rucksack/backpack that works as a handbag

[Enko]

I currently have DrMartens Mini Backpack I love the size and I love the look of it. I do not like the lock and how it's getting old I am also finding stuff falls out the side.

I do not want a " normal" sized rucksack/backpack I really want something smaller and I love that I can put it on my back. I would prefer it not to be fabric, but if the right one comes along, I am up for it. Something like a KÅNKEN /Fjaelraven bag will not be something I will want. (I grew up in Scandinavia they remind me of stuff my dad would use 😄)

It's important for me that it looks nice I think a lot of the backpacks out there look like dumpy sacks Id also like something that doesn't wear really quickly.

I'd prefer to not go above the DrMartens in price so no more than £120 ish.. Id welcome lower I will admit but I am willing to go up if needed.

Any ideas?

Might be worth looking at Knomo, Rains eg https://www.uk.rains.com/collections/bags-accessories/products/msn-bag-mini?variant=40477853909075 or https://uk.mattandnat.com/products/annex-backpack?variant=34527990546476

https://miatui.com/products/ref-only-ivy-backpack-cross-body-bag

Have a look at Roka, I saw it recommended on another thread, and have 2 of theirs in mind for myself.

@bingohandjob I don't like the rains ones I think they look really sloppy

I'm concerned about the MN one that the closing will be similar to the DrMartens one. It only got a single-button lock

this is also my concern with the Ivy one @Dontlistitonfacebook I can't see on the website if it is the same and the description says "You have a flap with a magnetic closure"

as this is my main complaint with the Dr Martens bag I'm concerned about going in that direction

WAY to Kranken in style for me (and reason I said likely not up for fabric material)

I'm sorry I know I will be super fussy here.

Rake a loom at Mia Tui bags. They do a few small backpack style bags. I use mind as an everyday bag and it's very useful being able to wear like a rucksack.

Gah take a look not rake a loom

I think what you are looking for is hard for us to find for you, as it’s more what you want/need VS what you definately don’t want.

id go on the John Lewis website, go in woman’s handbags then filter by rucksacks (that will filter out all the kids and men’s ones) and see if anything works for you or is close to what you want. There’s sales on now so you might be able to get something a bit fancier than normal for that budget.

I love the idea of that Ivy bag, as Im constantly in a dilemma about backpack vs cross body bag.

I HATE having to keep getting the bloody backpack off my back each time I need something like a tissue, lipseal, phone etc etc, which is all the flaming time.

But at the same time when Im walking around I carry too much for a cross body bag, its too bulky and too heavy on my shoulder

However that Ivy bag is imitation leather, shame it doesnt come in suede or leather, cant stand plastics.

It is hard. That's why Ive asked on here for suggestions I wouldn't automatically find myself.
Ive been on the John Lewis website and have not found anything I feel works.

My main complaint about the Dr Martens bag is as I said in the op I do not like the lock. I could have stipulated its because it's a single lock only but Im not sure that's the specific, it could be ok on other designed bags.

I also have a genuine issue with the current "fashion/style" for things being very " loose" in design.

I had not even noticed that until you corrected 😁

I have a Mia Tui Ivy. I wanted so much to love it, but I don't. That's not to say I don't use it, because I do, but it just doesn't work quite as well as I hoped.

The main issue is that it is hard to put it on your back without the straps getting to be different length, and when/if that happens, it's difficult to correct while you're wearing it and it makes it uncomfortable. I've worked out how to hold it to minimise the chances of that happening, but it's awkward to do, and not foolproof. I also find that it feels like the top straps are set just a bit too far apart, so it feels like the straps are going to fall off my shoulders. Trouble is, they couldn't be set any closer, otherwise it wouldn't work cross body.

There is plenty that I do like - the internal layout is practical and well thought out and despite being faux leather (which I'm not a fan of - I only compromised on this as I so badly wanted the convertible style to work well), it is good quality and feels really well made.

I'd try another convertible bag, but I'd be looking for some sort of clever locking mechanism to address the strap issues.

@Enko the Mia TUI Ivy says it has a zip for added security so doesn't rely on just the lock fastening.

@Enko I can confirm that the Ivy does indeed have a zip

I’m not sure I’m understanding what you are looking for but I have a Mandarina Duck Hunter tote bag that can be worn as a backpack too, without uncoupling anything. They are fabric though

https://www.mandarinaduck.com/en-GB/shoulder-bag/p/VCT10

Another Mia Tui suggestion, but without the multifunction bit. Zip closure.

My bag before that was similar to this Radley one, i think! Yes, it's fabric, but mine was waterproof, so worth investigating. Properly waterproof, as in I had the lid come off my waterbottle, and had to pour the water out.

Matt & Nat are lovely quality -

uk.mattandnat.com/collections/backpacks

There’s a lot of leather small backpacks on Amazon, lots have zip fastenings rather than just a lock or magnet. There’s a few that are convertible to shoulder bags if you don’t always want to carry it on your back.

I have this OP
https://www.radley.co.uk/wood-street-2-0-medium-ziptop-backpack-h7266401-ic-aw23?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Ziq58Hw_wIVmsbtCh2MXQqYEAQYAyABEgIHW_D_BwE#H7266401

This is way over budget but sprang to mind when I read your brief. I've seen it irl - it's lovely.

@LancreWowhawk thanks for that description I think that will be a no from me due to it as I wear it as a backpack a LOT.

did you forget the link?

@LimeCheesecake the problem w amazon is its so hard to find out what it will look like in real and Ive found a lot of stuff I just thought eugh when it arrived hence Id like recommendations

@Timeandtune that's a possibility its not horrible 😁.

I don't get the mia tui obsession.... fake leather is just the worse material, looks tatty in no time and so obviously fake. Nylon or canvas is so much better if you don't want leather.

FatFace have a couple
https://www.fatface.com/accessories-home/womens-accessories/bags-purses/ava-leather-backpack/978493.html?dwvar_978493_color=dark%20teal&cgid=accessories-women-bags-and-purses#pagination=true&start=2

and

https://www.fatface.com/accessories-home/womens-accessories/bags-purses/pia-multifunctional-leather-bag/971462.html?dwvar_971462_color=black&cgid=accessories-women-bags-and-purses#pagination=true&start=21