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Original poster

Which Roka bag is best?

19 replies

touterustome · 18/02/2023 13:44

Just that really. Like the look of them and have good reports. But the backpack styles all look quite similar - is there anything to choose between them? I can't decide if I'd find a roll over top annoying...

OP posts:
Original poster
touterustome · 18/02/2023 17:59

No one?

OP posts:
PotatoCatkin · 18/02/2023 18:02

I really like the Finchley backpacks.
I have a medium one and it fits my Elitebook, large A4 planner, two A4 notepads, charging cables, bulky headset and pencil case in for work.

When I have less in, the top rolls over slightly and holds in place with magnets.

I use a Paddington crossbody as a handbag for everything else.

I have a Bantry too but much prefer the Finchley.

octoberafternoons · 18/02/2023 18:50

I like the Finchley too. The large front pocket is really useful. The roll top is not annoying at all.

Theyweretheworstoftimes · 18/02/2023 18:53

I have a Bantry B in Medium. It's absolutely brilliant. I can fit loads in it and it's got great pockets.

GuybrushT · 18/02/2023 19:05

I have a Canfield (rollover top) and bantry b. I like them both and they both hold lots, but I prefer the rollover top as you can then unroll and make it bigger if you need, and I feel that when it's really wet it's better than just having a zip across the top.

cortisolqueen · 18/02/2023 19:08

I have a few, prefer the ones with pockets for water bottles on the outside (not all do). I'm not a fan of the leather strap closing on the front pocket that some have (bantry?).

I've found that the Camden design suit me best as I like the magnetic folder over at the top, it has side water bottle pockets and weirdly I found the backpack straps are slightly longer than other ones I have.

But saying that the Paddington bags are great when you don't have as much to carry.

Original poster
touterustome · 18/02/2023 19:39

PotatoCatkin · 18/02/2023 18:02

I really like the Finchley backpacks.
I have a medium one and it fits my Elitebook, large A4 planner, two A4 notepads, charging cables, bulky headset and pencil case in for work.

When I have less in, the top rolls over slightly and holds in place with magnets.

I use a Paddington crossbody as a handbag for everything else.

I have a Bantry too but much prefer the Finchley.

Thank you! What's less good about the bantry?

OP posts:
Original poster
touterustome · 18/02/2023 19:41

Thank you everyone! very helpful. @GuybrushT I hadn't thought of the rain issue.

OP posts:
Original poster
touterustome · 18/02/2023 19:51

cortisolqueen · 18/02/2023 19:08

I have a few, prefer the ones with pockets for water bottles on the outside (not all do). I'm not a fan of the leather strap closing on the front pocket that some have (bantry?).

I've found that the Camden design suit me best as I like the magnetic folder over at the top, it has side water bottle pockets and weirdly I found the backpack straps are slightly longer than other ones I have.

But saying that the Paddington bags are great when you don't have as much to carry.

What's the difference between the Camden and the Finchley, I can't tell! Other than colours.

OP posts:
bowzen · 18/02/2023 20:00

Defo bantry b in medium, perfect size and can fit a laptop in back pocket if needed. I also have a canfield b and yes the roll over top is annoying.

cortisolqueen · 18/02/2023 20:03

It looks like the medium Camden is slightly larger than the medium Finchley & I don't think the Finchley has the hidden pocket that the Camden has.

Spartak · 18/02/2023 20:05

I like the rollover top.

It means I can fit a Greggs sausage roll and Belgian bun without squashing them in the extra space if I don't roll it down.

Mol1628 · 18/02/2023 20:08

I have the Camden and I love it. Lots of nice little pockets to keep organised.

I only tend to bother rolling the top down in heavy rain.

Original poster
touterustome · 18/02/2023 20:11

Spartak · 18/02/2023 20:05

I like the rollover top.

It means I can fit a Greggs sausage roll and Belgian bun without squashing them in the extra space if I don't roll it down.

Haha good reason!!

OP posts:
Original poster
touterustome · 18/02/2023 20:12

bowzen · 18/02/2023 20:00

Defo bantry b in medium, perfect size and can fit a laptop in back pocket if needed. I also have a canfield b and yes the roll over top is annoying.

Interesting...

OP posts:
Original poster
touterustome · 18/02/2023 20:16

Also next question... canvas or nylon?!

OP posts:
WarningToTheCurious · 18/02/2023 20:38

I much prefer the matte canvas finish, the nylon is a bit shiny for me.

I have a Bantry B and it’s been out in an utter deluge and didn’t leak through the zip at the top.

PotatoCatkin · 18/02/2023 23:15

I just prefer the look of the Finchley - it's a little more compact than the Bantry which I like.

I also much prefer the canvas. The nylon is fine but is a little shiny.

User963 · 18/02/2023 23:25

I got the Bayswater. It’s in the special
collection and has a waterproof umbrella compartment at the bottom. Other than that it’s like the Canfield.

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