Backpack for Dad

[kristinemomof3]

Can anyone suggest a backpack (not a messenger bag or fanny pack) with lots of compartments & pockets for my husband to carry? It's me, him & our 5 yo son. I can't carry anything because of a neck injury. It doesn't have to be manly but since it's primarily for him, I guess too frilly is out

 

[englishteacha]

Check LL Bean. The backpacks are guaranteed forever! DH is still using the same one from college, which included using it as a daypack for 3 months in the UK and for an overnight pack and carryon for dozens of other trips. Still looks great and has held up amazingly well.

 

[littlezar]

Love the LLBean super deluxe backpack. My oldest has used his for school since halfway through 5th grade - he's now halfway through 11th! It's still in awesome shape. It's been used on 2 Disney trips and as "luggage" for multiple trips to NJ and NC.

 

[dizneechic]

I 100% agree with the other posters... huge fan of LLBean backpacks.

However if you will only be using it for this one trip and have no other foreseeable use for it down the road I'm also going to suggest looking into a laptop backpack that you can get at BestBuy or similar style store. Some have more padding than others, but they have great pockets, sit on the back well (with comfy straps) and can be used for electronics (laptops/tablets) if/when you have them in the future.

 

[MSSANDRA]

With a 5 year old I would recommend looking for something small. We have a 5 year old and we carry VERY little. If it was not for his food allergy issues, we would carry no bags at all. Not really sure of a good suggestion, but you may not end up wanting something too big.

 

[Deb & Bill]

With a 5 year old I would recommend looking for something small. We have a 5 year old and we carry VERY little. If it was not for his food allergy issues, we would carry no bags at all. Not really sure of a good suggestion, but you may not end up wanting something too big.

Or even nothing at all. All you need are your tickets, drivers license, room key, credit card or cash. Ponchos get folded over the user's belt or waistband. If the kiddo wants an autograph book, let him carry it in a little kid's backpack.

 

[stich1fan]

I bought a back pack from Target with a ton of pockets for one of our trips. Honestly, after the 10th time through security and having to open every zipper I was ready to scream! We now use a back pack with only 2 zippers with lots of clear ziplock bags in side.

If you really want a multi pocket one try Target it was a great pack and very comfortable, just not easy to go through security with.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

My husband uses a Adidas Cross body backpack. it has one strap that goes across the chest. He uses it for Disney and for when he rides his motorcycle to work.

 

[eduk8r26]

Jansport. They make them with lots of pockets or just 2. They wear like iron, also.

 

[kristinemomof3]

Thank you for all the suggestions....I don't need anything huge but big enough to carry my SLR camera, sunscreen & a few other assorted things. I will look into all that you suggested!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I would suggest cutting down on what you bring into the parks so that a bag isn't necessary, or carry it yourself.

 

[dizneechic]

Thank you for all the suggestions....I don't need anything huge but big enough to carry my SLR camera, sunscreen & a few other assorted things. I will look into all that you suggested!

If your really not carrying much maybe look into a larger SLR bag for your camera. I have one I got at Ritz that is a larger rectangle (with padded velcro inserts) and when I don't have all my lenses with me (I only bring 1 "go to lens" to Disney) I have lots of extra room in there. You could just tuck your stuff in a nice SLR bag and not have to worry about another bag. My only suggestion with that is make sure you get one with a flat bottom. I have a few SLR bags and must bring a flat bottomed bag (so it can sit on the floor without "laying down") to theme parks. It's much easier to tuck between your feet (and under seats) on rides.

 

[no capes darling]

I would suggest cutting down on what you bring into the parks so that a bag isn't necessary, or carry it yourself.

But she said she had a neck injury, so she can't carry it. In defense of bringing a bag, I like having one for carrying water bottles, camera and a few misc supplies. A well organized bag doesn't need to be large- hence the pockets for keeping things sorted. A hands free bag in the parks is a necessity, IMO. I understand you don't feel that way and that's ok.

To the OP- What about the Luna bag from Overland? I LOVE overland bags and would have considered ordering it had I planned ahead better- http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/p...pment/idesc/Luna+Bag/Store/MG/item/114786/N/0 The price at mt gear can't be beat and the colors aren't girly.

 

[kristinemomof3]

But she said she had a neck injury, so she can't carry it. In defense of bringing a bag, I like having one for carrying water bottles, camera and a few misc supplies. A well organized bag doesn't need to be large- hence the pockets for keeping things sorted. A hands free bag in the parks is a necessity, IMO. I understand you don't feel that way and that's ok.

To the OP- What about the Luna bag from Overland? I LOVE overland bags and would have considered ordering it had I planned ahead better- http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/p...pment/idesc/Luna+Bag/Store/MG/item/114786/N/0 The price at mt gear can't be beat and the colors aren't girly.

That's exactly what we want it for...to have hands free The big doesn't have to be large just big enough to hold the necessities. I like that bag. Thank you!

 

[no capes darling]

That's exactly what we want it for...to have hands free The big doesn't have to be large just big enough to hold the necessities. I like that bag. Thank you!

Excellent! Let me know what you think if you decide to order it. I've bought other bags from them before and they're efficient about shipping.

 

[capeseal]

I've always been a huge fan of the LL Bean backpacks and I still am, but I'm a recent convert to Patagonia. Their packs are amazing and so comfortable though probably a bit pricey for one trip. I've been using one as a diaper bag and I'm extremely pleased with its style and performance.

 

[CourtneyL]

My husband and I use an LLBean Stowaway Backpack when we tour the parks. Its really lightweight and has a mesh back panel which is great when its hot out. We put our DSLR in a thin neoprene case and put it directly into the backpack. It's big enough to hold our provisions for the day but doesn't get in the way on rides.

 

[TosaTrio]

Another vote for LLBean! Just make sure you get one with a water bottle spot outside. My DD school backpack does not have one and it drives me crazy! Two water bottle pockets are better, one for water, one for sun glasses or whatever you want quick access to. A sport backpack would be good too ( one that could bungee stuff to the outside) if you can find one of a good size. My DD is 7 and we still use a backpack- it's usually not even close to full but I want to bring some stuff with us.

 

[kristinemomof3]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I am going to check them all out tomorrow.

 

[5stljayhawks]

I am a outdoor backpacker and my wife just ordered my 8yo DD a LL Bean for school- land ends kid. very nice. From the other side, REI - outdoors store has a great selection of packs, from day packs to mountain climbing. REI will also have a great selection of accessories, that may be helpful for DW(light rain gear.... and other things) kelty makes great packs, Northface in my opionion is over priced, but does make good stuff. Mountain Hardware is pretty good stuff as well. If you can get into a local REI hiking store, they can fit your husband with the right size. The Size of pack to the person is the most important part of selecting a pack. Bells and whistles that come with the pack are second to comfort when using all day.

BTW just checked REI and they are having a clearence sale. If you are outdoor folks, by a 10 or 15 lifetime membship, will earn you 10% reabate each year on purchases.

Suggestions on what to look for - adjustable shoulder straps, padded waste strap if planning on carring lots of weight for long time, padded back pad - trade off is can be warm in summer, although may provide ventilation through ridges and throughs. Outside tie down staps, either bukling or bunge. Nice for shedding jackets w/o unzipping, clipping on hats.... external Water bottle holders w/ bungie traps to secure bottles so they don't fall out. FYI h20 is 8 LBS per gallon. WDW does have water fountains so you don't have to start out with alot of h20.