According to a recent article in Parents “The New Face of Fatherhood”, modern fathering has gotten more hands-on, more involved and more daddy chic than ever before. Dads are more likely than in past generations to be stay-at-home dads, to be emotionally connected with their kids and to play an active role in child-rearing. But while the modern dad may be secure in being a stay-at-homer, few guys are thrilled to whip out pastel bottles and toss a floral print diaper bag over their shoulder. So if dads are going to be hosting playdates and toting around tots, they’ll need more masculine gear to do it in.

And designers have been taking note. Recent years have seen an increase in dad-specific baby gear, from utilitarian front baby carriers to manly diaper bags.

Not surprisingly, some of our favorite items for the modern dad are the bags from our Scout Collection. The clean lines and classic silhouette of these bags transcend flavor-of-the-month trends and are highlighted with designer touches like our custom antique brass hardware. Co-owner Braden Jones helped work with the design team on the Scout Collection to ensure that the style, functionality and sentiment of the bags would appeal to modern fathers. “I wanted to make sure that the bag could transition seamlessly from work to the playground, “says Braden, “and so worked on integrating features like the snap-out laptop holder, the removable changing pad and the new low profile handles to give dads a multifunctional bag that didn’t scream ‘Baby on Board’.”

The Scout Collection offers two options for modern dads on the go. The Journey Pack is available in rugged heathered gray or olive green felt and includes nine interior and exterior pocket to hold everything from bottles and baby wipes to your Blackberry and business cards. The Journey Pack also includes a wide adjustable should strap and a signature clip-and-ring closure.

For an added touch of class, the Rubicon Rucksack is constructed out of luxurious black or brown buffalo leather. With even more versatility than the Journey Pack, the Rubicon Rucksack includes two snap-in interiors. The first is geared for fathering with pockets and compartments for bottles, beanies and binkys. The second snap-in interior contains a padded laptop lining and storage for all your work-related needs.

From the boardroom to the baby’s room and beyond…one bag to meet all the needs of modern fathering.

But don’t take our word for it. See what other people are saying about our Scout Collection.

“Details like an adjustable shoulder strap and antique brass hardware take the style quotient to the next level.” – Cool Hunting

“When we first saw photos of this rugged leather satchel, we referred to it as the diaper bag Indiana Jones might carry. Now that we’ve held it in our hands, we know that the Harrison Ford-worthy exterior belies a truly swank interior…Invest in this bag and you may not need to buy another one for years — new baby or no new baby.” – Babble

“The Scout Journey Pack is a great baby bag for stylish dads. It features absolutely tons of pockets and comes with a water resistant changing pad and a cool antique brass wipes case.” – Uncrate

“This is a well tailored and beautifully designed baby hold all. Based around a single strap system in a classic satchel style, The Scout features detachable bottle pockets, a matching embossed wipe case, changing pad and it still has room to fit all of juniors needs, with space left over.” – Style Heist

” I just stumbled upon this fantastic bag, the Scout Rubicon Rucksack in Black Buffalo by Petunia Pickle Bottom… the perfect options for the dad on the go!” – Due Maternity

Though geared for guys, the Scout Collection is also gaining interest among women looking for a bag with less fuss and frill.

“Can you believe this is a diaper bag? The Journey Pack from Petunia Pickle Bottom’s Scout Collection…isn’t too pretty to deliver. It’s billed as a bag that Dads won’t object to toting around, but a minimalist mother will surely appreciate the sophisticated subtlety, too.” – Cookie

Click here to find a retailer to surprise the dad or dad-to-be in your life with something special.