Bag for every day use when most of the day is on foot

[AutisticLegoLover]

I've had a few Kipling bags (a S&B crime I hear) but the latest has destroyed the upper thigh/lower hip of two pairs of jeans through rubbing.
I walk everywhere and am out and about most days and need a bag that will hold the usual things: wallet, keys, inhaler, pen, painkillers, sanpro, tissues and bits of lego. Can anyone recommend anything please? I used to love accessorize canvas bags for the summer and would like something summery and cheerful. Thanks 😃

Backpacks designed for proper hiking, or from hiking, rather than fashion brands at least, will be designed to stand away from your back to reduce sweatiness, so something to look for.

It could have been a mistake to post this question in S&B as some of the suggestions are rather impractical, so something to bear in mind when going through the options.

I've just got a Doughnut Macaroon for day to day walking around, but it might not be suitable for your longer walks.

Love your list of 'essentials to carry' that includes bits of lego though

I really like Nicky James cross body bags for every day. Some cheerful designs and I’ve found they don’t rub. Mine have survived the washing machine too and are fairly waterproof..

Totally understand why you want a bag rather than a rucsac. I wear my crossbody camera bag with phone etc and then add rucksac if I need extra space. Camera bag is looking a bit worn and I don't get on with the canvas strap of kilping so I'm looking for something similar to you.

For info to others, I find rucsacs a pain when you go into a shop and want ur purse, or phone rings or you want directions etc.

@Ukrainebaby23 I agree with you about it being a pain to keep dipping in and out of a rucksack, but this problem could be solved by keeping your phone in your pocket and making sure you have it set up to pay for things, or keep a card and note tucked in the back of the case?

My phone is too big for most of my pockets.

You could get any backpack plus something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mobile-Phones-Holder-Shoulder-Carrying-Gray/dp/B0B216G5K6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1TGP19IZGGTEN&keywords=Phone+case+bag+strap&qid=1684224500&sprefix=phone+case+bag+strap%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-3

My phone is too big for most of my pockets

and alot of my clothes don't have pockets, also when bending down I often drop things from my pockets and I don't hear as a bit deaf, final point, having my keys handy in xbody bag is so much easier and I lose them less. Rucsacs with pocketed straps work OK but I don't always want a rucsac.

I second the Uniqlo bag. I bought it after seeing all the hype and it’s the best £15 I’ve spent in a long time. The bag itself weighs practically nothing so even when stuffed full of stuff it doesn’t feel heavy on. I’m struggling to go back to my crossbody leather bag now is it feels like a ton weight wearing it!

I also recommend Mia Tui

I'd like to find one which isn't a rucksack. I'd always used them but I don't find them as comfortable since I broke my shoulder.

My go to is my Longchamp Le pliage's which I have in a variety of colours and sizes and handle lengths. Lightweight and supple - I would always buy a base liner too (ebay) to help it keep its shape.

She thinks I haven't noticed but DD has taken my standard medium navy one with her as she is doing gcse's and its big enough to take a A4 plastic wallet with her notes in.

Not sure what your budget is but Crumpler Messenger bags are tough as old boots, weatherproof and light
https://crumpler.co.uk/collections/messenger

Kipling are a no? Why?! (I genuinely need educating)
I like little backpacks. fjallraven and Nordace are ok

Probably just a MN affectation.

See also Pandora jewellery and Hotel Chocolat. Perfectly nice and inoffensive, many people enjoy them and buying them makes them feel like they're treating themselves to something a bit special.

But on here, people like to look down on these things so they can feel they are more discerning than others.

Treat yourself a Longchamp backpack. I’ve had mine for years and it even goes in the washing machine.

And that is why I just spent £10 on having an ancient leather cross body bag repaired. It's perfect and irreplaceable.

I have a couple of the Uniqlo bags in yellow and green. They are OK but the fabric catches a bit in the zip and as they aren't washable, my yellow one is already looking grubby. I'm going to have to risk it in the machine anyway.

I spotted this one from Sweaty Betty earlier and thought it looked nice, and like it would weigh very little. Maybe too small though.

Thank you for all the suggestions. I must be very fussy because I'm still looking. We are off to the beach tomorrow and I've unearthed my now vintage Karrimor rock climbing bag, along with my mini Kipling Alvar. The rucksack will carry food and drink and whatever and the alvar will suffice for essentials. What I really need is a small coil and card purse. Just enough for one or two cards plus coins. Mine is too bulky and takes up a lot of room in any bag.

I second the Uniqlo bag.

You seem to carry the same amount of stuff in a bag as I do, and I also walk everywhere. The bag holds a surprising amount - today I fit a bottle of Fanta in with my usual things! I bought it in black, and was so pleased with it (I usually avoid using a bag if I can) that DP got me the green, which is gorgeous.

From another thread- Freepeople Hudson sling bag

This is cute and has phone pocket on the strap https://amzn.eu/d/4P7Mk2A