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Original poster

Looking for a smart laptop backpack for my new job

84 replies

bilibibolibiboo · 22/07/2023 19:43

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.

OP posts:
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10
reluctantbrit · 23/07/2023 20:48

I have this one in dark blue though. Lunch may depends how big your pack is.

I have it now for 18 months, use it 2-3x a week and it still looks great and I like the small pockets.

https://www.johnlewis.com/samsonite-mysight-15-6-inch-laptop-backpack-black/p5135188

KitKat1985 · 23/07/2023 21:25

I have a samsonite one and it's been worth every penny.

YearsofYears · 23/07/2023 21:34

I have the Roka Finchley but since starting a new job with hybrid working, I'm finding it too heavy when bringing my laptop home. I'm temporarily using my DH's old Samsonite, which still looks good years after purchasing and it's incredibly comfortable. I'm going to buy one from the ladies range from JL soon.
Going to keep my Roka for leisure. Its three years old and there's still plenty of life left :)

cfmtb · 23/07/2023 21:35

I've had a couple of smart laptop backpacks from Amazon!! Use them all the time, they're fairly cheap and easy to return if you don't like them. I use them for hand luggage bags as they're deceptively large as well

Destiny123 · 26/07/2023 07:14

bilibibolibiboo · 23/07/2023 19:36

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

Yea it's fab. I bought it off a Facebook ad thinking too good to be true but it's great. I use when sleeping at work or short weekends away

Emmyweez · 26/07/2023 07:30

I have a doughnut bag, lots of space to fit everything in, colour has stayed and not faded. I’ve had it 3yrs and still going strong.

SpainToday · 26/07/2023 07:34

I go into the office twice per week, carrying my normal handbag and a bright orange recyclable ‘bag for life’ from a large supermarket with my laptop and non-handbag bits - maybe I need to up my style credentials here …

missfliss · 26/07/2023 07:38

I had a knomo and it wasn't great ( 2019 but maybe they've improved?)

The zips never stayed done up with more than a few things inside and it was very insecure and insubstantial.

Now have nordace Siena and it's much better - very useful pockets configuration, and plenty of space in main compartment.

Looks smart and grown up too. Really appreciate little touches like the anti theft pocket, sunglasses pocket, key clip, etc too

mangokiwi · 26/07/2023 07:45

I bought a nordace eclat a couple of years ago and it has been good but the fake leather straps have now all fallen apart plus one of the back pack straps has partially ripped (I do load it up) so will be replacing it this year. I like the look of the Roka.

CottonHeadedNinnyMug · 26/07/2023 07:50

Has anyone bought from Matt & Nat? Really like the look of the backpacks and Just wondering how the vegan leather holds up.

Just wanted to recommend Madlug. I have the black tech backpack atm and it's been great. Also I support the cause which makes it hard to now but from anywhere else! Please do check them out.

belleadele · 26/07/2023 08:13

Tumi: cost a fortune but mine still looks new nearly 8 years later

FuckMeSidewaysAndCallMeBarbara · 26/07/2023 08:27

I bought this for a friend for Christmas and she loves it. There's a sale on and you also get a mystery gift when you open the link.

maverickandco.co/collections/backpacks/products/vista-waterproof-backpack

CrepuscularCritter · 26/07/2023 08:27

Also a fan of Knomo. I've had mine for 4 years now and it still looks immaculate. Plus it has handy pockets and sections so it's easy to find small things like earbuds. Would recommend.

coolwolf34 · 26/07/2023 08:31

Another recommendation for the Knomo! I was a bit apprehensive about the price and also couldn't find any in stock for ages so I recently ended up picking a pretty much brand new one up from Vinted for £50 and couldn't be happier with the quality and the deal I got!

PerkyBlinder · 26/07/2023 09:51

I’ve been using the Nordace Siena for two years now and it looks as good as new even though I use it every day very loaded up! The zips have been good as that was what came up in the reviews I read but maybe they’ve upgraded them as they’re strong and durable although am careful not to put undue strain on them.

I use it as a daily work bag and then some days I’m off on a shoot and use it as a camera bag loaded up with lenses etc and have also managed to fit in everything for a weekend away. It also looks really smart with clean lines and grown up :)

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 26/07/2023 10:46

I got this earlier on this year in Clarks, I was looking at buying a more expensive one but was passing a Clarks and saw this:-

https://www.clarks.co.uk/c/Marathon-Walk/p/261696660000

It’s very lightweight and I can fit my lunch n and it’s got a small inside pocket and a larger outside one.

I probably would go for a Stubble & Co one with a water bottle holder and other extras like the orange inside and reflective base.

Marathon Walk Black | Clarks

https://www.clarks.co.uk/c/Marathon-Walk/p/261696660000

DogfordCats · 26/07/2023 11:05

Thanks @CottonHeadedNinnyMug for the Madlug recommendation, nice bags and what a great cause, will definitely buy one from them.

SumthingAndNuthing · 26/07/2023 11:23

Flip - Now I've just gone and bought 2 Nordace backpacks! Thanks OP 😁

ilovesushi · 26/07/2023 11:51

I have a Roka backpack for work in a burgundy colour. My mac book is annoyingly large but it just squeezes in. The only downside is the shoulder straps are quite thin. Not a massive problem as I don't have to walk particularly far with it, but they don't really distribute the weight well.

Porridgeislife · 26/07/2023 12:02

I’ve got a Targus Newport backpack I bought in January 2020 that has held up great. It fits my laptop, lunchbox and a pair of shoes and is a really neat/smallish shape. Also bright orange inside so you can see things!

Targus isn’t the sexist of brands but they have made laptop bags for 20 years for a reason.

https://uk.targus.com/products/15-newport-backpack-black-tbb599gl

Targus 15” Newport Backpack - Black

The Targus 15” Newport Backpack – TBB599GL (Black) is a fashion-forward backpack with a protective cradle for your laptop or tablet.

https://uk.targus.com/products/15-newport-backpack-black-tbb599gl

Zhougzhoug · 26/07/2023 12:26

I have a Sandqvist Hege and I love it except the straps aren't padded so it gets quite uncomfortably heavy when it's 70%+ full. WFH does seem to mean you have to carry loads of tech around when you do go in.

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