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Thule Changing Backpack review: "We'll be using it for years!"

It's no secret that babies (and toddlers, for that matter) require an awful lot of stuff when you're heading out, whether it's just a five minute trip up the road or an all-day expedition. That's where a decent changing bag comes in handy, and scoring nearly full marks across the board with our mum-of-two tester Alex, the Thule Changing Backpack certainly packs a punch (along with anything else you might need!)

By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Aug 19, 2025

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Thule changing backpack

Price on writing: £122 | Buy now from Amazon

Overall rating:
What we like

  • Subtle, unisex design

  • Features lots of pockets as well as a baby changing mat, storage pouch and changing clutch

  • Doesn't look like a changing bag, which gives it added longevity

What we don't like

  • Quite pricey (but tester says that all things considered, it is worth the spend)

  • No choice of colours

Key specs

Price on writing: £122 | Size: 9 x 34 x 45cm | Colour: Charcoal | Type of changing bag: Backpack

Read next: Find the best breast pumps and baby bottles according to real parents

How we tested the Thule Changing Backpack

Our parent-tester Alex tried out the Thule Changing Backpack over several months, using it day-to-day to transport essentials for her toddler and baby. During this time she assessed the backpack on a number of factors including ease of use, versatility, design and value for money. She then provided an overall verdict and individual ratings (see below) based on the bag met her and her family's needs.

What is included with the Thule Changing Backpack?

The bag comes with a changing mat, an additional storage bag with strap and a waterproof pouch. According to Alex, "It also has an easy-access pocket on the front with a magnetic fastening, two bottle pockets and a strap for hooking onto the handle of wheeled luggage."

Inside there are many additional pockets, including a laptop pocket and a key hook. There is also an internal divider, which can be removed to turn two (upper and lower) compartments into one large compartment. Zips are easy to open, with large reinforced toggles.

-Parent-tester Alex

Related: Stock up on more changing essentials including the best nappies, reusable nappies, nappy bins and baby wipes.

What makes the Thule Changing Backpack stand out from other changing bags?

According to Alex, one of the best things about the Thule is that it "doesn't look like a changing bag." She added: "It just looks like a nice backpack which can be used for a variety of purposes, not just changing."

Thule changing bag

It's a really nice, modern design and is just a very versatile backpack with so many storage options and pockets in a relatively compact space. We have used this for a toddler to transport a change of clothes, games/toys, snacks, etc, as well as general items for a family day trip.

Parent-tester Alex

Thule Changing Backpack

£122

Buy now from Amazon

Read next: The best wearable breast pumps and our pick of top manual pumps for all your pumping needs

How big is the Thule Changing Backpack?

The backpack measures 9 x 34 x 45cm.

It's a moderate backpack size. Clever compartmentalisation makes it easy to store a surprisingly large number of items.

-Parent-tester Alex

How easy is the Thule Changing Backpack to carry around?

According to Alex, "It's very easy to carry and comfortable to wear, with wide shoulder straps that don't dig in. It also has comfortable handles for carrying by hand."

She added: "While it is a changing backpack, it also has additional cross-body bag slips inside for an adaptable design."

How well does the Thule Backpack fit onto a buggy?

"Its moderate size makes it easy to fit under a buggy," said Alex, "but it is also convenient and lightweight to carry on your back. It doesn't have clips for fastening onto a buggy, but I think these would be unnecessary."

Will you continue to use the Thule Changing Backpack in the future?

Absolutely yes. This is a very useful and versatile bag that could be used for a variety of purposes. It could easily be used as a work bag as it has a laptop pocket.

-Parent-tester Alex

Related: The best sippy cups, sterilisers and baby baths according to real parents

What are the best features of the Thule Changing Backpack?

Thule Changing Backpack

I love the many compartments and storage options, and the way this enables you to carry a large number of items in a small space. It is also very comfortable to wear and use. The easy access magnetic front pocket is very handy for storing items you need to grab quickly such as sunglasses and wet wipes.

Parent-tester Alex

Thule Changing Backpack

£122

Buy now from Amazon

Related: Soothe away soreness with the best nappy rash cream and our tried-and-tested nipple creams

Overall verdict

Overall, Alex was very pleased with the Thule Changing Backpack, rating it highly for its versatility and design and adding that she would recommend it to other parents.

It is relatively expensive, but it is very high quality and is such a versatile bag I can see us using for years to come.

-Parent-tester Alex

Practicality:
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About Mumsnet reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing – this includes recommendations from the Mumsnet Talk boards. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverag

About the author

Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides.

Jenny is also a best-selling sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and parenting blogger.