Anyone have a stylish, comfortable laptop backpack?

Hello YLFers,
I'm a week into my new job and a significant wardrobe issue has popped up. I have been using a shoulder bag which carries a heavy laptop for my bus commute and it had been hard on my shoulders. I find myself avoiding extra walking (which I am trying to do for health reasons) because the one-sided bag is cumbersome and painful. The shoulder bag is stylish and worked great for my previous job's driving commute but I am now thinking I want to get a padded backpack to save my back and shoulders.

Does anyone have or know of a stylish one? Most are unisex and utilitarian looking. I ideally would like one that looks like a women's backpack and has some degree of style to it. To me that means streamlined design, color or pattern variety and extra points for shiny gold hardware. I'm stunned by the lack of options, this seems like such a common scenario. I'm willing to pay a pretty penny for one that meets all the style and comfort requirements.

Does anyone have or know of some good options? I would be so grateful. Given that I carry this everyday, I really do want to find one that I love.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I will be watching this thread with interest. I am sorry I have no suggestions.

kkards

http://www.mzwallace.com/shop/.....rd-marlena
i don't own this; but i own another bag by mz wallace that i love. and my sisters, both subway commuters, swear by this brand. i believe there is another size backpack as well. and multiple colors (including basic black)

gradfashionista

I picked up the Fjallraven Kanken 17 Backpack on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....#038;psc=1. I have a bag obsession and am always in search of the perfect knapsack, and own several for different purposes. I haven't yet tried it out, and was initially resistant to buying it because of the absence of waist straps. That said, five functional factors really appealed to me:

a) Relatively lightweight back
b) Quite structured, so my papers and won't end up crumpled or bent
c) The laptop compartment is a separate zippered compartment, and you can remove the foam padding if it bothers you.
d) Waterproof fabric.
e) Convenient handle, for when you're at the airport or traveling.

...not to mention the many colour options.

Hope that helps!

Suja

Suz, I was really surprised by the lack of options. Maybe I'm the only one who carries a heavy laptop and the rest of the world has moved on to smartphones and tablets.

kkards, Never heard of Mr. Wallace. Will check it out!

GradFashionista,The perfect knapsack is super important. In some sense it serves the same function as my car. Thank you for the options!

Isis

If your laptop is heavy, you need padded shoulder straps and a backpack that distributes weight across your back.

I had one like this that lasted for years of daily use, and it comes in pretty colors! I like the mint combo!

http://www.thenorthface.com/ca.....n-39-s-jes

Isis- That backpack looks awesome! The price is great too. Maybe worth having a summer and winter version for variety. Love that it is designed for women.

rachylou

No, you are not alone! Someone will make a killing when they invent a real laptop bag. Right now I'm using a cloth backpack from Target. I don't worry about padded protection when using a backpack (I would worry, however, using a rolling case - and I'm not sure padding actually helps, because vibration is an issue there). I don't like nylon, it's not my style, but things have to be lightweight - thus the cloth. I've stuck with it for months now, so it's working.

Inge

Moderator

Oh, I can't see the North Face one.

Here are some other options, Suja. Most of them quite sporty, but a lot of them are available in fun colours or patterns, and that helps

http://www.amazon.com/Laptop-B.....038;ie=UTF
In red.

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-E.....8&

http://www.amazon.com/Duzign-H.....38;ie=UTF8

http://www.amazon.com/Victorin.....c&ie=

http://www.amazon.com/OGIO-Wom.....F8&qi
Love it in yellow, tide, cobalt, emerald and red.

http://www.amazon.com/OGIO-Int.....038;ie=UTF
Static colour is streamlined and minimalist. The blockade is stylishly fun.

http://www.amazon.com/OGIO-Int.....=pc&i
Fun in Gypsy, Pixie, Blue Onion and Kaleidoscope.

http://www.amazon.com/Dakine-W.....TF8&q
I like all 4 options, the patterns are a bit more fun.

http://www.amazon.com/Dakine-L.....8&
In Stratum.

http://www.amazon.com/Dakine-N.....&qid=
Pewter and Chambray.

http://www.amazon.com/Vera-Bra.....TF8&q

http://www.amazon.com/DAKINE-F.....#038;qid=1

http://www.knomobags.com/eu/mo.....kpack.html
In blue.

http://www.amazon.com/Claire-C.....qid=140311

Rachylou, no kidding about someone making a killing if they can design a stylish backpack right.

Inge, thank you for all these options. I actually wouldn't mind sporty if it was sporty luxe. Many of these are super cute. Can't wait to take a more detailed look tonight.

Inge, maybe the site won't display in Europe. Here's a pic of one of the colors!

I think that was the case, yes, thanks so much for adding the picture, Isis. I love the white with the mint detailing.

And my pleasure, Suja.

ATLynn

I have a walking commute, too and had to switch to a backpack. I really like the Spigen that Inge posted, but I worry about how much it can hold beyond the backpack. I carry my laptop, charger, shoes, lunch and basic small office supplies in my backpack, and also carry a small crossbody purse with my badge, cellphone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, gum, lipgloss. It sounds silly to carry two bags, but I'm often on conference calls on my commute and at a minimum need my keys, phone, sunglasses and badge. I tried putting my purse in my backpack, but if my outfit didn't have pockets I was a big 'ol mess trying to juggle everything.

I have this one, which is also on Inge's list, and get compliments on it all the time. http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-E.....8&

I recently switched to this one in black, which is not girly or stylish, but does fit my frame nicely. It doesn't look as big on my as in the picture.
http://www.amazon.com/Timbuk2-.....s&ie=

Astrid

If I had the money I would be getting this one in silver:

http://www.freitag.ch/Referenc.....R521_00127

I also like Crumpler, they have great stuff. I might buy one of their backpacks when my current one needs replacing.

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