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!

I have this, also opens wide, plenty of compartments. Space for lunch bag, warerbottle etc.

I toyed with getting a Roka for Christmas but I can't fault this.

Looks smart, has laptop sleeve. Been complimented!!

amzn.eu/d/hqJrvhS

Grateful for your post LegoLady. I'm looking for a new backpack that looks reasonably nice (ie not too work-y), is practical (needs to hold a book, umbrella, scarf...) and isn't £££. It really isn't easy! But these look good, the website gives the details you need and I'm liking the colours🙂

Rains sale may be worth a look and if you buy direct have 2 year guarantee.

https://fiorelli.com/products/finley-backpack-large-casual-grain-black?variant=42354827690238&currency=GBP&gadsource=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4L67BhDUARIsADWrl7GKP56EKL4fH2glRYdSSWeOSmr7NVQktQaNbZee4hyuikNcw-8DeZUaAsz9EALwwcB

I have this and absolutely love it for work. 2 years on and still going strong

I bought this in June 2024 after admiring on someone on the tube. It is so spacious, has several compartments and the straps are padded. I don’t buy leather. I bought the waterproof cover that comes with it but it seems to be waterproof without it.
nordace.com/en/product/nordace-eclat-backpack/?alg_currency=GBP&utm_source=Google_Shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShop_GB&utm_content=eclat_main&cmpid=60b0ff6a6e422d0001876195&sub4=144853169429&sub6=15279620563&sub9=Google_Ads&ref_id=EAIaIQobChMI49Cj6bDLigMVzaNQBh2JLy9fEAQYCSABEgKgO_D_BwE&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAABIcGLPsdMa1dSSSUyhRvFLowjJv7&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI49Cj6bDLigMVzaNQBh2JLy9fEAQYCSABEgKgO_D_BwE

Give over. You did this to me on another thread and even went to the effort to @ me a few days later. You're not grasping the concept of Mumsnet by the looks of things.

What are you on about your really not that interesting that I look for you .
You are now @ me days later.
@NotMeForBakeoff .
Strange behaviour

We had exhausted all the usual stores and luggage outlets, john lewis, next, M&S etc. and found an amazing backpack before xmas for just £19.99 from TK Maxx made by 'Travellers Choice'. It's really good quality, clean lines, waterproof, made of a slightly soft rubber feel fabric, but not neoprene, with two zipped segments one side had a padded pocket for laptop and plenty of room for newspaper, documents, water bottle, umbrella etc or suitable as a travelling/cabin bag or just taking into work/town. Lovely smooth running zips for easy access, built in USB port charger. Top carry handle, Softly padded adjustable straps, afew extra pockets but when all zipped up it looked very smart I went out and bought the same again in black. Looks smart with a work suit too. Worth a look.

It looks like TRAVEL SELECT make the same...www.walmart.com/ip/Travel-Select-Grayville-17-Multifunctional-Tech-Backpack-with-USB-Port/5230481747

Have a look in charity shops, you may be surprised what you will find

I ordered last year and asked for a large bag in black which was what they sent me. You could always resell on vinted if you don't like it.

I second the Lekeksy laptop rucksack from Amazon. Fits large laptop, cables, headet, two books, stationary and my lunch! It opens very wide for ease of finding my crap essentials. Bargain (£30 mark) and used for 2 years daily with no wear and tear.

I like these but £10 over your limit
Lakeland Leather Langdale Leather Backpack in Black | Lakeland Leather
Bags & Purses | 'Camilla' Real Leather Backpack | Ashwood Leather

And these - under your limit
Kiepoar Women Leather Backpack Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag, Fashion Casual Purse Bag Daypack Handbag Lightweight Chic Multipocket Gran Capacity, Lady Elegant Rucksack for Office Work School Travel : Amazon.co.uk: Fashion

We could help better with ideal dimensions

Do you have any positive suggestions?

@Tahdahdah not in that price bracket no. Do you?
I love knomo & timbuk2 for work bags.

It's not leather, it's not cheap, it is made from recycled materials and it's also very comfy

upsobags.co.uk/collections/birch-backpack

@Printedword I've seen a few of those recently they look nice

I got a Knomo on Vinted for £10.

The position on your back is very comfy and I can carry heavy items. The 3 bottles for Christmas and regularly my laptop. The latter makes my neck ache in other bags. The pack is squared off and sits high

@Printedword I think I've got one of their toiletry bags ( if not then someone similar) made out of the sidings from lorries.

It depends whether you want a smaller backpack or whether you want to be able to put more into it on occasion. I love my Knomo but if I'm going to the gym it's not big enough - you want a roll top bag for the most flexibility.

I really like the look of the Kind bags.

@Hskatkat was it my amazon bag that was awful? because if my taste is that bad I won't post any more options

@Breadcat24 You like what you like, I like what I like. Opinions can differ.
You suggest away to your heart's content.

@Hskatkat
sorry I was not clear there were several amazon bags I was not clear what you were objecting to.
But as a person in very late 50s if what I recommend looks super dated it would be nice to know

@Breadcat24 surely it's all personal choice I dislike most the bags suggested in here including miatui, osprey , Oliver bonas and roka (hence me being told off 😂 by randoms, I actually own two roka bags but never reach for them & now they are in the charity bag)
I wound not worry if someone from Mumsnet didn't like any of my life choices.
Apologies if I hurt your feeling tho.