Product Review: Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag

Like most people who travel frequently, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect carry on bag. That's hard enough when you're packing for one, but having a baby along brings the issue to a whole new level. Recently, I've been noticing that many parents who click through to Amazon from my site are buying the Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag, so I asked the company if I could have one to check out for myself. I'm glad they were so accommodating. Not only did I get to check out a cool new bag, but I'll be giving it away to one lucky reader in a giveaway that begins tomorrow!

Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag
Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag
Features
  • This bag has a special compartment for just about anything baby might need - diapers, wipes, pacifiers, etc.
  • Outside pockets give you easy access to the items you need most
  • Carrying handles are designed to let you hang the backpack in a closet, over a hook, or in some new place you dream up.
  • The backpack zips all the way open, like a book, so that you can get to the contents easily - you might, for instance, leave it open on your hotel dresser as an organized changing station.
  • There's a large insulated pocket where you can store baby bottles or other items that need to be kept cool

The Good
  • The interior of the bag is very roomy with lots of pockets to keep things organized
  • The outside pockets are roomy and would work great for liquid items that need to be removed through security or for frequent access items, like a cell phone or wallet
  • The backpack's insulated pocket is fully separate from other items, meaning that if something leaks, it won't end up soiling your spare clothes or clean diapers. It would also be easy to wipe out when dirty
  • A special pacifier keeper pouch clips on close to the top of the backpack for easy access.
  • I loved the two huge handles at the top of the bag. They'd make it easy to hang up this bag just about anywhere - and keep it away from curious little hands.
  • Overall the bag seemed sturdy and well made. I'd expect it to hold up well through your baby years, even if you are a frequent traveler.
My favorite travel goodies in an Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag
My favorite travel goodies in an Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag

Things to Consider
  • The heavy gauge plastic wipes dispenser and pacifier keeper could just as easily be replaced with Ziplock bags when they eventually wear out.
  • The included large padded change mat can be tough to keep clean on an extended trip. if you're willing to forgo the padding, I'd use a Disposable Changing Pad instead. (You can carry a few, and reuse them until they're soiled.)
  • This is a high quality bag, but the fit and finish are not as good as you would expect from a premium brand backpack manufacturer (like Eagle Creek or Timbuk2).
  • The bag is missing some of the fit-related features that you would expect in a hiking backpack. Without lift loaders, a waistbelt, or even a sternum strap, it might weigh heavy when fully loaded
  • This backpack would be a bulky to lug with you to an airplane bathroom. And once there, it would be difficult to open up and access your diapers. Instead, you'll probably grab what you need at your seat and then repack it when you return.

The Bad
  • Diapers and wipes are stored down at the bottom of the backpack, meaning that you'll probably have to open the whole backpack in order to get to them
  • Though there was plenty of room to fit my laptop, I would have loved to have a fully padded laptop slot. (I guess that when I started being a mom, I didn't stop being a geek.)
  • I'm not sure you need the DVD player pocket on the outside of the bag. Though the cover is somewhat padded, I wouldn't feel comfortable storing the DVD player on the outside of the bag where it would be easily hit. In most situations it would be easier to just perch the DVD player on a tray table or have the child hold it in their lap. The DVD player holder would not work with a tablet or iPad.

Recommendation
The Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag is best suited to families with a new baby who think they'll travel enough to make the expense worthwhile. The nooks and crannies make it easy to keep all the odds and ends you need with a young baby organized. After a few years (unless you have another baby) you'll probably move on to a more traditional travel backpack.

I received Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag for review purposes. Since I do not keep products that are given to me for review, I will be giving it away to one lucky reader in a giveaway that begins tomorrow! My opinions are always my own, and I strive to write fair and balanced reviews.

Related Links
Buy Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag on Amazon
My favorite gear for traveling with kids
My favorite suitcases and carryon bags

Filed Under: product-review

11 comments | Posted on September 19, 2011 | Save to del.icio.us

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Sanchez on September 22, 2011 at 8:17 p.m.

    Thanks for this review! I still have the baby sherpa I bought a few years ago after reading your review on the site. It was a lifesaver on that trip and now that I have a baby again, I've pulled it out a few times for day trips. Thanks for a great site!

  2. Pamela Gilbertson on October 22, 2011 at 8:28 p.m.

    Hello, thank you so much for the review! I have a trip coming up in January to Brazil to visit my family and we are taking our 17 month old (he will be 20 months at the time of the trip) with. I am terrified! It will be two flights, and one of them will be 10 hours in lenght. It will be the first time we are flying with him and he loves to be all over the place. This bag sounds amazing and it would be very helpful if we could have one of our own. I know it has been a month since your review but I was wondering if the giveaway is still going on and how can I enter it.
    Thanks!
    Pamela

  3. Debbie on October 22, 2011 at 9:07 p.m.

    So glad the review was helpful! Unfortunately the giveaway is now closed.

  4. Sara on November 11, 2011 at 1:58 p.m.

    Thanks for the review! Sounds just right for our needs!

  5. Leah Wright on December 13, 2011 at 7:18 a.m.

    My husband and I are looking for a bag that we can easily pack up every morning with all the gear we need for a 3 month old to take to Grandma's house, who watches our little guy while we work. This bag looks promising, however I am concerned that the diaper dispenser wouldn't work for our cloth diapers. In your opinion, would this work for cloth diapering or is there a better bag out there? Thanks for your help!

  6. Debbie on December 15, 2011 at 2:38 p.m.

    Leah,

    Thanks for your question, I didn't try it with cloth diapers, but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. If not, you could always put the diapers into a different compartment.

  7. Vina on April 16, 2012 at 6:52 a.m.

    Debbie,

    This review is really great and I am on the fence on getting this one or the Baby Sherpa that was mentioned above. I would think the Baby Sherpa might be small and this one will be too big. I am travelling this June with a 6 month old baby for a 20 hr flight and I am wondering if you would recommend the this one than the Serpa as you have seen the actual size. Also I would want to use it when we go to Ocean City for a week or few days stay. As for my question I would to ask if there is a place that you can put some extra clothes or blanket. It was not mentioned anywhere if there will be spot for maybe 2 outfits or clothes so just in case i need to change my son clothes.

  8. Debbie on April 16, 2012 at 8:24 p.m.

    Vina,

    Between the two diaper backpacks I would go with the Okkatots - yes there is room for extra clothes or a lightweight blanket.

  9. Rayie on June 25, 2013 at 7:13 a.m.

    Hi. I am debating whether this bag is for our family. I have twin boys who are 1 1/2 yo. And, a 7 yo daughter. I need something that will pack their snacks, keep their drinks cool, and just put their stuff in for daily use. I don't put much in my current diaper bag, but it'll be nice to put everything in one bag. Thank you!

  10. Debbie on June 25, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.

    Rayie,

    Let me know what you decide and how it works out!

  11. Jocelyn on February 19, 2014 at 2:09 p.m.

    Hi Debbie,
    I am planning on travelling from Canada to Disneyland in April with our baby. He will be 5 months old for the trip and am trying to pick the best travel backpack for both the flight and for our days in the park. I am worried that the Okkatots Travel depot might be too big or that it might become uncomfortable and heavy without a waistband or extra support. I have also looked into the Baby Sherpa but have heard that there isn't any extra space for clothes or a blanket in this backpack. I am also trying to consider what would be the best choice in terms of the future - we plan to travel a lot and I don't want to have to buy a new backpack every time because the one we chose wears out, is uncomfortable or no longer works if we have more children. I know you've seen and used both - what would you recommend?
    I know you have already partially answered this question but I'm looking for a bit more details as to the pros and cons and why you would recommend one over the other, especially since there is a cost difference between the two!
    Thanks so much!