Matchmaker, Matchmaker make me a match, find me a find, catch me a catch...m

[MamaKath]

Okay Matchmakers, work some magic….

I need a new bag! I have many that are working well, but just not quite right for my current life. The ones I like best currently are the Skip*Hop, the Ameribag Tote, and the LE Small Canvas Tote (wish it were a teeny bit bigger, but it works pretty well for me). Here is what I am looking for…

Features I would like-
*Outside cell phone pocket (ala SkipHop)
*Outside water bottle pocket (ala Skip Hop)
*Messenger style, single strap that can also work over the shoulder (ala SkipHop and Ameribag)
*Easily adjusting strap (ala Ameribag)
*Easily stuffable yet still appearing smallish (ala LE Tote)
*Stands easily on its own (ala LE Tote)
*Easily able to keep my stuff separate from theirs (ala LE Tote)
*Lightweight
*Light color interior (ala LE Tote and Ameribag)
*A little more purse like in appearance (like the LE Tote) and not quite as sporty looking (as the Ameribag)
*would like to see this one go through preschool hood and accommodate me as I start teaching a bit again in the evenings by letting me fit a file folder or two in. (ala SkipHop or Ameribag)
*key clip (ala LE Tote and Ameribag)

My minimum amount of stuff- :-)
*1-2 Diapers and a small pack of wipes
*Purell
*a few small toys (cars or the like), 4 crayons, and a small assignment pad; usually in a cosmetics bag
*2 + granola bars or peanut butter cracker packs
*1+ Propel bottles
*My small planner (takes up one of the front SkipHop pockets very snugly)
*cell phone
*wristlet
*keys
*couple pens

Budget is $50 or under, would splurge slightly higher for the PERFECT bag. So far I have thought about the LE Medium tote (but really wish I could separate my stuff from theirs) and the LE Little Tripper (honestly afraid it is too small, and the parent pocket is not going to work for me). What do you ladies suggest? TIA~

[pittsburghgirl]

Did you look at the review of the LL Bean bag? I haven't seen one IRL yet but it seems like it might fit some of your needs, at least... bigger than the LT with a good parent pocket. Just a thought.

Marilee
mommy to James
http://lilypie.com/baby1/050120/1/0/1/-5/.png

[lmariana]

Have you considered a Timi and Leslie NYLON Large Bebe Bag? It may be a little larger than what you want, but it has two ext bottle pockets, a rear sipper pocket, lots of interior organization, plus a light, vinyl coating interior. There are tons on sale now, since T&L discontinued them.

I thought of this bag because of all the bottle holders, easy adjust strap, and cute appearance. It's also really easy to maintain...just wipes clean inside and out.

My second thought was a Small Timbuk2 Messenger. I love the way their straps adjust, but there's no outside bottle pocket.

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)

[MamaKath]

I keep thinking of that one. I have two concerns tough; too big and color choices. I wish it came in something a little fun. That blue does not grab me. :-( Though the lime interior on the black is pretty fun imo. Maybe I will have to make the couple hour trek to check it out afterall.

[MamaKath]

I do LOVE that blue! The price might hurt though, lol. Dh does still owe me a Christmas gift. I think I need to check out the BabyBags list if I decide on that one. Is the plastic interior pretty sturdy? Also what is the strap made of? I kept thinking the strap was like the Loom Marsupial somehow. I need to decide how much the outside organizational pockets would hold for me though.

The T2s are also on my list. :-) Probably a bit sporty, but the color choices would make it worth it.

PS- I keep meaning to thank you for pointing me toward the Baby Sherpa. I ended up getting it, and it is perfect for our long outings, especially with my older kiddo's allergies. It is super comfy too. You certainly know your bags well!!! Thank you.

[tiikeri2]

Hmmm...I'm sure it is out of the realm of possibility, but the Haiku bag meets pretty near all your requirements. It might be a tad wide is all. The price shoots it out of contention I'm sure (can you tell I couldn't bring myself to look at price? LOL!).

http://www.haikubags.com/

And here's a good comparison chart of bags:

http://www.brownson5th.com/babybrowns/compare.html

Otherwise I would second the T&L. I love the nylon one I just got! The pockets really work to keep stuff separated, and I think it will work beyond baby/toddler/preschooler hood.

Just the thoughts of a diaper bag novice! :)

Kay

[writeleigh]

These are probably not colorful enough for you, but just some ideas to throw into the brainstorming session :D

Here's one from one step ahead
http://www.onestepahead.com/images//product/family/9083_v.jpg

link to description:
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/27211/123757/117.html

ebags urban explorer:
http://a1480.g.akamaitech.net/f/1480/124/4h/images.ebags.com/images/Products/20340_sq250.jpg

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

BTW- thanks for the help with the stroller questions I had :)

[twofallbabies]

Kath, I think that the Little Tripper isn't going to be what you need, there's no way you could fit any folders or notebook-sized things in there.

How about a Kecci?


Jessica, sewing, strollering, candle-loving mama in MD to
Dillon 9/98 & Lucas 10/02

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif
27+ months

[twofallbabies]

Kath, I saw the LL Bean on Monday, and think you'd have PLENTY of room in it. I really liked the way the pockets are set up. My only wish was that it have an exterior pocket made for a cell phone. The only place I could fit mine right was the small zipper pocket on the front flap, and I think it'd get knocked around too much in there.

The black's great with the lime inside, but I wish, like the Kecci's, that it had some of the piping on the outside in lime. The blue is a really nice color as well, and it matches my winter coat, too, LOL!

It's really big, I'd say it's a small step down from the MS size-wise. If you come up here to see it, let me know, I'll try to meet you!


Jessica, sewing, strollering, candle-loving mama in MD to
Dillon 9/98 & Lucas 10/02

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif
27+ months

[MamaKath]

Thank you so much for all the input!!! I appreciate the time and thought put into the responses. I LOVE many of the bags posted, though budget will restrict me from some. I have been trying to pull some other bags out of hiding to try as well this week to see what works and what really doesn't. My current thought is in 2 directions, any additional thoughts are greatly also appreciated :-)...

Diaper bag- the LL Bean black diaper bag (or possibly the Large Traveler in navy, same bag minus the changing pad :-)). It is big enough, light enough, flexible enough, and is going to work for nights when I teach (the blue camo skiphop is getting some looks, lol), and long past the baby days. The reviews are sounding good, so I may just need to bite on it.

Something more metropolitan purse-like that is easy to use, but allows me to have hands free for another tote bag for books and additional "stuff". It isn't a true purse, but I think would work well as one, and will work for diapers and stuff too now. I had something similar for years and it was perfect, especially when I commuted into the city a lot. I also think it will work if I need to attach it to the stroller which is awesome too. :-) And if I choose well, it will match an existing tote or messenger I have already so I can use that for the other stuff. ;-) I am thinking of this...
http://www.babystyle.com/images/product/16376_MID_l.jpg

[Nina31]

It's funny that you mentioned using your Skip Hop for work, because I use mine for work too! It's tall enough for books and papers. I have the charcoal one, so its pretty boring though. But it looks like a regular messenger bag, so I blend right in with the university students!

I broke down and ordered the LLBean bag, and I should be getting it tomorrow. I figured I can always return it if I don't like it. While I love my Skip Hop, now that DD is on solids, I carry more food stuff now and its getting harder to dig stuff out of the bag. I'm hoping that with the LLBean bag it'll be easier to access stuff.
We'll see!

[twofallbabies]

Kath, it's so funny that you showed that one above, b/c I just came across it today in my search for something else online. I thought it was so neat and funky, but just couldn't see myself using it. Le tme know what you think of it when/if you get it!

Jessica, sewing, strollering, candle-loving mama in MD to
Dillon 9/98 & Lucas 10/02

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif
27+ months

[writeleigh]

I saw this somewhere and am curious abou it, so if you do get it, it will be great to know your take on it. One thing I wonder, do you have to remove it to access the stuff that's on your back?