The popular Kelty Kids line of outdoor gear was updated and redesigned for 2008 and expanded its collection to include two new diaper bag styles. Since Kelty has been designing gear to meet the needs of active families for years, we decided to take these two new diaper bags for a spin and see how they handled the everyday needs of parent and baby.

Kelty Tote Diaper Bag
MySprout Review
Rating:

Specifications
Dimensions (LxWxH): 4″ x 16″ x 12″
Weight (empty): 13.6 oz
Volume: 700 cu in
Retail: $60.00
Features
Large main compartment with mesh organizer pockets inside, insulated bottle holder inside, exterior pocket, carry handles, padded removable sling strap, diaper changing pad included, machine washable

Kelty Messenger Diaper Bag
MySprout Review
Rating:

Specifications
Dimensions (LxWxH): 4″ x 14″ x 14″
Weight (empty): 1lb 6oz
Volume: 900 cu in
Retail: $65.00
Features
Large main compartment with mesh organizer pockets inside, zip pocket inside for valuables, insulated bottle holder inside, additional pocket under messenger flap, small exterior zip pocket on front, exterior pocket on back, exterior mesh water bottle holders, stowaway backpack straps, padded removable sling strap, clips to stroller handlebar, compatible with all Kelty strollers, diaper changing pad included, machine washable.

Testers
9 month old baby and her mom (as well as occasionally toting items for four year old sibling). Used both bags running daily errands, trips to grandparents house and back and forth to work and daycare.

Style
We would classify both the Kelty Tote Diaper Bag and Messenger Diaper bag in the “sporty active” category as opposed to the “runway chic” category so if you are looking for a bag that makes a fashion statement in addition to bottle and diaper transport, you may want to keep looking. Having said this, the bag colors are bright and fun and the sporty style works well for those dads who are less than likely to carry a diaper bag. We had no problem with the simple styling since it would also allow mom and dad to use the bag for other things once junior is out of diapers (take it to the gym or for travel).

Ease of Use
Both bags are designed with practical, everyday needs in mind but there were some differences. We found the Messenger Bag had many more storage options and compartments which allowed for easier organization. The Messenger bag was also easier to get things in and out of than the tote bag. The zipper opening to the main compartment of the Messenger Bag had easy access whereas the Tote bag handles always kept getting in the way of the top opening. The top zipper on the Tote Bag also did not open as wide so it was harder to see what was inside. The messenger bag has more carrying options as well including the over the shoulder strap, the stowaway backpack straps and the stroller clips which make it possible to attach to the back of a stroller.

Storage
As mentioned above, the Messenger Bag design had much more storage capacity and a variety of storage pockets than the Tote Diaper Bag. We really liked the extra pocket found under the messenger bag front flap which was the perfect place to store diapers and wipes leaving the main compartment free for bottles, snacks and extra clothing. We also liked having the exterior mesh water bottle pockets for easy access to mom’s Nalgene bottle.

Construction
Both bags are very durable yet not stiff or bulky. All the components are well constructed and we anticipate these bags would last for siblings to come.

Cleaning
Both bags are machine washable and a snap to care for.

Pros
For the Messenger Diaper Bag the biggest advantage is the variety of storage compartments as well as the variety of carrying options (can clip onto the back of a stroller). Although there are other diaper bags on the market with overall greater storage capacity, we liked the simple design and moderate overall size of this bag and it worked great for all the basics needed on a day to day basis.

For the Tote Diaper Bag, we felt this bag would work well for those parents who needed a very basic everyday bag that could be used to carry a variety of kids stuff, not just diaper necessities. Although it does not hold as much as the Messenger Diaper Bag, it is a convenient, moderate size and very lightweight. This bag could easily double as a handbag or even a bag to take to work (if you don’t mind the “Kelty Kids” logo across the front). The tote bag design also has a nice flat base so that when it is set down on the floor or table it stays upright.

Cons
For the Messenger Diaper Bag we found the backpack straps were a little awkward in how they were tucked into the exterior back pocket. They stay securely in place, but take up room in the storage pocket. We also wished the bag had some sort of top loop handle for quickly grabbing while getting in and out of the car, etc.

As for the Tote Diaper Bag, our biggest complaint was that the top zipper for the main compartment does not zip all the way from the ends (stops at about one inch from each end) so it is harder to keep the bag open as you are frantically searching around inside for that pacifier. It was also a pain that the two loop handles on top kept getting in the way as you tried to take things in and out.

Happy Diapering!

Categories: Diaper Bags, Jogging Strollers, Travel with Kids
Tags: Add new tag, Diaper Bags, kelty, messenger bag, stroller bag