I need a bag to carry lots of library books in. Strong, comfy and stylish. It's impossible right?

[LowLevelWhingeing]

I need to carry up to 10-15 library books to and from uni on public transport. I've tried using canvas shoppers but they're just too open; it feels like anyone can just stick their hand in and find my purse! So, I would like something with a few compartments for purse, pens etc. I'm currently using a large Bench rucksack, but it has seen better days and is falling apart.

So, has anyone seen anything that would fit the bill? Or recommend any good brands/websites?

Moop has lovely (albeit expensive) canvas bags and they deliver from the US. The Letter Bag and the Porter both look pretty big and have pockets.

Ooh, I like! Thanks vesela

Have a look at the Cambridge Satchel Company - can't link but goggle them. Brilliant, beautiful bags with lots of room, sturdy & not heavy. Good customer service too. The purple ones are divine.

thanks mm, I'll have a google.

I have this is black
large black tula bag and it is very roomy, with two pockets on outside, and then more pockets inside (plus I got mine for £54 in sale so total bargain)

Also, it is a great stylish bag!

forget style, get a rucksack before you destroy your back

also why on earth do you need to carry so many books?

I would take a wheelybag for 10-15 books. Presumably you also have notebooks, maybe a laptop, and your personal bits and pieces as well? as eleonora says, watch out for your back.

Thanks J&G, that's really nice!

Eleanora, I take your point about the rucksack. I may go down that route yet. I don't have to carry that many books everyday, but once a month or so I do a library run and we are allowed 16 books out at a time. If I'm writing an essay I'll get as much material to study from as I can!

I'm thinking I'll get a nice big bag for every day use and a big old mumsy rucksack for the book run.

I have the same dilemma regarding books/uni/bag situation.

I know I should just give in and get a sodding rucksack but I am hoping that if I keep putting off actually buying one a beautiful stylish bag that is good for my back will appear from nowhere!

Animal rucksacks are quite nice.

LLW listen to EleanorBunting. Forget about pretty shoulderbags and get yourself a sturdy rucksack. And please please no satchels, you will need years of physiotherapy to correct what they will do to your neck in three months

On an aside, did you see the iPad that was launched yesterday? It will have the featuer to buy eBooks from their iBook store and you could potentially carry hundreds of textbooks in one tiny lightweight gadget. HEAVEN!

Longchamp bags are very sturdy. Not good for the shoulders/ back and bloody expensive BUT they last for years and are a bit of a classic.

I use mine nearly everyday (when not on MAT leave) to drag round work files, laptop, notebooks etc. I have had it for ages but it doesn't even look tatty. Not really any internal pockets though.

Bertie, I presume you don't mean this kind of animal rucksack?

And yes, I should think of the future physio expenses... BUT I really do need to have some kind of bag big enough for carrying files around. I'm about to start a 6 month placement, so I need something that is a nice functional work bag too.

So, thanks ladies, now I need 3 bags instead of 1. One for every day uni, a ruck sack for the library trips and a work bag for placement!

minniebobble, those Longchamp bags are lurvely and looked quite promising until I clicked on the price . The Presbyterian in me will not let that one slip into the trolley!

LOL, no I meant these ones - as you mentioned Bench, they are sort of a similar style and quite funky.

I feel like I should be pushing the rucksack, since nobody wants shoulder pain ... but if you did still want a sturdy, attractive and functional bag, [http://www.melintregwynt.co.uk/other-products/handbags-shoulder-bags-laptops-and-luggage/731494 these] are gorgeous and classic (and supporting a traditional Welsh industry, if that helps?). I have one (hell, it's my only 'smart' bag, as I don't really do bags) and love it. You can stick a lot in there and it doesn't look overstuffed or bulky. Basically a posh version of a canvas shopper. Inner pocket too.

I feel like I should be pushing the rucksack, since nobody wants shoulder pain ... but if you did still want a sturdy, attractive and functional bag, [http://www.melintregwynt.co.uk/other-products/handbags-shoulder-bags-laptops-and-luggage/731494 these] are gorgeous and classic (and supporting a traditional Welsh industry, if that helps?). I have one (hell, it's my only 'smart' bag, as I don't really do bags) and love it. You can stick a lot in there and it doesn't look overstuffed or bulky. Basically a posh version of a canvas shopper. Inner pocket too.

Bugger. posted twice and still wrong!

here

this is big, won't be comfortable with anything too heavy in it though

hemp rucksacks

canvas 'city' rucksack

fjallraven vintage rucksack, lovely!