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.

@ilovesushi this is exactly my feel on the Roka also.

Love my nordace Siena backpack! It's absolutely perfect and the charging port is a great addition.. travel a lot for work and use it all the time

It always worries me when a product is labelled water-resistant rather than waterproof. I once spent a fortune on a water resistant raincoat that I assumed would offer some protection in a downpour. It didn't.

It suggests to me that although the fabric has been waterproofed the seams haven't and the last thing you need is water getting into your laptop.

I have a Zellie bag. It comes with different front patches so you can change it as and when. It is well designed, comfortable, durable and well priced. https://www.myzellie.com/shop/the-zellie-backpack/

Fair enough - the top of the bag folds and vet so it’d be hard for any water to get in, but I would carry an umbrella in the rain anyway.

Not sure why ‘and vet’ snuck its way in to that sentence!

So I guess it depends on how much travelling you are likely to do and how much rough and tumble you are expecting to get.

I travel a lot for work (up to 2-3 times/month internationally) and I have a Wenger laptop backpack which looks almost new 6 years later. I cannot fault it. It's super comfortable with padded straps, loads of little pockets and places to store things and big enough for laptop, pad and everything you might need for an overnight stay including a change of clothes!

I cannot fault it at all.

Love my nordace siena. I've had it 4 years, use it daily and it still looks brand new, despite it being used and abused. Would definitely recommend.

I'm going to be commuting on a train a lot and thinking of buying a rucksack so this thread is super helpful, thank you!Dim question - where do you keep your tickets/phone for quick easy access? Do people have a separate handbag or use pockets? I'm nervous re. a pocket in case stuff falls out or I get pick pocketed.

I walk 20 minutes to my train, 40 minutes train with one change and another 15 minutes walk to the office.
I have back problems and issues with my shoulders, backpacks are the only way.

@reluctantbrit , apologies if you've already told us but what backpack do you use? I have back issues too.

I do have a separate bag with essentials in it. Like tickets etc. I use contactless bank card for travel though.

I think in theory if you wanted you could use a bumbag you wear across your shoulder or a messenger bag or a crossbody bag. I’ve managed using these and you can then get in eg hand cream mini size, travel fold up hairbrush, travel mirror, lip balm, lipstick/lipgloss, card/coin purse, hand sanitiser etc.

I won’t lie, my backpack is better than it could be for my back issues but I’d be tempted to find one which is a laptop case on wheels. I found those easier on my back, I think.

I have this one

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

Thanks so much @reluctantbrit and @GonnaGetGoingReturns. I have been coping by either leaving my laptop at home or at work. 😉Can't keep doing that though.

I’ve got a small cross body bag for essentials (phone, railcard, bank cards, keys etc) plus my rucksack.

I’ve got back issues and a longish walk commute at the end so a shoulder bag isn’t practical.

@Porridgeislife @GonnaGetGoingReturns

Thanks for your responses re. a separate bag, sounds like that's the way to go!

I'm hovering on buying a Nordace rucksack but worried about the negative zip reviews. Otherwise they look perfect!

@FemaleEngineer I have a separate handbag. This means I don't have to swap things like keys, wallet etc over all the time and if I nip out at lunch, I can only take my small bag, especially if I don't have a coat.

My workphone is in my laptop bag, so no confusion that I grab the wong one in a hurry.

Look at a company called Mia Tui. I have several of their bags and they do multiple back packs. One has space for laptop and insulated space for food.

Those with the roka, do you find it annoying that the magnets don't hold the flap down very well?
I like mine and the lining feels lovely, but it looks so much nicer with top bit folded down and it keeps popping up!

I don’t have this problem, the internal zip seems to hold it in place and the magnet is just extra security. I don’t know if magnets weaken over time? My bag is a few months old and still like new.

This is the bag that I have used for years and I’m very jealous to see someone will get it at 1/3 of the price! Fits everything!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325316391116?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=K94021ICThq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=EgyqVgN4Srm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I haven't had mine very long, a few months and have probably only used 7-8 times. Too late to return it though.
The zip obviously stops things falling out, but the fold down bit just doesn't stay down

That would annoy me too!

@hexsnidgett the magnets work fine on my Roka backpack but because my laptop is so big, I can't fold the top over. Can't remember the dimensions of my macbook but I couldn't find anything vaguely smart to hold it.