5 May 2015

what's in my bag #17: university backpack

Carrying a shoulder bag has resulted in a sore left shoulder so just before Christmas, I bit the bullet and purchased this backpack. What stood out for me were the straps and how padded they were, the design of the bag and also the size of it. The straps make it easier to carry the same load as before and my shoulder pain has since subsided - result!


Here are a few of the things I carry in it (add in two notebooks and a laptop and it's about right):

From top left, clockwise: umbrella, Soap and Glory hand cream, my planner, pencil case, tissues, purse, contact lens solution, water bottle, Pom Bears (too cute to eat), a pouch with painkillers and other stuff in (such as a contact lens case, nail file, etc).
A bigger bag has often meant that I may end up carrying around more than needed so I often have to be wary of overstuffing it. 

Within the bag, there is a laptop compartment which has the softest and fluffiest lining ever (you can kind of see it in a picture above). I still put my laptop into its own sleeve though - just to be on the safe side - but with a lining like that, you kind of want to dive into the bag itself.

The one negative about the bag are the lack of pockets, especially on the outside. I get a bit nervy when slotting in my water bottle as it's quite easy for water to leak into the laptop compartment so it would be nice to have an external water bottle pocket (though it would definitely make the bag look a little bit uglier!). To combat this problem, I carry my water bottle by hand whenever it's more than half full and whenever I'm travelling or walking for more than five to ten minutes. Though it can look silly on the tube or on the bus, at least I know my laptop is safe from accidental water damage!

Since finishing school when I was eighteen, I vowed I would never use a backpack ever again but Herschel, with their 'Little America' backpack, have changed my opinion of that as it is aesthetically pleasing and meets about 95% of my bag requirements! It is quite a big bag for a girl and I think I just about get away with it but if you're petite, it might not suit you.

8 comments

  1. This bag looks like the perfect sign for carrying things to school/univeristy. As someone starting uni in September I'm definitely going to have to look into getting a decent bag!
    Olivia xxx
    sunshineinadress.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Olivia,

      The bag is perfect as there are padded straps too. I definitely recommend you find one with padded straps as it feels much more comfortable. Hope you manage to find one you like! :) Starting university is a very exciting time :) x

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  2. I love this bags!! Are they as amazing as they seems? You could hang your water bottle on the outside. Something like the one on the left http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/classic-klean-kanteen.jpg

    Could you take detail pics of it please? Like inside, pockets, etc. Thanks!!!!!!

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    1. Hi Tina - there aren't any other pockets or detail to take pictures of :) x

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  3. I love backpacks! Watch out with the water, my mum had a bottle pour over her MacBook.
    Imogen’s Typewriter. <3

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    1. Hi Imogen, thanks for the heads-up - I keep water very far away from my Macbook now after a previous accident (my first accident of that kind, ever, with technology as well ha, such bad luck!) x

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  4. I use a backpack pretty much all the time, though mine is nowhere near as pretty! I'm definitely gonna look into these!

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    1. Hehe I just wanted one that didn't remind me of high school/primary school and this one definitely looks a bit more grown up :) It is a bit too hipster for me though still but the straps are super comfy so I've tried to look passed that! x

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