Need suggestions and don't have a lot of time for research

[journey4justice]

I need a bag to carry on our trip overseas. I want something with a really long adjustable strap - kind of like a messenger style- that I can carry on my shoulder, across my body, to the opposite hip.

I tried the Skip Hop yesterday and while I liked the width of it, the length (from the top of the bag to the bottom) was way too long for me because I'm very short waisted. It felt like it was uncomfortable to walk with it and it felt big and bulky. So I guess I want something wider and shorter.

I wnat something that is a neutral color. I looked at the olive and mushroom skip hops and I wished there was something in between. The mushroom was just too light.

I will be carrying around a couple diapers, a refillable wipes pack, a change of clothes (long pants, long sleeve shirt and socks for a toddler), a few small toys, a few small snacks, my wallet (was a wallet on a string - with a checkbook and everything), and passports.

I'm trying to decide if I should get a really small bag to wear across my body for my wallet and passports. And then a bigger bag for all the other stuff that I can hang on the stroller.

As for the bigger bag, I don't need sippy cup holders, but wouldn't mind a portable changing pad inside (one that comes out the whole way, not one of the tiny ones that stays attached to the bag).

Can anyone make any suggestions based on the above? I also need for it to be here before Nov 20, which is when we leave.

[egoldber]

I think that a Timbuk2 bag would do what you want. I used one in Europe a couple months ago and it was terrific. I have the small size (PeeWee?) and it was plenty big enough to hold what you list.

Local outdoor gear stores and bike stores sometimes carry them, but it you order on-line, you can get other accessories that I think are helpful (like the optional interior divider).

If you order a custom bag, you can make it as wild or as neutral as you like. They usually ship out within 48 hours.

Here's the link:

www.timbuk2.com

[MamaKath]

The ones that come to mind are the Timbuk2 (or a knock-off like Old Navy had not so long ago) or if you can find an Ameribag Tote Messenger bag (eBags is sold out, it is super organized though and great for travels like you are planning). Ebags also has a few under their own name that might work- http://www.ebags.com/ebags/slings_and_messengers/category_search/index.cfm?N=20012584 but this one seems especially versatile- http://a1472.g.akamaitech.net/f/1472/124/4h/images.ebags.com/images/Products/20340_sq85.jpg Sierra Trading Post has some great bags from Timbuk2 on clearance-
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.82490/dept_id./est.messenger%20bagt/qx/product.htm
They also have a bunch of Ameribags which are great for traveling- http://www.sierratradingpost.com/EUI/controller.asp?N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=ameribag&Nty=1&D=ameribag&Ntx=mode+matchallany&track=true&sid=418EB7003A72617F The Eagle Creeks on there are nice, but I can't tell how they'd be http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.82065/dept_id./est.Eagle%20Creek/qx/product.htm This seems very similar to the Ameribag tote also http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.80183/dept_id./est.victorinox/qx/product.htm

Anyway, that should give you a start in what might work. Your welcome to travel down here and try a bunch out of my "stash" to see what is comfortable. ;-) GL finding what you need!