Clear plastic backpacks?

[annmorr]

On a recent visit to the Magic Kingdom the person in front of me in the security line was carrying a clear plastic backpack with all of the usual items in it - a water bottle, sunscreen, poncho, etc. The security guard (who was facing a very long line of visitors carrying all kinds of bags) looked at her with a big smile and said that she just "made my day".... and examined the contents from the outside...no need to open it.
I made mention that Disney should be selling those bags (making a big profit and cutting down on security lines)..... the guard's response was that Disney does sell them.

Since it was my last vacation day I didn't put any more thought into these bags, but now that I'm planning another trip I want to get one for my next trip.
Can anyone give me info on the quality & construction of these backpacks or where they might be purchased?

 

[MaryLovesMickey]

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[keepswimming76]

I have seen them online and was considering buying one for our upcoming trip to make security easier. I will definitely do it now! Especially if it might make someone else's day.

 

[xlxo]

They were popular shortly after 9/11. However you do loose privacy. My concern is durability with the panels/seams with use.

 

[Clifton Tesh]

They tend to dry rot and break down relatively quickly when exposed to the sun constantly. But they're also pretty cheap, so you'll have to decide if it's worth the investment.

You also do not want to keep any electronics in them if you're going to be in the sun a long time....greenhouse effect and all that fun science.

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

My high school, back in the wake of Columbine and 9/11, required us to use only clear plastic or mesh backpacks. I always preferred the mesh type - they seemed to last a little longer. But the plastic does offer the additional benefit of being water-resistant.

I've never seen see-through backpacks of any type sold at WDW, but I've hardly been into every merch shop.

 

[annmorr]

Thanks to everyone for some good information on the use of clear back packs - it seemed like such a great idea, but now I'm starting to see a few drawbacks as well.

 

[loves to dive]

I have one I bought at Wal-Mart. It's not a full sized one, fits a small wash cloth for wiping down wet seats, a poncho or umbrella or a light sweater, my cell phone, my ball cap, a small wallet. It's probably half the size of a regular backpack and has a small front pocket on it. My only problem with it is that in the summer it does get hot on your back and since I tend to wear sundresses the straps get on my nerves. But that would be the case with any backpack. The security people do love it and I take it on every trip, I don't use it every day, just depends on if I need rain gear. If I don't I just use a small crossbody big enough for my cell phone and a small wallet. I've had it for about 10 years and have had no problems with it falling apart, I don't stuff it to the gills and using the wash cloth or poncho or sweater I'm able to sort of hide my wallet and cell phone.

 

[Teacup53]

I used a traditional nylon backpack for our trip a few weeks ago but my little travel first aid kit was a hard plastic clear travel soap dish and another little pouch for misc. stuff was clear sided, the security guard smiled and said - "I like these, they are Disney Approved" took me just a less than a minute because he didn't have to open all the inner bags and sent me on my way. Funny, I hadn't even thought about the security element when I was packing, it was more about packing light rather than our big first aid kit.

 

[jklmw]

I bought one a couple of years ago from the wal-mart, it's perfect, size of a regular school backpack. It is not only helpful for the guards, but for us too.

 

[OKW Lover]

keep in mind that clear bags also let everybody else see your stuff. Might get embarrassing.

 

[andiraye]

I don't think I could handle that! I like when all my junk is neat and tidy and out of view. Even at home I try to buy furniture with lots of storage, including drawers and cabinet doors, so that there is a place to hide everything.

 

[MamaJinji]

I bought one before my last trip to use as my son's diaper bag in the parks. I got it at Walmart during the school supply sales in late summer. It worked great. Like you mentioned, OP, the guards on bag duty would just smile and examine it from the outside without having to really stop and pull anything out, very convenient with an impatient toddler.

 

[annmorr]

Thanks to everyone for all of your opinions and advice - I just ordered one from Walmart for about $10. I'll be using it at the end of this month, so hoping that I don't find it too hot on my back. And I'll definitely watch out for my phone overheating also.
I'll come back to this thread to let you all know how it worked for me.