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Find me a work laptop backpack

91 replies

Frenchcremefraiche · 07/02/2026 09:33

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!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
25
CurlyFerret · 09/02/2026 15:59

Not sure if someone has already mentioned but Lipault are my go to for rucksacks. Light as a feather but so far after three years of tube commuting with laptop, cables and other essential tut it’s still like new. A few different styles and colours and definitely within your budget .

totalnamechanger · 09/02/2026 18:22

Kapten and Son as well. Also bought one for a friend (female) and other for a family member (male). Both different from mine. Great sales too

keeperofdarktails · 09/02/2026 19:27

Frenchcremefraiche · 07/02/2026 09:33

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'd recommend a kipling. quite a few would probably tick off most of your boxes and the straps on my work one is great.

Here's some for laptops:
eu.kipling.com/en-gb/collections/work-backpacks?f_Laptop+Size=15%22

The Kazuki looks nice.Mine's more like the soeul but with a separate laptop bit at the back. Might be worth checking them out.

Username43214321 · 10/02/2026 10:35

Second this! Love mine and meets all your requirements I think. Also made from recycled materials in the uk.

meant to add this to the stubble and co roll top backpack: www.stubbleandco.com/products/the-roll-top-20l

Happyjoe · 10/02/2026 10:59

Are you on the tube commuting? Backpacks get opened regularly on the tube. My London neighbour got rummaged a few times on way home and she didn't even notice. Need one to lock, if possible?

NeedWineNow · 10/02/2026 12:19

I went to John Lewis and tried loads when I was looking for a laptop bag when I had to go back in after the pandemic. It needed to be comfortable, secure and easy to carry as I had a walk to the station and then a 20 minute walk at the other end to the office.

I took my laptop with me to try various makes for sizes and weight and ended up with a Knomo Beaufort which suited me. Even though I've retired I've still kept it as it's great for travelling. I got it in black, but they do it in navy as well.

I've just had a look at the Knomo website and see that they are doing some new styles and colours which might be suitable for you. What about something like this?

Quilted fabric in Portland Stone Berlin 16" Laptop Backpack | KNOMO London - KNOMO

They also do this style

Black Reykjavik Womens 15" Laptop Tote Backpack | KNOMO London - KNOMO

Quilted fabric in Portland Stone Berlin 16" Laptop Backpack | KNOMO London - KNOMO

Buy the KNOMO Berlin 16" Woman and men's Lightweight Laptop Backpack in quilted fabric in Portland Stone from the official KNOMO Shop. A simple, slimline black backpack with a generous amount of space, made out of ultra lightweight polyester with a 16"...

https://knomo.com/collections/backpacks/products/laptop-backpack-16

Cortexiphan · 10/02/2026 15:14

I have a knomo Berlin in brick that I love. I've switched back to my knomo beaux (leather so not for you OP) this week. Love them both but the Berlin fits so much in it!

Barrellturn · 10/02/2026 16:22

Do the ones with internal drinks holders have waterproof laptop sections? I have a great travel mug but I don't think I'd trust any mug next to my laptop, especially when running around on the tube.

leaves2345 · 10/02/2026 18:49

lovevook laptop bags

Nc9876543 · 11/02/2026 15:41

I had similar criteria to you and went for this one from Away. It's slightly above your budget though - I managed to get it with a couple of discounts stacked (I think black friday and a new customer code): https://www.awaytravel.com/en-gb/products/commuter-backpack-olive-green

Work Backpacks for Commuting: Olive Green | Away

Explore with the durable Commuter Backpack in modern Olive Green. Made from recycled nylon, it features a 16" laptop pocket for your daily journey.

https://www.awaytravel.com/en-gb/products/commuter-backpack-olive-green

Dgll · 16/02/2026 09:32

If you want all that, I would just get a hiking one that is all black.

I use a supermarket bag for life for my laptop as it is waterproof and a bit padded. I bung that in my standard backpack.

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