Handbags, Fannypacks, or Backpacks for the Solo Traveler?

[quirkygal]

I'm trying to decide what type of tote to use to - well - tote by stuff around in. I'm thinking a large fannypack (or waistpack) might work but I'd probably feel more comfortable with some type of larger bag.

What do you solo/childfree gals use in the parks? Is there an issue with bags on the rides? I wear a dress size 20/22 so there's not going to be a lot of extra room in the rides for me and a large bag

I plan on carrying my Blackberry which will double as my camera, a small baggie of meds, a small glucometer kit, small snack bag of peanuts/trail mix, a folded up plastic rain poncho, Purell, small tube of handcream, lip balm, blotting papers, Advil, small pack of tissues, and some bandaids/moleskin for foot boo-boos. I was going to buy a small water bottle with a built in water filter so I can just refill in the parks and hoped to hook this either in or on my bag/fanny pack. I'm staying at POP and planned to charge incidentals to my room and take advantage of package delivery for souvenir shopping.


Thanks in advance for your help!

Can't wait to start packing

 

[Schmoodle]

I love my Overland Bayliss bag for the parks. It can be worn as a waist bag or a shoulder bag or cross-body bag and is very comfortable. It is not too big, but holds a lot of stuff - I generally carry my camera, phone, cards and cash, hand sanitizer, lip balm, comb, tylenol, band aids and moleskin, small sunblock, reading glasses, with plenty of space left over. It has lots of handy compartments and zipper pockets, and everything opens from the top, and is not too deep so you can look down into it and easily find things.

I use every trip as an excuse to buy a new bag and have tried Vera Bradleys, Overland Donner, Ameribag totes, and keep coming back to this one, have used it for the last 3 WDW trips and it's pretty much perfect for me. Will not carry your water, so you'll have to clip on somehow or get one of those bottle straps. BTW, I am about the same size as you and 5'4", and it hits perfectly on me, and strap is very adjustable. When you want it out of the way, you can just sling it around to the back. I've never felt weighed down by it, and never had a problem with it being in the way on any of the attractions.

ETA: I see your trip is in a month - we'll be there Aug 16 - 26, yippee! Have a wonderful trip.

 

[DFD]

I'm trying to decide what type of tote to use to - well - tote by stuff around in. I'm thinking a large fannypack (or waistpack) might work but I'd probably feel more comfortable with some type of larger bag.

What do you solo/childfree gals use in the parks? Is there an issue with bags on the rides? I wear a dress size 20/22 so there's not going to be a lot of extra room in the rides for me and a large bag

I plan on carrying my Blackberry which will double as my camera, a small baggie of meds, a small glucometer kit, small snack bag of peanuts/trail mix, a folded up plastic rain poncho, Purell, small tube of handcream, lip balm, blotting papers, Advil, small pack of tissues, and some bandaids/moleskin for foot boo-boos. I was going to buy a small water bottle with a built in water filter so I can just refill in the parks and hoped to hook this either in or on my bag/fanny pack. I'm staying at POP and planned to charge incidentals to my room and take advantage of package delivery for souvenir shopping.


Thanks in advance for your help!

Can't wait to start packing

this fits my poncho, purell, cellphone, snacks and I clip a water bottle with it...


but lately I just do a coin purse that fits card, AP and cellphone

 

[tellemarie]

I'm a size 18/20 so I know what you mean! I usually use a crossbody bag (it's a Relic bag I found at Ross) and never have a problem. I'm a veritable "Mary Poppins" with my bags as I stuff mine full to the brim. Never had a problem with fitting in the rides with myself and the bag.

To be honest I would never use a fanny pack (due to the amount of "extra" i have in the middle ) and I'm very wary to use a backpack as there is too much risk for me of people reaching in w/o my knowing. I've never had a problem w/ it at Disney but I'm one of the "safe than sorry" people.

 

[ludari]

I always bring a backpack. Do they make fannypacks still?

 

[Hallowishes]

i go with my kipling lancelot .. it has just the right amount of room for me.

 

[quirkygal]

I always bring a backpack. Do they make fannypacks still?

They still make fanny packs but they're now called waist or hip packs. Not sure what the change accomplishes but I guess it made somebody in in marketing happy to change the name.

I'm very wary to use a backpack as there is too much risk for me of people reaching in w/o my knowing. I've never had a problem w/ it at Disney but I'm one of the "safe than sorry" people.

Everyone I know who carries a back pack uses it to carry around kid stuff - wipes, diapers, change of clothes, smooshed up baggies of Cheerios, etc All that stuff I don't have to worry about and honestly the kind of thing that would interest a pick pocket - or at that's my theory.

Thanks for all the great ideas - I'm off to Google up the bags and do some shopping.

 

[nurse.darcy]

i always bring a backpack. Do they make fannypacks still?

roflmao. . .lol.

 

[ctnurse]

I just bought and got in the mail today a baggallini messenger bag which I think I am totally in love with. I never needed a bag since I would just throw everything in Ds stroller but this year I refuse to bring it, I needed a bag. I can't wait to try it out next month.

 

[Tink575]

I'm trying to decide what type of tote to use to - well - tote by stuff around in. I'm thinking a large fannypack (or waistpack) might work but I'd probably feel more comfortable with some type of larger bag.

I'm a size 22 and I use a Travelon shoulder bag, messenger style. This is a cross-body bag, with a more than ample length strap. There is plenty of room on the rides and I do not have to take it off, which I love. If the ride has a lapbar, I simply lift up the bag before the lapbar goes down. It is expandable and very roomy. I carry everything you mentioned and more.

If you wear a fanny pack, you'll have to wear it on the front or constantly switch it around when getting on the rides.

 

[cglaura]

I used an Overland Donner last trip. I like that it has a holder on each side for two drinks. I carry a water bottle, and would keep my sunglass holder in the other, or sometimes I'd get a CokeZero, so I could have a place for both bottles.

The inside is very roomy, and the outside has a bunch of organizing areas.

I used a Vera Bradley ZipID Wallet clipped to the inside front organizer, that held some money and my KTTWC. On EMH days I used the wallet w/ a lanyard for quicker access.

You can find them for less $ on places like ebags, etc. But sometimes Overland will have a sale. I scored mine for $10!

http://www.ebags.com/product/overland-equipment/donner-shoulder-bag/140202?productid=10008007

It looks huge on the mannequin they show, but it really is the size of a medium purse.

 

[tsukata]

I'm a fan of Haiku bags as my go-to park bags. I also love Sherpani's bags, but too many of them use a magnetic closure that, while shielded enough for credit cards, will de-magnetize an annual pass in a heartbeat!

The last time I was at WDW, I picked up a Disney plaid mini-backpack at WoD and used it as my park bag. It has a zippered closure, and it worked great for me. I occasionally wore it "front-ways" when I was in line and had my Kindle or Android phone pulled out to pass the time.

Another trick I've started doing is that I use a pin lanyard (with no pins...I haven't succumbed to that addiction yet!) with an ID pocket clipped to the big "anchor" ring at the bottom to hold my AP, ID, room key, and credit card. That way, my most important items are right there and unlikely to get lost or stolen. I used a keyring ID pouch that came with one of my Sherpani bags, but Disney also sells little ID pouches that would work fine. Plus, those lanyards are super-comfy, I think. You have to pick the material that works best for you, but as they're designed to help support the weight of all those pins, they seem to be fairly soft and resilient as an ID holder.

 

[miralys]

I'm a fanny pack girl. No, I don't need the extra cushioning either, but it's comfortable. Bags or backpacks always hurt my back and shoulders. I am past the point of caring what others think. It means no worries about finding a place for your bag or leaving it behind somewhere. Plus it's a way to limit what I bring into the park. Give me a bag and I'll fill it to the brim!

 

[Mikes:)Mom]

I use this funny pack. It a Mountainsmith.

They come in different sizes. I think I have the Med, it can fix my DSL camera and more. It's great not wearing a backpack (that gets hot) and my hands are free!

 

[kat3668]

I got this bag in May and loved it!!! it fit my cell phone, camera and hand sanitizer. I liked that it also had slots like a wallet for cash and ap... I'm headed to the mall to get another tommorrow since they are on clearence!!!
http://www.verabradley.com/product/...tColor/Deco+Daisy/p/1001229.uts?fromSearch=1#

 

[capricorn19]

If you look on eBay there is a great bag, I have used it several trips now, holds lots of things. Might want to check it out. Oh did I mention it's by Disney and has Mickey on it. The item number is 370527551815. By the way I am in no way associated with this seller, just a disclaimer. LOL!!!

 

[Annadesu]

What is the policy on bags at Disney now? I was thinking of getting something to hang around my waist... but is that even allowed anymore? Will they let you go on a ride with it?

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I know the OP has already gone and come back, but I'm going to start out with my Coach crossbody and then buy one of these at one of the resorts:

http://www.disneystore.com/bags-tot...-resort-cinch-bag/mp/1277043/1000291+1000809/

My DD uses a Nike one for tennis and they are really easy to carry.

 

[capricorn19]

http://www.disneystore.com/bags-tot...-resort-cinch-bag/mp/1277043/1000291+1000809/

That's cute, might have to get one for my niece.

 

[quirkygal]

I know the OP has already gone and come back, but I'm going to start out with my Coach crossbody and then buy one of these at one of the resorts:

http://www.disneystore.com/bags-tot...-resort-cinch-bag/mp/1277043/1000291+1000809/

My DD uses a Nike one for tennis and they are really easy to carry.

That is a cute bag. I bought the Overland Donner bag and will get to try it out in the parks in 8 days.

8. Days. Seems like forever.