"As an at-home dad for 16 years, I have made my way through many options in my quest to find the best diaper bags for dads. I’ve had some that failed spectacularly, with everything from a dirty diaper caught in a zipper to falling apart after a short while. I’ve also had diaper bags that were as durable as a Nokia phone.
But more importantly, I’m part of a large group of dads who have put our equipment to the test. So, when I asked them for the best diaper bags for men, there was no shortage of opinions and recommendations. Their experience is exactly what other dads need to know when picking out their diaper bags. From bags that have all the bells and whistles to make adventures easy to those durable enough to climb a nuclear waste disposal mountain. That was me. I did that. It’s OK, though—I was done having kids, so it worked out.
Dads want something “sturdy, chunky, and with indestructible zippers. No floral print or fussiness in the design. Also, a place for MY water bottle,” said one of my dads. There was also a unanimous call for a wipeable changing pad for places that don’t have changing stations in the men’s room.
So, when you need a diaper bag, trust the guys who have gone before you. Here are five of the best diaper bags for dads, according to actual dads.
HighSpeedDaddy Diaper Backpack
Best diaper bag for on-the-go dads
This is a bag that is built to last and at a price point that won’t destroy your bank account. The bag is waterproof, which comes in handy when you’re dealing with kids, bottles, and the elements. Plus, it has pockets for sunglasses and cell phones, baby wipes, and hooks for your car keys. Trust me: You don’t want to be digging around for any of that on a rainy day when your kid is throwing a tantrum. And don’t forget the wipeable changing pad.
One of its best features, though, is the stroller and luggage straps. This makes the bag easy to travel with on short or long adventures. Add in enough velcro to strap anything down, and this is a diaper bag that makes the adventure a walk in the park, which sometimes it is.
Tactical Baby Gear Everyday Backpack
Most durable diaper bag
One of the dads I asked said, “It’s basically indestructible. Over five years old and not a stitch of wear and tear.” It’s made from “600D tactical polyester with premium buckles and YKK zippers.” I don’t know what that means, but it sounds tough. The bag has a thermal-lined cooler pouch to keep breast milk fresh and an easily accessible pocket for wipes, stroller straps, and your changing mat. Basically, you will wear out before this bag does.
Dude Dad Diaper Bag
Best diaper bag to use beyond the baby stage
The Dude Dad diaper bag bills itself as a bag that grows as your kid does. From babies to toddlers, you’ll find a great use for it, which means it’s good for years. It was designed by other dads who know what it’s like to be alone out in the world. The bag has a cooler pouch to keep breast milk fresh. It also comes with carabiners so you can clip stuff to it, such as your kid’s favorite stuffed animal. Trust me: This is a good thing.
Plus, it’s got an external beverage pouch. So, as said above, yes, this one gives you a pocket for your drink. And it comes with bottle openers. It’s one of those things that you don’t know you need until you need it. And believe me, after a full day out, some days that bottle opener is just downright convenient.
Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack
Best budget-friendly diaper bag
The dedicated pockets for diapers, extra clothes, and bottles in this bag ensure that you are organized. Everything is exactly where it needs to be so you can get to your supplies quickly. The insulated pockets are also a must. This is a bag that won’t cost you a second mortgage, so it’s the perfect start for a brand-new dad who wants organization and ease of use.
One of the other great things about this bag is its extra-wide openings. Look, dad’s hands are a bit bigger than the average bear’s. Having those openings where I can easily access everything, plus store larger items, always comes in handy. Yeah, I had to put a dad joke in there. It’s an immensely popular bag that the dads say lives up to its reviews. “We’ve had ours for two years and have loved it,” said one.
BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack
Best diaper bag for both mom and dad to use
We can all appreciate a diaper bag that is gender-neutral. I know that it’s fun to have something a swat team could use, but let’s be honest, the shots we are dealing with don’t require Kevlar. We need functionality. The BabbleRoo brings dads that.
This bag has a folding changing mat, stroller straps, and a detachable pacifier holder. For those who know the pain of dropped pacifiers, this is a nice touch. Plus, it has a multifunctional pocket that holds your laptop for us dads who need to get a little work done when out with the kids. The shoulder straps are reinforced and the back is padded for your comfort. So, you could be gone all day and still be comfortable.
