Many years ago I discovered the wonder of having a great dog walking purse.
I discovered a great bag for dog walking – sort of a small messenger bag but with a lot of purse qualities and a lot of pockets – at a thrift store. I bought it thinking I would just use it when walking my dog but soon it became my everyday purse.
POST UPDATED: August 6, 2018
I filled my perfect dog walking purse with everything I would need when out on a stroll and kept it by the door.
It made it easier and more pleasant to get out for a walk. I could quickly jaunt out the door when motivation struck instead of searching around the house for my must-have items.
And then it wore out.
Searching for a replacement, I spent way too much money ordering purse and after purse hoping that it would be like the last one. But it wasn’t.
It was too small to fit everything in; it was too deep to access things easily; it was too big and cumbersome; The strap kept cutting into my neck; or it didn’t have enough pockets.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you purchase something (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for supporting us!
THEN I found another small messenger-type bag that was just right – the To Go Convertible Bag by Haiku.
Haiku Convertible Bag Review
The To Go Convertible mini messenger bag is just the right size – not too big or not too small. It looks like a purse and not some big utility bag.
It has a lot of pockets – 5 on the outside and 2 on the inside. One of the pockets on the inside is big enough to hold a tablet or notebook and the other zips for security.
The outside pockets are each big enough to hold a water bottle, my cell phone, sunglasses, or the like.
In the inside purse pockets, I keep a mini notebook to write down blog post ideas or to-do items, a collapsible dog bowl, a bag of dog treats, hat and gloves or light sweater, sunglasses, wallet (also from Haiku), and small necessities like lipgloss, Shout stain wipes, and wet wipes.
The best part about this bag though? The slip pocket on the flap.
I put my dog poop bags in there so know right were to find them and they are easy to get to.
Honestly, I put the full ones in there too until I can find a trash can. I’ve been doing it for months and the purse doesn’t soak up the stink at all (even if I forget it in there for a day *ahem*).
The other awesome thing is that the the bag is made with 100% cyclePET fabrics made from post-consumer recycled beverage bottles, which minimizes damage to the environment by keeping plastic waste out of landfills and reducing the use of virgin petroleum.
Other features include a water resistant lining and coating (important in the Northwest where it rains a lot) and a detachable & adjustable shoulder strap that lets you convert the bag into a backpack (that’s the convertible part). I will probably never use it that way but it’s a neat idea and would come in handy if you needed to make sure it was more securely on you while hiking or navigating obstacles.
When my original dog walking purse died, I was left trying to find an alternative because that bag was discontinued. I’m extremely happy with the Hauku To Go Convertible bag. I even like it better than the first bag I used when walking the dog.
I had high hopes for the durability of this one and I was right. After 3+ years, the bag showed hardly any wear. Unfortunately, the clip that hook on the shoulder strap that hooks to the bag broke.
I was ready for a color change so I gladly ordered another one.
I’m honestly not sure I’ll ever own a purse. This one is just the right size and holds everything I need it too, plus a little extra sometimes.
molly says
December 10, 2015 at 8:29 AMI like the bag in black plum. Would go great with my coat and wouldn’t show dog park dirt.
Jessica Rhae says
December 10, 2015 at 8:54 AMThat’s why I picked the Cactus. I had another purse in a lighter color and it started to show the dirt from muddy paws.
Daneene M. Kelley says
December 10, 2015 at 8:40 AMI ADORE Haiku bags!! I’ve been eyeing the convertible bag for a while now, actually!
I would totally get it in Desert Bloom!
Jessica Rhae says
December 10, 2015 at 8:53 AMI love them too. There are so many I would own. I have an old version of the Sprint Duffle I am really keen on the EveryDay Tote and Wisdom Work Tote bags.
Rebercca says
December 10, 2015 at 8:40 AMI’m a bright color girl, so I love the desert bloom! More importantly, it would look great next to my yellow lab. 🙂
Jessica Rhae says
December 10, 2015 at 8:50 AMCoordinating your bag with your dog. Love it 🙂
Forest Poodles says
December 10, 2015 at 8:41 AMThis looks awesome! I agree, a good dog mom purse is a treasure!
Jessica Shipman | Beagles & Bargains says
December 10, 2015 at 8:43 AMI’m always looking for the perfect bag, so I’m excited that you love this one. I love both the Desert Bloom and Black Plum. Not sure which one I would choose!
Chelsea says
December 10, 2015 at 8:44 AMThis is awesome!! I always struggle with all my supplies when out with dogs, and a drawstring bag just doesn’t cut it most of the time.
Jessica Rhae says
December 10, 2015 at 8:49 AMBelieve me… I am picky when it comes to my Dog Mom purse. Everything before this has been frustrating in one way or another.
Rebekah Lu says
December 10, 2015 at 8:45 AMThe Desert Bloom is fun!
Jessica Rhae says
December 10, 2015 at 8:48 AMI liked that one too and almost got it. I decided to go with a neutral color though. Turquoise is my color so I love the little stripe on this one.
Kerisa West says
December 10, 2015 at 8:55 AMThis is the ultimate fur mama purse! I love this! I just started looking into a great purse that I could use for my adventures with my mini doxie Butters and wow this is it! I love the black and plum color! Thanks for a great giveaway!
Debbie L says
December 10, 2015 at 8:55 AMI love all the pockets-especially the side ones big enough for water bottles. I would pick the black plum. I also like the strap. It seems difficult to find this combination these days. I too spend a lot of time shopping online for a useful purse. This would fit the bill. Thanks for doing the original search.
Kelley says
December 10, 2015 at 8:56 AMI LOVE Hiaku bags! Someone stole on Monday 🙁 I like the cactus or black 🙂
Thanks Jess, Gretel, and Chester!
Cheryl says
December 10, 2015 at 8:57 AMCool bag to compliment my two cool dachshunds, Bailey and Bella.
Jennifer Mayer says
December 10, 2015 at 8:59 AMThat’s really cute! I have a couple dog bags but they are really cumbersome and not super useful. I mainly use a huge dachshund print canvas tote but then I end up digging for everything.
J Frank says
December 10, 2015 at 9:01 AMRiver Floral Print would be my choice!
Jennifer Gillen says
December 10, 2015 at 9:01 AMLoving the Black Plum!
Jennie says
December 10, 2015 at 9:05 AMTotally the Black Plum or the Cactus! Love these! I am picky about my bags as well and this one looks perfect! Good find!
Chris says
December 10, 2015 at 9:06 AMI really like the floral print. What a great bag! Thanks for sharing this ❤
Chris says
December 10, 2015 at 9:08 AMI would love to have this bag in the floral print. Thanks for sharing this ❤
elizabeth says
December 10, 2015 at 9:11 AMdefinitely desert bloom – why do anything else if there’s red available?
Amanda K. says
December 10, 2015 at 9:14 AMI like the cactus or the black plum. I never thought of having a dog mom bag before, but with two babies now I know it would be super useful.
Charlene says
December 10, 2015 at 9:16 AMI love the desert plum color!
Charlene says
December 10, 2015 at 9:17 AMI mean Desert Bloom, haha.
Sharon Gilbert says
December 10, 2015 at 9:18 AMI love the Black Plum.
Rust says
December 10, 2015 at 9:23 AMI would choose cactus. Nice review, great bag!
Mary Hone says
December 10, 2015 at 9:24 AMThe perfect purse, every dogs moms dream.
Carmen says
December 10, 2015 at 9:26 AMWhat a great looking bag. I would buy the dessert bloom. This bag would be a perfect travel bag with or without my dachshund.
Terrie Lee says
December 10, 2015 at 9:28 AMI recently bought another brand but it seems to big. This looks perfect! I love the “hideaway” on the front flap.
Cecilia says
December 10, 2015 at 9:29 AMI really love seeing your sweet dogs. It is really generous of you to share your good find. Hugs
Kathy says
December 10, 2015 at 9:35 AMWith 2 dogs, I end up stuffing all my pockets when going out. This is a great idea, gotta have!
Kimberly Gauthier says
December 10, 2015 at 9:42 AMI just love your bag. I can’t decide between the Desert Bloom or the River Floral Print. So it would be one of those, because they’re so fun.
Kara says
December 10, 2015 at 9:53 AMI would choose the desert bloom – beautiful color!
Alison says
December 10, 2015 at 9:55 AMThis bag looks great and the prices are super reasonable too! Would love the cactus and hoping that it’s not sold out as it appears you can’t order that color right now.
Angela Bovair says
December 10, 2015 at 10:28 AMThis is an awesome bag! perfect for dog walking or hiking. I personally would pick either Desert Bloom or Black Plum. Thank you for the tip on the purse!
Angela
Rachel says
December 10, 2015 at 10:42 AMlove the black! goes with everything
Elizabeth says
December 10, 2015 at 10:44 AMI would love the Black Plum! With three dogs, plus fosters, this would be an awesome addition to my bag arsenal.
Ellie says
December 10, 2015 at 10:45 AMblack plum! this bag is awesome.
Donna says
December 10, 2015 at 10:48 AMI understand about buying purses that don’t work. I can’t tell you how many I’ve gotten and been unhappy. This sounds like the perfect one. Thanks for the recommendation. And it’s really cool looking. I especially like the part about the poop not being absorbed into the material.
K-koira says
December 10, 2015 at 10:50 AMDesert Bloom is my fav color for sure. And I could certainly use a new bag for doing dog stuff. My current purse is rather engulfed with dog stuff, which doesn’t do so well when I take that same purse to work!
Donna says
December 10, 2015 at 10:52 AMI like the Desert Bloom or the River Floral. I just checked out the pictures on their web site and this bag looks ideal.
Lara Elizabeth says
December 10, 2015 at 10:52 AMAbsolutely the blue floral. I have small Haiku purse that I’ve been using for years – love it!
Tenacious Little Terrier says
December 10, 2015 at 11:59 AMTorn between the floral print and the Desert Bloom.
Lisa Roach says
December 10, 2015 at 12:16 PMI would love the black, because hopefully the dirt and dog hair won’t show too bad.
Marty C says
December 10, 2015 at 12:18 PMI’d pick Desert Bloom. Patterns hide dog hair and mud :=)
Kelly says
December 10, 2015 at 12:19 PMI love that bag! Turquoise is also my color, so the stripe is a nice accent.
Amy A says
December 10, 2015 at 12:29 PMI love Black Plum because it won’t show all the dirt that it gets on it especially when we go for hikes.
Valerie Gleason says
December 10, 2015 at 12:30 PMThis bag looks awesome! Would love the cactus!
Leslie W says
December 10, 2015 at 12:34 PMI love the black plum. Goes with everything. It really does look like a great bag. Thanks for the chance to win one.
Jenny says
December 10, 2015 at 2:07 PMLOVE Haiku purses
Genevieve says
December 10, 2015 at 2:15 PMI love this bag! I ordered a bag from a catalog and I use it, but it slips off my shoulder constantly and has a fraction of the pockets that yours has. That thing is a beauty!
Jordan says
December 10, 2015 at 2:17 PMBlack plum so it doesn’t get dirty!
Kelly Simpson says
December 10, 2015 at 2:20 PMI love the black plum colour
Diane @ To Dog With Love says
December 10, 2015 at 2:44 PMThis bag is awesome! I NEED one! Love the black plum color, and that it converts to a backpack. Brilliant!
Mary says
December 10, 2015 at 2:48 PMOooh this looks great!! I think I prefer the black one, safe from muddy paws.
DZ Dog Mom says
December 10, 2015 at 2:50 PMI love the pink Desert Bloom color!! I would use a bag like this all the time!
Stacy Stauffer says
December 10, 2015 at 2:50 PMI would want the River Floral Print. So pretty! I love all the doggy uses 🙂 I take our rescue dog to the park every day, and this would sure come in handy! Thanks for the chance to win!
Kimberly Ciesla says
December 10, 2015 at 2:57 PMI love the Cactus color (even though it’s currently sold out 😉 2nd choice would be the black! 🙂
Bonnita Bernhardt says
December 10, 2015 at 3:03 PMBlack for me and my four minis!
Melissa Davids says
December 10, 2015 at 3:19 PMI can relate with your search for the perfect dog mom purse. I’m regularly bringing my two out for adventures and am also looking for the perfect bag. Would love the Black Plum due to the “hide the dirt” feature.
Dana Kay Murphy says
December 10, 2015 at 3:54 PMI would choose Desert Bloom. These bags are very nice.
Kari says
December 10, 2015 at 4:04 PMNice! I just got a Haiku Leap to be my iPad mini purse. I love its blue floral pattern and that it’s made from recycled material!
Jessica Rhae says
December 17, 2015 at 6:35 AMI didn’t realize that one is big enough. I need one I can fit my ultrabook in… so a little bigger. But the Go To Convertible bag is not big enough for that. I have my sights set on the Wisdom Work Tote http://www.haikubags.com/large-bags/wisdom-work-tote-cactus.html
Kathy says
December 10, 2015 at 4:44 PMNice review! I like the black one.
Lauren Miller says
December 10, 2015 at 4:45 PMWow! That looks like an amazing dog purse! I could totally use something like that! I generally try to stuff everything into my treat bag and there is never enough room! I really like the River Floral print one! So neat!
Dachshund Nola says
December 10, 2015 at 5:11 PMI like them all! I think black plum is my favorite though. Nice and neutral.
Lily says
December 10, 2015 at 5:22 PMBlack plum would be my pick!
Mike says
December 10, 2015 at 5:25 PMI think my wife would really like the black plum one.
Hailey and Zaphod says
December 10, 2015 at 5:29 PMThat is a cute bag.
Erin says
December 10, 2015 at 6:05 PMI love the color you chose, grey with blue lining. Is that what they call cactus?
Kate Volz says
December 10, 2015 at 7:03 PMI like all of them, but actually like the one in your pictures the best!
Emily Endrizzi says
December 10, 2015 at 7:27 PMI love the Desert Bloom bag. So pretty and practical. Currently I use a small reusable shopping bag when I go out for walks with my dogs. It’s not anywhere near as nice as this, plus it’s not hands free. This would be so awesome!
MKC says
December 10, 2015 at 7:47 PMSomething neutral like dark plum or cactus.
April Crisafulli says
December 10, 2015 at 8:09 PMI like the river floral print
Linda says
December 10, 2015 at 8:14 PMI like the black plum color!
Elizabeth Sullivan says
December 10, 2015 at 8:46 PMI would get the black plum!
Gina Mongenel says
December 11, 2015 at 5:01 AMGreat bag! I like the black plum color.
Monika says
December 11, 2015 at 9:53 AMOoh, I’d love that gray version. Very smart and VERY practical-what a terrific product!
Jodi says
December 11, 2015 at 10:34 AMI sell 31 bags and they don’t make anything like this!! I love it!! I guess I’d have to go with the floral one.
Sandy Weinstein says
December 11, 2015 at 12:35 PMi love the River Floral Print.
Dolly the Doxie says
December 11, 2015 at 1:09 PMSo my mom isn’t the only one that takes that much stuff walking the dogs? Including lip balm? It sounds like a really neat bag thanks for the recommendation! Love Dolly
Jessica Rhae says
December 17, 2015 at 6:31 AMI go absolutely nowhere without lip balm! Ask my hubby…. I get VERY grumpy when my lips are chapped 🙂
Ruth (and Layla) says
December 11, 2015 at 1:46 PMI would love Black Plum especially as I would use it a lot for the different parks when with the kids and Layla
Molly A Bredenberg says
December 11, 2015 at 5:35 PMI love my little Haiku purse, and that one looks even more awesome!
Jennifer Dace says
December 11, 2015 at 7:05 PMI love the desert bloom and the black plum colors for the dag. I also like that the back looks really sturdy. A bag that can uphold going to dog competitions and camping is very important to me and hard to find. Thank you for the chance to win one.
GROOVY GOLDENDOODLES says
December 11, 2015 at 7:13 PMColor isn’t important! I just love the bag!!!!
Could come in handy for many outings.
Laura in Little Rock says
December 12, 2015 at 6:44 PMOooh. I love this, mostly because I love a good functional bag!
Kelli says
December 13, 2015 at 1:16 PMWith 4 dogs I need this! Love the black plum.
Lisa F. says
December 13, 2015 at 6:21 PMI think I like the desert plum. Thanks!
Sarah L says
December 13, 2015 at 6:24 PMI love it in the Black Plum color
Laura says
December 13, 2015 at 9:12 PMWay too cool of a nag! Red all the way!
Rachel says
December 13, 2015 at 9:29 PMThis bag looks great! Training Impulse and trying to keep up with all his stuff plus everything I need is hard to juggle. I could easily see me carrying this bag with my backpack and the color matches my backpack perfectly.
Jennifer Essad says
December 13, 2015 at 11:41 PMI love the Cactus color most
Donna says
January 20, 2016 at 11:27 AMHi Jessica, I recently bought one of these convertible bags by Haiku. I love it. I’m a person who needs pockets and room without an overly large bag to lug around. Got it in the dessert cactus. What a beautiful color. I love that the handle is large enough to become a body bag so it won’t slip off your shoulder. Thanks for the review. I can’t tell you how many purses I go thru. They either don’t work out or they rip.
Jessica Rhae says
January 20, 2016 at 1:30 PMGlad you like it! I own it in dessert cactus too. It started out as my Dog Mom purse but I love it so much, and the dogs are with me the majority of the time, it has become my everyday purse too 🙂
alivia says
April 27, 2017 at 8:48 PMwhat all do you keep in your doggie mom bag?
I have an english bulldog
Jessica Rhae says
April 28, 2017 at 9:21 AMHi Alivia. Besides my wallet, cell, phone, keys, etc. I carry a small package of dog eye wipes (they work good for cleaning all kinds of messes), a bag of treats, poop bags, and sometimes a water bowl and bottle of water. It’s but enough that I can sometimes carry a jacket for my small dog too.
Paige says
January 9, 2019 at 1:14 PMSuch a cute AND functional bag! Right now my pockets are my purse while I walk the pooches! I like the idea of having a bag dedicated to my dogs. Great article!