Protect your essentials with Rains weatherproof backpack - now under £50
There is nothing worse than leaving for the office when it's sunny outside, only to leave come 5pm and the heavens have opened. Actually, there is.
Getting caught in the downpour with no jacket, umbrella, or protective gear to shield your laptop and other tech essentials from, only to have a malfunction the next time you flip your screen open because of the exposure to moisture.
We have heard great things about Rains clothing and accessories, so we were pleased to find the Rains Mini Rubberised Backpack reduced in a rare Harvey Nichols sale.
The workwear, and everyday essential, has been slashed in price from £80 to £48 in the Harvey Nichols sale, which is a steal you won't want to miss.
Crafted from durable PU fabric, with a fully lined interior, this backpack delivers on durability. It features a 13 inch laptop pocket, large main compartment, as well as a slip back pocket to house your valuables. It features a flap top, magnetic button fastening and lobster clasp to secure the bag shut. The two shoulder straps are adjustable for your comfort. It measures 28cm in width, 44.5cm in height and 9cm in depth. Buy Now for £48 (was £80)
The Rains Mini Rubberised Backpack has been crafted from the brand's signature PU fabric, which is weatherproof, durable and super sleek. It achieves a matte finish, which we think looks even more sophisticated than a canvas or shiny patent exterior that can show signs of wear.
The square shape of the rucksack means it fits a laptop comfortably without crushing it into louche bags or other shaped designs.
What we love most is a bag with pockets, which this Rains creation delivers in abundance. It boasts an internal 13' laptop pocket so you can sleep easy knowing your work 'bible' will be protected against the elements or being knocked from other items in your bag.
It also features a large main compartment, as well as a concealed phone pocket that is located on the back panel – out of the way from prying hands.
The bag features a top flap to keep your items safe, as well as a magnet snap fastening, and buckle detail for extra security. Plus, the fully lined interior provides extra cushioning and protection. More Trending
This bag measures 28cm in width, 44.5cm in height and 9cm in depth. So it is deep, as well as wide. It also features two adjustable shoulder straps so you can fit the bag securely to your back whether you are walking or cycling to the office.
It is available in a peach colourway, which we think is super chic and perfect for the summer months, though there are select other colourways that have been reduced at Harvey Nichols.
The Rains Mini Rubberised Backpack can be worn all year long, which is why snapping it up while it's on sale is a no brainer as you are bound to get your cost per wear out of this durable accessory.
It's unknown how long the discounted price will last, but considering it is full price on the Rains website, this is not an offer to sleep on.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
MORE: These are the must-have straw and raffia bags to see you through summer
MORE: Mango fanatics go wild as the high street store is selling a very similar alternative to Staud's Moon Bag for less
MORE: From Space NK to Mango – here's 23 items our shopping expert is buying this weekend
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
12 hours ago
- Metro
Ryanair axes flights to 3 French cities including Europe's 'Christmas Capital'
If you were a planning on jumping on a low-cost flight to France soon, you might be disappointed. Ryanair have axed all services to Brive, Bergerac and Strasbourg, and will be reducing its capacity at other airports. The budget carrier say this will mean the loss of 25 routes and 750,000 seats in France this winter. Other destinations impacted include Marseille, where capacity will be cut by 9%, Paris-Beauvais which will see a loss of 8%, and Toulouse which will be cut by 4%. It comes after the airline already axed flights to Vatry, in the northeast of France, earlier this year. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Ryanair bosses say the decision is due to 'harmful' taxes on tickets and they had 'no choice' but to take the drastic action. It's bad news for travellers who were looking forward to heading to Strasbourg this winter, often known as Europe's 'Capital of Christmas' due to its markets which attract approximately two million global visitors every festive season. Meanwhile, wine lovers will be missing out on sipping merlots and sauvignon blancs in Bergerac, while Brive is often considered a gateway for those looking to explore the Dordogne. Jason McGuinness, Ryanair's chief commercial officer said in a statement that the French government had failed to act. The statement continued: 'This completely avoidable loss will have a severe impact on regional connectivity, tourism and local employment. 'Unless the government changes course and abolishes this unfair air tax, Ryanair's capacity and investment in France will inevitably be redirected to more competitive European markets such as Sweden, Hungary, or parts of Italy.' Bucharest has the beautiful buildings, tree-lined boulevards and swish cafes we associate with Paris — at a dramatically cheaper price. Recently ranked 9th in The Times' roundup of '24 of the best affordable city breaks in Europe', Romania's capital and largest city is actively welcoming tourists. The government is pouring money into accommodation and public transport in a bid to attract travellers, while other countries are pushing them away. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bucharest was a hotspot for French artists and intellectuals, who frequented the city. At the time, society mirrored the Parisian way, with a focus on fashion, elegance and sophistication. Likewise, prominent Romanian artists, including Constantin Brâncuși, studied in Bucharest before making their names in Paris. Visually, the city earned its 'Little Paris' nickname thanks to its architectural similarities with France's capital. The streetshave similar ornate flourishes of Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Romanian Revival are on display on every corner. More Trending Metro's Alice Murphy spent a day at the park during a trip to Romania and said it is easily accessible by train, bus, taxi, or on foot. She also recommends the Free Walking Tour of Bucharest, where you can learn about the city's history and culture, and a visit to the National Village Museum to discover how people live in rural Romania. Of course, no European city break is complete without a stroll around the Old Town. Bucharest's pedestrian-only area is very tourist-friendly and brimming with terraces, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Dozens injured on Delta flight to Amsterdam after it hits severe turbulence MORE: Sobbing Ryanair passenger stopped from boarding plane 'felt like a criminal' MORE: 'I felt like a millionaire': Travellers share their business class upgrade stories
Metro
17 hours ago
- Metro
'I felt like a millionaire': Travellers share their airline upgrade stories
If you've ever flown long-haul in economy, you'll know it's not the most comfortable of experiences. From limited leg room to waking your snoring neighbour to use the bathroom, the journey is simply a means to an end. However, for the lucky few who can afford to fly business class — or in the hallowed halls of first class — the flight is part of the fun. This was the realisation of Metro's Mel Evans, whose first-ever business class trip from Heathrow to Sydney 'ruined' future flights for life. With free champagne on tap, aisle-access spacious cabins, and Bulgari freebies, it was worlds away from what she was used to. But then again, what else would you expect from a £5,435 ticket? In the knowledge that the majority of us can't afford such luxury trips, we asked Metro readers to share their experiences of being upgraded for free. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. We're positively green with envy. Mark Manning told us that he's had the pleasure of being upgraded to business class not once, but twice. One of these experiences was on an Emirates Airbus A380 — the world's largest passenger airliner. In recent times, this aircraft has been dubbed 'the plane that keeps breaking down.' The faults partly stem from prolonged periods on the ground during the pandemic. But clearly, there were no malfunctions during Mark's trip. Rather, he felt like a 'millionaire for seven hours,' and 'loved every minute' of the journey. Mark recalled lying down, sipping on champagne, eating 'brilliant' food, and making frequent trips to the bar upstairs. 'If I were rich, I would fly business class every time,' he said. For Linda Osborne, it was a fractured leg that swung the upgrade deal. Like Mark, she flew with Emirates and called it the 'perfect' flight. She also said the airline is 'one of the best by far.' Sandra Fordham bagged her business class cabin by winning a bid on the way back from Dubai. Granted, this means her upgrade technically wasn't free — many airlines allow passengers to bid for seats in premium economy, business class, or first class — but it's a heck of a lot cheaper than paying for a ticket outright. 'It was amazing, I felt like royalty there,' gushed Sandra, who also called the business class lounge in the airport 'exceptional.' As a newbie, Sandra joked that she and her husband were 'pressing all the gadgets' and in awe of everything available. 'It was the only time I never wanted to get off a plane.' 'Upgrades — especially to first class — are elusive. But, they're not impossible,' says Jaroslaw Grabczak, Head of Commercial Product at Thomas Cook and eSky online travel agency. He tells Metro that the most reliable method is through airline loyalty programmes: points or systemwide upgrades available to elite status holders. For example, American Airlines Executive Platinum members can use 'systemwide upgrades' to jump from business to first, while Emirates Skywards offers cash and mile-based upgrades at online check-in. Don't fly enough to warrant a loyalty programme? Jaroslaw also says that flying solo can increase your odds. As does flexibility with timing. He says that midweek and red-eye flights (overnight ones that depart late at night and arrive early the next morning) are less likely to be full, therefore your chances increase. 'While rare, discretionary upgrades still exist,' he adds. Dressing professionally and being polite might tilt the odds in your favour, especially if there's an operational reason to reshuffle the cabin. Again, while not strictly free, Jaroslaw states that last-minute paid upgrades are common. Airlines often release discounted first class seats 24 to 72 hours before departure, particularly if a cabin is undersold. Finally, checking your reservation periodically can pay off. 'Sometimes the price difference is just a few hundred pounds,' he says. Back in the early noughties, Mark Roden found himself in business class from London Heathrow to San Francisco. Travelling with his partner at the time, he said airline staff picked them from a line of premium economy passengers and asked if they wanted to be upgraded. 'It was an amazing experience: 12 choices on the menu, and faultless, silver service,' Mark recalled, adding that the Virgin crew said he could try every choice if his 'stomach could manage it.' Mark said he enjoyed champagne for the 'whole flight,' which kept being topped up. He then slept it off in a private bed for the remaining hours. 'I felt totally refreshed despite the eight-hour flight,' he said. Last but not least, Trevor Pearman was upgraded during a short-haul flight from Frankfurt to Manchester. Despite it being a 1 hour and 45 minute journey, he said he 'made the most of every second.' From continuous top-ups of free champers (there seems to be a theme here), to indulging in a 'light lunch' with 'real knives and forks,' he wished the journey was longer. @martamie Here is what it's like to fly 14 hours in @Emirates business class ✨ Emirates offers world class service and amenities making long haul flights a breeze. You can enjoy gourmet meals, wide selection of entertainment, and on board bar lounge with premium beverages to make yourself home during duration of your flight. With this new level of comfort, flying was never easier✈️ #Emirates #DubaiStopOver #FlyBetter ♬ champagne – G Sounds Airline upgrades aren't the only luxuries available when travelling. Travel expert Chelsea Dickenson, and columnist for Metro's Travel section, has an easy hack for hotel bump-ups, too. While she stresses that you can't always guarantee an upgrade, she says there's no harm in sending a polite email asking for one. You don't need to be a newlywed, celebrity or influencer to get a better room: you just need to ask. 'Some people feel awkward asking for an upgrade, which I understand, but think of it as giving the hotel an opportunity to show how great their customer service can be,' Chelsea explains. More Trending She says it helps to say why you're excited to stay, and to be as kind and as complimentary as possible. Always make it clear you don't expect anything, too. 'Finding the name of the hotel guest manager often helps, and I'd recommend sending your email around three or four days before arrival for a short break, or a week before if you're staying for longer,' Chelsea recommends. While it varies from place to place, if you email too far in advance, the hotel may still be waiting to see if they can sell the best rooms. Request too close, and the rooms may have already been allocated. Read Chelsea's guide plus her tried-and-tested email template here. MORE: Delays from radar blackout 'could affect flights for days' after 120 flights cancelled MORE: London airspace closure: Your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled MORE: Wizz Air launches 5 new Spanish routes from the UK – but not everyone is happy
Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
NYC subway fares are set to hit $3 in 2026—here's what that means for you
It's happening, folks. The $3 subway swipe is (almost) here. MTA officials announced this week that starting Jan. 4, 2026, the base fare for New York City subways and buses will rise from $2.90 to an even $3. That's the latest in the MTA's clockwork 4% fare increases, which roll out every two years like a grim little holiday. But that's not the only change coming to your commute. As the MTA phases out MetroCards entirely—they'll stop selling them in January and stop accepting them sometime later in 2026—it's also scrapping the 30-day unlimited option that's long been a lifesaver for daily riders. Instead, OMNY's seven-day fare cap will take center stage: Once riders hit $36 in subway and bus fares in a week using the same phone or card, rides are free for the rest of that seven-day period. (The cap's currently $34.) Express bus regulars, you're getting your own OMNY version of the weekly unlimited pass, triggered after you spend $67 in a week. For car commuters, there's more pain at the pump—er, toll. E-ZPass users will see increases across major crossings: 52 cents more for the RFK, Verrazzano and others; 24 cents more for the Henry Hudson Bridge; and 20 cents more for the Cross Bay and Marine Parkway bridges. Train riders won't be spared either: Metro-North and LIRR fares are jumping 4.4% and round-trip tickets are being swapped for day passes that expire four hours after activation. And for those still clinging to the past, the OMNY card will now cost $2 instead of $1, because apparently even plastic nostalgia isn't free anymore. The MTA says these hikes are necessary to offset inflation and keep up with pension and healthcare obligations. But riders' advocates aren't sold. Danny Pearlstein of the Riders Alliance is urging the city to make Fair Fares more accessible for low-income New Yorkers through automatic enrollment and expanded eligibility. As MTA Chair Janno Lieber put it: 'We're not part of the affordability problem—we're part of the affordability solutions.'
