What kind of bag/backpack do you carry around the park?

[LilyU]

We are leaving for DW in three weeks (can't wait!) and I am trying to figure out what kind of bag or backpack to carry around. I have a small belt bag, but don't think it will hold much....what about a small purse backpack?

No small children going with us, just 5 adults (2 are senior citizens) but figured we would want to carry maybe an extra pair of socks, or a light jacket or water....

Thanks!!
Lily

[Disney Ron]

I love my Overland Donner Bag for WDW. It works out great for DS (10 months), DH and myself. Seems to hold everything we need.

Here is a link- http://www.overlandequipment.com/everyday.php?name=donner/index.htm

Mrs. Disney Ron

[jpeka65844]

Other Dis favorite is a Baggallini. In lime green, of course. ;)

http://www.baggallini.com/product1.asp?product='MES160'

That's the one I use!



Denice T.
Olathe, KS

[burberryplaid]

Upon the recommendation of others on the board, I went with the Overland Donner. I just packed it and I love it! There are only 2 adults on this trip and I think we'll fit everything we need in there!

[JacksGirlz]

Other Dis favorite is a Baggallini. In lime green, of course. ;)

http://www.baggallini.com/product1.asp?product='MES160'

That's the one I use!



Denice T.
Olathe, KS

I love my baggallini messenger bag. It has worked out great!

[LilyU]

So do you just cross it over your body to carry it then?

Lily

[Disney Ron]

So do you just cross it over your body to carry it then?

Lily

That is how I wear my Donner!

Mrs.Disney Ron

[Bibbidy Bobbidy Boo]

I've always worn a fanny pack (for theme parks only!), but recently bought a Baggalini for our trip in Nov. I think it will be more convenient and look nicer, now that I have put on a bit(!) more weight around the middle! I am looking forward to trying it. Now that the boys are older, maybe we can do without the backpack that hubby usually carries.

[cryssi]

I took this mini backpack:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/cyumickey/backpack.jpg

I put my latte mug beside it for a size comparison...

It was pretty empty the whole trip.

[Gretchen]

Nice bag, but where'd you get the mug??
G

[cryssi]

LOL, we went to the Club for our first anniversary last year...:thumbsup2

[LilyU]

Thanks everybody! I love that little backpack next to the mug! That is just what I was thinking of...where did you get it?

Lily

[cryssi]

I actually bought the backpack at Steve and Barry's on sale...it was 3.99 or something. I haven't seen them since. I put the rhinestones on myself...

another option is the Jansport mini backpacks. DH's cousin had one and it is maybe slightly bigger than the one I have, but still great for the parks...

[princessofcandles]

I love my Overland Donner Bag for WDW. It works out great for DS (10 months), DH and myself. Seems to hold everything we need.

Here is a link- http://www.overlandequipment.com/everyday.php?name=donner/index.htm

Mrs. Disney Ron

OMG!!! That is too funny. I've been on the search for THE perfect pack for urban commuting, upcoming disney trip, and my new (soon to be aquired) hospital job (something better than a tote bag for my charting stuff). I was deciding between two bags I loved at the Whole Earth Pro. Well the winner was the Overland Donner Bag. Second place went to Loie bag (which I may still go back and get as a purse/bag). I had read this thread before and "didn't find anything I liked" then when I came back to post MY bag the first thing I read is the Donner! :rotfl:

Truely... this is a perfect bag. Very secure, lots of pockets to organize. And my fav, the water bottle holders. They didn't look like they would hold my water bottles. They looked too small. Like they would only hold the size thats gone in 3 swallows. Then the sales guy said oh nooooo look.... and stuffed a 32oz bottle in it!!!! its hard to explain but the sides adjust with the interior. Smaller bottle = larger interior bag space. Larger bottle = smaller space. I don't know.... I just know it works and is perfect!

[Kim1964]

I used the mini backpack by Eastsport that they sell at Walmart for about $7. It has mesh side pockets for water bottles. There's a large main compartment, and 2 zippered pockets on the outside. The mesh pockets held 16 oz water bottles covered with bottle cozies to keep them from sweating into the bag.

[Disney Ron]

OMG!!! That is too funny. I've been on the search for THE perfect pack for urban commuting, upcoming disney trip, and my new (soon to be aquired) hospital job (something better than a tote bag for my charting stuff). I was deciding between two bags I loved at the Whole Earth Pro. Well the winner was the Overland Donner Bag. Second place went to Loie bag (which I may still go back and get as a purse/bag). I had read this thread before and "didn't find anything I liked" then when I came back to post MY bag the first thing I read is the Donner! :rotfl:

Truely... this is a perfect bag. Very secure, lots of pockets to organize. And my fav, the water bottle holders. They didn't look like they would hold my water bottles. They looked too small. Like they would only hold the size thats gone in 3 swallows. Then the sales guy said oh nooooo look.... and stuffed a 32oz bottle in it!!!! its hard to explain but the sides adjust with the interior. Smaller bottle = larger interior bag space. Larger bottle = smaller space. I don't know.... I just know it works and is perfect!

I just returned from REI with my second Overland product. I love my Donner so much I got the Overland Placer bag too (clearance bargain $15):woohoo: . It is a mini version of the Donner.
I think it is going to be great when I have to lug around a diaper bag too.

Glad to hear there are more Donner fans!

Mrs. Disney Ron

[burberryplaid]

Just something to think about..if you use a backpack, mini or not, unless you can sling it around to your side, you may have to take it off on certain rides. That was the deal breaker for me..I didn't want to have to take my bag off. The Donner just sits at my hip.

I'm not knocking backpacks, get what makes you happy, but just something to think about...

[Ish&DrJones]

We used my Eastpak backpack when we went in 2004. Dh carried it like a trooper - it's baby pink ;) We only used it for a few snacks, water, and sweatshirts; going in the winter we needed them! Very handy for small souvenirs that we didn't want to them to ship to the resort as well.

We'll be using the same bag again in Jan when we go back. Dh will be carrying it again. I'm glad he's secure in his masculinity! :rotfl:

[tmkdmom]

Has anybody heard of the Crocs backpack? Since the crocs shoes are so popular, I wonder how the backpacks would be.
I was planning on a baggalini, but the croc backpacks are less expensive and waterproof

[marsh0013]

another vote for the bagallini! i just loved it. i used the back section for 2 folded up ponchos, the big section for a shirt, cameras, sunglasses. the medium section for great with all it's little sections for all of my papers, my wallet, gum, etc. then random stuff in the outside pouch. it was great to just push it to my side on all of the rides. even rock n roller coaster. and it held everything i needed. love it!

[princessofcandles]

Has anybody heard of the Crocs backpack? Since the crocs shoes are so popular, I wonder how the backpacks would be.
I was planning on a baggalini, but the croc backpacks are less expensive and waterproof

FYI .... Baggalini and Overland bags (especially the ripstop fabric) are water resistant. And the interiors are sewn seperate and are water resistant. This means, in theory, if you spill something inside the bag it will probably not leak to outside (good for storing wet items temporarly). Also, although they are water resistant, you have to get through two layers before you get inside stuff wet. I just think they are better made. I'm not a fan of the Crocs at all. Although, I have not seen the backpacks. I'm just not a Croc brand fan.

[cryssi]

Has anybody heard of the Crocs backpack? Since the crocs shoes are so popular, I wonder how the backpacks would be.
I was planning on a baggalini, but the croc backpacks are less expensive and waterproof

i've seen them on shoebuy, but not in person...

[DisneyPrncess]

Just something to think about..if you use a backpack, mini or not, unless you can sling it around to your side, you may have to take it off on certain rides. That was the deal breaker for me..I didn't want to have to take my bag off. The Donner just sits at my hip.

I'm not knocking backpacks, get what makes you happy, but just something to think about...

Question- when you say you have to take it off, do you mean you just have to take it off and it cant be put on your lap or floor of the ride or do you actually have to leave it by the entrance of the ride while u ride? Just Wondering...thanks! I dont mind if i have to take it off my back, just dont wanna leave it somewhere i cant see it.:)

[klwdisney]

I have 2 different sized messenger bag purses that I love to use. One is tiny and if it's a sunny day, then I bring that one. It's just enough to hold room key, money, chapstick, tissues, ponchos, and little baggie of drugs (i.e. aspirin, tums, etc.). and I have no idea it's even attached to me all day. I hook a hat to the strap for pop up rains. It's made of like a black vinyl or something.

If Im not sure of the weather or we'll be gone all day & night I use the bigger of the 2. I can fit a small umbrella in it, a water, sun block, rain hat, etc. in addition to the other stuff. this one is like a very light denim-like material.

I got them both on clearance at Target for less than $10.

[goofiecrazy]

We use a black draw string back pack that has Goofy on it that I got there a few years ago.It has a pocket on the front a little pocket in the inside.It holds all the stuff we take with us.

[Samandmom]

I bought a drawstring backpack at the dollar store recently. It worked out perfect I had a camerea, sunscreen, 2 refillable mugs (from Pop) my little notebook that I keep my notes and the kids autograph books in there. Best dollar I ever spent. :thumbsup2

[burberryplaid]

Question- when you say you have to take it off, do you mean you just have to take it off and it cant be put on your lap or floor of the ride or do you actually have to leave it by the entrance of the ride while u ride? Just Wondering...thanks! I dont mind if i have to take it off my back, just dont wanna leave it somewhere i cant see it.:)

Yeah, I just meant because of the way some of the rides harness, you'll have to take it off your back, but I've read it's ok to bring it on the ride with you and tuck into your seat or on the floor or what have you...

[brighteyes]

I just got back from my first trip to WDW. I had a small sling backpack with an autograph book, camera, water and sunscreen and a few advil and a few bandaids. It could be worn over your shoulder, across your chest. Let me tell you, after being in the heat like that all day, and carrying that SMALL backpack was annoying.

The next day I went to the POP gift shop and bought a mickey water bottle holder that clipped to your belt buckle. I bought a fastpass holder to hold our room keys. The kind that clips to your pocket and has the pulley on it with the plastic zippered holder. I also bought a dry goods container. The little boxes that hang around your neck that are supposed to keep your stuff dry. That is what I used to carry around a few cigarettes for the day. Then I bought a cord for my sunglasses to hang around my neck. Do you see a theme here?? Everything hung around my neck or clipped to my belt buckle.

Our little travel sized sunscreen went in my son's pocket. As did his autograph book and pen went into his cargo shorts pocket or he just carried it.

My second day at the park was hands free and wonderful. While I watched my friend constantly have to tote her bag. I will never again carry a bag to the parks.

But for those who need to, the Overland Donner bag looks like it would be great.

Stephanie

[jcc0621]

We just got back last week and I used a baggalini for the first time it was fantastic! It held everything we needed and still has sace for more stuff. I never had to take it off for a ride. I just swung it around the front. I had in there daily was sunscreen, pull-ups, wipes, antibacterial wipes, camera, and tons of other stuff that I can't even remember everything it held!

[Echo queen]

I love my travelon across the body bag that was reccomended on the dis. :thumbsup2 I did go to REI to check out the overland donner. It was nice, a little bigger than I like.;)

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Might I suggest one of several available for Camelbak? For those of you that don't know about these, they are basically a "soft canteen" that will hold water. they are configured in a small backpak type and the water bladder has its own compartment. a drinking tube comes out the sholder strap and has a "bite valve" that allows you to take a drink anytime you want. they have kinds for military and police use, but also come in "civilian" bakpacs (and even smaller ones in fanny packs) the mose common sized ones are 70oz and 100oz capacity. the canteen part has a lid opening that allowes you to put FULL SIZE ice cubes into it with water. and the compartment in the backpack is insulated! there are several other compartments to store wallett, keys, sweater, rain poncho's what ever.

Pirate Translation:
Arrhhh Arrgghhh. O'l Grumpy be a saying he tote along his good water soe's me and me wench can slake our thirrrrst wit'out a'finding an inn wit grog!!
Aarrrrggg arrrgghhhh!!

[princessofcandles]

Might I suggest one of several available for Camelbak?

I use one of those when I ride (road bicycle). They are the best and the tube usually attatches to the shoulderstrap or has a tuck-in pocket.

[Kimmumum]

We have a medium sized insolated backpack that we use. I saw med/small ones at Target for $9.99. They will keep your drinks and snacks cold/frozen and there is room for other items too....like socks, camera etc:surfweb:

[Elmo888]

I just returned from REI with my second Overland product. I love my Donner so much I got the Overland Placer bag too (clearance bargain $15):woohoo: . It is a mini version of the Donner.
I think it is going to be great when I have to lug around a diaper bag too.

Glad to hear there are more Donner fans!

Mrs. Disney Ron

I have the Placer, and I LOVE it! While at WDW, I kept valuables close and the kid stuff is separate (diapers, wipes, clothes, autograph book, etc) in a backpack hanging on the stroller. I have also used the Placer as my "travel purse" whether with or without kids. It is perfect!

I also bought the Donner, but didn't have as much luck. Have you used it yet? I used it on a weekend trip with kids, and it became heavy and uncomfortable quickly (and that was without water bottles). I liked it across my body, and it bothered my neck and swung in front of me when I bent over (if that makes sense). Maybe it is a body-fit thing (like clothes, some bags work better on some bodies than on others). If you have any tips (before I put it on ebay!), let me know!

[princessofcandles]

Maybe it is a body-fit thing (like clothes, some bags work better on some bodies than on others). If you have any tips (before I put it on ebay!), let me know!

Well I am a "thick" girl. Short with muscle and a bit of cushion around it. I also have crazy wide shoulders. I have a hard time finding straps that are long enough to let the bag fall where I want. If your shoulders are small (or normal sized :rotfl2: ) you might be better off with a mini backpack insead.

And to make it less heavy.... stop cramming stuff in it:lmao:

[Elmo888]

And to make it less heavy.... stop cramming stuff in it:lmao:

LOL! I'll try!

Well I am a "thick" girl. Short with muscle and a bit of cushion around it. I also have crazy wide shoulders. I have a hard time finding straps that are long enough to let the bag fall where I want. If your shoulders are small (or normal sized :rotfl2: ) you might be better off with a mini backpack insead.

That's funny - you mostly described me! I guess that my shoulders are probably closer to normal (and it is just my arms and chest that are big!).

I just love the organization of the Donner, but I guess that I should try something else. Thanks for your help!

[ScrappinGran]

I bought the Overland Donner bag form recommendations of people here on the Dis. Got a discontnued color from a seller on Ebay. I LOVED this bag, the water bottels "hide" on the sides, and I like that they are almost completely covered. If the bottle sweats I don't feel it! I had 2 grandkids autograph books in it,camera, the necessary room cards, etc, a little laminated flip book I made that had each days ADR #'s etc. in it., a few meds, comb and small tube of sunscreen. Had small bottle of hand sanitizer clipped to the side.Still had room left over. I wore it across my body and it was fine.I'm wonderng if my new digital SLR camera will fit in it. Though not convinced I want the weight of the SLR camera all day...hmmmm. Anyways-the Donner bag is GREAT! I had a lot of stuff, but didn't feel like a pack mule!:rotfl:

[princessofcandles]

I LOVED this bag, the water bottels "hide" on the sides, and I like that they are almost completely covered. If the bottle sweats I don't feel it!

OMG! You said it way better than I did. Yes, the bottles are tucked away. Love it. I was even cosidering reserving one side for my water and the other for my camera. Easy access with security.

[LilyU]

Well I ended up buying the Baggalini Wallet bag...love that it has a strap that is easy to adjust and can be worn either around the waist/hip area, or slung across the body. Hopefully this will work!

This is the one I got:
http://www.protravelgear.com/store/luggage/baggallini/baggallini_large_wallet_bag_with_pda_holder.cfm?pa rtnerid=nextag


Thanks everyone for your suggestions!!
Lily

[disneymom8589]

I'm another fan of the Overland Donner bag. :thumbsup2 I bought it at shoebuy.com and it came in just 2-3 days. It worked well on our recent trip to WDW.

[princessofcandles]

Did you guys listen to the podcast this week? A listener got a price and it was the Overland Donner Bag. Then Kevin raved about it for a little while!!! He said he got it cuz we (disboarders) were bragging about it. Woohooo!!!!