MarisaSF
09-15-2005, 01:23 PM
A few weeks back, I asked about sling-type bags. You were so helpful. I got two and here's my review.
The bags.
REI Mini in yellow/gray ($20 on sale, $40 regular): http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47686990&parent_category_rn=4501698&vcat=REI_SEARCH
Sherpani Capri in mango ($60 minus 10% off code): http://sherpani.us/ProductDetail.cfm?Catalog=128&ID=114
Both hold what I need 'em to: wallet, palm pilot, cell phone, pen, tic tacs, keys, 2 dispo diapers, travel wipes, magazine/book, snacks/drinks for me and Jazz. I like the idea of a sling bag to go over the opposite shoulder from the one on which Jazz sit in her sling. I'll mainly be using it for grocery shopping/errands, in the car, playgrounds.
REI Mini
Pros: Less expensive, 4 zipper pockets which open ALL the way, can switch strap to go over either shoulder, 3 loops for carabiners/keys/etc on front strap, zippers open very smoothly.
Cons: My cell phone (samsung flip-type) gets stuck in too-tight pocket on strap, Removable pen/wallet organizer is pretty ridiculous, no water bottle holder. It's practical, but not really "cute," though IMO the yellow is attractive.
Sherpani Capri
Pros: Better features on paper. Outside water bottle holder, cell phone holder I can actually use as phone would not get stuck inside it. Fun colors. Waist strap. Back part is treated with some anti-bacterial meshy material that is purported to keep you cool and the bag clean. The inside pen/stuff organizer is better than REI's, but I still probably wouldn't use it.
Cons: Well, you were right... the material is not my fave... stiffer than I like. The zippers do not seem good quality and more "sticky" to open (perhaps because they are plastic while the Mini's are metal). The zippers go from the top-middle to the bottom of one side, so the pockets only open halfway and on one side (if that makes sense). Can only wear on one side (which is the side I wanted, but wouldn't work for everyone). Only two zippered pockets, but it has a front lash-strap (which I'd never use anyway).
Sooo... after all of that, I am going with the REI Mini. It's not the perfect bag, but it won this comparison test. I'm sad that the Sherpani didn't work out because I was really interested in the success of the company. I'm still interested in their child carrier packs, but will need to see it IRL before I buy.
I took a side-by-side pic, which isn't too revealing and it's a pain to post from this computer. They are almost exactly the same size though. Hope that helps someone!
The bags.
REI Mini in yellow/gray ($20 on sale, $40 regular): http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47686990&parent_category_rn=4501698&vcat=REI_SEARCH
Sherpani Capri in mango ($60 minus 10% off code): http://sherpani.us/ProductDetail.cfm?Catalog=128&ID=114
Both hold what I need 'em to: wallet, palm pilot, cell phone, pen, tic tacs, keys, 2 dispo diapers, travel wipes, magazine/book, snacks/drinks for me and Jazz. I like the idea of a sling bag to go over the opposite shoulder from the one on which Jazz sit in her sling. I'll mainly be using it for grocery shopping/errands, in the car, playgrounds.
REI Mini
Pros: Less expensive, 4 zipper pockets which open ALL the way, can switch strap to go over either shoulder, 3 loops for carabiners/keys/etc on front strap, zippers open very smoothly.
Cons: My cell phone (samsung flip-type) gets stuck in too-tight pocket on strap, Removable pen/wallet organizer is pretty ridiculous, no water bottle holder. It's practical, but not really "cute," though IMO the yellow is attractive.
Sherpani Capri
Pros: Better features on paper. Outside water bottle holder, cell phone holder I can actually use as phone would not get stuck inside it. Fun colors. Waist strap. Back part is treated with some anti-bacterial meshy material that is purported to keep you cool and the bag clean. The inside pen/stuff organizer is better than REI's, but I still probably wouldn't use it.
Cons: Well, you were right... the material is not my fave... stiffer than I like. The zippers do not seem good quality and more "sticky" to open (perhaps because they are plastic while the Mini's are metal). The zippers go from the top-middle to the bottom of one side, so the pockets only open halfway and on one side (if that makes sense). Can only wear on one side (which is the side I wanted, but wouldn't work for everyone). Only two zippered pockets, but it has a front lash-strap (which I'd never use anyway).
Sooo... after all of that, I am going with the REI Mini. It's not the perfect bag, but it won this comparison test. I'm sad that the Sherpani didn't work out because I was really interested in the success of the company. I'm still interested in their child carrier packs, but will need to see it IRL before I buy.
I took a side-by-side pic, which isn't too revealing and it's a pain to post from this computer. They are almost exactly the same size though. Hope that helps someone!