We currently use the Dagne Rover: https://www.dagnedover.com/collections/indi-diaper-backpack#Dune-Large
Pros: My wife likes the style, a lot of her friends have it.
Cons: It's immediately too small if we need to pack for a day trip and include lunch box or swimsuit. Especially because my wife will typically store wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses in it as well - plus a water bottle in the side pocket. The interior pockets/organization are terrible - things just get lost and are hard to dig out.
We've got #2 on the way - both will be cloth diapering. A new bag is a no-brainer, but I need to convince my wife on both utility and style.
Any thoughts on bags to switch to to upgrade size, but still be a good looking bag?
I ordered the North Face Base Camp because it's 35L https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/bags-and-gear/backpacks-c224451/base-camp-voyager-travel-pack-pNF0A81DN, which doubles the Dagne in size, but seems to still appear like a backpack. I like a lot of the 40L clamshell options, but they look like luggage on your back, probably wouldn't fit in the stroller carry, and just no way she goes for it.
It has two external water bottle holders, which a lot of travel bags seem not to have or they are zippered. These are crucial for water bottles and quick access to sunscreen.
The flap in the main compartment that separates it in half is great and I plan to leverage packing cubes to organize further.
I kind of wish the lower front pocket was waterproof material instead of fleece, could be good for wet swimsuits/clothes (I'll just get a dry bag - ideas?), but still a good storage compartment for my wife's items.
Seems to check all the boxes and the price point is solid, but curious if anyone has other suggestions. I think 35L is the right size. Good looks and two external water bottle pockets are a must. The lack of hip belt is key - stowable is fine as well.