So you’re a new dad, which means you’ll soon be hauling an unbelievable amount of baby gear bursting from a Costanza wallet–level diaper bag. Forget the cutesy “satchels” absently added to the baby shower registry; as a man, you’re looking for something that’s rugged, functional, and quickly whipped onto your back when you’re running five minutes behind to meet the in-laws. For you, the best men’s diaper bag is a diaper backpack.
Trying to figure out the best dad backpack for your specific situation? We still firmly believe that the best men’s diaper backpack is actually just a regular backpack. Long a classic, it’s what many guys used before the days of dad-specific bags. They’re inconspicuous (could be toting diaper cream, could be gym clothes), easy to carry on long hauls and with baby in arms. Now, companies are designing them from inside-out with diapers, bottles, and changing pads in mind.
We took a look a the current offerings ⏤ from a DJ bag with a fold-out changing pad to one that weighs less than pound to a full-on military rucksack ⏤ and came up with a curated list of options that won’t let you down. We’re sure you’ll find one that fits your needs, style, and price point.
The Best Diaper Backpacks for Dads
Lots and lots of compartments, pockets, and features to keep everything sorted. It comes with a detachable cooler, which can hold up to three bottles (and hook separately on to the stroller). One of our favorite features of this bag is an interior pocket for a 15-inch laptop, as well as 'media pockets' and an earphone port for your stashed music player — and loop for your sunglasses.
Aside from its good looks, we like this diaper bag's structured frame that opens wide, and stays that way, so you don't have to dig around for stuff buried inside. It has a main compartment with two exterior zip pockets, a tech pocket, and two bottle pockets on the side. In addition to the backpack straps, it also has double handles if you prefer to carry this as a tote.
Two words for you: Machine washable. The padded back is breathable, so you won't get all sweaty and gross. And the lightweight backpack itself is loaded with has 15 pockets, including two bottle pockets, a cell phone pocket, three insulated multipurpose pockets, a key lanyard, and laptop sleeve.
On first glance, this is simply a stylish, handsome bag with lots of cargo space. Unzip the front, however, and you'll be met with a patent-pending, foam-cushioned changing station (with sides) that folds out so you have a convenient and clean space to change your baby. Diapers, wipes, and all other necessities are right there in front of you, along with a wet pocket, to make things easier. It'll change your changing world. Bonus: the entire changing station is removable and machine washable.
Shoutout to the 718! This backpack, an ode to Brooklyn, is insanely lightweight. It has seven interior pockets, three exterior pockets, a laptop sleeve, and a suitcase handle. So yeah, they thought of everything. Oh and there's even a fleece-lined cushioned changing pad and a pocket for your wallet.
This ruggedly well-built bag from Eddie Bauer has enough zippered pockets to give every last parenting supply its own dedicated home. Dads especially appreciate that it makes one-handed zippering a breeze. Comfortable and adaptable for adventures of any kind — or strap to stroller and roll out.
Ready for the worst weather your role as a parent will take you through, this water-resistant neoprene backpack shirks off the most extreme precipitation. It's also padded so your baby essentials will stay safe. A host of zippered and slip-in pockets inside and out keeps your gear neatly organized.
Honestly, we just did the look of this thing. It's sleek as hell. It's also practical as hell, with 11 pockets, and two insulated side pockets. It looks like a commuter bag moonlighting as a diaper bag. We approve.
So you don't want to advertise that you're toting a diaper bag. We get it. Here's the answer. This everyday bag can be worn as a tote, a backpack, or a diaper bag. It has two interior pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and three outside pockets. Essentially, this is a lightweight, streamlined, and modern compartmentalized travel bag. For anyone.
Speaking of sleek and handsome: Meet the Wayb. It's got everything you need for the park, the playground, or a dinner date. Remember those? There's a handy vertical side zip; and a wipeable compartment at the base of the bag lets you easily stow dirty clothes, shoes, or diapers. There's a padded laptop compartment, an integrated luggage sleeve, and four external pockets and four internal pockets.
Updating one of its most popular designs, the new 2.0 version is made from a more durable and water-resistant fabric than before, allowing this to be machine-washed without trouble. Its metal hardware has also been updated, with added magnets for management. Finally, its interior is blown out, fitting a 15-inch laptop comfortably alongside its included changing pad and a horde of organizational pockets.
Your bottles and diapers won't ever mix in this bag, thanks to its unique and clever organization system. There's a a separate feeding and changing pod, for meals and clothing and diaper changes. The wipe-clean backpack has a spacious interior that's big enough for tablets or laptops, and a large exterior pocket for your phone and keys.
Maybe you're heading out for a beer. Or meeting a buddy in the park. Or taking your baby to daycare. This diaper bag is thoroughly multi-purpose. The spacious top section has one interior pocket, and a ziparound insulated bottom to carry snacks or bottles. There's an exterior insulated bottle pocket and one exterior front zippered pocket. And a changing pad, of course.
Tactical Baby Gear (TBG) is actually one of the early purveyors of baby gear that looks like it's issued by the U.S. Army. The Daypack 3.0 is made of 600D water-repellent nylon, measures 20-inches by 11-inches by 8-inches, and features a full-zippered main compartment. There are also three-tiered interior pockets, and a built-in removable changing mat.
This Columbia diaper bag is packed with extras such as exterior thermal pockets to keep two bottles of milk at the optimal temperature, anti-microbial fabric that wards off smells and stains, a chest strap to keep you nicely balanced and—our favorite—a mesh panel between you and the bag that will prevent the age-old issue of sweaty back.
This bag comes with the extras you'd expect, such as a changing mat and straps to attach it securely to your stroller handle. And its clean lines are more reminiscent of fancy Swiss luggage than something you'd buy at a baby store. It's made from water-resistant twill polyester, has 14 pockets, and extra-thick straps so carrying it around won't give you spasms of back pain.
This handsome backpack can be worn on your back, carried as a tote, or attached to your stroller. It'll keep you hella organized, with 11 pockets. There's a large secure front zippered pocket, and side pockets for wipes.
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