This Dagne Dover diaper backpack is my go-to travel bag. Here's why it works even if you don't have kids.

I'm a 20-something-year-old woman without kids. It may not make sense for me to be traipsing round the airport with a diaper bag on my back, but I'm here to tell you why diaper backpacks actually make the best carry-on bags.

I first read this advice from a flight attendant who swears by hers as a personal item bag. On my recent impromptu flight to NYC, I had the perfect opportunity to put this theory to the test. Spoiler alert: the Dagne Dover Indi proved her to be correct.

Diaper bags are quite literally designed to make your life easier and the Dagne Dover Indi bag does just that. It holds every essential, which in my case included liquids, snacks, a laptop, and every other thing I'd toss into a bag only to forget about later. And the best part? You'd never know it was meant to carry baby bottles.

I can fit all my travel essentials in the Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

One look at our Dagne Dover review should tell you everything you need to know about how our product experts feel about Dagne Dover: we love the brand's bags. It's clear that tons of thought goes into each design, and the Indi Backpack is a perfect example of this.

Just when you think you've counted every pocket, there's another one to be found. The two front zipper pockets conveniently open to one big one that gave me easy access to wet wipes, chapstick, and more. A glimpse inside reveals roomy storage, like two mesh pockets framing the sides that are surprisingly large considering the compact outer appearance. I used the mini pouch to hold my Airpods and chargers, and the changing mat doubles as a traveling WFH setup.

The diaper bag comes in small, medium, and large sizes — each offering roughly the same amount of convenient pouches. It has a wide dual-zipper opening that clips to the sides for a less bulky fit, but it can unclip when the bag fills up.

With more room than my usual tote bag, I felt encouraged to pack to my heart's desire. That included my laptop, which slid with ease into the inner mesh pocket alongside my stack of magazines. But it also left plenty of room for extra sunglasses and a quick stay for my liquids that were ready to show at security.

The medium-sized Indi backpack is perfect for solo travelers. It comfortably fits all the essentials, like a full-sized Hydroflask, into the side bottle pockets. My favorite part about this bag is its discreet back pocket, which is about the size of a wallet, for quick, easy access to my credit cards.

Even with a fully stocked bag, I had room to spare. It zipped closed with ease, and I didn't feel like I was carrying a stack of textbooks on my shoulders, though I opted to slip it onto my carry-on luggage using the back sleeve. Fortunately, I didn't struggle with it tipping over, but it did require a two-handed effort to roll around on the carpet.

Another Dagne Dover travel bag we love: The Wade Diaper Tote

If you're like a new mom like our freelance contributor Rebecca Strong, the Wade Diaper Tote is another stylish diaper bag that converts to a crossbody.

"This tote is a no-brainer when I'm on the go, thanks to the stroller straps and trolley sleeve that can slide right over a suitcase handle," Rebecca writes. "It also features a front and side zipper pocket to store my phone and passport so I don't have to dig for them at the airport. Did I mention it includes a wipeable changing mat, too?"

Cons to consider

The Indi diaper backpack comes in a size small with a slimmer fit but you won't get the luggage sleeve that comes with the medium or large sizes. And while I'm obsessed with the soft neoprene material, some customers reported slight pilling over time. If you're bringing a baby on board, I'd check out the more surface-sturdy options like the lululemon New Parent Backpack.

The bottom line

A diaper backpack is the best travel bag you never knew you needed. And fortunately for you, Dagne Dover's Indi Diaper Backpack makes it stylish and convenient without raising eyebrows.

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