Backpack with integrated cooler

[goofygal531]

Anyone have one that they love for WDW?

I never thought of bringing a cooler before (thought they were not allowed in the parks) and really would like one for the next trip. But there's no way I can shlep any more stuff. I really need to consolidate. I'm not a backpack type at all (much more a Bloomingdales designer handbag type ) but really like the idea of everything in one place.

I'm not fond of the Baby Shepra bags at all. I found these two bags with very large coolers that look like they might work. I don't really need a place for diapers/wipes I can always use my Skip Hop Pronto for that if I need to. I don't need a place for my personal stuff, I sling a Prada bag with my stuff. Mostly it's baby/kids stuff plus the cooler compartment.

Anyone have either of these and can give some feed back?

Outside Baby Cooler Backpack
http://www.ebags.com/outside_baby/cooler_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=86275

Kelty Binto Duo Pack
http://www.ebags.com/kelty/binto_duo_pack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=85713

Thanks!
Mare

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[goofygal531]

I know they're huge, but I think that's good in a way. They can hold a lot of stuff. Plus I figure years to come when we own a DVC and have other family members with us, the space will come in handy.

I don't plan on wearing it on my back (what a fashion statement that would make!) I plan to keep it on the stroller handlebars. So as long as it doesn't tip my stroller, I don't mind the size. I'm looking for convenience since we'll be going more frequently when we own a DVC, the cooler inside a "nice" backpack wouldn't work. Plus I'm trying to keep the stroller basket free for my other dilemma of carrying around an extra stroller for my 4 year old.

I'm hoping that Grainger or Dick's will have them.

LuvOrlando, where in PA are you? We have a weekend house in the Poconos not too far from Scranton/Dickson City. I do a lot of shopping up there on the weekends!

Mare

 

[ConnieB]

I have to agree those look huge....more like a weekend backpacking trip then a jaunt through Disney!

If you already have a stroller, why not just get a soft-sided cooler (Walmart sells them for around $10, in sporting goods, they're sometimes called lunch bags). It will accomplish what you need not be as bulky and not being as easy to overpack and tip your stroller. While WDW won't let you take in hard sided coolers, they do allow the small softsided ones.

Also...there has been several threads lately about the safety issue of leaving your "stuff" in the stroller while you are in line for rides. I would think having everything you own in one bag would make it easier for someone to take off with it all. Obviously, I'd rather they not steal anything, but I'd like to think it would soften the blow to not have EVERYTHING stolen in one fell swoop.

Also...unless you're planning to have many more children, spaced out wisely, lol.... then years from now when you are a DVC owner, you aren't going to have the stroller to carry that monstrosity around and it'll end up on your back or left home.

I would suggest you pull out everything you think you need to carry...lay it on the table and then figure out the smallest way to carry it. And don't get anything bigger than absolutely necessary. Many people also talk of schelping around a huge diaper bag with every conceivable need only to find that they don't use half of it and regret having worn themselves out carrying it around. Pack light....let one item do double duty where possible....and realize that many things you think you need to carry you probably won't. I'd use this first trip as an experiment...pack as light as possible and if you find you really and truly have to have something, then you can get it. But chances are you'll make do with something you already have and be glad for the lighter load.

 

[all4fun]

Have you checked out BRU? It's been a while since I looked but I do remember seeing a couple of backpacks that had small cooler sections in them. Just thought I'd mention it. I never bought one because I always made do with stuffing a small soft sided cooler under the stroller and just leaving it there. No one ever messed with it. By the time I found the bag I liked I couldn't really justify the purchase because ds was outgrowing the need for us to schlep so much stuff around (yay!). Anyway, we'd put about 3-4 blue ice bricks in the cooler bag and it would stay cold the majority of the day. We did this a lot btw...we went to WDW 4x during a 12mos period before ds was two (atypical even for us - but what fun! ).

hth

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[crl]

We have a McKenzie kids back pack. It's great because the bottom section is a small cooler. The top is a backpack for the stuff and the outer pouch has my valuables (wallets, camera) that snaps off so I can leave the bag in the stroller and take just the small valuables pouch (that has a shoulder strap) into the attractions with me. It's larger than the diaper bag I normally take, but it's our official Disney bag.

 

[goofygal531]

Scranton is about an hour north. I guess when you say shopping you mean outlets, and yes we do have great ones here which one do you prefer? I love crossings Where are you in NYC?

We live on the Upper East Side in NYC. Our weekend house is in Lake Ariel. We're in a large community. Golf course, lakes, ski lift, tons of kids activities, etc... We love having the best of both worlds. I love raising my kids in the city- the museums, culture, diversity all of it. Plus there are so many moms groups offering events daily. I could never live in PA full time, I'd just miss the city too much. But I do love the time we spend there.

We're about 30 mins from Scranton and no, we don't outlet shop there. I go there for Wegman's, Walmart, Toyrus, the mall, etc... That's the closest shopping district.