apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We used the logic bag and loved it. The only thing I didn't like was that it didn't hold up for very long. After about 18 months it was worn out.

But I would buy another one in a second if we had another child.

i know a lot of moms rave about the overland donner: it's durable, sporty, has "hidden" bottle pockets, and is uber organized:

http://www.bagsbuy.com/overland-equipment-donner/23553/496791?cm_mmc=frooglebags-_-none-_-none-_-none

previous models had more subdued colors, and REI outlet has them on sale from time to time.

there's always the land's end little tripper, that is a great size and very affordable, but i can't find it on their website anymore! bummer.

The best diaper bag ever are the leSportsac bags. They have a ton of different sized pockets, they aren't heavy on their own so you are essentially only carrying the weight of whatever is in the bag--they come in soooo many varieties that you can find something chic and non-baby or cutesy depending on your preference. Also, after numerous cracker, juice spills, dirt, pb&j explosions, I throw it in the wash and it looks brand new--and it lasts forever! (I also love that the handle can be shortened to look like a "shoulder" bag or made long and thrown over messenger-style. This is the size I have and I fit exactly what you are mentioning...

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7507_5205.html

this one looks doable too

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7540_5205.html

You can find them at century 21, filene's basement, and daffy's for less than retail I bought mine at the Nordstrom Rack in portland, oregon for around $35

we have a mini north face back pack (pandora or paige) that we like for quick trips

It's not a bag, but I could NOT live without my SKipHop Pronto -- it's an absolute necessity for any mom on the go, in my opinion.

Try a size Small wetbag from http://www.thegoodmama.com. The main zippered pouch is waterproof (designed for a wet or soiled cloth diaper, but I use my Goodmama wetbags for EVERYTHING!) and it has a small pocket on the outside for wipes, butt cream, etc, or anything you can fit! Throw it in your purse and you're golden. :]

I use the timbuk2 metro for trips to the playground, park, playdates, etc. http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/messenger/messenger-metro/metro

I use a small Vera Bradley backpack. My SkipHop diaper bag is always attached to our stroller so if the stroller isn't with us, the backpack is an easy alternative. It's machine washable and is just the right size for the essentials.

Thanks SO much for all the great advice & the links!
Kalani

I always liked the oi oi backpack for short trips --

http://www.babygearandmore.com/content-product_info/product_id-1522/oi_oi_black_backpack_large_square_quilt.html

What about the Haiku to-go bag? It's "mini" style probably what you need.

http://www.ittybittyladybug.com/catalog.php?item=354&ret=catalog.php

It's very cute and not a bad price either.

I bought a back pack style purse from Target. It has a wallet type pocket on the front for my stuff and a the large portion holds a diaper or two a small pack of wipes, snacks and drink. I carry this as my main purse daily and keep the diapers, wipes and snacks in tow only grabbing the drinks when needed so that it is fresh. The bonus is that if I spill anything on myself I have a wipe at hand...and who can't use a snack here and there.