Hey there, fellow traveler! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect bag to accompany you on all your adventures – whether that‘s a quick weekend road trip or a far-flung flight across the globe. So when I first laid eyes on the Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Mini, I knew I had to put this fun-sized travel companion to the test.
In case you‘re not familiar, Baboon to the Moon is a New York City-based brand that has been shaking up the world of luggage since 2016. Founded by former Warby Parker execs, their mission is simple: to outfit travelers with eye-catching, uber-functional bags that can keep up with all of life‘s journeys.
The Go-Bag line is Baboon to the Moon‘s signature range, available in three sizes:
| Go-Bag Size | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Go-Bag Mini | 32L | 2-3 day trips |
| Go-Bag Small | 40L | 3-5 day trips |
| Go-Bag Big | 60L | 5+ day trips |
I decided to road test the baby of the bunch, the Go-Bag Mini, on a recent long weekend jaunt to the mountains. But does this compact carryall live up to the hype? Read on for my brutally honest review, from initial unboxing to final verdict.
First Impressions
There‘s no denying the Go-Bag Mini makes a striking first impression. The first thing that caught my eye was the vibrant color options. I went with a punchy red and orange colorblock, but Baboon to the Moon offers 9 core colorways ranging from bright primaries to classic neutrals:
They also regularly drop limited-edition prints, from tropical florals to splatter paint. It‘s clear this is a brand that embraces standing out from the crowd.
Looks aside, I was immediately impressed by the Go-Bag Mini‘s construction. The body fabric is made from a lightweight yet incredibly durable TPE material. Similar to the rubberized coating you‘d find on whitewater rafts, this stuff is seriously tough yet still pliable. Sustainability bonus: it‘s phthalate-free and produced in a solar-powered facility.
The Go-Bag Mini also features robust YKK zippers with lockable pulls, super sturdy carrying handles on all sides, and two removable straps for ultimate versatility. You can carry this bag by the handles, sling it over your shoulder, wear it as a crossbody or even strap it on like a backpack.
Specs & Features
Alright, let‘s dive into the nitty gritty of what the Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Mini is packing under the hood. Here are the key specs:
- Dimensions: 18.5" x 12" x 9.5"
- Capacity: 32L
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- Materials: TPE Fabric, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware
- Straps: 2 removable, adjustable straps with shoulder pads (can be worn crossbody or backpack-style)
- Pockets: 1 main compartment, 1 small internal zip pocket, 2 external pockets
- Closure: Lockable YKK dual zippers with storm flap for added moisture protection
- Warranty: Lifetime guarantee
For a bag of this size, I was pleasantly surprised by how many thoughtful features Baboon to the Moon managed to pack in. The internal zippered pocket is perfect for stashing valuables like your wallet and passport, while the external pockets are clutch for quick-grab items like your phone, boarding pass and a water bottle.
The star of the show, though, are those versatile straps. Adjustable, padded and made from ultra-durable seatbelt-grade webbing, these things are a total game changer for comfort and convenience. No more awkwardly lugging a bulky duffel through the airport!
Putting the Go-Bag Mini to the Test
To really put the Go-Bag Mini through its paces, I decided to pack it up for a 3-day weekend hiking trip. My goal was to see just how much I could fit while still maintaining some semblance of organization. Here‘s what I managed to cram in:
- 3 moisture-wicking shirts
- 2 pairs of hiking pants
- 1 packable down jacket
- 3 pairs of wool socks
- Toiletry bag with the essentials
- A small compression sack with undergarments
- Packable hiking poles (broken down)
- A couple small packing cubes with miscellaneous items
To my delight, it all fit! The Go-Bag Mini‘s rectangular base provided a surprisingly sturdy foundation, so I could really stuff it to the gills without it turning into a saggy mess. The double zippers also made it a breeze to access my gear without having to completely unpack every time.
While hiking, I loved being able to switch up the carry style based on the terrain. The backpack mode was perfect for longer treks, with the padded straps preventing any digging or chafing. For shorter jaunts, I could simply sling it over one shoulder or carry it by the side handles.
One small gripe: when fully loaded, the Go-Bag Mini can feel a bit unstructured and unwieldy to carry for long periods of time. I definitely started to feel the shoulder strain after an hour-long hike with it fully packed. But for me, the lightweight and packable nature of the Go-Bag Mini far outweigh this minor inconvenience!
Weatherproofing & Durability
As someone who‘s no stranger to getting caught in the elements (hello, impromptu downpours), I was really impressed by the Go-Bag Mini‘s weatherproofing capabilities. That TPE fabric is no joke, ya‘ll. It was able to withstand rain, sleet, slush – you name it.
Even after a few months of consistent use, this bag is showing zero signs of wear and tear. No scuffs, no scratches, no funky smells – it still looks as good as new. The YKK zippers are as smooth as the day I got it, and all the hardware is intact.
It‘s clear that Baboon to the Moon really walks the walk when it comes to quality and craftsmanship. I have no doubt this bag will hold up for years of adventures to come. And even if something does happen, it‘s backed by the brand‘s lifetime guarantee.
Pros & Cons
Alright, let‘s break it down. After putting the Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Mini to the test, here are my key takeaways:
What I Loved
✔️ Incredibly durable yet lightweight TPE fabric
✔️ Fully waterproof and weatherproof
✔️ Comfortable, versatile carry options with padded straps
✔️ Eye-catching colors and prints
✔️ Surprisingly roomy 32L capacity
✔️ Lifetime warranty for peace of mind
What Could Be Improved
❌ Can feel unstructured when fully loaded
❌ Expensive for a weekend bag
❌ No dedicated laptop sleeve or shoe compartment
❌ Rectangular base takes up a lot of space
At the end of the day, I was pleasantly surprised by how functional and versatile the Go-Bag Mini proved to be. The minor drawbacks for me were far outshined by the bag‘s premium quality, comfortable carry, and head-turning good looks.
Go-Bag Mini vs. The Competition
Now, I know what you might be thinking – $149 for a glorified gym bag? Hear me out. Yes, the Go-Bag Mini is undeniably pricey. But when you compare it to other haute holdalls on the market, I think it stacks up quite nicely:
| Brand | Model | Price | Capacity | Waterproof? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baboon to the Moon | Go-Bag Mini | $149 | 32L | Yes |
| Patagonia | Black Hole Duffel 40L | $139 | 40L | Weather-resistant |
| Aer | Gym Duffel 2 | $170 | 37.4L | Water-resistant |
| Away | Everywhere Bag | $195 | 38L | Water-resistant |
As you can see, the Go-Bag Mini‘s price point is actually quite competitive, especially when you factor in the superior waterproofing and lifetime warranty. Many brands charge an arm and a leg for duffels that don‘t even come close to the Go-Bag Mini‘s level of quality and durability.
For me, investing in a product that‘s built to last is always worth the initial splurge. Especially when it comes to something as essential as a travel bag! I‘d much rather buy a Go-Bag Mini that will accompany me on countless trips than have to replace a cheaper, flimsier duffel every year.
Styling the Go-Bag Mini
One of my favorite things about the Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Mini is how versatile it is style-wise. The colorful, eye-catching designs add a fun pop to any travel outfit. Some of my favorite ways to style this bag:
- With a pair of leggings, a denim jacket and crisp white sneakers for an athleisure airport look
- Slung over a sundress and sandals for a summer weekend getaway
- As a gym bag with a matching workout set and athletic shoes
- Paired with a beanie, flannel and boots for a cozy cabin vibe
No matter where you‘re headed, the Go-Bag Mini is sure to earn you compliments and strike up conversations. It‘s the perfect blend of form and function!
Final Verdict
So, after putting the Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Mini through its paces, would I recommend it? In short: heck yes! If you‘ve been on the hunt for a stylish, sturdy and sustainable travel bag to accompany you on all of life‘s adventures, I think you‘ll be hard-pressed to find a better option.
The Go-Bag Mini really does tick all the boxes: a striking, thoughtful design, premium weatherproof construction, comfortable carry options, tons of practical features and a lifetime warranty. While the price tag may induce some initial sticker shock, I firmly believe the quality craftsmanship and incredible versatility make it well worth the investment.
Of course, no bag is absolutely perfect. I do wish the Go-Bag Mini had a dedicated laptop sleeve and shoe compartment to really level up the organization. And those who prefer a more understated aesthetic might not jive with Baboon to the Moon‘s colorful, in-your-face designs.
But all in all, I think they‘re pretty minor quibbles for an otherwise fantastic product. The Go-Bag Mini has quickly become my go-to travel companion, whether I‘m hopping on a plane or just heading to a coffee shop for the day. It‘s the perfect size, it keeps my stuff secure, it garners me tons of compliments – what more can you ask for?
So go ahead, treat yourself to this fun-sized travel sidekick. Adventure awaits, and I have no doubt the Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Mini will be right there with you every step of the way. Trust me, you won‘t regret it!
