Knomo, Sandqvist etc… which laptop backpack to get?

[Marghe87]

I posted something similar recently but hoping to get more advice. I’d like to invest in a nice backpack as I am soon going back to work after mat leave and I will be carrying my laptop to/from home a lot.
I like the look of some Knomo and Sandqvist a lot but wonder if they are worth the ££? I am happy to spend a bit as it will be a bday gift actually and would like something that will last me a few years. I want to look sleek and smart but not too boring/old fashion, do you have any suggestions? If you have Knomo or Sandqvist, can you comment on the quality and whether it’s worth the investment?
I am also considering some Herschel ones as a third option although a bit too Uni student for my taste.

I have a Knomo. I love it. I've got the Beauchamp, but not in leather as the leather felt just that little bit too £££. It's lovely quality. The red interior makes it a little different. My DDs have Herschel backpacks for school. To me, they definitely have the look of a school bag and I wouldn't choose one as my work bag.

I have a Roka and it’s great. I wanted something very light and I use it to walk to the station - half an hour’s walk, with laptop and other stuff in it. Good value.

@Thisismynewname123 that’s the one I am considering, very sleek indeed, I too like the red inside.
@Musmerian I like them a lot but they are a bit too on the casual side, I think it’s the grey handle that makes them look less smart maybe? Shape is very pretty though and I like the color range. Also a very honest price compared to other brands that sell the same material for more than twice the price!

I got my Knomo laptop backpack in TK Maxx last year. It was an impulse buy because it was on a very big reduction. It may be worth keeping an eye on their website in case they get more Knomos in.

I got DD2 the Beauchamp in the black with gold hardware and one of their cross body bags as they were doing a deal earlier in the year. Both are really excellent quality.

Try Millican or Ally Capellino (although AC is a bit more pricey)

@yknaps uuuh AC looks beautiful but yes, a bit pricey.
Anyone any experience with Sandqvist?

Hello! I have a sandqvist and love it! It’s the Roald model in black and holds my laptop, gym kit/ toiletries easily. I like the pockets on the front for easy access to work pass lip balm etc and the understated branding, plus the bag is comfy on the shoulders with lightly padded straps. It’s very well made, the only annoying thing is I spilled some unknown liquid (probably sanitiser :( ) on the bag and it has a weird stain on it now which is annoying as white and the bag is black…. But given the cost I’m continuing to use it anyway! Ps I got mine from surf dome a few years back and they had discounted prices so worth shopping about.

Love the Sandqvist bags!

Sticking another one in there... I've got a Targus backpack. Not quite as sophisticated brand as the others here, but I really like it - very slim but can fit tons into it. And the orange lining makes me happy

uk.targus.com/products/15-newport-backpack-black-tbb599gl

I have 2 Sandqvist bags and really rate them for quality and practicality. I originally bought a leather laptop bag for my commute and it's in great shape after a few years of daily use (lockdown aside). It has a nice formal shape as well as the space of a tote bag.

I also have a backpack from the aerial vegan range which I use for trips out with DC. Both bags are not cheap but completely worth it in terms of cost per use.

I love my Knomo Beaufort, needed something a touch bigger as I regularly do overnight trips and it’s amazing how much it fits in whilst still looking smart.

I have a Knomo which is about 4 years old and used daily for nearly 3 years. It still looks new. It's a great bag, although I wish it had an external water bottle pocket.

I have a Knomo; I think it's called a Santiago tote. I have yet to return to an office since I bought it but have used it for travelling. It's pretty roomy and has lots of pockets. I have previously bought a Sandqvist bag for my brother and I had to buy my dad one the following year because he liked it so much (I realise that you may not necessarily feel like a recommendation from my 70 year old dad is a good thing though...). Quality seems good. I think Sandqvist ones look marginally less like laptop bags which is always a good thing in my book.

@Chezrone and @Popkids I was just reflecting on the practicality of the Sandq ones as I’d be opening and closing them quite a lot (Oyster card, work pass, phone in and out etc) and I think something with a zip might be easier and quicker. Do you find this an issue with your bags?

I’m in a similar position, and have been searching for a nice looking, but not boring but practical laptop rucksack.
I ordered but sent back a Rains one as my laptop didn’t fit in the laptop flap.
I’ve ordered this, based on the reviews, and I think it looks good.

nordace.com/en/product/nordace-eclat-backpack/

@SallyOMalley that looks very pretty!

My laptop bag has a zip. The current version I think is the Alice bag. It has an internal front pocket for oyster, keys etc. It has a hand strap and longer strap if you need to use it as a crossbody (though it's probably too heavy to do that regularly). I've found it really well designed.

@Marghe87 this is why I got the one with the (zipped) pockets on the front :) easy access to pass etc without having to rummage in the main compartment! So that would be my 2 cents, defo a must for train commute. (Although this will be a minimum for a while at least!)

@Popkids ah I see. I was referring to the backpacks actually. I feel like they are not as practical. I like these ones:
www.sandqvist.com/en/p/antonia-twill-black

www.sandqvist.com/en/p/alva-black

@Chezrone yes, makes sense! I like the two ones I linked above but the more ai think about it the more I feel it might not be practical. I am now considering yours and the Dante although that might be too masculine maybe..!?

I got a Knomo in very good condition on eBay, if you’re looking to save ££. Use it all the time and it fits a good amount in.

Not that anyone cares probably but just writing this in case someone comes to this thread looking for ideas in the future... In the end I opted for a Knomo beauchamp and I absolutely love it! Great size, I can fit everything I need and I love the inside with all the pockets and various compartments. It's pricey yes but cheaper than some Sandqvist and, in my opinion, superior in terms of quality.