Find me a work laptop backpack

[Frenchcremefraiche]

I carry it for at least an hour a day and it weighs as much as a small family car.

Budget about £150 but would prefer under £100.

It needs:
Padded, comfy, non-fall down straps
Strong!
Flat base to stand it up.
A seperate laptop pocket/section
Outside water bottle holder.
Zip up outside pocket.
Pref waterproof but that isnt a deal breaker.
Not leather
Not overly work laptop carrier looking iyswim
No big logos/patterns
Not black or grey or brown coloured
Not look like I'm going for a hike!

I'm using a Nordace Sienna which is about the right size but the straps which were never great have gotten thin and twisted.

I also use a Roka rucksack but the straps are too thin to carry any weight.

Thank you!

I have a medium Samsonite Roadseeker, and I'm really happy with it: https://www.samsonite.co.uk/roadseeker-laptop-backpack-m--deep-teal/154956-6071.html

I have this too and have been using it for 5 years. Still looks like new. It’s waterproof and you can fit loads in it.

I have a Kipling Seoul as my work laptop bag. It is strong and spacious. Mine is pewter grey shiny fabric but they come in a range of colours/patterns/fabrics.

I have the Thule en route. Loads of pockets and comfortable. My work provided it so didn’t get a choice.

Backpacks Stackers https://share.google/DjZTMN0YGK2xAU66I

I use this one a d I walk 2.miles to the office with it regularly. The straps are comfy and it holds a lot and I think it looks nice

I like the look of the kapten and sons ones

Haven't looked at their current range so not sure whether they have one that ticks all the boxes, but I like my Knomo one a lot and it's lasted me years so far. It definitely meets some of the requirements (not black, not too work-y/laptop-y looking, etc) but not others eg drinks holder, but they may have other versions that do. I don't think it was listed as waterproof, but I've walked to work with it in rain plenty of times with no issues. I do also have a waterproof rucksack cover I picked up once (I think in Aldi or similar?) that I could put over it in emergencies, but have not had to so far!

I was going to suggest one like this. Mine is a bit different, it’s completely quilted. VANKEAN Laptop Backpack for Women... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09YGJG9X3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

water resistant, big, has the outside pockets you want, great for laptop, structured.

Haven't RTFT but have the Moleskine ones been mentioned yet. They are rather lovely looking - classy - with good width straps. I was sorely tempted: https://www.moleskine.com/en-gb/shop/bags/classic-collection/

In the end I went for one From the Fossil collection. It looks like this one, which is way above your budget I know, but 4 years ago, when I bough it, it definitely wasn't! https://www.fossil.com/en-gb/products/buckner-leather-backpack/MBG9631210.html It's been all over London with me, almost every day in rain and shine on my Vespa, it still looks good today. A worthwhile investment....

aer city pack or if you want larger - city pack pro.
shade offer budget but they’re available pre owned on eBay. Ultra or xpac are the fabrics to go for as cordura is heavier.
your shoulders will thank you.
aersf.co.uk/collections/city-collection

Roka are good but I don’t recall them having narrow straps?

Look at Osprey, they are great. Have really good features. Some of their bags are designed as commuter ones.

I find 15L too small for commuting, can’t squeeze in anything other than laptop, water bottle and stationery (eg plugs, power bank, shoes, lunch, snacks).

Samsonite. Comfiest backpack I’ve ever owned and looks brand new after 5 years.

@Frenchcremefraiche whichever you buy, pls make sure you buy mini caribiners as a security measure on any zips that are facing out. Better safe than sorry https://amzn.eu/d/0fReTrlv

I have this one. Comes in lots of different colours, holds incredible amounts of stuff, laptop seems well-protected, seams very strong and straps are comfy.
https://amzn.eu/d/0d4buC9S

Haha I use dds old fjallraven yellow school rucksack if I’m travelling for work and need to put my bag on my back! Style is the last of my considerations in this situation, I just need something comfortable. I like that I can jam my water bottle in the side bit and not have to faff about with a zip to get it.
although mine is not remotely waterproof. It’s absolutely battered now, very well used 😂 it’s actually about 10 years old now that I think about it.

https://nordace.com/en/product/nordace-siena-smart-backpack/?attribute_pa_color=dark-green&alg_currency=AUD&utm_source=Google_Shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShop_AU&utm_content=siena_dark_green&cmpid=60b0ff6a6e422d0001876195&sub2=&sub4=184917321300&sub6=22920372898&sub7=m&sub9=Google_Ads&ref_id=EAIaIQobChMIzeuktpPLkgMVdKZmAh0cMAJgEAQYBSABEgLP7vD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22920372898&gbraid=0AAAAACp3QlGBHys1wcTrsIiHmaIUjcxP3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzeuktpPLkgMVdKZmAh0cMAJgEAQYBSABEgLP7vD_BwE

I enjoy this one very much. Has great padding and space for laptop and headphones. Lots of pockets inside including side pockets.

Lots of great colours to choose from.

I have an Osprey Arcane Roll Top that I use for work and I think it fits your bill. It’s comfortable but people often compliment it too. The straps are much more comfortable than the (smaller) Roka that I have.

I love all bags so have a few laptop bags on the go. This is one of my favourite. Great price, great look and fits loads in. Always get lot of compliments. I have black and multi and highly recommend. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CBKPHY51/ref=sspa_mw_detail_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw&aref=rCambf4mAv&sp_cr=ZAZ&th=1

I like this fjallraven one: https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/fjaellraeven-raeven-28-daypack/

It’s more comfortable than the kanken.

https://www.stubbleandco.com/collections/backpacks-rucksacks

great quality from this company - I actually have the laptop tote which I love, but they have loads of rucksacks too, and colour options!

I use a roka one, I find the straps fine.

I got my son this one for Christmas, he loves it.

www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/stockholm-backpack-67187?color=633557&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22662295361&utm_content=176002699410&utm_term=&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22662295361&cq_con=176002699410&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22662295361&gbraid=0AAAAADpHlLzIGhpRI_KmUmcJynu_MfhWB&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8-uUg4LMkgMVFolQBh2m8RosEAQYASABEgLBmvD_BwE

I have a North face rucksack. Padded pocket, side pockets, lots of pockets. Was a little over £100 but the straps are padded. Worth the £.

Osprey daylight plus (different websites have different colours).
Very comfy, fits work stuff plus gym kit inc trainers. Light when empty and can be compressed down with the straps.