So has anyone tried the Essentials Bag by JJ Cole yet?

[MamaKath]

I know we occassionally have some discussions about it, just wondering if anyone has actually bitten and bought it. How do you like it? What color did you get? Would you buy it again/recommend it to others? I am still stuck between this and the LL Bean bag, though I have a feeling they will both head my way for me to decide IRL but not for a few more weeks. So until then, lol, any new info or experience?

http://www.babystyle.com/images/product/16376_MID_l.jpg
http://store.babycenter.com/catalog/hugeImage.jhtml?img=/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/44033_206065_hg.jpg

[JennsBabySky]

I have one that I really like. I'm not a heavy packer, so I actually have extra room when it is packed up. We frequent Disneyland, so I am using it as my Disney bag. I hated having my old bag flop around while I'm struggling with my one year old. Since we are at Disney with a stroller, I keep a pannier bag filled with extra goodies. In the bag, I have a couple diapers, a wipe case, hand sanitizer, an Avent bottle, apple juice, cheerios or crackers (or both), a couple toys, keys, cell phone, chapstick, money/credit cards. I could squeeze more in here, but it is all I need. I've also used it a few times for errands. I've unhooked the bottle holder because I don't really need it, but I have used it independently of the bag.

My only two complaints are:
Useless top key/pacifer pocket. My little one doesn't use a pacifer and I put my keys in the lower zippered compartment (that they say is for wallet/checkbook). I find this pocket a little annoying since it puffs out and is kind of close to the face. Not a big deal, but I thought I'd mention it.

Kind of a tight fit for my overstuffed wallet in the back pocket. I just ordered a Fleurville wrist bag for this, but I haven't received it yet.

Oh, and I wish they made the small zippered compartment (for coins/chapstick) up front a tiny bit larger. I'd love to keep my ID/credit card in here but it is a tiny bit too small. Maybe on their next version!

Let me know if you have any specific questions, I'll try to answer them.

Oh, and color, I don't remember what it is called but it is the light blue/gray combination. Very pretty.

Jennifer

[MamaKath]

Thanks for your reply Jennifer! I read it before going away this past weekend and it kept me thinking the JJCole was worth a look if I could find it. I went to BuyBuyBaby in Totowa and they had it in stock in all four colors!!! I was able to take a look, check it out well, and try it on (as a large mom this is VERY important ;-)).

My concerns were the fit, the bottle holder and how it attached, the colors, and just the overall "will it work?"
*The Fit- The fit was not a problem. I am not sure it would work for me over a coat, but was fine without one.
*The Bottle Holder-The bottle holder will work perfectly for my water or Propel bottles. It attaches with a strap that goes through two loops and velcros at the bottom. It looked like it was just kind of stuck there by velcro in the pics, and might not be sturdy or stay put; it will, it also will easily attach to a stroller handle to hold your cup there.
*Colors- The black and charcoal is very dark. Personally I can't think of why they wouldn't just do solid black, but the colors worked together. The charcoal, blue and yellow is pretty. It was a nice combo, the placement of the colors though did not work well for my taste for whatever reason, lol. The sky, charcoal and white was very nice, pretty, cool colors. For a girl who doesn't usually do the black bag, this originally was my first choice. Then I saw it, the "khaki and cream". It looked almost rust-red colored online. I was so turned off to even see it. Then I did! It is the most gorgeous combination of raspberry sorbet, strawberry ice-cream, and vanilla cookies!!!!! The colors work so well it is supreme. :-)
*The over-all "will it work"- It will work for me. It won't hold a ton. It isn't going to fit my planner, but it will work for my wallet, camera, a diaper and wipes, a chapstick, cell phone, a drink for me and some snacks for them. Even my mom was impressed.

Your complaint Jennifer are mine as well. :-) The little pocket is lousy. If I had a younger baby who actually used a paci it might be useful. I will probably put cash in it. The zippered compartment should be slightly larger to hold a drivers id and a credit card where they can be kept safe and easily accessible. I don't have a huge wallet though I may switch back to a wristlet at some point. The wallet will fit in the "checkbook" pocket along with my camera. If I stuffed it, it might be a problem.

All in all, I was very impressed. I came home and ordered it from Jen of www.expressivetoys.com webstore. As usually I recieved stellar service, and am looking forward to recieving it soon. She was putting it right in the mail so should be here either tomorrow or Thursday. So a huge 2 thumbs up for my experience shopping there as well. :-)

Thanks again Jennifer for your comments and I hope this helps anyone else looking at this bag. :-)

[MamaKath]

Well I am thrilled. Dh was not as thrilled, especially on the color. "Pink? You know I am not carrying that right?" I sweetly explained this was just for me, so not to worry, lol. Like he is out that much with us that he should worry. ;-) I have it nearly completely packed, and am quite surprised at how much it hold! It was darn heavy by the time I was done, lol, just because my stuff was heavy. The lining of the pockets is nice also, it is the same stripe that is seen on the cinch top of the bottle bag. So here goes, by pockets.
Front Pockets-
Paci pocket: 2 toy cars
Cell Phone Pocket: Cell phone, much better fit for my phone than on the SkipHop, and it is padded.
Zipper pocket: 2 doses of sinus meds, Lipbalm
Pen holder: 1 pen, it is a wide one though and was a bit of a squeeze, I'll need to try some different ones in there.

Back Pockets-
Diapering Compartment: This has a zippered "security" pocket along the back that I put my wallet (not a real small one, and heavy unfortunately) in. I also put 2 size 5 Pampers, 1 hard plastic wipes case, 1 disposable changing pad (vinyl table cloth cut up), and one large empty ziploc as a "dirty duds bag". There is enough room that I could put a pair of thinner long johns or the like for a change of clothes, or add a couple more diapers, or a few toys or books.
Snack pocket: I have 2 juice boxes and a few small baggies of pretxels and crackers. I need to try some sippies to see what will fit. I also have a small pack of tissues and a couple cloth baby washcloths in there.
Checkbook compartement: Digital Camera. There is enough room that my wallet fit with it, but it made it very bottom heavy. I could easily add some small toys or other items.
Bottle Compartment: Water bottle for me. This is insulated which surprised me. :-) It also removes so you could easily attach it to the handlebar of a stroller as your bottle holder. Awesome feature!

What didn't fit that I might carry in my diaper bag? My planner which is small but bulky. Maybe I need to switch to a PDA. ;-) My "emergency kit" which includes things like extra creams and ointments, extra meds for me and the kids, sunscreen, another pack of tissues, some more baby washclothes, and a few other tiny items. I also have 2 more cars, 2 small character toys and a couple small books. These I might still work on squeezing in, not sure. I think I may go back to having an emergency bag in the car for now.

Overall I think the Essentials bag is perfect if you want to carry a more minimal amount, and be able to use it past diapering days. The colors are really nice (the online pictures do NOTHING for them, they are so much prettier IRL). The service I got ordering from www.expressivetoys.com was great, it shipped the day I ordered it by priority mail (my post office sat on it until today, but the post master will be hearing about that!). The price was great too!!! I am glad I got this, it is going to be a great purse/quick trip bag for me. :-)

PS- I can get pics up if anyone is interested. I'll take some later to post at least.

[hipmaman]

Kath, please please please take pictures. I have been contemplating buying the Khaki/Pink (with red) but not sure if it would suit us. But from your review, it sounds good.

Thanks in advance and hope you guys have been well.

[MamaKath]

Anything for you Tam! :-) ;-) What do you want to see specifically? I'll take them over the next day or so.

I went out tonight with a friend who is not a mom. She saw it and LOVED it!!! She is planning to order it for herself, lol. She just couldn't believe it was a diaper bag, and how much you could fit in it. She is hoping to give up her microfiber tote for the more hands free concept. I am beginning to believe that most bag designers think only moms want to be organized, ya know?!?!

I'll take a variety of general pics to give you an idea of it for now. :-) Glad to see you on the boards.

[MamaKath]

I took a bunch of pictures. I tried to show how much it holds, the true color, and the neat features it has. I hope this helps anyone on the fence. I really like this, it is a very nice bag. I was reading the tags last night and it is machine washable too. Very cool! If you look at the photos, I added info with each one to kind of guide you through. Let me know if I missed anything or you would like different pics or more information. I don't even think I am going to buy the LL Bean bag right now, I think I might save for a PDA to fit in this instead, lol. ;-)

Anyway, the photos are on Ofoto, here is the link (lmk if there are problems):
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=w9ssq1m.9hvzcwu&x=1&y=r3rkwt

[callalillyanne]

Good pics and excellent commentary! Looks like a neat bag! Probably really good for summer. Thanks for the review!

ps- what store were you in in the first two pics? just curious.

[MamaKath]

Thanks for checking it out, it does seem like a great summer bag. Especially if you are doing the museum type thing or a theme park, lol.


BuyBuyBaby aka SpendSpendMommy. ;-) The one in Totowa, NJ. Saved the couple bucks by buying through ExpressiveToys.com since I dropped a chunk buying a Britax Husky from BBB. I was glad to see it IRL though kicking myself for waiting so long to just take the plunge. :-)

[hipmaman]

Thanks for the pix Kath. It does look great. I think I'll get the pink one as well. Do you think it would work for Disneyland/SoCal with all those parks to go to? Would it be hot, I wonder?

[MamaKath]

Tam, I am glad the pics are helpful! I think it would work really well for that type of traveling. I could completely see myself using it. :-) I don't think it would be really hot since you aren't cinching it tight against your body, there is still some air flow, iykwim. It is not microfiber, so I think there is some breathability to it. I think it would work well to keep your valuables close at hand, even if you had a second bag or stuff in a stroller basket. I am not a fanny bag person so this would work better for me.

My biggest problem so far with it... DS still rides in his sling once in awhile. He sees me in with this bag and keeps saying "Nice bag, Mama!!! Can I ride in it?" because he thinks it is a sling, lol! Try explaining that one to an insistant 3 year old. ;-)

[JennsBabySky]

Love the review. I hope you like it as much as I do. I just found them in a store near me (amazing!) and I thought the pink was absolutely beautiful!

Regarding Disneyland and So. California, that is actually the reason I purchased this bag. I use my E3 with doubles for our frequent Disneyland trips. I usually use a messenger style bag, but I didn't like the way it would hang towards the stroller, plus I end up carrying my son in line, so I wanted something really easy to carry. I think this will work well for that purpose. Of course, I haven't tried it in summer yet, but I don't anticipate any problems.

[ginamlee]

Very interesting!

It wasn't one that I thought I would ever consider, but your photos are excellent! It looks like a really good bag for active summer outings.

[laurena]

Thanks for sharing your pictures and the great review! It looks like the perfect bag for summer outings.

[hipmaman]

Thanks again. I'm convinced now. I'll just have to get the pink to go with the red Volo. Dh can use a navy Skip Hop with ds' Patriot Blue Volo. I'll keep our valuables in the JJC Essentials and a change of clothes, hats, sun screen in the SH. Each kid has his/her own Gap lunch bag for drinks and snack.

I think I'm all set then, lol. Thanks again Kath. YOu have always been a great help.

Btw, did I see a Milford Emma in one of the picture? Beautiful plaid. Which one is that? Brasilia/Coronette? ;)

[MamaKath]

Tam your plan sounds very good for the trip! How are the Volos for your kiddos?

Stroller in pics? ;-) Who me, an Emma? As I told dh today...
"What? You haven't seen that one before? Which one is it? The blue one! You remember it now, don't you?" :-) ;-)
It is a Coronette in Skagen (I think). It is gorgeous, though will probably see very little use. I am hoping it will encourage me to get out and walk a few mornings a week with ds while dd is in school. You are good to have picked that out from that little bit!

[JenaW]

I REALLY need to stay off this board. I was perfectly happ (or so I thought) with my little tiny Lands End bag until I started reading ths posts here. Now I have a generic Mothership and a pink cord skip hop. I ALMOST bought a Kecci. And that is not including the freebie hospital bags. I know I do not even come close to a TRUE diaper bag junkie like most of you :) - but DH is SERIOUSLY going to kill me if I buy another bag.

BUT - how can I NOT get this bag??? It looks perfect for my needs. I am a true minimalist and HATE carrying diaper bags. When I used the graco quattro tour it was fine because I could throw it in the basket. But with the e3 in doubles mode, I lose that option. I usually just throw a few diapers and a wipes container in the basket and leave the bag in the car. This would be great!!! Thank you so much for posting your review and pics MamaKath! Do you think the pnk/khaki would look horrendous with my red e3? I can't really tell from the pics with your Zooper. I can see that the bag is definitely NOT red, but does it clash? Or would I be better off going with a more "manly" color so I have some hope of DH carrying it once in a while??? Oh so many decisions.

Thanks!!

J


Jera
Mom to Carter ~ 05.13.03 & Madigan ~ 09.28.04

[JennsBabySky]

Hmmm. I have the red E3 and I briefly saw the pink bag in a baby store. It is absolutely a beautiful pink. It is kind of a rosey, mauvey color -- just gorgeous and I am not a pink person at all. I'm just not sure about the clashing, I didn't have my E3 in mind when I looked at it. Honestly, probably the only bag that won't completely clash with the red is the black. Personally, I am bored with my black bags, so I opted for the light blue/gray (graphite/sky) combo. It really doesn't match my stroller, but I decided that I'm fine with that. By the way, I hang my bag from my E3 in doubles mode with the stroller swivel hooks. It works perfectly.

I've given up on trying to find bags appropriate for DH to wear. He has never uttered a complaint (about wearing any of the bags, he complains plenty about the number and price). I used to opt for black diaper bags (usually messenger style) and to be honest, they all look strange on him. Teenagers and young adults usually look twice, but parents always have that I've been there and done that look when we pass and he is wearing the diaper bag and I'm holding a squirming baby. I've suggested that I could get him a diaper bag that looks more manly and he just looks at me weird and says he is fine with my bags. I don't think he wants to have his own bag, but he is willing to carry mine when we are out. Just my 2 cents worth.

Also, for a really minimalist bag, have you tried the Fleurville Escape Pod? I like really small diaper bags, the smaller the better and I keep one of these loaded in my car. I think it is really cute and plan on using it much more as my baby gets older.

Good luck,
Jennifer

[MamaKath]

Jera, I think Jennifer is right though, I think the only one that won't completely clash would be the charcoal and black one. The other that might work is the graphite, sky and white. Honestly though this is a bag you probably would find yourself wearing though. It is very comfortable (felt a little wierd to me at first, but that wore off quickly), and is very wearable since your stuff is easily accessible. I wear my SkipHop a lot, but find I often am bumping into things or just holding it out of the way like most traditional messengers; it tends to feel in the way. This almost feels like a slim backpack when worn. I haven't had my Kiwi set up as a double for awhile, I kind of wonder if I couldn't hook through the top and bottom seat handles. For just an extra minimal bag, many of the moms have found Escape Pod Wanna-bes in the cosmetic bag section of places like Target and Walmart. They work well for organizing the stuff in another bag or on their own.

Jennifer, you crack me up! I am reading about your husband and thinking it sounds so much like mine. ;-) This is the first bag he has said he wouldn't carry, he never even once complained about carrying my Vera Bradley Baby Bag with dd. :-) You know what, I bet he would carry this if I needed him too, lol. He is not overly into the hang across the body look of it for him, but thinks it is cool for me. You are right, folks who are parents don't even look twice. ;-) And when the teenagers give wierd looks, I often wonder what is any better with the piercings, pants down below their rears, and other "popular" styles. ;-)

[kkae12]

I've wondered about this bag. It looks great- especially for trips to the zoo, etc. Thanks so much for the pictures- very helpful.



Allison