See what Mumsnetters and their DCs thought of their Eastpak Wyoming backpack and Flask tote bag! NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 10 Mumsnetters and their DCs who have been testing their Wyoming backpack and their Flask tote bag.

Here’s what Eastpak say “Our years of experience tell us that backpacks go through a lot of wear and tear when they’re in the hands of kids, and aren’t always treated that carefully, so we want you to put our backpacks through their paces and tell us how they hold up. And it’s not just about the kids – we want to see what you think about our totes designed for being out and about in the city. Take it everywhere you, and let us know how it feels, looks, and what other people think about it.”

Eastpak would love to know:

• Where did you use your bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)
• In general, what and how much did you keep in your bag?
• How easy was it to travel using this bag?
• How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?
• If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend this bag to friends and family?
• Where did your DC use their bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)
• In general, what and how much did your DC keep in their bag?
• How easy did your DC find it to travel using their bag?
• How strong and sturdy do you/your DC think their bag is?
• If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend your DC's bag to friends and family?

Please note: your anonymous comments may be used by Eastpak on their marketing materials.

Thanks!

MNHQ

First of all, thank you for choosing us to take part. When I first told my 14 year old daughter we had been chosen to test Eastpak bags, her reaction was "Whoa, lots of people at school use those, that's brilliant!" She had her heart set on a dark, plain design so I must admit she was a little disappointed with the colour/pattern of the rucksack when it arrived - the red/navy design. She would have been happier with a navy/dark purple more subtle option I think. So rather than use it regularly for school as planned, she has used it on a family day out, and for a sleepover. She could easily fit in everything she needed, and liked the small side compartments. I am sure the whole family will use it at some point. The design is great - I like the sturdiness and the compartments. It was easy to carry and didn't feel as big/clumsy as most rucksacks. I would perhaps prefer a zip fastening for the main compartment if I could change anything. My daughter and I would recommend this range of bag, just not in this colour/pattern.

As for MY bag, I loved it! I liked the design, the strap length, and the material felt strong. It would be perfect for shopping trips. I've used it for visiting a country show, shopping, and it would make a great beach bag. It's a perfect size - big enough to hold lots, without looking over-sized. I would definitely recommend this style.

Thank you for choosing us to do this product trial. Both DW and DS were extremely happy to have Eastpak bags to try out.

- Where did you use your bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)

Sadly bags arrived too late to be used on summer holiday at the end of August but have been in constant use since return last weekend. Tote bag used for day-to-day summer bag purposes in lieu of a leather one by DW. DS has used his instead of his 'boy bag' at the weekends (can't use for school as they have to use black bags and the Eastpak backpack wouldn't hold all his school books anyway)

- In general, what and how much did you keep in your bag?
DW can have everything but the kitchen sink in her bag - yesterday for example she had purse, umbrella, copy of Red magazine, notebook/diary, various paper catalogues, makeup and latterly a few choice products from M&S Food (she refused to pay 5p to buy a bag at check-out!). She doesn't normally travel with quite so much stuff but was out and about during the day with 'reading time' as she travelled. She is particularly keen on the Flack tote bag having a zip to contain the contents and keep them dry in our very rainy weather!

DS has used his with a water bottle, IPod, book, cagoule - not stuffed full but comfortable to carry! He's looking forward to using it as a much more compact overnight bag too.

- How easy was it to travel using this bag?
No issues for DS at all - it's light and small enough to carry and keep on his back without being uncomfortable or getting in the way.

DW has found hers a little cumbersome but no more so than any 'shopper' style bag can sometimes be. Too much swinging around in shops can spell disaster if there's anything breakable within range... But the Flask tote is very light which is a blessing if one wants to fill it up doing day-to-day chores and making purchases.

- How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?
DS's reasonably so and having the leather undercarriage will undoubtedly lengthen its lifespan!

Ironically I think for all that DS is careless and clumsy with material possessions, his Eastpak is likely to last longer than DW's 'tote' - only because the latter doesn't have reinforced 'corners (often a weekness in larger bags used on a daily basis) and is made of the type of material that will start to wear quite quickly.

- If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend this bag to friends and family?
I would recommend the rucksack for teens (and possibly even hip dads - I would happily use one!) - the range of colours makes it an appealing option, it's sizeable enough to carry their 'stuff' but without being too large as to be heavy and cumbersome to use.

NOT entirely sure about the Tote though. DW like that it's light (which for example similarly sized Cath Kidston ones aren't), roomy and has leather handles (which means it's comfortable to carry). BUT as someone who often wears black, she had real issues with the natural coloured leather strap fibres that annoyingly showed up against black tops/jackets. Perhaps the solution would be to match the leather straps/handles to the colour of the tote (DW's was black/grey design) or to 'seal/treat' the leather?

Here are my son's answers. He is 14 and tested the backpack. I will post mine separately.

Where did your DC use their bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)

I used my bag mainly when on public transport traveling around London, either to summer courses or other events, or just to a friend or family member's house.

• In general, what and how much did your DC keep in their bag?

I always kept my wallet, keys, portable charger, earphones, penknife and a notebook and pen with me. I also generally had my Kindle, my DS, a drink and either my packed lunch or snack. The bag was usually around half full, maybe a bit more.

• How easy did your DC find it to travel using their bag?

I was very easy: it fit very well and despite the lack of strap across the front felt very secure and safe. It did sit a little uncomfortably when packed more lightly however, and also didn't fit well at all on my front. (obviously that's not its purpose but sometimes it's necessary when you have something else on your back: eg. a guitar.)

• How strong and sturdy do you/your DC think their bag is?

It seems very strong: it feels like even when loaded up very heavily it would be fine, and the material feels very unlikely to rip. The bottom layer especially feels like a welcome bit of added protection.

• If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend your DC's bag to friends and family?

Yes I would: it's strong, large and comfortable and I would recommend it to anyone in need of a large multi-purpose backpack. The only thing I would mention is that there are very few pockets, so almost everything has to go in the main one. (and the outside pocket feels very insecure and could be easily stoled from)

• Where did you use your bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)

I used it on public transport (we don't have a car) in London.

• In general, what and how much did you keep in your bag?

I mostly used it for my crocheting and extra books or folders that did not fit in my handbag

• How easy was it to travel using this bag?

I think this is not the right bag for me. I like to just take one bag out with me and this would not replace my handbag. So it is most useful if you carry an extra bag around with you.

• How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?

Very strong and sturdy and I liked the wipeable design and and the colours. It's a great looking bag.

• If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend this bag to friends and family?

I would definitely recommend it to people with younger kids who still carry more than their handbag when heading out. Also great for a holiday where you need an extra beach bag.

Both myself and my daughter loved the bags you sent us to try out. The laptop rucksack my daughter received was perfect for her given her mobility problems, joint and muscle pain. She received the Floid bag.

I'll answer your questions using my daughters answers on the Floid bag first:

Where did your DC use their bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)

She used it every day for 2 weeks while doing her social action part of her National Citizen Service. And now she's using it every day for college.

In general, what and how much did your DC keep in your bag?

She keeps her phone, purse and ID in the hidden pocket on the back of the bag. FYI my daughter uses a wheelchair sometimes and this hidden pocket is perfect when the rucksack is hung on the back of the wheelchair. She feels her valuables are kept hidden and safe regardless of how she carries the bag.
My daughter uses the deep front pocket of the bag to carry her folding walking stick. This front pocket is the perfect size to hold and contain the walking stick.
Inside the main part of the rucksack my daughter carries notepads, ring binders, books and sometimes a netbook size laptop. She has attached her doorkey to the key ring inside.

How easy was it for your DC to travel using this bag?

Due to its lightness and excellent padding my daughter says this bag is really easy for her to use. It's very easy for her to carry because it's so light and the padding on the back means it doesn't cause her any extra back pain. While the padded shoulder straps spread the weight of the bag evenly across her shoulders, something she needs.

She uses her bag on the bus and the train and finds it great for travelling with easy access pockets and excellent weight distribution. It's also a nice compact size - not that big that she hits other commuters with it.

How strong and sturdy do your DC think this bag is?

My daughter hopes this bag will last her for years and it feels like it will be very durable. The fabric feels strong and there's no sign of any stress put on the bag from my daughter using it every day.

If it were to come up in conversation, would your DC and you recommend this bag to friends and family?

I already have and will continue to do so. My daughter has also recommended the bag to her friends.

And now my answers which refer to the Flask Grey Panther tote/shopper bag:

Where did you use your bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)

I used the shopper when out shopping, out for days out with the kids and when meeting friends for lunch.

In general, what and how much did you keep in your bag?

I kept the usual things such as my phone, purse, wet wipes, notepad, pens, Kindle, make up, painkillers, a cardigan. I also put things I bought in the bag.

I particularly like the internal pockets on the bag but I would've preferred another couple on the other side of the bag. It's a big bag and it's really easy to lose little things in it, more pockets would help that.

How easy was it to travel using this bag?

I only travel by car and I found it easy to take with me in the car!! However, i think it might be a bit big to take on packed trains and buses, but ok on quieter public transport.

How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?

On shopping days or days out with the kids I shoved a lot of 'stuff' into this bag and I wasn't ever concerned about it letting me down as other bags have. The leather handles are comfy and seem durable. I think they help take the weight when I overloaded the bag.

If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend this bag to friends and family?

I'm not keen on the colour of this bag - I got grey panther - initially my daughter and other half had to persuade me to use it as I'm not one for animal print but that's the only thing I didn't like about the bag. I'm still not too enamoured with the pattern but I love the bag so will happily recommend it to friends and family. More plain (less patterned) but bright colours in this style would be fab and open it to many more uses.

Thank you for choosing us to use and review these bags my daughter couldn't have had a better bag for starting college

Firstly, thank you for selecting us as testers; there was much excitement in the Cake household when we found out.

I'll give DS's answers first.

Where did your DC use their bag?
DS has used the bag for college, work experience in a hospital, and for travelling to his regular volunteering placement. He has travelled by car, bus, train and bike. He liked that he could fit his cycle helmet into the rucksack, and that it was smart enough to take with him when he needed to look a bit professional. He likes the plain grey colour scheme as it goes well with anything. As a parent, I like the leather bottom as rucksack bases usually get quite grotty. Also, DC's bags are put down everywhere when out, then dumped on the kitchen table at home. I really don't like the thought of, for example, public loo floor grot on my table - and the leather is easily cleanable.

What and how much did your DC keep in their bag?
A4 paperwork, food & drink, wallet, book or Kindle, phone, charger, small brolly. The capacity was good, but he would like at least one internal pocket for wallet/phone. Using the external pocket on the front would not be secure on crowded public transport.

How easy did your DC find it to travel using their bag?
Very easy. The bag is comfortable.

How strong and sturdy do you/your DC think their bag is?
It seems reasonably sturdy; definitely stronger than the type of rucksack we usually buy for school/college, which tend to only last a year. The leather bottom makes it feel nice and sturdy.

Would you recommend your DC's bag to friends and family?
Already have! DS is very happy with it and it has been admired by some friends. In addition, I now have to order one for his brother.

Now my answers.

Where did you use your bag?
I've used it daily; for shopping, going out on trips with DCs, on the bus into the city centre, to a concert - everywhere really. It's big enough that I can just stick everything I need for the day into it (and I don't travel light) and chuck it into the car.

What and how much did you keep in your bag?
I put my handbag into it, so I only have one bag to carry. Also a bottle of water, some snacks, a book, some carrier bags for shopping. I haven't filled it yet, which is unusual for me! However, I would like at least one other pocket, to avoid having to rummage around in the main section for smaller items.

How easy was it to travel using this bag?
Very easy. I like the leather handles as they are comfortable to hold. The bag seems weatherproof which is good, and I like that it zips up for security. Weight-wise, the bag is lovely and light.

How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?
It seems strong, but time will tell (although doesn't feel as strong as the rucksack.) I thought the leather handles may look squashed or discoloured after a while, but so far they still look as good as new. (May not be the case after a year or two though.)

Would you recommend this bag to friends and family?
Yes, I'm very happy with it.

Thank you for choosing us, overall we're extremely happy with the bags.

These bags sound great. Any bonus bags for non testers wishing to comment on backpacks or totes?

Where did you use your bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)

DS used his for a couple of weekends away, generally during the week when he was off to his work experience and using, literally, planes, trains and automobiles!

I've used the Tote as my everyday bag since it arrived - it's great. Been all over the shop, and used all forms of transport.

In general, what and how much did you keep in your bag?

DS - clothes, laptop, chargers, odds and sods - lots in other words.
Me - normal handbag shite, plus extra drinks, iPad, snacks.

How easy was it to travel using this bag?

DS - he loves it. Very comfortable to carry, holds masses of badly packed stuff and isn't 'uncool'
Me - nice strap lengths, comfy to carry either on shoulder or just holding.

How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?

Both are excellent. Can hold ridiculous amounts of stuff too.

If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend this bag to friends and family?

Yep, and I have already. Both bags are great. My only niggle is that I'd prefer slightly bigger internal pockets in the tote, but only because I like to keep my bag relatively organised with certain things in easy to grab places, but it's no biggie in the grand scheme of things.

Thanks for picking us, definitely happy with the bags overall.

Thanks for picking us! Great to get these quality bags as presents turn up in the post!

Where did you use your bag?
Unfortunately not big enough to use as DS?? school bag. Also the colour meant he wouldn??t have used it for school: it is sand coloured rather than plain black or navy.

He used it at the weekends for out and about in London, on public transport, when visiting friends, for swimming.

We plan to use it as a day bag in the holidays ?? it arrived too late to do so this summer.

In general, what and how much did you keep in your bag?
Usual stuff: keys, oyster card, phone, pen, notebook, snacks, water bottle, a book, spare jumper. Sometimes swimming gear, a newspaper, random crap bought at the shops.

How easy was it to travel using this bag?
A goodish size for a day bag, easy to carry and not too cumbersome. A bit bigger and it would do for a school bag. A bit smaller and it would have been even better as a day bag.

How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?
Its new, so not really tested to the point of breakage. The leather reinforced bottom I??m very impressed with and I think mean the bag will really last. Generally seems pretty strong and well put together, good straps for your back.

If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend this bag to friends and family?
The kids seem to like this brand and I??m glad it is well made and well designed rather than just a fashionable logo. Can??t see it coming up in conversation to be honest??

Part 2.

Where did you use your bag?
Shopping at the weekend, swimming, picnic bag. Sorry, but a big plastic shopping bag is not going to be the on I choose to take to work with me during the week!

In general, what and how much did you keep in your bag?
Swimming gear or stuff bought at the shops or grub for a picnic. Lots of space, but I??m more into having a backpack if I actually have a lot of stuff or heavy stuff to carry.

How easy was it to travel using this bag?
Fine, easy to carry, quality straps, light enough.

How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?
Much stronger than most bags of this sort. Built to last.

If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend this bag to friends and family?
Nope sorry, it is a bit ugly and not quite right for my purposes. I??m pretty fussy though?? Having said that the bag will get a lot of use now I have it ?? waste not, want not and all that.

Joys of cut n paste. Please translate alll the ????????? as the punctuation they tried to be, commas, colons, etc...

I didn't try the bags so I hope it is OK to comment. The thread caught my eye as it is a sticky and I looked up the bags on Amazon as I am very much into bags.

Wow, the colours! Why those colours? They could be such useful bags, but the colours and designs on them are truly terrible. The colours veer from being outlandishly bright, to incredibly drab.

I use an east pack at least every week for kids swimming. I purchased this bag in 1998 and used it daily till about 2003. I remember it being about £25 and my pal being like that's a bit steep! I can't see me buying another bag for a long time. Man am I cheap!

• Where did you use your bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)

to and from swimming

• In general, what and how much did you keep in your bag?

towel, costume, hat, goggles, shampoo, shower gel

• How easy was it to travel using this bag?

very easy

• How strong and sturdy do you think this bag is?

very sturdy

• If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend this bag to friends and family?

yes

• Where did your DC use their bag? (e.g. on holiday, travelling round a city, on public transport)

as a school bag

• In general, what and how much did your DC keep in their bag?

one day's school books, pencil case, packed lunch, novel, purse, keys, phone

• How easy did your DC find it to travel using their bag?

very

• How strong and sturdy do you/your DC think their bag is?

used for about half a term, one strap has detached from main bag

• If it were to come up in conversation, would you recommend your DC's bag to friends and family?

unsure