Backpack for airport and trip away

[Mylittlebobble]

Would love some suggestions for a smartish backpack to fit under seat ahead on plane. Big enough for toiletries and passports etc, but not so big that I look stupid lugging it around sightseeing on a day trip. Backpack ideally. I like beige and neutral colours. Budget is up to around £70. Anyone got something that fits the bills?

Couple of options:
Lakeland Leather Beetham Leather Backpack in Beige | Lakeland Leather
Barbour | Olivia Backpack | Back Packs | FRASERS
adidas Originals Backpack in beige | ASOS
CITY PACK Grey Gris | Backpacks & Rucksacks | Kipling UK (overbudget but have a look on ebay, facebook marketplace or vinted)

@xmasdealhunter brilliant selection there thank you!

I like the lakeland leather one so will explore the website a bit more. Also, funnily enough I nearly bought the Barbour one last night. Its on offer on Very. The only thing that stopped me is that it's very light.

I went down a rabbit hole on the similar threads that were below mine, and this was suggested on one of them. I've bought this rucksack in the medium size as it's reduced to £70 from £99 and seems to fit the brief. Fingers crossed it gets here in time. I'm flying on the 4/4.

I don't know where you are going, but I'm very cautious about backpacks that aren't at least water-resistant. If you buy one that isn't I suggest you take a bin liner inside, jut in case you need to protect everything - and put your passport in a ziplock bag. It's far to easy to get caught in a heavy shower!

Just seen you update. That looks lovely - and "water-repellent" 😀

This does look fairly water resistant but that is a good point when travelling around with passports. It reminds me of when I walked up Pen y Fan in the rain with a thin material rucksack. Things in my purse were even soggy! I'm hoping the weather in Spain will be in contrast to that wet windy day in Wales. I won't be impressed if they're not. 😆

Mia Tui have some good ones

The Bergen one is very nice. But it doesn't look like it has a zipped pocket/compartment at the back? I feel all backpacks should have them for valuables/anti theft, but so many don't!

No, it doesn't. It's got another zip inside, but that's a good point. Will have to be vigilant.

Get some zip clips, I use them all the time whilst travelling. They lock the zips together and make it nearly impossible to pickpocket something as it takes too long to try and undo the clip and then unzip the bag. 6pcs Zipper Clip Theft Deterrent for Backpacks,Small Zipper Lock Clips, Zipper Pull Replacement Camping Fishing Traveling Outdoor Sports (Silver Black) : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

https://rokalondon.com/collections/backpacks?gbraid=0AAAAACbp0Z8M2Ahk7T5oPROFcwsNN6Dcs&filter.p.m.hallway.color=Brown

Am now on the hunt for a nice Bergen/Roka style with back zip!

Thanks all! This is why I love mumsnet - people come up with ideas I wouldn't have thought of. Those zip clips are going straight in my basket!

You'll need to check with the airline you're flying with on dimensions as it needs to fit their under seat measurements or there could be an excess charge. Ryanair are different to easyjet for example. British Airways differs again. I've got a few different size Roka ones to use depending on who I fly with.

The zipper clips are cheaper on ebay

https://cabinmax.com/products/travel-hack-stowaway-cabin-backpack-flies-free-on-ryanair?srsltid=AfmBOor04vO_HQyjwAXRuaHZp0NvhA8fnvcGY3q7F6lgmtETLKCi0ihN&variant=43849722331351

I have a travel hack, you can gte insert for organising inside too, its great for travelling and a good price.

I like the Doughnut Macaroon. Lots of different colours available and really useful inside pockets. Can usually get a deal if you shop around.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doughnut-Macaroon-Multicolor-Lightweight-Backpacks/dp/B09VKMHRWT/ref=asc_df_B09VKMHRWT?mcid=1100abdf43a3306b950355e996a7c694&hvocijid=5898486056718772698-B09VKMHRWT-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5898486056718772698&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046325&hvtargid=pla-2281435176938&gad_source=1&th=1&psc=1

If you can stretch up a bit in price, then Eastpak do a brilliant 2in1 cabin bag/rucksack. They are expensive but incredibly durable and well designed:
https://www.johnlewis.com/eastpak-tranzpack-backpack/p5091620

Seventeen London? They do really good backpacks although I’m not sure about the water resistant-ness of them.

I think padded, adjustable straps are essential, and the strap placement and the overall width of the bag can make a big difference to how it sits on a woman's back.

I love a backpack and I like the sleek city styles, but just be aware that the more 'hiking' styles can have features that save your back and shoulders. For example a hip belt puts the weight onto your legs, and is great if you don't want a sore neck for days afterwards.

I guess it depends how long you are likely to wear it, and how much weight would be inside. I'm away this weekend on a city break and when the Eurostar train gets into town, we're going out and about straight away, not dropping anything off until later, so I will be carrying my entire weekend's luggage in a small backpack.

I have this one which has a proper back support, back ventilation, hip straps, and is made narrow for a woman's back. Admittedly it isn't as classy as a city style;

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/rab-aeon-nd25-daypack-B42A390099.html?colour=12412&utm_source=google&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy46_BhDOARIsAIvmcwPMhXCfWjw8YslnNKVHOaNiA66XGGP0XcOCEq6wOCyHlqhsf-Of_7saAgr5EALw_wcB

I have a pacsafe one. It’s a bit above your budget but very good if you are going somewhere with lots of pickpockets etc, and looks smart. I’ve had mine for a long trip and when the zip pull broke I wrote to them and they sent a replacement.

pacsafe.co.uk/products/pacsafe-go-15l-anti-theft-backpack-eoss?variant=54955572724094&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping-feed&utm_content=sag&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAABjE5E_3qxSBnFVuc19BmI2Gw_XE-&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy46_BhDOARIsAIvmcwO_GnNTz-iDMgSRG37gkCmGmwEmygmZW_c7cI3QgPTL_kNCTAzdM3AaAnFqEALw_wcB

Just had a wander into Decathlon earlier, and got a hiking daypack, 20ltr with padded straps, air vented back and hip strap. Weighs 0.76kg. That'll do me for now and 25 quid. The guy in the shop spent ages making sure the straps were adjusted just to fit me, he was French and so handsome and helpful - and I'm older than his Mama but still it made my day....😊The pack is very comfortable, so far anyway.

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/20-l-mountain-hiking-backpack-mh100-beige/_/R-p-331022?mc=8649474&c=lunar%20beige_carbon%20grey

The classic fjallraven kanken backpacks are pretty good

Another vote for Roka. The large Finchley A is perfect hand luggage for average airlines (easyJet size).

If you do want one that looks nice but doesn’t have the extra straps I bought some chest straps to add on to mine from Amazon. They do the trick!