How the Heck....(Chester Backpack with pics)

[audball]

do they do it? I am totally in awe of my Chester Diaper Backpack. I got one thanks to Mariana (with 20% off with "DEC04" typed in the comments section when ordering - so $48, not bad!) and told myself that I needed a small nylon backpack that could be packed for daytrips while visiting my in-laws (we're driving to my folks, then flying to the in-laws). The trusty Timbuk2 is coming for the long haul, but I wanted a small pack-able bag, preferably one I could roll up into our luggage.

Man! This thing can hold the kitchen sink, and it still has room. Just for fun, I had my OiOi Messenger packed today. I wanted to see how much of the gear I had in that I could fit into the Chester. Imagine my surprise when all of it (save for the changing pad, which is pretty big) fit...and the backpack still looks small!

How do they do it?

The Chester folks were super nice and sent a little cosmetic bag as a free gift! Stuff came really quickly :)...



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[momathome]

Ohhh, why did you have to show me this!!! I have been trying to keep from ordering one but after seeing yours, I don't know that I can hold out. Glad to hear you like your bag!
ETA: How much was shipping?

[lmariana]

Isn't it amazing? It's so hard to explain to someone else, but those bags really can hold everything but still look and feel small! Love those Chester bags!!!

Mariana
Owner of HappyDayBaby
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003
www.heinzandmariana.com (personal site)

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

[audball]

I think standard shipping is around $7, but I paid $13 to get it to me quickly. Sadly, right after I posted these pics, I noticed a bit of piping on the right side of the bag is fraying :( ...I'm sending it back in the hopes they get it back to me before we leave on vacation!

Momathome, if you are interested in buying one, Mariana has one for $40 in the Bluebell style... ;)

[nd93]

Very nice! I wish I didn't already have a backpack bag, I'd consider this one!

[bluej]

I received my Animal Crackers backpack yesterday! It is so cute! And so not me, but for the price I figured I could have a fun bag for zoo and park trips! And yes, the changing pad is rather bulky. I think I'll put disposable pads in there instead. The cosmetic bag was a very nice bonus!

[khakismom]

I am cracking up at all of us grabbing the Chesters on sale!

Jen, you'll have to post pics of your backpack! I ended up getting the animal crackers pattern too in the tote size (the rounder-looking one with the pockets at the end) and I cannot get over how light it is. It holds so much but doesn't look as big as what it can carry! Like you Jen, the print isn't really me, but for the price, I figured why not have a super-fun-looking bag?! :)

[audball]

So I mentioned that I would have to send the Asian Brocade Print back because of a little flaw on the bottom of the left corner of the backpack (it is a little unraveled)...I sent an email and left a phone message this PM, figuring I would hear back tomorrow. I wanted the backpack for our upcoming trip and was pretty much resigned to having this issue taken care of when we got back. Bummed about not having a bag for the trip, but Oh Well.

Well, tonight at 6PM Tiffany herself called me and apologized for not getting back to me sooner. She was very concerned about the issue and wanted to do whatever would make me happy - even offering me one of the non-sale bags for the sale price! She said she wanted to make sure I had a bag for my holiday :)!! The only other Asian Brocade she had in the office looked like it would have a similar issue. After discussion, we found out that my bag was a little worse (and that the bag she had was probably fine). I love the print, so I will take the one she has in the office.

But get this: She is shipping it to me UPS 2nd Day, BEFORE she receives the bag I am sending back! She is taking care of all charges and was so apologetic. She also offered to send me more than one bag so I could choose what I wanted :)!

She mentioned that they are coming out with new bags. They are adding a phone pocket, an insulated pocket, and a few other nice things that we always want more of :)...AND they are looking at new price points (presumably lower) so EVERYONE can feel the love ;)..

What a cool company....

[priscilla73]

Wow! I'm impressed! Always love to hear great customer service stories. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Chester. In fact, after seeing your pics, I'm comtemplating ordering a back pack now. I really like the full price bags (go figure) but you really can't go wrong with the sale price! Thanks for posting your review!

[robmab719]

Thanks for the review. It's exactly what I needed to convince me to take the plunge. I ordered a Red Bloom Backpack this morning. I'm actually hoping to use it as a beach bag/pool bag this summer because it's such a fun summery print.

[bubbaray]

Sigh. I just ordered a Pink Bloom backpack.... DH is going to FREAK!!!!

But it was sooooo cute! :)

Melissa
Mom to Maya http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/binky.gif & Dog Mom to Bubba http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/dog.gif

http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/11089.birthday.png

[npace19147]

What website did you order them from? I tried doing a search on google but couldn't find a home page. Thanks!

[newmomto1]

I have not ordered one (yet, ha ha)...
but I *think* this is the website the others ordered from:
http://www.chesterhandbags.com
HTH :-)

[tina-t]

Thanks for the pics and reviews. I finally took the plunge and ordered a red gingham backpack. Can't wait to get it!

[npace19147]

thanks!

[masetane]

LUCKY YOU!!! My Alpha 7 is falling apart - the fabric is pulling away from the laminate. After getting no repsonses back from emailing customer service a few times - I finally got a hold of Catherine there via email (owner). She recommended a glue for me to try. I wasn't too happy with that solution after spending this much on the bag. Your lucky you got such great customer service!!! I'll have to consider them for my next purchase!
Caroline
http://fool.exler.ru/sm/ma.gif
Isabelle 10/1/00
Nicholas 2/27/03