Fannypack, Messenger bag, Backpack???

[Wenlitz]

Ok Ladies and girls, I have a small fannypack I usually wear. I am wondering about getting something a little bigger with a waterbottle holder. I know these dont make a fashion statement however I like having my hands free.
Suggestions please???? Thanks!!

 

[GIOny]

I know what you mean Wenllitz, I never seem to have enough room either. But here are a few suggestions, here are some links for fanny packs with water bottles: http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=7412612&search=access+plus+waist, http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=7412638&search=walkabout+waist+pack , http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=8263214&search=ultimate+gemini, http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=7412631&search=solo+waist+pack What I usually end up doing is bringing a fanny pack and then a lightweight tote bag for sweaters and just light stuff that doesn't fit in the fanny pack.

 

[scoutsmom99]

I have been using a small backpack and I can fit my digital camera in it a bottle of water, my small wallet, and some pins in the outside pocket. It is so nice to be hands free. I tried a messenger bag and that just did not work for me (it felt like the strap was cutting to close to my neck in the bag I schose and I did not like the feeling!). Here is a link to a site that was posted a few weeks ago (also look them up on E-Bay!).

http://www.baggallini.com/product.asp?category=1&product=132&mode=price

 

[hugsquared]

I vote for the baggallini...big enough yet small enough. I've played with it alot and it can be worn on your chest, back or side. But please check e-bay first. They run upwards of $35 on the baggallini site but I got a brand new one with tags for $16 on e-bay. Happy hunting.

 

[MrShiny]

For the total hands free experience, try a Camelback hydration system! Just strap your water to your back!

 

[aubriee]

I vote for the baggallini...big enough yet small enough. I've played with it alot and it can be worn on your chest, back or side. But please check e-bay first. They run upwards of $35 on the baggallini site but I got a brand new one with tags for $16 on e-bay. Happy hunting.

I bought the same one on e-bay and love it. The only thing is the ones on e-bay only came in black. The seller had very fast delivery though.

 

[jennyl772003]

I also got the Bagallini from Ebay. I think it is the perfect size. It also has a water bottle pocket on the side. I have taken it for a "test run" at Six Flags twice now, and I have not had back or shoulder fatigue like I did when I used a backpack. Plenty big enough for 2 sets of keys, a stuffed man wallet, a slim woman wallet, park brochures, a camera, and even a man's large lightweight jacket. (the jacket really stuffed it though) Without the jacket, it had plenty of extra room.

 

[missypie]

I'd advise the fanny pack. I've worn fanny packs to theme parks, hikes up mountains, etc. and I've never felt any discomfort. When we went to Disneyland Paris I took a black messenger bag (not wanting to be unstylish in Paris). Big mistake. It cut into my shoulder, even though I didn't have much in it. Plus, I had to DO SOMETHING WITH IT on every ride. (With a fanny pack, you just sit down.)

 

[CheshireVal]

I carry a small backpack for my wallet, refillable mug, sunscreen, lipstick, etc. I also like to have a bag to put heavier layers of clothing in when it gets warmish (essential in December, which is when I usually end up going!)

I think fanny packs seem handy, but I just can't bring myself to do it!

 

[marcij]

A small backpack has worked best for me. It has an outside pocket I can put my cell phone in so that I can hear it when it rings and have easy access to it, and plenty of room for souvenirs, a water bottle, sunscreen etc. The backpacks are sturdy but lightweight, are easy to scotchguard, and there are some really comfortable ones out now. Plus, I can wear it on rides because it is more flat than a fannypack.

 

[daisylove]

Hi there
Just bought from ebags.com the High Sierra Crunch backpack. It just came yesterday. Ithink it will be great. It is larger as I am one who usually has a cooler,backpack/tote and fannypack. I am trying tocombine. I figure I will take the crunch and then a small cooler for the stroller in June. It has a large inside pocket and an outside one as well as water bottle holders on the sides. I am feeling positive about this purchase. It is technically a lumbar (back) pack but it fits fine to pull it around to the front/side for rides etc. If you go through the mousesavers.com website link you can get it with the discount.

 

[daisylove]

Sorry my first double post.

 

[fussnbother]

I use a small "day pack" made by High Sierra. It is part of a luggage system they make and attaches by zipper to a carry-on bag with wheels and handle. I use it on plane trips alot and last year, I used it at Disney everyday we were there. It was wonderful! Just detach it from the carry-on bag and you've got a small back pack. It has really, really comfortable thickly padded straps. It carries my water bottles, rain jacket, sunscreen, hats, camera, kleenex, medicines and in the front pocket, has separate compartments for drivers licence, tickets etc. It was a definate plus last time and I'm taking it again this time. It's the best bag I have ever had at the parks.
I'm sure a fine luggage store in your area would sell them, or just plug in High Sierra Luggage in a search on line and you should find it. Of course it is well made, not cheap...but if your in the market for a new travel bag, it is a great deal...two bags for one price!

 

[marriedmarylander]

I decided that I would rather have something at my side and accessible so I chose a messenger bag that I got from H&M for $14. It's a medium size, definately not too big. I wanted something I might use again and I can use this as a purse as well to carry stuff like extra snacks, a book, magazine, umbrella, etc. I'm not a fanny pack person and we don't have kids though so we don't have to carry a lot of extras. I didn't want to use a backpack and have to take it off everytime I wanted something out of it. I didn't want to have to carry a backpack plus an extra camera bag at my side or around my neck. My camera will go in the messenger bag along with water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

 

[jennyl772003]

Just wanted to add that with the Baggallinni, if you just slide the bag around, you can get inside of it without actually taking it off. If you really need to dig, you will need to take it off, but if what you need is pretty accesible, it is easy to get to without taking it off. When I carried a back pack I was always taking it on and off.

You can also slide it around to better fit in ride restraints so you don't have to take it off.

 

[Forevryoung]

This Baggallini looks awesome but does anyone have any experience fitting the Brita bottle into the water bottle holder? Most water bottle holders seem too small for the Brita bottle.

Thanks

 

[SDFgirl]

I have been using a small backpack and I can fit my digital camera in it a bottle of water, my small wallet, and some pins in the outside pocket. It is so nice to be hands free. I tried a messenger bag and that just did not work for me (it felt like the strap was cutting to close to my neck in the bag I schose and I did not like the feeling!). Here is a link to a site that was posted a few weeks ago (also look them up on E-Bay!).

http://www.baggallini.com/product.asp?category=1&product=132&mode=price

We just got back and used this Baggallini messenger bag. It was great! Roomy, but not obtrusive. I would take it again in a heartbeat.

The only downside I could see with it was that, in order to get things out of it, you either had to take it off, or have someone reach in it for you. It didn't bug us that much, though.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've used both backpacks (on the smallish side) and fanny packs. I've found, that for me, the backpack straps start chaffing after 3-4 days in the heat. And I have taken it off and almost left a restaurant without it. But my fanny pack has never been left behind. I don't carry water with me very often. If we do then dh uses the backpack. My only issue with the fanny pack was that my lower back would start to ache. A CM at TL told me to 'turn it around, the way it's meant to be worn'. Ahhh, dopey me. Felt much better if I let it sit on my fanny. Then I felt like it was open to theft but as dh said, 'your backpack was behind you also'. Keep it zipped and you'll be fine. But again, I don't carry too much stuff....passes (for everyone), chap stick, digital camera, little cash and a poncho (disposable one).

 

[Forevryoung]

I've used both backpacks (on the smallish side) and fanny packs. I've found, that for me, the backpack straps start chaffing after 3-4 days in the heat. And I have taken it off and almost left a restaurant without it. But my fanny pack has never been left behind. I don't carry water with me very often. If we do then dh uses the backpack. My only issue with the fanny pack was that my lower back would start to ache. A CM at TL told me to 'turn it around, the way it's meant to be worn'. Ahhh, dopey me. Felt much better if I let it sit on my fanny. Then I felt like it was open to theft but as dh said, 'your backpack was behind you also'. Keep it zipped and you'll be fine. But again, I don't carry too much stuff....passes (for everyone), chap stick, digital camera, little cash and a poncho (disposable one).

I am glad a fanny pack works for you but I will be carrying my own stuff. We will not be staying onsite so some days this means that I have to carry a whole day's stuff with me.

Besides, a fanny pack wouldnt work for me because I am taking a 10 year old wth cerebral palsy and will spend a lot of time transferring her to rides. I dont want a fanny pack to get in the way when i am holding her. I think if a backpack is nearly flush with my back it will be easier. I dont plan on carrying a lot but I have a regular poncho (lighter than 2 disposible ones and it was $.50 at the Children's Place (yes it fits) and my Brita bottle and a ton of sunscreen (I burn very easily). My wallet and cell phone too and if i have a backpack I will take a tiny pair of flipflops with me so my sneakers dont get wet (going in June, it will rain). It seems like a backpack makes more sense for me. I dont want a huge fanny pack. I cant justify the look for the convenience

 

[goofy4tink]

I am glad a fanny pack works for you but I will be carrying my own stuff (not going with people who will split the load). We will not be staying onsite so some days this means that I have to carry a whole day's stuff with me.

Besides, I am 20 years old and I really really struggle with the idea of wearing a fanny pack. I just dont think I can do it The Crocs I might be able to get away with but not a fanny pack. It doesnt matter "how many people do it" when I get home with pictures, I will never hear the end of it.

Just wanted to say that basically everyone in my family carries what they need, in their fanny pack. I think that only one time we used the backpack and that was mostly since I had the camcorder. It was an older model and wouldn't fit in the fannypack. But, my newer model does fit, so no more backpacks. There is no way that I am carrying anyone else's stuff. You want it...you carry it. My dd, now almost 12, has been carrying her own stuff since she was 5!!!

I have to say that WDW is the only place in the world I would use a fanny pack!!! My other dd, 29, howls whenever she sees a photo of dh, dd and myself in WDW...all with our little fannypacks. she has told me there is no way she will travel with me if I insist on wearing one of those stupid things. But, in WDW nobody gives you a second look. So, I have my purple Crocs, and my fanny pack all set to go...dorkiness, here I come!!!