best non-diaper bag for around town w/kids
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
My son is 4 and we spend many full days out & about town, no car. I've been carrying a ratty old messenger bag, but would like to get a bit closer to my old non-crappy bag self.
The two top sellers of these messenger bag: (1) it is roomy enough for a large water bottle, Planetbox, and change of kid-sized clothes (e.g., in case we stop at a splashpad), in addition to my basics of wallet, iphone, hand spray, etc. (2) it is waterproof, so I can use it year-round. Looking to spend no more than $200 and would love something that will last at least 5 years, so more classic than trendy. And, would love something I can dress easily up or down in a cross-body style. What do you suggest? |
Anonymous
| Waterproof and "dress up easily" don't go hand in hand in my book... |
Anonymous
|
You can get a good quality backpack for a fraction of that $200. Like, a LLBean one in a nice pattern. I think they make the crossbody bags also, but I've never had one so I don't know capacity.
The backpacks last forever, or at least 15 years so far for mine! |
Anonymous
| Longchamp maybe |
Anonymous
|
I'm more having problems reconciling "dress up" and "cross body"
I usually find lots of good work-style totes to use as our day bags. |
Anonymous
| I got a great leather backpack. Love it! |
Anonymous
| Try a LeSportSac bag. They have baby styles but also lots of different styles. Not sure how waterproof they are. But you can get a black one that you could dress up or down. I think they have a patent looking black bag series that might be useful. The bags are also super light so any weight will be what you are putting in- rather than the bag. Hate heavy bags. |
Anonymous
| you dont need a diaper bag. Get yourself a nice grownup tote bag. If you are concerned with spills, buy one on those waterproof snack/sack bags to throw in. At age 4 i usually had only an extra pair of underwear just in case and maybe a few snacks. |
Anonymous
|
Another vote for backpack. We use a small LL bean one that's always packed with crayons/coloring/snacks/wipes/water so either parent can grab and go.
Personally, I prefer something neutral, like Timbuk2 or Manhattan Portage (probably "out" now). |
Anonymous
| After a recommendation on here, I just got a boken everyday bag. Can be worn on shoulder, backpack, or messanger, is waterproof and roomy. I got the slate color and it looks nice, but I wouldn't call it dressy. I love that it can convert to a backpack, though! Would have been great last year when I had to carry around multiple lunches on my oldest's K field trips. |
Anonymous
I won't take credit for this but I've definitely recommended the boken bag on here! We have one and I love it. Agree that it is not dressy, but it's very very good, and it doesn't look like a diaper bag (more of an 'outdoorsy' bag that you might buy at REI?). |
Anonymous
|
I just saw a few nice options at Marshalls the other day. Have you tried Marshalls/ TJ Max?
I just bought a casual bag on etsy with tons of pockets and it is great. It took about 2 weeks from ordering to arriving at my door. Here is the shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/tippythai?ref=l2-shopheader-name |