Backback or Cross Body - Which is Better for Parks???

[aprilbabes]

We'll be traveling with two toddlers so we'll need some diapers, wipes, sunscreen, camera, autograph book, possibly a change of clothing for each, small wallet for ID cards, etc, and ponchos. I do intend to bring the small cooler bag (that we bring everywhere) to hold two sippy cups and some water for DH and me and maybe a snack or two in addition to the "main" bag"
I never wear backpacks and although they seem great b/c I could be hands-free, I'm worried it might bother my back after a few hours and that it would make my back all sweaty in the May heat.
My other option is a medium size cross body. Again, this is not a style I usually wear, but seems more practical than my usual diaper bag that I either carry on my shoulder or clip onto the carriage.
Just wondering about what works for other people who travel with toddlers.

 

[growinupdisney]

I would use a backpack for most of your items, you will be able to leave in stroller but if you need to carry with you it will be easy and not to uncomfortable for a small amount of time. This is what we did! My DH wears it but I would sometimes too, most of the time left in stroller.

I also wear a very small crossbody purse that holds anything that i need to keep with me at all times....$, room key, camera etc.

 

[aprilbabes]

I would use a backpack for most of your items, you will be able to leave in stroller but if you need to carry with you it will be easy and not to uncomfortable for a small amount of time. This is what we did! My DH wears it but I would sometimes too, most of the time left in stroller.

I also wear a very small crossbody purse that holds anything that i need to keep with me at all times....$, room key, camera etc.

I know a lot of people on here leave stuff in their strollers, but to be honest, I don't love the idea. For one, I don't love leaving anything but the stroller when we go on rides- i don't think its safe. Second, when we have to get on and off the bus it's easier to just have everything in one bag. I guess the only heavy item I'd consider leaving in the basket would be a ziploc with the sunscreen.

 

[growinupdisney]

I know a lot of people on here leave stuff in their strollers, but to be honest, I don't love the idea. For one, I don't love leaving anything but the stroller when we go on rides- i don't think its safe. Second, when we have to get on and off the bus it's easier to just have everything in one bag. I guess the only heavy item I'd consider leaving in the basket would be a ziploc with the sunscreen.

I was meaning when we walk around pushing the stroller leaving it in the bottom! True, we ride the buses as well and thats when my dh carries the backpack I just like having my very important stuff at hand thats why I do the crossbody.

We usually have nothing of extreme importance in backpack but if we did we would take with us and not leave in stroller.

 

[QueenQueso]

I would suggest the regular backpack as well, if you aren't particularly used to either style. I have a bigger sized cross-body bag that I use for day-trips when we won't have the stroller and depending what is in there, it can make my shoulder sore and because of the way the strap is attached, there is really no way to switch it to the other shoulder for awhile. I've had my bag for... I think more than 8 years now and always take it on trips but I am planning a regular backpack for our week at Disney.

 

[cinderwannabe]

I like a cross body because it is easier to get to while wearing a poncho!

 

[aprilbabes]

I like a cross body because it is easier to get to while wearing a poncho!

That is an excellent point that I didn't think of!!!

 

[Stefjp]

I would typically use a cross body, but I don't want a huge diagonal tan line, do will be travelling as light as possible - and hiving everything to my boyfriend to carry!

 

[susie96]

I use a sling-type backpack like the Baggalini Messenger. That would be the best of both. I like a crossbody because you can pull it around to get into it instead of needing to take it completely off every time as you would with a backpack.

 

[wdw71]

I suggest a backpack too I carried a Vera mailbag a few years ago and that thing slapping up against my legs or my rear end got really old. I needed a bag that big to carry my kids stuff. I have a small REI backpack now and that is much more comfy

 

[pixie08]

If you only have a few things like lipgloss, small wallet and phone I usually would wear a cross body but anything else and after 10 hours it is super annoying and can get heavy. For days i want to carry a little more I go with the backpack, so i usually pack both!

 

[marybogue]

Someone else mentioned how much they love this Patagonia bag for WDW trips. So, I am going use it for our trip in May.

http://www.zappos.com/patagonia-atom-black

 

[akmomesq]

Backpack. Crossbody bags are nice for short trips or running to the grocery store, but the always end up giving me a sore neck when worn for extended periods. Even the Baggalini (tried it at DL) and my Ameribag.

I just bought a Sherpani LE Access (http://sherpani.com/sherpani-accessle.aspx). I think it'll be perfect.

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

It may be what kids call old school but I LOVE my fanny pack for disney! It's perfect, I can fit what I need...small wallet, camera, autograph book, extra trading pins and some other small things. I dont have to worry about it getting stolen, because its around my waist. It also has room on each side for a bottle for water or another drink.

 

[ScrampShopper]

I've tried every type of bag at Disney, and will be taking a camera backpack for my next trip. I start out using other bags (several sizes of fanny packs, several different Bagallini crossbody bags), but half way through the trip, I'm back to my camera backpack. For my next trip I will save some luggage space and only take that one bag. It works because I no longer bother to carry my big camera so there is plenty of space for diapers and wipes, clothes, snacks, video camera, and all other essentials. My biggest issue with the crossbody bags was that I would smack my DD in the head everytime I bent down to deal with her, and DD started using the bag as a foot rest anytime I carried her.

 

[Main Street Matilda]

When my kids were younger, we were a "two-bag" family. I used a cross-body for the important stuff (cameras, money, park tickets) and used a backpack to carry the replaceable items like diapers, wipes, ponchos, water, etc. We usually left the backpack with the stroller while we were on rides and if it was taken, there was nothing in it that wasn't easy to replace. (On most rides, we were able to bring the backpack anyway - so it wasn't an issue anyway.) I also found that leaving the backpack with the stroller ensured that no one took our stroller since we strapped it to the stroller, making it distinctive.

Have to confess, I'm a little obsessed with getting the right crossbody bag for the trip. I believe there is a tip thread about that - and I got good advice there. A comfortable bag really makes a difference.