Sling (or messenger) style for every day -- any cute ones I'm missing?

[MarisaSF]

Wise women of bag land, I need your input!
I'm looking for a casual, attractive, comfortable, not too expensive bag for every day. I guess I'm kinda looking for "sporty" too, but feminine.

I mainly carry DD in a sling on my left hip, so I think I want a bag that would go the other way (over my left shoulder).

I especially like the sporty sling styles for the cushioned shoulder strap and the handy cell phone pocket. Would consider a messenger style too (just want to avoid it looking like a briefcase). Are the sling styles as comfy as they look?

I need to carry: wallet, palm pilot, cell, keys, sunblock. A disposable diaper and wipes pack. I'd like to be able to carry our snacks/lunches too. And a magazine. This would be for: zoo, shopping, playground, beach, hiking... basically go-go-go! Organizing pockets would be nice. Around $50-60 would be helpful.

Some styles I'm considering:
Overland Crescent Sling Pack: http://www.title9sports.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=183&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=8&iSubCat=63&iProductID=183

Sherpani Capri: http://sherpani.us/ProductDetail.cfm?Catalog=128&ID=114

LL Bean Heatwave: http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=42137&feat=et-xs

Is there a perfect bag that I am missing?

TIA!!!!

ETA: I'm leaning toward the Sherpani Capri. Any IRL pics or comments? New colors are coming out on 8/24!

[smbirth]

No experience with these bags, but have to say the Capri is cute! That would be my pick too!!

[audball]

I just purchased the Crescent on sale at REI (it was $39), and it's super-comfy, but be aware that it *only* fits over your right shoulder (so the strap in front goes over top right shoulder, across your chest and around your body at the bottom left). This was one of the main complaints on ebags from people who had the bag. I don't know if Overland plans to change the style, since I finally figured out (as a rightie), why they made the bag this way. If the bag is worn across your chest (top-right shoulder; bottom-left waist), you can sling the bag forward and dig into the pocket of the bag very easily..

Incidentally, with what you need to pack, I think the Quarter Moon is a better option for you; much bigger and you shouldn't have a problem fitting your stuff - provided you want to go the right shoulder route!

Other sling packs that they had at REI: the Victronix (swiss army) and a North Face brand. I did see some Sherpani bags, but not their sling. I do love the fact that their sling totes have a water bottle pocket on the outside! I have heard some ladies here mention that the quality of construction is not so good, but I checked them out and thought they looked fine - not Timbuk2 quality, but certainly durable enough for a day out with the kiddo..

[tina-t]

How about a Timbuk 2 or Bumble bag (Jessica)? You might be able to get one at your price point at the yahoo baby bags group. Other bags that come to mind are the Loom marsupial and Timi & Leslie.

[MommytoLayla]

If you are part of the yahoo boards, I have a eggshell blue marsupial for sale in your price range.


Shannon
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040421/3/0/1/-5/.png[/url]

[meshell]

You can find some cute stuff at rei.com or the rei.com/outlet. Here are some choices...

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47943320.htm?
http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47894376.htm?

Here's the overland crescent:
http://www.rei.com/product/47694897.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_TRAVEL_TOC

I have this one...it's great and actually carries a lot of stuff. It will definitely carry everything you've listed. It's called a mini because the regular size one is HUGE! But it's definitely not mini in my book...
http://www.rei.com/product/47686990.htm?

HTH!

[MarisaSF]

Thanks all for your suggestions! As always you are a font of great ideas.

I don't want to get a "fancy" bag as I have a beautiful PPB that I never use. :(

I enjoyed looking at all the other bags. I'm still leaning towards the Sherpani Capri. (Hmmm... now which color.) If anyone has it, I'd love your opinion. If I get it, I will post a review and pics!

I'd like first to see it IRL to check out the quality. I like it over the others because of the waist strap (would be nice for hiking). The REI "Mini" would work for me too as the strap goes over the left shoulder. I'll let you know what I end up with!

[MarisaSF]

Audball-
You are always such a great bag consultant! Glad to hear you think the sling is comfy. I think I'm gonna go for it. Off to find the best price....

[stellasmommy]

You should check out Bumble Bags. I have really liked mine. They are really spacious and I have room to carry everything. Their website is www.bumblebags.com.
Also if price is an issue, you may want to check with them. They may have seconds that they sell at a lower price. I've hear that some companies do that.
Stellas mommy

[saschalicks]

What about the JJ Cole Essential Sling? I've been thinking about getting this for a while. But now w/#2 on the way I just don't think it will hold what I will need it to.

http://www.expressivetoys.com/esdibag.html

I know I've seen them on e-bay for great prices (around $25). A while back there was a review on this bag and the person who reviewed it said it held a lot. Check past posts.