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Original poster

Laptop back pack. Roka? Kanken? Something else?

64 replies

pastypirate · 09/03/2023 09:00

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....

OP posts:
Acunningruse · 10/03/2023 14:00

I have this one, the quality seems fine for the price, it's very roomy but stays flat if that makes sense.

Laptop back pack. Roka? Kanken? Something else?
Alarae · 10/03/2023 14:41

I used to balk at the idea of wearing a backpack for work, then one day I just realised I mostly wore it for commuting only so comfort is the only way to go! I have an Osprey Centauri and it is the comfiest thing on the planet. Even if I stuff it to the heavens with all my kit I barely register it is on.

Will caveat that if I have a client meeting, I do have a nice navy blue handbag which I can fit my laptop/notepad in if I want to feel dressier. But realistically, even then my clients don't care if I wore a non-offensive backpack. These are also people who are worth literal millions but generally are very practical.

Littlemiss74 · 10/03/2023 20:59

Following for ideas

Original poster
pastypirate · 10/03/2023 23:14

Acunningruse · 10/03/2023 14:00

I have this one, the quality seems fine for the price, it's very roomy but stays flat if that makes sense.

Oh I like this....I've seen this type irl. Definitely an improvement on mountain warehouse....

OP posts:
Original poster
pastypirate · 10/03/2023 23:17

PolkaDotMankini · 10/03/2023 12:48

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

Gosh those are lovely - almost too grown up for me! I adore the grey sort of dog tooth colour it's amazing

OP posts:
Original poster
pastypirate · 10/03/2023 23:20

BoredOfThisMansWorld · 10/03/2023 10:16

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 had a pink eastpak once. Where the feck is it???? Wouldn't fit my laptop in but I'm annoyed it's disappeared! I do recall the lining disintegrating though.

OP posts:
Original poster
pastypirate · 10/03/2023 23:21

AluckyEllie · 10/03/2023 10:22

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.

Literally any other bag is better than an actual changing bag! Like your style 😃

OP posts:
Original poster
pastypirate · 10/03/2023 23:24

Spottyegg · 09/03/2023 22:14

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!

These are really chic. I was surprised. Dd2 wouldn't allow this though I don't think!

OP posts:
Makingamess4212 · 10/03/2023 23:25

I got this cause I needed it to carry my laptop but also for travelling. Love that it sits on my wheeled suitcase! It fits soo much in!

MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, Work Bag Lightweight Laptop Bag with USB Charging Port, Anti Theft Business Backpack, Water Resistant School Rucksack Gifts for Men and Women, Fits 15.6 Inch Laptop-Grey amzn.eu/d/dOiAlfp

Original poster
pastypirate · 10/03/2023 23:25

oceanbleu · 09/03/2023 20:32

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.

I think that's the one for me in mist

OP posts:
LonelyBones · 10/03/2023 23:28

You can pick up Roka backpacks in TKMaxx , £24.99 😁i saw a nice pink one the other day.

dizzygirl1 · 10/03/2023 23:28

I bought a laptop bag for a leaving present, it is ££££ but oh so beautiful
carterbags.com/collections/ladies-laptop-bags?fbclid=PAAabX-4XBdetiPm5D82kGyZH_NriQOJlW6NUnRZSuNfyHUjIxIxOE4zIPFbE

dangermousesfriend · 10/03/2023 23:41

Another Roka lover here. I have Kanken and Roka bags. The Roka ones are much comfier to carry when they are full so are great for work paraphernalia. Lots of lovely colours too.

MrsBellamy · 11/03/2023 00:06

I have the nordace sienna and I love it, it has loads of space, and pockets for everything

FredaFox · 11/03/2023 03:18

I love my kanken, wouldn't be without it

Toddlerteaplease · 11/03/2023 03:42

Roka Finchley. I have one for work and it's a tardis. Much more comfortable to wear than a Kanken.

Niftythrifter · 11/03/2023 05:13

Article in Glamour about this very thing. www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/laptop-backpacks

Fleur405 · 11/03/2023 10:28

I have a knomo bag that I love and have had for years - definitely good quality. I also have a Roku which I like but wouldn’t be smart enough for me for work if I had meetings to go to.

onlyconnect · 11/03/2023 10:36

I have 2 Roka backpacks and am about to buy a third!

PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 11/03/2023 10:43

Do these fit a lunchbox in flat? I'm finding a lot actually have a very small base, and if I'm taking a salad or something I'd rather keep it the right way up!

NeedNwJeans · 11/03/2023 10:48

I've bought mine in an outlet, and found that best ones were on men's department (nice looking and good quality). For example Sandro. The Paul Costelloe one above is nice, although bit too small for me as I need to carry few other things in my bag

CaveMum · 11/03/2023 10:53

I have a Gaston Luga, though they don’t seem to stock the one I have (2 years old) gastonluga.com/gb/backpacks

The Cambridge Satchel company do nice backpacks too. I have a few of their regular handbags which are beautifully made www.cambridgesatchel.com/products/canvas-steamer-backpack-oxblood

BarbaraofSeville · 11/03/2023 10:58

PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 11/03/2023 10:43

Do these fit a lunchbox in flat? I'm finding a lot actually have a very small base, and if I'm taking a salad or something I'd rather keep it the right way up!

You could get a different shaped lunchbox Smile. If you google 'jar salads' you'll see lots of insta worthy photos of pretty salads in jars. I don't go to those lengths or lug around a glass jar, but we have a deep plastic clip tub that's taller than it is wide, so good for a salad lunch and fits in a rucksack the right way up.

oranga · 11/03/2023 21:18

Another Roka Finchley fan here and I got it in the random sample sale lucky dip which was on in January so I got it for around £30. You pay the fee and get sent a random bag - there was a whole thread on it in January here Wink

covetingthepreciousthings · 12/03/2023 13:28

www.johnlewis.com/rains-trail-msn-waterproof-backpack/evergreen/p6425893

I've got a Rains backpack, which I got after my Kanken was too much of a squeeze to get a laptop in and wasn't waterproof.

This is totally waterproof, has a padded laptop section, and can fit so much stuff in. It's also really comfortable to wear..