Looking for a smart laptop backpack for my new job

[bilibibolibiboo]

I will soon be starting a new job and my current work bag is on its last legs so looking to get something new. I'm the least stylish ever, but looking to upgrade my look a bit. So turning to Style and Beauty for a bit of help.

I am looking for a bag that can fit my laptop (14 inch), and my lunch pack + a notebook. My current bag is 10L, but that is a bit on the small size so I end up stuffing it (which is why it is falling apart now) so looking for something a bit bigger, but not by too much - eg a 15 L bag or similar. I don't need too many pockets, but at least one small pocket to put in eg keys, a pen etc would be appreciated.

What do you all use in similar situations? I am hoping to have a bag around the 100 GBP mark, though can extend to 200ish GBP if I fall in love with something.

try knomo, i got my laptop bag from there was less than £100 but a few years ago!

I was coming on to say Knomo - they are great and super stylish

I had looked at Knomo last time I was looking for a bag! Had forgotten all about them. Thanks! Will go look what they have now.

I quite like the Knomo Reykjavik: https://www.johnlewis.com/knomo-reykjavik-backpack-tote-15-inch-laptops-black/p4175193. However, I am finding it out of stock (I'm not in UK, which doesn't help). Does that inspire anyone to similar bags from other brands I can look for?

I’m very happy with this https://rokalondon.com/products/finchley-a-sustainable-smoke-canvas?_pos=8&_sid=d43ad0bdc&_ss=r

Sandro men's backpack

I have this which might fit your description
https://www.fossil.com/en-gb/products/tess-laptop-backpack/ZB1325001.html

I just bought the Bellroy Melbourne backpack. It’s lightweight but great quality, and presentable for work.

https://bellroy.com/products/melbourne-backpack?color=melbourne_black&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI27vM0KKjgAMVWS0GAB0BJwGqEAQYAiABEgJKDfD_BwE&material=fine_weave&shipping_to_country=GB&size=15in&store_currency=80525dfa80b1c4d080ba7d2e9291ff1dd1c8b183

@IShouldBeSleeping : I like that Bellroy Melbourne bag. The reviews say that the magnetic latch is not secure and pops open. Have you found similar?

Nordace Siena, v v functional but comfy to wear and grown up looking

Can I just say thank you very much for this thread. Was looking to buy dd a laptop bag for uni and she is in love with the Roka Finchley. Trying to decide which colour is the hard part.

Love my ROKA!

The Samsonite ones are nice might be out of price range though

What colour have you got? She's thinking Forest Green.

Might get one myself.

@anothertrainwreck : The Nordace Siena was actually the one I was looking at before starting this thread! Good to see others recommend it.

Nordace is good quality

@Awrite I've got 2 Finchleys, both recycled canvas, one in Atomic Orange and the other in Sage, which I got in the sample sale. I use the green for work and the orange for leisure.

Knomo are much better quality than Nordace. I had a Knomo laptop backpack since 2014 which finally wore out last year. Bought a Nordace backpack last year to replace it and the 'vegan leather' straps are already splitting so now it looks scruffy for work.

Roka bags are nice, my sister loves hers. I've also recently seen people with Samsonite, Bellroy, Tumi and Mandarina Duck bags.

I have a lovely leather one I got on Wolf and Badger: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/black-leather-laptop-backpack-bag-with-orange-zip/

It’s this Sandqvist one for me. Some colours currently on sale too.

https://www.sandqvist.co.uk/p/ilon-navy

@bilibibolibiboo I read those reviews too, but it hasn’t been a problem at all. Seems only to be an issue if you really overstuff the back, but it’s been fine for laptop plus general work stuff. I’ve even been wedging a cardigan and raincoat in on top and it still hasn’t popped open. Thoroughly recommend it.

I picked up a Knomo laptop bag years ago from TKMaxx so might be worth a quick visit or online browse?
These days I WFH but use my trusty Roka backpack for occasional work trips and also for travelling.
I'd definitely buy from the brand again, really durable, not fussy, stylish and practical.

@MargotMoon Sage is beautiful. A real contender.

I like the Trakke backpacks, nice detailing and well made.

https://trakke.co.uk/collections/waxed-canvas-backpacks/products/fingal-daypack

Sandqvist are good quality, I have a messenger-style bag of theirs and it’s lasted me years.

I have a bright yellow Rains backpack. I do have to carry my lunch separately, but I love it so much I don't care