Can you recommend a good backpack?

[Jenny-momof3]

I'm looking for a backpack to take to Disney. I will be carrying a small messenger purse myself with tickets/phone etc. in it. But I'd like a backpack to take as well. I know the mesenger bags are preferred but my dh won't carry that kind of bag and I don't want to be the only one carrying stuff the whole time.

Any reccomendations? Big enough to put a change of clothes for my youngest, sunscreen, ponchos, a few snacks etc. in it. And lightweight that our backs don't sweat like crazy carrying it.

 

[_queenie_]

He uses it for school, but my DS17 has a dakine. I really love it because it's roomy and has a thermal pouch in the front that's sort of like a built-in lunchbox. I think it would be great to store drinks and such in in WDW.

 

[Carlyzmom]

I got one from Baggallini. It is the messenger bag, I think. You can check their web site or other sites that carry them. I LOVE it. It will be perfect for my needs. They have many types to choose from.

 

[jmatlick]

delete...sorry, posted it twice.

 

[jmatlick]

I use a backpack at the parks that I got at the disney store on clearence last year (best $5 I spent), obviously they won't be there anymore, but they may have an equivalent one soon. I bought the beach bag backpacks. They are mesh, so it makes it easy going into the park because security can just flip the bag around to see what is in it. It is smaller then a regular school size backpack, but I easily get DS's diapers, wipes, change of clothes, sunblock, snacks, my wallet, four pair of sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and extra pins for DD's pin trading in it. (The usual Mom supply list- ). Also, it has a padded strap. Not to mention Disney characters on them.

I've also seen people using clear backpacks because its easier to go through security with them. But I've read other dissers tales about how they feel like everyone can see what they have then. Personal comfort choice...

My only complaint about the backpacks (and this would be for any type) is that there isn't a good way to carry them in the strollers if you rent one. After trip #1 with them we had the idea of using the clamp clasps (I don't know if that is what they are called) and hooking the backpacks top handle through it and then clipping it onto the Disney stroller handle. Unfortunetly the clasp we bought for trip #2 was to small, so we are going to buy a bigger clasp for the next trip. (Whenever that may be...the sooner the better ).

Added info- The backpacks have held up really well, they look new still. I've used them for other trips too, like DDs school field trip, so I could carry my groups lunches and souviners and I didn;t feel bogged down with a cumbersome school size one.

Can you tell that I love these backpacks???

 

[cheerforchelsea]

The smaller and lighter weight the better - my daughter has a type of backpack/purse that is made of cloth with cord to close it and use for the straps. She found hers at Old Navy. Very lightweight - not nearly as annoying as a heavy backpack.

 

[buzz5985]

We have a backpack that we bought at Target many years ago. It is a "cheaper" version of a platapus. There is a 2 liter bladder that is in the backpack that you can fill with water - and there is a large straw that comes out for drinking. Whats nice is you can fill the bladder half full with yoou bottled water - freeze - you will have ice water. After the ice melts - any counter service will give you a cup with ice.

Then we carry the usual stuff - ponchos, cameras, etc. DH carries it - I use a wristlet for the tickets etc.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

My favorite backpacks are the Kipling brand. They are SO well constructed and so light and very comfortable. They are a bit pricier than others, but they outlast every other brand. Sometimes you can find them on sale.

 

[megveg]

Ihave a camelback and its a small light weight backpack with a bladder you can fill with water and drink right from your bag (theres a tube with a part to drink from)

 

[MommaSnowwhite]

We bought and Under Armour backpack for our trip we just returned from. It was a great size and had a thermal pocket like a soft sided cooler. It was around $70. It seemed great until the stitching came apart on one of the shoulder straps during our trip. I will be returning it this weekend!

 

[T. Lynn]

I love the backpacks from Cabelas. I purchased a smaller one for when I go to Knoebels and it's perfect (never slides off my shoulder).

It's made by Ameribag so you might want to do a search, I'm sure they carry different sizes somewhere on the internet.

 

[loco4dis]

I, too, am a backpack person. I use one as my purse whenever we travel. After looking at several, I bought this one for our June trip:

http://www.ebags.com/ameribag/spiral_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=92885

It doesn't look like it in the picture, buy it's quite small, and I like that it has the non-padded straps (less hot). It has lots of pockets both inside and out. Someplace on here I wrote a review of it, but I don't know where. Basically, it will fit all typical purse stuff along with camera, rain ponchos, water bottle or two, etc., and still have room left over. I really, really like the small size and have worn it around the house. I think it's going to work great. I got the blue trim, which is a really pretty color.

Having said that, I also just received one of the large Vera Bradley backpacks (which, by the way, aren't all that large) because they're 40% off at her site (for retiring colors) and I've always wanted one. Still, I'll use the one pictured here at WDW because it won't show the dirt.

 

[SpaceGirl]

I carry the Vera Bradley backpack I have several. They are made with colorful material very lightweight.

 

[OceanStateKelly]

LL Bean
They'll put the kids name on and there machine washable

llbean.com