Backpacks
I asked and you answered. In your droves. My cup overfloweth with your suggestions. Below you’ll find a video with me trying out my shortlist of three and pick a winner. Further down, you’ll find some of the other suggestions sent to me along with a brief reason as to why they didn’t make my shortlist. A longlist if you will.
My thanks to everyone who contributed. The entire thread can be found here:
https://twitter.com/ishkolhatkar/status/1432374607416287240
A note about a few of the responses. Adam Porte got as mad as one does when watching the Mets.
Not all of the suggestions were sensible. Thank you Deshpal Panesar QC, Hanethedane and Tracy Wheeler.
Invaluable.
Sorry, not invaluable. Not valuable. Easy mistake.
Shortlist (featured in the video above)
Osprey
Generally recommended by: @EvanDLPrice, @SarahPinder2, @MattJEJackson,
Momentum 32, recommended by: @bernanuman,
Reviewed in the video above: Farpoint 40
Millican
Recommended by: @FrediSmith
Reviewed in the video above: Miles the Dufflebag
Samsonite
Spectrolite, recommended by @VeileRichmond
Generally recommended by: @e_acheson, @Defencebrief, @LeonieHirst,
Reviewed above: Bleisure Laptop Bag
The Longlist
Ruit
Recommended by: @jleanLC
This came very close to being shortlisted. It ticked all the boxes and I would have been delighted to support a small business. In the end it was impatience that prevented me from purchasing one. The next batch aren’t ready to ship until November 2021 but if you are reading this on or after that date, I’d highly recommend.
Madlug
Recommended by: @jonbcollins
Not just a bag company but one that donates a bag to children in care for each one you buy. I didn’t find one that I liked, but I’ll be donating £10 so that a child in care has a proper bag for their belongings.
Knomo
Generally recommended by: @katharinewton, @EleenaMisra, @tara_crewe, @fforthergill70, @steinbeckrules, @marwahadi, @
Thurloe, recommended by: @__LaurenJ
I’ve been a Knomo fan for years. Their products are well designed and made. The Thurloe is no exception but it’s just a little smaller than I am looking for.
Cromwell, recommended by @Dafydd_Bevan
Another great looking back but just not hardy enough for public transport in London in my view.
Away
Recommended by: @DanielJHerman
I bought two Away suitcases last summer and they are the best wheeled suitcases I’ve owned. I knew that this backpack would be good quality and well constructed. A quick trip to the Away store in Cambridge Circus however, revealed it to be just a little too small.
Nordace
Recommended by: @JStephens2007, @EleenaMisra, @bernicelkeller
Bags, that are just not my bag.
Herschel
Recommended by: @ProfChalmers
The signature Little America is beautiful, just a bit too small.
Douchebag
Recommended by: @JohanneSmestad
Yes. Really. That’s what the brand is called. Scandi design. Scandi prices. Tempting, but not tempting enough.