Skip Hop Dash Diaper Bag

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I used to be a big fan of messenger bags. Then, I had a baby and discovered that they aren’t very convenient when you need to find something in a hurry. Lifting the big flap out of the way to rummage inside can be a big pain. The Skip Hop Dash diaper bag on the other hand, was a very pleasant surprise. It’s an exceedingly well-organized messenger bag with a flap that manages to to avoid being obtrusive and annoying.

Made of a durable canvas material, the Skip Hop Dash doesn’t have a full messenger flap, which, ironically, is perhaps why it works so well as a messenger bag. It has what I’ll refer to as a “half-flap;” it comes down just enough to velcro over the two front pockets. These pockets are great for the things you need to get to quickly, like keys, wallet, and cell phone. A large zippered pocket runs the length of the front side, containing two pockets on one side for wipes and diapers and a large pocket on the other side, which can be closed with velcro. Two external side bottle pockets and a back pocket add to the multitude of this bag’s organizational features. A carrying handle on top, for those times when you have to grab and go, is another big plus.

Don’t let its smaller size (13″ wide x 11.5″ high x 4.5″ deep) fool you; the Dash is quite stuffable and holds a lot more than you’d think. I’ve actually found it to be the perfect size for my needs. I often use this bag for work as well, and have been amazed at what I’ve been able to fit in it: (laptop, binder, folders, and charging cables).

As much as I love this bag (and I do, it’s one of my favorites), there’s room for improvement:

• I’d love to see a padded strip on the straps to prevent them from digging in
• Fewer velcro closures would be better
• To convert it into a stroller bag, you need to snap off the straps and then snap it onto the stroller with a shorter piece of strap that’s connected to the inside of the bag. It would be convenient to be able to attach it without having to take off the straps. As it is, I just don’t use the stroller straps very often and just toss the regular straps over my stroller instead.
• I believe this is only an issue if you choose the black bag with white trim, but the inside of this bag is a black hole. If you put anything dark into it, good luck trying to find it. If I had my way, the insides of bags would always be a light color.

Don’t let these drawbacks scare you away from the Dash, though. I use mine all the time and couldn’t do without it. It’s available in a variety of different colors, including some colorful prints as well (I’d just avoid the black). Price: $64 at Skip Hop.