backpack or fanny pack

[sdrsdd]

We leave in 10 days and we are going shopping tomorrow for needed vacation items. My family consists of me, DH, DS6, and DD4. THe last time we went to DW we had a stroller to hold our items. Since our kids will be 7 and 5 this summer we are not doing a stroller. I will want to have my camera, sunglasses, snacks, and other small items. Should we carry a backpack or get 4 fanny packs and each wear one?

 

[teatime]

we all carry small back packs, there the tiny ones that hold a camera, extra's and has a water bottle carrier on the side. fanny packs are fine to ( don't let anyone say there nerdy ! ) its what you want to pack around.

 

[bumbershoot]

If you guys are comfy with fanny packs, go for it. We aren't comfy with them, so we won't, but they seem convenient.

I might put a little bit of a slush fund aside, by the way, for a stroller rental for the younger. My guy just turned 5, and although we walk quite a bit, Disney takes it out of him. He's very tall and I'm short, and he's solid, and I don't like how carrying him hurts me, but I also don't like him hurting at night (he, like hubby and I were, is very prone to leg pain). So you might set something aside, just in case....

 

[The Orchid]

Neither! I used a messenger bag. I find it to be very handy. My bag (and thus my camera and money) are right there just off to my left side, always easy to get to. Because it slings over my body, there's no chance of it falling off my shoulder like a purse, so it would be very hard for a thief to grab and run off with it. I don't have to take it off when I get on rides to avoid sitting back on it like I would with a backpack. And as I make small purchases like postcards, stickers, trinkets and even t-shirts, they fit in my messenger bag just fine! I really love it, for me it works perfectly.

 

[Desert Dwellers]

I second the messenger bag. I bought one two trips ago, and will use it again for our upcoming July trip. I felt secure because the strap was across me, and it still left me hands free. I could slide it side to side, depending on which ride I was entering. Mine has lots of different zippered pockets, plus a deep zippered pocket so I had room for everything with limited fumbling.

 

[Simba001]

Neither! I used a messenger bag. I find it to be very handy. My bag (and thus my camera and money) are right there just off to my left side, always easy to get to. Because it slings over my body, there's no chance of it falling off my shoulder like a purse, so it would be very hard for a thief to grab and run off with it. I don't have to take it off when I get on rides to avoid sitting back on it like I would with a backpack. And as I make small purchases like postcards, stickers, trinkets and even t-shirts, they fit in my messenger bag just fine! I really love it, for me it works perfectly.

I second the messenger bag. I bought one two trips ago, and will use it again for our upcoming July trip. I felt secure because the strap was across me, and it still left me hands free. I could slide it side to side, depending on which ride I was entering. Mine has lots of different zippered pockets, plus a deep zippered pocket so I had room for everything with limited fumbling.

Wondering what bag you two have?

 

[jenpace]

I don't personally have one but a lot of people on this board wear by the Baggalini brand:

http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/bra...="baggalini"&gclid=CICOla7a9poCFQwxawodvT0QcQ

 

[Husker Mickey]

We carry one backpack. The brand name is Ameribag and it works great for us. It is a medium size that holds my camera, snacks, and a water or two. Just a thought, if you have a Disney Visa, the stroller rental is free. We don't have need for one, but you might later in a day.

 

[Desert Dwellers]

Simba001, I found a great canvas Fossil crossbody bag. It's over three years old now, and it still looks great. I've used it at DL and many other trips, and it doesn't show any wear on it at all.

 

[darph nader]

I misplaced my Dark Wing Duck fanny-pack so I use cargo pants/shorts now.Water bottle,sun-screen,smokes and film. (I know,I'm old school that way)

 

[wdhinn89]

Backpack. Fanny packs are out of style.

 

[DizMe]

I'm comfortable enough with my ego that I use a fannypack, current fashion be dam*ed! I have tried a backpack and found it to be cumbersome, as you always have to remove it when getting on rides and when you want to get something out (money, camera, passes). It is not convenient and is one more thing to keep track of when you're on a ride. A fannypack is sooooooo easy to use, takes up little space, saves your shoulders, is easily accessed and packs nicely if you don't want to use it until you arrive. It holds everything I need including phone and camera and I don't have to worry about losing it on a ride. I did manage to lose a backpack purse on Mulholland Madness, which was quite embarrassing and annoying because they had to stop the whole ride so I could retrieve it from under the scaffolding.

My mom got me a messenger bag and while nice, I still prefer my fannypack!

 

[Simba001]

I don't personally have one but a lot of people on this board wear by the Baggalini brand:

http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/bra...="baggalini"&gclid=CICOla7a9poCFQwxawodvT0QcQ

Simba001, I found a great canvas Fossil crossbody bag. It's over three years old now, and it still looks great. I've used it at DL and many other trips, and it doesn't show any wear on it at all.

Thank you both. I have a bag I have used for awhile for DLR trips, but its just not quite what I want. Always looking for a better bag.

 

[Captain Redbeard]

I bought this for taking lunch and snacks into the parks!!

http://www.target.com/Thermos-Sling...mbrowse=0&index=target&rh=k:cooler bag&page=1

It's super nice and can carry enough for 2 people for a full day! I throw in a few freezer packs and it keeps my water and food cool for most of the day!

I like this route with a few small backpacks too so people can have layers for the evening without having to get a locker...and you have a place for all your souvenirs!!

 

[dawnrose]

I always use a small leather fanny pack at DL. Comfort is sometimes more important that style...and backpacks hurt my back if I carry them too long.

 

[SilentFeline]

I bought this for taking lunch and snacks into the parks!!

http://www.target.com/Thermos-Sling...mbrowse=0&index=target&rh=k:cooler bag&page=1

It's super nice and can carry enough for 2 people for a full day! I throw in a few freezer packs and it keeps my water and food cool for most of the day!

We used a bag very similar to this called Raya by Thermos that we used for our drinks. http://www.thermos.com/Product_detail.aspx?CatCode=COOL&SubcategoryID=51&ProductID=759 It could be worn as a sling pack and had a zipper down the strap so it could also be worn like a backpack. It was a lifesaver on our trip. It felt very lightweight, and it carried 2 full size water bottles, 2 mini bottles of Gatorade, and an ice pack that we wrapped around our drinks. Then we would return to the parks after our mid-day break with just one water bottle in our Baggallini. It could have fit 6 12-ounce cans of soda total (as advertised) but we just had our soda back at the hotel. For our trip, we could have probably fit in at least one more full sized water bottle, and there was easily enough room in it to fit enough beverages for an entire day without having to get a locker or do the mid-day breaks.

We also brought a Baggallini, as was suggested by so many DISboarders, but it did not work well for me at all!!! The strap slipped constantly and it strained my neck and shoulders. I would much rather take my backpack off on rides and to get stuff than have to stop every 10-15 mins to adjust the strap. I'm used to backpacks anyway. I will never bring the Baggallini again. For our next trip we will bring a medium-sized backpack to fit our essentials and sweatshirts (the Baggallini didn't have room for our sweatshirts, which was a problem since we needed them for the morning but had to take them off later in the day), and our wonderful cooler bag to keep our drinks cool. One bag for each of us. I highly recommend you take the same route, but it's only my opinion.

 

[Boo Bear]

I use a small messenger bag and wear it diagonally across my body. It's very nice and handy.

 

[wdhinn89]

I really like the 2 suggested insulated Thermos bags. I will have to check in to these. Thanks

 

[Niele]

I agree with DizMe, I love my fannypack. Small enough to be out of the way but large enough to carry what I need. Just make sure it has a strong closure or clasp.

 

[nannyz]

I just got back from Disneyland and I can't tell you how many times I got hit in the face by a backpack! I know people don't realize it, but when you are in a big crowd, you can hit someone with your backpack every time you turn around. A messenger bag would be so much kinder!!