Backpacks in the parks

[musicotb]

My DBF and I have been having mini-arguments about bringing a backpack into the parks. I've never NOT brought one to a theme park, he hasn't been there since he was 4, and never goes to theme parks. Considering we will have to bring my prescription sunglasses (in a case), his contact stuff, probably 2 bottles of water, my digital camera, & ponchos (at the very least!), I think we need to bring some sort of backpack with us. He thinks he can fit it all in his cargo short pockets...
ANYWAY, first of all, to answer his questions, on the rides you really can't take bags on (space mountain, splash mountain, big thunder mountain, EE (if we go), Mission: Space, Kali River Rapids, etc.), is there a place to leave your bags and pick them up when you're finished?
SECOND, does anyone reccommend a particular bag? I was thinking one of those lightweight material drawstring bags... let me know! We leave Tennessee on May 12 - 24 days!!!!!!!

THANKS DIS-ers!

[jjan]

First of all, you can bring a backpack on every ride even Kali River Rapids (there is a container in the middle of the raft that has a flip down cover to protect your stuff, but you will still want your electonics to be in a water-proof bag). Actually, you have to bring your stuff with you on the rides since there is no other place for it besides a locker. If he doesn't want to bring one, let him carry his stuff however he wants and you put your stuff in a backpack or a fanny pack and see how long before he wants to put his stuff in your bag :) We use this as our backpack since it is on the smaller side, very lightweight and has waterbottle holders http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=40214&sc1=Search&feat=sr It does store in it's own pocket which is nice and it is made of silicone-coated nylon fabric so it repells some amount of water from rides and rain. Also, there is a horizontal pocket under the up and down black fabric and the bungee material is great for tying down wet ponchos or sweaters, whatever and not take up space in the pack.


http://cdn.llbean.com/products/sporting_gear_apparel/40214/images/L40214_Bramble_Berry.jpg

Sorry the pic is so big... yikes!

[MKOATEYW]

While it is possible to put the stuff in his cargo shorts, if they have big pockets, I don't think he will be very comfortable walking around like that.(You still want the water bottles on some thing outside of his shorts like a strap if he insists on going this route, because of condensation) A small back pack or a messanger bag would be comfortable IMO. I really like messenger bags so it is not sitting on my back keeping me hot but some guys think they look like purses and won't use them.
But... the storage thing is also a factor. You will have to carry everything with you on the rides as the lockers are at the front of the park and they cost money! On most rides you will be expected to put your bag (if any) at your feet during the rides, which can be very cramped if he has long legs and big feet. I have noticed lots of guy can have space issues on some rides where others (smaller guys, girls, and rides) have no problem and have enough room. Space mountain, Astro orbiters, even the Haunted Mansion can be tight. Splash and Big Thunder etc, have plenty of room. Everest actualy had lots of space and a small holder sack at your feet. Kali has a small area in the center of the raft with a cover over it.

I recomind you load up his shorts with all they stuff you will have to carry and go out one day all day and see if he really is comforatable like that.

[T. Lynn]

First of all, you can bring a backpack on every ride even Kali River Rapids (they is a container in the middle of the raft that has a flip down cover to protect your stuff, but you will still want your electonics to be in a water-proof bag). Actually, you have to bring your stuff with you on the rides since there is no other place for it besides a locker. If he doesn't want to bring one, let him carry his stuff however he wants and you put your stuff in a backpack or a fanny pack and see how long before he wants to put his stuff in your bag :) We use this as our backpack since it is on the smaller side, very lightweight and has waterbottle holders http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=40214&sc1=Search&feat=sr It does store in it's own pocket which is nice and it is made of silicone-coated nylon fabric so it repells some amount of water from rides and rain. Also, there is a horizontal pocket under the up and down black fabric and the bungee material is great for tying down wet ponchos or sweaters, whatever and not take up space in the pack.


http://cdn.llbean.com/products/sporting_gear_apparel/40214/images/L40214_Bramble_Berry.jpg

Sorry the pic is so big... yikes!
Just curious, what are the dimension on that backpack?

I have a small backpack that I take as well. I use it everywhere (short trips to parks, vacations, day outings, etc...)

[musicotb]

I recomind you load up his shorts with all they stuff you will have to carry and go out one day all day and see if he really is comforatable like that. LOL

Yeah, I am thinking I am going to overrule him on the backpack issue. I just think they end up being so helpful.

[jjan]

Just curious, what are the dimension on that backpack?

I have a small backpack that I take as well. I use it everywhere (short trips to parks, vacations, day outings, etc...)

Overall, it measures 17 inches high, 14 inches wide and 6 inches deep. It really is a great backpack especially for $20 with a life-time guarantee. Can't beat that!

[T. Lynn]

Thanks.

The one I use is smaller which is the perfect size for me. It holds my tupperware spill proof water bottle inside, first aid kit, camera, snacks, and much more. I also like that there is a zippered compartment near the straps, which I like against my back. I feel safer putting my money in there.

[CleveRocks]

Considering we will have to bring my prescription sunglasses (in a case), his contact stuff, probably 2 bottles of water, my digital camera, & ponchos (at the very least!), I think we need to bring some sort of backpack with us. He thinks he can fit it all in his cargo short pockets... OK. time to scare your boyfriend with my experiences on May 8 and 9, 2005. An excerpt from my trip report, regarding keeping a digital camera in a cargo shorts pocket and my first full day at WDW:

Monday morning, May 9. Finally, the Magic Kingdom. We began walking down Main Street, I'm marveling at the Castle, I try to arrange the kids for the traditional Cindy's Castle in the background photo, and BAM, my brand new digital camera is broken. There's nothing but white on the LCD screen, except for a black area in one corner where I see the inner pane of glass is broken (the outer pane is intact). We bought the little $350 baby specifically for this trip, GONE. I was bummed to say the least. I went to a vendor and paid $17 for a 27-exposure disposable, and tried to make the best of it. I also ran back to the photo shop in Town Square trying to, I don't know, pray to Lord Kodak that it was all just a nightmare.

I then recalled a vague memory from the night before, our first night at WDW, when after leaving MGM I slung myself around a pole and plopped down into my seat on the bus to take us back to CBR. My leg hit the pole pretty hard, my right leg; I was holding my digital camera in the right side pocket of my cargo shorts. That happened Sunday night. I was using disposable cameras until we left the following Saturday afternoon. I was devastated.

Even worse, we also bought the exact backpack pictured above, just for our trip. Love that backpack, still love it almost a year later. But did I put the new camera in there for our trip? NOOOOOOoooooo!!! It wouldn't be convenient enough to go into the backpack each time I wanted to take a pic. Later in the week it wasn't too convenient to keep track of how much I was spending on disposable (film) cameras, either.

BEWARE THE CARGO SHORTS POCKETS!

[T. Lynn]

I think at night I would have been making a run for a new digital camera. You'll need one anyway once you get home.

[tp_magill]

We do some of both: We carry a backpack into the park with snacks, extra water, jackets, etc. We slide a small, soft-sided cooler in, too, to keep the water or juice cool.

We also have fanny packs with sunscreen, sunglasses, water, etc on our person.

We check the backpack into a locker, and come back to it as needed - or not at all until we leave, some days. Easier than carrying jackets around, too.

[scoolover]

I have brought a back pack on every ride including the river rapids which I video taped. The camera got wet but it is great video. I would rather have the back pack than be weighed down by stuff in the pockets. Take care

[PlutoLuvr]

Backpack here, too. I don't have a pic of it, but we've had quite a few over the years.

Yes, you can bring them on the rides, as far as I can remember.

DH hates carrying stuff in his pockets. Getting the backpack ready the night before our trip has become one of our "magic" rituals, too. It's usually one of the last things we do, and it really sinks in that vacation's here tomorrow when one of us says, "Okay...time to get the backpack out!"

[Lan]

I use to carry a backpack in the parks, but found a decent size messenger bag at Wal-Mart for $7 after taxes. I will not go in the parks without a bag. I like to carry my camera, snacks, small purchases,etc. I don't have problems with it on any of the rides.

Have a safe and fun trip.

[englishteacha]

I know they're geeky, but I have a waist pack. It holds 2 ponchos, tickets, sunscreen, a small water bottle, mini first aid kit, 2 pair of sunglasses (when we're inside) and a granola bar or two. We clip our camera to the pack (in its own small case-it's a little one). The waist pack is pretty small. I backpacked all over the UK and now have no love for carrying something on my back. My shoulders ache just thinking about carrying a backpack! I do like the sling bags as they distribute the weight more across your body, but haven't found one at a good enough price to trade in my $4 waist pack. The good thing with the waist pack is that my DH trades off with me. :)

More power to you folks who can go the backpack route. I'm envious as I stand in line like a nerd with my waist pack!

[pooh2001]

Backpacks - Florida heat - YICK

What we use - a nylon Nikes sort of backpack.
Just has heavy duty strings to hold on your shoulders and close the top.
Very durable and LIGHT weight.
We bought then in Old Navy - but any sporting goods store would sell them.
Only about $10 or less.

I found the Adidas website has them too - for $10
http://www.shopadidas.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2100181&shopGroup=R&colorId=

Select Sackpack
Minimalist sack to jam anything from gym clothes to homework in. Then throw it on your back and go!
Drawstring closure Shoulder straps
Screenprinted graphic with 3-Bars
Dimensions: 15" x 19"
100% nylon


We place camera's in plastic bags and other items we do not want to get wet.
The bag is very easily folded to be placed underseats - or as in the Kali River ride in AK - the stoarge area.

I would not use a backpack we use here in the North in Florida heat.
My DD bought a Disney Tigger backpack - very cute - but I ended up carring it for her b/c it made her back sweat :lmao:

[Mickey&Donald]

Dh bought me a great light pink Jansport for our Disneyland trip last fall, as our old faithful backpack had bit the dust after our WDW honeymoon trip. However, this trip will be in August, and the thought of that backpack on our sweaty backs is awful.. I think a new messenger bag is in the cards for us. I can't imagine not carrying a bag at all! It would be awful! We always keep our wallets, water bottles, digital camera, park maps, WDW books (we like Birnbaums or similar to keep us entertained in lines! tho I think it will be Hidden Mickeys this time round) and other paraphenalia with us. Our pockets would be terribly heavy with all of that!

[littleladykaty]

I got an Overland Equipment "Donner" bag on Ebags.com...cheapest place I found it. It's a messenger type bag...not too big, has two water bottle holders on either side, even though you would never know you were holding bottles of water once they are in the pockets. You can't see them at all!!! There is an organizer in the front, so wallets aren't needed, it has pocket specifically for sunglasses, change holder, credit card/room key holders, map organizer/holder...a huge main compartment...it holds a TON but it's just not that big. The pics I saw of it made it look a lot bigger than it is. It comes in a lots of colors and could SO be used as an everyday handbag later...(a little too utilitarian for my everyday tastes, but it's GREAT for WDW) Not bulky, but very spacious. The water bottle/umbrella pockets did it for me. There is webbing on the bottom of the those pockets so any water won't get trapped and soak the bag. I just put in front of me on rides. It's perfect. It doesn't make me all sweaty the way backpacks always do...

Good luck!!!

[ZoZo]

I brought a small backpack for the first time last year, and really liked it. I didn't use it every day, but was glad to have it the days I wanted it.

Important: It needs to be comfortable (make sure you test it out "fully loaded" to make sure it's comfortable). I "test drove" one at home, with the tags still on, and loaded it up with the things I thought I would be carrying around. Sure glad I didn't cut off the tags! Once filled with my stuff, it cut into my shoulders uncomfortably. Found another that worked much better.

But I need to say, I only carried it about 50% of the time. Otherwise, I used a small across-the-body purse or fanny pack.

[tysmom]

Backpacks - Florida heat - YICK

What we use - a nylon Nikes sort of backpack.
Just has heavy duty strings to hold on your shoulders and close the top.
Very durable and LIGHT weight.


We just got back, and used this exact type of "backpack". It worked out perfectly!!! I was so glad to have it! Yes...you can take your backpack on all of the rides. Some of them have netted 'baskets' to put the packs in...some of the rides, you just place it on the floor by your feet.

[PigletFairy]

Last time i went i used a drawstring backpack. it wasnt water proof but it worked. the only thing was that after all day at the park and souvenier shopping it dug into my shoulders. i have been looking for an inexpensive alternative and i just found it yesterday :Pinkbounc target had all their summer stuff 75% off and they had a child's back back just like the llbean one and it was only $2.49 before tax :cool1: they also had battery operated fans. i got home last night and dh was like "we need fans in sept??" i could tell he thought i was the biggest nerd in the world (he hasnt been in 20 yrs) i told him that he doesnt have to use them if he doesnt want to but we know he'll be begging me for one! back to the pack... i have carried stuff in cargo shorts, not fun. they get all heavy and clingy. carry a bag, there is one out there just for you. mine is pink :Pinkbounc

[mystic_path]

Im leaving for Disneyland in October, and I have already invested in a back pack. Your going to want to keep many necessities with you such as :

camera, water, ponchos, money & credit cards, park passes, ID, Passport if needed, first aid kit, and some smaller snacks like Granola bars etc.

I just bought a smaller pack, but it holds everything and isnt too heavy. The smaller bag you get, the lighter it should be.

I am also taking a plastic bag with me for my video camera for when I am on really wet rides. Although my backpack is waterpoof, im still playing it safe.

[pezheadmeg]

BAGALINI! BAGALINI! BAGALINI!

I tested mine out on a weekend of sight seeing in Chicago, I love it! It will be my Disney bag this year! :stitch: :figment: :stitch:

[bobcat]

I swear by my Ameribag Healthy Bag Backpack! It slings on one shoulder and is a teardrop shape. It has tons of pockets and I can fit so much in it without getting that hot sweaty back from a traditional backpack. It has gone on multiple trips to WDW, NYC and DC. I have the extra small microfiber bag. http://www.ameribag.com/images/products/cefe52ac-932d-11da-882b-0001294e6f82.jpg?1144334078 If you are a AAA member some offices carry these and you can get your discount on them.

[PocahontasLookALike]

I'm a backpacker too. But I don't overload. And since it's just DH and I, we switch off carrying. It's my black Jansport Backpack that I carried all through college and it's a trusty one!

I've taken it on every single ride at WDW. never had a problem with it.

However, when on Kali (and this may sound nerdy), I pack oversized trash bags and put my BP in there before storing it in the center console. The center console keeps things dry for the most part, but water does get in there.

And my camera is so lightweight I carry is slung across my chest when I'm not on a ride where I can't/shouldn't have it out (BTMRR, Splash, Space, etc.)

[HenDuck]

We always bring one small to medium sized backpack that has mesh water bottle pockets (must have 2 pockets).

But we have a 5 year old, and I bring him extra clothes, so this is a necessity. Although I would probably still bring it even if he didn't need extra clothes because we can throw our umbrellas and jackets in there as well.

I just bought a new back pack that I can also use as a carry-on on the plane to carry our laptop or DVD player, since it has a padded pocket for that too. :cool1: Sorry, I don't have a picture but it is the "Power Pak" Deluxe Computer back pack by California Pak. I got it (in red) for $12.99 at Ross. :teeth:

And although we have to open each pocket for security, I like having a main compartment and then a smaller one for keys, wallet, etc. We already have the system down - I start opening all the pockets are we're walking toward the security tent. :teeth:

The nice thing is that we only bring one bag and then we can trade off during the day, so that each person gets some "bag free" time as well. So your BF won't have to carry it the whole time, if you trade off.

We've never had any problems taking our back pack on any Disney ride.

Stick with what works for you. If your BF doesn't want to carry it, at least you will have what you need.

:wave2:

[The Sweetness]

I guess being a creature of habbit will be lucky for me here. I never leave my apt w/out my big Kipppling b/p. I carry my stuff, and everything I may need for the baby in it. DH will likely carry something too on vaca... :thumbsup2

[aristocat]

I hate lugging a backpack around in the parks... So, we limit what we bring, and my fiance puts everything in his cargo shorts pockets and attaches our digital camera bag to his belt. I LOVE not having to carry a purse for once!

...as for a poncho, i dont want to carry one around, so we're planning on living without one.

[gems_smiling]

I have brought a small, light backpack for my next trip which hopefully will work better than the shoulder bag (where the strap goes across your body) i took last year. The only thing is i decided to put all my pins on the front of my backpack and well it is not very light anymore so they will prob come off on the second day lol.

[IowaGirl]

DH bought a hydration backpack from Wal Mart, and loved it.
He filled the hydration bladder most of the way full with ice from our hotel. The ice pack on his back kept him very cool, and it has a hose attachment that does not leak, and you can drink at will. The hose is sort of discreet. Sort of.

The backpack was very small, and he did not have to carry bottles of water, plus the backpack was not super hot to carry because of the water bladder inside.

I just used a fanny pack w/ bottle holder.