Backpack or Messenger Bag?

[marriedmarylander]

DH and I aren't fanny pack people. but we are in debate over what type of bag to carry.

I found a cute small messenger back at Old Navy:
http://secure.www.oldnavy.com/asp/Product.asp?wdid=200501&wpid=274995

Saw one at the store but not in blue (that color I'd get) and seems big enough for camera, money, and other things.

However, DH wants to carry a backpack so we can carry bottled water so we don't have to spend extra $ at the park on it (another debate since we aren't renting a car so what would be do take it on the plane from home?). Of course I mention that once we are done with the bottle we throw it out. He's against the messenger bag because 1) he thinks the Old navy one is girly (?) 2) doesn't want to carry something around his body.. so I was like fine I'll carry it. Then he says why buy that bag when we have a backpack (augh).

Or we could forget about the water, backpack and messenger bag and just carry the camera case (it's small to fit the camera and another small pouch that would be ok for money, park tickets).

Or maybe someone on this board can tell me what we need a backpack for? Maybe that will help me go for a backpack (DH hasn't given me a reason besides water). We won't be lugging in extra snacks, medicine, extra shoes, etc.

So, lug backpack around (leaving it on the side for some of the rides with our digital camera and stuff in it) or taking a smaller bag (I think you can get on most rides with a small camera case or small bag??? - correct me if I'm wrong.) I guess with being on vacation I'd hate to take the chance of someone stealing my digital camera or money.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Backpack or messenger back is the best choice!

 

[FOTM_Ring_Bearer]

I always carry a backpack. I use it to carry sunscreen, the mini tripod for my camera, my resort mug, poncho(if I think it's going to rain) and any small purchases I've made. We tried carrying water bottles one year, we decided for us it wasn't worth the effort. We'll just buy it.

My backpack goes on all the rides. I would never leave it anywhere. You really can't leave it off to the side because on most of the rides, where you get on is not where you get off.


Good luck deciding and have a great trip!

 

[oogieboogie]

If you're not thinking of carrying a lot of stuff, then a messenger bag or camera case would be fine.

I've worn a backpack before and just hated it. Not only do I have to lug the big thing around, then I'd have to whip if off my back for security inspections, then try to zip it while walking...ugh.

Then I went the fanny pack way and was quite happy with it. I jury rigged a strap for a small water bottle that I could hook to the side of my fanny pack. It fit all the stuff I needed, like cell phone, autograph books, wallet, wet wipes, kleenex, etc. The only problem is I feel so weighted in the stomach area and sometimes the pack gets in the way of lap bars and seatbelts. Plus I couldn't find the right position where the pack is comfortable.

This trip, I'm thinking I might just get a mid-sized camera case or a messenger bag. I'm leaning more towards the camera case just because it's got more compartments which makes it easy to separate items. I can put the cell phone on one side, tickets, ID and room key on another pocket, etc. I do like the Old Navy one though... I might just have to get that.

 

[Ilovestitch]

I wouldn't get that bag- you definitly need a padded shoulder strap if you are wearing a messenger bag. In my pic below I am wearing a messenger bag from Old Navy w/no padding on the strap. I hardly had anything in it and after just a few hrs. my shoulder killed!

 

[Mad2Scrap]

Last year I tried a backpack then a fanny pack. The backpack got hot and heavy, the fanny pack got in the way and looked (yes, I care) stupid. So, this year I bought a messenger bag.

http://www.baggallini.com/product.asp?category=1&product=132&mode=price

It's almost weightless, made of rip stop fabric, comes in probably a dozen colors, has scads of pockets for organizing, has a place for a water bottle (we're bringing the filtered water bottle), large enough for camera but still fairly small, has a hidden pocket for valuables, has a place in the strap or on the side for your cell, and can be carried either on the front or back.

One caveat, I have yet to use it at WDW but I have high hopes that this will be my dream bag. We go in June so I'll let you know how it went.

Marsha

 

[Mad2Scrap]

That reminds me I need to buy one of the velcro-attachable pads for the shoulder. Thanks!

 

[dbenlee]

I know I must be one of the few who don't care how "stupid" or "dorky" I look, but I vote for a lumbar (fanny) pack. I got one from shopbags.com. Its made by High Sierra and has a handle to carry by hand if not wearing as a lumbar pack. It has padding to keep the items inside from digging into your back and it also has two net holders on the sides that hold one water bottle each.

 

[Mad2Scrap]

Well you know I didn't MEAN to insult anyone! I just mean the fanny packs don't look spiffy on ME and... well... even in WDW (and going with my partner this time) I want to look... uh... kinda sorta just a little bit "cute". Maybe not stylin' but still not so the kids want to walk at a distance so no one thinks they're with ME! Yep, I'm willing to suffer a little bit (at least I'm not going to bother blow drying my hair!). Heck, we're going to Orlando in JUNE. I think that should tell you how willing I am to suffer.

 

[hugsquared]

Last year I tried a backpack then a fanny pack. The backpack got hot and heavy, the fanny pack got in the way and looked (yes, I care) stupid. So, this year I bought a messenger bag.

http://www.baggallini.com/product.asp?category=1&product=132&mode=price

It's almost weightless, made of rip stop fabric, comes in probably a dozen colors, has scads of pockets for organizing, has a place for a water bottle (we're bringing the filtered water bottle), large enough for camera but still fairly small, has a hidden pocket for valuables, has a place in the strap or on the side for your cell, and can be carried either on the front or back.

One caveat, I have yet to use it at WDW but I have high hopes that this will be my dream bag. We go in June so I'll let you know how it went.

Marsha

I hope its your dream bag too because after seeing it, I went to e-bay and just bought one for 16.99. It looks perfect and the water bottle thing is what sold me. Now just keeping my fingers crossed that it works as well as I hope it will.

 

[marriedmarylander]

Last year I tried a backpack then a fanny pack. The backpack got hot and heavy, the fanny pack got in the way and looked (yes, I care) stupid. So, this year I bought a messenger bag.

http://www.baggallini.com/product.asp?category=1&product=132&mode=price

It's almost weightless, made of rip stop fabric, comes in probably a dozen colors, has scads of pockets for organizing, has a place for a water bottle (we're bringing the filtered water bottle), large enough for camera but still fairly small, has a hidden pocket for valuables, has a place in the strap or on the side for your cell, and can be carried either on the front or back.

One caveat, I have yet to use it at WDW but I have high hopes that this will be my dream bag. We go in June so I'll let you know how it went.

Marsha

It looks like it sits on the back more like a backpack than a side messenger bag.

Do you guys buy it online without seeing it first? I think I might go to stores to look at stuff first...

 

[Mad2Scrap]

I went to REI and tried on dozens of bags. Then went to a travel store and tried out bunches more. I paid full price. Oh well, hope it was worth it!

 

[marriedmarylander]

The Baggallini one looks more for a lady? My DH and I will take turns.. He's very picky and doesn't want to wear something girly even though I know it just looks like a plain bag. Well, I guess we might have to go sporty... I was looking at these in black.

http://www.ebags.com/jansport/air_method/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=20173
http://www.ebags.com/jansport/air_cisco/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=20181

 

[marriedmarylander]

I wouldn't get that bag- you definitly need a padded shoulder strap if you are wearing a messenger bag. In my pic below I am wearing a messenger bag from Old Navy w/no padding on the strap. I hardly had anything in it and after just a few hrs. my shoulder killed!

Thanks for the tip!

 

[mybgirl]

Hi just pick up a water proof one up, also hold water pack on the back .

Will work great in JUNE , lot of RAIN last year .Did not have a water proof one , I WILL BE READY this year

For all the fun in the sun or in the rain


GOD BLESS ALL

HAVE A GREAT TRIP

MARY

 

[salbythec]

Two years ago I had a pink back pack and of course DH wouldnt have anything to do with it! So I changed to a blue waterproof one and we take turns now!!!

 

[TrickyFish]

We took a backpack last trip that we've traded in for a messenger bag next trip. We prefer the messenger bag since its one easy flap to open for security checks as opposed to the 6 or 7 zippered pouches our backpack had that took a lot of time in security.

 

[MagicalMom]

I have a small black Mickey sling backpack that I love to use in the parks. It's not too big, but big enough to fit everything we need. It matches the black disney luggage that Disneydirect.com has been selling. I'll see if I can a pic.

 

[kparc]

I brought an canvas messanger bag I bought at Old Navy last year. It worked great for me and I was amazed what I had in it.( Two water bottles, two Autograph books, Camera, Wallet, First aid supplies, sunscreen, ponchos, small souvenirs, & walkie talkie. I could even unbuckle the strap and hook my daughter's goofy hats on to it) I did have to switch shoulders often but I liked it better than the backpack because I never had to take it off completely. On rides I would just slided it to sit beside me or keep it on my lap. The only hassle was security. I was constantly flipping through pockets. This year I am thinking of just wearing a small change purse clipped to my belt loop or around my neck along with my camera. I am bringing the messenger bag with me though just in case!!

 

[ophie]

I used to wear a backpack, but it gets hot and you have to take it off everytime you want to get into it. Now I carry a messenger bag. I find it more comfortable and more accessible. It's just 2 zippered pockets, so easy in security checks too. It also has a cell phone case on the strap and a pocket on either end for water bottle/sunscreen/etc.