Are sling bags best for a bad back?

[micheleq]

Hi everyone,

I am contemplating getting a sling bag to use as a travel/day trip bag. I have two little ones, DD2 still in diapers, so I lug around a few things

For Disney, we used a Timberland backpack because we needed to carry hoodies, etc. as it was December. It stunk! To be fair, it's an older bag and probably meant to be a school backpack.

My everyday bag/diaper bag is a Vineyard Vines tote bag.

I've used the insulated backpack that I got at the hospital (for free! thank you Nestle Good Start) when DD2 was born for trips to the zoo, aquarium. It's a great size, but has an open top with just a snap, no zipper, and has flimsy straps.

I also have a bad back, so I was thinking a sling, or an insulated sling cooler might be a good investment. We are headed to Hershey (sadly, not Disney) in August. Of course, I'd hold onto this bag for a future WDW trip too

What's the comfort level if you are walking around for a few hours? Any advice from those with achy backs & necks?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[scousemouse09]

By sling bag, do you mean a bag with one strap? If so, that type of bag actually gives me back/neck ache.

 

[sharonabe]

I used the Disney sling bag on our recent trip to Hershey. (You can find a pic of it at disneystore.com). I do not have a bad back, but it didn't bother me either. We had two frozen bottles of water in the biggest pocket along with another bottle of water in the water holder, so it was pretty heavy. I am also about 6' tall, and it didn't fit me as well as I would like. If you are smaller, I think it will be a better fit.

 

[micheleq]

By sling bag, do you mean a bag with one strap? If so, that type of bag actually gives me back/neck ache.

Yes, a single strap that goes across the body. It looks like it would be easy to carry and wear on rides. But I better think twice if that kind of bag gives you aches! Thanks.

And thanks sharonabe, I'll look on disneystore.com and check out the one you mentioned.

 

[emacek]

I have neck/shoulder problems and carry my computer in a sling (not at DW--just in general)--I find it more comfortable than a backpack as long as it also has a strap around the waist and not just the one shoulder.

Elyn

 

[arminnie]

By sling bag, do you mean a bag with one strap? If so, that type of bag actually gives me back/neck ache.

I never have back problems - except for the one time that I used a sling bag. My back was killing me for several days afterwards.

 

[evemomma]

I have neck probs and used the Bagglini Messenger (goes across the body and sits on your left lower back/hip area) at DW on my recent trip. My neck got somewhat sore but I was carrying around quite a bit of weight in the back with all the kid stuff plus my DSLR camera.

I traveled Europe last year with a Canon Backpack and found it incredibly good for the back. I would say try an actual backpack vs. a sling for a long day (or more) and a bad back. The weight of a backpack sits squarely in the middle and does cause your neck to strain as much.

 

[micheleq]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll start the hunt for a new backpack instead of a sling. I saw online that Ameribag makes a small sized backpack and that might be perfect.

 

[jamescorey]

I too suffer from a bad back, and I used to carry a sling pack at Disney. I finally tried a Mountainsmith Lumbar Day Pack about 5yrs ago, and absolutely love it. I had used it for years backpacking and hiking in the North Carolina Mountains, and never tried it at Disney. They are a little pricey, but my back has never felt as good as it felt after using it. It wears like a fanny pack, but it has shoulder straps. This allows you to keep the weight on your hips, but level the weight with your shoulders. I highly recommend it!!!