Backpack or Messenger bag?

[emilymad]

What do most people use while in the parks? In the past I have always used a backpack. On the last trip it seemed like someone always needed something so I was taking the bag off or having someone else go into it. It seemed that a messenger style bag would be easier. Would one hold two people's stuff? I am worried about it being uncomfortable to carry but I don't think it would be too heavy. Anyone have some experiences to share?

 

[mhutchinson]

We usually just go the messenger bag route. It is much easier to access and you can swap it from shoulder to shoulder and tuck it away really quick on rides. We attempted the backpack on the first trip with the kids and it seemed to be more of a pain than it is worth...plus it mostly hung off the stroller.

We all also carry those fanny pouch things so that it minimizes how often we need to actually go in to main bag (or should I say mostly how often the kids need too). And always carry a rain poncho and sun block

Mike

 

[f7prez]

We always use a backpack because once it is on I hardly notice it is there.
Plus I think they hold more STUFF. Why do we need all this stuff anyway.
Whenever someone needs something, I just turn around they get what they want and off we go.

 

[Wendy31]

Last year, at the recommendation of several people on this site, I purchased a Baggellini Messenger Bag from ebags.com for our trip to WDW last May.

I loved it!

It was smaller (& more comfortable) than a backpack & bigger than a fannypack. It had several pockets & slots for all our stuff, & none of the things ended up in a jumble in the bottom of the bag. It also wasn't so girly that DH wouldn't carry it. When going through the bag-check line, I didn't even have to take it off - just unzipped the pockets. And I wore it on rides w/ no problems as well.

I'm not a "light" packer; if I could, I'd pack the kitchen sink. I was able to pack the following in the various pockets & slots of the messenger bag w/ no problem:

Passporter w/ small notebook & pen
2 autograph books w/ pens
Change of kids' clothes - granted, size 3 & size 5 shorts & shirts don't take up much room!
4 rain ponchos
Small bottles of Sunscreen, Bug Spray, First Aid Spray, & Antibacterial Gel
Bandaids
Neosporin
Small bottles of Liquid Benodryl & Liquid Tylenol for kids
Small Container w/ emergency meds for DH & me (Advil, Benodryl, Tylenol, etc.)
Small Sewing Kit & Scissors
Lip Balm
Lipstick
Compact
Kids' sunglasses
Antibacterial gel
Wipes
Camera Film
Cell phone
Mine & Kids' "Key to the World" Cards (DH carried his)
My ID
My Water Bottle (Kids' water bottles were clipped to their strollers)
Snacks for the day (fruit roll-ups, small packs of crackers, etc.)

(The only thing that would not have fit would have been sweatshirts or jackets if we had been there during a cooler time of year. Of course, if I had taken all the other stuff out, I probably could have fit a sweatshirt or two in there.)

I loved my messenger bag & plan to use it again this year!!

 

[elizke]

I was wondering about this too.

I want something I can forget is there, but can hold everything me or one of the seven other people I'm with might need any given moment. Is that a lot to ask?

This messenger bag looks very nice Wendy31! Is it the sling one you used? And thanks for the list of items you carried. Very helpful to know all you fit in there. Might be ordering that thing today.

E.