Expecting a baby is a lot of work, and not just in the whole “creating a new life” way, which still reigns supreme, but also in all the extensive preparation required of new parents before the baby’s arrival. 

With a list of must-have items, from bottles to diapers and bedding to clothing, the needs seem endless throughout the entirety of your pregnancy.

Luckily, most things come in both gender-specific and gender-neutral options that fit your style and comfort goals for your little bundle of joy. However, when we had our children, we quickly realized how frustrating it could be comparing products, reading through recommendations and reviews, and exploring all the baby world had to offer us, especially when it came to diaper bags.

Time and time again, we ran into the same problem: there were no gender-neutral diaper bags on the market that were practical, functional, and environmentally friendly.

In our personal search for a classic must-have parenting product, we continually came up short, running into frilly, bright pink options disguised as women’s handbags or tactical-style dad gear that looked more like we would be going to battle than caring for our newest addition. It just didn’t sit right with us, and to be honest, it still doesn’t, and that’s how Product of the North’s Elkin and Avalon bags were born.

We wanted to create a line of diaper bags and backpacks that fit the minimalist lifestyle, catered to both parents, and helped make the planet a more sustainable place, and that goal remains the same across our entire line of products.

Why Choose a Backpack Diaper Bag?

A must-have item on your baby registry, a backpack diaper bag, is one of the most conveniently designed options for parents-on-the-go. Whether you’re heading to a doctor’s appointment with your newborn, a play date at a friend’s house with your toddler, or a trek through the great outdoors as a family, a backpack diaper bag provides the versatility parents need without tying up any hands.

As a parent, we all know how important it is to have our whole selves available while also toting everything our children need, no matter what stage in the growing process they are.

Pros of Backpack Diaper Bags

Some of the most significant benefits of a backpack diaper bag include:

• Comfortable to wear on your back with a more even weight load balance 
• Easy to travel with, leaving both of your hands free
• Larger and more spacious than other sling or tote versions so that you can carry more
• An excellent option for both parents to use
• Multiple compartment options to carry a variety of items for multiple children 
• Grows with your child

Cons of Backpack Diaper Bags

Minor drawbacks include:

• Cannot be carried in front of you, so it may be considered less secure than other bag styles such as a sling. 
• Most of the weight is on your back, so it is not ideal for those with back issues.
• Sizing may not be suitable for those looking for a compact carrying option. 

What is a “Sustainable” Diaper Bag?

At Product of the North, Inc, we pride ourselves on creating environmentally-friendly options that help parents and help the planet. Our products are sustainably sourced and made from recycled plastic bottles and Earth-friendly materials that would make any human proud.

We believe that it is imperative to live in a way now that sets our children up for a cleaner, more prosperous future. So when creating our Elkin and Avalon diaper bag backpacks, we knew we needed to make them from eco-friendly materials to reduce our carbon footprint.
   

Pros of Sustainable Products

The benefits of choosing sustainable products are plenty, but here are some of our favorite reasons to choose sustainable products:

• You are protecting the world’s resources.
• You can reduce waste.
• With minimal to no toxic chemicals or ingredients, sustainable products help keep you safe and healthy.
• You can help the world become more energy efficient. 
  
  

Cons of Sustainable Products

Although we believe that eco-friendly products are always the right choice, we understand that they may have some drawbacks for some people, including:

• Cost to produce and purchase them is higher than other options
• Longer production times in some cases
• Less access in the global market

Our bluesign® certified products have nixed the drawbacks for parents-to-be across the country. They are affordable, eco-friendly options with the versatility to grow with your growing family. The best part? They are always made with your family, your child’s future, and the planet in mind.
  

Elkin vs. Avalon: Unisex Diaper Bag Comparison

At its core, Product of the North Inc.’s mission is to create gender-neutral, sustainable diaper bag options that both parents can use for the long term. Our Elkin and Avalon bags are the perfect options for a growing and flourishing family, from the newborn diapering and bottling stage to toddler snacks and sippy cups.

Depending on your style preferences and current needs, choosing the right bag for your family can make a world of difference in your daily lives. So let’s dive a little deeper into comparing our two sustainable diaper bag backpacks, Elkin vs. Avalon. 

Elkin Diaper Bag Backpack

The ideal option for moms and dads alike, the Elkin Diaper Bag Backpack is versatile, practical, and comfortable. Made from recycled bottles and bluesign® exterior fabric, our Elkin bag is an excellent choice for busy parents looking to neatly stash away all the essentials for their on-the-move lifestyle.

Combining the practicality of a diaper bag with the laid-back vibes of a daily backpack, this is a stylish option that both parents will feel confident in wearing. Offering a changing pad and spacious pockets throughout, conveniently sized for diapers, bottles, and toddler-sized essentials, the Elkin bag is an excellent addition to any family. 

Other Elkin highlights include:

• A variety of color options including black, navy, heather grey, trooper, saffron, and sage
• Water-resistant exterior fabric
• A wipe-clean interior liner made from 100% recycled plastic
• Padded, adjustable shoulder straps
• Padded back panel
• Oversized vegan leather zip pulls
• A wide, “frog mouth” opening
• A top strap closure for option to carry as a tote
• Reinforced seams and straps for enhanced durability
• Two exterior side pockets and two interior pockets
• Compact dimensions:  16.5"H x 11.5"W x 7.5"D
• Lightweight: 1.3 lbs

Avalon Diaper Bag Backpack

When it comes to an all-in-one option for carrying the essentials (and more!), the Avalon Diaper Bag Backpack is the perfect choice for a family on the go. Sizable and comfortable, this bag looks great as a tote or a backpack used by either mom or dad.

The Avalon is an excellent choice for a camping trip or city excursion. The Avalon bag is more spacious than the compact Elkin bag and an ideal option for families with more than one child. The Avalon bag is also a great luggage option when packing for longer trips with your child. Its unique design is trendy and functional- the perfect mix for the parents of today.

Other Avalon highlights include:

• A neutral color for both mom and dad to enjoy
• Water-resistant exterior fabric
• A zip-around wet/dry compartment at the bottom of the bag perfect for keeping soiled clothes and diapers stored away from other items
• A wipe-clean interior liner made from 100% recycled plastic
• Padded, adjustable shoulder straps
• Padded back panel
• Oversized vegan leather zip pulls
• A removable changing pad
• A dedicated laptop compartment
• Reinforced seams and straps for enhanced durability
• Squeeze buckle strap
• Interior and exterior pockets perfectly size for bottles 
• Interior and exterior zip-closure pockets 
• Dimensions:  19"H x 11.5"W x 6"D
• Weight: 1.8 lbs

Elkin vs. Avalon: Which Diaper Bag Backpack is Right for You?

When choosing between the Elkin and Avalon bag, the decision is simple: select the bag that would best suit your family’s personal needs. Whether you need a compact option for everyday around-town travel or are hoping to score a bag that can fit everything on your packing list, we’ve got you covered.

Before finalizing your purchase, we encourage you to compare the specifications of each bag and, ultimately, choose the one that would make your life easier and more organized. Whether you select Elkin or Avalon, you are choosing a bag that is sustainable, versatile, and built for mom and dad that will last you for the long run. Your growing family matters; invest in a diaper bag backpack option that suits your unique needs. 

Wrapping Up the Elkin vs. Avalon Diaper Bag Backpack Comparison

No matter what bag you choose, there is one thing we can say for sure: all of our products are built with eco-friendly materials that help keep the world beautiful for future generations, like our children.

We carefully craft our items to exceed your expectations for functionality, versatility, style, and comfort. Both the Elkin and Avalon bags were created with you, the parents, in mind. We believe building a better world can start with us- together.

So whether you’re a first-time parent, a seasoned mom or dad, or simply on the hunt for a diaper bag backpack for a loved one that will make life easier and more hands-free, Product of the North, Inc. is sure to check all of your boxes.  To learn more about our diaper bag backpacks, browse our products, or secure your next life-changing purchase visit us today!