Hellobee Boards

I just sold my JJ Cole Satchel diaper bag, it was too big for me (even with a 2 year old) but I know lots of people like it for multiple kids. My DD carries her backpack with her everywhere, so I just needed something for the baby. Other than being too big for my liking, it was a great diaper bag, I liked everything else about it!

I haven't used it yet (still at my aunt's) but I got the Skip Hop Duo Double one..or whatever it's called. It's made for double strollers? I used a large one with just DD when she was little (a large Vera Bradley tote) that zipped shut. I didn't usually have it FULL but I liked that if I wanted to jam an extra blanket in, I had plenty of room to do so.

@blackbird: I am with you on the tactical/hiking packs. We switched to an Osprey and I have no idea why I didn't do it sooner. I love how comfy it is to carry a butt-load of stuff even for long periods, and it allows us to continue to save money by packing a lunch for day trips. We even managed to bypass needing to rent a locker for our winter gear at the museum.

@Mrs. Pickles: No. I have owned many of the JJB bags, and find my backpack to be better suited to our needs. For a "bottle pocket" I would use an insulated bag. I have yet to meet a bottle pocket that works better than a separate insulated bag, anyway. For mommy pockets, I vastly prefer the waist belt pockets on my Osprey. I put my camera in one so it is easy to reach; and keys, change, lipgloss, and my cell phone in the other. My wallet goes on top in a zippered pocket so it's easy to reach, and if I want my credit card or a bit of cash handy at an even easier grab I just stick it in with my keys. I'd be happy to show you how we do things-- I really have appreciated YouTube packing videos and the like when trying to choose a bag.

@Mrs. Pickles: No problem whatsoever.

I'm not sure about other brands, but I know that Osprey is sized, so you should be able to find something that works well for your body type. Our internet collection is still jerry-rigged tin-can-and-wires style (i.e. slower than molasses in January) so it may well take me most of the afternoon to upload it. But I promise to get one ready for you. And don't just look at Osprey-- check out some others, as well. And if you are fortunate enough to live somewhere really upscale and civilized maybe make it out to an REI or something and get to know some of them in person.