Fanny pack/Back pack opinions

[NewEnglandDisney]

I usually carry a small backpack. Just easier IMHO. There are a few things I need to keep around (a small notebook, medication, poncho, etc.) and it just makes more sense for me. I just can't bring myself to use a "fanny" pack - because of their style, too small size, and they just feel uncomfortable for me.

I've never had a problem with a backpack once - on any ride. The only "iffy" ride is RnR, which I just loop it around my arm or foot and keep it secure during the ride. It's pretty second nature to me now.

For those that like to shop bags, check out http://www.ebags.com . If you sign up for their list you will get some great discounts - I get something every couple of weeks offering a % off my next order, etc. I've never actually bought there, but am looking for my next trip - but I thought bargain hunters might want to get on their discount list (obviously I am not associated with the company, hehe).

N.E.D.

 

[oogieboogie]

I used to carry around a fannypack, but this last trip I wanted something a little bigger so I got a small travel shoulder bag from Walmart and it works perfectly. There are slots for park passes, cards, etc., pockets for keeping pins/change, side pockets for my tripod, and cellphones, and to compartments.

I was able to carry 3 disney ponchos in it and still had room for autograph books, first aid kit, etc.

 

[ziggystardust]

I carry a very small Manhattan portage bag, it has a strap like a pocketbook that can cross over your shoulders and since it isn't that big I never have to take it off for rides and such.

Can you believe that a few trips ago I didn't even think that far ahead. I get to WDW with my regular every day pocket book and almost freaked out. Luckily I had a small camera bag and a DBF that was carrying a camel back with a lot of pockets! I blame it on the stress of college, yeah thats it!

 

[Loriannf]

The best bag I've found is a large fanny pack from North Face called the "Roo" bag. It has a large pocket which will hold digital camera, ponchos, umbrella, change of clothes for 3.5 year old, wallet; and a front pocket for phone, keys, passes, tickets, room keys/car keys. The bag was about $25.00 from Dick's and is super light weight (although pink, which means my husband won't wear it). The belt is very adjustable and about 2 inches wide - stronger than other bags and doesn't cut in like many thinner straps. I've been able to hang water bottles and fans from it and it doesn't really bother me at all.

Lori

 

[Tishke]

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...316595-4765752?_encoding=UTF8&asin=B0007CG50K

I just bought one of these, in Lime Green, for our trip next week. The shoulder pad is nice and comfy and the front has a zip part for holding smaller things like a camera and snacks, and the main part holds two ponchos and then some. I think the version we have is made by another company, it was around $15, but it was a great purchase. Can't wait to use it.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Everyone has their own preference, I prefer the bag that goes across my body-not a backpack but not a purse. I dont bring a big bag-just one that fits the necessities for us. I dont carry for the look of a fanny pack and a bag pack isnt convenient for me to get to if I need to grab something so for the last 4 trips, I always have a across the body type messenger bag.

 

[arminnie]

We use this sling bag we bought from Ebags.

http://www.ebags.com/ebags/slingshot_cross_body_sling/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15028

Absolutely love it. It has the roominess of a backpack, but the ease of a fanny pack. It is constructed very well with a wide strap so it does not cut into your sholder, and on the strap has pockest for a cell phone and a zipper compartment that is great for money, roomcard, etc.

I love the design of this bag, but be careful about putting too much heavy stuff in it. I carried my laptop in it on the plane to Orlando and my back was KILLING me for two days later. And I NEVER EVER EVER have back pain. I hated having to give it away because it truly is one of the best designed bags out there.

 

[Forevryoung]

Mine is a combination of everyones-

A baggallini messenger bag http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/messenger_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18644 (from ebags.com with 20% off mousesavers.com discount) or ebay it (but they only have it in black)

it comes in a bajillion different colors, is pretty small but holds a lot, has a waterbottle pocket, seperate compartments for lots of stuff and I didnt have to take it off to look through it. When I needed something I just pulled the bag around to the front.

It worked out great for me!

 

[Jalva22]

I used a Mountainsmith Tour pack. I think it's actually classed as a lumbar pack, bigger than a fanny pack, smaller than a backpack. Worked great. I just slid it around to the front whenever I got on a ride.

For park passes, room key, fastpasses and itinerary, I bought the lanyard from the Passporter website. It was nice for the fastpass machines. I just slid out the park passes and then stored the fastpasses in an outside sleeve.

I'm sure I was extremely touristy looking, but, hey, I was a tourist.

 

[sheepie mom]

We use this sling bag we bought from Ebags.

http://www.ebags.com/ebags/slingshot_cross_body_sling/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15028

Absolutely love it. It has the roominess of a backpack, but the ease of a fanny pack. It is constructed very well with a wide strap so it does not cut into your sholder, and on the strap has pockest for a cell phone and a zipper compartment that is great for money, roomcard, etc.

Wow - I love all the pockets! We travel a lot and many backpacks are too cumbersome for me. Thanks for sharing!

 

[swincha]

In your opinion, what is the best way to carry cameras, cell phones, park passes, money, maps, etc. in the parks? Is a fanny pack the way to go? A bag that goes across the body? A backpack?

Does anyone have any advice or a favorite bag of their own?

Thanks!

i had a great backpack from work with side pockets for water bottles. i kept everything in there.

 

[The Haunted Mention]

I am the pack mule for my family. I wore a fanny pack to keep my wallet and money handy and a backpack for everything from ponchos, souvenirs, snacks and water bottles. With all the walking that you do it is very convenient and great to have your hands free. Though I would like to, I woudn't do the park without one.

 

[Kissyme]

Bumbag (fannypack) for us I loop the camera through the belt, passports and tickets in the back, TC and money in the middle, keys and lip balm in the little pocket at the front then pass it to hubby who has a ready made shelf to conceal it all (almost)

 

[melaniemiller2002]

I use this pack when we go out for day hikes and the last time we went to Disneyland...

http://www.ebags.com/mountainsmith/tour_pack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=3146

It's a terrific bag and it doesn't look too "dorky" like a regular fanny pack... There is room for everything I need for my family of 4 and is very comfortable. It also does well on the "wet rides". I still bring a plastic Ziploc or two just in case.

This next April/May, I will be using this pack for our 8 days at WDW, my hubbie will have his water hydration pack on, we are getting kid-size hydration packs for DS9 and DD6 so we aren't dragging out their water bottles every 5 minutes, plus each kid will have a travel wallet around their neck that goes under your shirt. I wore one when I backpacked around Europe and they are great for keeping stuff safe. Now if I could just figure out where I'm gonna get my water from.............

Melanie

 

[aubriee]

Mine is a combination of everyones-

A baggallini messenger bag http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/messenger_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18644 (from ebags.com with 20% off mousesavers.com discount) or ebay it (but they only have it in black)

it comes in a bajillion different colors, is pretty small but holds a lot, has a waterbottle pocket, seperate compartments for lots of stuff and I didnt have to take it off to look through it. When I needed something I just pulled the bag around to the front.

It worked out great for me!

I have this same bag in black. Back in the spring a lady on e-bay was selling them as a 'buy now item' for $16.99. I would have preferred another color (lime green? ) But for the difference in price I ordered it. Another person here on the Disboards recommended it as her 'perfect bag' and I know quite a few of us ordered it. I used it May and really liked it. It was smaller than the WDW backpack I had bought down there in January, but held ALOT more due to all the pockets. The Brita bottle will just barely fit on the side, but does fit. By adjusting the straps it changes from a one strap back pack to an on the side messenger bag. I used it both ways down there.

I also won a very small leather messenger bag with five pockets from a gentleman from England on e-bay and carried it some down there too. It was only 7 3/4'x9" and says 'Lorenz accessories' on it. It was very small (smaller than a regular purse) and had the long strap so it fit across my body leaving my hands free. Again because of the pockets and the way it was made it held quite abit. The big center pocket held my cell phone and digital camera, one pocket held my ID, DDE card, CC, AP, Room key, safe key, etc., I put a little coin purse with a little cash in it in another pocket, my itinerary was in another pocket with list of my PS and a small poncho, and the other pocket held sunscreen, lip balm, mole skin, bandaids, and a few other toiletries. I was surprised at how much really fit into it. I used it on days that I didn't carry a water bottle, Pal Mickey, and an autograph T-shirt I had, otherwise I carried the bagalleni bag.

I think the key to a good bag is to make sure you have LOTS of pockets or dividers in it.

 

[newchic99]

This is the bag I bought this past week. It was only $19.99 at the time and I had a $10 off code Total with shipping $13.98. Also at the time they had more colors available. One being ,lime green ,which is what I bought.

http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/large_wallet_bag_microfiber/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=19097

It can be worn several ways . Let's hope I like it as much when it comes.