Do you love your sling backpack? (or hate it?)

[eyeblaura]

Our trip in September will be our first WDW trip stroller free as a family. Yay! My kiddos will be 6 and 9 and I am not expecting them to carry a bag of their own (not because they can't but I don't want to have to keep track of it). I have a cross body bag that works great for holding all our park stuff but it will dig into my neck eventually and I don't want to carry that all day, not bad when I could throw it over the stroller handle and wear it when away from stroller.

A regular back pack doesn't appeal to me because I think it will be hot and bulky so I am thinking of purchasing a sling backpack.

Things I need to carry, 4 ponchos, 4 pairs of extra socks, small medicine bag with tylenol, bandaids etc., portable phone charger, couple small snacks, phone, money. A water bottle or spray fan.

I prefer water resistant in case of rain or water rides and a secure or hidden pocket for money.

Do you have a sling backpack that you love or hate?

 

[SureAsLiz]

My sister has the Kavu rope messenger bag and she loves it

I don't remember exactly how much she was able to fit in, but I know she stored several snacks, a water bottle or two, and some other miscellaneous things.

The only issue is that, if you aren't diligent, you may end up with an odd tan line running across your chest

 

[choover2576]

My go-to park bag is the Ameribag: http://www.amazon.com/AmeriBag-Clas...08&sr=1-3&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=ameribag

It comes it lots of different sizes, but I have the medium and carry pretty much everything you've listed. It is very comfortable and has convenient outside zip pockets for wet wipes, camera battery etc. I found mine on ebay for less than $30

 

[eyeblaura]

Thanks for the recommendation. Is it fairly waterproof?

 

[choover2576]

I don't think it's waterproof, but maybe water resistant. I always put all my electronics in a ziplock bag anyway just in case one of my water bottles leak.

 

[gatorlisa]

My last few trips I have used a Patagonia Atom sling and love it. Very comfortable to wear and reasonably spacious, given it's compact size. I carried 2 ponchos, a pack of Kleenex, 2 epipens (I have food allergies), a small portable charger, wallet, small camera, couple of granola bars, and other small miscellaneous stuff in it. It had room for a water bottle, but instead of putting the bottle in the bag, I prefer to use a bottle holder attached to a carabiner and attach it to the strap of the bag for easy access without having to remove or slide the bag around. The bag also has straps on the front of the bag that I used to carry around a jacket during the middle of the day (I went in January and it was chilly in the early morning and after sunset). It rained most of one day of my last trip and everything inside stayed dry. For the majority of rides I can just rotate the bag around and keep it on while I ride. Other than when riding the thrill rides, I rarely have to take the bag off. I've used small backpacks and small cross body purses in the past and this has been my favorite bag, by far.

 

[eyeblaura]

My last few trips I have used a Patagonia Atom sling and love it. Very comfortable to wear and reasonably spacious, given it's compact size. I carried 2 ponchos, a pack of Kleenex, 2 epipens (I have food allergies), a small portable charger, wallet, small camera, couple of granola bars, and other small miscellaneous stuff in it. It had room for a water bottle, but instead of putting the bottle in the bag, I prefer to use a bottle holder attached to a carabiner and attach it to the strap of the bag for easy access without having to remove or slide the bag around. The bag also has straps on the front of the bag that I used to carry around a jacket during the middle of the day (I went in January and it was chilly in the early morning and after sunset). It rained most of one day of my last trip and everything inside stayed dry. For the majority of rides I can just rotate the bag around and keep it on while I ride. Other than when riding the thrill rides, I rarely have to take the bag off. I've used small backpacks and small cross body purses in the past and this has been my favorite bag, by far.

Thanks I like that one a lot. Do you wear the waist strap or is it fine without it?

 

[gatorlisa]

I have not used the waist strap and it stays in place pretty well. There's a small pocket on the back you can tuck it into if you don't want to use it. There are also little pockets you can tuck the front straps into if you don't want to use them and would prefer to have them out of the way.

 

[adennis0421]

Thanks for the recommendation. Is it fairly waterproof?

We use Kavu bags and love them. You'd be surprised how much will fit and they are very comfortable to carry. This one is water resistant. http://www.kavu.com/Product/944/Rope_Sling.aspx

 

[arminnie]

Several years ago I traveled with a small laptop in my Healthy Back sling bag from CA to FL. By the time I got there my back was KILLING me. Laptops were heavier back then so that may have contributed to it. I gave it away and have avoided them since.

It was beautifully designed with great pockets, etc. But having something heavy (which I think water bottles might qualify) could put stress where it doesn't need to be. Try one out before you commit. All our bodies are different.

As I do not travel with children I pretty much stuff my phone and a few dollars in my pocket now.