Backpack or shoulderbag??? (M)

[iamhollyb]

I see the thread below about the Donner bag - it looks tres cool, but I had my mind set on a backpack so that I wouldn't have the bag whipping around and throwing me off balance if I had to attend to a child.

Opinions/ideas? I love the look of the Donner bag (and love to buy stuff!), but want to be sure it's what I'll be happy with and will be the purchase.

Thanks,
Holly

 

[coolbeans]

I carried a small backpack when we went and plan on doing the same next year. I have a small Vera Bradley backpack that I got for my birthday that I think will be perfect!

 

[JanB]

I use a bag that hangs across my body -- so there is no flopping around. And it can be pretty much hands-free. What I do not like about a backpack is that you have to take it off to ride just about any ride, hold or stow it during the ride, and then put it back on afterwards. A small bag hanging across your body can stay in place on most rides.

 

[shellynn24]

I use a bag that hangs across my body -- so there is no flopping around. And it can be pretty much hands-free. What I do not like about a backpack is that you have to take it off to ride just about any ride, hold or stow it during the ride, and then put it back on afterwards. A small bag hanging across your body can stay in place on most rides.

That is a good point about wearing the bag on the rides. I'm glad I just bought a messanger type bag today.

 

[Michellynn]

I too went with a messenger style bag....for the same reasons mentioned above about the backpack. I used a small backpack the last time I went and it was comfortable while walking around...but sort of annoying when getting on and off rides. I ended up getting the Ameribag Rifton Microfiber bag for this trip and it just arrived yesterday. It is definitely on the compact side, but that is what I wanted. If I wanted to get something slightly bigger I would probably seriously consider the Donner bag.

 

[idreamdisney]

I searched online and read posts for about a month before deciding on the REI Mini Sling ($40 I think). I looked at the Overland Donner, but decided I didn't want a shoulder bag. The Mini is a sling-type backpack and I love it!!! Weight is distributed great and I've carried it full while chasing to get my toddler and it never shifts or falls down. The fabric is very light too so I don't think it will be too hot to wear, and I LOVE that you don't have to take it off to get stuff out of it (like w/ a backpack). You also wouldn't have to take it off for the rides...just swing it to the front. It looks small, but you'll be amazed how much you can fit in it!

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[CruisinEars]

Thanks for posting about the REI mini sling. I have been looking at the baggallini and now have narrowed the search to these 2.

Would love some input about either of these bags. I prefer to travel lite to the parks and my kids are going to be 10 and 7 so I don't need baby stuff.

 

[RoseNJ]

I like the Ameribag line of bags. They sit on one shoulder and never fall off. I carried one last year, full, including stuffing my folding umbrella in the outside pocket, and never had a backache. They have multiple pockets inside so that weight is distributed through the bag. You can find them at e-bags or llbean has their own line.

 

[DINKDisneyAddict]

Just be careful with the messenger/sling style bag. I agree they are very functional and make it easy to get on and off rides. However, I was trying one out at the store and caught a glimpse of myself in A mirror. I looked like a walking ad for Cross Your Heart. It emphasized things I didn't want to advertise, if you get my drift. I'll stick with the old fashioned backpack (with pouches on the sides for easy access to the water bottles).

 

[iamhollyb]

I looked like a walking ad for Cross Your Heart. It emphasized things I didn't want to advertise, if you get my drift.

Lol - I agree - I never carry purses across my (ample) chest! But I did order the bright green Donner bag and it's ceeee-ute! Can't wait to use it in September, then again in November!

-Holly

 

[CruisinEars]

I agree about looking weird carrying cross body, but I really need to carry that way anyway since I have no shoulders and everything slides off. Can the donner bag be carried cross body? I was going through the Donner bag thread and am now intrigued.

 

[iamhollyb]

Can the donner bag be carried cross body? I was going through the Donner bag thread and am now intrigued.

Yes, it can. It has a very long, adjustable shoulder strap that would be great for carrying in that manner. I tried mine out tonight for a trip to the pool with friends and it was great. It's really deep so you could fit plenty in it, plus the inside and outside (back) have full-sized pockets (as tall as the bag and nearly as wide).

-Holly

 

[CruisinEars]

Thank you! I think that is at the top of my list. We are going for 2 weeks and I want to use this as my carry on/park bag. I like to travel lite even though it never happens. I am also looking for a light weight carrying bag for the beach, typhoon lagoon and blizzard beach. I need to carry beach towel, water, etc. for 4 people. Any ideas? I would love to hear them.

 

[nikjd68]

Yesterday I posted this about a backpack I think is great for travel:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1538195

I borrowed two of these from my sister and they are perfect size.