Mom Bag for out and about school?

[Ecclecticmum]

I need a bag that will carry everything. Preferably one that can be convertible (be a handbag/messenger, but can also go on my back for when arms are full)

 

It preferably needs to be able to carry all of this:

 

- A5 Filofax

- Ipad in thick cover

- Kindle DX

- Iphone in Thick Cover

- 1 or 2 schoolbooks in A4 size

- 2 thermal fat pouches with diabetes stuff

- Other stuff that somehow makes it into my bag (as happens)

- If it can somehow hold (either on the outside or inside) two teddy bears, and also 3 innotabs, then it would be the perfect bag (somehow I always end up holding those items when we go out rofl)

 

I like lots of organization features and pockets. I went and looked back at Ju Ju Be for a bag (I used to use them a couple of years ago when my littlest was a bub), and love the look of something like an Earth Leather Be Fab or Be Prepared, but the price gave my heart a few tickers (I don't tend to like there normal bags the faux satin gives e the heebie-jeebies, I don't mind their Earth Leather, but not for that price!). Obviously my priorities were different in those days, but if I forked out that much for a bag now, I'd be feeling the guilts for a while.

 

Does anybody have some options? We'll have to be going to the doctors and stuff more often now, and it would be easier to have a bag for me that carries it all (the only bag I have right now is my trolly dolly and an itsy bitsy version of a backpack (one of those mini ones that basially fits a purse)

 

Thanks!

[Um_2_4]

Egads, if you find one, let me know too! I have yet to find my DREAM bag/purse LOL!

But I was thinking a back packing/outdoors company., I had a very good one I got for HS graduation as I planned to travel quite a bit in college and that thing lasted years (I still have it)... I think maybe it was Jansport??? Try jansport.com

[MeganW]

I finally broke down and bought a backpack.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E3D2VM/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I felt a little self-conscious in the beginning about being a 40 year old with a backpack, but it is SO convenient!

[MeganW]

I also have this: http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/catalog/product/27/catid/6/swid/621a/

 

It holds a medium open-top file box from the Container Store perfectly.

[JRmommy]

Overland Equipment has very well made bags. This is one of my favorites. If you google "Overland Equipment Sierra", you'll find a few YouTube videos that may help you determine if this is big enough. Also if you go directly to their website, you can check out their other styles.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00503AD5Y/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

[TengoFive]

I was going to suggest Ju-Ju-Be until I read your whole post :laugh: Then I was going to suggest a 31 bag, until I read the rest of the thread. Now, I've got nothing. LOL. Anyway, if you could stand the Ju-Ju-Be fabric, I think it would be your best bet from an organizational standpoint. Oh, look at the Super Be. That one may be a slightly different fabric than what you're used to in the Ju-Ju-Be bags.

 

I've looked at Thirty One bags a few times, but I've seen several recently that were fraying badly. I tend to be hard on bags, so that turned me off. I'll be following this thread to see what anyone else suggests. I love bags and organizational tools!

[Holly]

I also use a backpack. :lol: If we'll just be schooling in the car, I can usually fit it all in a tote bag...for shorter trips, I just throw my e-reader in my purse.

[NittanyJen]

Hahahaha. I gave up and drag a travel-pro carry on with wheels behind us....

[TraceyS/FL]

I bought a Vera bradley messenger in a fabric I could deal with, but it has no organizational spots in it aside from the front pockets - but it does hold A LOT.

 

For just my iPad I have a Timbuk2 small messenger, and actually really really like it and would like the next size up or so, maybe even the medium size (i think mine is an extra small? wait, looks like they consider it XXS). But in the small one I have I can easily put 2 ipads in it, a notebook and some smaller books. I have the first version of it - so I think mine is slightly different than what they sell now. An extra perk is that it is waterproof for the Florida rain. The one thing I hate is that the strap is a bit short in my opinion - but i'm plumper than most of their models :D

 

http://www.ebags.com/product/timbuk2/freestyle-messenger/221881?productid=10148043

[TraceyS/FL]

Hmmmm, now I want this one - bigger, spot for laptop AND iPad. Darn it, I can't afford it right now! :p

 

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/d-lux-macbook-laptop-messenger-bag

[Element]

I'm so hard on bags and so picky I mostly make my own. If that's not your thing, maybe try looking at totes on Etsy?

 

I also use a huge, heavy, flat-bottomed canvas bag from our library. This thing is like the "cast iron" of canvas bags. :)

[Um_2_4]

I'm so hard on bags and so picky I mostly make my own. If that's not your thing, maybe try looking at totes on Etsy?

 

I also use a huge, heavy, flat-bottomed canvas bag from our library. This thing is like the "cast iron" of canvas bags. :)

 

Ok, where do I find a canvas tote like that??? Most of the ones I've seen are too flimsy for my use.

[MeganW]

Ok, where do I find a canvas tote like that??? Most of the ones I've seen are too flimsy for my use.

 

 

Land's End or LLBean?

http://www.landsend.com/ix/luggage/Luggage/tote-bags/index.html?seq=1~2~3&catNumbers=2431~2443&visible=1~2~1&cm_re=D-11-6&pageSize=72

[Walking-Iris]

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tippythai

 

Only bags I really love.

[Shahrazad]

- A big timbuk2 bag as mentioned upthread

- A Vera Bradley Get Carried Away Tote: http://www.verabradley.com/product/Get-Carried-Away-Tote/1000945.uts

- A Kinies bag: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kinies

 

Btw, one of the great things about Land's end bags (mentioned in the previous post) is that they have a 'lifetime warranty'.

[fourisenough]

This is my go to bag. I think it would hold all of the above, but it will not go on your back! I get compliments on it wherever I go and it is never left a home!

 

http://www.reisenthel.com/international/en/SHOPPING/carrybag.html

[Element]

Ok, where do I find a canvas tote like that??? Most of the ones I've seen are too flimsy for my use.

 

 

The closest thing I could find online was the Boston Pubic Library bag from Levenger. (Mine says my library name, though, as I don't live in Boston. :001_smile: ) See if your library sells anything like it. Mine was about $10.

[Shahrazad]

LOL @ Element.

 

I'm sorry, I have the maturity of an 8 year old boy sometimes...

 

(Reread your first sentence and you'll get why)

[happypamama]

I use my 19-year-old Jansport backpack that got me through my senior year of high school, college, and my first job. It's still going strong and holds a lot. :)

[Lucy the Valiant]

I have a Loom messenger bag that goes everywhere with me - it's red, classy, and can hold a ton (though I think initially it was designed as a diaper bag?).

 

Mine is like this: http://www.kaboodle....g-red-marsupial

 

It has padded dividers the long way, so I think it would be good for the electronic devices (holds my laptop just fine, and offers good protection).

[Element]

I use my 19-year-old Jansport backpack that got me through my senior year of high school, college, and my first job. It's still going strong and holds a lot. :)

 

 

I finally donated mine to Goodwill because I was tired of it, but it looked only slightly worn after 11 years.

[Ecclecticmum]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I need something that zips up, because the law of "if it can fall out, it will" applies here. And I can't stand the flippy-flaps on messengers, I usually end up having a fight with them at the mall, causing people to sidestep around my fight with the bag.

 

What I need doesn't exist, lol. Something like a bowler bag (or a bit more retangle shaped) mary poppins bag with lots of pockets. You know, small/medium, but I can magically pull out a jungle gym for the kids from it ;) rofl.

 

My ideal one would be the bowler/satchel type bag, zip top, no flaps, plenty of pockets/org features, and sectional inside with sections to put ipad/kindle dx/school stuff/file/diabetes pouches/etc in. I found the Sumo Laptop Bag, which is quite cool, but found a review stating because the handles are thin, it hurt a little lugging it round all the time. So add padded straps to that magical bag too.

 

If I had the money, I would just get a brown/teal earth leather Be Prepared, and a FIlofax Finchley Expandable Tote. And go looking around IRL for a bowler bag that I could use occasionally. lol. Dream bags.

[joyfulmomSDG]

This isn't a backpack, but this Timbuk2 has a lifetime warranty...

 

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/parcel-tote-bag/2114819

 

 

 

[akvtmama]

I love my little Timbuktu purse, my husband covets it often. I can pack a lot in it! I got mine from Sierra Trading Post. They have a nice selection usually. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/totes-and-messenger-bags~d~232/ I also have an LLBean heavy duty canvas tote with zip top, mine has side pockets all around. Of course now that you have me looking the Leather LLBean tote looks fab! http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/677?nav=ln-50&page=tote-bags http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/76941?feat=677-GN1&page=adventure-tote-ii or this one! http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/70673?feat=76941-ppxs&dds=yMy husband has a Case Logic briefcase which I often use when I have the lap top, it has lots of pockets, space I think he got it at staples.

[akvtmama]

A busy homeschool mom of four had this bag at gymnastics last week, when I complemented her on it she said she had just snagged it at Target! It looked pretty good sized http://www.target.com/p/merona-hobo-bag-tan-natural/-/A-14395313#prodSlot=medium_2_9

[akvtmama]

I could handle the looks of this one in all black. It looks one of the most practical and durable bags ever seen! Okay, I'm stopping now! :) http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/34014?feat=847-GN1&page=sportsman-s-accessory-bag

[EmilyK]

Wow, I see I could get in trouble with all these ideas!

[TraceyS/FL]

Well, it doesn't zip, but I covet this bag.....

 

http://www.levenger.com/Bags-11/Totes---Bags-75/Bloomsbury-Bookbag-5513.aspx

 

And I'd happily take the leather version - which adds a shoulder strap and I thought it zipped, but I can't tell from the picture.

 

http://www.levenger.com/Bags-11/Women-s-Bags-1001/Totes-1007/St.-Tropez-Leather-Tote-Core-5851.aspx

[Spetzi]

I just wanted to caution folks about the Lands End Canvas. I have one we use for the pool and it's great. However, it is very heavy...even empty. That rugged canvas is thick, tough, and did I mention heavy?

 

It's not too inconvenient for my 5'11" frame, but I would imagine a more petite mom might not want such a work out.

[Year Round Mom]

I'm very, very sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but I'm on the hunt for a Sumo-type bag, too! What did you end up getting??? I was thinking about the Sumo bag, but couldn't make myself become friends with the Sumo himself, decorating the entire interior of the tote! Also, I don't want black or red.

 

Have you seen these overly-expensive totes?

 

http://www.loandsons.com/the-omg

 

They look like they could hold a ton and not stress the shoulders as much as this:

 

http://www.backcountry.com/dakine-valet-womens?CMP_SKU=DAK1298&MER=0406&skid=DAK1298-VIS-ONESIZ&CMP_ID=PLA_GOc001&mv_pc=r101&mr:trackingCode=A2610D1E-CCB3-E211-AFFE-BC305BF82376&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=48668486557&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=76847417221&CMP_ID=PD_GOc001&mkwid=s9UjTa2h3_dc%7Cpcrid%7C48668486557&mv_pc=r101&gclid=CLOe-57UoMECFVBffgodyioAQA

 

I know this bag stresses the shoulder because I just got one today and after I added a laptop, a Bible, two other books, a wallet and a phone, it was hurting!!! The tote straps are very stiff. It might loosen up? The cross-body strap (what is it called?) helps…but I don't know if I'm going to keep it...

 

I was also thinking of maybe the Haiku Commuter Tote...

 

http://www.haikubags.com/commuter-tote.html

 

Ahhhh!!!! Decisions, decisions!!! 

 

Does anyone else have a fabulous all-in-one miracle bag?

 

Wah. I don't want to carry a backpack. Wah.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I need something that zips up, because the law of "if it can fall out, it will" applies here. And I can't stand the flippy-flaps on messengers, I usually end up having a fight with them at the mall, causing people to sidestep around my fight with the bag.

What I need doesn't exist, lol. Something like a bowler bag (or a bit more retangle shaped) mary poppins bag with lots of pockets. You know, small/medium, but I can magically pull out a jungle gym for the kids from it rofl.

My ideal one would be the bowler/satchel type bag, zip top, no flaps, plenty of pockets/org features, and sectional inside with sections to put ipad/kindle dx/school stuff/file/diabetes pouches/etc in. I found the Sumo Laptop Bag, which is quite cool, but found a review stating because the handles are thin, it hurt a little lugging it round all the time. So add padded straps to that magical bag too.

If I had the money, I would just get a brown/teal earth leather Be Prepared, and a FIlofax Finchley Expandable Tote. And go looking around IRL for a bowler bag that I could use occasionally. lol. Dream bags.

 

[ebrindam]

Well, it doesn't zip, but I covet this bag.....

 

http://www.levenger.com/Bags-11/Totes---Bags-75/Bloomsbury-Bookbag-5513.aspx

 

And I'd happily take the leather version - which adds a shoulder strap and I thought it zipped, but I can't tell from the picture.

 

http://www.levenger.com/Bags-11/Women-s-Bags-1001/Totes-1007/St.-Tropez-Leather-Tote-Core-5851.aspx

 

I have the first Levenger (Bloomsbury in purple) and I LOVE it! The outside pockets are awesome and it holds a lot, while not being too bulky or heavy.

 

The second one does have a zip top.

[Alessandra]

I have a black quilted diaper bag with multiple pockets both inside and outside. Big enough to hold a regular loose leaf notebook. So perhaps a diaper bag?

 

Other thought is a Marmot Urban Haulet. Like a big tote, but closes on top and had straps that make it into a backpack. Ds fits six binders and other stuff inside. Super sturdy, several sizes. I got his from Zappos.

[kiwik]

I know the thread is old but I think what you need is a large dog with saddle bags or maybe a miniture pony.