Okay at wits end here!!! Looking for a backpack with1 feature...

[MamaKath]

The straps must detach so it can be attached to the stroller or shopping cart, etc. I have found tons of backpack that I like everything else about, but that seems to be the deal breaker. :-( Please HELP me!!! I can not deal with the bag crisis going on in my life, lol! Max price $100 (that is pushing what I want to spend, but I am willing if it is the "perfect" bag).

Thank you!
PS- If it is a bag you have, can you review it and post pics as well. I can't find this feature on anything local and will have to order online. Please please help!

[momathome]

Hey, Kath! I know I had mentioned this to you before and I am not sure if you checked it out but my Eddie Bauer Diaper Bag backpack has straps that detach at the bottom so you can hook them around handlebars - I have done this one my Aria with this bag. I payed $35 for it on sale on eddiebauer.com back in the spring - I don't know if all of their backpacks come with this feature so you may want to check before you order. I can take pics later if you want but it is really just an ordinary looking EB backpack. It has great features - full changing pad, dirty duds bag, key clip, lots of good compartments, and it is very comfy to carry without being too bulky. I have used it as a carry-on when I was travelling with Kasey and it worked out great. If you have any other questions, just let me know!

ETA: Just checked their website and if you click on gear, then baby gear, the diaper bag page shows 9 choices - mine is the first backpack in the second row in the natural color. HTH!!!

[stillplayswithbarbies]

The Kelty Kids diaper backpack has detachable straps. If you have a Right Start store near you, they are on clearance for $29.99 and then 20% off of that.

...Karen
DS Jake Feb 91, DD Logan Mar 03
http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/superpower.gif http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/borntobebreastfed2.gif

[MamaKath]

Thank you Lauren! I remember you recommending it, and I kept thinking it was too big. Now with having one on the verge of toileting, etc I am realizing that needing to bring food, multiple changes of clothes, toys to entertain a toddler and more needs a BIG bag. It actually looks very similar to the Eagle Creek which I ruled out for similar reasons, lol. I may have to go dig for some coupon codes!!!

[MamaKath]

Thank you Karen! I might have to trek to Right Start in the next day or two. That is an awesome price! Do they have them online too or just in store? And do I need an actual coupon for the additional 20%? If so where can I find one?

Thanks to both of you, I can't help chuckling as I am relooking at the ones I ruled out last year. ;-) :-)

[momathome]

It actually is not that big - I was really happy with size. For a backpack, it is remarkably unbulky. Good luck on your search!

[stillplayswithbarbies]

I don't see them online. There is no coupon needed, there is a sign in the store that says 20% off all clearance.

by the way, they also have the Baby Sherpa for really cheap on clearance too. The straps don't detach, so it won't work for you, but I thought others might be interested.

Have you thought about adding hooks so you can attach a backpack to your stroller without detaching the straps? We love the Stroll'r Swivl'r hooks.

...Karen
DS Jake Feb 91, DD Logan Mar 03
http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/superpower.gif http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/borntobebreastfed2.gif

[robmab719]

Two suggestions:

Kecci - straps detach at the bottom (clip hook), around $59 unless you can find one at Nordstrom Rack or on the babybags swap.

Loom Bandicoot - straps detach at the bottom (snaps), around $100 unless you can wait for the co-op in a few months.

[quikeye]

Hi, my eagle creek parents survival 2.0 backpack has straps that detatch & then attach to the stroller handle. It's not sexy like some diaper bags, but it's more my style as far as bags go (I never even carried a purse before ds was born!).

I love it but it's a little big for me to use for quick jaunts/walks (which is my usual use for a bag) and makes me feel like a packhorse when I'm wearing ds in a sling/abc, but DH LOVES it since it doesn't look like a dipe bag & it's an eagle creek so it's really well constructed & thought out as a backpack (padded & shaped shoulder straps, etc.) We'll defintely get use of it once we're out of the dipe bag stage, and I'm positive it'll still look good as well (looks new after 8 months & counting). If I think about it, I should use it more on the stroller... but we aren't using the stroller as much anymore.

Here's a link to a sale campmore has on the bag, $30 (everywhere else has it for $70)--
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39162254&memberId=12500226

Here's my rundown of all of the pockets (a lot!):
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=63&topic_id=6121&mesg_id=6135&page=

And some pics of the pack attached to the stroller (sorry I couldn't find better ones but you kinda get the idea)...

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/14285.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/14286.jpg


Good luck!

[ckleist]

Here's pics of the back of the Eagle Creek 2.0 showing the detachable clips. I had posted this plus a couple of Ameribags on babybags for sale, but haven't had any takers. The Eagle Creek is NWOT, my husband ordered it from Sierra thinking I would like it, but is just wasn't my style. But the detachable clips would be very handy to hang of strollers or shopping carts.

I've got more interior/exterior pics if anyone is interested

HTH

[MamaKath]

have pics of the interior? Main pockets, organizer, etc. This is the route I am thinking of going, one of these three. I like what I have seen (who puts these pics on their store sites, I need to go talk to them! No details!!!) and heard of them. They look rugged enough to withstand life in this rural area and to be dragged to parks, etc without falling apart. I can get the Kelty on clearance, but the gas money to drive there (and I guess the fact that it would take all day ;-)) makes me wonder if it is worth it, lol.

Also have you ever had to wash your bag? How did it go? Any other info?

Thank you guys, I am almost positive which I like, but feel like I need to see the inside to be sure. Then I can purchase a little more comfortably. :-)

[ckleist]

I tried e-mailing you the pics by going to your website using the contact link, but I got a delivery failure. I've got 9 pics of the bag, inside and out, that I thought would be too many to post here. If you're interested in seeing the pics, e-mail me and I'll send them to you. It could be that I tried sending too many pics in one e-mail. Do you have dial up?

[twizzli]

2 suggestions:
Baby Trend Activpak straps detach at bottom (from BRU) we have it and I really like it
eBags Urban Explorer 3-way Convertible (just found this and am thinking about for me until #2 comes along in Feb) with this you could probably jsut use the messenger strap to hang on the stroller w/o unsnapping the backpack straps.
http://www.ebags.com/ebags/urban_explorer_3_way_convertible/product_detail/index.cfm?ModelID=20340

[MamaKath]

CYE! :-)

[MamaKath]

The Babytrend is no longer made with the detching straps. :-( My cousin has one, and also suggested it. I was disappointed when I saw the redesign. Mostly the same, but the quality did not seem quite as good and the hooks were gone.

I was checking out the Ebags one as well. I had 2 concerns with it though. First was the drawstring top closure. Seemed to be too clumsy to me. The second was the cluttered appearance of everything on the outside. Seems handy to have things so accessible, just didn't like the look I don't think. Though checking the pictures again it might be very well organized. I wonder how well the nylon will hold up compared to some of the more rugged packs? I might need to add this one onto my list. Hmmmmmm....

Thank you for the suggestions. I am so frustrated right now with this, though I guess it is better than obsessing over other stuff, lol.

[twizzli]

too bad about the activpak, but too make you feel better we usually just sling it over the umbrella handles and then it slips all the way down. I hadn't even thought of linking the straps, but I think it might still slip.
As for the ebags one, it looks to me like there are 2 ways to close the top, a zipper and the drawstring, you are right that it looks cluttered, I was thinking of getting the black to tone it down a little. with this one since it has loops at the sides, I was just thinking of using carabiners (we have a P3) to attach it to the stroller instead of the straps, don't know if that would work with all strollers though
Definitely more fun to obsess over this than the more "important" things though!

[MamaKath]

I am so off on what I need, even I am chuckling...I am in love with the Eagle Creek bag! It has everything I need to carry everything I need. It has all the features I am looking for. It is a good price, and has decent color options. You guys have been awesome with details, with pictures, everything, but...

Today, just to make sure that I want a backpack that can carry all this stuff I am thinking I need, I load a similarly sized school type back pack up with everything! I am talking diapers, clothes, snacks, toys, books, my stuff, and probably a little more. We had a trip to the dr so I figured, perfect we can test this out!!!

I leave the house at 4 and I am back by 5:30. I carried the diaper bag from the house to the car, the car to the office waiting room, the office waiting room to the exam room, the exam room to the car, and the car back into the house. I think I am about to die!!! I can not wait to get in the tub and soak, I actually took something for the pain even a short bit ago.

I now realize that I am CRAZY to want to bring all this with me!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even if the bag does strap to a stroller!!!!!!!!! Reality is I need to scale back. Maybe force the kids to carry little backpacks themselves instead of acting as their personal pack mule. For heavens sakes a suitcase is sounding good even!!!!

Maybe this is the appeal of the Evenflo HUGE basket? You can carry everything without ending up a hunchback by the end of one outing? Maybe I actually need a new stroller???

What will the fixation be next???

[jubilee]

LOL on needing a new stroller instead!! I was wondering when this thread would turn to that! :)

[lmariana]

Honey, you are too funny!

Even if you do scale back, I'd recommend going with a backpack that is very, very comfortable over one that can attach to a stroller. I'm about ready to send you all of my backpacks to test out!

The most comfortable ones I own, hands down, are the Baby Sherpa and Shorthaul Sherpa backpacks. They are both very light, great padding, and have chest/waist straps to help distribute the weight of heavy loads. The Baby Sherpa is BIG, the Shorthaul Sherpa is not so big, but I still think it would fit just about everything you wanted. The Shorthaul Sherpa fits in all of my stroller's baskets, and the Baby Sherpa fits in some. I love these tow bags.

I've tried out the Alpha 7 and Kecci's backpack style, and between those two, the Kecci is more comfortable, but still not super. Skip the Alpha 7, you want something with a more secure closure. I have a Bandicoot now and LOVE it, but it's probably too small for your needs.

Oooh! I know! A Timi and Leslie backpack would be perfect! It's very spacious, has nicely padded straps, and even has a cool "quick access" zipper. Not to mention, you can get it in a ton of cute fabrics.

So, say the word and I'll start snapping photos of some of these on my strollers. :) We'll get your diaper bag crisis solved yet!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003
Join the Babybags Swap group! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/babybags/join

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png[/img] ([img)

[MamaKath]

LOL! Too funny you mention these. I have never liked the Baby Sherpa much. When I packed things up yesterday, I noticed that like with most backpacks things kind of fell to the bottom, so all the weight was in one spot. My back STILL hurts!!! A friend of mine mentioned the only bag she could think of that would redistribute things better was the Sherpa. Tell me more of why they are so comfy and I might need to travel to RightStart to see one. ;-)

PS- The Bertini M5 might handle the rougher terrain and still be steerable. Something to think about anyway. ;-) Other than that a fixed wheel would work better. My Kiwi (older model, bigger wheels) works great on rougher terrain however I always lock the front wheel when we hike. HTH you in you search as well. :-)

[lmariana]

I'm not sure what it is about the Sherpa, but it really is comfy. I think it's designed more like a real hiker's pack and not as a backpack, so the weight is really well-distributed. It also has two large compartments (one main section and one built-in cooler), so you can divide your load into two parts.

The Sherpa is a serious backpack and will carry it all! I also love the detachable bottle/sippy holders. I can attach them to my stroller too. :) I hope you can check one out in person!

Here's a pic of the Baby Sherpa (big, black) and Shorthaul Sherpa (smaller, blue) side by side.
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/14499.jpg

I thought about the M5, especially since you can usually find a killer deal on Ebay. So, we'll see! I may just tough it out with the Kiwi. I wish you could order larger tires for it, an extra 2" would make such a difference!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003
Join the Babybags Swap group! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/babybags/join

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png[/img] ([img)

[stillplayswithbarbies]

Baby Sherpa is so cheap at Right Start now! They have it on clearance plus another 20% off all clearance, so it is like $30 or so.

I have a love/hate relationship with the Sherpa. It is comfy to carry, but it's just too small inside. I can't really get much in it and that pouch for a video camera is just annoying. And I abhor their business practices. (the owner used to post here pretending to be a parent who loves the Sherpa and not telling us she was the owner.)

I really only use it on airplane trips.

I never thought of detaching the bottle holder and using it on the stroller! that's a great idea.

...Karen
DS Jake Feb 91, DD Logan Mar 03
http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/superpower.gif http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/borntobebreastfed2.gif

[MamaKath]

I tried Right Start. They were out of it. I think I am going to try making another backpack work for now or split into multiple bags. I don't know.

I do hear you on the business practice thing. You and I both called into question a poster a few months ago who only posted re: the Baby Sherpa, and never posted about real life experience, or how she packed it, etc. After my last post on this thread I recieved a PM from her recommending it. Again no real life experience, etc. I think at that point it could have been the greatest bag ever and I am not sure I would have wanted it.

I found a great framed backpack that had multiple compartments and was super comfortable, but think I need to figure out just cutting back on what I bring for the kids, and maybe start making them carry their own backpacks again on outings. We'll see.

Thank you guys for your multiple suggestions!

[twizzli]

FWIW I did end up ordering this bag, for me to carry to work and grad school, but if you are still interested I could pack it up like a diaper bag and take some pics....

http://www.ebags.com/ebags/urban_explorer_3_way_convertible/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=20340

[hellokitty]

Hi Kath!

I don't know if you ended up getting a bag or not, but check out my review of the LL Bean microfiber bag (I posted pics too). It has three different carries, a messenger strap, a suitcase carry and backpack carry, in which the backpack straps can unhook and be tucked away. I've used it for several days and really like it (lots of pockets too).

[lmariana]

Kath- I'll send you my Baby Sherpa, if you want to try it out! Seriously!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003
Join the Babybags Swap group! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/babybags/join

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png[/img] ([img)