Fanny packs vs. Backpacks

[mtblujeans]

I always take a backpack but it does get in the way. Oh, well. I don't like putting everything in the lockers.

 

[liznboys]

My dh wore a fanny pack to hold all the important stuff. And I carried a shoulder bag (small one). I liked it because it was easy to have on my shoulder and sit with on rides. I would think a backpack would kinda get in the way (you'd have to take it off your back everytime you got on a ride, unless you're just talking about hanging on one shoulder). But I've never been a backpack person, they annoy me. lol I'm probably going to take a larger shoulder bag next trip, I just really liked how it worked for us. (I might get that Disney logo one that's at Disney Store online.)

 

[goofy4tink]

My dd and I both wear fanny packs. I did find last year that if you wear your fanny pack where it's supposed to be worn, on your fanny, it is much more comfortable. If you watch lifeguards, that's where they wear theirs'. Dh also wears a fanny pack. We basically only carry passes, small amount of cash, lip balm, sunstick, wipes, tissue, cameras, ponchos and my dd has her autograph book/pen. It all fits quite nicely in the pack.

 

[DonnaSue]

jenniwho - try www.ebags.com

They have a nice selection of all kinds of bags!

Donna

 

[lissawynn]

Since our honeymoon in 2002 and our last trip in Oct. 2003, I've really been able to narrow down what I need to take to the parks.
Wal-Mart ponchos, camera, batteries, lip balm, sunscreen stick, band-aids, neosporin, lotion, and hand wipes.
I have a great fanny pack from the Gap that also can be carried over the shoulder. I've found it to be too big and I tend to put stuff in it I never need.
For my trip in June I'm using a light-weight bag from Eddie Bauer with a shoulder strap. It's smaller, which means I can't take too much stuff and overload myself.
Also, a must for me is a two gallon Ziploc bag. I just put everything in the Ziploc when we hit the water rider or if it starts to rain.

 

[pjlla]

For the person looking for fanny packs.... try EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports). Not real cheap, but lots of different sizes and configurations. My family of 4 each wears a fanny pack. The kids carry their autograph books, pens, and a snack and juice box. DH carries the camcorder, $$, car keys, his wallet. I carry the digital camera, $$, PHPs for the whole family, hand wipes for the whole family, advil, bandaids/blisterblock, comb, chapstick, sunscreen (small tube). If we feel we will need ponchos and/or sweatshirts or other large items we may carry a back pack. But if we find we are not needing it (weather gets better) or it gets to be in the way, we get a locker. I resisted the idea of a locker for a long time, figuring it would be a pain in the neck to go all the way back to it if we were at the other side of the park. But if we just send one adult to get it, it really doesn't take too long.

For example, this past January we had just spent a cooooold day at Epcot, actually leaving before Illuminations because we were all too cold (and we are from NH!). We had all worn shorts and t-shirts with sweatshirts over, thinking we would end up taking off the sweatshirts when it warmed up. IT NEVER WARMED UP! And when the vendors started selling mittens and blankets, we figured it was time to leave!! Anyhow, the next day was MGM and Fantasmic, which we didn't want to miss. We dressed in shorts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts again, but packed long pants, windbreakers, and beachtowels in a bag which we left in a locker. About an hour before Fantasmic DH stayed with the kids while I ran up and got the bag. We went into the bathrooms, changed into our long pants, and put all of the fanny packs in to the bag (weren't going to need them at Fantasmic!). When we got to Fantasmic we had beach towels to cover the cold metal benches. And we had our windbreakers. We were very comfortable!! It saved the evening. And it was really not a big deal to have to carry that bag out that evening. Anyhow, just my story.

I personally vote for fanny packs for all, with the option open for possibly using a back pack, and putting stuff in a locker for later if needed!....................P

 

[Cindy'sCastle]

I found this great pack at KMart the other day. It has a drawstring top, made out of waterproof material, the bottom is round and unzips for an extra space that is lined for cold items. The round bottom is about 2 1/2 to 3" tall. Then the bag (container) part is around 7 to 8" tall. It has one thick strap, I'm assuming for over the shoulder. That is great for us since that's usually the way we carry our backpack in the park, just carrying it over one shoulder. Plus it has some zipper compartments separate from the main storage. I paid around $15 for it.