When we take our kids anywhere there are certain things that have to come with us. There are the obvious basics like diapers and snacks. Then there are the things our individual kids need for instance a favorite toy or blanket. All of this stuff adds up pretty quick. Welcome the diaper bag. It is an extension of you. After a while, you will start to forget you even have it. Until you don’t.
For whatever reason (that’s a different post), 95% of all diapers bags we find are ultra feminine. They may claim to be “Gender Neutral” but let’s be honest, most of the “gender neutral” parenting stuff are still girly. When my daughter was born I looked for a manly looking bag and continuously fell short. With the exception of a few expensive leather ones, there really wasn’t much of an option.
I seriously considered using my baseball bag.
Because of this, and some quality issues, I ended up going through a handful of diaper bags before finding a couple winners.
Here are my top two diaper bags for dads:
When the kids are little there is so much you have to bring everywhere you go. This bag has got the pockets for all of it. Between the inside and outside there are more pockets in this bag than there are rushing yards on a Sunday. The backpack straps help keep the bag on your back and out of the way when you are taking the kid in and out of the car. Plus the heavier the bag gets the more you will enjoy having the weight distributed to both shoulders.
Best parts:
- Two strap backpack style
- External wipes dispenser pocket making for easy access
- Manly style and color
- Holds everything you could need
- Thermal pocket to keep things cold (kinda)
- Changing pad included
Not so great:
- The plastic wipes holder is easily broken (truth is it works better without the one that comes with the backpack, especially if you get Seventh Generation Baby Wipes)
- Your chaos is almost too organized – I mean seriously there may be too many pockets you will end up searching for things
-
Not rain resistant
As the kids get to be a little older there are fewer things they require. You just need things like a backup outfit, a few diapers, snacks (for them and you), and maybe a handful of toys to make it through the day. It’s time to stop carrying the big backpacks and drop down in size.
If you thought it was hard to find a bag that could pass for a dude bag before, good luck now. The small things get the more likely we are to hear the word “cute.” That’s the last thing we want to hear when people look at us.
That’s where Patagonia stepped up. Now, they don’t use the words “diaper bag” in any of their descriptions but they should have. Reinforced by the quality that comes with the Patagonia name, this things has turned out to be pretty sweet. It may not hold everything you think you need but it holds enough to be useful and look good while it does it.
Best parts:
- High quality
- Small but manly
- Doesn’t slide around when you bend over
- Padded shoulder for comfort
- Easy access cell phone pocket in front
Not so great:
- The interior divider gets in the way a bit when you fill the bag full
- Majority of the color options are still girly – choose wisely
- Price is high if you will only use for a diaper bag
- Not designed to be a diaper bag