Backpack Search

[LuciMarie]

After looking through multiple threads, I still couldn't find what I was looking for so here I am asking for help.

I've been doing Disney since I was little and love it. I've also always brought some king of bag with me on every visit.
This October will be my first solo trip (wish me luck) and I'm debating looking into a new backpack.
Last year I used my messenger bag (bad idea) and the previous year I used my smaller backpack I was gifted at work. Only problem with that backpack is that there isn't a side pocket for my water bottle. Now normally I wouldn't mind, but the backpack isn't very large so putting in my water bottle along with any snacks or trinkets I pick up along the way fills up fast.

Basically, I'd like to know what kind of backpacks you all have used over the years and your opinion on each.
Thanks ahead of time!

 

[jamesez]

We used this: http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/tortuga-packable-daypack

It's not very rigid (but it does pack down, so) and fits two disposable water bottles on the side pockets.

 

[jolene63]

We have two of these: http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/s...ackpacks&previousPage=GNAV&tab=gear&color=855

They are super lightweight and have worked perfectly for us.

 

[Praying Colonel]

DW got me this for Christmas 2 years ago:

http://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-B...62996169&sr=1-2&keywords=high+sierra+backpack

I really like it. Has 2 small pockets on top for putting small things like phones, keys, cards, etc. Also has 2 outside pockets on each side for drink bottles, as well as understraps for putting things like wet ponchos, etc. that you don't want inside your backpack.

 

[kristenabelle]

Best backpack I've ever used: http://www.ebags.com/product/swissg...nid=94790994&gclid=CImExOHl0swCFVhbhgodFOwC6A

Lightweight, durable, lots of sections. It withstands me filling it up with junk and tossing it into the bottom of rides. I used to tote a WDW drawstring backpack, but it would always fray and break after use in the parks.

 

[momof2n2]

I'm going to go outside the box and suggest not worrying about water bottles. We've been here since Sunday and I feel like there are water fountains every time you blink. My kids no sooner say, "I'm thirsty," that we come up on a drinking fountain."

 

[disnut8]

I'm going to go outside the box and suggest not worrying about water bottles. We've been here since Sunday and I feel like there are water fountains every time you blink. My kids no sooner say, "I'm thirsty," that we come up on a drinking fountain."

While there are water fountains everywhere, some like to take their own water bottle and if your backpack doesn't have one, consider getting a water bottle strap. These are sold at Disney World but I'm sure you can find one online before you go. It's kind of like a lanyard but it's longer so you can sling it cross ways on your body and it will attach to the top of the water bottle so you will always have your bottle with you and hands free at all times (except when you are drinking, of course).

 

[Justin91]

I am looking for advice on a backpack as well. I have several but most have a lot of pockets. I am yhinking about one that I can use as a small carry on bag as well as a pack for the park.

Any ideas?

Also, can your water bottles have water in them when you enter the parks or do they have to be emptied? Thanks!

 

[Barbara76]

My husband carries this bag, the coolest thing about it is the shoulder unstraps ambidextrously. http://www.amazon.com/3V-Gear-Posse...e=UTF8&qid=1463005227&sr=8-4&keywords=3v+gear

 

[Linleedo]

After looking through multiple threads, I still couldn't find what I was looking for so here I am asking for help.

I've been doing Disney since I was little and love it. I've also always brought some king of bag with me on every visit.
This October will be my first solo trip (wish me luck) and I'm debating looking into a new backpack.
Last year I used my messenger bag (bad idea) and the previous year I used my smaller backpack I was gifted at work. Only problem with that backpack is that there isn't a side pocket for my water bottle. Now normally I wouldn't mind, but the backpack isn't very large so putting in my water bottle along with any snacks or trinkets I pick up along the way fills up fast.

Basically, I'd like to know what kind of backpacks you all have used over the years and your opinion on each.
Thanks ahead of time!

I like the hikpro ultra lightweight backpack. It only weighs 6.5 oz. and it holds two water bottles on the outside pockets. Here's a link to it http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Li...63004020&sr=8-1&keywords=ultralight+backpacks

I tried the messenger bag. The strap was ribbed and ripped into my shoulder. A full size backpack was bulky and not very breathable on a hot day. I feel that the above bag is my best choice. I hope this helps.

 

[AJA55]

I have used backpacks for years. Kipling is durable and comes in a variety of styles. Yes they are a bit expensive, but I have had the same one for 20 years. Go for a dark color that will not show the years of use you will get out of it. Mine is black. And yes I put it in the wash.

 

[mistole]

After looking through multiple threads, I still couldn't find what I was looking for so here I am asking for help.

I've been doing Disney since I was little and love it. I've also always brought some king of bag with me on every visit.
This October will be my first solo trip (wish me luck) and I'm debating looking into a new backpack.
Last year I used my messenger bag (bad idea) and the previous year I used my smaller backpack I was gifted at work. Only problem with that backpack is that there isn't a side pocket for my water bottle. Now normally I wouldn't mind, but the backpack isn't very large so putting in my water bottle along with any snacks or trinkets I pick up along the way fills up fast.

Basically, I'd like to know what kind of backpacks you all have used over the years and your opinion on each.
Thanks ahead of time!

Just curious - why was the messenger bag a bad idea? That's what we planned on using. I don't usually like backpacks.

 

[LuciMarie]

Just curious - why was the messenger bag a bad idea? That's what we planned on using. I don't usually like backpacks.

Honestly, the strain from the messenger bag was too much. I have a questionable shoulder and even switching had the same issues.
I prefer backpacks because it has an even distribution of weight.
I've also used a cross body hobo bag I made which was fine, but I was only keeping my wallet, sunglasses, and a plastic water bottle in it.

 

[LuciMarie]

I'm going to go outside the box and suggest not worrying about water bottles. We've been here since Sunday and I feel like there are water fountains every time you blink. My kids no sooner say, "I'm thirsty," that we come up on a drinking fountain."

My issue with the fountains are while they do have them, some are directly in the sun. I'd also rather not rely on them solely. I drink a minimum of 2L throughout the day.
I have a reusable water bottle I'll fill by fountains or at at a service place.

 

[LuciMarie]

I am looking for advice on a backpack as well. I have several but most have a lot of pockets. I am yhinking about one that I can use as a small carry on bag as well as a pack for the park.

Any ideas?

Also, can your water bottles have water in them when you enter the parks or do they have to be emptied? Thanks!

Everyone is posting good bags, if you travel a lot maybe Osprey as well.

Your water bottles can be filled coming in. One of the big rules is simply no glass.

 

[LuciMarie]

Thanks everyone. I'm slowly checking all the bags out.
My friend has also offered to give me one of her older Osprey bags since her husband just got her a new one for her birthday. Problem may be solved!
But keep the suggestions.
I recently had to lay my oldest bag (from grade school!) to rest. So I'm usually open to check out a new one.
If all else fails I have my smaller backpack that I've used in past. Really just wanted to see what brands everyone loves best.
For the record, I do have clips to attach my water bottle to my backpack, but I find them cumbersome and I wouldn't use one in the parks. Too easy to hit someone by accident. This is basically the one time of year I leave my trusty messenger bag at home.

 

[WishICouldSpeakWhale]

I am looking for advice on a backpack as well. I have several but most have a lot of pockets. I am yhinking about one that I can use as a small carry on bag as well as a pack for the park.

Any ideas?

Also, can your water bottles have water in them when you enter the parks or do they have to be emptied? Thanks!

You can have water in the bottles. I use a camelbak and carry filled, reusable bottles for the kids.

 

[Loopster]

Great thread, thanks for starting it! We too are looking to get a new backpack and there are some great suggestions here.

 

[alliecats]

Just got the Hikpro based on Linleedo's recommendation. I'll report back once I've given it the Disney test next week.

 

[Xennia]

After looking through multiple threads, I still couldn't find what I was looking for so here I am asking for help.

I've been doing Disney since I was little and love it. I've also always brought some king of bag with me on every visit.
This October will be my first solo trip (wish me luck) and I'm debating looking into a new backpack.
Last year I used my messenger bag (bad idea) and the previous year I used my smaller backpack I was gifted at work. Only problem with that backpack is that there isn't a side pocket for my water bottle. Now normally I wouldn't mind, but the backpack isn't very large so putting in my water bottle along with any snacks or trinkets I pick up along the way fills up fast.

Basically, I'd like to know what kind of backpacks you all have used over the years and your opinion on each.
Thanks ahead of time!

I got the Dooney and Burke haunted mansion backpack. It's got a place for everything. Even water bottles. I love it.