Help me find a good backpack

[TwoBees]

Moving here for more traffic (especially since there is another backpack thread, hoping people have some ideas)...

I've been searcing for a small backpack to use for multiple purposes--as a diaper bag when I need to be hands free (only needs to hold dipes, wipes, maybe a change of clothes), an occasional purse, and maybe to take stuff to/from work on occasion. This EMS bag (http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4399099) is perfect in every way, EXCEPT the straps don't fit my small frame well. Because of the way the straps are attached to the back of the bag, they do not lie flat on my shoulders and cut into my neck. But I love everything else, the size (only 800 cu in), the organizer pocket, the two mesh water bottle pockets on the sides, and most of all the price. Can you help me find something similar?

[Gracemom]

I have this REI backpack and it is my go-to bag: http://www.rei.com/product/805258/rei-nikole-day-bag-womens
Super comfy, small but holds a lot. I think it's attractive - not too sporty so you can use it for a purse too.

[MamaKath]

The Ju-Ju-Be mini be might be a good size if you can find one. It is really comfortable to wear and is a good purse size. I am bummed it is discontinued, I never could have used it as a diaper bag though (to small).

[todzwife]

Sherpani makes a small backpack that is a little bigger than the mini. It's awesome!

[Momto1]

LOL! I was going to recommend the JuJuBe MiniBe and the Sherpani XO. I own multiple Minis and love them all. I also own the Sherpani XO and love it too. Not sure if I would recommend one over the other. They hold about the same. The Sherpani is a little wider and shallower and the MiniBe is narrower but bigger front-to-back if that makes sense. The Sherpani is lighter but the MiniBe is machine washable ;)

Edit - I have a small frame as well and both are comfortable to wear all day :)

[army_mom]

I have the Patagonia Atacama 28L and it hold quite a bit. It has many separate areas and one stay dry area for wet/soiled clothes if you are in a pinch without a ziploc bag. It has a small zipper area on top to keep small items like keys easy to get to without digging through the bag. I have the Fog color which is a very light gray with purple and I think it looks nice. It holds a lot more than it looks. The sides hold water bottles of different sizes and it has a lap top area inside as well. it is a bit pricey but Patagonia will hold up for a long time and are super light.

This is almost the same bag but a smaller size since you are not in need of hauling a lot of stuff.
http://www.zappos.com/patagonia-yerba-pack-22l-black

I'm not sure how small you are, but maybe look at youth/kids packs for the narrow size?

http://www.altrec.com/kids/backpacks/

[MamaKath]

Moving here for more traffic (especially since there is another backpack thread, hoping people have some ideas)...

I've been searcing for a small backpack to use for multiple purposes--as a diaper bag when I need to be hands free (only needs to hold dipes, wipes, maybe a change of clothes), an occasional purse, and maybe to take stuff to/from work on occasion. This EMS bag (http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4399099) is perfect in every way, EXCEPT the straps don't fit my small frame well. Because of the way the straps are attached to the back of the bag, they do not lie flat on my shoulders and cut into my neck. But I love everything else, the size (only 800 cu in), the organizer pocket, the two mesh water bottle pockets on the sides, and most of all the price. Can you help me find something similar?
Did you find something that works? I am wearing my JuJuBe MiniBe into the ground these days and will need something new (plus my tablet won't fit with its case). I found a couple neat purses but they are all shoulder bags. Was wondering what you ended up with. :)

[TwoBees]

Did you find something that works? I am wearing my JuJuBe MiniBe into the ground these days and will need something new (plus my tablet won't fit with its case). I found a couple neat purses but they are all shoulder bags. Was wondering what you ended up with. :)

Yes. I have been using and loving this:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69232?feat=2-SR0&productId=1171184

I have actually been using it as my work bag lately because my shoulders needed a break from my tote bag. I have also used it at the park with DD because it keeps my hands free but my cell phone, wallet, water, dipes, and wipes close. It just barely fits my laptop in a sleeve, but it would fit a tablet no problem.

ETA: I did look at the Sherpani bag (online) and it is so cute, but it was more than I wanted to spend.

[MamaKath]

Yes. I have been using and loving this:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69232?feat=2-SR0&productId=1171184

I have actually been using it as my work bag lately because my shoulders needed a break from my tote bag. I have also used it at the park with DD because it keeps my hands free but my cell phone, wallet, water, dipes, and wipes close. It just barely fits my laptop in a sleeve, but it would fit a tablet no problem.

ETA: I did look at the Sherpani bag (online) and it is so cute, but it was more than I wanted to spend.
Lol, my sister has this and always says how handy it is! I went to get one before school started back up but ended up with a large school backpack instead. I keep debating, but maybe that will be what I replace my MiniBe with. It looks like it would work perfectly and the black would be discreet. :) Thanks for the update.