Backpack to take to work - smart/stylish

[JudyP]

I have always carried a large tote bag to work and have a few that I love but I think my shoulder pain would benefit from spreading the load with a backpack but I want it to look really nice so not a sporty type backpack does anyone have any recommendations? I see some nice leather ones but most have thin back straps and I wonder if they will be comfy with laptop/lunch/water bottle weight in them! Any recommendations would be great! Thanks

I thought about a nice leather backpack as well, but they all seem so heavy...

So I went for an all black City backpack 16l by Herschel. Enough for my 14" laptop, my lunch, and my umbrella. I don't carry a bottle of water but I could easily.

Roka. I was skeptical at first because the straps are not padded, but I have used mine every workday for 3 years.

you can fit absolutely loads in them. On a work day I take paper diary, note book, 15 inch lap top, packed lunch, small hand bag that goes in rucksack, chargers and full gym kit x 3 days a week and medium toiletries bag.

Worth the money in my opinion and really comfortable to wear and easy to open and fill, as it has wide zip opening.

weather resistant canvas, to make mine waterproof a purchased a liner that fits inside my rucksack.

Have you checked out Mia Tui's back packs and bags? https://miatui.com/collections/backpacks

https://artisanstories.co.uk/products/products-cleo-black-convertible-leather-backpack

This transforms from backpack to shoulder bag, clever. And the strap arrangement protects from theft. Also comes in brown and tan but black is good for work.

I’ve got an islander one which is tweed and canvas and fits a small laptop/lunch/a book

Mine is from Fossil. Bloody love it. It’s in the mens section though, the women’s ones are too small for the shite I need to cart around. It wasn’t cheap but going strong, the leather has aged well over the years.

Rains all the way.
https://www.rains.com/collections/backpacks

This looks great - do the straps dig in when it’s heavy/full? Thanks for the recommendation!

https://nordace.com/en/

i got a backpack from here - it’s super comfy and due to the shape can hold a fair bit of stuff. I used to use a Mulberry leather backpack which looked better but was not that comfortable. I like to walk a lot.

I was going to suggest this too, I don't have one but when my current rucksack dies, I will get one of these. The colours are lovely and they seem so roomy.

No, pretty comfortable. It's not huge but fits laptop, notebook and other bits and pieces. Not if you want space for shoes or gym kit!

It’s great! The shape means that although it doesn’t look massive you can get loads in. I can do an overnight which includes a change of work clothes, gym kit and trainers in there.

I have a Knomo rucksack (think it’s the Beauchamp) that I’ve been using for the last 6 years and still looks almost like new. I’d definitely get another one if it broke / looked really tatty.

I just bought one of these from Altria - partly as I’m a cyclist and was curious about the quality for the price. It’s much nicer than in the photo. I took it to work this week on the train (too icy to ride) and it’s great! It has plenty of room for laptop, daybook, water, brolly, and a couple of bits from M&S food on the way home AND it’s waterproof! I got it in charcoal grey. https://www.altura.co.uk/products/altura-heritage-cycling-backpack