Backpack question....

[Calmegja2]

Okay...if you carry a backpack style bag, what kind do you carry, and do you love it? Why? And does it come in black? ;-)


I'm sorta having a bag crisis. Or actually, Josh has just become a crazy wiggleworm, so I have no time to fuss with a bag.....;-)

[stillplayswithbarbies]

we have the Kelty Kids diaper backpack (and yes it comes in black). I like it because you can wear it like a backpack, use the shoulder strap, or carry it with handles. I almost always hang it from the stroller handle.

...Karen
Jacob Nathaniel Feb 91
Logan Elizabeth Mar 03

[Jen in Chicago]

We loved our Landsend one. It is discrete and roomy!

[mamamillie]

I recently purchased an I'm Still Me backpack/tote. I love it because it is comfortable as a backpack, easily converts to a tote, has great inside pockets, has a matching "mommy bag" that holds my stuff, and last but not least, it is beautiful. I was sick to death of my black microfiber diaper bag! I haven't seen plain black on the website but they do take custom orders.

hth,
Melissa


Brendan's Mom

[MamaKath]

These are my favorite traditional backpacks, they all hook to a stroller as well:

The Kapoochi Backpack for long outings, especially if you are really into having a place fo everything and everything in it's place, this comes in black and cream (or navy and cream)
http://www.kiwi-kid.com/Diaper_Bags.html

The backpack from my Kiwi Explorer is awesome, very comfy to carry; not a ton of pockets though mainly a big compartment that is divided and an outer pocker that has bottle loops in the front; very comfy to wear, not sure if it comes in black. The second one is their Bacpac X which is more of a traditional backpack style diaper bag, this comes in black. (kiwi-kid probably has these too)
https://secure2.siliconblue.com/philandteds.com/images/imagesbashop/bacpacex.jpg
https://secure2.siliconblue.com/philandteds.com/images/imagesbashop/bacpacx.jpg

My favorite non-traditional backpack is the Ameribag Baby Bag. It only goes on one shoulder but can be worn across your body as well. I looked into these recently, ended up recieving 2 (mom and dh were being very diligent that week, lol) and am using it all the time!
http://www.ameribag.com/products/images/babybagillus1.jpg

I'll also offer up the suggestion of a messenger bag. If I am not going to be gone all day, I find a messenger style bag to be very easy to deal with while chasing little guys, and very comfortable to wear across the body. The one I have is from LE, but I have seen non-diaper bag ones there and other places that I think would work just as well.

***Edit- added the corrct Kapoochi link, but the others look so funny with the pictures actually in the message, sorry!***
HTH~

[MamaKath]

Forgot I had just seen a gorgeous one that a friend got herself that would be a great smaller diaper backpack. The Vera Bradley Microfiber Ultimate Backpack. http://www.englishrose.com/ulba.html

http://store6.yimg.com/I/english-rose_1767_5905985

Hth~

[Chris]

Hi, I just saw this question. I just posted my "review" of the black GAP diaper backpack-maybe that will help.

[caleymama]

I've been in a diaper bag dilemma myself. I have a tote (a Herve Chapelier) that I like a lot but I feel like I can never find anything in it because it's just one big bag. Not to mention that the tote style isn't always the most convenient. Although I only have one DD it seems like I'm always lugging around a bunch of stuff - library books, things to be mailed, etc. I also felt like I was switching bags all the time depending on what we were going to be doing. I'd like to keep just one stocked that either DH or I could use - since I know I always want more room, I figured I might as well use a big bag. Anyway - I feel your pain! I spotted this and put it on my Christmas list - http://www.landsend.com/cd/ov/prod/0,1467,2_17273_17281_30912_93379_71826_,00.html?si d=4768084061727109150 It's not beautiful by any stretch of the imagination, but it looks functional and right now that's what's important. In addition, it's cheap and it comes in black!

[liya]

So funny i was looking at this one http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1943_47583_89158_67605_5:view=-1,00.html?sid=4768084061727109150 is it the smae as the one in overstock??

[MamaKath]

No, the one in overstock is a backpack meant for school stuff, so it doesn't have a changing pad or the extras like the dirty duds bag for the baby bags. It does look very practical though, and those extras could easily be added.

HTH

[caleymama]

The one in overstock that I linked to is not officially a diaper bag. I already have a separate changing pad, so for me a regular bag works fine. The one you're looking at also has a removable smaller bag, which would be nice. They do look similar, though. I wouldn't mind one of the LE diaper backpacks, but the extra features don't justify the extra cost for me at this point.

Edited to add: The overstock one does have a water bottle pocket on the side that probably could be used for sippies or bottles (hopefully!), and I like the idea of the three compartments because a lot of the stuff I carry doesn't get used every time we're out so it would be nice to have it stored separately and out of the way. I should also reiterate that I don't actually have this bag, so I'm just guessing and hoping that it will work well for me as a diaper bag.

[Melanie]

I've had the MacKenzie Kids and the Avent Backpacks...both in black. I liked the MacKenzie kids until I realized it's not great for shopping b/c the little purse part sticks out really far and you can knock stuff over. I used it for longer trips until I overfilled the bottom section for a plane trip and it started ripping. We used it for the trip back, and if I was handy I may have been able to fix it, but it's gone now.

I use the Avent most of the time and I like it a lot. It holds everything I need for the usual outings: Small emergency change of clothing (as in a non-bulky one, maybe a tee and wiggle pants), 2-3 cloth diapers, a couple of toys, small tupperware of dry snacks, small cosmetic case of mama items (although it has many pockets inside which are useful for this, too, I just started switching between this and a shoulder bag a lot so it was easier to use the case, it does make it more snug, though). Tall Sippy Cup in the side. Wallet, Cell Phone & Keys in the outside. In the bottom pocket: wipe case, powder, wetbag & changing pad (Not the one that came with it). The draw backs are that your changing items are in the bottom so you can't just hang it on a restroom door/stroller and leave it open for changing. You have to take everything out ahead of time and put it back after. It's a tight fit, but it works for us. I can also squeeze a hat OR mittens OR small camera inside.

[cdlamis]

I have the motherhood maternity backpack and love it. I was surpised to find it at MM after looking everywhere for a good backpack but it is now my favorite diaper bag.

It does come in black and is $17!
http://tinyurl.com/2hud2

Daniella
Mom to Julia 6-13-02
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b32dc745c42b