Back pack or totebag recommendation

[RMulieri]

Ok I need a recommendation for a good park tote bag or back pack. I have tried the Baggallini messenger, and because of my short height it a) looked ridiculous and b) hurt my back. I also tried the ellington flight tote bag this past Sept, and pretty much destroyed my left shoulder and it took weeks to feel better again. I carry usually: a small camera, small id holder/wallet, 2 water bottles,sunscreen,ponchos, and an autograph book and hat for DD. We are going in Dec this year so light jackets will probably be a must. So please help! I am thinking a backpack may be better, but open to suggestions for a small petite woman, and if it is plain Dh will carry it too.

 

[RMulieri]

bump

 

[housetomouse]

No answers, but I'm facing the same decision. I like a bag that slings across the body, but I don't think mine will fit the ponchos along with the rest of what I want to carry.

 

[BellesFavoriteBook]

There's a thread on here called "Post Pics of the Bag you carry into the parks with you" If you scroll down a little or check page 2, you could find it. Lots of great advice there.

 

[DLW8]

I prefer the backpack because you can balance the load on both shoulders instead of a messenger style that really hits you on one shoulder.

Plus, it gives us room for those small souvies that we take with us instead of shipping to the room,and the sweatshirts/hats that they don't wnat to wear all day.

Plus, with the special pockets, I can have my camera easily accessible and not at the bottom of all the rest of the stuff.

My tip is to get a backpack with a padded back. I have used both and the sturdy padded back makes a BIG difference in how it "works" all day in the parks.

 

[rolltidepixie]

I'm short too and I carry a small Travelon backpack. It's perfect for what I need to carry. It actually has a lot of room in it with places for everything. I got it at a Totes outlet store in Foley, Alabama. Love it so much I pretty much carry it shopping with me all the time. Mine is purple and my twin sisters is green. Doesn't hurt my back at all.

 

[jenharring]

Is this the message bag you tried. I have one I just ordered for disney and it dosent look like it is that big. I am going to use it this sat at the zoo.
http://shop.baggallini.com/baggallini-emes160-eco-messenger/262534

 

[RMulieri]

Is this the message bag you tried. I have one I just ordered for disney and it dosent look like it is that big. I am going to use it this sat at the zoo.
http://shop.baggallini.com/baggallini-emes160-eco-messenger/262534

Yep and because of my height it looked ridiculous no matter how tight I made the straps and it hurt my back.

 

[etoiles]

I researched a lot for a bag for myself and found out about the Overland donner bag and it sounds like what you are looking for. It goes across the body but is slightly smaller than the bagalini. You can also convert it to a fanny pack type if your shoulder is bothering you and wear it around your waist. It has two pop out pockets for two bottles of water.


amazon has better prices on it than the website I listed above.

 

[elizflynn]

Hi RMulieri! It looks we'll be neighbors in September! Me and my DBF are staying at the Boardwalk Villas from 9/21-9/26!

I am also looking at bags on the ebags website. They have great prices i'm just trying to find the perfect fit!

 

[RMulieri]

Hi RMulieri! It looks we'll be neighbors in September! Me and my DBF are staying at the Boardwalk Villas from 9/21-9/26!

I am also looking at bags on the ebags website. They have great prices i'm just trying to find the perfect fit!

Howdy. I have tried a few bags out on local daytrips and they initially feel comfy, but by days end the straps cut, or the bag doesn't sit right. I am thinking a backpack may be the way to go.

 

[HGD24]

I am short (5'1") and have a very short torso. I use the LL Bean mini messenger bag and love it! It has nice wide strap and is very lightweight. It holds tons of stuff: camera, sunglasses, cellphone, aspirin, lip balm, 1 poncho, travel-sized umbrella, scrunchie, park maps & tix, travel-sized sunblock and I'm sure a few other things too. DH carrie a backpack for sweatshirts, hats, etc.

Here's a pic of me wearing it and as you can see, it can be sized even shorter than I have it:

Here's a pic of the bag (the top row only - bottom row is a different bag that I would not recommend for WDW) with items in it that I usually carry in the parks.

 

[MouseMadness]

I recently ordered a Sherpani backpack for trips we'll be taking this summer and WDW in October. I got it in red so DH can carry it sometime too I ordered the XO, small enough so it can't be overpacked, but big enough to fit everything (make sense??). I will be packing some diapers, wipes, lanyards/pins, sun oil, snacks, etc. for my 5 and 2 year old. The straps are thick and padded, very comfortable. I would suggest looking up the bags on the Sherpani site, then going over to, perhaps, ebags, and getting a second look...they sometimes profile the bag and show different views (that's what I did). Also, depending on the color, ebags can sometimes be a little cheaper. I have several Sherpani bags, but this is my first backpack...I think this will be easier than a tote for hauling around the park, and you can always sling it over one shoulder if need be! Also I love the material Sherpani uses. If it gets anything on it, it just wipes clean.

 

[Justsyd2]

I love the Vera Bradley Hipster. It holds everything I need. It also sits across the shoulder so that I don't have to worry about losing it. If you click on "sale" on the website, you can find them for around $20.00.

 

[SundancePass]

We use a Mont Bell large tote. It's made of ripstop nylon and folds into itself. Straps are big enough to go over the shoulder if necessary and small enough not to drag on the ground when I carry it. We are too old to carry a backpack all day and be comfortable. The bag holds two raincoats, two hats, two cameras, sunscreen and one water bottle on the side. Yes it gets a bit heavy, but my DH and I take turns carrying it. We love it and spend all day int he parts and nothing hurts when we are done.