Which bag?

[abckid]

I've been looking through all of the old posts about bags that you guys like and I've narrowed it down to 3. We have 4 kids, therefore a lot of stuff, but we will also have a double stroller with a huge basket. I plan to keep most of our "junk" in the stroller. If someone really wants to steal our diapers, snacks, and sweatshirts, then they must need them more than I do. My dh will be carrying his dslr camera and it will never go in the stroller unattended. So really, I wasn't even thinking that I needed a bag. But then I got carried away on here reading about all of the great bags you all carry and now I want one The good news is that it will be a good thing to have. First of all, I will use this bag instead of my regular purse for our trip. It will be much more convenient wearing this bag/purse across my body rather than juggling a regular purse in the airport with 4 kids and luggage. Secondly, I think it will be a good idea to keep some valuables on me while in the park instead of relying on someone to always keep an eye on the stroller. I know there are some rides, like IASW, that we will all want to ride together and therefore leave the stroller unattended. So, I just want a *small* bag. I could get away with a fanny pack, but I hate wearing those so a small bag is what I'm looking for.

The 3 I have narrowed it down to are:
Heys Travelmate- I know some people do not like the flap, but I think I will feel more secure knowing my valuables are under a flap when I have the bag on my backside. It has a side pocket for a bottle of water so I can easily carry a bottle of water while I'm waiting in line instead of leaving it in the stroller. It has a padding on the strap, which looks like it might be more comfortable to carry. I also like the pretty colors
Travelon slim- I heard good things about this bag too. Not as many colors, but I like the look of it.
Overland Equipment Placer- Right now, this is my least favorite of the 3. The strap doesn't look very comfortable and the shape is not as cute as the other 2 (IMO, from the pictures I've seen).

Whichever bag I choose, it will probably be my purse for the whole summer I'm in the midst of potty training my last child, so I will finally be able to get rid of the diaper bag! But I'll still need to carry a few extra kid things and one of these bags will be perfect. I just don't know which one I'm going to pick yet For anyone who has tried these bags, what are your opinions?

P.S. I know a lot of people on here have the Baggallini, which looks really nice. But it's too big for what I need. I don't want to carry a lot around when I can easily put things in the stroller, kwim?

Thanks!

 

[LuLusApple]

Not one you mentioned but I have a small ameribag healthy back bag in distressed nylon that I love! I took it last time instead of my baggalini.
It can sling around you like a messenger bag or around your waist like a fanny pack, I used mine like this when holding DGD 9 months ( at the time) it was wonderful she sat on the bag
Best bag with 12 pockets, kept everything snug and is water resistant.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I have a baggalinie and love it because of all the compartments to hold items. It has clasp for my keys, a make up section, slots for cards, id, etc. Check out the bagallinie.

 

[Kittyskyfish]

Of the three, I like the Heys Travelmate the best. Main reason: it can hold bottled water. Very, very important!! It looks to be the size of my Tumi ballistic nylon travel purse, which has been perfect for me since I, like you, don't need to carry everything on my person. Having a stroller allows for the heavier things to be kept off the body. All I need is something to hold my cash, plastic, tissues, water and other small items. Bulkier things like sunscreen, change of clothes, snacks, etc can stay on the stroller/locker.

Older kids can carry their own stuff in inexpensive nylon gym sacks. It's amazing how little they need to bring along if they're carrying their own gear. Earn your keep, kids!

 

[jakoky]

HI there, we used the heys on our trip 2 years ago...ours ended up breaking, but the bag itself was actually ok...used the baggalini the trip before that and it was good....this trip we bought the jjcole bag ...Now, i actually didnt carry it into the parks (first trip ever we went somewhat bagless-just my camera bag ) BUT used the bag for everything else on the trip, i LOVED it...very comfortable and cute...would have been great had i carried it into the parks....

http://jjcoleusa.com/logic-bag

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

I heart my baggalini.

It's a sling style, easy on the back. It has several compartments, yet compact. I use it for any day w/ walking, like the zoo or day trips.

 

[TamiV]

I bought the Heys Travelmate (black and white polka dot), it's cute and I love the water bottle holder, but am worried that it may be to small. My kids are 11 and 16 so we don't need alot, but I like to be able to throw in a sweatshirt for the indoor attractions, sunscreen (a little bottle will be fine though) and still have room for purchases. I'll try it on day one, but bring a larger bag just in case!

 

[Canyon girl]

I heart my baggalini, too!!! BTW, baggalinis are not all created equal. I have two different styles...the messenger type cross body and the uptown bagg. I love them both and use them in different ways. BTW, these are the only two purses/bags that I use anymore. My other purses are obsolete, and I don't even "shop" for purses anymore.

 

[skiesdaddy]

I always take my Marley Hodgson Ghurka Bag, fits a ton of stuff and I would be totally lost without it. It lacks compartments but it's completely indestructable.

 

[auntiegem]

For those who take a multiple-compartment bag (baggalini or otherwise), does security go through every single little pocket? I don't mind the security measures--I'm just wondering my favorite bag is worth it. Thanks!

 

[abckid]

The Baggallini messenger bag is too big. Is there another Baggallini that you guys all love?

I don't like the Ameribag Healthy Back. Too big and I don't like the teardrop shape. I want something that can be worn on the front, side, or back and be easily accessible with 1 hand.

The jjcole bag looks huge! And it's the same sort of shape as the Ameribag so it looks too difficult for me to get into.

Thanks for the input so far! Any other ideas?

 

[Kayla's Mom]

For those who take a multiple-compartment bag (baggalini or otherwise), does security go through every single little pocket? I don't mind the security measures--I'm just wondering my favorite bag is worth it. Thanks!

In my experience, they do not go through every little pocket, just the main ones.

 

[auntiegem]

In my experience, they do not go through every little pocket, just the main ones.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[abouley]

I have been looking at bags for a while and have yet to buy. I am like you and leave most stuff in the stroller and just need to carry my camera, phone, sunglasses, a few cards/cash, a water bottle and maybe a couple of emergency snacks! The Heys bag looks perfect and I think I will order it! Just hope I can get it before we leave next Tues!

Alison

 

[drag n' fly]

We have a Heys bag and did not like it. It is perfect for lightweight stuff but when you start adding water bottles, camera etc then it is not very good. The strap has very thin padding. After a while it actually cuts into your shoulder. We had to stuff a t-shirt under the strap.

We have done DL and WDW many times and have been successfully using this bag for years. It wears like iron, washes up new in the washer and has great compartments for cell phone and water bottle etc!

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_...45524442419239&bmUID=1243432426899&amuc=5,339

 

[DisneyFairytale]

Interestingly enough, I like my laptop backpack, from the Apple store. Tho the compartment for the computer is of no use for items other than the computer, it is VERY solid and the shoulder straps are very thick and padded for great comfort. Because it is made to hold electronics, it is also water resistant and comes with it's own built in poncho(in a special compartment underneath the backpack.

Best backpack for carrying the camera as well I might add. Provides great protection.