Quitting drinking doesn’t mean quitting the accessory habit. It just changes what’s in your hand and what’s in your Stanley.
These days, if you show up somewhere without a tumbler, someone asks if you’re okay. The water bottle is the new black. It is the accessory people will notice if you don’t have it with you.
To make up for not drinking water during the 90s and early 00s, I’ve been carrying a drink with me everywhere for the last twenty years of my sober journey. And for a long time, the bag situation did not keep up.
So when WanderFull pitched their bags, I said yes before I finished reading the email. Big bags are dead. And by “dead,” I mean neatly organized in my closet, because, obviously, they might come back and I can’t get rid of them. What I actually carry now is a phone, keys, a card, a lip gloss, and 40 ounces of water I will defend with my life. Someone finally built a bag around that reality instead of pretending I still need room for a wallet the size of a novel and a backup pair of heels. Note, my heels are also collecting dust next to my oversized bags. Apparently, this is what 50 looks like. And ladies, it’s still cute and it’s comfortable.
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The Basics
WanderFull landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list not once but TWICE. We all know that is not a small stamp of approval.
It was founded by two Connecticut moms, Katie Hill and Lisa Watkins, who got tired of the same problem everyone has: designer water carriers cost thousands of dollars and have zero pockets, and everything else looks like it belongs on a hiking trail. So they built their own.
The bag wears two ways:
- Crossbody, with a nylon strap and vegan leather trim
- Over the shoulder, with WanderFull’s own Comfort Chain strap, which reads more like something you’d find at a contemporary boutique than a strap you’d find on a hydration accessory. The quality exceeds the price point, in my opinion.
The One I Have
Zebra print, currently in progress of being covered in purse charms, because if I’m carrying it every day, it should look like mine and not like a bag off a shelf. I’m also contemplating adding some fun animal-inspired pins and/or patches, because let me be clear. My style is always more is better.
I brought it to an event last month. I was the one with sparkling iced cold water in a chic little crossbody that paired perfectly with my denim-ruffled romper and designer sneakers, while everyone else juggled clutches and cocktails. Nobody asked if I was okay. They asked where I got the bag.
Worth Knowing
- Kids’ collection exists and is genuinely cute, not an afterthought line. 13 yr old Alysse loves the Unicorn.
- Clear bags are available and perfect for any venue running a clear-bag policy: stadiums, arenas, and certain venues. So chic and so smart.
- Monogram option includes “Bride” and “Mrs.,” which makes this a real gift idea for a bachelorette weekend, not just a nice-to-have. Send this to your bestie who loves anything and everything monogrammed. You know you have one. (Dele Downs Kooley, I’m looking at you.)
- Seasonal drops run spring, summer, fall, including an Americana line timed to the Fourth of July
- Sample sale section on the site has genuinely discounted pieces, including ones shaped like little puffers that look like sleeping bags for your Stanley and I am HERE for it. #ADDTOCART
The Verdict
Pickleball, tennis, golf, dog walking or hiking, church basement (#iykyk), wedding weekend, girls weekend, stadium with a bag policy: there’s a version of this bag for it.
And if your version of “still carrying a drink everywhere” now involves electrolytes instead of a bar tab, WanderFull built the accessory for that life. Not the one you left. The one you’re actually living.
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Because the best thing you can wear is clarity, confidence, and a killer sense of style.
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God, grant us the serenity to #ADDTOCART! Sober retail therapy is our favorite kind of workout—mindful, fun, and community-focused. In this section, you’ll discover unique sobriety gifts, premium recovery swag, and must-have merch we can’t stop raving about. We love featuring small businesses founded by people in recovery, sober creators, and brands that champion mental health and the sober lifestyle. From #QUITLIT reads to stylish glassware and meaningful recovery keepsakes, our curated picks make every purchase a celebration of sober living.
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
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Sponsored Disclosure
This bag was gifted by WanderFull Brand. Opinions, purse charm decisions, and my unwavering loyalty to my tumbler are entirely my own.
Is the WanderFull bag good for venues with a clear bag policy?
Yes. WanderFull makes a clear bag option specifically for stadiums, arenas, and other venues that require it.
Does WanderFull have a kids’ collection?
Yes, and it’s a genuine line, not an afterthought add-on to the adult collection.
Can you get a WanderFull bag monogrammed for a bachelorette or wedding weekend?
Yes. WanderFull offers monogram options including “Bride” and “Mrs.,” making it a practical gift for wedding weekend gifting.
Where can I find discounted WanderFull bags?
WanderFull runs a sample sale section on their site with genuinely discounted pieces, including seasonal styles.
Was this bag gifted?
Yes. WanderFull gifted the bag featured in this review. All opinions are the author’s own.
