The Best Men’s Diaper Bags, Tested by a Dad on the Go

After just one day of testing, this backpack quickly became my go-to diaper bag. It earned high scores across the board and had a great design, but it was the intuitive features and generous size that marked it out as the overall best.

As a busy Dad, I need to be able to grab what I need quickly, and this bag certainly delivered in that arena. The front zipper runs all the way around, and once unzipped it’s easy to visually locate and access items in a pinch—which is amazing, especially with an on-the-go toddler. The main compartment is spacious and easy to keep organized, thanks to clearly defined sections and elasticated pockets on either side that I used to store a snack pouch and diaper rash cream. On the exterior of the bag, there are two clearly marked insulated sections for bottles. All of the features felt super-intuitive with this bag, and there was nothing complicated or over-the-top about using them. When trying to keep up with a toddler simplicity is key, and this bag makes things extremely easy.

This backpack comes with a complimentary changing pad, which is separate instead of built-in—a feature that I strongly prefer. While there was no designated section for wet wipes, I was able to store both wipes and diapers in an easily accessible space, making changing sessions a breeze.

With regards to size, this diaper bag was perfect for packing a full day's worth of items, including diapers, wipes, toys and snacks. There's even enough space to pack enough items for an overnight trip. Plus, there's room for a laptop, so if you're heading to your parent’s house to work while they babysit, you can fit everything in one bag. The water-resistant nylon feels durable and strong, and I imagine this bag will last for years of consistent use. With that said, this bag does lack padding on the straps, making it best for day-to-day use as opposed to hiking or longer trips with baby.

The camo color I tested is something I would usually reach for in a bag, so it was a treat to have a diaper bag that was in line with my typical style. The bag has a look that blends style and technicality, and I will definitely continue to use it as a travel bag down the line. Overall, this men’s diaper bag scored highly in almost every category. I would definitely recommend this backpack for parents who want a wonderfully simple bag that will make outings with the little one as easy (and stylish) as possible.

Dimensions: 14″ (L) x 17″ (H) x 6.75″ (D) | Weight: 2.4 lbs. | Volume: 26.3 L

The STATE Jordan Diaper Tote is an excellent option for any type of travel. It has the convenient compartments and ample space you’d expect in a travel bag, but also has a number of versatile carry options. It can be worn as a shoulder bag, clipped to a stroller or rolled on top of a suitcase thanks to the nifty travel sleeve. With so many options, I found myself reaching for this bag again and again.

The bag was on the narrow side, not quite as large as the TWELVElittle. But it expanded easily and offered plenty of space and storage for anything you would need for a day or weekend. It has two exterior pockets that stretch to fit a reusable coffee cup or a water bottle, and inside the bag, there are two mesh pockets that I used to store diapers, an insulated bottle pocket that was easy to reach, a padded laptop sleeve and zip-top pouches to help keep things organized. I'm personally a fan of a more bare-bones interior with a large main compartment, and this bag has the perfect blend of simplicity and functionality.

The exterior of the bag also boasts a travel sleeve which slides over the handle of a suitcase, complete with a zip-up pocket that can be used to store your passport or drivers licence. It comes with stroller clips that are easy to adjust, and it's super-easy to transfer it back and forth from a stroller or to a rolling suitcase during excursions. The bag definitely fit well, and it was easy for my wife and I to transfer it back and forth while on the move. And the bag’s narrow profile is a benefit for air travel—it would easily fit underneath the seat of an airplane or in an overhead bin.

The bag came with an easy-to-locate changing pad that's very easy to fold up and even easier to clean. The changing pad isn't built into the bag, which I prefer, and the bag came with separate pouches to store soiled or dirty clothing, which is a must for long trips. It was also very easy to gather all of the changing materials while using this bag, making it perfect for changing on-the-go.

The sleek design is perfectly gender-neutral, so it would work equally well as a diaper bag for men or women. My wife and I found ourselves reaching for this bag whether for a day trip or a longer weekend adventure, and I can see it joining the rotation once we no longer need to use it for diapers.

Dimensions: 7" (L) x 15.7" (W) x 12.2" (H) | Weight: N/A | Volume: 22 L

Like to travel light? A belt-bag—also known as a fanny pack—is a good option for minimalist dads. Despite its small size, this masculine diaper bag hit the mark in terms of style, features and materials.

Right off the jump, I loved the design of this belt bag. The rustic color and material is exactly my style, and nothing about this trendy bag screams “diaper bag,” which makes it a versatile hold-all for dads. I would be just as likely to take this to a music festival or a solo hike as I would on a trip to the playground. The style and function of the straps are also great, especially the magnetic buckle, which takes some getting used to, but is awesome once you do. This bag was comfortable to wear both as a hip bag and across the shoulders, thanks to a thick layer of padding on the back. This is definitely a style of bag I would wear all the time, and while I've never been a fanny pack person, this bag could be the one to convert me.

In terms of features, this compact bag packs a serious punch. I loved the phone pocket on the outside of the bag, which is secure but easy to reach. This makes it incredibly easy to quickly grab your phone in case you need to snap an adorable picture or send a text. I’m also a fan of the expandable bottle holder, which works great with skinny adult water bottles and baby bottles alike. The bag doesn't have an insulated section or a changing pad, but I don't imagine many fanny packs do. And I’m confident you could fit a small, fold-up mat inside if you needed to. There was also a convenient hook for keys, as well as separate sections to hold soiled items.

This bag was able to hold a surprising number of items given its size. On one occasion I was able to fit an entire pack of wipes and diapers in this bag, and on another I packed two diapers, a change of clothes and a toy inside. Plus, the clever hidden extendable bottle section is great when you need it, but it easily zips up to make the bag more compact when you don't. This style of bag is meant to be ultra-portable, and this lightweight option does the trick while allowing you to pack as much gear as can fit in many of the backpacks we tested.

The strong, durable materials of this men’s diaper bag is definitely one of the top selling points. The bag is made with a water-resistant material, which makes it especially ideal for storing your valuables during inclement weather. It feels practically indestructible, and I feel like it could survive years of consistent use, both as a diaper bag and as an adventure bag down the line.

Dimensions: 3" (L) x 10" (W) x 6" (H) | Weight: NA/ | Volume: 3 L

Tactical Baby Gear makes some of the manliest diaper bags in the game, so if that's your vibe you’ll love this military-style backpack. I tested an army green colorway, which won’t suit every style aesthetic, but I certainly see it appealing to some dads—especially those who are ex-military. (The brand offers a discount for active duty and military veterans, as well as active police, firefighters and EMT professionals.) And it doesn’t just look the part—this bag offers a ton of interior pockets and zippers, built-in changing facilities, durable materials and a supportive fit. The bag offers a great balance of simplicity and technical prowess—elaborate, but never overwhelming, which can't be said about similar-styled bags that I tried. I particularly liked the large loop handle that made the bag extremely easy to pick off the ground. I've never seen that feature in any type of backpack, and it was especially helpful when I was rushing to gather my baby's belongings after a playground session.

The polyester bag definitely has a premium feel throughout. Everything about it feels high quality, from the tight stitching to the durable material. This bag was placed on the ground multiple times, and it was easy to wipe off any dirt or mud. I felt like it could handle anything, and I noticed zero defects while using it. The material is water resistant, and while I never wore it in the rain, I tested it out with some water from my bottle and it held up great.

The changing station at the back of the bag is attached by Velcro and unfolds with a simple downward tug motion. It can be used while attached to the bag or separated, which is convenient. And the “drop zone” landing pad, complete with a crosshairs target, offers some much-needed humor during those dreaded diaper blowouts and poo-nami situations. One of the coolest changing-related features about this bag that—full transparency—I didn't realize it had while I was using it, is the magnetic wipe holder. Positioned at the side of the bag, this pocket fits an entire pack of wet wipes and has a magnetic flap that makes it easy to open and close. The changing pad itself was big enough for my squirmy 14-month-old, and there was plenty of room to store soiled and dirty items inside the bag.

I wore this bag all day, and never once felt that it was uncomfortable. The back and shoulder panels are super-supportive, and the straps make it easy to manage the weight. The waist and chest clips, in particular, were easy to use and helped a ton, especially when I succumbed to carrying my son through the walking trail. I didn't notice any unusual pain while wearing this bag, and I think it's a great option for longer walks or hikes, with or without a baby. While this isn't necessarily the look of a bag that I would typically purchase, I enjoyed using it and can see myself using it for non baby-related journeys down the line.

Dimensions: 11" (L) x 8" (W) x 20" (H)

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