I need advice about backpacks please.

Thank you all, lots of things to think about. I have to rely on internet shopping rather than being able to see these things in the flesh so it really helps to have advice from people who have used various brands.

Another vote for Roka. And if you look on Mumsnet ‘Style and Beauty’ you will see a Roka swap and sale thread related to the Roka lucky dip that is running.
I have bought two this month for £29.95, one with a padded compartment for technology.
Fabulous quality and great colours.

I have found that it is often more comfortable to have straps across the front, to stop it slipping down and so that the weight is more evenly distributed. Some rucksacks have them but if yours doesn't you can get them cheaply on Amazon or elsewhere

I second the padded shoulder straps, and would like to add that even on a small backpack look for one that has a belt that goes round your waist as that takes some of the weight off your shoulders.

Go to a sports shop and try various models - it depends entirely on your build which make of backpack suits you best.

I swear by Vaude - not cheap at the outset, but they last for years, I bought a small Vaude backpack in 2003 and lugged laptop and books to and from the school where I taught until I retired in 2013 and the backpack is still going strong.

I’m a Roka fan too because of the secret inaccessible zipped pocket close to your back
Pick pocket proof in crowded situations

you need to check with the airline to see if there is a particular size that is allowed. you do not want anything to be confiscated

Berghaus have got a sale on I bought a nice one on there for half price, it has a laptop sleeve and lots of useful pockets it’s waterproof too. I also have a bright orange Roka bag which so use all the time.

I’ve got a couple of Troop bags which are sturdy and not too expensive.
They do backpacks.

Kipling do nice lightweight back packs and some of their stuff have laptop pockets.

North face have decent ones.my son got one in JD sports £65(sale) but its lasted him 6years so far & he used it every day at uni and takes it on every holiday or overnight stays.Its still not worn out.and its comfortable to wear he says.

Nordace are brilliant backpacks.

nordace.com/en/

Abuelamia

Take a look at Roka backpacks. They are lightweight, waterproof, lots of small compartments and the most beautiful colours. Price is around £60 for the small size, which I find perfect.

Yes, I have a Roka backpack and use it every day.

Backpacks are usually comfortable and it’s good to balance weight centrally rather than on one shoulder.
Apart from my new tkmaxx one I also found a nice one in a charity shop. £3. Will probably return to the charity for resale as I don’t need two.

I am a similar age to you teabagwoman, and don’t want to spend any more than necessary especially as it’s only for occasional use.
We use easyjet once in a while but they have again reduced their carry on sizes. The cases I bought to their specifications last time are now, again, just a bit too big and will be a costly extra to the flight cost.
I will not buy a third set of carry ons so hope backpack will suffice for the couple of days we are away using easyJet.
I like to see what I am buying so don’t buy online and find tkmaxx very good for bags of any style and make. If you have one locally certainly worth a look. Or online but it’s serendipitous from branch to branch I suppose.
Good luck 🤞

Take a look at Roka backpacks. They are lightweight, waterproof, lots of small compartments and the most beautiful colours. Price is around £60 for the small size, which I find perfect.

teabagwoman there are some back packs on Amazon that have anti thief and padded and space for laptop from £21 .They may be ideal for you .

Thank you all for your help and I shall take your advice Gwyllt. I don’t want to spend too much as I’m 77 and have reached the stage where everything seems to be going wrong at once so I’m not sure I’ll go on long enough to get good value. I’ve looked at Amazon etc but I’ve found that Gransnetters often give good, practical advice and I haven’t been disappointed.

Go on Amazon and look at the reviews, there will be more reviewers on there than here.

I bought one very reasonably from Puma with a separate laptop zipped compartment. It also has an outer zipped pocket and side mesh pockets for water bottle and umbrella

(A nappy changing bag doesn't have a laptop pocket)

Personally I use a nappy changing bag. Don't know the make, but it has useful pockets and for me, the most important property is that it doesn't collapse into a shapeless heap when you stand it on the floor, but stays upright.

I have since seen several YouTube videos by frequent travellers - mainly American, and the makes they recommend are not always available this side of the Atlantic. However they tell you things to look out for like:

Good quality zips, preferably lockable
If possible, RFID protection
Hidden pocket on the back, inaccessible for pickpockets if you are wearing the bag
Light coloured lining for ease of finding stuff
Padded shoulder straps
Comfortable fit

These videos may help

youtu.be/d7_XMQfwXxg?si=1LT4B6PXWGU7JAUI
youtu.be/45lPSAHcwXA?si=CmWx6VhgDq1s1CKa
youtu.be/85gwsiFr5V0?si=eQFaZiLMBbnIUreF
youtube.com/shorts/2PP2lKZtUcA?si=rfX7nGZk44oj754G

I recently bought a Thule bag. It’s hand luggage compatible and has a shoulder strap which can be removed and rucksack straps hooked on. I use 3 large packing cubes, trousers, tops, and smarter wear and a smaller cube for underwear. It wasn’t cheap, about £200 but it is amazing. I used it for 4 weeks backpacking in Vietnam and 4 weeks recently in Kenya. It has a laptop sleeve with it. I am lucky as I have a great part time job as the “Saturday girl “ in an upmarket hiking/travel wear and equipment shop in my small hometown. I am lucky enough to get a great discount on everything I need so I have a complete wardrobe of great practical clothes. I think that if I can’t get everything I need into this bag then I’ve got too much stuff.

If you are not used to a back pack make sure you break it in as they say It’s not the weight but your slight change of posture that can make your back ache
Been there done so recently when started doing longer walks

Tkmax sell a lot of backpacks often with pockets for laptops. It’s serendipity, but I got a Nice one there fir £20 recently.

When I need a change from Gransnet I log onto Mumsnet Style and Beauty. They very often have threads about backpacks and work bags etc. Really interesting even though I need neither.
If you start a thread and state your price range and size required, leather or not etc you will get lots of useful replies.

Not cheap but a Fjallraven Kanken has a padded laptop sleeve. It will also last for a very long time. Mine is ten years old and pretty much as new.