Gear

The 13 Best Diaper Bags For Men

Face it: you have a kid, you're a bag guy now.

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dad bags

Having a kid puts a whole bunch of weight on your shoulders, and not just because you’re now responsible for the life of tiny, helpless human being but because they come with a ton of stuff. So yeah, you either have to become a bag guy or learn to juggle. Thankfully, modern diaper bags (and men’s totes in general) come in a variety of sleek styles that won’t leave you looking like a rookie long reliever. If it makes you feel less like a fancy boy, you can call it your sack. On second thought, man up and own your carry-all.

HP Powerup Backpack

From the outside, it’s nondescript gray canvas backpack with reinforced leather handles. But open it up and prepare to be … electrified (Ed. note: It won’t really electrocute you). Inside the front pocket, there’s a single 22,400mAh/84Wh battery that can charge up to 3 devices, multiple times: A laptop (once), a tablet (3 times), or your phone (10 times). The battery self-regulates when it gets too hot, thanks to a built-in heat sensor. And it’s TSA approved to clear security (some larger batteries need to be checked). It also comes with 3 cables (2 USB, one laptop) and a rain cover. Because, electricity.

Buy Now $200

Tosan Convertible Adventure Pack

From the guys behind your favorite “Pop” coffee mug, the Tosan Convertible Adventure Pack is a heavy, waxed canvas tote that transforms into a rolltop backpack depending on your situation. Need extra space at the beach for toys and towels? Use it as a carryall. Trekking around the city or going hiking in the mountains? Pull out the straps and throw it on your back. There are 6 pockets (3 internal and 3 external), a detachable pouch, and a custom diaper changing pad so rash cream and Cheerios never have an accidental encounter.

Buy Now $250

Tier 1-D Messenger Bag

Jack Osbourne (yes, father, adventurer … son of the Prince of Darkness) designed the Tier 1-D to handle your “toughest missions.” Situations like asking the cute checkout girl at Rite-Aid where they keep the butt cream. Or rolling up your sleeves to handle a Pampers blow out on the playground. So, while you may be up to your arms in human excrement, at least your bag is impressive and intimidating. It’s made from military-grade materials, and has adjustable Molle panels to add extra pouches and gear. It also comes in 3 different sizes: The Range (big), the messenger bag (bigger), and Deployment Tote (you and the kid are never coming home).

Buy Now $295

XLR8 Charging Backpack

Finally, a diaper bag that won’t embarrass anyone in the family. The large interior pouch of the XLR8 holds diapers, wipes, toys, and all the kid’s stuff in a separate compartment from the laptop and tablet pockets. Five smaller pockets corral charging cables, pens, and keys. Insulated side and front pouches keep bottles and food fresh. It also comes with a 7800mAh power bank to keep everything charged. Consider yourself a one-man child-rearing army.

Buy Now $104

Jack Spade Waxwear Dad Bag

Clearly, Jack Spade believes the dad bag is a good thing. Maybe it’s just a matter of confidence; look how far dad bod got you. What’s great about this one, besides the included changing pad, is its durability. The liner is hypoallergenic and waterproof, while the exterior is Waxwear treated. If it can keep sailcloth strong, it can stand up to your strolls around the block.

Buy Now $130

Quicksilver Daddy Daybag Backpack

An unassuming, all-black, classic backpack is a great way to ease into full dad bag. You’d never know from the outside that this pack features a removable changing pad and an insulated pocket to keep that bottle cold. Plus, “Daddy Daybags” is a pretty solid new nickname.

Buy Now $60

StorkSak Ashley

StorkSak does a beautiful job combining classic messenger styling with necessary diaper bag function. That means brushed gold hardware adorns the adjustable shoulder strap and exterior canvas, which, like the interior lining, wipes clean. And yes, that also means there’s a padded changing mat included.

Buy Now $150

Skip Hop Via Messenger

The patented Skip Hop Shuttle Clips allow the Via to attach to your stroller and convert from messenger to strap-free mobile diaper bag. This bag manages to still look clean while hauling like a winnebago with it’s 18 pockets and pouches — 18! — that are protected by an odor-reducing, antimicrobial liner. Because, well, kids are smelly.

Buy Now $40

Leader Julien Backpack

Never before has it been possible to haul dirty diapers in such luxury. Water repellent duck canvas, wipe-clean nylon interior, and vegetable tanned leather ensure all your dad stuff remains dry, clean, and enclosed in a stylish exterior. And there’s that changing mat again except this one comes in its own separate matching leather pouch.

Buy Now $425

Le Sportsac Ryan Baby Diaper Bag

Might as well mention the bottle pockets and changing pad up front so you can move on to the important stuff: animal camo print. Yes, some textile genius figured out a way to turn giraffes into camouflage, presumably so you can teach your kids how something that’s 6 feet tall at birth is able to spend its first month on earth hiding. Giraffes are awesome.

Buy Now $110

Patagonia Minimass Messenger Bag

A scaled-down version of the classic messenger profile from the masters of durability you know and love. With it, you can haul all your daily essentials and still move easily through a crowd, which is extra convenient now that your daily essentials make you a crowd.

Buy Now $118

LL Bean Hunter’s Tote Bag

Maybe not the sleekest one of the bunch, but if this thing can’t hold everything you need, you probably shouldn’t be leaving the house. It’s made of “a tough 1,200-denier polyester shell with a thermoplastic interior coating,” so it can handle anything your kid tries to soak it with. Even the stuff you still don’t know they’re capable of producing.

Buy Now $39

Herschel Alexander Tote

The Alexander is the kind of tote bag you might have reserved for grocery shopping in a previous life. But it’s got the Herschel label on it, so it automatically makes you cooler than the kind of guy who brings his own tote bags grocery shopping. Plus, it comes in almost 30 colors, so you’re sure to be able to find one that matches your everyday purse.

Buy Now $137

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