Haiku or T&L Large Bebe...Which would you choose?

[JaysTeri]

Hi,

I'm looking for a bag with plenty of room & organization for my 11 mo ds. I've narrowed it down to these two. I also really need for it to be durable. I'm tired of giving my Kecci a haircut and would like something that stays new looking...maybe even through the next baby. (Though it will be a while!)

What do you think?

TIA,

[lmariana]

Hi Teri!

They are both great bags, and I think they would both work really well for you. One of the big differences is that the T&L has an adjustable messenger strap and insulated bottle pocket, while the Haiku does not. However, on the Haiku, the exterior bottle pockets are much more user-friendly and won't stick to bottles or sippy cups, which happens on the T&L. The Haiku will also give you a handy external pocket for your cell phone. I personally prefer the organization of the Haiku and find it has more places for "mommy" stuff.

As far as durability goes, I think you'll be happy with both of them. I haven't heard any complaints about Haiku's construction, and only a few problems with T&L bags.

I think you can find great deals on either bag at the Babybags Swap group. Let me know if you want more info!

Mariana
Owner of HappyDayBaby
Mom to Gabe, 8/03
www.heinzandmariana.com

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png

http://lilypie.com/days/051017/1/21/0/-5/.png

Join the BBB Preggo Pals!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PreggoPals

[JaysTeri]

Mariana, I was hoping you would reply! One of the Haikus that I'm considering is your black flower. (I'm torn between the black flower and the beige flower.)

Since I've seen the T&L IRL, can you tell me how they compare size-wise. Also, I've read that the Haiku is heavy. DS is a sling-baby, so weight is really important. However, organization is important since it's hard to dig around in a bag while either wearing or chasing DS!

Thanks for your help!

[lmariana]

As far as wait goes, the Haiku is only a couple ounces heavier than a T&L vinyl bag, so not a huge difference there.

Size wise, the T&L seems wider, but a lot of the interior space is taken up by the insulated bottle holder...which is great if you need one, but kind of a hassle if you don't (the reason I sold my Fleurville Sling Tote). The Haiku is definitely deeper than the T&L and has more "stuffability" to it. I used my purple Haiku today for a ped appt. and fit:

juice box (outside bottle pocket)
sippy cup (outside bottle pocket)
cell phone
mommy makeup bag
wallet
2 CLOTH diapers (equivalent in size to 6-10 disposable diapers)
pack of wipes
Snack Trap
Extra change of clothes
Dirties bag
baby "makeup" bag (with meds, creams, pacifier, etc)
book
pack of crayons

The non-adjustbale strap of the Haiku takes some getting used to. It's wide (about 3"). I can hang the bag off my strollers, but it hangs low for my taste. I did figure out a way though to keep it higher! I open the bag, lay the strap inside, and close the bag. Then I end up with two loops of straps that I sling over the handlebars. Works great!

As far as wearing goes, I find the Haiku more comfy because the weight is better distributed along the wide strap. You can compensate fro this on the T&L bags though, by adding a shoulder strap pad (timbuk2.com).

Honestly, both bags are great and I've enjoyed both for different reasons. I'm just really in the Haiku mode these days. :)

Mariana
Owner of HappyDayBaby
Mom to Gabe, 8/03
www.heinzandmariana.com

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png

http://lilypie.com/days/051017/1/21/0/-5/.png

Join the BBB Preggo Pals!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PreggoPals

[Smiles81]

I love my Haiku. I don't use it that often b/c my skip hop is enough for quick trips, but if I'm going out for a while thats what I use. I have a black but am thinking of swapping for a purple. The bag is great because it looks small and elegant but holds a ton. I had a Timi and leslie and it holds more than that, but looks compact. I prefer the Haiku b/c I don't like messengers where the flap doesn't cover the entire front of the bag. But that is why the Timi and Leslie may be easier for you, b/c you are slinging a baby and won't have to deal with a huge flap.
HTH
Reena
Mom to Dovi 3/16/04

[JaysTeri]

Well, I thought I had decided on the Haiku, but you bring up a good point about the big flap being in the way. Any slinging mommies want to comment on that?

Also, the T&L that I'm looking at is an older pattern...red with a floral print. Does that make a difference?

[suzhatch1]

I prefer the T&L (gee...I wonder how anyone could tell? I have 4 of them! LOL!) I think it's primarily because they are wider rather than deeper.

I've tried the Haiku & the 2 things that bothered me were that it was a tad bit deeper than it is wider (so I found I was digging for stuff, or had to take a few things off the top to get to the underneath stuff) and the fact that the flap was really big. When I had it on my shoulder & lifted the flap it was practically under my armpit. Made it hard to hold it in place & dig my hand into the bag (especially if I was wearing DD in a pouch or other carrier).

I am a huge fan of the T&L bags. And even though I am BF and don't use the insulated bottle pocket, I use it as an extra pocket & it works great for a rolled up receiving blanket! :)

HTH!
Suz :)