Backpack for work

[Dreamerinme]

I’m looking for a new backpack for work and was hoping I might find something in the sales.

It needs to be waterproof, have zip opening, big enough for daily essentials plus lunch and water bottle. Must have decent shoulder straps rather than thin strips which I’ve found uncomfortable before.

I’d like leather but realise that for up to £50 I won’t get that, but I’d like it to look smartish, as opposed to a canvas gym bag. A neutral colour like black, tan or brown.

Has anyone got anything similar? I realise I’m looking for a practical item that hopefully looks nice enough, rather than a high fashion item!

My phone won't lwt me copy links for some reason bit oliver bonus has a couple of good ones with 2 u have been eying on sale.

These?

www.oliverbonas.com/accessories/bags/backpacks

Yes! The first two in sale are the ones u have been considering. I like the one with the stripes as it's quite lightweight.

I quite like the faux sherling one.
It looks like a little sheepy bag. 🤣

I don't think I saw that one in person so can't offer any useful additional points on it. The fault leather ine is surprisingly smart looking in person for the price. They have some large green totes which I like too but have no use for!

I've got it in tan, and it's just right for work.

I had the same dilemma this time last year. Went with a Roka one, it was so good I then bought a second in a different colour! Lent one to a friend for a day, she then immediately bought it too. Thoroughly recommend - I did choose my own though, not brave enough for the lucky dip.

osprey
https://www.osprey.com/backpacks-bags/outdoor-packs?osprey_activity=Everyday
victorinox
https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Products/Travel-Gear/Backpacks-Messengers/c/TRG_Backpacks/

I have a passenger bag. Rather big but can literally fit my lunch , 17 Inch laptop , loads of other gumpf I need! Big comfy straps. It does look a bit like you are going for a hike , but I live in Cornwall so doesn't really look out of place. Not sure if it would be suitable for tube etc as quite bulky. https://www.passenger-clothing.com/products/boondocker-recycled-26l-backpack-rain-forest-orange-multi?variant=42725525487811&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmrS7BhBJEiwAei59iwN_ZlgSvtuMYWff28-tAJILhHGb0S8uK_GH-xEuHwtUBgoJCDhMIxoCzKAQAvD_BwE

@tunainatin That Parfois bag is lovely. I might invest some birthday money in that for days when I have less to carry.

I also have the Mia Tui bag. In fact, I've had it or an earlier incarnation for 7-8 years, and it looks the same as when I bought it. And it's taken some punishment for both work and travel. It will take a load of stuff without complaining. If it matters to you, the internal organization is fab, with plenty of sections and pockets.

I got a lovely ally capellino backpack second hand on vinted for less than that. Smart, fits loads including a laptop, and not depressing cheap plastic.

If you haven't got time to look on vinted then I second the Passenger recommendation but they're not so smart looking.

Stubble and co roll top meets all your requirements apart from budget! I can get 2 laptops in the zipped compartment, lunch and clothes and it’s definitely waterproof. Check their other designs too if you don’t want roll top. Worth every penny IMO.

I have this one too. I've had it for years - used as a baby change bag when the kids were little and now as a work bag. Despite being made of "crappy material" it has lasted brilliantly and is still in excellent condition. I'm not usually a fan of fake leather (and I really don't like the Mia Tui handbags) but this is a decent, practical bag.

Someone else mentioned Roka. They would also be a good option.

This is fab. Bought it as a cheap stopgap and never replaced it.

https://amzn.eu/d/dSZ1uiY

Personally, I would not purchase from Mia Tui ever again. I bought a backpack during the summer that turned out to be a waste of money. It was made from plastic but had a very dark lining making it difficult to find small items in the bottom of the bag.
The base although sturdy did make the bag very heavy, even when empty - by the time anything was in the bag it was very uncomfortable to use. It is now consigned to the back of the wardrobe and will never see the light of day again probably.........anyone want a use MiaTui backpack in tan colour - also doubles as a crossbody bag?

Glad a few others like my Parfois bag! 😁 I was searching for ages and hadn't come across that company before. The quality seems excellent too for the price. I also like some of their trainers.

Another vote for Roka. I have a medium Canfield and it fits my MacBook, iPad, chargers, and loads more, plus is really comfortable on my shoulders to carry too.

I also like that you can zip it then it rolls over and sticks shut with magnets, so feels safe too.

I've got one from Kind bag.
Similar to Roka but a bit cheaper.

www.kindbag.co/collections/hackney-backpacks-recycled/products/pebble-black-hackney-2-0-backpack-large

I was going to suggest Mia Tui too, I have one of their backpacks (they have several sizes/shapes) and really like it.

Have you ever ordered a lucky dip item? I know it’s a risk but I’d hate to end up with some hideous pattern or colour!

These are very hardwearing. I’ve had mine for years and it hold lunch, water bottle, large laptop, etc. I cycle with it and it’s very comfortable. It’s a bit over your budget, but it’s an excellent investment.

www.sandqvist.co.uk/p/dante-black_-with_-black_-leather/

Which bag was this? Mia Tui bags don't have dark linings. They are usually turquoise, I've seen older designs that are pink. It's one of their design features specifically to make it easier to find things.

I second the Mia Tui Sydney bag. I have a couple of (very old) patterned ones that were used as change bags and are now used as school bags by my teenager.

I also like Roka bags, but the internal organisation isn't as good IMO.

Never found anything else as good as either of these.

So I went with comfort/function over style and have an Osprey Centauri backpack. I don't even notice wearing it as you can adjust the length of the backpack (or the back bit independently of the straps- I'm not explaining well!) so it fits your proportions. I have a short torso, so most bags won't sit comfortably but this one does as I can adjust what fits against my spine.

As an alternative, I can say the Roka bags are very robust. I got a large Cranfield(?) in yellow via the lucky dip last year and very pleased with it! Doesn't have a lot of organisation as others say, just an internal laptop sleeve and a couple of other pockets.

If you are getting a leather one or a proper laptop bag like Victorinox, check the weight. They can be heavy empty and barely usable with contents. Also consider the straps. I use a fairly lightweight old laptop bag and it's fine. Not stylish but fine for carting my laptop.