Backpack cooler

[phins_jazy]

Had to let y'all know about another deal that I stumbled upon today. Took DD to Toys R Us and checked out their pool stuff. I found the neatest backpack......turns out it's a cooler!!! Looks like a normal orange and black backpack on the outside but on the inside it's a cooler that can hold 12 cans of soda and the outside pocket (which is insulated as well) could hold about 4 sandwiches. I had to get it. It was marked down to $9.99. I figure this will be a great way of having lunch in the park and being real discreet about it. .....Honest sir, it really is a backpack ........(Please don't flame me for bringing a cooler into the park! It's the only way to keep a 2 yr old happy. She's gotta have her certain snacks. ) Hope this can help someone else out there.

 

[MelodyD]

I saw these too and I am really considering buying them. The only problem I had with it was that the straps are child size but will fit a smaller sized adult. I am a bit bigger and the straps were kind of uncomfortable for me. I was going to look for a way to adjust those straps. I thought these were a great idea though!

Do they not allow coolers in the parks? If so is this something new? We went a few years ago and had one on the stroller every day and never had a problem. I am sorry but I packed that thing full of water bottles and juice pouches. I REFUSE to spend $3 for a pop or bottle of water. That price was three years ago, I shudder to think what beverages cost now.

I know Disney is a for profit agency but imo prices on their food and beverage are obnouxious (did I spell that right?) This is one area that you can definately save alot of money by packing stuff from home.

 

[phins_jazy]

I feel the same exact way you do Melody! As far as the coolers not being allowed, I don't know firsthand but from what I gathered from reading other posts they frown upon bringing in your own cooler. Someone said they'll stop you at the front gate. But I figure if it looks like a backpack they'll never know!! As far as the backpack, I too thought the straps were too small. So I took the strap out of the backpack loop and use it as a shoulder bag. It's the perfect length for that. It's great! I love it. And the florecent orange color helps it stand out in a crowd.

 

[Mpsobers]

I found a great cooler/backpack at Costco (Price Club) for $19.99. The bottom section is the cooler - it says it holds 24 cans, but I could not imagine trying to carry that around!I think it's big enough for water bottles
(for 5) & an ice pack. The top is mesh with storage pockets (perfect for passes) that is only accessible when the pack is opened so it's very safe. Believe it or not, it's no bigger than a standard size backpack. Fits just fine on my 15 yo, who's 6 feet tall! Also, very comfortable! It's buy California Innovations, who also make the best collapsible coolers, including 1 on wheels. I own 2 of these & have had them for over 5 years. Only 7 more days til the Poly!

 

[Coll0610]

I'm pretty sure that Disney's rule is that you aren't supposed to bring outside food or drink in to the parks. I've never seen them enforce it and there are always people eating outside food all over. We usually just bring small things like fruit snacks, mints or cheese and crackers but last trip we brought pb & j sandwiches every day for DS. He wouldn't eat the ones they sell there.

 

[aec]

MPSOBERS --

I was at Costco today and the insulated backpack I saw was a baby diaper sytle bag and it was 29.99. Was yours a baby bag or a regular one. The diaper bag was awsome but I'm past the diaper bag stage.

 

[Ahrizel]

I got my sister a backpack cooler from coleman. It is a real backpack, but lined with cooling material inside. Single strap for shoulder. I'll let you know how well it worked next week-she's using at wdw right now. It's was inexpensive, under $20.

 

[Mpsobers]

I was at Costco yesterday too, & they were gone! I did see the diaper bag, which was cool but I'm way past the diaper bag stage too! Sorry your trip was wasted. Guess they were a hot item!

 

[aec]

Don't worry, it was not a wasted trip. I found the greatest sperry canvas style shoes for DH - 14.99! Also found the cobra 200 FRSs for 69.99 -$10 rebate for a pair. Thats $30 per radio.

 

[aec]

Ahrizel,
Where did you find the coleman backpack cooler. It sounds nice. Is this the one they were selling at costco?

 

[Ahrizel]

I found the backpack cooler at a coleman outlet. I would also check out the web. www.coleman.com I just checked the their site so I know it's there, but I didn't check the price. Go to products, then soft-sided coolers, then activity coolers. Mine was around $15 at the outlet. When my sister gets back next week I'll post as to how well it worked.

 

[beccab]

Avon also has a backpack cooler. I have not received mine yet but if I remember correctly, the bottom zips off and converts to a lunch type container.

This item was listed in the Avon reps campaign pamphlet for $11. I believe it will be around $15 in their regular pamphlet. It came in camouflage & black.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I order the black one from Avon. You can wear several different ways and has several extra pockets. I'm going to give it a test drive at the Bronx Zoo in a few weeks.

 

[Bradysmom]

I found the California Innovations backpack/cooler at Dick's Sporting Goods for 29.99. It is a full sized backpack then attached on the bottom is a removable insulated cooler that holds up to 8 cans w/ice. I hope this works well and passes the front gates at WDW! Dick's has a website but I couldn't find it, there. We have a store locally and it was bought there. www.ebags.com has them on their website but might be a little more expensive.