FACT + FICTION Charlie Backpack Changing Bag Review
We are so excited to welcome FACT + FICTION to the NBS family! We instantly fell in love with their chic and stylish designs but also the long list of handy and thoughtful features they include in all of their bags. But here at NBS we want to bring our customers only the best products for baby and parents, so we wanted to put FACT + FICTION through it’s paces for ourselves to make sure they pass the test! Keep reading to find out what our very own Creative Brand Manager, Amy Blanchard, thought of her FACT + FICTION Charli Backpack we asked her to put to the test.
Tester - Amy Blanchard
Here at NBS, we’re always on the look out for new brands. So, when I came across Mother & Baby and Made for Mums features about the ‘Best Changing Bags’ and saw FACT + FICTION highly rated, I just had to find out more. The office instantly fell in love with how practical and uber-stylish the Charli backpack looked.
After discovering the full range and testing out all the features we just knew our customers were going to love them just as much we as do. In fact, I loved it so much, I got myself one.
So, what do I think after 2 months of use?
She’s a dream. FACT + FICTION have thought about every detail, every person and every lifestyle. It’s a timeless choice.
The Charli is a simple and organised backpack. There are three separate breathable compartments, including one for my gym trainers (could be used for nappies/dirty cloths etc) that flattens down when not in use. This compartment also has mesh eyelets that let the bag breathe, reducing any bacteria… pretty essential if you’re carrying around dirty nappies!
The second is a spacious sleeve at the back of the bag that allows for a laptop of up to 15 inches. My 13 inch MacBook fits perfectly, it also has some padding around the compartment so I can be sure my laptop is protected. This space is really generous so could always be used for something else too, like a changing mat maybe.
The third compartment is the inside of the bag itself, it really is huge. Its capacity is around 25 litres / maximum weight 16kg, which is far greater than any other baby changing backpack on the market. To give you an idea of just how much fits in there… on a typical day I can fit my gym kit, laptop, make up bag, purse, lunch, bottle, notebook, phone, keys and there’s still room for more.
Its pockets are in all the right places too. The external front zip pocket is a lifesaver, I store my phone and keys in there and it’s easy to access quickly. You also won’t have to worry about leaking bottles anymore as the external side zip pocket keeps bottles upright and is also waterproof.
The fabric is lined with a patented anti smell technology, initially I was sceptical about how this would work. But, after a few trips to the gym with sweaty trainers and clothes, the bag still smelt as good as new. The backpack also has a water resistant outer and lining so it’s so easy and quick to clean.
The Charli black backpack is unquestionably stylish with its luxe matte faux leather and gold zips. I love that you can wear it to the gym, wear it to work or pack it for a weekend away, it can be dressed up or down just like that. It’s a great alternative to the not so glamorous baby changing bags, meaning you’ll get years of use from it. Just how I use mine now with no baby in tow!
It’s really comfortable to wear, lets face it, we all cram our bags until it weighs a tonne, but this backpack has never hurt my back or shoulders. The padded shoulder straps distribute the weight evenly and it fits just right with its 10 buckle holes… the extra holes are a god send for us shorties!
When the bag is full, it stands upright which I’ve always found really handy, there is nothing worse than a bag that keeps spilling out all your belongings. It makes the carry handle really accessible too, which is great if you’re in a rush and need to grab your bag quick. It’s also nice to have the option of wearing on your back, shoulder or simply just to carry it in your hand.
This backpack is honestly worth every penny for its versatility and quality. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without her.
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