Show me your backpacks

[crochetmonkey74]

I love a show me thread and I really love backpacks. My never ending quest is for the perfect one. Leather, not too heavy, squashy, suitable for work and days out but also handbaggy enough to use at weekends.
I love a really well used bag, I saw a lady at the train station with a gorgeous tan leather one this week, she'd obviously had it years and it was all squashy and soft.
Anyone want to share theirs and give me inspiration

Watching with interest, on my office days I need to carry laptop, lunch bag, usual handbag stuff etc - I would love an elegant solution!

Bayswater backpack. Fits all that I need and versatile - hand carry and backpack. Looks fine after a year of very frequent use...purchased in the sale. Best work bag I have ever had have not changed out of it since I got it over a year ago (would typically switch at least every 2- 3months)

I have the Furla Dafne backpack. Perfect size, can fit my surface pro in it for work, plus my lunch, coffee cup, make up bag. But doesn't look big. I have it in black but they do it brown too.

It's not this season but you might be able to pick one up on vinted/Ebay.

Surely you need several lovely backpacks - one for work, one for weekends, one waterproof ...

Ooh these are both lovely. I have a birthday soon and I'd like to buy myself a designer or fancy backpack but I really want it to be one I use all the time. I've always wanted a 'signature' bag I had a teacher years ago with the most perfect battered leather satchel. I used to see her at weekends as she lived near me and it was also her weekend bag. It was all soft and squashy, she had a scarf tied on the handle, it looked well loved and well used. I however, seem to swap and change , so I want my one true bag love.

How heavy is it? I've always thought Mulberry bags were really heavy before you even put stuff in. I love the shape and look of this . Gorgeous!

So I’ve just purchased my first KeriKit bag and am in LOVE.

It’s so roomy! And doubles up perfectly as a changing bag too for carrying all my 3 year olds crap essentials. Plus is a lovely quality, with a beautiful lining and has all the pockets and zips you could need. I can fit my MacBook in it.

Honestly couldn’t recommend it enough.

https://kerikit.com/collections/leather-backpacks

@Bigcheesey with the Kerikit- it looks lovely but is it a bit big to be a handbag at weekends?
I have a changing backpack which I love - but on the weekends it feels too big
What are your thoughts?

I've got this and I love it.

nordace.com/en/product/nordace-eliz-smart-backpack/

It's got supportive straps too - some of the designer ones are nice but the really thin straps kill my shoulders.

Not at all what you're looking for op, I carry an Osprey Daylite... 🤣

It sounds like that what you need for Christmas is not handbag or back pack, but a city break.. to a place with lots of higher end shops.. where you may just meet 'the one' you fall for. 😁

Ooh yes I could plan in a London trip for the new year, destination high end backpack shops!

Good plan. Make a weekend of it and don't forget that after all those bags being tried on in all those shops...it'll be necessary to have a couple gin and tonics in a nice bar or a restaurant with your new love.. 😁

if I had the money I'd be off to Birmingham and their big department stores and then off to Tattu for the evening before back to a nice Airbnb..

I have a Cambridge Satchel Folio backpack (new from ebay a few years ago), love it. Probably too small for you though.

I use a Mulberry "Urban" backpack thats a dark olive colour.
Absolutely love it. Squishy but holds its shape.

Side view

Ive just swapped it out for winter with this one so it doesnt get damaged in the rain and sleet etc - https://finisterre.com/collections/bags/products/recycled-drift-waterproof-backpack-black

Im a big backpack fan, cant carry handbags or messengers because I usually carry a laptop and have a dicey shoulder.

MCM are also decent.

Personally for me it’s the absolute perfect size - but that might be because I am permanently accompanied by a 2 year old 😅

I also have the Fairfax and Favour Windsor Backpack which is a beautiful bag - but just not big enough for me day to day!

https://www.fairfaxandfavor.com/products/the-windsor-backpack-tan-leather

This is my current one. Squishy with pockets inside and on back and front. Zipped. Works as a backpack or a shoulder bag - or indeed and hand bag

https://www.lyst.co.uk/bags/geox-d-irenie-bag-15/

I've got the Bayswater mini backpack that also converts into an across the body bag. Holds enough for me but obviously not as big as the regular Bayswater.

I have this Buckner Backpack - MBG9465222 - Fossil why it has to be be in the mens sections I don't know but I LOVE it, have used it pretty much daily for 5 years

rains rains rains rains rains
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwj-zN2Cg-qCAxXfRUECHZAvBYsYABAMGgJ3cw&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiA35urBhDCARIsAOU7Qwn9Km-5S3elltU9S2BkLLMXkQJKETRL6koYjODzJVheJdoZ5zWk5ksaAhvQEALw_wcB&ei=wJtnZZyCG5DzkwWTv4uIAg&sig=AOD64_3TcN2d47j8NYU4R07Z6ihTh_O8UQ&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwic4tSCg-qCAxWQ-aQKHZPfAiEQ9aACKAB6BAgFEBI&adurl=

Love a few of them. Must resist :)

This isn’t leather but the Bali backpack is definitely worth a look. Comes in two sizes and a range of colours. I have the mini - it worked really well as my cabin luggage and to carry my stuff on our recent city break. You would definitely get a laptop in the standard size, and if you packed well I think you’d get a normal laptop in the mini (but not one of those behemoths with the extended keyboard).

https://gandysinternational.com/collections/bags-backpacks-new/products/teal-waxed-authentic-bali-backpack

(You’re also supporting a good cause by buying from them.)

I have earlier editions of the 20l and 30l Pace from Mountain Warehouse.

• Hip belt is a must to take the weight off my shoulders because I get migraines and my bra straps cause enough pressure already.
• A pocket on the hip belt for my wallet, the 30l Pace has two pockets so also takes my phone.
• I can get my laptop into the hydration bladder space (not at the same time as a bladder) of the 30l and a tablet in the 20l.
• Air back is a must on hot trains.
• Mesh pockets hold water bottles and tissue pocket packs.
• Rain cover keeps water out during British weather.

I have the Roka Finchley in dark blue, and I really love it. I know it's a bit ubiquitous now, but it's really comfortable to wear, I can fit everything I need in it, and it works brilliantly for work (laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket) and weekends with the kids. Mine's about 3 years old now and still going strong. Roka Finchley bag