A good rucksack changing bag is truly worth its weight in gold. From designer bags to more practical rucksacks that promise optimum organisation, there's something about rucksack changing bags which makes us feel like we have our life in order, and, as any parent knows, believing is half the battle.
Being a parent, though, shouldn't mean you have to sacrifice your style. We're firm believers that you truly can have it all - somewhere to store all of your little ones' paraphernalia whilst still looking and feeling like yourself. Gone are the days when you must be a martyr to the 'frumpy' mum bag to leave the house. Now, you can grab your designer pram, fling on your stylish rucksack, and head to soft play with an air of elegance (and just a hint of exhaustion).
The Best Rucksack Changing Bags At A Glance:
Best rucksack changing bag overall: Tiba + Marl Elwood Backpack Changing Bag, £150 on John Lewis
Best rucksack changing bag for organisation: PacaPod Picos Pack Backpack Baby Changing Bag, £99 on Amazon
Best unisex rucksack changing bag: Finnson Ana Eco Changing Backpack With Changing Mat, £150
Best budget rucksack changing bag: John Lewis - Changing Backpack, £45 on John Lewis
When you're used to carrying around your favourite tote carefree, the transition to hauling around a heavy changing bag can be an adjustment. But then again, isn't all of parenting? Maintaining your identity when you become a parent is crucial to your well-being. Can a humble bag really do all of that? It's worth a try.
Here are the best rucksack-changing bags that marry functionality and fashion flawlessly, all with the Grazia stamp of approval.
SHOP: The Best Rucksack Changing Bags
Best rucksack changing bag overall
Credit: Tiba + Marl/John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
We love the Tiba + Marl Elwood Backpack, and we aren't the only ones. Fearne Cotton, Tom Fletcher and Tom Hardy are all fans of this metallic changing bag.
It's not only eye-catching but also practical; it's full of functional compartments and even comes with a padded changing mat. Our favourite feature is the removable wet clutch bag, which is perfect for storing dirty clothes.
We aren't ashamed to admit we've even taken this bag out on a child-free weekend away. And the best part? Once your little one grows up, you can get an adorable matching mini bag that they can wear. Discover the full range of Elwood colourways on the Tiba + Marl website.
Pros
- Water-resistant and wipe-clean material
- Internal laptop sleeve
- Two large Internal elasticated pocket
- Removable wet clutch
- Smartphone pocket
Cons
- Metal fastenings may lose colour over time
Best rucksack changing bag for organisation
Credit: PacaPod/AmazonBeing organised is key to any outing with kids, even if it's just to the supermarket. They have impeccable timing, and you never know when a full blowout is pending.
This bag has everything you need and then some. Stored inside the bag are removable changer and feeder pods, a changing mat and a mini pod. The insulated black feeder Pod is large and great for storing bottles, sippy cups and snacks. It holds up to four bottles and keeps them warm for up to three hours, which is perfect for day trips. The removable changer pod is great for storing wipes or soiled clothes.
We like that they can be carried separately for days when the bag is packed to the brim or inside when you are going on a short trip.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- It can be flat-packed for easy storage.
- Includes a changer pod, feeder pod, mini pod, built-in pram clips and changing mat
Cons
- When the bag is full, the storage pods cannot fit inside but can be attached to the pram individually
Best unisex changing rucksack
Finnsonbabymori.com
Available in camel and black, the Finnson Ana changing backpack has a brilliant unisex design, and doesn't look like a changing bag at all. It has five internal pockets, is made from recycled materials and can be wiped clean - a godsend. It also comes with a matching changing mat, and even when packed away, there's still plenty of room.
Pros
- Chic design
- Two colour options
- Water-resistant
- Wipe-clean
- Made from recycled polyester
- Two thermo-insulated bottle holders
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Lighter camel colour may show dirt more easily
Best budget rucksack changing bag
Credit: John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
If understated is more your vibe, then this John Lewis backpack is probably right up your street. Whilst this bag isn't going to stop traffic, it will blend in with most outfits and look good on whoever is wearing it, be that mum, dad, grannie or grandpa.
Pros
- Comes with a changing mat
- Removable stroller straps
- Large capacity
Cons
- Basic design
Best luxury rucksack changing bag
Credit: Gucci/Selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
If you want to treat yourself to a designer changing bag, it doesn't get much better than this Gucci bag.
Crafted from beige and ebony Original GG canvas, this changing bag has the iconic Gucci design. It has brains, as well as beauty though, with one large zip pocket perfect for all your baby essentials, a cooler pocket for snacks, and three outside pockets for dummies, keys and your phone.
We love that it can be used with or without the backpack straps.
Pros
- Attachable to a stroller
- Iconic Gucci print
- Removable nylon changing mat
Cons
- Not waterproof
Best compact rucksack changing bag
Credit: Jem + Bea/ John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
The JEM + BEA Jamie Backpack is the perfect accessory for busy parents who refuse to sacrifice style for functionality, and reviewers love its compact design. Our favourite feature is the insulated bottle pocket, which makes storing a warm bottle much easier when leaving the house in a rush before a feed.
Pros
- It comes with a matching nylon vanity pouch that can be attached to the bag or the pram
- Water repellent bag and wipe clean lining
- Sleek textured design
- It has an integrated bottle pocket
Cons
- Some customers found that the zip can be a little stiff if the bag is overpacked.
Best eco-friendly rucksack changing bag
Credit: Babymel/Bootswww.boots.com
If you're a parent who wants sustainability and style in their changing bag, then the Babymel Georgi Eco Convertible Backpack is for you. Crafted from recycled plastic bottles, this bag boasts the best environmental credentials, and the leopard print design is unmatched.
Pros
- Quick-access wipes dispenser pocket
- Water-resistant and wipe clean outer material and lining
- Convertible strap
- Seven internal and external pockets
Cons
- The design may not be to all tastes (but we love it)
Best rucksack changing bag for colour options
Credit: AmazonWe're obsessed with this tan version of the Gigl Luxe changing bag, but if that doesn't tickle your fancy, you can also get it in a black and olive green design. We love that all of the accessories coordinate with the bag. The stand-out feature of this bag is the padded changing mat, which can be stored conveniently in its own pocket.
Pros
- Detachable pram clips
- Three colour options
- Two insulated pockets
- Eight compartments
Cons
- Some reviewers suggested the bag has a strange smell upon arrival
Best vegan leather rucksack changing bag
Credit: Bababing!/John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Functionality is paramount when it comes to a changing bag. This bag truly excels in this aspect by offering lightweight construction and addressing numerous parenting needs, from separate compartments for dirty clothes and a removable thermal bottle holder to matching stroller clips and an oversized changing mat (perfect for wriggly tots).
Pros
- Three colour options
- Plenty of storage
- Comes with a changing mat and bottle holder
- Made from vegan materials
Cons
- The bag is initially a little stiff, but this does loosen over time
Best rucksack changing bag for ease
Credit: Babymoov/AmazonAnother understated gem is the Babymoov that online parents have found actually makes life a lot easier. We like that this bag opens up and lays flat a little like a suitcase, making it easier to find exactly what you are looking for. We know what you are thinking - won't everything spill out? Luckily, the bag has zips and storage sections to keep everything perfectly in place.
This bag is great for parents who love travelling, as it can be attached to a stroller or a suitcase pull handle.
Pros
- Water-repellent fabric
- Slides easily onto a telescopic suitcase handle
- Several inside pockets
- Insulated storage sections
Cons
- Changing mat could be wider
What are the benefits of using a rucksack-changing bag?
Whilst a rucksack may not have been your go-to style choice before kids, parents hail it for its practicality. Rucksacks offer hands-free convenience, even weight distribution, and ample storage space. While changing bags look amazing, they can get weighty. Rucksack changing bags have been specifically designed with your little one in mind, and most come with a changing mat and insulated compartments, which make parenting a little easier.
Can I use a rucksack changing bag as a regular backpack?
Yes! And we do, often. We love that all of the rucksack changing bags can also be used long after your little one requires nappies, with some even having enough space to fit your laptop in.
Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.