Aren't backpacks too warm?

[LadyLuc361]

I know there are tons of threads on bags, but most of them are specific to size. On our last trip, we didn't need a backpack b/c DBF was able to carry our wallets/camera in his pockets. However, this trip we are going in August so I am thinking it would be a good idea to bring ponchos to the park in which case we would need a backpack.

Don't you get hot with a backpack on your back all day? I was curious if anyone has found a small backpack that is breathable so you don't get really sweaty? I was mountain biking yesterday with a backpack on and got REALLY warm which is what made me think of this question. Hope someone has some good tips.

TIA

 

[cepmom]

I used a backpack last summer at a local zoo and I couldn't stand it! My back was all sweaty in no time, so I know there's no way I can lug one around WDW in August this summer. My fanny bag is too small to hold everything I need, so this year I bought a messenger bag from Old Navy that I think will work out great. It's big enough to hold my essentials (small wallet, sunblock, rain ponchos, digital camera, small ziploc bag w/bandaids, tylenol etc) but not too big that it's in the way. It fits perfectly across my body and rests right on my hip so I'm hoping it won't contribute to the sweat factor! If it does, then I'll make DH carry it!

 

[debbiedoo]

we have a fishnet Jansport that we love--lightweight--not hot--and wasy for the sercurity to go through

 

[Aimeedyan]

We carried an Adidas backpack with us in the parks this week, and yes it got HOT on our backs. Thankfully, there were 3 of us this time sharing and we just tossed it back and forth all the time, and with all the stopping to do things, lines, rides, and shows, it never got unbearable. I had a cute drawstring one from Old Navy but my DH refused to carry it (not manly enough, LOL) so we carried the big one - and ended up thanking ourselves for having hte extra space for things bought, jackets, etc.

The back of ours was black, and that didn't help either. Maybe finding a small one, or just sharing it between several people will help.

 

[Pedler]

We use a lumbar pack from LL Bean. It is big enough to hold the digital camera, a guide book and some other stuff. It has two mesh pockets for water bottles but breaths much better than the backpack we had (Also from LL Bean.).

We took it on a test drive to NYC for a weekend and it worked out great. The other plus is that you can sit down with it on and not have to sit on the edge of the seat.

 

[fussnbother]

High Sierra Luggage has some that attach to their carry on bags that are absolutely wonderful! Small, but hold enough like raincoats and water bottles, and have large padded straps that have never have bugged me at DW! When I brought it the first time to DW, it was a godsend compared to previous trips.
It's a good bag. If you are in the market for luggage, buy the carry-on with the "day pak" attached (that's what they call it). It is great for planes, the parks and any travel that you do!
Also, I didn't have a problem with extra sweating underneath. Of course, I was a big sweater the n (peri mens - need I say more?) but worth it. Have used it every trip with only bonus', no regrets!
Search High Sierra on-line, you will find it. I also heard that ebay has some good deals.

 

[cowtownmom]

We used a backpack on our last trip and will again on our trip in June. We don't wear it on our backs, but carry it with one strap over a shoulder so it just hangs down to the side - kind of like an oversized purse/bag. It also has a carrying strap on the top and we'll carry it by that at times.

 

[babar41]

I have a backpack I got at Target clearance priced probably 12 years ago. It's made of a heavy blue jean type of material. I bought it because it had an elephant on it and I collect elephants. I've used it as my "purse" when flying (my purse fits in it as well as video camera, digital camera, book, magazine and tickets.) I've used it when hiking through Spain, shopping through the Caribean, going through sauks in Oman, and going everywhere at Disney! I can carry comfortably more weight on my back than I can with sacks in my hand. The keys so it doesn't become uncomfortably hat is:

1. Don't get leather! You need a fabric that can breath to some extent. While that means it can get wet, mine is actually water resistant to some degree. If I'm in the pouring rain it will eventually get wet, so if it's going to rain I normally put camera's in plastic bags in the pack.

2. Don't get black! Dark colors absorb heat and hold it. The lighter the color the better. Yes, that means it will show dirt faster, but who is thinking about that when you're walking around in the sun!

3. Don't stuff the pack full! If you have this solid unflexible pack pressed up against your back you are going to sweat. If it is flexible and hangs loosely air goes through making it cooler.

4. Alternate from wearing it as a backpack to over one shoulder if you start to get warm.

DH and I have gone to Disney every year for the past 7 years and that cheap (think it cost me $4) backpack has been with me on every ride and every mile we have walked. I try to limit what I start each day with in the back pack to the viedo camera, 2 poncho's that fold down to 5x7x1/2", 1 package of kleenex, 1 travel wet wipes, 2 bandaids, 1 travel neosporin (if there is an injury that requires more that's what the first aid station is for!), 4 motrin (in case of headaches) and 4 tums (in case of upset stomach). I believe in being prepared, but I think sometimes it is too tempting to try and take too much "just in case". What happens is you then become tired lugging all the extra's around!

I've noticed some people carry their travel books around with them in the parks. I've never understood this. I have quite a few Disney books, I've read them, get what info I'm interested in, copy it to 1 piece of paper per park, then put it in my pocket. Even 1 pound of weight can get heavy if you carry it long enough. So the biggest tip I could give besides the material and color and type is... Look at what you are carrying. Do you really need it? If it's just in case of an emergency, what are the chances you are really going to need it? Is it worth carrying for that one in a million chances?

Hope this helps

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I carried a backpack in both September and June, and I was fine. Both times I got something lightweight that was a light color and not too big. I agree on not using leather. DH and I took turns carrying it so that when one of us was tired the other would take over.

 

[lcsmom]

DH carries a lumbar pack. It will hold his large camera, and 4 ponchos. It also has two exterior pockets for water bottles. We got it at Eddie Bauer several years ago. He frequently lets it droop out of its correct hiking position so he can spin it around to the front and not take it off for various rides and shows.

 

[LadyLuc361]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I am going backpack shopping in the next day or two to look for a good one. Thanks for all the replies!

 

[astraltravel]

Target has some nice mesh ones in their stores now. They are in woman’s acessories (purses, scarves, etc.) and come in bright pastels—pink, blue, green and white. Not really for a guy, especially if he is insecure or over worried about his macho image, but ok for women. I bought one for my trip next week and will also take my old stand-by, my Nike drawstring.
Large backpacks are a burden to carry around the parks all day. Go for something light.
Maybe you could buy a pastel one and dye it black or dark brown. That might work.

 

[mm lover in Ia]

We got a mesh backpack from Scheels last year. It was easy to go through security cause most of them did not even make you open it since you could see everything in it. Also had two pockets in the front for smaller things such as sunscreen and whipes.