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please recommend day to day rucksacks that hold a lot of stuff

25 replies

hufffflufff · 08/09/2021 20:23

Looking for a rucksack with a large capacity (approx 35l) but I don't want anything too fussy (not fussed about lots of pockets, they annoy me as I forget which pocket I have put things in!). Recommendations very welcome.

easy access to rummage through - large/easy opening.

Must be able to be worn as a rucksack, so no shoulder bags although I do like the convenience of a large tote it will not be practical for this.

Will be used for me to carry kids stuff (lunchboxes and coats), my coat, water bottle, shopping etc. I do not drive, so will be used often and must be comfy.

Budget approx max £100 but less would be better. I like plain, classic designs nothing frilly!

Your best mum rucksack recommendations very welcome!

OP posts:
Twilightstarbright · 08/09/2021 20:44

Following OP. My Tiba and Marl backpack doesn’t have external water bottle pockets which is too irritating for me.

purplesequins · 08/09/2021 20:46

eastpack has some nice large ones ghag coild fit the bill.

Janek · 08/09/2021 20:57

I have just bought a jack wolfskin Berkeley rucksack, I think it's 30l, although the main body is two pockets, not just one.

My DDs have had the children's version for years and I finally caved and got my own.

hufffflufff · 08/09/2021 22:38

thanks everyone! I found this at Ikea - not the nicest looking but looks large, easy access and unfussy:

www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/vaerldens-travel-back-pack-black-30487919/

Will check out the other ones... :)

OP posts:
TheChosenTwo · 08/09/2021 23:15

Ahh. I have commandeered dd1s kanken backpack for general day to day crap, I have a really bad back and problems with it so I’m trying to look after myself better!
Not sure it would fit multiple lunchboxes (can’t they carry their own?!) but it fits the rest of the criteria, no faffy compartments, large opening, can be worn fully on the back…

VienneseWhirligig · 08/09/2021 23:19

I use a charcoal grey men's rucksack from Radley. I think it was £80 in an outlet, it has tan leather touches on it and I think it looks smart yet not overly fancy. It fits my work laptop, headset, lunch, and has room for other stuff too. I used to have a Cath Kidston rucksack but this is much roomier and more comfortable (wide padded straps).

Twilightstarbright · 09/09/2021 05:53

I need one with two external water bottle pockets which makes it tricky. There’s a jansport one but I don’t love the colours.

purplesequins · 09/09/2021 05:59

maybe look at school backpacks in sports stores.they often have 2 bottle pouches

bookish83 · 09/09/2021 06:05

North face have some with external water bottle holders. Usually about £90

You could also search baby bags/mens ones. Also tend to have a pocket on the outside! For example if you google Babel, lots come up. This is the brand I have

Sofia70 · 09/09/2021 06:07

I've been using this one in dark grey for years and it's great. 2 large bottle pockets and a decent capacity without feeling huge to carry. We have it in both colours and we use instead of wheelie cases for hand luggage to keep hands free when flying with kids.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/country-walking-backpack-nh500-30-litres/_/R-p-156341?mc=8383599&c=GREY

CeeceeBloomingdale · 09/09/2021 06:25

I have a kanken which is great and just bought a cheap DKNY one from House of Fraser which is simple and large. It was really cheap, about £15 including postage

Someaddedsugar · 09/09/2021 06:33

I have the Skip Hop Black changing rucksack - two external drink holder pockets, front compartment with zip and main compartment. It’s fab! DS is now 4 so not used for changing stuff but more for days out and picnics.

Mumdiva99 · 09/09/2021 06:40

I have the Sidney rucksack from here miatui.com/collections/backpacks
It's been my go to rucksack for years. I use it on days out for food, coats, drinks etc (2 outside pockets for water bottles are easy for the kids to grab), I use it to go to the library - it doesn't fit all the books but we come home with about 15/20!! I take it to the shops. I like the padded straps, the fact its water proof and I do like the pockets - although you said they weren't important to you. It also fits my laptop so has been used for work and meetings.

NeedToKnow101 · 09/09/2021 06:50

I have this from decathlon and I'm very very happy with it.

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/country-walking-backpack-nh500-30-litres/_/R-p-156341?mc=8383599&c=GREY

Lots of pockets and spaces, room for laptop, water bottle on the outside. It sits fairly flat which is better for the train. I love it.

NeedToKnow101 · 09/09/2021 06:53

Actually I've got the 20 litre one I think. www.decathlon.co.uk/p/country-walking-backpack-nh500-20-litres/_/R-p-329507?mc=8608099&c=BLUE

Same opinion as what I wrote above.. it's fab.

Scootergrrrl · 09/09/2021 07:14

I have this Roka backpack which is brilliant and has two water bottle pockets, as mentioned earlier!

EatSprayGlove · 09/09/2021 07:29

My favourite one is 10 years old I think it's the sports direct brand with a large main section, front pocket and a laptop section at the back. Heavy when full but the padding makes it really comfy! I know they won't still do it but have a look there it has been an absolute bargain! One of the seams has gone and I'm gutted Its on its way out but it's been a real workhorse and holds loads.

YouAreShoutingAtTea · 09/09/2021 07:32

@Mumdiva99 that looks great! How good is the waterproof? Can it cope with lots of rain?

Mumdiva99 · 09/09/2021 08:30

[quote YouAreShoutingAtTea]@Mumdiva99 that looks great! How good is the waterproof? Can it cope with lots of rain?[/quote]
It isn't sold as waterproof but because it's 'vegan leather' (e.g. some sort of plastic coating) the only place it would really leak is the zips. I always use it on family days out but I wouldn't use it for climbing a mountain!! The inside is a wipe clean water repellent fabric too.

LaPampa · 09/09/2021 09:05

Millican is always my first suggestion

Intercity225 · 09/09/2021 09:14

We have the Berghaus 30 L rucksacks - they are black with grey zip toggles and red loops. I cut the main red loops off mine, as they were useless, for me. It has an external water bottle pocket either side and two main compartments.

WhereTheWildlingsLive · 09/09/2021 10:07

Another vote for Millican! They're awesome, and recycled! 😊🌱💚
www.homeofmillican.com/collections/daypacks/products/core-collection-the-core-roll-pack-20l-sky
Also in the sale. In fact I'm getting one!

Ivy48 · 09/09/2021 10:10

Partner used this for work, fits his gym kit and lunch etc. Two water bottle pockets and not too fussy. It’s really sturdy, had it for over a year with no issues. Cheap and cheerful www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076M85W1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0P6DQWX7GR5D0F2ZHV6J?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

FastFood · 09/09/2021 10:19

I have the Patagonia Black Hole 32l in black for 5 years now, it's amazing and very versatile.
I use it as a daily rucksack when I cycle somewhere, and also use it when I travel. It can be small and discreet but also big and big capacity.
It's also totally rainproof and pretty light when used at low capacity.
On top of that, Patagonia are probably one of the best brands ever. Superb customer service and great ethos.

crochetmonkey74 · 09/09/2021 10:26

I swear by changing bags - I have this one and have recommended it to several friends who have bought it and loved it

www.amazon.co.uk/Bebamour-Nappy-Changing-Backpack-Waterproof/dp/B01H1FOA4I/ref=zg_bs_60244031_46?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&refRID=1TV774G45JN38E6PSFZX

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