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What do you think about this backpack?

Scarlet

Veteran

http://fab.nl/bags/ulrikke-bag/ulrikke-bag.html

I am getting ready for an international flight (with connection, eep!) back home to visit my mom with my new baby. I find our messenger style diaper bag tricky when I "wear" the baby in a carrier, as I plan to do in the airport, so I am thinking to get a backpack instead to carry essentials and diaper detritus. I would like something practical, non-ugly, and ideally not this spendy, but considering this bag could be my good friend for the next several years, I'd rather spring than save here. I thought black is practical and the texture is kind of interesting (or just weird? ). Your honest opinions much appreciated.

ETA: I could look for compact rolling hand luggage, but that wouldn't help me in everyday life.

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Anonymous

I hear you on the problems of wearing a baby carrier plus crossbody bag. I am not a huge fan of backpacks, but I think they're made for situations like the one you described. I really like the texture of this one and think it looks MUCH more stylish than the usual backpack options. If you think you'll use it long after the trip, the price may be worth it.

Diana

Veteran

I like it! I would caution that I find leather backpacks to be rather heavy though, especially if it is big and filled with a lot of stuff. I think I prefer something more lightweight. Personally I love the prada (or prada-style for those of us with non-prada budgets!) nylon messengers and backpacks, but I know they are not to everyone's taste.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like it a lot, Scarlet. But I might go for a less expensive nylon version if you can find it. Quite apart from the weight factor, spills and drips and dribbles are common when you are carrying kid/ toddler stuff. It is good to have something can be washed or wiped off easily.

Scarlet

Veteran

Diana, good call about the weight. I hadn't thought of that. I haven't seen Prada-style nylon bags for sale in a long time. Have you?

Suz, another good point. I have been contemplating this question also with regard to when I will start wearing my leather jackets, but I am also thinking in a way the point of leather is that it is tough and can aquire a patina/character. Just wipe it off and get on with it more or less. Of course having something leak inside a bag would be a different sort of headache.

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, come to think of it, Scarlet, I guess I haven't seen any prada-style backpacks aside from the actual Pradas lately.

Is this too gearish?
http://www.zappos.com/lesports.....pack-black

Or maybe the backpack version of the Longchamps Le pliage? It may be too small though.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....ts-_-1_7_C

ETA: or this dooney and bourke?
http://www.zappos.com/dooney-b.....ck#prdInfo

Scarlet

Veteran

Oh, LeSportsac could be a good call. Also reminded me of Kipling

http://www.kipling.com/de-de/l.....490000+999

Astrid

Veteran

I actually do like the one you posted first. The weight is a consideration though, so you might want to try if it is too heavy for you. I agree that the leather gets more character with age, I do like leather backpacks because of that. My dad has one he had since I was very little and they used it for trips with me, just like you are planning. And that backpack is still alive and just awesome, I always go on his nerves asking for it, but he doesn't want to part with it. I also like the LeSportsac one.

I'm going to watch this thread for backpack inspiration...

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

The first one is very pretty Scarlett and one I would consider adding to my wardrobe, which currently calls for bags that allow free hands, but for everyday needs only.

However, I would be cautious for anything that requires carrying a lot more. Backpacks of this sort usually contain one compartment only, which is not practical when you need to carry several categories of stuff (baby: nappies + wipes, potential change of clothes for the baby... then the usual stuff like travel documents and all other essentials necessary for transcontinental flight... then toys and books and snacks and other things to keep your growing child entertained once he's older and travelling).

I would say investing in decent casual backpack with loads of pockets would actually be a better move - in years to come you'll find it indispensable for any activities that will involve going anywhere with a small child. You can never have too many compartments and pockets, they all come useful and you'll be grateful for them.

A few weeks ago we went with some friends on a day trip and the lady JW backpack similar to this:
http://www.amazon.de/Jack-Wolf.....038;sr=8-5
which I'm considering ordering for us as well - it holds massive amount of stuff and you don't have to dig through to get to what you need. My son will be 6 next month and with our lifestyle revolving a lot around traveling short and long distances, this backpack would beat any other I've had so far. And I've been through my fair share of bags of all sorts

All in all, as one mum to another, practicality would be my course of action.

Glory

Veteran

It is nice but agree with a few of the others. Weight and ability to clean (even to throw in the laundrey) are necessary in my mind. One other thought is that this looks deep and that might be a consideration if you have to dig for items. Also, does it have a few internal pockets? maybe check out http://www.diaperbags.com/

Scarlet

Veteran

Well, I will sleep on it, but you are swaying me Ornella. At a minimum it looks like great value and actually one of the better looking JW backpacks I have seen. I don't know why, but I just hate their logo.

Astrid, that is really sweet that your father has a bag you can remember all that time and that still looks great. That sways me too, and this one does have several internal pockets. I know you recently got a Wolfskin bag, but I think it was a little larger, right?

abc

Veteran

Scarlet, do you need to carry an kind of electronics, like a laptop or camera?

I know the bag I am recommending is geared more toward hauling electronics than baby stuff, but it does have a ton of compartments (baby stuff friendly!) and a place at the bottom that holds a DSLR camera, if you have one you need to take with you (otherwise it folds flat).

I was seated next to a guy on an airplane using this bag and was amazed at everything he carried and how organized it stayed (yes, I am a people watcher!).

I am about to buy this bag for myself as I think it meets my needs for both work travel carrying a laptop and sometimes a camera, as well as personal travel with 2 babies and their requisite stuff!

It is kind of gearish looking, but I think in this case function wins over looks. Easily cleaned as well.

http://www.booqbags.com/us/bac.....ow/BFM-BLR

It also comes in two sizes, M and XL, depending on your needs. They have other models, too, just check the backpack section.

Good luck and let us know what you end up getting!

Thistle

Veteran

I bought my diaper bag backpack from Lands End in red. It is "manly" enough that DH will carry it.

It is not pretty or glamourous, just a basic backpack diaper bag. And yes, I was totally willing to forgo all fashion to get a bag DH would carry without a peep!

Astrid

Veteran

My JW is the Berkeley, it is a similar size to the one Ornella linked to (28 and 30 l). It really does hold a lot of stuff, but I like that with the Berkeley you can use the straps on the side to compress it when you carry just a few things. It's a nice size! I do like the red Seattle.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I know what you mean about JW logo, I'm not keen about it either tbh. It seems a bit pretentious, apparently bringing wildlife to the city surroundings This is why I like Eastpack backpacks, they have clean and simple logos, but I never found one that would suit my needs very well.

But, some JW backpack designs are a bit more forgiving and the brand (new to me, I haven't come across it in England) seems to be of excellent quality, which is what counts with items of this kind. The reviews for any of these backpacks look very good and you'd want sturdy one. I certainly do, as my bags for practicalities get a lot of wear and tear.

Jules

Veteran

I found the combo of backpack and baby made me so much deeper than I was used to, something to be mindful of when turning around etc. However when travelling being hands free is ideal. Does your baby carrier have a pocket? Mine did and I shoved my wallet in there. Could work for passports & boarding passes.

Scarlet

Veteran

abc, I can see how you could really organize a lot with that bag. Thanks for pointing it out and I love the people watching comment

Thistle, that was exactly my approach to our boring, sufficiently manly, messenger diaper bag, so now I am looking for something for me. I didn't know though that lands end sold backpack diaper bags. Or backpacks.

Astrid, yes I am thinking the red one too.

Jules, two good points. Mine doesn't have a pocket, well only a little one for a hood/additional head support.

I am thinking to get the JW for now. It'll keep me going until I decide if I want something else, and the price is good in red. The quality is supposed to be very good. Hubby offered me his NorthFace backpack, but he treats it with such abandon it is permanently contaminated in my eyes.

Astrid

Veteran

Sounds like a good plan! Let us know if it worked out in practice.