Ness Mamie Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Ness Mamie is a fun bag with a lot of features we think moms will like, if they can get over the weight and cost of the bag. Its large size, removable insulated cooler, and adjustable/removable compartments are what make it stand out from the rest of the bags we tested. We liked its playful style, the quality materials it is made from and the hearty metal hardware that holds it all together.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Use
Using this bag was easy. Of all the bags we tested it could accommodate even the most cramped scenarios with ease. Because of its larger depth and width, the Mamie was able to fit all of the pumps and their parts, plus all of the accessories we tested without any issues. The adjustable compartments kept the pumps and their parts separate from the rest of the bag. We thought this was a very nice feature because it would be easy to lose small parts in such a large bag. We gave the Mamie a score of 8 of 10 in this metric.
Quality
The Mamie is made with man made materials. It is made to look like well used leather, which is attractive and feels sturdy. After being subject to our rigorous tests, the bag held together well. Other moms who reviewed this bag online also had similar findings. The metal zippers still worked easily after heavy use. We liked the many compartments and sturdy nylon interior. We think this bag is made of very high quality materials and will hold up well over time, which is why we awarded it a score of 8 of 10 in this category.
Weight/Bulk
Where this bag falls short of the rest of the competition is in terms of weight and bulk, and because of this it only received a 2 of 10 in this category. In all of the reviews we could find online, most everyone mentioned how large and heavy the bag is. This is not surprising given the plethora of accessories and high quality materials it is made of, but at a whopping 4 lbs. 14.4 oz. you definitely feel the extra weight. Also, as the widest bag we tested (it has an additional 2.5 inches on our next largest bag), the Ness is challenging to navigate through tight spaces without knocking in to people or things.
Features
The Mamie is loaded with features, which explains its very high score, an 8 of 10. It has five exterior pockets: one has a zipper enclosure, three are secured with magnets and two are open and would suit a water bottle or tall, skinny item well. It has an insulated removable bottom cooler outfitted with metal feet, padded adjustable and removable interior dividers to keep purse and pumping supplies separate, and an adjustable shoulder strap which can be used as an alternative to the handles. The only concern we had was with the detachable cooler base, which if not utilized, places the bottom of the bag directly in contact with surfaces, exposing it to additional germs and dirt.
Style
This is definitely a fun bag to carry your breast pump in. Its large size and ruffle detailing follow current over-sized handbag trends. We awarded a score of 7 of 10 in this category because we think the color, fun detailing and leather appearance make it an appealing choice for many moms with different style preferences.
Best Applications
We think this is a great bag, but its large size and heavy weight make it almost too big for use at the office (it is borderline overnight bag size). It also looks disproportionately large when used by shorter moms. We think it's an excellent choice for mothers who want a bag that can fit everything they can think of and do not mind carting around a lot of extra weight in exchange for quality and style.
Value
This was the most expensive bag we tested, but you do get a lot of bang for your buck. We think moms who plan to use the bag for a long time will find it well worth the high price tag.
Conclusion
The Ness is a nice, high quality, stylish bag that will make consolidating your breast pump, its accessories and any other items you might desire into one place a breeze. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout while lugging it around town.
Video
This You Tube video will give you a good idea of just how large the Ness really is!