Fanny Packs and/or Back Packs

[Skeet]

My wife and I, along with our son (13) and daughter (9), will be visiting DisneyWorld for the first time this October. We're wondering if some of you with experience could give us your advice on whether we, or some of us, should have fanny packs.....should we all have a back pack? If we bring a back pack(s) what do you do with them if all four of you are on a ride? If a fanny pack is recommended ...I am a bigger guy with a 42" waist...are there certain brands that are made bigger? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

We are not a fanny pack loving family. While I think they are certainly the most convenient option- we throw away convenience for fashion! (DH had to insist-thank god- that I pack sneakers during our first trip- I was going to wear all my cute sandals). Typically DH carry a backpack for snacks, souveniers, camera stuff, etc and I carry a small messenger style purse. I know lots of DISers love Baggallini bags too.

 

[wendy46001]

Have to say I hate the fanny pack...if you need to bring a back pack...You should really only need one....I would say nothing to large, maybe a two pocket jansport...all you really need is a camera, water bottle, sun block, and a few snacks.... Although it’s hard to get kids to eat the snacks you bring ...they always want the mickey shaped items you get in the parks

 

[Skeet]

Thank you very much for the input.....backpack only it is.

 

[tink98]

While I agree that the fanny pack is not at all fashionable, they really are convenient. I had both of our children wear them. They carried their disney dollars and extra snacks (and got lots of mickey ice creams too) My DH carried a backpack for all the water bottles, camera, etc and I felt so sorry for him because it really made him sweat! I also wore a fanny pack to carry all the park tickets. Made it very convenient for getting fast passes.

I would rather pass on fashion for comfort and convenience for a few days. JMO.

 

[Deebo]

I am pro-fannypack for vacations. If everyone in your group wears a fannypack filled with his/her own items, you shouldn't need anything else (or at most a single Baggallini-type bag) to carry any 'community' needs. I used a backpack for a week at Disney in July 2003, and found that I had a very sweaty back. So which is the bigger fashion DON'T-- a fanny pack or a gross sweaty shirt sticking to your back?

As far as finding a larger fannypack-- WalMart sells Eastsport fannypacks (in the ladies handbag area) that have a removable insert in the belt that allows the pack to accommodate up to a 60 inch waist. They come in blue or black, and I think they are about $7.

 

[mshrm]

Definately a fanny pack is very easy.

Oh well on the fashion issue.... I guess I wont be making the cover of Vogue AGAIN this month!

 

[akalittleeva]

I agree about fanny packs - I only use them in cases such as WDW. I tried a backpack - hot and not comfortable after lugginh it for a while. I also had to keep checking when we stopped to make sure we had the backpack (DH and I took turns with it), I was always afraid it would be left behind somewhere. With a fanny pack, your hands free and it is always on you, no chance of losing it. Now that the kids are a little older (8 & 10), they can chip in with their stuff (autograph books, rain ponchos etc.). I just picked up 4 matching fanny packs for our trip in November (I'll have to shorten the kids straps), but I packed them up and they held everything we need with room to spare. When people look at pics from past trips, nobody, even my brutally honest family and friends ever said - "You're wearing a fanny pack ?!"

 

[bobcat]

My kids carry it themselves or they don't have it, even when they were 4 and 6. I don't play pack mule at WDW. We have all had our own fanny packs and while I agree they aren't very fashionable they are very functional.

For a backpack I recommend an Ameribag healthy bag backpack. I use mine when we are going to be at the parks for a longer time and it is amazing what I can fit in it. It has lots of pockets and since I have had back problems in the past it doesn't cause a strain on my back, even when full.

 

[LSUmom4kids]

I just picked up 4 matching fanny packs for our trip in November (I'll have to shorten the kids straps), but I packed them up and they held everything we need with room to spare.

I need to shorten my kids fannypack straps too. What's the best method? I really don't want to cut the straps. Do they make any velcro that would be good enough to make it the entire trip?

I'm open for all suggestions. (P.S. - I Do NOT sew.)

 

[mjantz]

I ended up buying a small 'day bag' on the DCL. It's a little bigger than a hardback book & tons of pockets & such. I could put 2 autograph books with pens, the Navigator & lots of other little bits in there too. It was expensive but I feel it was a good investment & looks better IMHO than the 'butt bag'.
I'm currently looking for small daybags for the kids so they can carry their own stuff as well. Backpacks are good but I think the daybag kept me much cooler.

 

[akalittleeva]

LSUmom4kids - I'm not sure that velcro would work, but I don't know much about stuff like that, someone else may be able to give you a better answer...I do not really sew, either, but I am planning on folding the strap over on itself enough to fit each child properly and sew it with a very strong thread or maybe fishing line. If sewing doesn't thrill you, maybe you could find somebody to do it for you - (my Mom usually takes care of my sewing needs, but I thought I'd try to tackle this one myself). Safety pins may work to...

 

[hangaboli]

I was thinking with the backpacks we would be able to carry the camcorder. Do you use one? How do you carry it? Do you only bring it for nighttime shows?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Erin

 

[bobcat]

Heck I sew and I just tied a knot in my sons when he was smaller. Made it easier to adjust as he grew.