Fanny Packs, for those who think they look goofy.

[PocahontasLookALike]

I think the practicality of the fanny pack is INGENIUS, but I think they look a little goofy on. I am not 'dissing' them by any means, but for a 26 y/o I wanted something as functional and practical, but without the look of the fanny pack...and I found a solution!

I found a very thin fanny pack that is meant to be worn underneath your shirt, but still around your waist. It is a tan color and is very thin. A great place to hold things like money, ID, credit cards and Park Passes. I usually carry a back pack to WDW, but I always feel so nervous about keeping these items in my pockets or backpack.

I found it in the luggage section at Target and it is called a 'security waist belt' by Embark. A friend of mine who spent her summer abroad used this when traveling all through Europe and loved it! So, here's an idea for those who don't want to wear the fanny pack.

 

[Tink&SquirtsMom]

I'm 27, and swore I was not gonna be wearing a fanny pack.... Then we went out looking for camera cases that were more practical then our current ones, and well... I am the proud owner of a new hip pack. Not quite a fanny pack, but might as well be. A bit more stylish then the traditional fanny pack, it's a flat little cube (about 3x4x2) with hidden pockets, vs the wide multi pocketed traditonal fanny pack look, with padding on the inside to protect the contents and it's to wear on the side of your hip (which I like because it doesn't add that bulgy look to my front. It has a main compartment which can hold my digital camera (a tiny Elph) in one pocket and the batteries and memory cards in another, with room for a pair of sunglasses and some chapstick. Then it has a flat zip pocket in the back that will hold my KTTW cards and money. Dh ended up getting one too (so if you see two dorks walking around with matching hip packs give us a wave) and that will hold our small digital video camera and his money and KTTW cards (but nothing else will fit). They are so much more practical and comfortable then our old camera cases that hung around the shoulder and were always in the way (so much so that our cameras ended up tucked in our bags and were never at hand when we needed them). So I'm taking the "fanny" pack plunge.

I looked at the ones you are talking about but I wear form fitting shirts and they wouldn't quite work for me, plus they didn't solve the camera issue for us. But that is awesome you found one that will work so well for you. Plus those kind are awesome to ward against pick-pocketing, etc.

 

[lajones81]

I'm 27, and swore I was not gonna be wearing a fanny pack.... Then we went out looking for camera cases that were more practical then our current ones, and well... I am the proud owner of a new hip pack. Not quite a fanny pack, but might as well be. A bit more stylish then the traditional fanny pack, it's a flat little cube (about 3x4x2) with hidden pockets, vs the wide multi pocketed traditonal fanny pack look, with padding on the inside to protect the contents and it's to wear on the side of your hip (which I like because it doesn't add that bulgy look to my front. It has a main compartment which can hold my digital camera (a tiny Elph) in one pocket and the batteries and memory cards in another, with room for a pair of sunglasses and some chapstick. Then it has a flat zip pocket in the back that will hold my KTTW cards and money. Dh ended up getting one too (so if you see two dorks walking around with matching hip packs give us a wave) and that will hold our small digital video camera and his money and KTTW cards (but nothing else will fit). They are so much more practical and comfortable then our old camera cases that hung around the shoulder and were always in the way (so much so that our cameras ended up tucked in our bags and were never at hand when we needed them). So I'm taking the "fanny" pack plunge.

I looked at the ones you are talking about but I wear form fitting shirts and they wouldn't quite work for me, plus they didn't solve the camera issue for us. But that is awesome you found one that will work so well for you. Plus those kind are awesome to ward against pick-pocketing, etc.

I'm 24 and my friend (whom I'm traveling with) is 23. We always use fanny packs, but are curious as to where you got yours. Thanks!

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

I'm 30 and I've been using the fanny pack for the past 5 years. I do NOT think they are fabulous but I hate to be lugging a backpack around all day! That kills my back by the end of the day. Plus I like the freedom of the fanny pack because my arms don't feel restricted like the do when I have a backpack on. I guess I've always consoled myself when I see others wearing the fanny pack. Kind of like when you see people wearing flashy stuff in Atantic City that you know they'd never wear anywhere else.

With that all said. . .Tink&SquirtsMom, do you think you could post a picture of what you're talking about. I'm always up for a more fashionable way of doing the fanny pack.

TIA

 

[Holly]

I definitely think fanny packs are dorky- but I still wear one! You just can't beat the security and convenience

 

[nluvwithmickey]

WDW is the only place you will see me wearing a fanny pack.... I could not function in the parks without them....I make sure never to forget them when we pack. Everyone in the family has their own and they carry their ownsnacks,autograph books, and spending $$$ in it.


Tried the backpack first trip...DH almost died from the heat and the weight of it, and when DH ain<t happy nobody is!!!! So who cares if the fanny packs aren<t cool? I,d rather have a happy DH than be stylish.

 

[JayCT]

What about the water parks? What do you do with your money, roomcards, credit cards, etc.? Are there any waterproof gadgets that hang around your neck or wrist? Last year, stuck everything in a shoe by the lounge chair, but hate taking the risk?

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Dive shops and catalogs sell flat zippered pouches on a belt with special ziploc like but sturdier inner pouches.

 

[lajones81]

What about the water parks? What do you do with your money, roomcards, credit cards, etc.? Are there any waterproof gadgets that hang around your neck or wrist? Last year, stuck everything in a shoe by the lounge chair, but hate taking the risk?

Stick the room key in a locker (I know a pain, but I'm not sure what else to do). There is a waterproof necklace where you can keep money and your locker key. I tried finding a picture online, but didn't have any luck. I'm sure they would sell this at Disney.

 

[cutienibbler]

I purchased a hard plastic water proof case with a cord attaced to it at the Animal Kingdom, its to keep your money, keys and stuff dry and on you when you go to water parks. I have to admit, I havent used it yet, I never make it to the waterparks!

 

[Nora94]

If you wear glasses a fanny pack is a must honestly! You need to stow those expensive prescription frames somewhere VERY safe during any wild rides. I don't mind the fanny packs at all, never even thought of them as dorky. Guess that's cause I go for function not form.

Nora

 

[DisneyKidFoever]

Hi
Im 22 years old and I to think that fanny packs are dorky, but I have so many things that we need to bring into the park like:
chap stick
Cameras
CM's Thank you cards
Big Pen
Autograph book
Tickets
ID
Money/ CC
I also have a very small book that has Pooh on it and I have written all of our Important Info in it like our PS#'s and what time and when and I can also use it as a journal for my trip, I keep that in there to.

So you see they are very fuctional and I couldn't imigane carrying ALL that stuff around and I know DH wont (he already said so) and we Don't do backpacks.

We also found some really cute ones at our Wal-Mart, mine is bright-light purple but they also had lime green and other colors they were only 5.00 and I bought a water bottle to hang off of it for 1.00 HOW COOL!!!!!!

 

[TurnR@TheMouseHouse]

I have found some very small light weight shoulder slings at the AAA store. (in the triple A travel offices) The have a good selection of stuff for travelers and some of it works well at Disney.

I have a one made of fabric that hangs crosswise over my shoulder with a very long strap so it stops right below my hip. I can carry those valuable script glasses, money, credit cards, tickets and a cell phone. I use it when I am not wearing cargo shorts with pockets or a cargo vest.

 

[nkkilala]

I am on the band wagon with thinking fanny packs are dorky. I have had to wear one for school though ( I am a athletic training student). I found some really sporty ones that I think I will try at disney. I am so consicous that I will get made fun of but now I can have the comeback that its part of my Job!!
The students and I turn them around backwards to "spice it up". It helps having it behind you beucase then you don't feel chubby and I like it in the back because I don't feel as dorky.

 

[Corryn]

Of course I used to think that the fanny packs were pretty lame, but then when you're lugging around a backpack full of stuff that is needed in the parks, the fanny pack looks Reeeeeaaallllll Gooooooood!
I am going to be a little conceited right now, but I think I look really good for 36 with two kids and I still wear it. I also have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and I cannot hold things in my hands for even a few minutes.
My husband holds the backpack, but now that the kids are older they're going to bring their own little backpack for stuff. Even the kids wear their own fanny packs to hold their lip balm, sunglasses, pen, etc.

You know, I don't care how old you are. You youngin's should learn early, who cares what other people will think? If you're there to have a good time, you should do what is easiest for you. It is soooo much easier not to be carrying things around and to have your hands free, especially when the heat is making you uncomfortable.
If someone gives you a goofy look because you're wearing one, just smile at them. Nothin' makes 'em madder than a smile!

 

[agotta]

I HATE fanny packs!! That is what DH is for, my little pack mule He picked out a new backpack this year and loves it. Eddie Bauer from Target!! We have too much stuff for a fanny pack. Plus Dh likes to have somewhere safe to store his digital camera.

Amanda

 

[Cherb]

No! No! No! No! No!

Do you realise how bad you look wearing these?

I bet you all wear socks with sandals

Small backpack wins every time.

 

[marriedmarylander]

I still don't know what to bring. I hate the idea of carrying around a backpack all day. A friend of mine got a messenger bag, but I think that might get annoying as well, but I think a small one might be the best option. I have to carry money, tickets, room keys, camera around... and what if we bring our own bottled water - I guess just hold it the entire day? A backpack with water holder I guess it easier...

So hard to try to look cool at an amusement park.

 

[Tink&SquirtsMom]

No! No! No! No! No!

Do you realise how bad you look wearing these?

I bet you all wear socks with sandals

Small backpack wins every time.

You mean the small backpacks that went out of style back in the late nineties? Now that makes me think of socks with sandals. I myself wear flip flops

We do bring a backpack (regular size) just to carry a change of clothes for the kids, but it rides in the stroller. Hard to carry in the lines if the kids also want to be carried. With what I have I can carry a kid on one hip and have my hip pack on the other.

Lajones81.. I got mine at a local sporting goods store in their travel section.

ForTheLoveOfDisney... I will post a pic when I take one. Its plain black and a small squarish shape. I'm pretty petite and it fits exactly on my hip. It's soft but holds it shape because it has some sort of protective insulation for the stuff inside (perfect for protecting our camera and some sunglasses or our tiny camcorder). It also has a lining around the zippers to prevent water from getting in. The back has that breathable fabric that wicks away moisture. It was $15.

 

[marriedmarylander]

How much stuff will this fanny pack from Target hold? Can it hold a camera?