Backpack vs. Tote vs. Metro Bag? Hi, I am a working mom and will need to pump 3-4 times a day at work everyday. Which Medela PISA bag would be the best for my purposes? From the reviews, it looks like the backpack is very small and the metro bag doesn't close well. How does the backpack compare to the tote?Thanks! Backpack vs. Tote vs. Metro Bag? Hi, I am a working mom and will need to pump 3-4 times a day at work everyday. Which Medela PISA bag would be the best for my purposes? From the reviews, it looks... » Read More Backpack vs. Tote vs. Metro Bag? Hi, I am a working mom and will need to pump 3-4 times a day at work everyday. Which Medela PISA bag would be the best for my purposes? From the reviews, it looks like the backpack is very small and the metro bag doesn't close well. How does the backpack compare to the tote?Thanks! « Show Less
1680028
I have both the tote and backpack. Backpack is best! I can put it on my back and pump with the battery attachment while making dinner or otherwise walking around. With the tote, you're stuck in one spot unless you're comfortable walking with it on one shoulder.
1680029
I personally like the backpack. When I'm carrying a baby or car seat, diaper bag and my pump, I like to have the backpack on. I don't want to worry about something slipping off my shoulders. The Metro bag is my other first choice because you could put it in it's own backpack, but that's more stuff that can get lost. I'm very happy with the backpack!
1680030
My suggestion would be to purchase the PISA pump that comes in the small padded carrying case and skip the backpack or tote all together and get a different bag that suits your needs. This is what I ended up doing with my first child because I am an ER nurse that had to pump during 12 hours shifts. I needed lots of room, so I bought a 31 brand utility tote that fit all my power adaptors, nursing covers, stored milk, pump etc. Like this one: http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/catalog/product/495/catid/22/swid/229b/zip-top-organizing-utility-tote-u-r-u-in-u-r-u-swirl-dot/
1385640
The pump itself is the same, Medela confirms that if you call them. I personally don't care about the style of the bag, but about the practicality. I can't fit everything I need into this bag so I use another bag to carry accessories. Also if you need to pump more than twice at work, the cooler compartment only allows for 4 bottles. (PIS also has a detachable cooler bag that only carries 4 bottles. ) If you work an 8 hour day, you most likely will pump at least 3 times (6 bottles) and will need an extra cooler bag with either one.
1721283
20L might suit you better. The 10L is about the size of a smallish backpack. We took it to Disney and had two raincoats, a 32oz Nalgene, snack bars, and a few 16oz waters inside no problem. The 10L definitely wouldn't handle 4 full size towels AND other items. It's a fantastic bag. Built well and the material leaves you confident that it is indeed waterproof.
152057
I tried the medela bags with it and it didn't work well. But there might be others put there that would work better. I also typicallyb pumped more than I needed per bag so it was better for me to divvy it up into bags later.
423928
yes i have 2 of them both are great. i have used 1 as a back pack then the other is left in car as a backup. you should be very happe with this item.
758610
Good question, it is the same principle as the MEDELA bags which are about $1 a piece and typically can be used more frequently than what is listed on the bag. I am not sure I would necessarily trust or try it myself because I would have no idea what the timing would be and how much water to add. Perhaps another user/reviewer has tried it. Good Luck.
773112
I would go with the larger one. I got this for my 6' tall boyfriend and he uses it to commute to work. So he has clothes, shoes, and his lunch in there and it's got plenty of room.
1003531
I use a Topeak RaceRocket hand pump and it fits in there perfectly (by unzipping the extension part): Topeak RaceRocket Mini Pump (Black)**Note** If your pump doesn't fit inside of it, there are elastic bands on the bottom of the bag that can easily hold any small hand pump.Along with the pump, I have:Emergency Tools1 spare tube (can fit 2 if necessary)1 Rema TipTop patch kit (the full box, didn't even bother taking out the contents)2 tire levers2 surgical glovesZip tiesI can keep my phone/keys in there if i want as wellthere really is a lot of room to spare, buy this bag, it's pretty great! I use a Topeak RaceRocket hand pump and it fits in there perfectly (by unzipping the extension part): Topeak RaceRocket Mini Pump (Black)**Note** If your pump doesn't fit inside of it, there are elastic bands on the bottom of the bag that can easily hold any small hand pump.Along with the pump, I have:Emergency Tools1 spare tube (can fit 2 if necessary)1 Rema TipTop patch kit (the full box, didn't even bother taking out the contents)2 tire levers2 surgical glovesZip tiesI... » Read More I use a Topeak RaceRocket hand pump and it fits in there perfectly (by unzipping the extension part): Topeak RaceRocket Mini Pump (Black)**Note** If your pump doesn't fit inside of it, there are elastic bands on the bottom of the bag that can easily hold any small hand pump.Along with the pump, I have:Emergency Tools1 spare tube (can fit 2 if necessary)1 Rema TipTop patch kit (the full box, didn't even bother taking out the contents)2 tire levers2 surgical glovesZip tiesI can keep my phone/keys in there if i want as wellthere really is a lot of room to spare, buy this bag, it's pretty great! « Show Less
1459619
Smaller is better, of course it depends what else you have in the purse. The dedicated compartment will handle a 1911 or a small revolver. You don't want a lot of bulky items in the other compartment. I carry an LCR or a LCP and either one is good. LCP has a flatter profile so it is the best
601794
it great for carry like 3 or 4 books...its not a tradional backpack but it much nicer. Get for him or her, they're luv u forever! fyi the back support will be a huge plus!!!
2084139
I wouldn't say it's roomier. It's better designed for baby gear and I know which pocket everything is in. Never used a regular backpack for this, so I really can't compare. I used a diaper bag for the 1st year and then looked for a backpack that wasn't too babyish. This fit the bill and it works great for us.
248843
I got the sm but my daughter is smaller like 29/30 in. The sm for me was perfect... it's very roomy. You could always exchange it for a bigger size. I will be ordering the knit one for the summer! �
1344628
The Metro 1380 Cu Inch capacity bags have a handle in the middle. This makes for easier carrying than the Metro III bags. They carry less but are more convenient for portability.
944851
I own a Travel Berkey and live alone. I think it's the perfect size for 1-2 people. I got it because it's so portable, fits right into luggage or I can bring it to work sites. I have the 2 fluoride filters ( which i HIGHLY recommend ) and 2 Black berkey filters in it. The water filters quickly and has a great flow, it holds 1 1/2 gallons and I fill it every 2 days. A larger Berkey is great but can't be moved as readily. The down side to a Travel Berkey for 2 or more people?, you may fill it more frequently, but even that's a breeze. Even if you find it's not big enough, you'll want to keep it for it's versatility. I personally think every home should have a Travel Berkey. I own a Travel Berkey and live alone. I think it's the perfect size for 1-2 people. I got it because it's so portable, fits right into luggage or I can bring it to work sites. I have the 2 fluoride filters ( which i HIGHLY recommend ) and 2 Black berkey filters in it. The water filters quickly and has a great flow, it holds 1 1/2 gallons and I fill it every 2 days. A larger Berkey is great but can't be moved as readily. The down side to a Travel Berkey for 2 or more people?, you may fill it more frequently, but even that's a breeze. Even if you find it's not big enough, you'll want to keep... » Read More I own a Travel Berkey and live alone. I think it's the perfect size for 1-2 people. I got it because it's so portable, fits right into luggage or I can bring it to work sites. I have the 2 fluoride filters ( which i HIGHLY recommend ) and 2 Black berkey filters in it. The water filters quickly and has a great flow, it holds 1 1/2 gallons and I fill it every 2 days. A larger Berkey is great but can't be moved as readily. The down side to a Travel Berkey for 2 or more people?, you may fill it more frequently, but even that's a breeze. Even if you find it's not big enough, you'll want to keep it for it's versatility. I personally think every home should have a Travel Berkey. « Show Less
168808
The cooler shown next to the bag does fit in the top of the backpack. Everything shown fits back in comfortably. (It's not like trying to put all of the playpen accessories back in the travel bag.) I also have the optional car plug in the bag. I carry a small burp cloth, and a small tub of coconut oil in the front pocket.(I don't use lanolin.) Its not intended to be an overnight carryall, but it will hold everything you need for pumping to go back and forth to work.
1094943
Hi, The Ultra is not "ultra lite" -- it's Ultra as in "loaded with features". Read my analysis of it here: http://www.a-natural-birth.com/2011/12/31/ameda-purely-yours-ultra-review/ Basically, it comes with the various size flanges you would need, as well as all accessories. The Carry-All is a plain tote bag, while this tote bag is larger and has compartments and is more useful, IMO. I would prefer the Ultra over the Carry-All, as I have personally seen the need for different sized flanges, even on the same woman as time and pumping necessitate. Hope that helps!
2253078
Go to the Ape website - http://apecase.com/products/back-packs/pro-series-backpacks/acpro4000-digital-slr-and-laptop-roller-backpack/#.US-BxIVU3h8 I bought one for work... and LOVED it so much I bought a 2nd one for home.. SUPER light - and holds my 17" laptop (yeah saving for 15" - 17" is a little too big) The inside is yellow and totally empty, fully padded and can be configured to any size shape compartments you want with the multitude of spacers - 2 long dark grey padded & made to grip Velco and probably 10 individual padded yellow spacers with double sided flat ends of velco. The wheels glide effortlessly, the handle is made for a taller person - I'm 6'1" - its perfect... Super light as I walk up and down stairs - I shoot college sports.