Wife is back at university and mentioned wanting a rucksack that isn't one of the many outdoor style ones I've furnished her with over the years.
Laptop compartment would be nice, but laptop lives in a neoprene padded sleeve most of the time anyway. Has absolutely got to have water bottle pockets on the side, quite deep preferably.
Should be some sort of grey/blackish grey colour.
Seen the osprey flare, but I'm not sold. Rab depot could be a contender.
Can your wife not just go browsing for a bag she like the look of? Not exactly a demanding criteria - hold a laptop and a water bottle. Pretty much any rucksack will do
I bought a couple of Dakine bags from Sportsshoes.com last year for £10 each that do exactly as you describe.
Eldest also has a cheapy LoweAlpine 'school' rucsack with the same.
Forgot to mention, it is a birthday gift. Lucky lady 😉
My Osprey quasar has been my go to work, travel, carry on, general go to for years now. Everything from a day in the office to a week away. I would just go for the flare, quasar, axis which she likes.
Dakine bags are great and bomb proof. For a larger capacity, I've just bought junior this: https://thebackpacker.co.uk/products/dakine-campus-l-33l-backpack-black
I bought my partner a Roka Canfield bag as a Christmas present.
She seems to like it.
Potential issues for you would be colours available and although there are side pockets I'm not sure they would hold a drinks bottle!
Eastpak seem to make the 'standard' urban backpack, and currently have a sale on.
E.g.: https://www.eastpak.com/uk-en/backpacks-c120/padded-double-sunday-grey-pEK-0A5B7Y-363-OS--1-.html
Some useful recommendations in this thread - https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/non-outdoor-looking-rucksack-25-35l/
However my wife has recently bought this - https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hiking-backpack-30l-nh-arpenaz-100/_/R-p-301675?mc=8731578 which appears incredible value for £16.99. Seems to have good build quality for the price and plenty of storage compartments which may suit your criteria
Not a recommendation as such, as I have not experience of this bag. But saw it & thought it might fit the bill.
Side pockets for water bottle & from the Q&A bit, there's a sleeve at the back you can put a laptop in (assuming it fits, I suppose).
https://www.wiggle.com/p/fohn-daypack-30ltr?color=navy&sizeStandard=One+Size
Eastpak and Fjallraven were the Default Named University Bag, as of 4 years ago at least, pretty much everyone that didn't have one of those had a cheapo no-name.
Decathlon has a pretty wide range and you can try a bunch of them on in the shops (some are mail order only).
I also forgot: if you want a 'posh' one that will last 22 years and more, then Patagucci have you:
(Mrs_OAB's started life as the nappy change bag for our lads, oldest is now 22...)
Jansport Odyssey, OGIO something, XACT OG range, Bellroy, Belkin, Tom Bihn, Patagonia Black Hole all faves of techy Yank travellers.
I have an Osprey Nebula which is pretty great for day to day use, laptop and other tech pockets, big central compartment and big water bottle pockets. Also has an external mesh pocket to hold a bike helmet or wet items if that's useful to you? At 32l it is also a good size for aeroplane hand luggage too
Apologies, if it is needed, but I’ll share another IndyBest recommendation for 8 best laptop bags, from waterproof backpacks to stylish totes
I'll repeat my recommendation from the other thread. Sandqvist - practical, well thought out storage, well made, stylish. Cost more than the regular high street brands but the difference is noticeable and it is a birthday so you have an excuse.
Been using one as my work bag for the last few years and it still looks pretty new (black material hides the London grime obvs.).
My ancient Wenger laptop bag broke a strap after many years of abuse. I really like Osprey bags and ended up with the Arcane Large Day Pack
There is a lot of choice out there! Even within the Osprey range. I went for that one as 20L is perfect for work and a day sack, 100% renewable, padded laptop section (OP said they didn't need that but..) and simplicity. One of the issues the trust Wenger is it had some many pockets and compartments I kept losing stuff!
The Arcade is really comfortable, not over-padded, nice materials and seems pretty tough. They do an XL if you want 30L. I did look at the flare as well, but preferred the look of the arcane.
Wenger Carbon
It's like the Tardis. Doesn't look huge, but the amount of stuff you can fit in is incredible loads of compatments including 17" laptop pouch
My mum bought me a crumpler laptop bag when I started teacher training 20 years ago.
It still does the job. Not every day anymore but still gets regular use
So something by crumpler
Many thanks for all the replies and suggestions.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse... Wife came into the room and told me she's away to buy a rucksack she's seen. I protested and said have some in mind for a gift.
I'm sorry to say she hated them all and has bought herself a pretty bag for uni.
I kinda fancy a new rucksack for myself now, so nothing wasted!
Still on the gift hunt! 😂
Still on the gift hunt! 😂
Based on the above treat yourself to a new patio 😜
