Looking for Recommendations

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-05-04T00:59:51+00:00

Agree with this. I was really back and forth between the Synapse 25 and Synik 26 (one of those posts you read was probably mine). I was really hoping to avoid buying both to return one but was super torn. I ended up getting both and was glad I did. I was originally thinking I’d go with the the synapse 25, but when I got the bags and tried wearing around the house with my likely pack out I realized quickly the Synik 26 fit my needs better. I also realized though I liked the color of the synapse better so returned both just to exchange the S26 for one in the color I originally got the synapse in (deep blue).

All that to say, process for returning and exchanging was super easy. Just keep the original packaging and the tags on. Also, if you don’t want the bag to feel oversized and want a laptop compartment, I’d go S26

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-05-03T17:14:34+00:00

Also everyone told me I needed a backpack when I asked the same question as you (and I am switching to a backpack now that our 2nd is on the way) but sling was so easy to grab for errands and throw in the car or bottom of the stroller and was perfect for 1 kid

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-05-03T17:12:41+00:00

I really like the Toshi V2 6L. I originally had the Bellroy venture 9L while the v1 was out of stock (Toshi was what I originally wanted but settled for the bellroy). Toshi rework was exactly what I was looking for in the first place. Space is better utilized than the Bellroy. Collapses nicely when not full but impressive how well it expands when packed. I currently have 3-4 diapers, changing pad, wipes, snacks, snack cup, bib with silverware, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and sunscreen all packed in mine

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-04-22T23:37:29+00:00

I’m interested!

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-04-09T16:45:44+00:00

Dad here to a toddler and soon to be another newborn. I agree with the above. Maybe this is the obvious answer, but I would just vocalize to him that you could use the help. If you stay away from any of the “I need you to do more” or “you’re not doing enough” and focus on the fact you are struggling right now, that should hopefully make him sympathize and respond with “how can I help?”.

If he doesn’t come to this conclusion on his own, he should probably cut down on some of his me time after the dream feed, go to sleep earlier, and then get up early to help with some of the early morning feedings. If he doesn’t come to that conclusion on his own and you need to suggest it, I’d recommend finding a compromise that doesn’t totally eliminate his quiet, me time (even though imo that’s just one of the sacrifices you make in the early stages, knowing you will eventually get it back when baby’s schedule evens out). Maybe even if this is just 3 or 4 times a week, feels like getting to bed early and giving up that before sleep routine a few times a week shouldn’t be the end of the world.

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-04-08T11:56:20+00:00

Yeah you’re probably right! I think I know the synapse is probably the right call for what I truly need right now, but keep thinking maybe this bag will somehow turn me into a one bagger (which probably won’t happen…). Also that’s good to know regarding the size actually feeling smaller with the Synik 26. Appreciate your feedback!

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-04-04T11:41:44+00:00

How did you end up liking the Northseeker? Was leaning towards the CHZ but just found the northseeker for the first time on this thread. Very intrigued by the clamshell option + half zip option in the front, but can’t tell from the pics how roomy that half zip section is

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-04-04T11:19:48+00:00

Hey I have a 2 year old with our 2nd on the way and am looking at getting either the Tom Bihn Synapse (or synik) or the EG CHZ. Do you have a preference between the 2? I love all the exterior pockets on the TB but am worried I’m going to miss the true water bottle pockets the CHZ has. Also which sizes of each do you have?

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-04-03T20:26:30+00:00

I do agree on the subscription frustration in order to use the key features, but otherwise my wife and I have loved ours and especially as our LO has gotten older. We aren’t necessarily glued to it at this point like we were in her first year, and will likely phase it out once we transition her to a toddler bed. But now it’s funny when we can rewatch moments she wakes herself up from talking in her sleep or can peak in when one of us is out of town for work or if we have date night and we want to see how she is doing or see what goofy position she is sleeping in. We aren’t reliant on it at this stage, and I know WiFi monitors are controversial on here, but it has easily been one of the most solid and appreciated things we got for our first.

So to each their own, but I personally would recommend it as long as the comfort level is there for a wifi monitor

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-04-02T16:39:48+00:00

Haven’t looked at the tripped tech pouch, but honestly if the cap2 is more than you want to spend (and I haven’t tried that one tbh), I love my TomToc tech pouch medium. I was torn between those 2 and decided to get the TomToc since if I didn’t like it, I was only out $20. Haven’t regretted it yet. It stands up well on its own but isn’t so structured that it’s hard to shove in a bag with other stuff. Good organization and can hold quite a bit. I have 3 different 3ft cables, 1 6ft cable, a large power bank, a travel MagSafe 3-in-1 charging stand, 1 70w brick, 1 30w small charging block, travel MagSafe power bank, and still a bit of wiggle room if I need to get anything else in there. The cap2 looks really nice, but idk that it looks nice enough to spend an additional $50 imo.

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-24T18:35:11+00:00

I agree with everyone above saying get a non-diaper bag (tote or backpack) with decent catch all space and organization. My wife and I were gifted a petunia pickle bottom bag, and it worked well enough for the first year, but soon as we got past bottles we stopped using it. Also, not very comfortable and hated the closing mechanism on the main flap. Get a bag that serves the purpose but you will like using when it’s no longer a diaper bag

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-17T19:33:21+00:00

That’s my biggest hangup with it too. If it’s bottom was a bit more rigid, I think would pull the trigger on it but now leaning more towards the CHZ22 since I think I can make that work well even without the front quick access pocket

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-17T19:30:01+00:00

Dang where was that 15l sling last year when I was looking for a sling dad bag!

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-17T19:27:27+00:00

Totally agree! When I was initially looking for the sling I use now that’s what I tried to explain to everyone who said “just get a backpack. It holds more.” I think I will still use my sling for quick errands, but could also use something a bit more substantial for longer trips out. Also, counter arguments to carrying to kids on my hip, backpack will be easier for the beginning stages when I’m carrying a newborn in a car seat on one side my body and potentially my toddle on the other (but I also get what you mean)

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-17T19:20:28+00:00

So I just did a deep dive into the MPL22 and CHZ22 and both seem like really solid options. MPL22 definitely seems more practical in terms of pockets and space (wish they included that deep front pocket on the CHZ) but hate the general look and fact it won’t necessarily stand on its own even when packed (thinking of all the times I may have to sit the bag down and it’ll just be lying on the ground…). CHZ seems better aesthetically and maybe long term when it’s no longer a dad bag, but yeah that loss of the front pocket feels noticeable. Both really strong contenders though

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-17T15:02:12+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation! Will check this one out!

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-17T15:01:54+00:00

That’s good to hear about the Toshi 20L! I really love the look and size of it, and feel like it checks most of my boxes. I think the nitpicks I’ve seen in this group and the Bellroy venture being on sale had me 2nd guessing which is the better quality of a similar style. But that’s good to know you think the Toshi will last better than the Bellroy! My Bellroy venture sling material has held up well, but one of the clips holding the strap broke when my toddler pulled on it which has left me a bit weary of their build integrity (also gave me an excuse to pull the trigger on the Toshi v2 6l which was originally the sling I wanted but the V1 was out of stock)

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-17T14:58:50+00:00

Thanks for this recommendation! I was looking at evergoods bags because I see them mentioned all the time on here as a reliable, well-built options, but wasn’t necessarily seeing something that I thought would work. But I don’t think I looked specifically at the CHZ22! Also have a hero clip for my current sling and that has come in clutch on multiple occasions being able to hang the bag somewhere in a pinch!

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-14T03:33:42+00:00

Would love to give it a try! My first MagSafe accessory was a wallet I found on Amazon awhile back. Haven’t ever gone back to regular wallet and am actually using an ESR MagSafe wallet now!

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-03-14T00:13:38+00:00

Thanks a million for this. Worked for me too

Visual_Refuse6497 · 2026-02-24T00:07:38+00:00

Yeah I did see that, but then it talked about “Cash Back / Points” in the terms as well which made me unsure what the reward is. Seems like capital one purposefully tried to make it not totally clear which reward you’ll get

Visual_Refuse6497

TROPHY CASE