What they say: "Coral the brightly coloured tropical fish joins the PaddlePak family - the splash-proof backpack for little explorers! PaddlePak is a water-resistant backpack (7.5 litre capacity) that's great for fun-filled days out and trips to the pool or beach. Made from lightweight durable material, it's designed to stop wet stuff getting in, or leaking out."
Tested by mum Nina Fletcher for the M&B Awards 2017:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
My daughter loves the design and vibrant colour of this backpack. It is light and foldable, the fabric is thin and flexible so it doesn't take much space if not filled up or not in use. The opening and closing of the backpack is unique and clever, however it takes quite a bit of practice for a small child to figure this out.
How did this product make your life easier?
The backpack fosters independence in my daughter, she is responsible for packing her things, carrying them and looking after them. It prevents me from carrying her things. It helps that the backpack isn't bulky as it's easy to pack it away when not in use. It is fantastic in avoiding messes when used as a swim bag or at the beach.
Would you choose this product to win?
I think most young children will likely struggle with opening and closing it independently. I feel for a backpack it is important that kids feel it's theirs and that they can use it without adult help from the beginning. I know that the product comes in different sizes and as a swim bag, I would probably go for a bigger size, for that it is brilliant as it won't leak.
What changes would you make to this product?
I would change the opening and closing of the product and probably make it a zip closure instead although I understand that the folding is one of the key product design features that sets it apart from the competition, however from a kids perspective that is irrelevant and takes away from the user experience as they need adult help to operate it. Otherwise it is a great product.
Tested by mum Beth Law for the M&B Awards 2017:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
These are incredibly funky looking and really caught my daughters eye when opened. It is so much more than a swim bag as the child can wear it with ease for themselves and it is feels excellent quality too, whilst being very functional. It's very lightweight and the straps are comfy for little ones to wear
How did this product make your life easier?
Being deceptively large I would be able to get both my twins kit in there without it all falling out. I would also be able to get them to wear it themselves as with three kids, hand space is precious and I'm usually laden down with bags myself so the fact I can share responsibility and let them carry their own as it is so funky.
Would you choose this product to win?
I think this is the best swim bag I've seen out. It is so lightweight and looks so brilliant that it really is worth the money. It feels excellent quality and wouldn't split easy like lightweight swim bags usually do. I like that there's a little coin purse too making life that little bit simpler too.
What changes would you make to this product?
I didn't understand how to close the top of the bag. There's a little strap and it folds over but I wasn't really sure how this was supposed to work. I think a bit more clarification is needed as it stumped me. I would perhaps prefer it to be zippable at the top so that nothing could fall out if a little one picks it up.
Product Information
PaddlePak features:
1. Break-away safety buckle
2. Reflective strips
3. Dry zip pocket
4. Trunki Grip for sunglasses
5. Water-resistant fabric
6. Adjustable shoulder straps
7. Hanging loop