So I have enough money on my amazon GC for one more bag, but as I can't see these bags IRL anywhere, I'm getting confused on measurements/packing space. Yes, I have watched the LDD TV videos on YouTube, but I'm still confused. I'm considering the packabe or the bff as I would like the option of a backpack. I'm tall 5'9 And broad shouldered. I'm slightly afraid that these bags will not fit properly. As I'm ordering from amazon and shipping to Canada, I can't really return the bag without loosing a good deal of money in the process.

I have a be hip, and it is barely big enough for a day out with my two kids - not going to fit a new baby.

I do like the BRB, but amazon will not ship it to Canada . It will just go on my wish list until I have my own money to burn at another online store or husband is in the doghouse. Hehe.

I have the packabe and hip and the packabe is at least the double in space. By the way, I am 5'11 200 lbs and i can carry my packabe without trouble, in fact, even DH 6'4 300lbs can carry it. I don't have a bff or BRB for comparaison.

Sounds like you need a BRB...the BFF I find is not big enough for a day out especially with #3 OTW, but a BFF and combine with MBs may work...that's how I manage for days out, love my MBs! They are great in the stroller and in the car, but not if you want backpack options...

That's good to hear about fit especially since my hubby is 6'6. Of course I'm considering zany zinnias which he will absolutely abhor!

Yes I have considered getting some mb's for use when I'm out and about. I have a BP, but its so heavy that I'd only want it out if I can strap it onto my stroller. I was hoping for something lighter and hands free especially for my dd's hockey and soccer games (which typically turn into a full day out) when I will not have a stroller with me and a 1 y/o and newborn in tow as well as a sports bag. I was worried that the mb might give me issues as it doesn't have a zipper on top to prevent things from falling out.

Unfortunately I cannot convince hubby to buy me a brb yet. He thinks the bp is enough for me. Just trying to find something that is available on amazon as I have a GC to make do until I can do some casual work for my own spending money.

Are you opposed to the BeAll? It's definitely roomier than the BeHip and I much prefer its horizontal rather than vertical packing layout. It's easy to access things inside one-handed when you've got a baby in your arms. I actually like that about the flap, but the flap bothers some people because it isn't as secure as a zipper and things possibly could fall out if the bag tips over like while you're driving or something. (Some people also want more security than the flap if they live someplace where they travel via bus, subway or other public transport, etc.) I like the BFF quite a lot but I do think it is slightly better on a smaller frame (I'm 5'4") whereas the BRB might be better for someone taller. The BeAll should work for either, I think. Of course, there may be some taller people who find the BFF just fine.

Plan B: Depending on what you already have and if you can get by for a little while without a new structured bag right this minute, and if the GC is burning a hole in your wallet, I'd spend that GC on several new MightyBes. Seriously, I love, love, love that bag. I love having over a dozen of them because I use them so often and it's fun to have them in different prints so I don't get tired of just one. I can use a different print depending on my mood, my outfit, the weather, the season, you name it. Plus, when we have a bunch of us all going to the pool, we each can have our own MB with towel, change of clothes, hairbrush, sunscreen, etc. Okay, the boys don't carry them (except DH), but you get the picture.

I'm totally creeping your thread to learn more.
I actually thought the BRB was smaller that the PB...was I wrong? My (actual) first JJB was a PB that I owned for about 1 day. I'm an overpacker and found it waaaay too small for my needs at the time (one in cloth, plus big sis snacks, my stuff, etc.)
I just bought a BP and will likely stuff it to the hilt, and just strap it to the stroller
Would love to know what you decide though! I've been tempted by the BFF for the backpack option...

I'm hesitating too - really wish I could see bags IRL and try them on.

I know some people like the BP and the security that they can bring everything-but-the-kitchen-sink with them Just In Case they might need it. That also typically tends to happen more with first kids and not as much with the second or third. For us, we consider the BP luggage. Seriously. I could never carry it as a diaper bag. My 14 year old DD will pack in it for a week (at least in the summer), and her clothes are a lot bigger than a baby's. I pack in a BP for a quick weekend getaway. Actually, I have two sets of "weekender luggage": matching BP, BFF (mainly for all my toilettries) and MB (for your jacket, snacks, and other purse-stuff like phone, camera, sunglasses, etc. I love when DH and I can steal away and I can pack in my fun JJB "luggage." I have Shadow Waltz that I feel is more wintery and Cobalt Blossom for Spring/Summer.

Have you considered buying from some of the Canadian retailers? There is Enfant Style Cloth Diapers based in Montreal, and Barla Banana based near Vancouver. They have free shipping over certain amounts (a big bag would certainly count). No free returns but that is pretty darn rare in Canada anyway. There are a few other retailers - Snugglebugz.ca is one of them ... Alongcamebaby.ca is another (and I think they might still have a sale right now)

I agree you should try the brb. Maybe offer the gc as a trade? Where in Canada are you located? We could try to find you a bricks and mortar store where you may be able to find bags to see irl.

If you are definitely wanting to choose between the PB and BFF, I'd go with the PB. I find the BFF too small and I just can't get it to pack well. I love that the PB is stuffable. I am usually a horizontal packed, but I prefer how the PB packs over the BFF.

Yes the BP is rather large. I'm not certain if I had seen it in person that I would have bought it and husband threw out the packaging and tags the moment that I unpacked it so i really can't return it. I do think that it will come in handy though. I live way far out in the sticks, so much trips even to just the doctor or the grocery store are all day trips so perhaps it was best. I had debated between the BP and the BFF but there was only a $15 difference so I splurged for the extra room.

I think with "irish twins" I will need it however. My husband is always throwing things into my bag as well and is offended if I forget his coffee flask, tablet, or whatever book he is currently reading. He might not enjoy my new obsession, but he does enjoy the fact that I now have room for his things. haha.

I think that I'm going to wait a bit even though I'm soo wanting to buy! I think my jujube addiction is taking my mind off the last uncomfortable weeks of pregnancy. I found another behip that I really want in DZ on a canadian online retailer that might just end up in the mail to me however. (As if this solves my problem dilemma, but I don't think i can accept missing out on this pattern) I do love this bag and hope that once my new arrival reaches 6 months the bag will meet my size needs as long as I don't pack hubby's things. I have already attempted to convince him to get one in the timber or the slate, but he didn't go for that.

As for the beAll I'm worried that it will not really solve my hands free problem. Maybe I'll just make do with the BP for now, especially since husband will not allow me to spend any more money on my obsession for a bit and see how much room I actually need with the new baby. I bet if they were availible in any of my first choice patterns then I'd snap them up in a heartbeat.

The BeAll was my first ever JJB bag and I love it! I debating on that or the BFF and went with the BeAll cause it doesn't look like a diaper bag really so I could use it as a messenger down the line. However, I did prefer something with the backpack straps and so I opted for the BRB and I LOVE that one! I use it everyday now and I love it handsfree and out of my way. I still admire the BFF and I think it'd work for you. I just can't see to bring myself to justify getting it since I love my BRB. Though I'm keeping it open in cause I love the new TKDK prints, then I have a big bag that I can get it in. =)