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Backpack style handbag suggestions

(75 Posts)
Mwdebbie Wed 15-Jan-25 18:15:22

Please can anyone suggest where I can find a backpack style handbag that doesn’t look like a walking rucksack or something a Swedish schoolchild would carry (which is what I’m currently using and it’s old, scruffy and tbh not age-appropriate!)

Soozikinzi Thu 16-Jan-25 15:41:31

Rowallan do nice leather ones and they arent too heavy . They are a Scottish ompany as well I believe.

welbeck Thu 16-Jan-25 16:02:10

Annofarabia

I have a sling bag from Amazon. I wear it across my front. It is light and I’ve found it really useful.

These can be worn either front or back or even just under one arm.
Much safer in my experience.
Anything on your back is easy peasy for dippers.

Taffy1234 Thu 16-Jan-25 16:59:10

Lululemon has lovely backpack, my daughter chose it for Christmas. It appears very stylish and she is well pleased.

DamaskRose Thu 16-Jan-25 17:26:52

I love the look of backpacks and they are comfortable but find them frustrating to shop with as I have to take mine (FatFace) on and off whenever I want anything out of it.

Rosiebee Thu 16-Jan-25 17:29:35

Following this as I am looking for a lightweight one to use as hand luggage on a long flight. Needs to be quite roomy. Some useful suggestions.

Ladyripple Thu 16-Jan-25 17:31:44

I have a bag from Aspinal,bought last year,not impressed with the quality at all.

Nell0 Thu 16-Jan-25 18:03:25

Definitely Mia Tui!

Ali08 Thu 16-Jan-25 18:55:50

Who cares about age appropriate? We've earned the right to not care about such things!

The only thing I'd worry about with the backpack styles would be to look for one that has a back pocket to put things, like your purse, into so it's between your back and the back of the backpack which makes it harder to pickpocket!!

GrannyGravy13 Thu 16-Jan-25 19:03:30

Ladyripple

I have a bag from Aspinal,bought last year,not impressed with the quality at all.

I have had Aspinal bags for 20 years, only had one problem on one bag. I returned it to the shop it was repaired for free and sent back to me.

Allira Thu 16-Jan-25 19:24:06

I've just looked at the Aspinal backpacks 😯
I'd expect a holiday to be included at that price!

I suppose it depends if you want smart or just functional.

Babs03 Thu 16-Jan-25 22:16:26

Allira

I've just looked at the Aspinal backpacks 😯
I'd expect a holiday to be included at that price!

I suppose it depends if you want smart or just functional.

Yes I just looked and couldn’t believe the price tags.
Oh well, and there I was thinking I was showing off with a Kipling bag.
Will get my coat.

Coops74 Thu 16-Jan-25 23:07:35

Hi I have a lot of Roka bags fantastic and lovely colours.

silverlining48 Fri 17-Jan-25 12:26:15

I am impressed with Kipling… I know my place grin

jobieP Fri 17-Jan-25 15:52:38

Check out Ebay see a wide range of bags in one place.
You may even see a pre-loved that you'd like to buy at a reasonable price.

Babs03 Fri 17-Jan-25 17:05:22

silverlining48

I am impressed with Kipling… I know my place grin

😂😂

BlueSapphire Fri 17-Jan-25 17:15:36

Another vote here for Mia Tui; I have a lovely rose-gold rucksack from them; only avai!able on line, I think.

Doodledog Fri 17-Jan-25 17:30:41

I know what Allira means. I have a leather backpack which is smart enough to use as a casual handbag. A fabric one would just get used as a backpack.

That sounds daft, as both are used to carry things, but it makes sense to me grin. I'll try again - I would go for lunch or into town using a leather backpack, a fabric one would be more for going for a walk or on holiday.

Rosie51 Fri 17-Jan-25 18:07:48

I agree Doodledog My two backpacks are leather, husband has a fabric one for walks etc. I love leather, it's hardwearing, ages extremely well and suits more occasions than fabric.
The larger tan one is used as my carry on when we fly to see family and the smaller, rather lovely dark green with tan trim Rowallan one is perfect for everyday use. It gets packed in the suitcase to be used once we're there. Husband's fabric one is ideal for carrying water, snacks, sunscreen etc

Allira Fri 17-Jan-25 20:07:06

I use a cross body bag for travelling.
Otherwise it's on off on off on off

Babs03 Fri 17-Jan-25 22:01:20

I also prefer a cross body bag especially when traveling on the tube, is so much safer. But have a light Kipling backpack if am staying over at my daughter’s to babysit, it is a faff keep taking it on and off but does have a zipped pocket on the back that is flush to my back when wearing it, where I show my purse and phone etc., so is also safe.

escaped Fri 17-Jan-25 22:36:59

I saw a nice ROKA backpack today as mentioned on here. It was in a National Trust shop and the material was kind of soft and padded at the back, so would be comfortable.

Kimski44 Sat 18-Jan-25 15:06:12

Pop to TKMaxx - they have loads of really nice leather backpacks in there usually. Also, you could try on VINTED if you don’t mind a second hand one.
As others have mentioned, be careful in Barcelona and a few other similar cities; they will literally cut the straps off whilst it’s on you in a crowded place…..

Allira Sat 18-Jan-25 15:41:18

Yes, TK Maxx for bags!

Zedencia Tue 11-Mar-25 11:29:26

I was hunting for a backpack-style handbag that didn’t scream ‘school trip’ or ‘hiking expedition,’ but it felt like everything out there was too bulky, plain, or trendy for my style.
I wanted something elegant but practical that could hold my essentials (and a million other random things) without making me look like I was about to climb a mountain.