Lucian and Gabriels Mommy
07-10-2004, 11:18 PM
I've been wanting to try a Chester bag and I got a great deal, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I think I'm going to really like it - very cute bag. I love the pattern, although it will probably be retired for winter months. It has the laminate coating.
So, here is the lowdown. I have only packed it up and worn it inside, so I may feel differently once it gets "real" use.
Let me say that this bag does not have every feature that you could ever want in a bag (no, the search is not over). But, it has many features that make it a great addition.
First, it is so light!! This is really the best feature. When I first opened the package I almost felt like there was nothing to it. But, I am used to the Marsupial and Mothership. Once I packed it I quickly figured out how great it is that it is so light. It can hold much more than it would appear. I would say it holds more than the alpha 7, but it actally looks smaller. Kinda strange. This bag also seemed so light and comfortable on my back. If you are a backpack girl, I really think that you will like this bag. It does not feel bulky at all. It looks and fits like a backpack should - not like a diaper bag trying to be a backpack (such as Alpha 7). Oh, it also stands up on its own and retains it's shape well.
The front pocket holds much more than it would appear. I would say you could probably fit 6 or more diapers and a wipes case- just to give you an idea of size.
The interior is black, but that really didn't bother me. However, I do have to stack things more than my other bags, which means more digging.
There are 2 elasticized bottle pockets (not insulated) and one interior zip pocket. This is my biggest area of difficulty. I like to have my wallet, cell and keys handy and I'm not sure where to put them. For the pics I did put them all in the little inside zipper pocket. I would prefer to put in the outside pocket, but the pocket is so large on the front that alot of space is wasted.
I must say, once I wore this around for awhile I was really glad I got it. I am now even considering a Classic tote in a year-round type pattern.
Here are the pics. I put everything I usually carry in the bag, although I forgot to put in my Watermelon Clutch. There is more than enough foom for everything. Here is what I had inside:
Outer pocket:
4 diapers
wipes case
hand sanitizer
small inner pocket:
wallet
cell phone
keys
Big inner pocket:
change of clothing (shorts and shirt)
4 toys
2 snack containers
2 Playtex Sippy cups
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_001.jpg
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_004.jpg
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_005.jpg
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_002.jpg">
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_003.jpg">
Sorry so long -HTH!
So, here is the lowdown. I have only packed it up and worn it inside, so I may feel differently once it gets "real" use.
Let me say that this bag does not have every feature that you could ever want in a bag (no, the search is not over). But, it has many features that make it a great addition.
First, it is so light!! This is really the best feature. When I first opened the package I almost felt like there was nothing to it. But, I am used to the Marsupial and Mothership. Once I packed it I quickly figured out how great it is that it is so light. It can hold much more than it would appear. I would say it holds more than the alpha 7, but it actally looks smaller. Kinda strange. This bag also seemed so light and comfortable on my back. If you are a backpack girl, I really think that you will like this bag. It does not feel bulky at all. It looks and fits like a backpack should - not like a diaper bag trying to be a backpack (such as Alpha 7). Oh, it also stands up on its own and retains it's shape well.
The front pocket holds much more than it would appear. I would say you could probably fit 6 or more diapers and a wipes case- just to give you an idea of size.
The interior is black, but that really didn't bother me. However, I do have to stack things more than my other bags, which means more digging.
There are 2 elasticized bottle pockets (not insulated) and one interior zip pocket. This is my biggest area of difficulty. I like to have my wallet, cell and keys handy and I'm not sure where to put them. For the pics I did put them all in the little inside zipper pocket. I would prefer to put in the outside pocket, but the pocket is so large on the front that alot of space is wasted.
I must say, once I wore this around for awhile I was really glad I got it. I am now even considering a Classic tote in a year-round type pattern.
Here are the pics. I put everything I usually carry in the bag, although I forgot to put in my Watermelon Clutch. There is more than enough foom for everything. Here is what I had inside:
Outer pocket:
4 diapers
wipes case
hand sanitizer
small inner pocket:
wallet
cell phone
keys
Big inner pocket:
change of clothing (shorts and shirt)
4 toys
2 snack containers
2 Playtex Sippy cups
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_001.jpg
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_004.jpg
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_005.jpg
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_002.jpg">
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v122/mushymush72/chester_backpack_003.jpg">
Sorry so long -HTH!