Top 10 rucksacks

Marks and Spencer: The soft texture of this rucksack probably isn't ideal for a beach, but the size makes it pretty good for almost anything else. Plus, the satchel look is so gad-about-town. £45 (Buy) Photograph: marksandpsencer.com

New Look: Another variation on the satchel theme. We love the leather pockets and the drawstring top. £15 (Buy) Photograph: newlook.com

Eastpak: We could hardly put a list of rucksacks together without including the king of backpacks. Eastpak is a favourite with skaters, hikers and cyclists for their durable, weatherproof designs. But they also do a fantastic range of loud colours that are very Right Now. £39 (Buy) Photograph: urbanoutfitters.com

Topman: Bang! This one shoves its bright redness right in your face, while offering something a bit more subtle with the camel-coloured strap. £38 (Buy) Photograph: topshop.co.uk

Topshop: It's brown, covered in zips and leather, and yet, it just works. £28 (Buy) Photograph: topshop.co.uk

Topshop: The big metal buttons on this one definitely serve as a reminder that rucksacks are functional items. The pale blue leather is just there for show. £36 (Buy) Photograph: topshop.co.uk

Veja Mochila: Deep blue canvas with a rust-brown trim seems very 'I'm off to the Hamptons, pack me a picnic'. The closest some of us will come to that particular dream is probably this bag. £150 (Buy) Photograph: coggles.com

Yoox: If the previous bag was all 'New Yorkers on vacation', this one makes us think of zipping through Milan on a Vespa. £59 (Buy) Photograph: yoox

Accessorize: Multi-coloured spots AND tweed in one. You'll be secretly embracing your inner Girl Guide with this rucksack. £32 (Buy)
Photograph: Accessorize

Next: This might well be our favourite bag of the bunch. It's actually quite small, so not ideal for laptops. But the blue and white check pattern makes us want to curl up in it and have a cosy lie down. £26 (Buy) Photograph: next.co.uk