Looking for the best diaper bags for dads?
Well, that’s what we have.
Diaper bags aren’t what they used to be and that’s actually a great thing.
As a matter of fact, they can do so much more and they have actually evolved from the typical, one strap, here you go, kind of bag.
What’s, even more, wow is the fact that they cater to the dads of the parenting world and even come in the form of a dang backpack.
Back in the day, diaper bags were mainly constructed to be for moms and usually came as messenger bags.
I don’t know if it’s that feeling of carrying a purse or if it was just what we all thought a diaper bag would and should look like.
You can literally lay out a bunch of bags and be able to point out the diaper bag in the bunch.
That’s a good thing if you like playing that kind of stuff but I’m more of a functional and stylish kind of dad and backpacks are just my thing.
Dads have evolved from the breadwinner to taking barf on the shoulder that only moms used to endure.
With that comes the style and fashion that caters to dads and all the not-so-cliche things in life.
That also applies to diaper bags and so many companies have catered to people like us.
In fact, they have catered so much that we have hundreds and thousands to choose from and that is why I had to narrow it down a bit.
So before you go buying any old diaper bag, let this list inspire or give you that bag that fits you best.
Picking the Best Dad Diaper Bags
Let me just say that finding the best diaper bag for a man is no easy task.
At least that’s the case if you’re not a dad.
Thankfully so, that’s not what is going to happen here because this list was designed by dads, for dads.
Moms have their thing and that’s cool but dads have theirs too and that’s even cooler.
With such a difference come the many other sites that provided such a list but they were very blah and not to my liking.
I’m sure that was the case with other dads and that is really the main reason I decided to create my very own list of the best diaper bags for dads.
These diaper bags are not boring and they were made for you, the father.
Other lists had teal-colored diaper bags and others that I’m sure will have you raising an eyebrow as well.
Kind of like a mom did the post or something, but whatever.
Whether you are manly, think you are, or you just want a functional piece of equipment, I have the right gear for you.
And if you can’t find one, I guess I better do more searching.
Best Overall Dad Diaper Bag – The GR1 By GORUCK
The GR1 by GORUCK is what I think is the best diaper bag for dads. Not only are you able to carry baby’s essentials, but it serves as one of the best backpacks you will ever buy. Its military-grade material can handle anything, and its amazing looks make it enough to be our top choice.
Trust me, this was no easy choice but there has to be one diaper bag that is just that awesome.
That diaper bag comes from GORUCK in the form of the GR1 backpack.
Wanna know what makes this bag even “awesomer”?
How about the fact that it isn’t even a diaper bag!
Yup, the GR1 by GORUCK is actually a regular old backpack designed for rucking and everyday life.
The reason why I think this is the best diaper bag for dads is actually really simple.
For one, it looks absolutely amazing.
It’s simple but still has that look of what a man’s bag should look like.
It also has the space you need with the main compartment that can hold 21L or 26L, depending on the size you decide to go with.
Along with all that storage comes other pockets that will fit baby wipes and all the other essentials perfectly.
This bag is as tough and durable as a bag will ever get as it is used with military-grade materials designed for the Special Forces.
Unlike other “real” diaper bags, this bag comes with a lifetime warranty that will have you a brand new bag, should anything ever happen.
This bag can be used for many things that have nothing to do with changing a diaper and you will see that in the GR1.
Carry diapers or take it on whatever adventure life takes you.
This will be the last backpack you ever buy and one that you won’t regret either.
Oh, and it has a laptop compartment, for those of you dads that need that type of stuff.
The Runner Up – High Speed Daddy (HSD)
Men and diaper bags do not even sound like it goes in one sentence.
That’s what you think until you see the High-Speed Daddy (HSD) diaper bag.
There is not a manlier diaper bag on this list than the OD green HSD diaper bag that looks like a military assault pack that soldiers use.
I owned one when I was in the military and it is still my favorite style backpack ever.
As a parent, the HSD will fill that nostalgic missing piece that I once shared with my comrades overseas.
Now that I’m a dad, it does not mean that I can’t get the same cool guy gear I used to thanks to something like the HSD.
The HSD might look like some combat backpack, but open her up and you’ll find that non-combat-related gear resides in such a bag.
Honorable Mention – HapTim
This is actually a real diaper bag and one that can be found in the baby section.
The HapTim diaper bag is what a diaper bag on steroids would look like.
You see the obvious sweet style it has but open it up and I’m sure you’ll be amazed.
The HapTim diaper bag has the most pockets I have ever seen in a bag.
Any bag I’ve ever seen or owned.
Now there are two things that I really like about this diaper bag.
One, it is one bag that I am willing to carry around and two, it does more than just carry diapers.
This diaper bag can attach to a stroller, has pockets for specific items, has a changing pad, and will not piss your wallet off.
For you all-around parents, this is the diaper bag for you.
If I wasn’t so into the GR1, this would probably be my #1 recommended diaper bag for dads and moms.
Also Really Awesome – Paperclip
The best of the best will not be complete if I didn’t include the traditional style that diaper bags usually come in.
For this, we have the Paperclip Diaper Bag.
This is a very common bag among all parents and for great reasons at that.
It looks great and has everything you need in a diaper bag.
I personally like the changing station that is attached and can be detached.
This little feature allows the bag to be right where you need it, all while keeping your baby in place.
The style is really great as well and although not the manliest, can please mom as well.
Also Still Great – Ruvalino
For those of you on a budget and still looking for some class, the best diaper bag is going to be the Ruvalino Multipurpose Travel Backpack.
This pack comes in some really stylish colors and features but will not cost you much.
However, just because you aren’t spending an arm and a leg for a diaper bag does not mean that you aren’t getting quality.
For the most budget-friendly diaper bag, we didn’t just pick one because it was cheap.
We picked this because it was affordable and it will not fall apart tomorrow.
Ruvalino makes great products and it’s very much affordable as well.
For these reasons, this is one of our best diaper bags for the more practical of dads out there.
Best For the Manly Dad – Combat Daddy Equipment
You can’t have the best diaper bags for dads list without having something on the manlier side.
There is not another bag that screams man on it, than the Combat Daddy Equipment diaper bag.
It comes in the ACU pattern style that the military used back in the day.
What’s even cooler is that this bag is actually designed similarly to what a combat medic would carry.
Open this ruck and you’ll see that it is ready for all of the baby’s belongings.
This includes many pockets and a changing station that is attached for a more convenient changing process for the baby.
If you want to look like the coolest dad in your group of dads, show up with the Combat Daddy diaper bag and I’m sure you’ll win.
Best Backpack – Dadgear
I wouldn’t feel right if I left an actual product created specifically for dads, especially if it came in the form of a diaper bag.
So for our best backpack diaper bag, we are going with the DadGear backpack diaper bag.
This is one really simple backpack that actually does not look like a diaper bag, which is what we find so sweet about.
It looks like a regular old backpack but opens up and screams baby.
This backpack is very functional and comes with some cool stuff too.
Some diaper bags come with the little window and so does this one but do others come with a refillable wipes case?
Probably not and the same reason why I really like this diaper bag.
It also comes with a changing pad and pockets for all kinds of things.
If you are looking for a backpack diaper bag DadGear made one just for you.
Best Backpack Runner-Up – Bag Nation
Of course, the GR1 will be our top recommended backpack diaper bag but for one that isn’t the GR1, we went with the backpack diaper bag created by Bag Nation.
This backpack comes with everything and the kitchen sink and does a great job at being a diaper bag.
Changing pad wipes case, and storage for days is what you can expect with this backpack diaper bag.
It’s not ugly, comes in different colors, and will not make you broke.
For the dadliest of dad bags that aren’t too much on the “for dad only side”, Bag Nation has you covered.
I’m sure the price for this bad boy will have you saying yasssss as well, so enjoy it if you do decide that this is the one for you.
Best Messenger – Diaper Dude
Diaper Dude is no newb when it comes to providing products for dads.
They are also the creators of the Diaper Dude messenger bag that I personally really like and for reasons that you might like too.
For one, they provide all the pockets and characteristics that you want and need a diaper bag to have and that is exactly what they provide.
Now the best part about these bags is the fact that you can actually get them in some kind of custom form.
You can see they have the Chicago Cubs example above but there are other sweet designs you can use.
It is sad to hear that Diaper Dude was struggling, so I’m not sure if they are still in business.
Best Messenger Runner-Up – Columbia Outfitter
Messenger bags are a very common diaper bag but it’s not easy to find them.
If that makes sense.
What used to be the only style at one point has now become less fashionable these days but it does not mean that they aren’t cool.
In our hunt for the best messenger diaper bag, we found one at Columbia Outfitter that we think you’d really like.
It almost looks like a regular old messenger bag but it does come with the necessary compartments and components for the baby’s needs.
This reminds me of the first diaper bag we ever had but in a more stylish form that I’m sure you will like.
For those of you dads looking for a messenger diaper bag, definitely check this one out.
Best Tote – Skip Hop Weekender
I don’t know what it is but I really like totes for diaper bags.
They are very small and versatile but can still hold everything you need.
The best part about them is that they prevent people like moms from trying to bring the whole house on a simple trip to the store.
For the best tote diaper bag, we have to give it to Skip Hop and their Weekender diaper bag.
It’s a tote that does more than just tote around with a nice little sleeve that can attach to rolling luggage.
It also comes with packing cubes that are also great for traveling, which then makes this a great tote/travel diaper bag.
With its name though, you can only help but wonder why it’s designed for traveling.
Whatever the argument may be about, I’m sure you’ll like this one.
For a very affordable and stylish tote diaper bag, check out the Weekender.
Best For Broke Dads – COOICCI
For those of you who can not afford to even pay their rent, this is probably the best diaper bag for you.
At around $10, you can’t beat the COOICCI messenger style diaper bag.
Sometimes pricing is everything and this stylish but affordable pack is not too shabby.
That extra $20 is enough for me to say no to something like a diaper bag and I’m sure it is for some of you dads as well.
Hey, we are all human and if we can’t afford something then what can we do about it?
Absolutely nothing.
Unless we sell our car to buy that diaper bag we’ve always been dreaming about but that’s not going to happen.
Sometimes we have to settle for something on the lower end of things and that’s okay.
Heck, we won’t be using this thing forever so it makes more sense to buy something a little more practical.
Check out the COOICCI diaper bag if saving money is part of your plan.
Best For the Minimalist Dad – Skip Hop Crossbody Sling
Sometimes less is more, especially if you’re the minimalistic type.
I consider myself minimalistic but there are certain things that don’t agree with you and to me, a diaper bag is one of them.
I do think we should carry a lot less than what other parents recommend and only to help you declutter things and most especially stay on top of things.
Having a big bag is only a better way for you to put more and create more.
Mess that is.
I read an article on Diapersinparadise.com and Dani uses a purse for her diaper bag.
For us men, that’s not recommended but I do recommend you go with something like the Skip Hop Crossbody sling.
Best For Techy Dads – Vianetic Smart
For you tech-savvy, I always need my gadget kind of dad, we have the Vianetic Smart Baby diaper bag.
Being a dad is great and all but sometimes you have to look out for yourself too.
And if you’re like me, you need your laptop, extra chargers, and all the other gadget crap that we haul around daily.
With the Vianetic, you can have it all.
Diapers, wipes, bottles, and all the tech you and your family feel the need to carry.
Just like other diaper bags, this comes with a changing type station, stroller straps, and even a thermal pack to keep things at the right temperature.
The best part about the Vianetic though has got to be the way it looks.
It’s not pink and it does not have flowers and comes in the very common gray color that everyone seems to be into these days.
Coolest Dad Diaper Bag – F-Bomb Tactical
For those of you looking to feel sharp in the parenting battlefield, the F-Bomb Tactical diaper bag is what you need.
Not the most traditional but definitely wins at being cool.
It’s also very minimalistic but not going to be great for those of you who haul around a lot of baby things.
Now if looking and feeling cool is what your intentions are, definitely consider this bad boy.
Sport this and I’m sure no one will ever think you have diapers in place of magazines.
Best Tactical Diaper Bag – Mission Critical
The best tactical diaper bag comes from the folks over at Mission Critical.
The diaper bag is great and all but the best part about this company is that they focus on baby products but most especially, dads.
The products have some real thought put into them and they are made of some great quality material.
What’s really awesome is that they have two types of diaper bags.
One is your messenger style and the other is a backpack.
Now the cool part about the backpack is that it can be used with a baby carrier.
This not only makes for a functional parent but one that is also not looking psychedelic.
Great products from a great company that is definitely one of the best diaper bags for dads.
Best Tactical Runner-Up – Tactical Baby Gear
I know most dads aren’t into the whole military/tactical look but I am and I’m sure others are.
And if you’re looking for a tactical-looking diaper bag for dads, you might want to check out the one by Tactical Baby Gear.
This bag comes in the old-school desert color, which is my personal favorite of all the military styles out there.
This daypack comes with the space and quality like every other military-grade product.
But there is one thing that can tell you that this is a quality product that you know is made from the best stuff.
This little thing is called YKK zippers.
If you know a thing or two about something so simple as zippers, you will know that those are the best you can get.
Have you ever had a zipper come apart before?
That’s because the zippers you are used to aren’t made of great quality.
Now the zippers that come with this daypack are guaranteed to have you satisfied with the overall product.
And hey, other parents might just think you’re headed into combat (lol).
How We Picked the Best
I’m not a huge fan of spending hundreds of dollars on something that you’ll probably use for a couple of years but I’m sure some of you are.
Maybe to look stylish or just to tell your friends that you spent your life savings on a diaper bag.
That’s cool too.
But what makes us decide on what’s best comes down to several factors and pricing being just one of them.
Our biggest reason for picking the best is the mere fact that we have used them.
Okay not all of them because that would just be silly but we did pick what we would use ourselves.
Now there are other metrics we use and you can see them below.
Most are obvious reasons but at least you can see that you are getting the best of the best.
Looks
What good is getting something if you don’t like how it looks?
Every single diaper bag on this list had to at least look like something we would buy ourselves.
There are many other diaper bags for dads post out there and a lot of the stuff they had were not the best looking.
I mean, who doesn’t buy anything because of the way it looks?
That’s the first thing we look for and one that can not be taken lightly.
Quality
Along with an awesome-looking product, there is one other thing that is needed or those looks will be useless.
This other thing is called quality.
There is no point in buying the best-looking diaper bag if it fell apart in just a month’s time.
That’s not practical and flat-out wrong.
You do get what you pay for and that same thing applies in diaper bag land.
Price
The pricing of products can be very tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Then again, most people don’t and that’s why they purchase things on impulse.
For us, the practical parent, we always consider the price before we buy anything.
Whether it be diapers or the bags they go in, we will not purchase something based on looks alone.
Some of the products on this list might be on the pricier side of things and that’s only because we can agree with them.
There are many other overpriced bags that didn’t make this list and that’s simply because it is not worth it.
Pretty simple, right?
Conclusion – Get the Best Diaper Bag For Dads
Everyone has their opinion on things and the ultimate decision is going to be on one person.
That person is YOU.
Whether you shop on looks alone is on you.
If you want quality, then hey, that’s great.
Whatever the case may be, get something that works best for you.
And if you can not find it on this list, please let us know so we can dig deeper to find that perfect diaper bag for you.
I hope this list of the best diaper bags for dads has been of some help for you though and please do share your thoughts below.
Until next time, grab what works, and please do act your own wage.
Best diaper bag suggestions?
I’m trying to find a good medium sized diaper bag. I want it big enough to bring if we are going to be gone all day, but not too big that I would feel like I’m lugging around a suitcase. I want something that both my husband and I would be comfortable with, so we don’t have to have separate bags. Do you have any recommendations? Any you really like or don’t like?
Thanks!
There are actually some on this list Emma. What do you think about the Paperclip or the Columbia Outfitter?
Great article. I am a father of a 2 and a half year old and I currently have another little girl on the way. My wife usually picks out this kind of stuff but being that I have my girls most of the time, why not look for something that someone like myself can use. So with a simple search, I found this amazing site that has more than enough options for me to choose from. If you don’t mind John, can you update this list if you do find any more cool diaper bags for dads? That would be really awesome and I’m sure others will appreciate the work you put into such research. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome Russ and I’m glad you like this list. I too was looking for the best diaper bags for dads and I could not find one that I actually really liked. I know for a fact that there are hundreds upon hundreds of different diaper bags out there so there had to be at least 10 that I actually really liked. With that hunt for diaper bags, this is what I came up with…so far. I will definitely be updating this list as I come across something new so don’t worry about that. Thanks for the comment and congrats on the new addition!
Awesome article! I had no idea there were so many types of diaper bags out there! I thought, probably, like everyone else, that all diaper bags were girly looking and made for women. This really opened my eyes! My son has a baby coming soon and I will definitely be getting one of these for him because they are really cool! I think I like the Backpacker by Dadgear the best!
lol, yeah that’s a good one Jerome.