straps are much thinner so although I think it will last forever, it's not that comfy to wear for long when there's a bit of weight in in.

@EllaPaella

I have one if these and love it. Great colours and a great sustainable brand. I can fit my laptop in mine easily. https://rokalondon.com

Another vote for Roka bags

Coach campus backpacks.
I have a navy one and it's great, has a laptop section, comfy straps and looks pretty nice.
They often come up on Brandally.

We may well do lego! Lol!

I have a Nordace one and when I'm commuting I love it!

@SaberToothKitten

Sandqvist. So many compliments on a bag!

Me too! Love mine.

@SaberToothKitten

Sandqvist. So many compliments on a bag!

Ooooh

[quote TeenTitan007]I bought this 4 years ago. I have a number of physical challenges which mean that I spend a lot on my shoes and backpacks to be able to travel in London (with my laptop, charger, water bottle etc) without pain. It cost quite a bit. But utterly worth the price. And still looks brand new after quite a bit of use.

www.fedon.com/uk_en/men/bags/backpacks/technical-backpack-15-black-tech[/quote]
Gorgeous!

Don’t know if this is helpful or not as you’ve ruled out Knomo but I can get a laptop, shoes, water bottle, makeup bag and lunchbox in mine. I could probably cram in a jumper but maybe have to unzip the top a bit.

[quote 4fingerKitKat]After extensive research I ended up with one of these - compromised A bit on comfort for the sake of style, but the straps are comfy enough to carry it fully loaded with a chunky laptop and books etc without being too hard on the shoulders, though I am generally only carrying it for 15-20 mins at a time.

Plenty of space, would like an extra pocket or two in an ideal world.

www.novaandkoa.com/collections/nova-koa/products/charli-backback[/quote]
I can second Nova + Koa. I bought their Lea one last month ready for returning to commuting and I love it so far. Space for laptop and gym stuff. Plus separate compartment for shoes/gym kit.

www.novaandkoa.com/collections/nova-koa/products/lea-backpack-faux-leather

Fjallraven or Herschel

I have a Rains one and don't find it comfy due to the narrow, unpadded straps. Also can't get anything out of it without taking it fully off as there are no front pockets or zip compartment. Waterproof material is a plus point but overall wouldn't get again.