Bumble Bags Madeline Backpack - Review w/pics

[meshell]

Hi All!

I'm not sure if this has been reviewed or not, but I just wanted to give everyone my review of this bag. This is the new Madeline backpack from Bumble Bags. I have the Blue Latte print.

At first, I wasn't sure about this bag since I'm a messenger gal. I've bought and sold a ton of bags, and I tend to gravitate towards messengers. In my stash right now are a Kate Spade messenger, a SH Duo and a SH Dash (yes, I've thinned things out quite a bit!). I was going to sell this bag because I didn't know if I could get used to a backpack, but after using it once and hanging it from my strollers, I was hooked!

Here are pics of the bag. The blue latte print is beautiful and trimmed/lined in chocolate brown.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29761.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29762.jpg

On the exterior, there is a large slip pocket in the front, one large slip pocket on the back and two bottle holders on the sides. The bottle holders are large enough to fit 8 oz Avent bottles. Inside, there is a large slip pocket and a large zipper pocket, as well as 2 elastic bottle loops. Not a ton of organization, but it works for me. I don't pack a ton, I have a 6 month old DS who is BF when with me. I usually have a burp cloth, extra change of clothes, my nursing cover, my hotsling pouch, and a diapees and wipees case. I also carry a large Coach wristlet, cell phone, and keys. These all fit nicely into the Madeline with a lot of room to spare.

Here's a pic of the interior:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29764.jpg

The stroller attachments are wonderful. They really "make" the bag for me. I used them with both umbrella handles (Mac Techno XT) and a single bar handle (Combi Savona). The stroller hangers are velcro, and come out of small slits at the top of the bag. When you don't need them, they slip inside the bag and no one would even know they are there.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29768.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29769.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29770.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29771.jpg

Ok, it looks like I've maxed the number of pictures I can post...I'll add more in the next post.

[meshell]

So, I've learned to make my pics smaller! LOL!

I just wanted to add these pics of the Madeline compared to the SH Duo and the SH Dash. Please excuse the yucky marks on the wall behind them, I need to get out my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. ;-)

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29772.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29773.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29774.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29775.jpg

Also, when hanging off the stroller, the zipper opening of the bag is at the perfect height for me to reach in and grab stuff. For reference, I'm 5'2". And I love that it's a zipper opening, as most of my bags are velcro openings. The zipper is quiet and and the bag opens pretty wide, since the zipper goes down about halfway down the bag.

Thanks for letting me share!

[audball]

Thanks for the review and the pics! These are really helpful :)...BTW, do you have any problems with your Mac tipping when you pack the bag and hang it from the stroller? We have a Volo and nearly every bag I have (even the Skip Hops) tip no matter how I place the bag....

Your Bumble is really gorgeous too :)!

[meshell]

Yeah, the problem still exists, but I feel like the Madeline is a little lighter packed than the Dash or Duo. The Mac is just tippy. I make sure I take the bag off before taking DS out of the stroller. This is easier done with the Madeline than the SH stroller attachments, because the velcro easily rips on/off and I can grab the backpack handles. I have problems with the SH stroller attachments because of the two clips and not having the messenger strap when attached to the stroller, KWIM? I usually wear my SH's when using them, whereas I always have the stroller wear the Madeline.

[momathome]

Where did you get your bag from? It is really cute!

[meshell]

I bought mine on the babybags swap, but I know Michelle from mylittleducks.com sells them, and she's GREAT to work with!

[MommytoLayla]

I have one for sale on the baby bags board in pink pucci :)

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

[LD92599]

What great pictures! Of course now i want one LOL!!! I'm finding that even though DS is potty trained (during the day!) I'm carrying alot - at least one outfit, my "emergency kit," lots of snacks plus tons of activities (crayons, paper, matchbox cars etc) and NEED a backpack!!!!!!!

I'll check Michelle's site for it shortly!!!

Laura
mom to William

LKibala at optonline dot net

[img]http://lilypie.com/baby3/030305/1/2/0/-5/.png

[momathome]

Shannon - I just sent you an email through Baby Bags Swap. :)

[TahliasMom]

I have one in pink pucci and i love it! such perfect colors for fall. i also have a skip duo that i alternate with depending on if i want a backpack or a messenger.

[priscilla73]

What a great review! The Blue Latte is beautiful. I wish I had a Bumble in that color. Bumble bags are awesome! Thanks for taking the time to write this, especially with all the pictures. You rock!

[lmintzer]

This is so cute! I wish this size would work for me, because I love backpacks, but I don't think it would. I'm a heavy packer. I do have a Bumble Jessica in the same print on the way. It's been on backorder for almost 2 months. I can't wait to see it.

[HawkeyeGal]

Thanks so much for the review and pictures! Now I want one. LOL! You guys are going to be terrible for my checkbook! Am I missing these boards where you can buy bags? I didn't see them on the main index. Or are they somewhere else? Thanks!