Backpacks

[SuperDisneyDad]

I've seen a lot of threads regarding different ways to drag all your "stuff" around the parks when you've got small kids. I'm just curious what kind of backpacks some of you use? Any suggestions? Types that work better than others, etc.??

 

[Stimpy]

My best advice about backpacks is to make sure it doesn't have a lot of sections to it. We had a Gap backpack that has atleast 10 zippered sections. Everytime we went throught the security checkpoints we had to open every section. It became a pain in the neck, totally our fault. By the end of the trip me and DH were fighting over who should carry the bag through security, neither of us wanted it! But with 2 small kids, it was helpful in the parks. Next time we'll use one with 1-2 sections instead

 

[canwegosoon]

My boys carried a Mickey Backpack they got from Scholastic. It was one of the small ones that fits an 8X10 picture frame, and not much else, but it carried a water bottle, snacks and ponchos or jackets. They wore there BP's and loved it...only 2 sections, and small so not a lot of looking at security. I thought they were great.

 

[FigmentGuy]

We just recently returned and used a back pack daily. I agree to have as few zippers/sections as possible. We had to open up all zippers including camcorder/camera bags for inspection. We just kept our media equipment, a glucose monitor, and a water bottle in our bag. Not to heavy and effective.

 

[ljones]

DD 9 is bringing a "purse" sized backpack for her rain poncho, anti-bac lotion, Wallet (I'll have most of the money), sunglasses, and disposable camera. She'll begin to learn tha Mom can't hold everything. Went to WDW in 2001, she carried a similar packpack yet with no wallet.

 

[Julia M]

I carried a clear plastic backpack, with a mesh back. It was great going through security....I didn't even have to open it up. The mesh kept it cooler agaisnt my back (August weather)

Even not having younger kids (mine were 12, 9 and 7 our last trip), I like having a backpack. I carried ponchos, my travel wallet, and a few small snacks/treats for the kids (kinds that didn't squish, like red vines).

Julia

 

[bobcat]

I use an Ameribag healthy backpack. It has lots of pockets but I have never been asked to open them all.

 

[Del]

I carry a black lands end backpack with my dis lime green ribbon bows on it. My kids don't carry one (dd8 and dd5). I use it for wipes, sunscreen, ponchos and jackets. --Del

 

[Nanu57v]

No kids yet, but my DH and I used a Jansport backpack. It has the main pocket and two front pockets so going through security was fast. The main thing was that it was waterproof, so when we went on water rides we could just stuff wallets into it to protect them.

 

[HenDuck]

I have a mid-sized Eddie Bauer back pack that I bought a year ago. I don't know the name of it, but the key features (to me) are:

1. Not too big, not too small. Maybe a bit larger than a kiddie pack.

2. Only 2 pockets (less to go thru at security). The smaller pocket has a place to clip your keys to.

3. Elasticized mesh bottle holder pockets, on both sides, on the outside. I have tested mine and I can fit 2 water bottles in each pocket, although that makes it a bit heavy.

4. Padded back.

5. Black (guy color), so my DH and/or father will carry it.

It's big enough to stuff 2-3 jackets in it if we have to, but not so big that I look like I'm running away from home or hiking in the wilderness for a month.

Having said all this, I cannot wait until I can go back to my fanny pack, and my DS can carry his stuff!

 

[debbiedoo]

I have a jansport fishnet backpack, makes it easy on security issues, and have even had completments from disney security.

 

[daisylove]

For our last thrip this month I bought a Nike light blue mesh back pack and they still made me open it. I thought that iwas being clever but no go. I am not crazy about have a clear one but that may be the way to go next time. i hate being the one holding up the line as I close it all up.

 

[mommyrom]

I went along with a great deal of positive comments I recently read about the Eagle Creek Parent Pak 2.0 and bought one for our upcoming trip (which I will be taking kiddos aged 7, 3 and 19 months). It can be a bit pricey ($50+), but quite durable and not too many pockets. Eagle Creek has their own website for your browsing pleasure! Good luck!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I bought a Samsonite backpack on clearance for DS to use for school, but he is still using his Columbia pack from last year. We will bring the Samsonite to WDW. DH will carry the backpack with wipes, hand gel, Band Aids, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, lip balm, camera, etc. I will put my purse in a locker along with jackets, hats, and gloves. I found really nifty badge holders at Office Depot, so all three of us will use a badge holder for our park pass, Fastpasses, and money. The badge holder hangs around your neck - it has a clear plastic window in the front and a zipper pocket in the back. They were about $4 each.