Fanny pack vs back pack?

[LoveWDW]

I took all three, well four when you count pockets. I ended up using pants with zip pockets for me, and my husband carried a tear drop bag (like a back pack but goes over one shoulder.) A couple times I used my messenger bag, but it was inconvenient since it was something I had to carry. Between the teardrop bag and my pockets I just didn't need the fanny pack, and it wasn't big enough to substitute for the messenger bag when I need that (for jackets- we were there in December and carried jackets in the bags for the evenings.) We might have been able to get away with my pockets and a big fanny pack, but with the teardrop back there was ample room for desserts that we would take back to the room for snacks, for water bottles, for little umbrellas/ponchos, for sunglasses. Next time, I would leave the fanny pack at home, although if it had worked out I would have taken it. I like not having to carry things in my hands- not only is it more convenient than having to juggle a handbag when eating or riding or even shopping, there is less chance that somebody would be able to steal a fanny pack since it is attached to you and not sitting by the chair or over the hook in the restroom.

 

[Ilovestitch]

When I go to WDW I pack my WDW fanny pack, a backpack, a lanyard w/plastic card holder and my purse. I also make sure my bf brings cargo shorts.

When I want to look fashionable - I carry my purse (like when we are going out to dinner). I have a little louis vuitton speedy that is small but holds A LOT and is really lightweight and its a few years old so I don't care if something gets spilled on it or if it gets wet. Its made of coated canvas so the stuff inside stays dry.

At the parks I usually just have my lanyard w/my key card/credit card and I put anything else like my camera, chapstick, etc. in my bf's pockets.

I use the fanny pack when I'm carrying more than will fit in his pockets.

And I use the back pack if I'm carrying stuff like a sweatshirt, or towels for the water parks.

 

[mickey0216]

Back when my DD and DS were young: I wore a backpack so that I had room for our video camera, 35mm film camera, and sweatsirts for everyone, ID cards, KTTK cards, ...

Around 2000: We stopped taking the video camera, we switched to a digital camera, and the kids got old enough to keep their own sweatshirts (on their waists or shoulders when not needed). Since then I've only worn a fanny pack. I hadn't considered the cargo shorts angle... I may have to buy a few pairs before our next trip.

What's my point... everyone's needs differ and times change. Do what works for you! Don't pause for a second worrying about what others think about your choice of fanny pack, back pack, shoulder bag, or messenger bag.

(soap box returned to it's storage location)

 

[SnwflkCts]

First about fashion - no one has time to notice what everyone is carrying or wearing - whoops ... except maybe teens/early 20's so you all be fashionable (and cold from the lack of sweatshirts and closed shoes on freezing days) -- anyway, that said ...

In various parks I've tried both backpacks and fannypacks. Because I no longer have to pack much (just for myself and DH) I prefer the white leather fannypack I bought from beltoutlet.com (medium w/cell phone pocket). It was nice looking and sometimes if I got tired of wearing it, I would just throw it over my shoulder using the strap. I bought a large one too but didn't end up using it.

Backpacks just get to be a hassle and can become heavy but are more convenient if you have to put away a sweatshirt.

Pockets are great -- if you have enough! My DH's shorts with cargo pockets were a great place for spare ponchos, but a small/medium fanny pack works well for kleenex, sunglasses, comb and medical items some of us must carry. It can be pulled to the front, or around the back (over the fanny!) or pushed to the sides on the rides. Mine never felt in the way at all.

Best advice is to put your card/admission tickets in a plastic holder around your neck (lanyard) - easy for use in Fast Pass machines and to hold the fast pass too and use something else small (or pockets) for the rest of your stuff.

 

[tinkerbell211]

Thanks for all of your tips and comments. I LOVE the tip re: having characters autograph the packs!

 

[LVSWL]

Depends on the weather and season. If it might rain, might need to carry our ponchos, so one of us carrys our backpack, with a grocery bag also to put wet ponchos back in so backpack will not get soaked from them. Or if the weather is cool and we really need layers we might carry it for an extra sweatshirt for everyone, but I really encourage everyone to put that around their waist. I prefer a fanny pack just because it's smaller and cooler, but it won't hold my camera, so I have found another bag at Eddie Bauer that I am planning to use next trip. It can be worn on the shoulder or across in front. It has multiple pockets, but is not large at all, but will hold my digital camera, which is not the tiny kind, but not a SLR and I love all of the pockets for passes and credit cards and money and meds and lipstick and such. It is about 8" by5" by3"deep. Chocolate brown with light pick lining. Saw something similar at REI, but was more expensive and not quite as much room. Anyway, probably way too much info, but I hope that helps.

 

[cgcruz]

We always carry backpacks. Fanny Packs are just so ugly, plus they are not really convinient. I can put my camera , camcorder and many more things on a backpack.

 

[Troy08]

I used a small messanger style bag that I got on QVC (they were on special 2/20.00)It was stylish, just the right size and lightweight. With the strap in front, i never worried about my tickets, wallet, etc. Plus, I was able to take everything I needed without cramming it into a fanny pack.

My teen daughter used a small, lightweight backpack from Wal-Mart for ponchos, umbrella, water bottles.

I saw many people with messager style bags in stead of the bulky unflattering fanny packs.

I think one of the biggest Disney mistakes is people packing everything but the kitchen sink and then having to haul it around with them all day. Pacl carefully, pack wisely and you will be fine.

 

[anneofgreengables]

First about fashion - no one has time to notice what everyone is carrying or wearing - whoops ... except maybe teens/early 20's so you all be fashionable (and cold from the lack of sweatshirts and closed shoes on freezing days) -- anyway, that said ...

LOL, yes.