After reading on another thread about how great this bag was, I broke down and purchased it:
http://www.ebags.com/search/index.cfm?fuseaction=endecasearch&n=0&Ntt=jansport+daypack
I used the MouseSavers code (I'm not sure it it would override the current sale price) and registered for a new checkout service (sorry - I cannot remember what it was, google checkout?, although it's been all over the tips and budget boards) and saved an additional $10.00.
I know that I didn't want a backpack, but I thought I'd give this a try. It's
extremely lightweight empty, a bug bonus. It also has a small handle on the top which I can use to carry it, rather than on my back.
I gave it a test run last week when I brought my kids down to DC to see the cherry blossoms. I packed in it what I would bring for a day at the parks and it worked well. It has a zip pocket on the back that was perfect for my camera, extra batteries & card, an inside zip pocket that held my small wallet, and plenty of space for the other misc. items I needed.
The verdict? I loved it. It has an elastic drawstring that was very nice; if I needed to get into the bag quickly I didn't have to loosen it if I didn't want to. The small handle on top was just the right size for me to get my hand into to carry, although I would've liked it to be a bit bigger. I also removed the mirror on the flap - I cannot figure out why it's there. The only thing I wished it had was a pocket for my cell phone. It was nice having the backpack straps so I could throw them over the stroller handles.
Some of the other hip bags looked very cute and fun, but they were way out of my price range. So, this bag looks like the winner for me. Has anyone else purchased it?