Calpak vs. Dagne Dover: Which Diaper Bag Is Better? 2 Editors Tested Them Out

The Calpak Diaper Backpack is designed for parents who are looking for a versatile and useful diaper bag that still has a sleek look to it. Its functionality is next level (more on that below), and it's incredibly comfortable and lightweight.

The Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack is a crowd-favorite among parents because of its durability and sleekness. The brand's famous neoprene material is cushiony, it's got tons of pockets and it comes with stroller clips to make it easier to haul around. 

My Review of the Calpak Diaper Backpack

• Functionality: 20/20
• Value: 18/20
• Durability: 19/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Quality: 19/20

Total: 96/100

The Pros:

Comfortable, spacious, durable and cute are the four main words I would use to describe the Calpak Diaper Backpack. I have been using this diaper bag for about 5 months now, and I cannot get enough of the plush filling inside the water-resistant fabric. It's just so damn soft and comfortable to carry, even when I have the bag stuffed to the brim (which is always). I love that the whole bag is the same cushiony material—from the straps to the bottom to the side pockets to the flap. I got the hazelnut shade, and it looks exactly as pictured on the website. Better yet, it's held up to months of daily use and still looks almost brand new. It would definitely be an essential for traveling, too, though I have yet to do so.

The 10 pockets in the backpack are very strategically placed and useful. They're a must for me, because I hate losing pacifiers or Motrin syringes at the bottom of my bag and searching like a madwoman when my baby is crying, so knowing exactly where everything is stored makes it way more efficient. Pro tip: The small zipper pocket between the straps is the perfect spot for extra pacis. There are also two insulated pockets on the inside (perfect for bottles or storing pumped milk), two top mesh pockets (which is where all my medicines and syringes go), two roomy, stretch pockets (where I stuff tons of burp cloths and an extra onesie), two outer side pockets (for bottled water), a huge front zipper pocket (for dirty clothes and burp cloths), a zipper laptop sleeve on the back (when I'm working on the go) and of course, a massive interior space for diapers, wipes, toys and whatever else I need to store. The outer zipper pockets and the closure have incredibly durable zippers (which match the color of the bag) and a silicone tag to pull closed.

Oh, and another feature I love? The top flap has magnets to close to the body of the bag, which makes it easy to just flip over without buttoning or buckling closed.

I also got the diaper bag straps ($28) that can attach to the stroller, too, and while they're definitely nice for travel or if you have a lighter load in your bag, my bag is typically very full, so I prefer to toss it under the stroller instead.

The Cons:

As much as I adore this bag to store all of my kiddo's essentials, there is one con. Even though the material is comfortable and water-resistant, it's tough to clean. I have a little stain on the bottom corner from fruit that I have not been able to get out (and I haven't had a problem getting the same fruit stains out of other materials). 

Dara's Review of the Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

• Functionality: 15/20
• Value: 15/20
• Durability: 20/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Quality: 20/20

Total: 90/100

The Pros:

After 3 years of use, Dara can attest to how well the Indi Diaper Backpack has held up. "I got it on sale before my now-3-year-old was born, and it's become the household on-the-road bag for our family of four. (If you want something on the road, drop it in the d-bag)." The premium neoprene material is designed for comfort and durability and the zippers are heavy duty, so this bag can handle quite a lot shoved into it, which Katz takes advantage of, since she considers herself a "pro-clutter mother." She also notes that it's "very comfortable to wear."

Katz highly recommends this as a long-lasting diaper bag as it's had its fair share of travels with her family, too. "It's also already lived a few lives with us—we've taken it on cross-country planes, trains and automobiles, and it has had zero mechanical issues. The zippers and materials are sturdy. Is it covered in spit-up? Yes. Does it look like it did when it came out of the box? Absolutely not, but it looks pretty OK for the trauma it's endured," she says. It can also withstand inclement weather, apparently. "We've left the bag outside in downpours by accident and it's come out remarkably unscathed," says Katz.

In terms of storage, the Dagne Dover diaper bag has plenty of zipper pockets for anyone who likes to keep their items in specific spots, but the huge inside is what caught Katz's eye the most. "It has lots of features, but I am a proudly disorganized, pro-clutter mother, so the best part about the bag is that it can hold a lot of stuff."

Inside the bag there are two mesh pockets: one that magnetizes shut and a slip pocket that Velcros closed. There's also a back slip pocket for your laptop and the included wipeable changing mat. On each side of the interior, you'll find two insulated pockets for bottles, and on the outside, there are two front zip pockets and side ones as well.

Cons:

While Dara may have zero issues with this backpack after her years of use, some reviewers have noted that it feels quite heavy because of the thick neoprene material. A few also mention the material is tough to remove stains from as well, though it does come with a washable zipper bag to safely toss in your washing machine.