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 a Lekebaby changing backpack, i know it's meant as a nappy bag but it's sturdy and roomy with loads of pockets. I use the changing mat when park benches or the sand is damp.

Used this for work for a few years, slightly above your budget:
https://stackers.com/backpack-1124#selection.color=5634

I have a miatui bag for work as well and it's really excellent and looks brand new after two years daily use. It has loads of pockets and you can find things because of the contrast lining. I love mine. It's nothing like new look bag, as suggested by a pp

I recommend Seventeen London bags, mine has travelled all over the place with me and it’s been brilliant.

Second Seventeen London. I have a couple of these and they are still going strong. I dislike bags with back pockets as I tend to use crowded London transport hubs and they are easy to unzip. Seventeen London have a lot of more secure options.

Currently using a Stubble roll top. Which is OK but doesn’t fit much apart from my laptop. There is no stretch in the material.

Roka bags are surprisingly comfortable, even without padded straps. I cart loads to work each day in mine

Parfois is a Portuguese brand. I always buy a couple of bags at the Faro airport shop on my way back. Very reasonably priced and lots of innovative style.

Mia Tui bags are good value, they may not be leather (I don't personally want a leather bag for ethical reasons) but they are sturdy, roomy and well made. I have the overnight bag Jenny and the rucksack Maya in berry, and have used both bags on numerous occasions, for travel and for work. I bought them as a bundle a few years ago and have never regretted it.

If you do end up investing a little bit more, this one holds so much stuff. It'll probably last me forever as it's such good quality. https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/vida-vintage-leather-roll-top-backpack/

Please don't put your water bottle anywhere near a laptop. During her 1st year exams dd had a leaky bottle on her way back from the library - MacBook very soggy and ruined 48 hours before a big essay had to be submitted.

Maybe not cool enough but I got ds a very nice Osprey black 20l backpack from Go Outdoors for Christmas - was about £60.

The Samsonite backpack is really good. Not stylish but comfortable with lots of compartments.