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Rucksack recommendations... Can you help me please?

33 replies

IceColdPenguin · 07/05/2026 19:19

I'm looking to purchase a new rucksack. I like the dumpy style... think the new Longchamp - Le Pliage (https://www.johnlewis.com/longchamp-le-pliage-green-canvas-backpack/pomegranate/p112724625) or the Seasalt - Porthlynn (https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/porthlynn-waterproof-backpack) style. I would love something along this style but with deeper pockets inside, maybe a larger pocket on the outside and somewhere to put a water bottle on the side to avoid leaks. I liked the Seasalt one but just not the colour for either.

Sorry, I know I'm being fussy but if I'm going to spend quiet a bit of money on this it would be nice to find something I like.

I will be taking it on holiday so need an inside pocket to keep valuables, passport etc.

After that I would like to use it for long country walks to pack snacks, light food and the drinks bottle along with the essentials. Preferably slightly waterproof

I'm not looking for a full blown hiking rucksack, more of a slightly larger handbag style one..

Budget wise.. around the £100 mark but would be willing to pay more for the perfect one.. if it's out there :)

I hope that made sense and it's enough information.

Thank you :)

Longchamp Le Pliage Green Canvas Backpack, Pomegranate

Buy Longchamp Le Pliage Green Canvas Backpack from our Women’s Bags & Handbags range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

https://www.johnlewis.com/longchamp-le-pliage-green-canvas-backpack/pomegranate/p112724625

OP posts:
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wantmorenow · 07/05/2026 19:24

Any rucksack that's intended for long country walks with even slightly heavy stuff needs a chest strap at a minimum better still a second waist one too or it will be unbearably uncomfortable to wear for prolonged periods. First one is just a fashion item and second link isn't working for me sorry.

IceColdPenguin · 07/05/2026 19:31

wantmorenow · 07/05/2026 19:24

Any rucksack that's intended for long country walks with even slightly heavy stuff needs a chest strap at a minimum better still a second waist one too or it will be unbearably uncomfortable to wear for prolonged periods. First one is just a fashion item and second link isn't working for me sorry.

Sorry, I should have been clearer.. when I said long country walks I meant around the 4-5 mile walks. I already have a supportive hiking based rucksack for when I go on longer walks

OP posts:
IceColdPenguin · 07/05/2026 19:34

wantmorenow · 07/05/2026 19:26

It's a lovely one but slightly too big for what I'm looking for.. Sorry. Maybe the 10 - 20L .. around 35 - 40cm in height if that helps.

OP posts:
IceColdPenguin · 07/05/2026 19:50

Yes, I do love the Roka design and they seem so sturdy. I just need the front pocket to be larger and I did consider getting a smaller one but it's so similar to my work bag that is the bigger version.

OP posts:
AEIOYOU · 10/05/2026 10:30

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 10/05/2026 01:56

Le Pliage Energy L Backpack Black - Recycled canvas | Longchamp GB

Jumping on this thread-

does anyone have this bag? How big is the zip pocket on the back ?
(It's not for me )
TIA

I have this one - although wouldn't have bought it going by the picture. I saw it in a shop and immediately liked it. It's not as square as shown.

The zip on the back is about 8 inches long. It's not a huge space. Would carry a small bottle of water I suppose. I just put mine inside the bag. I use mine for going to the gym mainly although it is stylish enough to use daily. The top zip fastening is really good too.

There are no pockets inside.

I bought the green colour. About a year old and still immaculate. @70isaLimitNotaTarget

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 10/05/2026 10:55

AEIOYOU · 10/05/2026 10:30

I have this one - although wouldn't have bought it going by the picture. I saw it in a shop and immediately liked it. It's not as square as shown.

The zip on the back is about 8 inches long. It's not a huge space. Would carry a small bottle of water I suppose. I just put mine inside the bag. I use mine for going to the gym mainly although it is stylish enough to use daily. The top zip fastening is really good too.

There are no pockets inside.

I bought the green colour. About a year old and still immaculate. @70isaLimitNotaTarget

Thank you Smile
I ordered the black for DD , she can put her lanyard and phone in the pocket , this one is bigger than the other ones in Longchamp by the measurements but not so big she'll look like she's off hiking .

We'll see how much she can fit in
One shoulder bags are knackering her poor shoulders !

StrictlyCoffee · 10/05/2026 12:01

The Roka Finchley has quite a big front pocket

FriendofDorothy · 10/05/2026 14:19

IceColdPenguin · 07/05/2026 19:50

Yes, I do love the Roka design and they seem so sturdy. I just need the front pocket to be larger and I did consider getting a smaller one but it's so similar to my work bag that is the bigger version.

I have the Roka Finchley - the small one is a good size without being enormous.

rokalondon.com/collections/finchley/products/finchley-a-crisp-blue-recycled-canvas

CrepuscularCritter · 10/05/2026 17:10

I have the Roka Camden P in aquatic awe. It has a big front zip pocket, a smaller slip pocket and a back hidden zip pocket that fits my wallet, keys, work pass and lanyard. There would be room for a passport. It has side packets for small water bottles. It has a inside zip pocket big enough for a largish phone and other bits, plus a padded laptop compartment. Would that work for you?

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 10/05/2026 17:51

CrepuscularCritter · 10/05/2026 17:10

I have the Roka Camden P in aquatic awe. It has a big front zip pocket, a smaller slip pocket and a back hidden zip pocket that fits my wallet, keys, work pass and lanyard. There would be room for a passport. It has side packets for small water bottles. It has a inside zip pocket big enough for a largish phone and other bits, plus a padded laptop compartment. Would that work for you?

That is such a nice bag - to small for my work bag sadly .
I have a Roka Willisden cross body which is great if I'm up in town . And Trafalgar tote which I inherited from DD , as my main handbag but I cannot find anything in it !

I'm going off Kipling , not seen anything I like there in a long time .

I might need that Camden P in black .........

Caplin · 10/05/2026 19:29

I’ve had the Roka Finchley (the bigger one) for years. It is a great size, big front pocket, two drink side carriers, lots of pockets inside, food for work and travel, but also not so huge so I can just use it round town. Still looks like new despite being used several days a week.

if you don’t need to carry a laptop and stuff then the smaller one would do.

PigletJohn · 10/05/2026 20:08

I'm not convinced canvas is still best for outdoor use as it will be affected by rain.

JoshLymanSwagger · 11/05/2026 19:46

Travel Backpacks - Backpacks | Vera Bradley – Vera Bradley International

I've got one of these - the Featherweight ones - It's lovely and was on offer on Amazon too.

Flomingho · 11/05/2026 20:26

Would you consider the Fjallraven Kanken rucksack. Holds a small water bottle in side pocket and the removable seat pad makes it comfortable on the back. .

ThisQuirkyAmberMember · 12/05/2026 08:59

I’d second the Roka bags, they’re great and customer service is amazing!