Blog
Where to Wear a Waist Bag: 5 Real-Life Ways We Style Ours
Oct 20, 2026 · It's been almost two months since we launched the Murph & Murph Waist Bag, our crossbody waist bag for travel and everyday wear, and honestly, we haven't taken ours off. When we designed it, we had a pretty clear picture of where it would go. Airports, mostly. Maybe a market or two. What we didn't expect was how quickly it would become the bag we reach for without thinking, on a Tuesday, for no reason at all. So if you've been wondering where to wear a waist bag, here's where ours has actually been. Wearing a crossbody waist bag to the races Cath wore hers to the races last weekend, crossbody over a linen dress. Phone, lipstick, cards, sunglasses case, all in one spot, and both hands free for a glass of something cold. No clutch left on a table, no handbag strap slipping off one shoulder all afternoon. A hands-free bag for Saturday markets This is where it really earns its keep. Coffee in one hand, a bag of peaches in the other, and your wallet right there on your chest when you need it. [Add feature: e.g. the front zip pocket for quick tap-and-go] The best travel waist bag for the airport The moment we were waiting for. Passport, boarding pass and phone, sitting flat against you, no digging through a tote at the gate. Pair it with the [Cove Daily Traveller Tote](link) as your carry-on and you've got the hands-free plus everything-else combo sorted. Anna's tip: wear it under your jacket through security, then swing it back to the front once you're through. An everyday waist bag for school pickup We didn't see this one coming. Keys, phone, a muesli bar for the kid who's "starving", and a hair tie. That's the whole kit. Everything else stays in the car. A waist bag for the beach No pockets in your shorts? No problem. Keys and phone in the Waist Bag, and you're out the door. [Add feature: e.g. water-resistant fabric, adjustable strap] Waist bag FAQs How do you wear a waist bag? Crossbody is our favourite, worn across the chest or slung over one shoulder. You can also wear it around the waist, the classic way. Adjust the strap so it sits snug and flat. Is a waist bag good for travel? Yes. It keeps your passport, phone and cards on you and easy to reach, which is exactly what you want in an airport or a busy new city. What fits in a waist bag? The essentials: phone, cards, keys, passport, lip balm and sunnies. [Add actual dimensions and what fits] Where has yours been? We'd love to know. Tag us in your Waist Bag moments, the big trips and the very ordinary Tuesdays, and you might see yours on our page. And if you've been sitting on the fence, summer's nearly here. [Link to Waist Bag product page] With love, Anna & Cath
Learn more
Warmer Nights Call for a Sunset Picnic
There's a moment every October when it happens. You walk out the door at 6pm and it's still warm. The light is golden, the air is soft, and nobody wants to go inside yet. That's your sign. Warmer nights call for a sunset picnic. No big plans, no booking a table, no dressing up. Just grab a blanket, grab your people, and find a patch of grass or sand to watch the day wind down. Here's everything we've learnt from a lot of very happy evenings spent doing exactly that. Why spring is the best time for a sunset picnic Summer gets all the attention, but spring evenings are the sweet spot. The sun sets later now that daylight saving has kicked in, the heat of the day has eased off, and the flies haven't fully found you yet. You get long, golden light without needing to hide under an umbrella. It's also the easiest catch up there is. A sunset picnic works for a Tuesday after work just as well as a Saturday with the whole crew. Where to set up: park, beach or backyard The local park The classic. Pick a spot on a slight rise facing west so you catch the last of the light, and set up near a tree for a bit of afternoon shade before the sun drops. Parks are perfect for bigger groups, kids who need room to run, and dogs who need a sniff around. The beach A beach picnic at sunset is hard to beat. Head down an hour before sunset so you can claim your spot and settle in. Set up just back from the high tide line, pop your bags on the corners of your picnic blanket if there's a breeze, and leave the glassware at home. The backyard Don't underestimate this one. A blanket on the lawn, a few cushions, some string lights and a cheese board turns a regular weeknight into something that feels like an occasion. Bonus points: the fridge and the bathroom are right there. What to pack for a sunset picnic Keep it simple. This is our go-to picnic essentials list: A proper picnic blanket (more on that below) A cooler bag with an ice brick or two Easy finger food that doesn't need cutlery Drinks, plus a water bottle each Reusable cups and a small chopping board A light layer for when the sun goes down Insect repellent A bag for rubbish so you leave your spot better than you found it One tote to carry it all, so it's one trip from the car, not three Choosing the right picnic blanket Your picnic blanket does the heavy lifting. It's the thing that turns a patch of grass into your spot for the evening, so it's worth getting one you actually love to use. Here's what to look for: Big enough for your crew. Think about who you're usually picnicking with. A couple needs far less room than a family of five plus snacks. A backing that handles damp grass and sand. Spring evenings can bring dew as the sun goes down, and nobody wants a soggy bum. Easy to carry and pack away. If it's a hassle to fold, it'll live in the cupboard. Look for one that rolls or folds down neatly with a strap or handle. Easy to clean. Spills happen. Sand happens. Choose something you can shake out and wipe down. Rock Rugs Bebe Easy sunset picnic food ideas The best picnic food is the kind you can make in ten minutes or pick up on the way. A few of our favourites: A loaded grazing board. Cheese, crackers, cured meats, grapes, a dip or two. Build it on a board at home, cover it, done. Fresh rolls or wraps. Assemble at home and wrap tightly so they travel well. Fish and chips on the beach. No prep at all and it never misses. Something sweet. Strawberries, brownies, or a block of good chocolate to share while the sky goes pink. Little things that make it feel special A couple of cushions from the couch A small speaker with a sunset playlist Fairy lights or a lantern for when the light fades Pack a deck of cards, it always ends up being the best part of the night Phones away for the actual sunset, it only lasts a few minutes Sunset picnic FAQs What time should I start a sunset picnic? Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset. That gives you time to find a good spot, set up and eat while the light is still good, then sit back for the main event. What's the best picnic blanket for the beach? Look for one with a backing that stops damp and sand coming through, a surface that shakes out easily, and a size that fits your group with room for food in the middle. How do I keep picnic food cool? Use a cooler bag with ice bricks, pack it straight from the fridge, and keep it in the shade of the blanket or your bags until you're ready to eat. What should I wear to a sunset picnic? Something comfy you can sit cross legged in, plus a light jumper or overshirt. It cools down quickly once the sun's gone. So this week, when the evening feels too nice to go inside, don't. Grab a blanket, grab your people, and go and watch the sun go down. [Shop picnic blankets →] With love, Anna & Cath
Learn more
How to Pack Light for a Long Weekend (Without Forgetting Everything)
We've all done it, packed for a two night trip like we're relocating. Three pairs of shoes "just in case", a jacket for every possible weather scenario, and somehow still forgetting the phone charger. Packing light isn't about restriction, it's about actually enjoying your trip instead of wrestling a suitcase that won't zip. Start with a colour palette, not an outfit list Before you pack a single item, pick two or three colours that all work together. Neutrals as your base, one accent colour for everything else. This means every top works with every bottom, and you can build five outfits out of eight pieces instead of packing five separate outfits. One pair of shoes, maybe two Pick shoes that can move from a day out to dinner without you needing to swap. If you genuinely need a second pair for the beach or a hike, fine, but that's your limit. Shoes take up the most space and weigh the most, so this is where the real savings happen. What actually goes in the bag This is where the bag itself matters. A structured tote like the Daily Traveller Tote holds its shape when you're moving through an airport or living out of it for a few days, so your clothes don't end up crushed at the bottom. For the smaller essentials, phone, cards, lip balm, the Waist Bag keeps everything within reach instead of buried under a jumper somewhere. The toiletries trap This is where most people overpack without realising it. Decant into small bottles, skip the "just in case" products, and remember most accommodation has shampoo and conditioner already. If you're only away a few nights, you don't need the full skincare routine, just the essentials. Your long weekend checklist 3 to 4 tops 2 bottoms 1 layer, jacket or jumper 1 pair of shoes, 2 max Underwear and sleepwear Toiletries, decanted Phone charger and any cables Bum Bag for the essentials you'll want on hand Packing light means less time wrestling luggage and more time actually on the trip. The Cove Daily Traveller Tote and Bum Bag are built to make it easier, get the basics right and everything else falls into place. With love, Anna & Cath
Learn more
Daylight Saving 2026: Make the Most of the Extra Light
More daylight, more reasons to be outside This Sunday, 4 October, the clocks go forward an hour at 2am across most of the country. Yes, you lose an hour of sleep. But you gain something much better: evenings that actually stay light. For us, that's the real start of the warm season. The after work walk becomes an after work picnic. Saturday arvo at the park stretches right into dinner. And suddenly there's time to squeeze in a swim before the sun goes down. How we're spending the extra hour The weeknight picnic. Grab something easy on the way home, a baguette, some cheese, a punnet of strawberries, and head straight to the park. No planning required, just a blanket and whoever wants to come. The sunset swim. Pack a towel, a blanket and a thermos and stay at the beach a little longer than you normally would. The light is better anyway. The backyard dinner. Not everything needs an outing. Throw a blanket on the grass, carry the plates outside and eat under a sky that isn't dark yet. The weekend that doesn't end at 5pm. Long lunches turn into long afternoons. That's the whole point. Pack for the extra daylight Every one of those plans starts with something to sit on. Here's what we're reaching for this season. Luxury Picnic Rug, Pink Break Premium neoprene, lightweight and quick drying, made for picnics, beach days and park sessions. It rolls up small enough to live in the car, so you're never caught without one when a spontaneous picnic happens. [Shop Pink Break] Luxury Blanket, Natural Art Premium neoprene again, lightweight and quick drying, with the added bonus of being resistant to water, sand and pet hair. If your picnics come with a dog, or you're heading from the park straight to the beach, this is the one. [Shop Natural Art] Luxury Blanket, Dawn Printed with original Western Australian landscapes and made for beach days, picnics and travel. It's the kind of blanket people ask about, and the kind you'll keep for years. [Shop Dawn] Why neoprene changes everything If you've ever shaken out a picnic rug and still found leaves, twigs and sand in it a week later, you'll understand why we made ours this way. Neoprene doesn't hold onto mess. Give it a shake and it's clean, fold it up and it's back in the bag. One of our customers, Sarah, put it perfectly. She'd never been overly fond of her old picnic rug because of how much it collected, but her Murph & Murph blanket has become a must. Easy to clean, easy to fold, easy to pop in the bag. A note for QLD, WA and NT You don't observe daylight saving, so this one's not for you. Enjoy the consistency. But you can still get in on the picnic season, and we'd argue your evenings were already pretty good. Wherever you are, we hope the longer days bring more time outside with the people you love. [Shop Picnic Blankets] With love,Anna & Cath
Learn more
How We Fit 10 Days Into a Carry-On (No Checked Bag, No Stress)
Anna just got back from 10 days away with nothing but a carry-on and her Daily Traveller Tote. No baggage carousel, no $70 checked bag fee, no standing around watching everyone else's suitcase come out before yours does. Here's exactly how it happened. The bag that made it possible This only works if your personal item is actually pulling its weight, not just sitting there as dead space you paid for. The Daily Traveller Tote clips straight onto your suitcase handle with its stainless steel carabiner, so you're wheeling one unit through the airport instead of juggling two bags and a coffee. Inside, five individually insulated pockets keep everything separated and easy to grab, passport in one, chargers in another, snacks somewhere you can actually reach mid-flight. There's a padded sleeve that fits a 17 inch laptop, and the whole thing slides under the seat in front of you without a fight. It's made from water resistant polyamide canvas, built from recycled plastic bottles, so it holds up to spilled coffee and Bali humidity alike, and at 1.2kg it barely adds any weight to what you're already carrying. What actually went in Ten days, one carry-on, one Daily Traveller Tote. Here's the real list: 4 tops, 2 bottoms that all mix and match with each other, packed in the suitcase 1 pair of shoes worn on the plane, 1 pair packed Laptop, passport, chargers and headphones in the tote's dedicated pockets A water bottle and coffee cup, both held upright in their own compartments Toiletries in travel bottles, nothing full size One "nice" outfit for the one night you'll actually want it The trick isn't packing less, it's giving everything a proper place. Once your documents and devices have a home in the tote, your suitcase is free to just be clothes. The three things that made the biggest difference Keeping the tote zipped and structured. The zip closure means nothing falls out mid-dash through the terminal, and the structured pockets hold their shape even when the bag isn't full, so you're not digging to the bottom for your passport at security. Clipping it to the suitcase, not carrying it. The elongated handle and carabiner mean the tote rides on top of the case through the airport, and only comes off your shoulder when you actually need it. Weighing everything before leaving the house. Most carry-on limits sit around 7kg for cabin bags, on top of your suitcase weight. Check it at home, not at the gate. Why it's worth doing No checked bag means no waiting, no lost luggage, no extra fee eating into your travel budget. It also means you move faster through the airport, which matters a lot more than people think until they're the one running for a connection. If you've got a trip coming up, this is genuinely the easiest way to travel. Start with the right tote, pack smart, and you'll wonder why you ever checked a bag in the first place. With love, Anna & Cath
Learn more
7 Features That Make the Urban Traveller More Than Just a Tote
The Urban Traveller is a travel tote bag with a padded 13" laptop compartment, hidden RFID pocket, and luggage sleeve. Built for work, travel and everything between. At first glance, the Urban Traveller looks like your classic everyday tote. Pick it up and pack it for a full day (or a full flight) and you'll see it's doing a lot more work than that. Here's what's actually going on inside. 1. Insulated bottle pockets that keep drinks where they belong Two insulated side pockets hold your bottle upright and keep it hot or cold for hours, so your morning coffee doesn't turn into a lukewarm afternoon coffee. No more digging through your bag for a bottle that's tipped over and soaked your notebook. 2. A padded 13" laptop sleeve built for real work days Whether you're heading into the office, working from a cafe, or taking a call between flights, the padded laptop sleeve fits a 13" laptop snugly and keeps it protected from every knock along the way. 3. A hidden RFID pocket for your cards and passport Tucked away and out of sight, the RFID-blocking pocket keeps your cards and passport protected from digital skimming. It's the kind of feature you don't think about until you need it, then you're glad it's there. 4. A zip-away top for open access or full security Open it up for easy, grab-and-go access around town. Zip it closed when you're on public transport, at the airport, or anywhere you want your bag properly secured. One tote, two ways to carry it. 5. A luggage sleeve made for the airport dash Slide the Urban Traveller straight onto your suitcase handle and skip the shoulder strain through check-in and security. It's a small detail that makes a genuine difference when you're travelling with your hands full. 6. A removable crossbody strap for hands-free days Some days call for hands-free carrying, so we added a removable crossbody strap. Clip it on for the school run, the market, or the airport, then take it off when you want to carry the tote by the handles instead. 7. A place for everything, right down to your keys Beyond the laptop sleeve and bottle pockets, the Urban Traveller has dedicated spots for your phone, glasses, keys and all the smaller things that usually end up loose at the bottom of a bag. Everything has a place, and you'll actually know where it is. More than just a tote The Urban Traveller was designed for the days that don't fit neatly into one category, work, travel, errands, all in the one bag. It's not about carrying more, it's about carrying smarter. Ready to see it in action? Shop now With love, Anna & Cath
Learn more
Dry July Is Over. Now It's Time to Treat Yourself.
If you've made it through Dry July, first of all, congratulations! Whether you gave up alcohol for the health benefits, to save money, support a cause, or simply challenge yourself, going 31 days without drinking is no small achievement. And if you're already thinking about what to do with the money you didn't spend... we've got an idea. Instead of letting it disappear into everyday expenses, why not put it towards something you'll use for years to come? So, how much did you actually save? The average Australian spends anywhere between $20–$80 on a casual night out, with dinner, drinks or cocktails quickly pushing that number even higher. Depending on your usual habits, going alcohol-free for a month could mean you've saved approximately: 2 nights a week → Around $80–$150 A few social nights each week → Around $200–$400 Regular weekends out → $500+ isn't uncommon That's before you factor in the Ubers, late-night takeaway, impulse purchases, and next-day recovery brunches that often come with a night of drinking. Dry July doesn't just give your body a break, it often gives your bank account one too. More Than Just Saving Money Many people finish Dry July saying they noticed: Better quality sleep More energy throughout the day Clearer skin Improved focus Less spending on unnecessary extras More appreciation for intentional purchases When you've spent a month making healthier choices, it feels pretty good to celebrate with something that actually adds value to your everyday life. Swap the Drinks for Something That Lasts That bag you've been eyeing off? This is your sign. Instead of spending that saved money on another weekend that you'll barely remember, invest in something you'll reach for every single day. Whether you're heading to work, the gym, the airport, the beach or a weekend away, a Murph & Murph bag is built to carry more than just your essentials, it keeps up with your lifestyle. The Urban Traveller Perfect for workdays, weekends and everything in between. With insulated bottle pockets, thoughtful compartments and room for your laptop, it's the bag that replaces three others. The Cove Carry-All The everyday throw-it-all-in bag. Beach days, grocery runs, Pilates, kids' sport or spontaneous road trips, this one was designed to do it all. Your Reward Should Last Longer Than One Night You've spent the month building better habits. You've saved money. You've proved something to yourself. Now reward that effort with something you'll still be using long after July is over. Because the best kind of treat isn't another round. It's the one you'll carry with you every day.
Learn more
The Travel Bag That Made It Through 14 Airports
When you’re moving through airport after airport, the last thing you want is a travel bag that slows you down. After 14 airports, countless security checks, cramped plane seats and more than a few half-eaten snacks, the Daily Traveller has proven itself as the kind of carry-on companion you’ll reach for trip after trip. One Bag, 14 Airports and Everything You Need Within Reach A good travel bag needs to do more than simply hold your belongings. It needs to keep everything organised, accessible and comfortable to carry. From a laptop and water bottle to headphones, passport, notebook, snacks and all the little essentials you collect along the way, the Daily Traveller has room for it all. Its thoughtful compartments mean you’re not digging through your entire bag at the security line or searching for your passport while boarding begins. Designed for the Reality of Travel Here’s what travelling with the Daily Traveller actually looks like. 5:40 AM – Out the Door The elongated handles and extended shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, even when it’s fully loaded for a long day of travel. 6:15 AM – Check-In The built-in luggage sleeve slides securely over your suitcase handle, keeping your hands free while moving through the terminal. 6:50 AM – Through Security Five insulated pockets keep bottles and snacks organised and easy to access, while the rest of your essentials stay neatly in place. 7:30 AM – At the Gate The zip-up top flap folds away into the side pocket when you want the convenience of an open tote. 8:05 AM – Boarding The Daily Traveller slides under the seat in front of you, so your laptop, passport, headphones and snacks stay within easy reach throughout the flight. The Carry-On That Keeps Up With You Travelling can be unpredictable. Your bag shouldn’t be. Whether you’re heading away for a weekend, travelling with kids or making your way through multiple airports, the Daily Traveller is designed to make the journey easier. Customers love its generous size, thoughtful pockets and versatility. It’s roomy enough to carry everything you need without sacrificing organisation, and durable enough to become a reliable travel companion for years to come. Urban Traveller or Daily Traveller: Which One Is Right for You? If you prefer a smaller, lighter travel bag, the Urban Traveller is a great option for everyday adventures and shorter trips. For travellers who need extra room, the Daily Traveller offers more space for laptops, snacks, travel essentials and everything else you want close at hand. Both feature removable crossbody straps, making it easy to switch up how you carry your bag while travelling. Ready for Your Next Trip? Wherever your next adventure takes you, a well-designed travel bag can make getting there a whole lot easier. Pack smarter, stay organised and keep everything you need within reach with a Murph & Murph travel bag. Shop our travel bags and find your perfect travel companion.
Learn more
Which Murph & Murph Bag Is Right for You?
by Anna & Cath We get this question a lot. "I love your bags, but I don't know which one is right for me." It's a fair question. We have a few different styles now, and they're designed for genuinely different kinds of days. So we thought we'd break it down properly. Here's every bag in our range, who it's for, and what it does best. The Urban Traveller Tote | Our most loved $299 | Available in Black, Navy, Khaki, Sand, Blossom and Chocolate (coming soon) This is where it all started. The Urban Traveller is our medium-sized everyday tote, and it's the bag we get the most messages about. It's for the woman who needs her bag to work as hard as she does. The one going from school drop-off to the office to after-work drinks without going home in between. The one who needs a laptop in her bag without looking like she's carrying a laptop bag. Here's what makes it different: It free-stands on the floor. This sounds small until you've never had a bag that does it, and then it becomes one of those things you can't live without. It sits up on its own at your desk, at a cafe, on the floor of a plane. No flopping over. No tipping. It fits a 13-inch laptop in a padded sleeve, plus everything else you actually carry. It's water resistant, so a bit of rain doesn't ruin your day. And it has an insulated drink bottle pocket, a zip-up internal pocket and a D-ring for your keys. If you're looking for one bag that does everything, this is it. Ideal for: the daily commute, the office, school runs, weekend trips, travelling light. The Daily Traveller Tote | For bigger days $329 | Available in Black, Navy, Khaki and Chocolate (coming soon) The Daily is the Urban's bigger sister. Same DNA, more capacity. If the Urban Traveller is your everyday bag, the Daily Traveller is your everything bag. It fits more, holds more and handles more — without feeling like you're carrying a suitcase. It's the one for the airport. The one you take when you're away for a few nights and need your gym kit, your work bag and your personal items all in one. The one you reach for when you know it's going to be a big day. It has the same features as the Urban — water resistant, structured, free-standing — but scaled up. It also folds completely flat for storage or packing inside a suitcase, which is one of those small things that makes a real difference when you travel a lot. Ideal for: weekend getaways, airport days, work trips, gym-to-office days, any day where you need to fit more. The Cove Carry-All | For when you need to carry everything $269.99 | Available in Midnight Blue, Lemon Butter, Charcoal Grey, Mirabilis Black, Tan Mirabilis and Cloudy Grey The Carry-All is our oversized bag, and it earns its name. It's the bag for the beach. The pool. The sports sideline. The park. The kind of day where you're packing for yourself and everyone around you — towels, snacks, sunscreen, a change of clothes, a spare everything. It's big. Genuinely big. And like everything we make, it free-stands and is water resistant, which makes it the obvious choice for any day that involves sand, water or outdoor adventures. It also works beautifully as a nappy bag, a hospital bag, a sports bag, and — honestly — a bag that just sits in the car for whenever you need it. It goes from the beach to the shops without missing a beat. Ideal for: beach days, pool days, sports sidelines, family outings, travel, anytime you need to carry a lot without sacrificing how you look. The Small Bags | The Petite range From $129 Not everyone needs a bag that fits a laptop. Some days you just need your keys, your phone, your cards and a lip balm. That's what our Petite range is for. We have a few styles in this category — the Petite Luxe, the Panda Petite, The Caroline and the Blondie. They're all smaller, crossbody-friendly bags with more personality and punch than you'd expect at their size. The Petite Luxe in Chocolate is our newest addition — a smart crossbody with a lockable zip closure (great for travel and crowded places), a magnetised front pocket for quick access, and a roomy main compartment. It attaches to a suitcase handle and is water resistant. These bags are for the days when you want to travel lighter. Dinner out. A morning of errands. A weekend away where you're not carrying the whole household. Ideal for: evenings out, travel days when you're going light, errands, gifting. The Bebe Rugs | Not a bag, but worth talking about From $90 Okay, these aren't bags. But they're one of our most loved products and they deserve a mention. Our Bebe rugs are made from neoprene, the same material as a wetsuit. That means they're cushioned, water resistant, easy to clean (they hose down at the end of the day) and nothing sticks to them. Sand, grass, dirt — it brushes straight off. They're the picnic rug you can actually take to the beach. The baby rug you can throw in the washing machine. The sports sideline companion that doesn't end up ruined. We started making them because we couldn't find a rug that worked for all of it. Same reason we started making bags, really. Ideal for: picnics, beaches, sports sidelines, baby gifts, parks, any outdoor adventure Still not sure? Here's the simplest way to think about it: Daily commute, office, school run: Urban Traveller Airport, overnight trips, big days: Daily Traveller Beach, family days, everything including the kitchen sink: Cove Carry-All Evenings out, light travel, gifting: Petite range Outdoors, beach, baby: Bebe rugs And if you're still not sure, send us a message. We've been recommending bags to people for over a decade. We're pretty good at it. Shop the full range →
Learn more