Backpacks

I buy them because they have a zipped pocket at the back, which I feel is more secure than using one of the front ones for keys and cards.

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I have just bought this Roka one (other brands are available) because I don’t like «plasticky» bags

I always feel a bit vulnerable with a backpack somehow. I feel safer with a cross body bag that I can keep a hand on.

I bought a Mia bag……and regretted it! They aren’t real leather, are very heavy empty and made my back very sweaty because of the plastic construction. Sold it

Thank you for your replies. Very helpful.
I have cross body bags, but want something a bit bigger which I can put on my back.
I want to carry water, perhaps a sandwich or 2 and certainly a book. And a bag which would stay upright if I put it down on the floor.

I do have a small leather back pack but there are no dividing bits inside to keep the water bottle separate and only a small zipped compartment.
I like the idea of the bright colour lining of the Mia bags so you can see what you are looking for. But I take on board that it is essentially plastic. Vegan haha. And could be hot on my back. Its not for long walks or treks, but just for a roomy useful bag for all the hospital appts I seem to have to which I go by bus or train.

The Roka looks jolly though.

I love MiaTui bags - I've got several, including one backpack (think it's the Mickey one) which isn't the 'fake' leather but made of a water-resistant material which is really light. I feel it's very safe because it has a zipped pocket at the bag where I keep my purse, plus you can buy a bag clip which secures the outer zip, so it would be very hard for anyone to open it without you noticing.
I have a travel bag in the same material too, which folds away to nothing but is actually really roomy. I've used it for holidays as you can take it as carry-on luggage.

RosiesMawagain

I have just bought this Roka one (other brands are available) because I don’t like «plasticky» bags

Roka for me to. I think they are stylish and they hold alot. I also have two of there cross body bags.

It's the Maya I am looking at ViceVersa which at the moment comes with a free extra ceoss body bag. I have enjoyed looking at the bags on line for a year or so. They seem to be desgned by a woman with useful features. I may give it a go in the colour Graphite or Tan. I can't decide and the cross body in navy as I have no navy bags apart from one bought when I was 21 in .Dickins and Jones which is ridiculously small, buthas sentimental memories.

I have a Mia Tui backpack and find it very practical and roomy.

HelterSkelter1

It's the Maya I am looking at ViceVersa which at the moment comes with a free extra ceoss body bag. I have enjoyed looking at the bags on line for a year or so. They seem to be desgned by a woman with useful features. I may give it a go in the colour Graphite or Tan. I can't decide and the cross body in navy as I have no navy bags apart from one bought when I was 21 in .Dickins and Jones which is ridiculously small, buthas sentimental memories.

Yes, I've taken advantage of that deal before - I used the Maya every day for work, and I've had a few of the crossbody ones. I have a black one just now which I use every day.

Look at POPSY clothing, they do backpacks among other things, they are amazing

Have a look at Kipling backpacks, they are quite lightweight. I have a few of them and they are good for everyday use or travelling.

Manys the time I have been hit in the face with a backpack when carrier turns, they are totally oblivious that they have hurt you

I have been using backpack style bags for years, without doubt the best place I've found for them has been TJMaxx, they always have a large selection.

Fjallraven for me every time. Can be carried as a shopping bag or worn as a back pack. Mine goes everywhere with me and is now 10+ years old; wearing well.

I have a light day sack from Mountain Warehouse. It has elastic net pockets at the side for water bottles and a padded divider internally as well as 2 zipped pockets. It’s not a fashion item but is so practical and very lightweight nylon. I use it as my main handbag everywhere now.

i use a backpack that i purchased from primark about a year ago, i use a walker so it now fits over the handlebars and is always in front of me, if i have to wear it on my back i feel safe from anyone trying to get into it as i have various key rings (no keys) but they rattle if anyone tries to open the zip.

Have a look in TK max and try a few for size and how they feel. Make sure there’s a pocket that sits next to your back to keep credit cards etc away from potential pick pockets.

I like Roka bags too, and also (after a recommendation on here) Foldi ones. They are very reasonably priced, fold up so small you can take a spare one, and are fixed to fit under a seat in an aeroplane. Both Roka and Foldi have airline-aware sizing, and many styles have slots in the back for sitting them on top of wheeled suitcases if you are taking that as well as carry on luggage.

For a hospital appointment (outpatient?) I recommend a Willesden sling back from Roka. They hold a lot more than you'd think from looking at them, and can be worn cross body or slung over a shoulder. Not quite a backpack, but very versatile and they come in a huge range of colours (and are washable/wipe clean).

Roka every time. I have a wide selection.
Great firm to deal with and beautifully designed backpacks and cross body bags. By far the best in my opinion.

Thank you again for all the suggestions. There are some lovely bags.. I am going to a local town next week with a TKMaxx so will have a look there.

I am also having another look at my smallish leather back pack in a new light and trying it out with a paperback, water bottle bottle plus sandwich box. I may just need to buy a smallish makeup bag type bag to put small things in which get lost st the bottom of the bag and I have attsched a carabiner,clip to the zip on the inside pocket to which I can attach my keys. That may be ok for my hospital appt next week which will involve s lot of waiting and sitting about in different departments. And if its not OK I will know why not and review the suggestions.

I have 2 backpacks from a sports shop. Not fashion items but comfortable, strong and waterproof.. One carries my swimming stuff. The other for daily use with purse, phone, water bottle and room for a book and a hoodie.

I think expensive for what they are. Had mine and peeled. Was told as just over year out of guarantee. Not a great experience with them , sadly.

Go for Roka - every size and design and colour you want, and all recycled materials. I had MiaTui bag once, the quality was awful and the straps slid off my shoulders. Explore the Roka of London website and you'll find something the right size and shape that suits your needs.