Laptop back pack. Roka? Kanken? Something else?

[pastypirate]

Dp has pointed out I need a backpack for carrying my work laptop and kit. He is right it's v heavy in my tote bag.
Dd2 was horrified....not a rucksack mummy!! You're not buying it from mountain warehouse!!!

I have seen both the above brands which I quite like. Leaning toward roka in pale grey right now but any other recommendations of a non camping backpack that will save my spine a bit and look stylish? Happy to spend £100 or a bit more but think £150 is the limit. I will need it forever....

I recently bought this Doughnut backpack from Wardrow. It's available in loads of different colours and the 14" one is just about big enough for my smallish laptop (it's ever so slightly bigger than a sheet of A4 paper), plus things like lunch, water bottle, phone, purse, etc.

I've had a few things from Wardrow and they have a wide selection, good prices and are reliable. However, they're in mainland Europe so I don't know how easy it is if you need to return anything.

I looked at Kanken and Roka and, while I know they're hardwearing, I didn't like how 'basic' Kanken are for the money. I couldn't find anywhere where I could order a Roka with free returns and I wasn't sure about the size etc and I didn't want to buy something unless I was quite sure about it. Although as it happens, I've found them for sale in a National Trust shop since then.

I've been in the market for 'the' backpack for sometime but wasn't sure what I wanted, but finally settled on something a bit more casual, so not 'naice handbag but a rucksack' or a proper hiking one, something a bit in the middle, and a bit 'fun'. I mainly use it for work, but it's not very corporate, many people are a bit unconventional/eccentric so it's not inappropriate.

The other one I looked at was the KNOMO Beauchamp (available to see in John Lewis) but that was when I decided I didn't want something more formal/smart.

I have a Roka backpack that I use for my uni stuff to take to the library. It holds a laptop, iPad, books and ad hoc other stuff. I love it. I am 60 and my 25 yo DD has an almost identical one she uses for work.

I hesitate to say this, for fear of being a mumsnet cliche, but I love my Roka.
The medium Finchley holds my laptop, plus everything I need for the day. It's got great pockets and water bottle holders and is well made and comfortable.

Oh, and I've previously had a Kanken and it was nowhere near as practical or as comfortable.

I have a Kånken and think it's very practical. I don't like 200 pockets I never use, I like the one big pocket with long zips so the whole thing opens up. But I'm disappointed with how the colour has worn off. I had a solid black one, but it's gone very rusty and much quicker than I'd have expected. AFAIK the brighter ones last better though. There's a Japanese brand called Anello that seems good -Zalando stock them. Apparently a bit of an "it" brand in some circles, but new to me. They have some neutral rucksacks I quite like.

I'm leaning more toward roka then thanks folks

I am absolutely not a rucksack person but I've just bought this from Paul Costello to replace my old bulky laptop bag and I love it.

I got mine from the outlet (with an extra 20% off) but looks like they're available online.

www.paulcostelloebags.com/product/steve/

Dd2 was horrified....not a rucksack mummy!! You're not buying it from mountain warehouse!!!
I don't know what to suggest but I'd be telling your daughter to not to be so bloody rude. Also teach her not to be so 'horrified' and judgemental. There's nothing wrong with mountain Warehouse.

I have a leather fossil backpack from the 'men's' section as women clearly don't need to lug a load of shit around...

I love it, was £££ but I use it pretty much daily and it gets better with age.

Love my Knomo backpack

I have this. Doesn't really fit with the 'no mountain warehouse'

I had a kanken before and it lost its shape and looked a bit worn quickly

https://www.regatta.com/shilton-12l-backpack-ivy-moss/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxcbLoPjOQIVhtDtCh1e9wq2EAQYBSABEgKi33DBwE

Oh wow that's lovely and not outdoors shop at all!

Dd2 is ace and I run all my sartorial choices by her.
Also I don't want to look like I'm going camping when I'm working....

I love my Roka bag.

I do have an ordinary vans backpack for shopping and days out with the family but I didn’t really want to use that for work.

I ordered a kanken and returned it for a Roka. I have the medium Finchley and it fits in loads and is comfortable to carry. I've also used it for travel recently.

Another Roka fan here...! I use mine for uni and placements and easily holds laptop/books etc plus all my usual and a uniform change. V comfortable to wear too 🙂

I have an older version of this North face Isabella - very comfortable and has been very hardwearing for my commute - doesn’t seem to show the dirt!

I have a large Roka Bantry B for work and it's the perfect size. It's also very comfortable to wear.

Eastpak! They are comfortable, reasonably priced, the nylon ones I've found I can wash in the machine, huge choice of colour and material. They do a style with a space specifically for laptops. 30 year guarantee as well.

I'm currently noticing them on teenagers again, if that helps your DD?!

I have a Roka I use as my changing bag- the mat fits perfectly in the laptop slot 😂. It’s great, comfy and perfect amount of pockets/sections. It wipes down well and keeps the rain off. Zips are sturdy too.

I have been told Kanken ones are better for your back in the way they sit- not from personal experience though.

Patagonia are great for backpacks - brilliant comfortable design, super ethical, and a lifetime of free repairs included in the price.

I have a Knomo Beauchamp that works for me. It's got waterproof bottle pockets inside so I can put a bottle of water a tech in it without worrying too much. Lots of pockets. They're usually £150+ plus they're on Brand Alley for £80 at the moment, which is an absolute bargain. Link

I use a Herschel for work and it's great, probably could be roomier but fits laptop, charger, waterbottle etc just fine and the straps are really really comfy: herschelsupplyco.co.uk/shop/backpacks/herschel-little-america-backpack?v=10014-00001-OS

Also have a Roka that I haven't taken out and about yet (currently designated as hospital bag for when DC2 decides to grace us with his presence!) But will prob use as a changing bag as for a work bag think the Herschel is a bit sturdier with more supportive straps for lugging my laptop about.

Thanks for this thread, I've just managed to find a brand new Roka Medium Finchley on Vinted for £30 to take with me on an overseas business trip in a couple of weeks!