Hey there, fellow Tiny Travelers! Are you on the hunt for the perfect travel bags to keep up with your family adventures? Well, grab a cup of coffee (or juice box!) because we’re sharing our honest, in-depth review of No Reception Club’s travel bags.
Before we jump in, I want to share something important with you. This isn’t just a quick, first-impressions review. Nope, I’ve taken my time with this one, folks! Over the past three months, I’ve put these bags through their paces in all sorts of scenarios – from one-day outings and weekend getaways to our recent summer vacation in Spain.
I wanted to really test these products in real-world family travel situations before sharing my thoughts with you. Because let’s face it, when it comes to traveling with kids, we need gear that can stand up to more than just a quick trip to the park!
So, buckle up and let’s get into what I’ve learned about the No Reception Club bags!
Disclaimer: I received the No Reception Club bags for free in exchange for my honest review. However, please know that all opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own. My commitment is to my readers, and I promise to share my genuine thoughts and experiences, both positive and negative, to help you make informed decisions for your family travels.
Table of Contents
Why No Reception Club Travel Bags?
As parents who love to explore, we’re always on the lookout for gear that makes family travel smoother. No Reception Club caught our eye with their promise of bags designed specifically for parents on the go.
But here’s what really sold us: these bags aren’t just designed by a team sitting in an office brainstorming what parents might need. No, the folks at No Reception Club have gone above and beyond. They’ve based their designs on their experiences as traveling parents and feedback from hundreds of other adventure-loving moms and dads!
Get this: throughout the design process, they surveyed parents, shared prototypes, and even had parent testers put these bags through real-world challenges. Talk about commitment to getting it right!
Product Comparison
Feature | Getaway Bag | Sidekick | Hideaway Duffel |
Capacity | 24 Liters | 3 Liters | 42 Liters |
Carrying Options | Backpack, luggage handle pass-through | Hip pack | Backpack, shoulder strap, luggage handle pass-through, top handles |
Key Features | Customizable shelves, insulated lunch bag, stroller clips | Magnetic wipes pocket, changing pad included | Removable “Cubby” organizer, laundry compartment, insulated compartment |
Ideal For | Day trips, weekend getaways, air travel | On-the-go diaper changes, quick outings, travel | Longer trips, multi-day adventures, air travel |
Price | $$ | $ | $$$ |
The Getaway Bag
First Impressions: Everything You Need, and Then Some
When I first unboxed the Getaway Bag, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. This bag has more pockets and compartments than I have snacks for a toddler (and that’s saying something!). The customizable shelves? Genius! It even comes with an insulated lunch bag and stroller clips. I had a good feeling about this bag, and spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.
PROS
Excellent organization with customizable shelves
Multiple access points for convenience
Dedicated compartments for parent and baby essentials
Comfortable to carry
High-quality materials and construction
Meets airline personal item size requirements
Includes insulated lunch bag and stroller clips
CONS
Might be slightly bulky for petite
The price point might be a consideration for some
Real-World Test: Spain with Two Kids
We recently took the Getaway Bag on a trip to Spain for summer vacations with our two little explorers. Let me tell you, this bag was a lifesaver from the moment we stepped into the airport.
Picture this: We’re rushing through the terminal, trying to wrangle two excited kids, when suddenly my youngest decides he needs his favorite Hot Wheels RIGHT NOW. In the past, this would have meant frantically digging through an overstuffed bag. But with the Getaway Bag? I just reached for the side zipper, and voila! Crisis averted, meltdown prevented.
It’s a bit on the larger side, especially for someone petite like me, but the stroller clips and luggage strap made it easy to manage at the airport. In fact, those stroller clips were a lifesaver, allowing us to attach the bag to our stroller and breeze through the terminal. They are very easy to use, and you can just leave them attached to your stroller for convenience.
During our beach days, the Getaway Bag‘s special wet pocket was incredibly useful. It kept our damp gear separate, preventing the rest of our stuff from getting wet.
Features We Loved:
- Organization: Seriously, this bag has a place for everything. No more digging through a bottomless pit to find that one missing pacifier.
- Customizable Shelves: These are brilliant! You can create compartments that perfectly fit your needs.
- Easy Access: The side zipper is a game-changer, especially when you’re on the go and need something fast.
- Thoughtful Extras: The insulated lunch bag kept our fruit and snacks fresh even in the hot Spanish sun, and the emergency compartment was perfect for stashing wet swimsuits after a day at the beach.
- Durable & Stylish: The bag is made from high-quality materials and looks great. The Getaway Bag appears to be built to last, with premium materials and YKK zippers. While I haven’t had it long enough for a full durability test, it has withstood my initial travels without any signs of wear and tear. I did notice that the green color might show dirt a bit more quickly than the black, but overall, it’s held up well to our adventures.
- Comfort & Ease of Use: The padded shoulder straps and luggage handle pass-through make the Getaway Bag comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded. The multiple compartments and access points keep everything organized and easy to find.
Room for Improvement:
- Size: It’s a bit bulky, especially if you’re petite like me. But the stroller clips help manage this.
- Price: The Getaway Bag may seem expensive at first, but it’s actually an investment in smoother family travel. The bag is made from high-quality materials, so it will likely last through many adventures, making the cost per use quite reasonable. It is versatile and can be used for day trips or long vacations and includes many extra features, such as an insulated lunch bag and an extra pocket for dirty or wet clothes. Considering all these benefits, it’s clear that the bag offers great value for family travel.
Parent-to-Parent: Is it Worth It?
I get a lot of questions from family, friends, and other parents about this bag because it really stands out! Even though it’s a bit expensive, I believe the Getaway Bag is worth it.
The designers clearly understand the challenges of traveling with kids and have created a bag that makes things so much easier. It’s comfortable to carry, even when fully packed, which makes our family trips less stressful.
When compared to similar products, the Getaway Bag’s thoughtful design and quality construction make it the best choice for parents on the go.
The Sidekick
First Impressions:
At first glance, the Sidekick might seem like just another hip pack. But let me tell you, it’s so much more than that. It’s compact, stylish, and designed to meet a parent’s needs. As soon as I got my hands on it, I knew it was going to be a game-changer.
PROS
Compact and convenient
Magnetic wipes pocket for easy access
Roomy enough for diaper essentials and personal items
Fits inside the Getaway Bag
Perfect for on-the-go diaper changes and travel
CONS
It might not be big enough if you need to carry extra items
Features & Functionality
The Sidekick is all about making diaper changes on the go as easy as possible. The magnetic wipes pocket is pure genius! You can grab a wipe with one hand, even while holding your squirmy little one.
The main compartment is surprisingly roomy, fitting everything you need for a diaper change, plus a few personal items like your phone and keys. The included changing pad is a nice touch.
Real-World Test: Alhambra Adventures
During our visit to the stunning Alhambra Palace, the Sidekick really shone. Some areas didn’t allow large bags, but this little wonder had us covered. I felt like a parent ninja, ready for anything!
Overall
The No Reception Club Sidekick is a must-have for any parent. It’s super practical and stylish too. It’s the perfect complement to the Getaway Bag, and I highly recommend it for any parent on the go.
Remember: The Sidekick and Getaway Bag are designed to work together seamlessly. The Sidekick fits perfectly inside the Getaway Bag, providing immediate access to wipes and other diaper essentials. When you buy them as a bundle, you can even get a discount.
The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel
First Impressions
The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel is a serious upgrade from your typical duffel bag. It’s thoughtfully designed to make packing and traveling with kids a whole lot easier. The durable CORDURA® fabric and sturdy construction give you confidence that it can handle anything your little adventurers throw its way.
PROS
Excellent organization with the removable “Cubby” organizer
Laundry sack included
Multiple carrying options for versatility
Dedicated compartments for laundry, essentials, and snacks
Durable and water-resistant materials
Meets international carry-on size requirements
Compatible with additional accessories for even more functionality
CONS
Might be a bit large for everyday use
Additional accessories (like stroller straps) are sold separately
Features & Functionality
The removable “Cubby” organizer with its customizable dividers is a game-changer, eliminating the need for packing cubes and keeping everything neatly organized. Multiple carrying options (backpack, luggage handle pass-through) provide flexibility for different travel situations.
The dedicated compartments for laundry, essentials, and insulated snacks are all super practical. And the thoughtful details like the mesh pockets for small items and the concealed pocket for valuables show that the designers really understand the needs of traveling families.
Overall
The No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-On Duffel is a fantastic option for families who want to travel light and stay organized. It’s packed with features that make packing and traveling with kids a breeze. If you’re tired of digging through a messy duffel bag to find what you need, the Hideaway Duffel is definitely worth considering.
Remember: You can further enhance the functionality of the Hideaway Duffel by adding accessories like the Dopp Kit, Sidekick, or stroller straps
Getaway Bag Compared to Other Bags
I’ve been a fan of the Kanken from Fjallraven for its simplicity, and I’ve used TropicFeel’s travel backpack before. But the No Reception Club bags are in a league of their own when it comes to parent-friendly features.
They’re truly designed with us moms and dads in mind, from the specialized compartments to the easy-access pockets.
Questions about No Reception Club Bags
How durable are the bags? Will they withstand the wear and tear of travel with kids?
I’ve been using No Reception Club Travel bags for the last three months, and they still look like new! I don’t know how long they will last, but they come with a lifetime warranty. This gives me confidence in their durability and I believe they will last for a long time.
Can I wash the bags? If so, what’s the best way to clean them?
No Reception Club recommends wiping the surface clean with a damp cloth (ideally a microfiber cloth, but a small towel or washcloth will usually work) using warm water. Mild non-bleach liquid detergent or soap combined with warm water can also be used to wipe the surface.
But DO NOT use paper towels, tissues, napkins, or diaper wipes to clean your bag — the fibers will break apart across the fabric.
Do these bags come with a warranty?
YES! No Reception Club Travel Bags come with a no-hassle, no-rhetoric lifetime guarantee. You can read more about the lifetime warranty here.
Does No Reception Club offer international shipping?
They have plans to test international shipping in September 2024. You can check their Facebook group to see their latest updates.
Final Verdict: A Travel Essential
The No Reception Club Travel Bags truly made our family trip more manageable. It kept us organized, made it simple to find what we needed, and even looked good doing it.
If you’re looking for a travel bag that can handle all your family’s needs, I highly recommend giving the No Reception Club travel bags a try. It’s an investment that will pay off in stress-free travels for years to come.
Have you tried the Getaway Bag or any other great travel bags for families? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Happy travels!
If you’re traveling with kids, here are some posts that you should check out as well:
TRAVEL RESOURCES
✈️ Buy flight tickets in advance
Always buy flight tickets in advance! The place to find the best prices for flight tickets is Skyscanner.com
🏠 Book your accommodation
Booking.com is easy to use and has many options and filters you can use to book in advance and check availability.
🚙 Renting a Car
I recommend Discover Cars because they always have the best rates and great customer service.
🎡 Plan tours and activities
Viator is an excellent place to start looking for activities. They provide a huge selection and great prices.