Finding Nirvana. Winning it too.

November 16th, 2008 | by Kayt Sukel 55 comments

This is my travel shame.

I took this photo after we returned from our last trip to the states.  What can I say?  Our old trusty backpack — the usual carry-on of choice — is not well equipped to deal with the messes that traveling with kids brings.

The juice usually leaks on to the last diaper.  The travel-case of wipes gets smooshed open and attracts every spare cookie crumb.  The red Color Wonder marker always goes AWOL and purple just will not fit with Chet’s artistic vision.  And the toy that he usually wants the most (and loudest)?  That one automatically gravitates towards the bottom of the bag, meaning that I have to empty it out down to the last petrified raisin in order to find it.

God forbid I forget myself and drop our passports in there instead of my purse.  People don’t like you when you have to dump an entire bag of grody kid gear on the floor while you are queueing for immigration.

Simply stated, it’s always a big ol’ mess.

We’ve tried other bags, but it always ends up the same:  total chaos.  We just assumed it was an inevitable part of traveling with kids.

Then we were asked to review the Zen Class Nirvana Organizer.  This sleek, durable bag was designed for the rigors of travel.  It’s patented open-access design and multitude of storage pockets and holders means that there’s a place for just about everything.  And it can fit on the back of any plane, train or car seat.  Still, I was skeptical.  Could mesh pockets really stand up to the chaos?  We decided to find out on a three-hour road trip.

The Pros

The bag is great.  The bottle/cup holder is made for multiple sizes — it was able to handle Chet’s weirdly-shaped cup of choice and a one-liter juice bottle we needed later in the trip.  Honestly, I can’t say enough about the open-access design.  With the bag open, you can get to every storage pocket with ease.  On our road trip, Chet could lift the bag on to his lap from where it was hanging and get what he wanted.  Too bad he can’t apply that same knowledge to opening a bag of fruit snacks.

The bag was also very easy to clean.  Though we were puke-free on this trip, we are potty training.  I was able to put some wet pants in the bag and then easily wipe it down once we reached our destination.  No harm, no foul.

The Cons

When I first got the bag, a friend commented that it looked a little small.  But I don’t see that as a con with current baggage regulations.  Plus, once you open it up, it really can hold a lot.

The only con is that you will have to close the bag at some point.  After all, you don’t want to leave all your stuff hanging while you’re wandering the airport or out sightseeing for the afternoon.  And when you close it up, you’ll have to do quite a bit of rearranging.  But even so, the great pockets mean that you won’t have to dig too hard to find what you need.

The Bottom Line

I cannot wait to hang this bad boy up on our trip back to the states for the holidays.  I may even get to read a whole page of my book before Chet demands something.  Pure bliss!

And you can have some travel Nirvana, too.  We’re giving one away to one lucky reader.  All you have to do is leave a comment telling me what’s wrong with this photo:

The most creative response wins!  Deadline is midnight, November 26.  U.S. only, please.

Get the Zen Class Nirvana Organizer on the Zen Class Web site.

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55 Responses to “Finding Nirvana. Winning it too.”

Linda on November 16th, 2008

great idea

MRS.MOMMYY on November 16th, 2008

Really you now you forgot the pringles in there- and yes they are a basic food group…but why are you reading Green Eggs and Ham and your son reading Eclipse…just pushing him to read ..read read before his time eh? Really whats wrong with the bag? Where is the megaphone so he can really annoy the passnegers on the plane who complain about little kids when they are being quiet, yet they can talk up a storm on their cell phones? Or where are the headphones for the movie and maybe a music player, eye pillow and stuffed animal/blankie. This bag looks huge to me and where is the chocolate for mom?

Sheree Warner on November 16th, 2008

I have never found a bag big enough for all I carry. This might be just what I have been looking for.

Stephen Saunders on November 16th, 2008

wow nice

Shannon Baas on November 16th, 2008

The fact that everything is in its place, not all mixed up. Also, the fact that nothing in there is for an adult.

Jenny Jensen on November 17th, 2008

I’m hoping the Eclipse book is yours and not your pre-schoolers! High school girls dreaming about kissing vampires might cause some nightmares….

Kristy Hall on November 17th, 2008

Not sure if it’s exactly wrong since I don’t think there’s a rule against carrying your own stuff in the bag but Vampires for kids?

We took our brand new Mr B’s out this weekend and I just may have discovered a bag that actually works for us! At least I didn’t end up with Juicy Juice all over the Toddler’s change of clothes.

Mandy on November 17th, 2008

Isn’t your son kind of young to be reading a book about vampires? I enjoyed Eclipse, though, so I am glad to see that your reading materials fit in the bag as well!

Katie Anthony on November 17th, 2008

Well, I believe that is gum in the bag; and from what I can make of it (assuming your children are like mine), I forsee gum in someone’s hair, a thermometer in someone’s armpit (or will likely become a projectile weapon during car travel), someone will have a pull-up on their head, and the wipes will most likely be used to remove the raisins from the back windows.

And my guess is… it will probably all happen in the first ten minutes.

LOL

Thanks for the great contest! I hope I win, I could really use it!!

galena penrod on November 17th, 2008

what a mess! what a night mare! did you return to work to recover from your vacation? you know they make zip lock bags in all sizes. they are inexspensive,reuseable and water proof. i have always been hard up for extra cash hence i figure out how to make the most outta every thing. if i bought a new bag i would have a use for the old one or it would be unusable.

[...] Travel Bag November 16, 2008 · Filed Under Bags/Purses, Uncategorized  Where: Travel Savvy MomWhat: Zen Class Nirvana Organizer Travel BagHow To Enter: Leave a comment on the giveaway/contest [...]

TravelswithBaby on November 17th, 2008

Aside from the fact that it is on the floor and NOT in the car… I have to say you’re nuts if you’re planning to leave those wipes within the reach of a kid! I love the Color Wonder markers for travel too, except that my toddler always ends up eating the tips off and that’s the end of it!

Brittney Jackson on November 17th, 2008

What is the mysterious looking green and white thing next to the yellow car? I don’t know, looks kind of funky to me. I also spotted within seconds your Eclipse book. That couldn’t possibly belong to a little boy. The bag looks pretty useful! I can totally sympathize with you over the backpack picture!!! Is there some kind of manual out there that helps you pack while traveling with kids???

Lisa Costello on November 17th, 2008

What is wrong with this picture is that it isn’t real. Any real mom will tell you that this picture of nirvana has to be a product of photoshop because we are all doomed to the picture of the backpack spilling on the floor. Sticky juice packets soiling the change of clothes, markers bleading through the crayon books, having to dig to the depths of the earth to find the packet of snacks is our world. A bag like this looks like it would grow from infant, to toddler, to preteen. As easily as it holds wipes and diapers, it would hold juice bags crayons, to finally gameboys and PSP’s, teen mags and candy. This can only exist in the depths of photoshopped images as no useful tool as this could possible be created, marketed and sold at a reasonable price that those of us poor mothers who stand in airport lines, grocery stores, or amusement parks would ever be able to afford.

Matthew Meisenhelder on November 17th, 2008

there is no tide to go pen or magic eraser !!!

surely a mom traveling with coloring supplies would be sure to carry these, who knows when the little devils will create their next work of art on a restaurant wall next !

Elizabeth on November 17th, 2008

What’s wrong with the bag is that it is right side up with all of the contents still in it, and well organized no less. Anyone traveling with a toddler knows that the correct picture would have the bag upside down, with every single thing, from Eclipse to the bubble gum scattered on the floor of the airport, or plane, or car, or hotel room…you get the idea.

susan varney on November 17th, 2008

its not wrapped up and under the christmas tree with my grandsons name on it

Meg on November 17th, 2008

I think it’s only missing two things. 1) the sticky handprints that make you wonder “what IS that and how did it get THERE?!” 2) the soundtrack of whiny child being magically transformed into peaceful bliss, so you can slip that Eclipse book out for yourself and enjoy a little mommy TLC.

Denise B. on November 17th, 2008

Well, I definitely can tell you what’s wrong with this picture. WHERE’S THE UNISOM?!! Everybody knows an enjoyable flight equates to the little boogers sleeping through the whole thing. If there isn’t a Unisom Jr., they sure as heck should come out with one. Imagine how much money they would make off of this!LOL

Barbara J on November 17th, 2008

Books-check. Toys-check. Food-check. Drink-check. Diaper-check. Okay, that’s the essential list. Wait, wait! I didn’t see a cellphone in there. What do you mean: “Chet doesn’t have a phone.” C’mon. He needs to start working on his thumb skills so he can speed text before he starts pre-school :)

Katie on November 17th, 2008

What is wrong with the picture is that there is no pouch left for Grover.

Theresa Shafer on November 17th, 2008

Wipes, sanitizer, stuff animal, and re-usable bottle / sippy cup.

Or course everything is too new so add some stains and a few frayed edges. Maybe some art work on the side. Broken crayons.

And lastly, ever person in your family should have their own Nirvana.

So what is really wrong???? No name.

Edmund Davis-Quinn on November 17th, 2008

That looks far, far too organized for anything but the first minute of travel :)

Joyce Moore on November 17th, 2008

The only thing I see wrong with this photo is that is needs more items for a girl – maybe a play purse – and music – but it is also way too organized for my little ones – they would have everything out and playing with it by the time we got to the highway. What a great give away.

Nicole on November 18th, 2008

the only thing i see missing/wrong with the above picture is the absence of travel size alcohol bottles (for mommy). are they still at the bottom of the bag? but seriously… i wouldn’t keep them in the kid’s bag.

Cassie on November 18th, 2008

Looks like a great bag. Can’t say I wouldn’t use it, but you know if I and the rest of the commenters don’t win it, we can make our own out of carpenter aprons. Wrong with the pic…well I don’t see any chocolate for heaven’s sake!

Willy on November 19th, 2008

Raisins suck.

michelle on November 19th, 2008

How can you see whats wrong when you can’t even see inside the bag, could be neater…

Karen on November 20th, 2008

Only one Pull-Up? Really? I would also say mommy must have something for self pacification. Chocolate, cookies, or hey, maybe chocolate cookies! And seriously, the markers still in the box? Obviously your child hasn’t had at that box yet because you know that won’t last long! :)

Rhea on November 21st, 2008

What’s wrong with this picture is that it’s there & not with me.. I could really use this I have a 1 year old and a soon to be 3 year old and then a husband that can be as messy as them sometimes and then is always asking me where things are. Thye needs a spot where they can find the little things that are easy to lose.

Staci A on November 21st, 2008

What’s wrong with the photo? Well, for one, your floors are too darn clean! Where’s the squished goldfish and leaking sippy cup oozing all over the floor? I can’t be the only one who has to deal with that. And you don’t even have any smiley stickers permanently stuck to it either!

As for the bag, it looks perfect. Maybe add in some gummi lifesavers for mom (my fave), and some chocolate to bribe the little one with when he just won’t stop talking, aka whining, in the car.

Great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to enter!

M.A. on November 22nd, 2008

Yea for the organization but, “Eclipse”! Yikes! That book’s what’s wrong with the photo. Either you’re way too immature or your daughter’s too mature. Just keep it on the cutting edge of fun with Shel Silverstein’s poetry instead! That way it’s LOL for all of you!

Tia Carter on November 22nd, 2008

i hope i win

Rosanne Morrison on November 22nd, 2008

From Wacky wild wanderers to Zen Class Nirvana Organized travelers.

Nannette Ryan on November 23rd, 2008

The Eclipse book does not appear to belong

jeanne on November 24th, 2008

Where’ the red car? You know he wants the RED CAR!!!!!

jennefer sweitzer on November 24th, 2008

There are no melted crayons, naked barbies, half-eaten smashed cupcakes on it and stickers with hair stuck to them all over it. The books are too neat, the pages aren’t bent and there aren’t coloring book pages ripped out and stuffed into the pockets. There are no french fries, in any of the pockets.and The cup is not upside down.

hazel hunt on November 24th, 2008

What is wrong with the picture is that there is no pouch left for Grover.

Sharon Seneker on November 24th, 2008

I know that diapers are needed but not in the back of the seat organizer where the child can get to their snacks, toys and books. Just my humble opinion. Great giveaway! Thanks!

chastidy vernengo on November 25th, 2008

Not enough snacks in that bag.

Christina on November 25th, 2008

What’s wrong with this photo is that it’s so organized that it’s terrifying! Most of our backpacks look like the FIRST photo – but I have a feeling we would eventually lull into the comfort zone of this new bag and actually become efficient!

Summer on November 25th, 2008

I think what’s wrong with this picture is you need more snack items….A box of raisins and 2 fruit chews wouldn’t hold my 4 kids over until our next destination! Great product! cope1743@sbcglobal.net

sandra on November 25th, 2008

Um…there are no food stains on it!

Vicki Wurgler on November 25th, 2008

well the Eclipse book and the diaper would probably be in a diaper bag

Susan on November 25th, 2008

WOW…Ecplise for you child, he must be super smart. This is a good lesson to teach him. Vampires are not only hot but Edward has some manners. is this your suttle approach to teaching manners. Wait I am silly….who is reading Green Eggs and Ham??You? I am so impresed!!! Wait….I could have this all WRONG!!!! You want him to read Eclipse becasue it is so over his head he would find it SOOOOO boring that he would fall asleep???
That is it for my creativity for the night, lame but I am TIRED!!! Have a safe road trip and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Amy on November 25th, 2008

The book from the Twilight series? I know that in many ways, children are little vampires, I learned this early when my little one nursed through growth spurts as a baby, leaching my nutrients, calories…energy…as a rambunctious toddler this still hasn’t changed, I find my life force drained at the end of each day. He greedily devours my time, attention and the hours of my day and each new dawn, I offer him myself once again so that in my fuzzy world I couldn’t tell you the exact date or time of day at any given time. I often forget things and lose my keys. I think he may have turned me as I find my self looking forward to the twilight hour when the sun sets and I can finally put him to his rest. Hungering for the night when I can feel more deeply, think more clearly and feel more wholly myself.

Carolyn Hagerman on November 26th, 2008

I LOVE THE PICTURE JUST THE WAY IT IS! :)

flared0ne on November 26th, 2008

But, but – (DEEP breath) – but where do you keep the GERBILS?? Doesn’t ANYbody ELSE travel with gerbils?? I mean, I drew the line at the Iguana, but those cute furry little gerbils!! And the smell of cedar shavings — that will generally cover up almost ANY mistake that doesn’t involve any kind of “projectile” discharge associated with an over-abundance of solids!

john ferris on November 26th, 2008

Everything is wrong with the photo.

Leann H Swinnney on November 26th, 2008

I know what’s wrong with that picture. There is no loved, trusted, smelly, ratty, threadbare blanket that would cause an internation incident if it was lost.

Elizabeth M. on November 26th, 2008

What’s wrong with the photo is that the travel gear is on the floor of your house. You forgot to bring it with you on vacation and now it doesn’t matter how organized and thoughtful you were in selecting the contents.

Gianna on November 26th, 2008

It’s too organized LOL

Donna K on November 26th, 2008

It looks like a diaper is in there. Does the child change his own?

Charlene Kuser on November 26th, 2008

I thought raisins were a choking hazard for toddlers?

Peggy Goodwin on September 29th, 2009

The only thing wrong with the picture is that the bag is not filled with my stuff! I want one! Peggy


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