REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

I hate carrying purses because they never seem to be practical, attractive and comfortable, or carry everything I need without weighing me down. This is too small for a laptop, but carries virtually everything else I need on a daily basis. I have the earlier version of this bag (flowers painted on instead of embroidery) and the current pictures don't show the inside. But, unless it's been changed, the interior pockets are fantastic for organizing cellphone, small electronics, notepads and pens, sunglasses - you name it. Main pocket is big enough for various accessories including a portable hard drive in its case or a trade paperback (maybe both!). Exterior pockets hold my water bottle and cell phone, and I love the two-strap option. I was thinking of buying a dark-colored one for winter, but why? This one's in great shape after a year of daily use and abuse.

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

I returned a Nikole bag after a week of trying to get used to it. I thought, wow, updated color, embroidered flowers, new angles, it looks cool. Time to retire my old Nikole. Unfortunately, while the new design is eye-catching, it is not very comfortable or easy to use. I'm really bummed!!

For your reference, the predecessor to the Nikole bag that I refer to for comparison came in several shades of brown, an aqua blue and maybe a greenish color(?) and it has two pockets on the front with magnetic clasps, a mid section zippered compartment, two side pockets and adjustable straps that can be zipped together to form one. I've purchased several and have recommended it often. The "old" design was great.

Following are the problems I encountered with the new Nikole design that caused me to return it – starting at the top of the bag:

The carrying handle – the cut-in u-shape in the strap is very uncomfortable to carry. It cuts into your hand. Try loading the bag with some weight – when you lift it by the handle, the seam/edge is sharp, it cuts into the palm of the hand and fingers, and the design forces you to pick it up only from certain angles. While it looks simpler for sewing/construction, it fails for feel/performance. The prior design with the loop lies flat on the hand so it doesn't cut into the flesh, and it can be picked up with the bag facing any direction, using either hand.

The wide strap configuration – by angling one strap (the right one if it is on your back as a backpack), you are "forced" to use the bag over your right shoulder if you don't want to carry it as a backpack. I'm right handed, which causes me to want to swing it over my left shoulder so I can use my right hand to do other things. This bag doesn't work well on a single strap on the left shoulder. It's not well balanced with the new strap design.

The strap connections – on the prior version, you could alter the straps by unclipping them and using the zipper/clips to arrange them how you want – this had a lot of advantages – including security in a restaurant or while traveling (wrapped around a chair and clipped on it's more obvious if someone moves it) and you could make it a single strap on either side (doesn't limit it to a right or left handed preference or a backpack). The new straps can only be made longer or shorter – nothing else.

Main compartment access – when facing the bag, you have to unzip the entire top and then push it down or somehow move it out of the way or lower the bag toward the floor to see and access the main compartment. And it takes both hands to manage the bag. On the prior version, the "lid" unzipped and lifted away from you (as opposed to toward you), so you don't have to fight it to get inside the bag. Additionally, on the new bag, the flap is very stiff and that adds to making access more cumbersome.

The front outside zippered area – nice updated look, however, the depth, compared to the width doesn't work with the angle zipper. If you put anything in the zippered area, but not clipped to or inside of the sewn in pockets, it tends to falls out when you unzip the flap. The two sewn-in pockets are skinny and deep and hard to access, which means limited use. Also, the key clip is too long and it gets in the way. Key clip was better inside the main compartment.

Water bottle pocket – okay, it's cute and it's not a problem. I don't really use it for water, but I do admit that it is better than having the two mesh pockets on the inside of the main compartment that snag onto hairbrushes and other stuff. Just thought you'd like to hear something positive on the new design.

Despite the cosmetic improvements, my vote is to go back to what worked for the repeat customer. If you haven't already ditched the patterns for the "old" design, please bring it back. Go ahead, jazz it up, make it look more modern, embroider it, alter the pockets, offer new more versatile colors (black or navy would be nice), work out ways to make construction easier and cheaper, but please don't do it at the expense of comfort and functionality.

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

I bought this bag to use at a music festival. I used this bag once and after a couple of hours the shoulder straps were cutting into my shoulders and neck. OUCH! I was miserable. The only items in it were my camera, an ultralight blanket, wallet, and cell. The Nikole pack probably would have been better if they didn't try to bring the cost down by scrimping on the straps. I would rather they forego the embroidery and add padding.

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

After my daughter turned one, I realized I needed a diaper bag that I could sling over my shoulders leaving my hands free. I searched everywhere for a traditional diaper bag that met my needs without costing a fortune and had no luck. Then on a random trip to REI, I found this bag and realized it would work perfectly for what I needed. The pocket that sits against my back is just the right size to hold a small changing mat and a little Dipes and Wipes bag, along with a small tube of diaper cream (well, it's not quite perfect, but I can make it work). The water holder usually carries a sippy cup, and I have plenty of room on the inside for books, snacks, sunscreen, etc, as well as my necessities. I only wish that the bag was better lined, because if I put a cup or bottle containing cold liquid in the side bottle holder, condensation can sometimes make the whole bag damp. Overall, though, it has been great and I've used it for over a year.

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

I found that I can use this anywhere! I go to the store and can sometimes use the main pocket to carry my items home, saving a bag. I use the back posket to store my wallet.. saving from theft. I love all of the organizer pockets although I still after a year of use have not used them all!

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

My fiance gave me this bag as my introduction to REI and what a great intro! I use this bag on every vacation. I can fit my wallet, my camera, a giant bottle of suntan lotion, my cell phone and many other extras, plus I can carry two water bottles! This is the best bag ever!!! It is so wonderful that I am buying one for my Mom to take to Yellowstone this summer.

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

I have been using a much older version of the Nikole bag daily for I don't know how many years. Mine is a sludgy green color. It has been around the world. I've tried several times to replace it with nicer looking handbags, but always went back to old Nikole. It is simply the perfect bag, although mine is rather battered now and it's time for yet another trip through the washing machine. Like the reviewer from Portland I have been hoping for an update that retains the qualities of the bag that I have, especially the ability to move the straps around and sling it comfortably over my left shoulder. I agree with absolutely everything the other reviewer said - so here's another request to bring back the oldie but goodie, and give us a black one! Pictures of my old Nikole attached - not exactly a pretty sight, so I understand why it received makeovers. I would welcome a little prettification, but on the same basic bag.

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

This bag is the best. Mainly I use it for my DSLR camera, wallet and personal items. It fits my camera & an extra lens perfectly, plus my lightscoop, but does not scream "camera bag". It is super comfortable & a perfect size. My wallet, lip gloss, cell phone, & keys fit in fine in the front section without it being overstuffed. I have also used it as a diaper bag & it functions perfectly for that too (a small wipes case, change pad & 2 diapers fit great in the very back compartment)and I can still throw my camera in the main section. I am so glad I have this bag. I used it for a week at Disney & several months at home and it is perfect.

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

When my daughter started Kindergarten at a school we could walk to each day, I searched for a backpack that had the right mix of urban style and practicality. The Nikole has been great.

I find that it's wearing like steel and looks sharp after months of daily use. I like that the water bottle external pocket has a zipper to accommodate different sized bottles. I love keeping a small notebook in the pocket that lies flat against your back, and my wallet is happy and safe in the inside pocket. My cell phone, lip gloss, 2 pens and keys fit perfectly in the smaller outside pocket.

I love that it's balanced and functional yet has enough style so I don't feel like the dumpy mom.

I agree with critical reviews that the straps aren't uber comfortable if you have a heavy load - they aren't padded. That's part of the price you pay for carrying a bag that has some style. Unless I'm carrying my camera and a full water bottle, I find the straps plenty comfortable. I am not bothered by the design of the top loop handle - no it's not padded and really comfotable, but I never carry it that way for long. I also find that I don't often convert it to one strap/messenger style but when I have carried it that way, I found it worked fine.

When I go for quick hikes, I just leave it on and find it plenty comfy and don't have worry about leaving my purse locked in my car.

Two friends are getting these as gifts from me for Christmas!

Comments about REI Nikole Day Bag - Women's:

I just LOVE this bag! I actually use this for day hiking mostly. I was searching for a mini backpack when I stumbled upon this gem.

The front compartment fits items such as keys, tissue, eye drops, hand sanitizer for quick access. Inside compartments allow for easy organization of items such as cell phone, small notebook, camera etc.

The side zip in the back is perfect for a trail map or pack of handwipes.

Two side pockets fit a regular sized water or you can unzip the expander and fit a larger bottle. The other side pocket can fit another water bottle, umbrella, magazine, etc. I typically stuff my bandana in there.

I can get so much into this baby; first aid kit, stuff sack of raingear, afternoon snack, extra water, and an extra layering jacket.

The only down side is the tapering at the top which cuts down on space. However, I put my jacket on top anyway which can easily be molded into the remaining space.

I've used this bag in lieu of a purse for work or a trip to the zoo. I'll even take it empty to the grocery store and carry out my purchases in it and walk back home.

The straps are comfortable and the bag is so light that I forget I'm wearing it.

Oh yes, and there is this back sleeve that appears to be for a water bladder. If not, I'm sure it could hold a small one, although I have not tried this yet.

Did I mention I LOVE this bag?!?