If you’re anything like me, the mere thought of traveling across the country with a toddler in tow gives you an immediate migraine. The fact that on our last flight we had to fly with him as an “infant in arms” (he was 22 months at the time, so definitely not an infant) only made it that much worse. He’s standing on my lap turning the lights on and off, he’s on the floor between my feet, he’s flipping the arm rest and the window shade up and down. Bless those fellow travelers who had to deal with us all the way to Detroit. And don’t even mention the word “layover” to me when I’m flying with my son. Give me direct flights, or nothing at all.
Anyway, I wanted to share with y’all this absolutely genius bag that I found – I’m not even sure how I found it, I want to say browsing Instagram or Facebook somehow? Isn’t that how most things are found these days? – and honestly, this thing is so amazing, I can’t even decide what my favorite part about it is. I am totally down with anything that makes travel easier on me, my child, and the innocent bystanders, and this bag does exactly that.
So here it goes, my review of The House of Flynn Bags “Evermore” by Maureen Flynn: The Ultimate Mommy Travel Bag
I should start by saying that this isn’t a diaper bag. This isn’t even an overnight bag or a travel bag. It’s actually a photography bag, and when I first discovered them I asked my husband (who does some photography on the side), “Honey, if I use this as a travel bag, do you think that actual photographers will recognize it and call me out for being a phony because I’m using a photography bag for an unintended purpose?” (Honestly, the things I worry about know no bounds.) He of course said no, so I went ahead and purchased it. They really got me with the gorgeous product photos on the website, but they kept me because of what this bag looks and feels like in person. Heavenly! *Author’s note: House Of Flynn has started making diaper bags at the time of writing this, however the one I purchased last year was the standard sized Evermore bag.
The faux-leather that is used to make these bags is ultra soft and supple (you can opt for a real leather version, but that increases the price by just shy of $200). I personally chose the brightest, most annoying color option that was available at the time – Rose Gold, which has since sold out – and the coloring of not only the faux-leather but of all the detailing is absolutely spot-on. The zipper closures on all the myriad exterior pockets (11, to be exact) are really heavy duty, but without being rugged looking. I’m a sucker for details, so the smooth-sliding zippers were a big plus for me.
Rose Gold Evermore by House of Flynn
But nothing was as big of a sticking point for me as the pockets themselves, and really just all the space and built-in organization that this bag provides. Thank goodness that photographers have so many gadgets and small do-dads to carry around, because otherwise this bag would not come in nearly as handy for the travelling mother. There are so many pockets and pouches, you can stash everything you would ever need in here and have it handy at a moment’s notice; when your toddler decides that fruit snacks are they only thing they’ve ever wanted, you don’t have to go rummaging around the bottom of some old diaper bag, because they’re right here, in zippy pouch number six. Ta-da! It makes you feel like an extremely crafty wizard, or at the very least an incredibly well prepared mom-boss.
The interior of the bag is no slouch, either. It is fabric lined and has a laptop pouch along one side. The rest of the interior is open-concept, but with padded fabric dividers that can be repositioned or removed completely. I love this idea because it lets me customize the interior of the bag for whatever our current trip may call for. On an ordinary adventure, I leave only one divider in, separating my personal belongings (wallet, sunglasses, keys, lipstick) from my son’s diapers and wipes. Baby section, mommy section. Done and done.
All in all, this bag is 100% worth the splurge if you’re a busy mom who likes to keep everything in it’s place and still easily within reach. Bonus, it is absolutely gorgeous to look at – I get compliments on it everywhere I go! If you don’t do a lot of airline or weekend getaway type travel and are looking for more of a day bag, I would suggest the Mini Evermore size. But the standard Evermore is the perfect carry-on in every way.
You can get yourself an Evermore bag here. Props to Maureen Flynn for making the ULTIMATE mommy travel bag!
Do you have an Evermore, or one of the other House of Flynn Bags? Would you like to try one out? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!