Fantastic bag, especially as a diaper bag
Sorry if this isn't "cool" but I have to give a shout out for this bag as a diaper bag. We didn't mean for it to become a diaper bag. We bought it as a second bag to stuff in a carry on in case we bought something and needed an extra bag. But then we were on a trip and realized that this is The Perfect Diaper Bag and we haven't looked back. Granted, there are people in this world that probably like having all those tiny pockets in the mainstream diaper bags, but if you're not a tiny pocket person (like we aren't), this is so great. The 2 side carriers are perfect for a sippy cup. The interior pocket and exterior pocket can fit your cell phone or camera. Otherwise this is the PERFECT amount of space for a few diapers, a change of clothes, some crayons, a few Matchbox cars, and some snacks. It is water resistant too! No mess at all. We generally wear it as a backpack (it isn't heavy at all) and often hang it off the pack of the stroller. (See photo. We've hung it off the back of 6 different strollers.) However, the tote bag handles make it easy to use as well. It opens really really wide too. I think that we're edging on 6 months of using this as our exclusive diaper bag. (Plus it is totally gender neutral and doesn't look like a diaper bag.) We have 2 nice and expensive diaper bags that have been in the closet for months. We might need to regift those!
I love this bag. I use it as a diaper bag. I was looking for something big enough to hold all the essentials and then some. And complete zippers were a must - things are always falling out of my diaper bags so Iwas so happy that this closes all the way. The water bottle pockets on the side could hold two bottles each - they're that roomy. There's also backpack straps which are really handy when you need to be hands free. The top straps go in the back slip pocket, and the bottom straps tuck into the little tunnel opening on the bottom of the bag. The outside zip pocket holds my wallet, phone and sunglasses (with case!) and because the pocket never touches the ground (like other bag pockets), it'll stay protected. I was able to fit two fleece jackets for the kids, a huge baby fleece blanket, toys, 8 diapers, half box of wipes, changes of clothes for each kid, a coloring book, a pencil case, boots, a nursing cover and an extra blanket, with still some room to spare. This bag will hold everything you could possibly need. I love that after my kids outgrow diapers, I can use this for traveling, groceries, library books, beach bag, etc. The best bag ever.
Incredible Bag
I bought this bag for bike commuting purposes, for which it's already far exceeded my expectations and I'll be using it for many other uses as well. I live in the city so I ride my bike to and from work often but sometimes I'll end up going to a happy hour after work, so I wanted a bag that could be compressed down and fit in to my purse if I ended up not using my bike after work and this was just the perfect find. I debated for some time between the Travel Tote and the Lightweight messenger bag, but ultimately I'm very glad I decided on this. This bag holds almost twice as much as the messenger style and I can wear it two ways: as a backpack while on my bike or as a tote bag when walking around the city. It's incredibly lightweight but holds an amazing amount. I can fit my purse, gym clothes and running shoes, an umbrella, my lunch and water bottle easily. I highly recommend this bag. Whether for commuting purposes, city use, or travel, you'll get a lot of use out of this bag, I'm sure of it.
i have had this bag for over 5 years and beat it up and it's still doing great. as far as it being a granny bag you can't do much with, i would argue against that point. i used it as my primary backpack when trekking through peru for 3 weeks and it held up great. yes, very minimalist, but bulletproof and user friendly non the less. it's been on every trip i have been on for the past 5 years and i travel extensively for work. i use it every day when at home as it carries my "just in case" items perfectly. the bag feels like an extension of me now. it also packs down to nothing in your carry on or check in luggage so it's great to have in cities when you are going to go out get food but don't want grocery bags. it's a perfect 365 day a year bag for me. i have never gotten so much bang for my buck with any bag as i have had with this one. i would give it 10 stars if i could.
Surprisingly fantastic
I nearly returned this bagâI just didn't see how it would fit into my life. I have to say I didn't find it particularly stylish. But at the last minute, on a trip to Cape Cod, I took it with me. It was the perfect bag for many things. I used it for shopping; had clothing and sandwiches in it when we were hiking; strapped it to the back of my bike or wore it as a backpackâits uses were endless. I especially value the light weight and seemingly bottomless capability. It fits a lot. I also liked that you can tuck away the entire backpack strap (the top tucks into the back flap of the bag, and the small strap that's left can tuck into a specially made hole at the bottom of the bag). With the bag's main compartment, two smaller zippered compartments (one inside, one out) and the velcro-closing back pocket, your things stay fairly organized. It's not a bag I'd carry out on the town in Rome or New York City, but everywhere else, it's a great & practical choice.
downsized
I had to buy a new lightweight travel tote as my model from 2 years ago was beat up from lots of travel use. I'm rating the new version at a 4 and a half, down from the 5 of the prior model, because it is smaller. In the older model, I could stuff a lightweight down jacket into a side pocket. The new model side pockets are half the size. The old model was also deeper, permitting a 14in laptop to fit in the back slit, along with my kindle. Now my 9in netbook and kindle are all that fit. Also, the new model does not have the draw string to pull the top together, which makes it easier for thiefs to access your stuff in congested areas. There are, however, a couple of pluses -- the new model is more structured, making it easier to pack, and the pad in the back slit is enclosed, which is a huge improvement. If I had not had the old model, I'd rate this a 5 but I miss the extra space.
Good Travel Tote, Backpack
Purchased for a travel tote/backpack for a for use as an occasional day pack for a three week trip. It is great for a trip, as it can be stowed and offered a lot of flexibility. It stores more that I thought possible. Used for the market and around town, at airport etc. Nice top zipper closure, unlike many self stowing totes on the market. We also purchased the Lightweight Courier, so we could choose if we wanted a backpack/tote or cross-over courier, depending on the outing and what we wanted to carry. The tote being much larger capacity, better for vertical items. The straps tucked nicely, however one of the tote handles is always outside of the back. We kept both the backpack straps and tote handles always available, so we could grab whichever way. The two water bottle sides were a huge bonus. One strange thing was that the top had an elastic piping, in semi tension, but no sycnhing string. Was I missing something? It was similar to the Lightweight Courier, but no adjustability.
So great!
I got this tote for an upcoming trip to DC with kids. Thought that schlepping through a hundred museums carrying everyone's jackets would be no fun and this would be just the thing. Took it out for a test run over the weekend and I LOVE it. I'm a purse girl. I have EXPENSIVE designer bags in droves in my closet and this has displaced them for the time being. It's perfect for work, the pocket that the backpack straps tuck into is perfect for my Ipad and a file folder, it's slightly padded and just the right size. The interior is really roomy for how small it looks. Got the blue and it's a nice bright color without being see through. My hubby was eyeing it up as well. I see this getting a lot of use, and it doesn't feel too sporty for around town, but will be great for trips to the cabin, trips with the kids, work trips to Asia. I'm psyched!
The BEST stealth Diaper Bag/all-purpose bag
I wholeheartedly agree with the previous reviewer, that this is an awesome diaper bag. I keep checking for new colors that will give me a fun reason to buy another one! It is lightweight, strong, has outer side pockets that are great for sippy cups and water bottles, has a zippered inner pocket and a zippered outer pocket. I have been using an older version for more than 2 years now with 2 toddler boys, and it shows no sign of wear. Unlike some more expensive/glamorous diaper bags, it can be easily washed in the washing machine. I have found it to be a perfect size, with as much interior space as other bulkier bags, but compact because of the thin but strong material with which it is made. It is so practical for all kinds of uses, given its medium size, zippered compartments, and the option for carrying via backpack or with the tote handles. You won't regret buying this bag!
PatagoniaLovingMama at
Patagonia on
02/12/2011
Great Bag
I recently purchased the Lightweight Travel Tote while I was visiting Denver, CO. Actually bought it for my girlfriend since I ended up buying a number of other things at the Patagonia store there, and she's always borrowing my travel gear. I have the Lightweight Travel Pack as well, which has been an awesome bag for rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. I figured this bag might be too small for me, but would be perfect for her. I was wrong. Now we have joint custody of the lightweight travel tote. It's perfect for my bike (motorcycle), as it's smaller but holds enough stuff so I can pick some things up at the store, or pack my Kindle and laptop in it and head over to the coffeehouse. It's durable, light, doesn't 'sway' around and doesn't interfere with my riding. HIghly recommended. I guess if I had children it would make a great diaper bag too :)