Backpacks

[toyotaae86lg]

I sure this is a stupid question but I love taking backpacks to amusement parks. Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of backpack? Brand? Model? I need something to carry cell phone, water bottles, passporter, etc. Sorry for being goofy

 

[MNmom]

I don't know when you are going but if it is in the summer I would highly recommend the Camelback or similar backpack. This has a water bladder that holds 1.5-2L of water (or Lemonade/Crystal Light ) This was totally a lifesaver for us as we waited in lines, for shows and parades and didn't have to hold a warm water bottle all day. We filled it with ice throughout the day and it stayed very chilly all day!!

I have a med/lg sized one that holds my phone,snacks, wallet, camera and some games. It was perfect.

 

[Yardbird]

MNMom, can you tell us more about the Camelback? Is it heavy? How easy to load/clean is the water container? I've never seen one in person, but have been searching the net for them. Is there a place on the pack to store the valve, or does it sort of "hang?"

It looks like a great idea; one I had not even thought of. I usually carry a tote with snacks etc., and rubbermaid insulated water bottles with straps. The hydration backpack would seem to condense what we carry. Any recommended style?

Thanks!

 

[MermaidsMom]

Have you considered a fanny pack? You can find some very elaborate ones with elastic bands to hold cell phones, water bottles, etc. I even hang my umbrella off the side of mine! I look like a park commando. They are so much easier than a backpack and are easy going through security.

 

[stich626]

My boss bought me a wonderfull Eddie Baur bag that is absolutley wonderful. It has a spot for your water bottle, cellphone and very sturdy straps. Unfortunatley I have no idea what the cost was since it was a gift.

I second the idea of the camelpacks. My husband has been looking at them latley for our upcoming trip to Hawaii. I will ask him some ?'s when he gets home.

 

[lodgelady]

I just received the most recent LLBean catalog that has camping and hiking stuff. Camelbacks and lots of backpacks, including a really small and lightweight one that could be great for the parks. LLBean has an online store. Here is a link to their gear:


LL Bean Gear

Good Luck!

 

[my3princes]

We got a cheap backpack at Walmart. It has a nylon back, but the sides and front are mesh. It was so easy to go through security. They were able to see everything in the bag without opening it.

 

[MNmom]

toyota...

I don't know the style of my Camelback as it is about 4 years old. I do know that they come in many sizes and shapes (fannypack style too). The valve clips on to one of the shoulder straps near your chin. This is great for the person wearing it as you can just turn your head and have a nice sip of cold water. It is not so convenient for the person you are sharing with. My DD(7) shared with me and I would have to bend down so she could have a drink. Not a big deal but just something to think about.

The cap on the bladder was very big for ice. We would fill up at the resort in the morning and then ask for another cup of ice around 2pm.

I would just rinse it out each night and hang it upside down overnight. When I got home I washed it well as I had used lemonade in it a few days.

There are other brands out there as well. My DH has a Lowe Alpine Slick Pack(Platypus too) that is a nice size but he needed to buy a bigger bladder for it as we hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon last year and we needed 2L of water.

Try rei.com, Dick's Sporting Goods, or LLBean. Good Luck!!

 

[mickyzzzzz05]

We got a cheap backpack at Walmart. It has a nylon back, but the sides and front are mesh. It was so easy to go through security. They were able to see everything in the bag without opening it.

In December of 2004 we bought a see through plastic backpack at Walmart. It was on a clearance shelf for $1 and my husband thought it was stupid until we got to WDW. The security people loved it. They would not only wave us through the line but most of the time would say a positive thing about the backpack and how it made their job easier.

It not only saved us time and hassel at the check points but had the added advantage of us being able to easily locate any item in the bag with out digging for it.

It is our new official WDW backpack!

 

[wendy1974]

I recommend something nylon or made from a material that dries easily. I take my FAVORITE Tigger backpack with me each time that I go to WDW It's a little old and beat up but it does the job. Most importantly it's made out of nylon and that helps when I sit it on the floor of the boat in Splash Mountain

 

[Yardbird]

I just went to ebags, and they have several on sale. I purchased a clearance Camelback, using the Mousesavers 20% discount. Can't beat the price! What I like about ebags is that they have a free return policy. Thanks for the tips!

PS Didn't mean to hijack your thread Toyota.

 

[toyotaae86lg]

I appreciate all this feedback on backpacks. I didn't think people were going to respond. Thanx. P.s. Yardbird your all right!

 

[toyotaae86lg]

I just went to ebags, and they have several on sale. I purchased a clearance Camelback, using the Mousesavers 20% discount. Can't beat the price! What I like about ebags is that they have a free return policy. Thanks for the tips!

PS Didn't mean to hijack your thread Toyota.

How did you get a 20% discount with using mousesavers?