Help please! Need a mom bag - Evelyne or Halzan?

[Jaaanice]

Hi guys! I’m starting to dip my toes into the Hermes forum but am quite new here and to the brand, was more active on Chanel. Ive bought SLG and scarves before and have only gotten my first Hermes (GP 30 in bamboo-I think) from Paris flagship store last summer.

Lately I’ve been swaying from Chanel and been looking at more Hermes. Would love to build H relationship and get B & K from stores eventually.... but I understand this takes time.

The most pressing issue is I’m having a baby in 2 months!! I started a thread in Chanel forum about possible mama bag and someone suggested the evelyne which got me looking- I see many TPFers saying nothing but good things about this bag, but I don’t quite like the canvas strap... I think I need to go try it on to first. But I do see the appeal and the functionality

So during my research here on the Hermes forum... I stumbled upon the Halzan- a bag which I’ve seen but was never impressed with- I’m not sure what it is but the style and the versatility is suddenly super appealing to me!! I think Clemence leather is mor durable than Swift? Anyone use this as a mommy bag before?

I will definitely have a separate diaper bag; this will hold my personal items and some essentials (wipes,
binky, my wallet, phone, etc?)

Any comments and suggestions are GREATLY appreciated ! [emoji5][emoji5]

 

[bluerosespf]

I'm not a mom, but I love my Evelyne. The Halzan seems too futzy to get in and out of (a lesson I know all too well from my Jypsiere). I have many H bags - from Evelyns to Birkins and Kellys and in between and the Evelyne is my most reached-for bag.

 

[coloradolvr]

I have only recently moved over to Hermes, but I am in love with my Evelyn bags! They are so convenient. I too was not sure about the canvas strap at first, but now that I have carried Evie for a couple months now, I have to say it's grown on me. I looked at the Halzan but I also think it would be a pain to get in and out of. But I do see that many people would choose it over the Evelyn. If you can, I would visit a boutique and try both to see which you prefer. Congratulations on your soon to be arrival!

 

[pursecrzy]

I tried on an Evelyne at the boutique recently. The canvas strap is really nice. My SA pointed out a canvas strap doesn’t stretch but a leather one would.

 

[NateSelwyn25]

Honestly, I don't like the super skinny Hermes straps. Might work on something small like a K25 or the mini Evelyn. But if you want this as a "mom bag," you're gonna want a large size, and your strap should carry the weight without you feeling it too much. The canvas is wide and tough and will really hold up. Of course you can always get a strap elsewhere. I've yet to purchase one but I have seen many people recommend Mautto for alternate straps, especially for Hermes bags. I have a K28 and my favorite strap to use is actually from Kate Spade: Nice wide leather, with leopard print over calf hair as the design. (I also have a matching leopard twilly from KS and it looks beautiful on my rose confetti Kelly)

 

[Prinipessa]

I recommend the Halzan because it's more secure, hands free for cross body and can easily convert to a short handle hand bag. Evelyn is open top and if you put it down things may spill out.

 

[Pinkfairyjade]

I have both bags and would vote for the Evelyn, it seems more hardy than the Halzan. For me it’s a workhorse bag at a price point that I don’t worry about being overly cautious with it, plus it’s easier to get in and out of. Only plus the Halzan has for me is that it’s lighter to carry but I feel that the strap is flimsy on this bag. Might be because mine is a mini in swift leather? Others with the larger version might chime in with their thoughts.

 

[bagnut1]

I had a Halzan 31 (sold because of color, not bag design). I am having difficulty imagining this bag as a toss-everything-in mom bag.

I know you didn't list this one but have you considered the Bolide? It lacks the exterior pockets (but IMO the Halzan pockets are somewhat limited in functionality) and with a strap you can also wear it on shoulder or cross-body. Perhaps in a larger size you might even be able to ditch the extra diaper bag.

 

[ouija board]

I have both bags plus the child, though she’s not a newborn anymore! I bought the Evelyne PM when she was a baby specifically to use as a baby bag. It turned out to be too unstructured for my taste, and unless I wore it crossbody, it often slid off my shoulder and hit the ground or DD. I definitely prefer the Halzan 31cm (mine is Clemence) to the Evelyne for everyday use. It’s structured enough that my stuff isn’t all jumbled inside, and it stands up on its own. Also, as long as you don’t buckle up the handles, it’s easy to lift the outer flap and slide a hand inside for a wallet or phone. It wouldn’t be large enough to be your sole diaper bag, but since you’ll be carrying a separate baby bag, it’ll work fine for your personal items. My only gripe with the Halzan is the thin strap which can get uncomfortable if I load up the bag, but usually I’m only carrying a wallet, phone, key pouch, and makeup pouch. If I put something heavy like my iPad in it, then it’s more comfortable if I carry it as a tote. I don’t feel that the strap has stretched, but again, I rarely put heavy items in the bag.

I recently carried my Halzan on a two week trip overseas, and it worked perfectly as a travel bag. I wore it crossbody when lugging suitcases through the airport, on the shoulder when sightseeing, dining out, or shopping, and as a tote when I had to stuff shopping or DD’s toys inside.

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival, and have fun choosing your new bag!

 

[rainnebeauxday]

Either, depending on your style and daily activities. The Halzan is a bit less casual than an Evelyne. I haven't tried one on for a bit, so I don't remember for sure, but I think it has more compartments. I use my Birkin almost daily now, I usually place it in the basket under the stroller with the diaper backpack...or one of my older kids carries either. You won't know exactly what you will be comfortable with until baby arrives and you've left the house a few times. Have fun and good luck!

 

[nadineluv]

Evelyne hands down. Size 29. Easy to reach into and grab items, while busy w kids. It’s secure too if need be with the snap closure. I find wearing it w the pocket on the outside is the best, since that is where I place my phone. So it’s very easy to reach without any fuss. I just got one in magnolia that I can’t stop wearing.

 

[Jaaanice]

I'm not a mom, but I love my Evelyne. The Halzan seems too futzy to get in and out of (a lesson I know all too well from my Jypsiere). I have many H bags - from Evelyns to Birkins and Kellys and in between and the Evelyne is my most reached-for bag.

I have only recently moved over to Hermes, but I am in love with my Evelyn bags! They are so convenient. I too was not sure about the canvas strap at first, but now that I have carried Evie for a couple months now, I have to say it's grown on me. I looked at the Halzan but I also think it would be a pain to get in and out of. But I do see that many people would choose it over the Evelyn. If you can, I would visit a boutique and try both to see which you prefer. Congratulations on your soon to be arrival!

I tried on an Evelyne at the boutique recently. The canvas strap is really nice. My SA pointed out a canvas strap doesn’t stretch but a leather one would.

I have both bags and would vote for the Evelyn, it seems more hardy than the Halzan. For me it’s a workhorse bag at a price point that I don’t worry about being overly cautious with it, plus it’s easier to get in and out of. Only plus the Halzan has for me is that it’s lighter to carry but I feel that the strap is flimsy on this bag. Might be because mine is a mini in swift leather? Others with the larger version might chime in with their thoughts.

Evelyne hands down. Size 29. Easy to reach into and grab items, while busy w kids. It’s secure too if need be with the snap closure. I find wearing it w the pocket on the outside is the best, since that is where I place my phone. So it’s very easy to reach without any fuss. I just got one in magnolia that I can’t stop wearing.

First, I must say, I am sooo overwhelmed with all the support here on the Hermes forum!!! thank you so much for everyone's input its so helpful!! (more of a reason for me join the H fam here! )

These are also the things I considered about the Evelyne as well~ PM (29) is the size I am thinking of getting too I think the GM is WAYYYY too big.. Im so happy to hear that so many of you love the bag. I agree that its a workhorse bag, prolly for the first 6 months, it would be the most suitable until the baby gets bigger?

regarding the unstructured element of the evelyne, should i get an insert? will that make it better?

Etain is the color I am interested in.. or black. any other colors you guys would recommend? I know (from doing my research) i should get it in clemence leather due to durability...

Will go try it on and see what colors are available and then keep you guys posted!! thank you again for all the helpful comments.

 

[coloradolvr]

First, I must say, I am sooo overwhelmed with all the support here on the Hermes forum!!! thank you so much for everyone's input its so helpful!! (more of a reason for me join the H fam here! )

These are also the things I considered about the Evelyne as well~ PM (29) is the size I am thinking of getting too I think the GM is WAYYYY too big.. Im so happy to hear that so many of you love the bag. I agree that its a workhorse bag, prolly for the first 6 months, it would be the most suitable until the baby gets bigger?

regarding the unstructured element of the evelyne, should i get an insert? will that make it better?

Etain is the color I am interested in.. or black. any other colors you guys would recommend? I know (from doing my research) i should get it in clemence leather due to durability...

Will go try it on and see what colors are available and then keep you guys posted!! thank you again for all the helpful comments.

I have Smorga inserts for my bags and love them. It does provide a lot more organization and structure for the Evelyn as well. As someone else mentioned, if you keep the snap closure secured I have never had my things spill out. But I also keep my misc. items in a pouch so they are not loose in the bag.

 

[Jaaanice]

I recommend the Halzan because it's more secure, hands free for cross body and can easily convert to a short handle hand bag. Evelyn is open top and if you put it down things may spill out.

same reason for why i think i love it! what size do you have?

I had a Halzan 31 (sold because of color, not bag design). I am having difficulty imagining this bag as a toss-everything-in mom bag.

I know you didn't list this one but have you considered the Bolide? It lacks the exterior pockets (but IMO the Halzan pockets are somewhat limited in functionality) and with a strap you can also wear it on shoulder or cross-body. Perhaps in a larger size you might even be able to ditch the extra diaper bag.

Ive never considered the bolide.. will def do some research on this too!! or add it to my wish list for later

Either, depending on your style and daily activities. The Halzan is a bit less casual than an Evelyne. I haven't tried one on for a bit, so I don't remember for sure, but I think it has more compartments. I use my Birkin almost daily now, I usually place it in the basket under the stroller with the diaper backpack...or one of my older kids carries either. You won't know exactly what you will be comfortable with until baby arrives and you've left the house a few times. Have fun and good luck!

What size birkin do you use? I need to slowly build my collection before getting that Birkin ! hopefully i will be offered one in a year or so?? and you are absolutely right about not knowing what i will need until the baby comes.. i think i am just trying to find an excuse to get another bag...

I have both bags plus the child, though she’s not a newborn anymore! I bought the Evelyne PM when she was a baby specifically to use as a baby bag. It turned out to be too unstructured for my taste, and unless I wore it crossbody, it often slid off my shoulder and hit the ground or DD. I definitely prefer the Halzan 31cm (mine is Clemence) to the Evelyne for everyday use. It’s structured enough that my stuff isn’t all jumbled inside, and it stands up on its own. Also, as long as you don’t buckle up the handles, it’s easy to lift the outer flap and slide a hand inside for a wallet or phone. It wouldn’t be large enough to be your sole diaper bag, but since you’ll be carrying a separate baby bag, it’ll work fine for your personal items. My only gripe with the Halzan is the thin strap which can get uncomfortable if I load up the bag, but usually I’m only carrying a wallet, phone, key pouch, and makeup pouch. If I put something heavy like my iPad in it, then it’s more comfortable if I carry it as a tote. I don’t feel that the strap has stretched, but again, I rarely put heavy items in the bag.

I recently carried my Halzan on a two week trip overseas, and it worked perfectly as a travel bag. I wore it crossbody when lugging suitcases through the airport, on the shoulder when sightseeing, dining out, or shopping, and as a tote when I had to stuff shopping or DD’s toys inside.

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival, and have fun choosing your new bag!

THANK YOUUUU!!! and thank you for taking the time to write this! its so nice to get the opinion of a fellow mom! i have the exact same concerns with the evelyne and the same reasons i liked the halzan better~ i wonder if this can be fixed swapping out straps for the halzan? I love the versatility of it and actually thought it would be an AMAZING travel bag as well, prolly won't need to bring multiple bags to short trips (which is great). think im gonna go try on both...

 

[rainnebeauxday]

i think i am just trying to find an excuse to get another bag...

Love this!
I have a 30, it fits fine under my bugaboo (it has a large basket compared to other strollers I have used in the past). I am planning to buy an Evelyne at some point, but I don't feel like I can't use a handheld bag much of the time. Having the strap is nice though, and the Evelyne is a bit more carefree as far as the worry factor.