Do you really carry around backpacks?

[conmama]

First off, we're eating in the parks and really don't plan on bringing any food in. My boys could carry fanny pak, but I know they will drive them crazy It's our first time, we've waited a long time to come and I don't want to insist. I know that I plan on taking a fannypak, but wonder if it's big enough.

I don't feel like lugging a backpak around and not sure what I would need it for if I'm not bringing food.

I think I'll need more than a fannypak for ponchos, etc. What kind of backpak do you bring in? Isn't it uncomfortable and heavy carrying it around for miles? Are there smaller lighter weight ones?

Everything I read about carrying all this stuff makes sense, but I don't want to do it, neither will my dh.

What truly basic necessities do I need and what type of carrier to put them in.

Thanks

conmama

 

[3mickeys&me]

I usually bring my own bottled water in my back pack, and extra clothes, like sweatshirts. I actually bought my back pack at MK, Its light weight and its easy to wear. I don't wear it usually though I stick it in a locker and its at the park if I need it. I wear a fanny pack that really has everything I need in it.

If your kids are little and you need it for sippy cups it pays to have one if your kids are older I wouldn't worry about it or stick it in a locker like we do. There if ya need it.

 

[disnutt]

I find my backpack more of a help than a fannypack. It's great for souvies, cameras, sunscreen, water and all the other items that are handy to have. As long as you strap it over both shoulders it really isn't much more trouble than a fannypack.

I just saw some 'dainty' backpacks at Eddie Bauer. They are smaller than the one I used in college or for day hikes. More of a purse size.

If you wear one just make sure you are aware of who's around you and you don't smack them with the pack as you turn around.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

We have not carried a back pack in years. We carry one, sometimes two fammy packs. No food; we carry a little cash, tickets, passes etc. ,any medications, small camera, the cheap thow away ponchos that are tiny and maybe one or two more items. DS carries penny press stuff himself somtimes. We hate to have to deal with extra stuff. DS however is 12, we carried a bag when he was younger.

Jordan's mom

 

[newtowdw1]

DH carries the backpack. In it are 2 Britta Fill-n-go bottles, the camera, extra film, park maps, first aid supplies and medicine (allergy, tylenol, my pain pills, etc), wipes, tissues, paper towels (not a ROLL! only a few folded up!!), sunscreen (I am the sunscreen nazi), and whatever else I feel is necessary for the day. I also take in small snacks. I think I'll take in ponchos and a tiny umbrella to provide shade (remember, I am the sunscreen nazi).
Now, this is what we take on other day trips. We have not been to Disney. And I have been accused of being overprepared (I know, hard to imagine). However, when the Mom in line next to us has a who smears her all over herself and Mom, I am very popular!!

Besides, DH is a saint. Why not use the pack mule if he's there?

OH and hats...can't forget the hats!

 

[Drewandwendi]

DH carries a backpack. I refuse. I have a rather large, ugly fanny pack that I will use. I bought DD6 a hot pink small fanny pack for $2 the other day,a nd she loves it. She will be in charge of 1 juice pouch or bottled water, a snack item and her autograph book. DD12 refuses to wear/carry anything, so I guess her pockets will be full. We put a towel, bottle water, a few snacks, meds/sunscreen, wipes, tissue and this year-Lysol-thanks to MRSA!!
DH will also wear a fanny pack for a beverage, tickets, walkie talkie etc.


I found a small backpack thingy yesterday for $5. It goes across you like you would wear a purse across your chest(over one shoulder). One side of the back pack is larger, so it fits kind of under your arm. Dont really know how to explain. DH may carry this instead. Oh yeah, ziplocs. Everything goes in ziplocs.

 

[sskem96]

I will be carrying a lightweight canvas sling-type backback. In it will be my camera, video camera, extra film and mini dvd's, first aid kit, bottled water, and hand wipes, and of course our passes and stuff. No one else carries anything. That way it's all in one place and I'm in control. (I like it that way!)

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, a simple light-colored drawstring sack type. I keep a swimmer's chamois, a change of shorts/underwear, a few ziplocs, mister fan & cloth for cooling down, a camera, a small bag of nuts/pretzels and sunscreen. Hats also go in when we are indoors, so that we don't lose them. We also carry 2 Brita bottles on belt holsters. I carry money, cards, etc. in a string wallet.

 

[HappyLawyer]

since we go to the parks every day i cannot see spending money on meals that cost that much, we make sands in our villa buy snacks and carry beverages, i also carry sanitizer it is not really a hassle cuz you can ride with your pack
have fun

 

[conmama]

Okay, I'm sold on a backpak. I guess I'll just have to look around for one that is lightweight and not cumbersome. I forgot about sunscreen and I know they'll be wanting to put their hats in something. I guess dh and I can take turns being a pakmule.

It really is a good idea, I just want to keep it light. I guess we really do need one.

Thanks

conmama

 

[MrsPete]

No way would I drag around a backpack!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We dont carry a backpack but dh is in charge of our family bag. It is a drawstring type bag that is made of backpack material. I bought him an extra padded shoulder strap for it. He just keeps it over l arm. We only take 2 rubbermaid chuggers of drinks,a few snacks, ponchos if needed, and the camera goes in there too along with ds autograph book, wrapped in a ziploc to make sure nothing gets on it etc. DH doesnt mind doing it.

 

[Rachie0507]

I always had a backpack with me at the parks, and I haven't even taken the kids yet. I think it is an absolute necessity with them!! Without the kids I have carried my camera, cellphone, sweatshirt, maps and anything I buy through the day. It is far from full or heavy. Once the kids are with me I will also have drinks and changes of clothes, because you never know!! Oh, and sunblock. Where do you hide your sunblock without a bag? I'd feel naked at the parks without it!

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

I wish we didn't, but we HAVE to have a backpack LOL. My girls are 6 and 1 and need sunblock, snack baggies, sippy cups, water bottles (the Brita ones), ponchos, we have a stroller rain cover, the camera/camcorder (and accessories), an extra outfit (ziploced)...you get the idea. Since we need those things too much we don't use the lockers. At Babies R Us they have these hooks that attach to the stroller, we hang the backpack on that and just put it on when we go on a ride (never leave your stuff behind). The backpack isn't heavy so it isn't a hassle to wear it. The only thing Remy carries is her autograph book, pen and little odds and ends in her fanny pack.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I used to carry a backpack all the time. It does become a pain but I like having the stuff. Most rides you can bring it with. But otherwise you can rent a locker for awhile.

My only problem is we'd go with my step mom dad and my brothers and I often ended up carrying things for the others. So if you do ask them at first to carry fannypacks expect that they will give them up to you at some point. Maybe give them their own special camera a one time use one or something might motivate them to carry one.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Last time I was in Florida we only went to SeaWorld and I had a mini backpack its by Jansport. I still have it just needs a wash so I think I will bring it on next trip too. It was light but fit sunblock camera and all the other little things I like to bring "just in case".

 

[HenDuck]

my DS will only be 5 1/2 when we go to WDW and I don't want to load him down. It will be a miracle if he walks most of the time anyway (since the men in our family like to carry/baby him ) I don't want to do anything that will make him more tired than he'll already be.

We bring one medium sized back pack for extra clothes, meds, water and camera. It gets passed from person to person, depending on who's doing the "riding with the kid" and who's waiting on the bench.

I agree that if you use both straps, and keep it as light as possible, it really isn't that much trouble.

It's easier for me to whip off my backpack to get on a ride then to unlatch my fanny pack.

That said, when DS gets older, it's probably back to the fanny pack!

Good luck!

 

[robinb]

I use an Ameribag Healthy Back Bag. It's about the same size as a backpack, but I find it easier to carry .

 

[pezpam]

Some of this depends on the weather..... when it's cool, we tie sweatshirts around our waist and I bring a small bag with sunscreen, camera, cellphone, hand sanitizer, park maps and other info if I have any I need, and penny-smashing supplies. As long as the bag zips shut, I could use a backpack or a handbag with shoulder straps. I like using smallish canvas bags - except I hate worrying about whether they'll dump their contents on rides. lol I've found that I don't need a heavy backpack, but having somewhere to store the things we need and the things we pick up along the way is very handy. I don't usethe lockers since I have mobility issues and could not return there several times a day, but they'd be a good solution for someone who has less trouble walking than I do.

When it's hot, my daughter carries a tiny backpack with a Brita Fill-n-Go bottle (it actually fits 2 in the main compartment, which amazes me since the bag looks tiny), a couple of snacks, a disposable camera just for her, her autograph book and pen, and any pennies we have already smashed. I make sure the bag doesn't get heavy - with two straps it hasn't been a problem - and she actually enjoys helping out. Make sure the straps are long enough so that kids can slip out easily when it comes time to ride, but short enough so they don't whack their tushes with each step - they will give you the bag after about 20 minutes.

I also make sure that in her bag (or shoe if she doesn't have a bag) is a Ziploc or transparent luggage tag with a recent picture of the two of us together and a note detailing how to get in touch with me - my name, cell phone number, etc - just in case she gets lost and is too upset to remember the cell number.

 

[Stitch&figment 4 eve]

I would say just bring or buy a small bag . It works great for my mom and sister she used it for some souvenirs and her cell.