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Alternative to Roka backpacks?

7 replies

Anonemousse · 24/05/2026 20:01

My daughter has permanently "borrowed" my Roka Finchly for school. I was going to get another Roka but everyone has them now so what would be a good alternative backpack?

Basically a Roka but not.

It needs to:

  • be along the casualness as Roka,
  • big enough to carry a 2ltr bottle of water and a jumper.
  • have an external bottle holder,
  • be a pretty colour (not black, brown, grey, beige or patterned)
  • a couple of internal pockets
  • preferably no laptop pocket but it's not a deal breaker
  • not leather but at least water resistent
  • not huge branding
  • less than £100, preferably under £80.

Fjällräven are a bit... I dunno. Try hard?

OP posts:
Thechateau · 24/05/2026 20:05

I'm after the same thing. I like this but it doesn't have an external water bottle pocket thingy coraandspink.com/poly-bag/

Anonemousse · 24/05/2026 20:09

Nice colours! An external bottle holder is a must unfortunately.

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 24/05/2026 20:16

I love Cotopaxi - this is the closest to the Finchley, albeit there is a laptop pocket - I have three of their bags and their packing cubes. They are fantastic and are highly ethical to boot.

https://uk.cotopaxi.com/collections/everyday-bags/products/consuelo-daypack-22l-tide-pool

Consuelo 22L Daypack

The Cotopaxi Consuelo 22L Day Backpack in Tide pool provides an everyday pack for those with shorter torsos

https://uk.cotopaxi.com/collections/everyday-bags/products/consuelo-daypack-22l-tide-pool

Anonemousse · 24/05/2026 20:38

How do you find the roll top-ness of it? Does it get annoying every time you need to get something out?

OP posts:
Observed · Yesterday 05:45

I’m looking for the same thing and am considering the Finisterre Mako Totepack - can anyone who has it recommend it? 🙏

NutellasKitchen · Yesterday 09:25

I got given a Passenger rucksack and I love it! It's not quite this but I wish it was. Think it might suit you?
www.passenger-clothing.com/products/boondocker-recycled-26l-backpack-mediterranean-ocean-teal

Arlanymor · Yesterday 13:44

Anonemousse · 24/05/2026 20:38

How do you find the roll top-ness of it? Does it get annoying every time you need to get something out?

It's fine and also I have their rolltop laundry bag for when you go away and need somewhere to store your dirty clothes. All that said, I tend to favour this bag as my daily version, which isn't rolltop: https://uk.cotopaxi.com/collections/everyday-bags/products/mente-22l-tote-cream

Mente 22L Tote

Farmers market treats, library books, or gym clothes—the Mente 22L Tote is our savior for busy days around town. This spacious bag is chock-full of features like hand and shoulder straps, water bottle pockets, a dedicated laptop sleeve, zippered compar...

https://uk.cotopaxi.com/collections/everyday-bags/products/mente-22l-tote-cream

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