I wanted to wait until I used this bag for a while before I posted a review just in case it started showing early signs of wear and tear. We are a little rough on our bags, especially when we get in a hurry. We've had this for a few months now, and it still looks brand new. I've been really impressed with the bag so far. I have a busy 2 year old and a small baby, so I really wanted something hands free to make life easier when I'm running errands alone. It also feels much safer to not feel unbalanced when I need to move quickly for the 2 year old. First of all, I can't believe I went so long without a hands free bag. It makes life so much easier with little ones.
Here are some things I really like about the Bag Nation Backpack:
--The bag is spacious and well thought out. There are extra pockets inside the bag to help organize. If I changed anything, I would make a couple of the storage pockets inside the bag slightly larger so extra diapers and clothes changes would fit better, but it works just fine.
--I really like having side pockets for easy access for extra blankets and spit up rags. I never knew how nice that would be until I had a baby who spits up as frequently as my son.
--I also like the top pocket for things I need to access quickly (nose suction, saline, tissue, emergency snacks :), etc.)
--I like that there's a pocket that fits keys or personal items.
I like the fact that one of the pockets is Velcro so things can be slipped in easily if my hands are occupied. I have to hide my sanitizer from my son, so I like that I can reach in easily for that too.
--I love having wipes easily accessible for unexpected messes or diaper explosions.
--I like the insulated pocket. My son guzzles milk more than he should, so it's not quite large enough to meet his needs on a long trip. It fits a long 8 oz Dr. Brown bottle and a 5 oz generic bottle side by side. I think two wide nipple Dr. Brown bottles would put too much strain on the zippers, so I haven't tried. I thought it would be nicer to make it bigger, but then I realized you really wouldn't want too more width in the bag. It's a perfect size. Right now, I think it's the perfect size for a parent who needs to carry a lot with, but doesn't want the bag to be unrealistically bulky. I think it would work great for a day at the zoo, a long road trip, or a trip to Grandma's. It does fit just right upright underneath a church pew, which is nice in case you have bottles that leak.
--I like that it doesn't topple too easily when you're searching for things.
--I like the changing pad.
--I can tell my husband isn't ashamed to carry it around.
--The quality of the fabric used is great. The zippers still seem strong. The fabric wipes clean easily with a Clorox wipe if it gets messy.
--It's just spacious enough to fit all those things that you don't want to carry around and drop when cold weather comes...coats, extra blankets, warmer nursing covers, hats, mittens, extra clothes, etc.)
--I like the secret zipper pockets on the interior of the bag. They have come in handy for things that I don't want little ones to find.
Disadvantages:
--The price was a little higher than what we'd like. I think for the perks and the quality, it was worth it for us. If you're on a really tight budget, I think you could easily figure something similar out with a regular used backpack with lots of pockets. We're hoping this will last for us for all of our children. I guess we'll have to be creative with the wipes pocket when the kids are grown.
--The bag is great if you need a bunch on hand, but I'm realizing that I tend to bring a smaller backpack just with the bare necessities for very quick errands or walks.
--It would be nice if there was also an insulated pocket or pouch inside the larger part of the bag. It's plenty big enough though to bring your own insulated pouch if you needed to.
--If you fill up the compartment on top of the bag (with the flag on it), it does make it a little difficult to reach for things in the back pockets of the bag. I just try not to put things that are super important in that pocket.
Overall, I'm very happy with the product. The seller was also courteous and helpful.
Update:
I have had this bag for over a year now, and I am still very pleased. The exterior of the bag still looks brand new. The only thing that has shown some sign of wear and tear is the insulated pocket for the bottles. We are a little rough on our bags, so I don't know if that would happen to the average person.
| Product Dimensions | 8 x 13 x 17 inches |
|---|---|
| Item model number | BN-DBK-GRY |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Target gender | Unisex |
| Material Type | Polyester, Linen, Cotton |
| Care instructions | Dry Clean Only |
| Additional product features | Bottle Holder, Water Resistant |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Style | Backpack |
| Batteries required | No |
| Item Weight | 2.45 pounds |
| Country/Region of origin | China |
| Age Range Description | Baby |
| Item Weight | 2.5 Pounds |
| Units | 1 Count |
| Capacity Total | 20 Liters |
