bag with magnet--bad idea?

[Ellajoan]

I'm looking at the Travelon Convertible Backpack/Shoulder bag. It looks like it's the right size and something I would like, but my concern is the magnet clasp. I'm afraid if I store my digital camera in it the magnet could wreck the pictures. I know of someone who lost a bunch of pictures by putting a camera too close to a magnetized scanner or Visa machine or something at a store. Is this a real concern?

 

[emileee]

Good point. Never thought of that....I did demagnetize my dh's credit cards all at once with a magnetic money clip....aack, he still loves me. Today my dughter bought a purse with a magnetic clasp (her first allowance purchase ever...such a saver). Will that be a factor at airport security....?

 

[OKW Lover]

Magnets aren't a threat to cameras (digital or otherwise), but can affect the magnetic stripe on credit cards and room keys.

 

[travelin' tigger]

Magnets aren't a threat to cameras (digital or otherwise), but can affect the magnetic stripe on credit cards and room keys.

Don't I know this now!! For a while I couldn't figure out why my AP kept demagnitizing - turned out to be the clasp on my bag. Beware!!

 

[maleficent esq.]

Thanks for the great info

 

[snowwite]

I'm looking at the Travelon Convertible Backpack/Shoulder bag. It looks like it's the right size and something I would like, but my concern is the magnet clasp. I'm afraid if I store my digital camera in it the magnet could wreck the pictures. I know of someone who lost a bunch of pictures by putting a camera too close to a magnetized scanner or Visa machine or something at a store. Is this a real concern?

Dont do it! My lovely LL bean bag ruined my credit card,park passes and room keys several times even inside a wallet. Finally somone in Epcots guest service showed me how strong the magnet was and why it was wrecking everything.Now I use my DD Pooh pouch

 

[KeepSwimming]

OK....I have to go there, because I'm over "there" alot anyway....

My Dad was a policeman for 25 years and to this day he grumbles when I travel anywhere with a bag that has a magnet closure. According to him, these bags are extremely easy for pick pockets and thieves to get into, especially in a crowded place like theme parks, and shouldn't even be considered.

Because of this, I can't bring myself to use them anymore, and feel compelled to warn others because this really makes sense...to me anyway, which may in fact be an argument for the other side....hmmmmmmmm.

Warning issued....you may now return to your regularly scheduled Disney planning.

 

[Ellajoan]

Thanks for the warning Keep Swimming--The bag also has numerous zippers, so I'm not even sure where the magnet is on it! We are not staying onsite, so I won't have a magnetized room key, and I may just make DH carry all credit cards in his wallet, anyways. Might the magnet effect park tickets, too?

 

[Tess'smom]

It took me three days to figure out why my room key and park passes didn't work! I will never buy another purse with a magnetic closure.

 

[travelin' tigger]

Might the magnet effect park tickets, too?

Magnets will affect anything that has strips on the back - park tix, room keys, credit cards, etc.

 

[sunny45]

Does it matter what size the magnet is? I have a small Travelon Travel Pouch but it does have magnetic closures. I can feel the magnets, they are the size of a dime. I haven't even used it yet but bought it too long ago to return it

 

[goofy4tink]

Dont do it! My lovely LL bean bag ruined my credit card,park passes and room keys several times even inside a wallet. Finally somone in Epcots guest service showed me how strong the magnet was and why it was wrecking everything.Now I use my DD Pooh pouch

I had the exact same thing happen. I have a terrific bag I got from LLBean while in Freeport last spring. Just the right size for what I need. However....while in WDW in Oct, I went through 4 APs, in two days!!! After the 3rd time, in AK, I went a bit nutty....told the CM at the entrance that I knew all about 'magnets etc.' ruining cards, I had been to WDW over 13 times and never had this problem...yada, yada, yada. Well, I head to Guest Services for the 4th time. As I stood there, dawn broke....my new shoulder bag had a magnet in the front flap. Oh man...I was so embarrassed. I went back over to the same CM that I had snipped at earlier, and apologized profusely. She just laughed at me and told me it sure would be nice if everyone would be so gracious. So, I had to put my APs someplace else. Now, I have a neck lanyard type thing they go into. I think I'll go back to my fanny pack along with the lanyard.
Don't take any chances with those magnets...you just can never tell how strong they are.

 

[angwill]

I own that same bag and love it more than any other I own. I use it at home and at Disney and I assure you I have never, ever had anything demagnetize in it. I have another purse with magnet closures that I use at times and my credit cards are right in that pocket flat against the magnet and have never gotten demagnetized. I used to be afraid of puses with magnets for that reason then I thought why would they make them like that if it would demagnetize cards. The magnet on the travelon is in the front closure and the bag sits on the front of you so I would think a pick pocket would try to find an easier target like a backpack. It has a lot of pockets and zippers to hide things in as well. There is actually a zipper pocket on the back that sits up against your body so you put anything of value in there and nobody will get at it and it is nowhere near the magnet back there.

As for Disney cards getting demagnetized. Those things get demagnetized so easy it doesn't need to be near a magnet or a cell phone etc. like they tell you. The first year we went to Disney I didn't have any bag only a lanyard with a plastic pocket around my neck that held my card and my son's card only. My husband was the bag carrier and that year my room card demagnetized every other day and I spent a lot of time in the concierge line at the hotel. The weird thing is that it was only the park pass that would not scan with the card that year but our room opened, I could charge things, and the dining plan would work perfectly. That card never came near a magnet, cell phone, credit card, or anything else that I can think would have demagnetized it and my son's card was in the same pouch but his never had problems so go figure. The last time we went I kept my card in my travelon in the pocket closest to the magnet and come to think about it we never had a problem with it demagnetizing.

I hope this helps ease your mind if you really want the bag. I own a bagallini and an ameribag and the travelon is the only one I will use at Disney.

Angela

 

[Ellajoan]

I own that same bag and love it more than any other I own.

Thanks angwill! Do you own the Travelon convertible backpack/shoulder bag or another Travelon model? I'm looking at the backpack type one on QVC model FO521.

 

[angwill]

I don't have the one your are looking at I have F00616 the Travelon microfiber expandable shoulder bag with cell phone holder. I would think the one you are looking at is meant for on your back but you may be able to wear it up front. It might also be bigger than the one I own. I don't carry a whole lot with me just what I need and my camera. The cell phone holder right there makes it easier to hear and grab it if it rings too. If you have small children you might want something bigger. Oh yeah, with the microfiber use some scotchguard on it before you go and it will repel any wet from rain or water rides. You might also want to try www.shoebuy.com and use code MSNAD10 for $10 off coming to just over $17 with free shipping or code VDAY07 for 20% off. I have bought from this company a few times without any problems.

HTH,
Angela

 

[alloyd1170]

I just received the Travelon convertible backpack from QVC (has a large metal ring at the top). I ordered it Sunday and for $4 extra got the expedited shipping. It was due to be delivered on Wed, but came Tues. I bought it for our WDW trip in 9 days so I haven't used it yet.

I was worried about the magnet too. Your credit cards, etc go into a large zippered pocket on the back of the bag (there are slots for pens, cards, and a mesh zippered pocket for loose items). Then on each side (the middle section of the bag) there is a zippered pocket (will carry my large camera in here). Next is another small pocket (has a little velcro pocket inside for a cell phone). This is the pocket that has a magnetic closure ( I wonder if you could demagnetize it just to be safe). I wouldnt keep anything valuable in here as someone could easily grab it. Finally there is another larger pocket on the front which is zippered. I plan to carry some snacks, and other kid stuff in it.

I was worried the bag wouldnt be big enough, but I almost wish it was a tad smaller. I do like it though. One zip of the strap converts it from a shoulder bag to a backpack. The true test is coming!

alison

 

[Ellajoan]

I just received the Travelon convertible backpack from QVC (has a large metal ring at the top). I ordered it Sunday and for $4 extra got the expedited shipping. It was due to be delivered on Wed, but came Tues. I bought it for our WDW trip in 9 days so I haven't used it yet.

I was worried about the magnet too. Your credit cards, etc go into a large zippered pocket on the back of the bag (there are slots for pens, cards, and a mesh zippered pocket for loose items). Then on each side (the middle section of the bag) there is a zippered pocket (will carry my large camera in here). Next is another small pocket (has a little velcro pocket inside for a cell phone). This is the pocket that has a magnetic closure ( I wonder if you could demagnetize it just to be safe). I wouldnt keep anything valuable in here as someone could easily grab it. Finally there is another larger pocket on the front which is zippered. I plan to carry some snacks, and other kid stuff in it.

I was worried the bag wouldnt be big enough, but I almost wish it was a tad smaller. I do like it though. One zip of the strap converts it from a shoulder bag to a backpack. The true test is coming!

alison

Alison, would you be kind enough to post a review of this bag when you get home? I have a few months before my trip so I can wait. Thanks!

 

[NoKatMom]

I have the travelon bag that you are talking about and just used it for a trip to the world. It was the perfect bag. There are so many compartments to put your things in, I used one of the side zipper pockets for my camera and had no problem. I used the magnetic one for kleenex or something like that. The magnet did not bother my camera, cards or anything.

 

[3DisneyGals&1Grumpy]

I also used the Travelon bag you guys are talking about at Disney and loved it too. I did not have any trouble with the magnet and our tickets. I kept the tickets in the wallet section that goes next to your back. I used the open part with the magnet to hold a small water bottle and the park maps and maybe a brush or comb.
I think it is a great bag. I bought the bagalleni first because of all the fuss on the Dis. I tried it out at Sea World for a day and did not think it was the "greatest thing since sliced bread" like others on the Dis did. I will definitely stick with the Travelon for my next trip to Disney.

 

[alloyd1170]

Ellajoan-I will try to rememeber to post a review. Our trip is in 8 days. Feel free to PM me at the end of the month. Looks like some have posted reviews already which makes me happy I got the bag. By the way, where in MI are you? I went to MSU (from Chicago area), grad in '93.

alison