How much better is the new LE backpack???

[cchavez]

I have the old style....how much better organized is the new version? Thanks!

[heatherlynn]

Bump. I'd like to know, too. As always, pictures would be great! :)

H-
Heather
dd 3/98
ds 8/04
and #3 edd 11/05 (it's a girl!)

[o_mom]

I don't have a dig. camera, so I can't send pics, and I never saw the previous one, but here goes.

I have had this about 2 months and have two in diapers.

There is a large (and I mean huge) changing pad with a nice pocket for it on the very back, under the straps.

The straps are well padded and adjust easily. The ends of the adjusters are attached to the straps with a sliding loop, so they don't dangle and there is a rubber hand grip at the top for carrying.

There are three main comparments of decreasing height, all zippered. Inside all each compartment are two mesh pockets on the back, perfect size for a travel wipes case. The largest also has a small mesh zippered pocket at the top. The largest is about two disposible diapers tall, two wide and at least 5 deep, the smallest about one diaper tall.

On the front is a small zipered pocket the width of the bag for keys, phone, etc. There are a couple of dividers/pockets inside, but I have not found them useful.

There are mesh and elastic cup holders on the sides, easily fit a Playtex brand straw cup.

The interior is all light blue, so consider this when you choose a color - ours is lt grey and I think it kind of clashes. I have seen the black and it looks nice.

Overall, it has been great for organization - Diapers in the back, Clothes in the middle, Misc. in the front and keys in the small pocket.


Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[bubbaray]

I just ordered this backpack in red (after ordering swatches, the red is really pretty) for an upcoming trip.

I had the previous version of this bag in the light blue (which DID look really nice with the blue lining), but didn't like the organization. I have pictures of the former bag, so I'll be able to compare them once the red (new) one gets here.

I'm hoping I like this one better. I found the previous style quite heavy, even when empty. Really, what I'm looking for is a technical pack with great construction, but with a light interior. HARD to find, apparently.

Anyway, I'll post pics when it gets here.

Melissa


Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

[sophiesmom]

I've posted before that my friend w/ twins loves her backpack by babybaks (babybaks.com). they have different sizes, lots of colors, and what i think sounds interesting the straps come undone and you can strap it onto your stroller if you need to.

they are pricier than the LE one though. i haven't really heard much about them on this site either.

HTH!

[tigeratty]

I have one I got off the overstocks page last spring. I'll say it's the new one because it has the light blue lining. We used it for our vacation this summer, and I usually use it for overnight/weekend trips because it's huge.

I find the organization to be outstanding. I love the big changing pad, and I wish LE would sell those separately because I would love spares for the car and grandmas house.

I found it quite comfy to carry/wear through the airport when packed VERY full and heavy. (I had another diaperbag on the stroller with my personal stuff in it. But I am a very heavy packer for baby and didn't want to check food, formula, diapers, etc. etc.) It fit under the airplane seat just fine.

I would use this backpack for myself for a trip, it is soooo nice.

And I got the red. If you are a red person, you'll love it - not too orange, not too brown.

While I use something smaller and dressier for everyday (a Kecci), I am go glad I got this backpack.

[bubbaray]

You can tell if it is the "new" new backpack, or the previous one by the bottle pockets. If they are mesh, it is the newest version. If they are kinda fabric and insulated, it is the previous version.

Both versions had the light blue lining.

HTH
Melissa


Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

[tmrbwilson1998]

Hi! Here is a link of some pics shared a while back of my LE backpack. I have sold or am selling my T&L large bebe, A7, ST...all gorgeous and fun bags...I am using my LE backpack as my only bag when I have both my 2yo and newborn with me. For a backpack, it has fabulous organization...three larger compartments, 1 small Mommy section...each of the 3 larger compartments has elastic-mesh pockets.

Here is how I organize mine:
In the largest compartment, I keep 2 diapees and wipees holders, 1 hard wipes case, a Chester makeup bag where I keep my baby first-aid supplies (and it is bulging), and diaper disposal bags. Sometimes I even add an extra burp cloth or two.

In the next compartment I keep extra clothes for my newborn (2 sets), a receiving blanket, bib, burp cloth.

In the next compartment I keep lots of snacks for my 2yo, DH, and me! I also keep a compact, chapstick, lip gloss, travel pack of tissues all in the mesh pockets, and a brush for me.

In the Mommy section I carry my small wallet, sometimes a checkbook when needed, big bunch of keys on the key fob, and some little odds and ends.

I keep water bottles in the 2 outer bottle mesh pockets.

As you can tell, I love this thing!

HTH!
Tina

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=63&topic_id=25629&mesg_id=25653&page=

[hapahaolegirl]

I have the old LE backpack and I think I like the way the newer one looks. The one I have has a little purse that comes out which I never use.
Does anyone know the exchange policy at LE? From what I know I can just return my old one and they will replace it with a new one, no questions asked, is this correct? Would Sears take the exchange?

Thanks!

Kristen

[nov04]

The handle on my old model was ripping away from the fabric (I think it was a design flaw) and they sent me a brand new one. The new one has the handle stitched into the actual seam of the fabric so its much better. If there's anything wrong w/ it, definintely let them know, they replaced mine.

eta: btw, I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the new design. The old one was so huge inside, I had to dig out everything just to find something. This one I have separate parts for bottles/carrier, clothing/food and changing supplies. It's awesome

[Rach3975]

It sounds like there are multiple "old" styles. I got mine in the summer of 2003, and reading your posts convinces me they're MUCH improved since then. Although I usually love LE products, the old diaper backpack is the one I've always been very disappointed in. Mine is black with black interior, and there is no internal organization to speak of. There are 3 compartments, plus a bottle holder and a slash pocket for the changing pad. (The pad was great, I used it long after I gave up on the bag.) Within the compartments, there were no pockets, so things were constantly getting lost in the bag. I had to organize everything in ziplock bags, and even digging for the correct ziplock in the biggest compartment was a pain. I kept it in the car filled with extra supplies when DS was a newborn.

[bubbaray]

I just got my new LE backpack tonight. It is nice!

I like it much better than the previous version. The newest style is slightly smaller (a good thing -- the older one was HUGE and very tall/deep, so things fell to the bottom). The new straps are more ergonomic & nicely padded. I hated the stupid removable pouch on the older style and the new one d/n have that, so that makes me happy. Ditto for the mesh bottle pockets, I prefer those over the insulated ones.

I will post photos of the new style if anyone wants.

HTH
Melissa


Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

[jwozy]

If you have time I would love to see photos. I have the old version with the removable bag and only used it once because it just didn't work out well. I am really considering returining it and exchanging it for the new one. None of the colors really caught my eyes, I was thinking of the purplish one but am not too sure. Do you like the red? Thanks

[bubbaray]

I ordered fabric swatches first -- I recommend that as the colors are a little different than on the website (esp. the claret). I really like the red -- very bright. I would have preferred pink, but red will encourage DH to carry it too!

I took the photos from front to back of the bag, showing the different pockets. Also, I included a photo of the backpack beside the LE LT in pink. And a photo of the older style (blue one) beside a LE LT in black. Lastly, there is also a shot of the backpack straps. There is an elastic area at the top of the bag, so that it is more comfortable on your back.

HTH


Melissa


Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29640.jpg


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[jwozy]

Thanks so much Melissa! I took your advice and ordered the color swatches. Once I decide on a color I will defintely send my old one back and get the new one.

[hapahaolegirl]

Does anyone know how to go about returning the old backpack for the newer style? I've had my old backpack for over a year now, I still have my receipt though. Can I just bring it to any Sears and return it?

Thanks!

Kristen