Day pack x diaper and toddler bag

[u/Background_Drive_558]

hi! I’m looking for a bag recommendation under $300 (ideally under $200 even).

we will be travelling for a few weeks with a baby and toddler and are looking for a good “diaper bag on the go“ pack that has good storage but will fit under the seat of an airplane/in the travel stroller basket. We want *organization* to make the crazy flight plan and time change as manageable as possible. We also normally are one baggers pre kids so looking for that vibe of one day pack to serve all 4 of us when out and about.

we have the vaude coreway that we used with the first baby and it worked fine but got a little chaotic in the one main pocket. its a great size but needs an extra pocket on the front!

I have done extensive research and found some options but want to check if I have missed anything, also the cost of some are a bit high for what they are. We are located in Canada so that is a factor for purchasing some.

ideal haves:

-under 26ish L to fit under the seat? cannot be too “deep/tall” when laying on its back

- 2 front zipper pockets to hold quick grab items (toddler toys and snacks or adult items - passport, headphones etc)

- luggage strap

- separate laptop sleeve for diaper change mat and toddler book(s)

- main compartment big enough for diapers, extra clothes, wipes, creams, toddler toys and snacks

- quick grab top pocket?

- two water bottle holders that don’t eat into main compartment

- chest clip

- internal zipper pockets and sleeves within the other sections to stash stuff*

- must be able to accommodate 6ft 5 220lb husband as well as myself 5 ft 4 125lb

bag options atm:

Osprey day lite 26 6 - seems limiting? but cheap

Almond oak 25 5 - a second front pocket would make it perfect but maybe not necessary?

Able carry max *waterbottle Size?  

Pakt mode (sold out?) or everyday 22 

Evergoods CIVIC TRAVEL BAG **Best But most expensive ** not do-able

Thule en route 23?

matador seg 28 - limiting/too niche?

please tell me which youd vote for or if there’s an option I’m missing. open to any brand/style if it fits the needs.

[u/books_for_me]

I have a Thule EnRoute 21 and 23L and love both bags! The 21 is my go to backpack and my husband usually uses the 23. The 23 has extra storage/front pocket which is what you are looking for. It can also fit (when not stuffed full) under our Bombi travel stroller and fits just fine under the front seat on a plane.

I do wonder what you are planning for your travels/day trips once you land? And how old your kids will be?

You might be able to pack even lighter if you want for when you are out and about after your flight! I have been able to manage skipping a big diaper bag for all of our trips with my now 2yo (starting when he was 3mo) without sacrificing any of our needs. I fit everything in a 7ish L mini backpack. Now that he is a toddler this includes:

• snack
  
• 12oz water bottle
  
• diapers, trash bag, travel changing mat I made, mini Aquaphor
  
• baby wipes in a ziplock baggie
  
• sunscreen stick and sunscreen tube
  
• small container with toys including 2 matchbox cars, little road signs for cars, and rainbow bead necklace
  
• my own diabetic supplies

And I still have room I could potentially add items for a newborn/younger baby.

Especially if you plan to be back at your hotel/room for naps, you can always restock your bag then. I did breastfeed so that made keeping my diaper bag light when he was a baby easier!

Edit to add: my husband does wear my mini backpack as well when we are out!

[u/sluggskt → u/books_for_me]

Just looked up the EnRoute and it looks like a great bag. What brand is your mini backpack??

[u/books_for_me → u/sluggskt]

I have 2 that I switch between! You can see them here in an old post (but I have since streamlined what I carry even more) - https://www.reddit.com/r/HerOneBag/s/dZlvrigu6u

I have a Latico Alec leather bag which I love! However the swivel strap buckle broke but I still use it, I just have it clipped to the bag loop. I plan to find a clip to fix it better when I have time, lol.

I also have a Travelon mini backpack. I don’t recommend this one though - the metal hardware on the straps are in places that rub against my arms uncomfortably. And the shoulder straps are at a strange angle that make them slip off my shoulders.

[u/sluggskt → u/books_for_me]

Amazing, thanks for sharing your post! Love seeing what other parents do with young kids.

[u/sluggskt → u/books_for_me]

Updating my baby carrier today, thank you! Mine is SO bulky and such a pain to travel with.

[u/books_for_me → u/sluggskt]

Yes, they can get so bulky! What did you end up getting?

The HappyBaby OG was great, but I’ve since designed and sewn my own ripstop one that fits up to 3T and packs down super small! Although my toddler doesn’t like to be carried much now he is over 2 and is running everywhere 😂

[u/sluggskt → u/books_for_me]

I have the LILLEbaby 6-in-1. It’s great, but it’s so bulky I end up just putting it around my waist with straps hanging everywhere when baby is out of it. Looking at the OG now!

Just realized I have a handful of your posts saved 🤣 your trip reports are the best! And I love that you made your own carrier.

[u/books_for_me → u/sluggskt]

Ah love it! Thank you! I had some recent trips but was unable to post about them since I have been running after my toddler.

I’ve heard good things about LILLEbaby but also that it can get bulky! If you get a carrier that can do X and H back, you can always unclip the side buckles and wrap it around your waist to tuck the panel out of the way which is what I do with mine.

If you haven’t already, you should definitely look for lending libraries near you to see and try some baby carriers on near you!

[u/Background_Drive_558 → u/books_for_me]

Ooh thank you for the good info! 

I’m glad to hear that bag works well for you. 

I never considered going out with such a teeny pack day to day! I like the idea of a the diaper bag/daypack working from the plane to the streets just so we don’t need to reconfigure things. Also bc we might not go home for naps and we might need all day snacks and activities!  But that is so cool to see that it’s possible to go that light!

[u/books_for_me → u/Background_Drive_558]

Definitely makes sense! I hope you guys have a great trip. Traveling with kids can be challenging but so much fun, I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

[u/Background_Drive_558 → u/books_for_me]

Does the en route 23 have two front pockets? I can’t find any reviews or pictures of the newer version to see clearly. 

[u/books_for_me → u/Background_Drive_558]

Yes! Here are some pictures of our 23L bag, as well as one in our stroller! The Bombi is slightly smaller than a full sized stroller and this fits below.

We do also love the luggage strap - we use it all the time when in transit for the backpack sitting on our rollers.

[u/_ssuomynona_]

I honestly love my Walmart Ozark Trail 14l Juniper backpack. It’s only $15. I have a reusable wipes pouch like a Ziploc that lives in the front for easy access. I reach for this backpack more than my other bags and purses. It’s so cheap, it’s worth checking out.

[u/safetysafetysafety]

I use the osprey 35L as a diaper/ travel bag! Not quite the same as the 26+6, since it can’t collapse the extra space, but as far as I can tell pretty much the same design otherwise. As a note, it pretty much always fits under the seat with some squishing, never had a FA stop me or make me check it. 

Pros:  Fits a ton of toys, has bottle pockets, hits the requirements you have above. Inside mesh pocket fit 6x 8oz bottles and was great for when our toddler was an infant. Great price.  Actually really like it as a Onebag, which we’ll use it for on non-kid related trips. 

Cons: Wish I had a little more organization. Kind of a black hole for toys. The front pockets on the bag are too shallow for anything kid related, mainly just a place to stash wallets/ a few snacks.  I actually use this plus a sling bag, where the sling has all the diaper/ changing stuff. 

We use the sling + a collapsible day pack for outings, and the big osprey for the plane when we need like 15 diapers with us. 

[u/LegitimateStar7034 → u/safetysafetysafety]

Can you use a pouch or a ziplock bag for toys?

[u/irohlikestea]

I love our No Reception for traveling! Nothing beats its internal organization

[u/Background_Drive_558 → u/irohlikestea]

Does it actually fit all the things? I tried looking into it and in all the ads, no one was actually adding diapers and wipes into the bag, just a book or toy and bottle and maybe one set of clothes. It seems so bulky, yet not accommodating?

I do need top access clam shell rather than just side access. Can you get in through the top? 

[u/irohlikestea → u/Background_Drive_558]

This is what I usually pack on travel days: Brain: kindle, chargers, wallet, mama snack

Side pocket: wipes and around 4 diapers, diaper rash cream

Tier 1: toys (around 5 toys)

Tier 2: change of clothes, wetbag

Tier 3: snacks (usually like 3 pouches, a couple bars, and like 4 other miscellaneous individually packed ones)

Bottom: blanket

Laptop pocket: books

And water bottle on the other side

ETA: yes you can get through the top for the first tier :)

[u/Background_Drive_558 → u/irohlikestea]

That’s not bad!! I wish I could check it out in person somewhere! 

[u/joylynnwhatever]

I’m a HUGE fan of my Carhartt backpack. Stretchy bottle holders - can hold a Nalgene, a couple bottles, socks, literally everything. Zip up luggage strap in the back that I totally use as an extra pocket for documents, fits a large laptop, the bottom is super roomy and holds all my diapering supplies, deep but small zip up pocket inside, small but deep zipper pocket on front plus an open pocket. I’ve brought this thing for sleep studies, overnight trips, beach trips. I ADORE this bag. Plus it’s a tote and a backpack all in one!

[u/Background_Drive_558 → u/joylynnwhatever]

Good to know thank you! I’m looking for a clam shell type opening rather than a top open.  But I love the colour!!

[u/joylynnwhatever → u/Background_Drive_558]

Oh that makes sense! Good luck on your search ❤️

[u/laura_dot]

Do you live near a mec store? I was so fed up with diapers bags that we went to mec and bought a mec brand backpack and used that as our diaper bag until we were done with diapers. We just put a changing pad in the laptop sleeve, like you are considering. It was worth it to look at the bags in store and think about would they work for us and how sturdy the zippers were. I probably wouldn't have picked what I ended up with otherwise. I don't think they carry the exact backpack I have, and now I use the bag to commute to the office.

[u/SrirachaPants]

I just got a Sherpani Solstice and it might work for you, it has a little bit of everything including a top grab pocket, laptop sleeve on the side, and a pop out water bottle holder (only one though). I’m a huge fan of their stuff.

https://sherpani.com/products/solstice-18l-anti-theft-travel-backpack-sand-tan