Bag/Backpack for kids?

[Lmans77]

Mom is tired of being the pack mule. Any suggestions for a bag/backpack/fanny pack for an 8 year old? She is of average height and pretty thin. I wouldn't expect her to carry much. Just lightweight stuff like her poncho, maybe a frog togg, her own lanyard full of pins if she gets tired of wearing it.

I try to travel light myself and carry a 31 cinch sac and I'm always trying to keep as much out of it as possible.

 

[monorailsilver]

My son had a cinch sac which kept his water bottle (metal thermos one just to give you an idea on weight) and his iPod.

My girls each had a baggalini crossover 2 different styles and I had a different style as well.

My dh carried a lightweight back pack. He had planned on taking his super thick one and complained that the lightweight one would break. I knew it wouldn't!

Anyways, my oldest was fine with her crossover, she kept her thermos water, her phone, chap stick and probably a park map in it.

My youngest was 7 so she did not continuously wear it but would start off with it and eventually my dh would carry her water.

We didn't bring ponchos unless it looked like rain and of course the one day we didn't it poured!

 

[imthemamahere]

For a small(ish) girl, I'd go with one of two things:

- either a lightweight backpack (my son has the Lands End medium "featherlight" backpack for school, and it's awesome - sturdy and light - he could easily carry that around all day): http://www.landsend.com/products/boys-featherlight-medium-backpack/id_254884?sku_0=::BLA ... (I kinda want a small Baggallini backpack, also super light weight and easy to carry, but can't really justify the cost when I don't NEED one.)
OR
- a lightweight crossbody bag along the lines of a Baggallini or this eBags bag (which I just bought and have been very happy with - it's small but can easily hold a poncho/water bottle/pins, it's super-light, can be adjusted to fit across the body comfortably): http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/piazza-day-bag/94553?productid=1237311

Basically, the key here is lightweight. Anything too heavy, and you'll end up carrying *two* bags, mom.

 

[ajwolfe]

Before our last trip I ordered my boys personalized Mickey cinch sacks off of Etsy and they loved them. They were reasonable price and have held up well. They were able to carry their water bottles, lanyards/pins, autograph books/pen, pressed pennies and any souvies they picked during the day without any weight issue with them.

 

[kristoferburns]

The things which are essential in kids backpack are snacks or lunch box, water bottle, seasonal items like hats in summer and handkerchief in winters, notebooks and pen/pencils.

 

[msmama]

Just FYI on my last trip, I was in line TWICE with people nearby dealing with lost/left behind at the last place they were, backpacks.

So you may be losing the weight of things, but now you'll have something else to keep an eye on!!

 

[BubblyTrip]

Mine is barely seven so YMMV, but it's hard enough to get him to keep up with sunglasses. I just don't want to spend the day checking for the backpack, since it had to come off for rides and shows and meals.

I guess I could see a hip pack or just a water bottle carrier. For me it would have to be something that could stay on the body all day.

I did decide to consolidate to one water bottle between DS and I this year, but that's always a little iffy if someone ends up getting sick.

 

[LovePug]

I just ordered this for my son because he wanted one of his own. I like that it's water resistant and supposedly light to carry (they have multiple colors to choose from). Sorry I can't give a review of it, yet.

LC Prime® Sling Bag Chest Shoulder Unbalance Gym Fanny Backpack Sack Satchel Outdoor Bike nylon fabric red 1

 

[swthrtpallanes]

My Ds was 5 the last time we went and he did fine with his small backpack. He carried his sweater, snacks, activity book and water bottle. Doing the same next year with him and my Dd 5 for our next trip. The back packs are plain nylon, two zipper mini and purchased at Walmart for about $5. I bought a Darth Vader patch to decorate my son's.