Backpack/fanny pack for Parks

[KIS]

Well, if the search engine was working, I'd do some research.

But, perhaps some of you wouldn't mind repeating yourselves.

What worked/s for you in the parks?

There's me, my husband, and my 5 y.o daughter.

I'd love to have something that is ergonomically correct and not into bringing the kitchen sink, just the essentials (whatever they might be).

I would appreciate guidance and referrals of products.

Thanks.

KIS

 

[MichaelH]

My wife and I prefer the fanny packs, but it really depends on the age of your kids. Since we have a new one going with us this time in September, we will probably use a backpack to carry snacks for the 3 year old son and 11 month old daughter.

The last time we went, we just used the fanny packs. They take up little space and are not bulky. You can carry the essentials such as room key, credit card, money, camera, etc. Since your daughter is 5 you could let her carry some snacks and such in her fanny pack.

I don't have any recomendations on brands, we use the ones we got over the years for the white glove treatment. Again, prefer the fanny backs they are just easier to deal with than the back packs.

Hope this helps some.

 

[jtslykin]

I am using a backpack because that is what my husband and I are comfortable with. We will have the basics plus a small first- aid kit. I also found at cvs.com small packs and a stick sunscreen. Our camera,water, treats, small bottle of bubbles if my daughter and I have to wait for the big kids to go on a ride. I also have to carry a change of shoes and a pair of socks because my daughter has soft feet. But I have a 6 and a 4 year old and they will have their own fanny pack. They will have 5 disney dollars a plastic Mini M&M container that I put quarters and shinny pennies in for the penny press machine, and two treats. I hope that helps.

 

[KIS]

Such good ideas. Thanks.

Now, please, what is this penny press and why is it so popular?

KIS

 

[jtslykin]

The penny press is a machine that cost 50 cents or two quarters and you insert a penny and turn the knob and a design is pressed into the penny. The penny gets flattened and elongated or oval shaped in the process. Each machine usually has four different designs you can pick from. They are popular because they are one of the least expensive souvenirs. They have a lot of machines in the parks and on the resorts. I have heard that they even have machines that press a quarter but I have personally never seen one of those.

 

[KIS]

Very interesting for the little ones. KIS

 

[jgates]

This is a sample of a pressed penny (not my auction - I'd be buying - not selling! ) Just came from an ebay search.

Sample Pressed Penny

You can get pressed pennies at most zoos, parks, etc. So once you get your child hooked on these..................

The quarters end up costing you $1.25 total. So the pennies are the best bargain.

Make sure, if you decide to do it, that you start right away. Don't do like I did and tell DD no - then break down on the last day or next to last day and let her start! Then you are clammoring to find them and get the wanted ones. We ended up with very few and I have heard about it often. A nice Dis'er sent me some to help boost the collection!!

Be prepared!!! You may want to buy the book later on - you can easily tuck the pressed pennies in a pocket on your fanny pack or inside a credit card case - you get the idea.

 

[KIS]

This totally off the subject of my first question, but what book? A book for pressed pennies?

KIS

 

[CDoobee]

They have pressed penny souvenir books that they sell at the parks, resort gift shops, etc. They hold several pennies and a few pressed quarters each.

Debbie

 

[KIS]

Thanks for the news on the pennies. Now, back to the fanny pack/backpack dilemma.

I tend to carry a backpack everywhere. However, when we do parks, zoos, etc., I tend to place it on the stroller handles and leave it there with the tip-me-nots to compensate over the front stroller wheels. (tip-me-nots are weights that keep the stroller from tipping over if more weight is on the back where the handles are).

I've never used a fanny pack. But, the thought of having to carry a backpack on and off rides, etc. because it will hold camera, etc., etc bums me out.

Any suggestions?

KIS

 

[ReneeQ]

I used to use a fanny pack, but over the years found it just didn't hold enough. I started using a backpack, but don't really like it either. You have to take it off every time you get on a ride, or you can't sit all the way back. And you have to take it off everytime you need something. Plus it made my back too hot. And I tend to carry more than I really needed, just because I had the room, so it was really too heavy.

I finally found a bag I LOVE. I got it at Old Navy this past summer on clearance for $4.99. It's sort of a shoulder bag with a really long and adjustable strap. It's black and made out of some sort of waterproof material. It has a lot of pockets inside. Sort of a cross between a purse and a bookbag. I used it for the first time last week at Disney and just loved it. The strap is so long I can wear it across one shoulder and on the opposite hip, across my chest. I am completely hands free, can get into it whenever needed and can sit down without taking it off. It was bliss!

 

[KIS]

RenneQ:

How lucky that you found something that works.


I just did a search and someone recommended "mountainsmith" They have a fanny pack which also can go with some backpack like straps. It's expensive, but they recommended it.

Anybody else?

KIS

 

[superdiz]

Have you ever thought of a satchel type bag to swing across your body? I find these less bulky for others when going on rides. Having been knocked over by so many overstuffed backpacks on my last two trips to the world. I also use a cargo type purse that is the same material as a fanny pack but has more compartments, just swing it over your neck so you are holding it across your body. Fanny packs are uncomfortable and don't hold enough for me. I won't even mention the "uncoolness" of them as my little brother pointed out to my mom during their last trip, I guess he mentioned it so often that to this day her fanny pack has been M I A. hehe But do what you are most comfortable with wheter it be fanny pack, backpack, or cargo purse. You sound like you don't need much so I'd go with the cargo purse/satchel type bag.

 

[KIS]

Superdiz,

I'm not too sure that I know what this sort of sachel is. Are you talking about the open canvas tote? At first, that's what I pictured until you mentioned it being of the same fabric as most backpacks and fannypacks.

Do you know a brand name or site? I could look it up on the web and get a look at it.

It certainly sounds like an interesting option to consider.

KIS

 

[mmeb144]

I used a slingpack last time I went. It's a mini back pack with only 1 strap. You can find these at Wal-mart for around $8. It's big enough for the essentials, like a camera and autograph book, and you still have room for small purchases.

Marie

 

[superdiz]

This is an example of the over teh shoulder backpack that I was trying to explain:

http://www.rockymountaintrail.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=15

Or a bag SIMILAR to this. I have one and got it at Walmart for like $9 and it was made of the mesh material that can get wet on rides and dries quickly (like the fanny pack material)

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...g=UTF8&alt_view=images&asin=B0000DJAK8#images

Hopefully this makes sense, I couldn't find one online! It's like the smaller version of the polo ralph lauren sport bag. Make sense??

 

[KIS]

Thanks to you for the sling and sachel suggestions and the lead.

It's a good start. I will have to go do some investigating at some stores.

Meanwhile, I wonder if you both got a tired shoulder from having something like that on one shoulder. I mean, the weight is not evenly distributed.

KIS

 

[Castillo Mom]

Try ebags.com, they have tons of different type of backpacks and slings.

 

[KIS]

Thanks, I'll check the ebags.com

KIS

 

[superdiz]

It doesn't bother me since I don't carry a ton of stuff in there. And unless you're lugging more than 2 water bottles or something heavier, you won't even notice it's there for the most part.