I hate my Roka bag. Help me find something else

[Jamfirstest]

I bought a Roka backpack for work. Yes it doesn’t hurt my back like shoulder bags do but otherwise I hate it so much. It’s hard to get things in and out because it’s so narrow front to back. The straps hurt if you carry it in one shoulder even for 5 minutes.
i carry a laptop for work and some hardback notebooks and some fidget toys I use for work. I need a laptop space and a few pockets. Even getting my carkeys out of the Roka feels like an injury.
any ideas?

@KingofMayi love these!!! The silver is very me not a youth hostel in sight 😂

@Pushmepulluthe holly bush yes that’s exactly it!! Glad it’s not just me. I will look at Hershel as dd1 has one and she’s year 11 and carries an iPad. Also dp just bought a really nice sleeve from there that isn’t outdoorsy at all it’s v good quality. Good shout

@RingoJuicethese are very nice almost too grown up for me!

Thanks everyone still working through all the links I appreciate it so much

My Daughter uses a Lekebaby nappy changing backpack so much room and opens really wide with loads of pockets.

I have a Kanken- brilliant, front unzips down, almost all the way and is easy to get into. Its also good for weekend travel.

www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/bags-gear/kanken/kanken-bags/kanken/

I appreciate it's a sportswear brand, so perhaps not what you have in mind but I love my Puma Buzz backpack to bits. I never want a different backpack.

It is really light and comfortable. It has three pockets so it's easy to find things. It has loads of space. It's pretty sleek looking. I've got a nice taupe colour. I get lots of compliments on it

I didn't like my Roka for work either. Have found it a bit better for days out with the kids.
I now have the Fjallraven Raven 20litre bag for work for the last two years and I adore it.
It's so functional and easy to organise.

Third vote for Herschel!

I have been searching for the perfect laptop bag for years. I think I’ve going it in the Patagonia Refugio. The vertical zip pocket on the front is inspired. Lie the bag flat on your lap, desk etc, and it’s great for rummaging around in.

I also loathe my Roka. I ditched it for a Muji backpack - much more comfortable and not so stupidly deep and narrow.

uk.muji.eu/products/less-tiring-water-repellent-backpack-19417?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21653521635&gclid=CjwKCAiA-sXMBhAOEiwAGGw6LKJ14Dd_WxdK7jEmRo74yLzcZ_LLbylDxqHbLBDyw2DQvP33HJJ5cxoCWBQQAvD_BwE

Doughnut backpacks are great with a zip all round the front. The black ones are nice though some others are a bit garish.

Kanken fans this is what dd2 has for school I really like them

Just to say I also got a Roka bag for work and I hate it too because it’s so narrow! Everyone went on about how good they were too, super annoyed! So following this threat for inspo!

I got myself an Everlane bag, I love how lightweight it feels: https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-renew-backpack-warm-charcoal

For comfort and tech access- Aer city pack 14L or city pack pro if you need 24L

Or DSPTCH have a sale on at the moment - their dyneema daypack is on at a discount and with code PRSDNT26 there’s an extra 25% off the sale price. Massively comfortable pack with great organisation.
www.dsptch.com/collections/sale/products/daypack-black-dyneema-1

For good access you should consider a clamshell or three quarter zip design.

I have the pre-Covid version of this, which still looks incredibly beautiful and gets compliments all the time. MN will probably take a while to approve the photo, so it's a leather Doc Martens.

Full disclosure - it's wonderfully comfortable and I can carry quite a heavy load without discomfort. BUT if it gets really wet, it can be difficult to get out of.

I’ve got this one too; it’s really comfortable and the space is very usable due to its shape. I almost came unstuck with all the pockets though - I was 2 minutes away from calling my DP to tell him I’d lost my car key and he’d need to come and rescue me when I realised the pocket on the front is actually two compartments (not one accessed by both sides). I’d been rooting around for my key utterly bemused as to how it wasn’t there, not realising I was looking in the wrong pocket. 🙄😂

Fjalraven Kanken? Very comfortable for walking with and not too big and bulky for a backpack. My most used bag.

I don’t like backpacks for work….makes you look like an overgrown school girl ….choose a different style

@Cat1504this is how I feel but a shoulder tote really hurt my back over time. At least city back packs exist now and I don’t feel like I’m styled by go outdoors but I agree

Another vote here for Nordace. I hate backpacks too but they are really great, roomy and comfortable to carry.

@weirdoboeladyis it a leather tote bag? I looked them up they are gorgeous

Sandqvist have some really smart looking backpacks and I find them comfy and hard wearing.

https://uk.oneill.com/products/wedge-backpack-black-out?variant=57740942180701

I have this O'Neill wedge. It has a laptop sleeve plus a section at the back for folders & notebooks. Plenty space for other things too.