The eternal effing search for a practical but vaguely stylish work bag.

[User4748294496]

Now that we are “agile working” I am hauling stuff back and forth to work 2-3 days a week because we’re now semi-hotdesking. Previously I had a boring laptop bag and a posh handbag. Now I would prefer to be able to use one bag but it needs to be able to carry water bottle, travel mug, headphones, mouse and stuff I need for my desk/the day as well as my laptop. I usually drive to work but do occasionally travel to other locations by train. Where I live it’s often wet so something that’s a little waterproof would be great.

Solutions I have tried so far:

1. I have a lovely backpack that is stylish but has no laptop sleeve and its pleather so heavy and not very comfortable. I think it will probably last another 6 months max before it gives up the ghost with very regular use.
2. I had a Cath Kidston backpack that had a pretty pattern and was ideal in size and shape but I felt that it was a bit childish post-40 and for my fairly serious job.
3. Dedicated laptop backpack bags are BORING and usually too long for my frame (I have a short waist).
4. Larger generic laptop bags are also BORING and usually don’t have room for all the other crap I need.

I like the look of the Fjallraven Kanken backpacks (they have a 13” laptop size) because they look practical and some nice colours but are they too passé now? Specialist lady laptop bags eg Knomo are £££ and also pretty boring. Open to any and all other suggestions please and thank you.

Why is it impossible to find something that is both practical and vaguely stylish 😭😭😭😭

A 13” laptop fits in this www.poshbagsuk.co.uk/products/brakeburn-geo-floral-backpack-ss21 and likewise this although I’m not sure how waterproof the latter would be.
This is a lot more expensive, but has a laptop sleeve.

I am having the same dilemma so think I will just go for the kanken or a rains backpack and have my smaller cross body handbag too.
Really not keen on any of the laptop bags I have seen.

I have a Fjallraven Kanken and can categorically state it is not waterproof, I love it but it's not really a great work bag for a laptop IMO.

I have just treated myself to a Rains backpack for £20! It's smaller than my Kanken but totally waterproof, and far more comfortable. So would recommend.

@covetingthepreciousthings is it water resistant enough to get me from the office car park to the door? No more than 2 minutes really.

@covetingthepreciousthings which rains bag did you get please?

I was thinking about getting the rains laptop sleeve too

@covetingthepreciousthings the Rains ones are a bit utilitarian for my taste, personally.

I carry all that and my MacBook air in my Radley bags quite happily

www.thehut.com/bags-wallets-clothing-men-acc/rains-men-s-base-bag-mini-blush/12884999.html

@PammieDooveOrangeJoof this one, it's a bit of a squeeze to get the laptop in but it's a great backpack quality for the price! Ordered from this website and no problems with delivery etc.

I've got this one: rokalondon.com/collections/finchley-classic

I love it - lots of space, comfy and I like the look too. It's "weatherproof" - not sure I'd trust it in a full storm for any length of time though.

[quote User4748294496]@covetingthepreciousthings is it water resistant enough to get me from the office car park to the door? No more than 2 minutes really.[/quote]
I wouldn't even go as far to say it's water resistant at all the one I have, but if it's a short walk you may be fine. I'd probably put a laptop in a sleeve incase though.

What sort of budget. Cambridge satchel company do a backpack that I think fits a laptop but it's £££. That being said it's a classic style and will last and last.

@SadSongsAndWaltzes

I've got this one: rokalondon.com/collections/finchley-classic

I love it - lots of space, comfy and I like the look too. It's "weatherproof" - not sure I'd trust it in a full storm for any length of time though.

Ah interesting. I was looking at some of the other Roka ones too. Are the straps comfortable? They’re not padded which worries me.

@BlaiseAnais

What sort of budget. Cambridge satchel company do a backpack that I think fits a laptop but it's £££. That being said it's a classic style and will last and last.

In theory no budget but it would have to be absolutely perfect in every possible way to spend that kind of cash. I have lots of other leather bags and they’re heavy enough to start with, let alone when you add a laptop etc in them.

Gosh I think I wrote pretty much the same OP a few months ago if you want to search for that, probably different username.

I went for a Sandqvist Algot 2.0 and it's brilliant.

Has a laptop sleeve hidden in the back part so no one can nick it which I thought I'd hate but I love. And a secret compartment at the bottom so it can be one big bag and a little extr big at the bottom.

https://www.johnlewis.com/sandqvist-algot-2-0-recycled-polyester-water-resistant-backpack/black/p5327774?sku=239108801&sppc=2dx92700064085872646&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1zVRTUBq0x9jsDkVQSlvbQAe&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1zVRTUBq0x9jsDkVQSlvbQAe&gclid=CjwKCAjwvuGJBhB1EiwACU1AiZehIObkLe0ggLm6llHKe4XZM8iX-X8YYrZCTg0e9hHpv7Xi2iXFiBoCEsEQAvDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

@rainbowrescue

Gosh I think I wrote pretty much the same OP a few months ago if you want to search for that, probably different username.

I went for a Sandqvist Algot 2.0 and it's brilliant.

Has a laptop sleeve hidden in the back part so no one can nick it which I thought I'd hate but I love. And a secret compartment at the bottom so it can be one big bag and a little extr big at the bottom.

https://www.johnlewis.com/sandqvist-algot-2-0-recycled-polyester-water-resistant-backpack/black/p5327774?sku=239108801&sppc=2dx92700064085872646&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1zVRTUBq0x9jsDkVQSlvbQAe&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1zVRTUBq0x9jsDkVQSlvbQAe&gclid=CjwKCAjwvuGJBhB1EiwACU1AiZehIObkLe0ggLm6llHKe4XZM8iX-X8YYrZCTg0e9hHpv7Xi2iXFiBoCEsEQAvDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Super padded shoulders, sturdy zips, nice fabric etc.

I find it comfortable op. I probably wouldn't go on a hike with it, but the straps are wide and seem well placed so they don't dig in or pull.

I WFH FT now but have in the past had a really great Roka backpack (I got plain black but there are some gorgeous colours) and a black quilted Knomo laptop bag (TKMaxx bargain) that I also loved.
I miss my monthly trips to London on the train and hope to start them again soon, when my trusty Roka will be accompanying me again

Elvis and Kresse have some great bags - I’ve got my eye on the new metropolitan bag, but aren’t sure whether I can justify it for 1 day a week ! www.elvisandkresse.com/collections/womens-bags.

I already have a post bag, love the eco credentials and the fact it’s not only waterproof, but indestructible too

I bought this which carried water bottle, flask, books and laptop. Liked it because usable as a tote and backpack

goodordering.com/collections/all-products/products/marketshopper?variant=1499434436

Since I see this topic regularly on MN I thought I would update. In the end, I decided that, although the Cath Kidston backpack was perfect from a size/shape/practicality/waterproof perspective the pattern of the particular one I had was too much. So I sold it on eBay and bought a different design which was more restrained (but still fun). I know S&B MN can be a bit scathing about Cath Kidston but the combination of practical and not deathly boring was difficult to overlook.

This doesn’t particularly help when I go to London when I am likely to have external meetings for which it would be helpful to have a proper bag and my jaunty rucksack won’t do, but those are still rare at the moment and I will cross that bridge etc etc