REVIEW: Chester Classic Diaper Bag and Diaper Backpack

[lmariana]

I finally received my Chester bags last week! I got the Classic Diaper Bag in Bluebell Floral and the Pink Stripe Backpack, both from the Sale page. I think they're normally like $120 or so, but are on sale for $60. Both bags are very lightweight.

I think the Classic Diaper Bag may be my new, all-time favorite! It's the perfect size to carry just about everything, yet still manages to feel like a medium sized bag. The included changing pad and dirty bag are awesome, but I don't use the changing pad. There are two external pockets on the front of the bag, and the nylon straps fit really well on my shoulder. The exterior fabric is a very nice, high-quality laminated fabric, which makes the bag water/spill resistant. Inside there are 2 bottle pockets and one small zippered pocket. Not a whole lot of internal organization, but it still works for me. The interior is also black. This bag includes an attached matching cosmetic bag, very useful! The bag has a nice zipper top closure.

The diaper bag backpack is super cute! The outside is black canvas with adjustable, nylon shoulder straps and a small carry handle. There is one large external zippered pocket with some good depth to it, so you can actually fit stuff in there. Inside it's black nylon with two bottle pockets, one small zippered pocket, and the changing pad. I don't think there was a dirty bag included. Again, lots of space in a seemingly small area! Not much organization, but nothing got lost either.

Included with both bags, Chester sent me a couple free cosmetics bags! How fun! I love a good freebie. :) I always put all my smaller baby items in a cosmetic bag to keep them from getting lost in the bag. I have one for my stuff and one for the baby's. So in all of my diaper bags, I keep the staples like diapers, wipes, trash baggies, snacks, etc...and then just switch my cosmetic bags from bag to bag. :)

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

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[maddio]

Thanks for the pictures and the review...

I might have to get a Chester Classic Diaper bag now...I've been waiting for a review on this bag since I've tried all the other Chester bags except for this one. It might be exactly what I'm looking for...

I love the backpack - I use mine all the time.

Linda
Maddy's mom
05/24/03

[lmariana]

Yeah, I have had two other Chester diaper bags, and this is by far, my favorite! I will say one thing about Chester though, they have WONDERFUL customer service and their bags are very high-quality!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[khakismom]

Mariana, I noticed that you used to have the Diaper Tote in Ditsy Stripe and sold it (at least I think you sold it :)). Why? What is the big differences between this one and the diaper tote? Is it the zipper vs. magnetic closure? Or something else?

The reason I ask is that I had been eyeing the diaper tote in candy stripe, but it's not on sale. Only the classic totes are on sale, and for a 50% price differential, it just makes more sense. So what do you love more about this style than the diaper tote?

And you really like the backpack? Thanks!!! :)

[kelly ann]

Mariana-

How long did it take for these to ship to you? I remember you ordering these awhile ago, right? Great photos...it gives me a good idea of the size. I am just waiting for some of the full-priced ones to go one sale now.

[lmariana]

If I remember correctly, the tote had slightly shorter straps. It had two exterior bottle pockets and one large interior pocket. It also had the magnetic tab closure. The overall shape of both is very different, with the Classic bag have a more rectangular shape. The tote also seemed a lot larger than the classic.

I think I like the Classic Diaper bag better than the Tote because of it's size and shape. The zipper closure is awesome too, at least I prefer it. :) Oh, the classic bag also has the attached cosmetic bag, which is a nice perk.

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[lmariana]

Yeah, they did take a while. I placed the Order on May 15th. They were kind enough to send them Express mail though!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[Mom to Brandon and 2 cats]

That backpack looks exactly like what I've been searching for! I can't download Java to access the sale page - are there still backpack styles for sale? What are the dimensions? Thanks!

[lmariana]

Yes, they still have a few backpack styles on sale for $60 including the one I have:

http://www.chesterhandbags.com/ProductImages/158g.jpg

http://www.chesterhandbags.com/ProductImages/154g.jpg

http://www.chesterhandbags.com/ProductImages/153g.jpg

The dimenssions are 15" tall, 13" wide and 5" deep

:)

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[khakismom]

Thanks Mariana!! Great review--as always--and super cute bags! You may have just pushed me over the edge into buying one. :)

[tina-t]

Mariana, I love it when you post reviews of the diaper bags and pictures. It is so cute to see Gabriel "modeling" the cosmetic bag. The only problem is, after I read your reviews, I feel like buying that diaper bag. Aaargh! Dh will put me in a mental institution if I continue with this diaper bag obsession!

[urbanmama]

Mariana,

Why did your bags take so long to get to you? Was there a problem with your order or is that a typical wait? I ordered several bags last week and I am anxious to get them!

Marie

[lmariana]

I think these were just out of stock or backordered, but they never actually told that they were, I had to ask. It wouldn't hurt to drop them a line and see how it's going. :)

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[KarenLB]

Mariana-
Great review and photos! Where can I get one...or two?
:)
Thanks!
Karen

[lmariana]

Oh! www.chesterhandbags.com Sorry, I totally forgot to post that before!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[Mom to Brandon and 2 cats]

Thanks! I'm not one to like patterns, so I may (probably, most likely) am going to get the one like yours!

[blnony]

I'm glad you like the Classic diaper bag. It is my all time fav too. I haven't bought another bag since I started using it about a month ago. I love this bag. I really think its the one for me.
I got the red bloom and it really matches just about everything, my strollers included. I hardly read this forum anymore, just because I don't have a bag need anymore. :D (Scary, but true...)
I just can't get over how great it works if you only have a few things in it or pack it to the brim, it just still feels so light and easy.

I'll attach a pic of mine, just so I can get in on the fun.

Edited to add: When I ordered mine I received it in about 3 days and I also ordered from www.chesterhandbags.com; they're service is great.

[Truska]

Wow, thanks for the great review...I'm checking them out, and emailed to see if they ship to Canada!

[laurajaney]

Mariana,

If you have a chance, could you post pics of the inside of the backpack?

Thanks,
:-) Laura

[urbanmama]

Thanks, Mariana! I called and found out that my bags would be in by the end of the week and I'll get them next week. I'm so excited to receive them after your wonderful review!

Marie

[Andrea S]

That is the one I have been eyeing. Where do you put your sippy cup? Do the diapers fit in a pocket separate from the other stuff?

Andrea
mom to Andrew 8/14/02

[marnay]

Oh love the review! I just won a new one on ebay, in black gingham check, and I can't wait to get it!


Naydene

[KarenLB]

Thanks!!