Hands-Free Bags?

[Fyrefly]

I know there is another thread for "Disney Bags", but after looking through it kind of seems more for people looking for big shoulder bags...

Basically what I'm looking for is recommendations for hands-free, non-shoulder bags. Walking around with shoulder bags gives me sore shoulders after a few hours, so mainly I'm looking for good backpack and waist bag recommendations for somebody who has more stuff than can fit in a wrist wallet but less than what is required to care for a two-year-old. And thus far I haven't found much in between those two extremes so I come to you fine people, experts in all things travel!

I envy my boyfriend his large pockets and need to only carry cell phone and wallet, whereas I have girly pockets with NO space and I need my glasses case, cell phone, wallet or wallet sections built into the bag, snacks in case my blood sugar drops, (*ahem* feminine products) etc.

Also I have used nylon fanny packs, but since this is a trip with people closer to my age, I'm looking for something a bit more fashionable so I won't be laughed at?

In addition, would you call a small backpack safe to use? I worry if I'm wearing a backpack it would be very easy for me to be pickpocketed since the bag won't be in easy view. Particularly since its Disney and I assume crowds will be pretty bad, even in January.

Thanks for reading, and your help!

 

[RMulieri]

I use a small Ameribag healthyback backpack

 

[sam portadown]

I always use a bum bag for disney. Kipling does a multi-way bag that can be used as a bum bag or by adding the strap a small shoulder bag. it has lots of zip pockets and is very roomy. i can carry my purse, my daughters purse,sunglasses,painkillers and my cigs without a problem.
Everyone uses them and i would not worry about how you look as comfort is the main thing.i only go to disney in the summer so i us what works.hope this helps.

 

[ashley0139]

This is the bag I recently brought:

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7627_4954.html

Fit camera, wallet, phone, feminine products, a couple snacks, and sunglasses when we were inside. I loved it. It was hands free and could go on all the rides with me without having to be taken off. Even on Rock 'N Rollercoaster it just sat next to me. So convenient.

 

[J Le]

I found a lot of help here - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2326842&highlight=park+bag

I ended up with the Lug which I can wear over the shoulder OR as a waist pack. Good luck!

 

[dkbnyc]

i got this bag
http://www.ebags.com/sherpani/pica/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=126055

i like cross body bags- back packs would be too big and i dont want to wear a fanny pack

 

[carolmp]

I just got back yesterday from a week long trip. My shoulders always get sore from carrying a purse, but I listened to the posters on the Vera Bradley thread and bought one of those. That is the best purse I have ever used! I bought a hipster. It carried my coin purse/wallet, camera, maps, every day needs, my daughter's glucose meter, and several snacks, and a photo album size autograph book. When I wasn't carrying the album, I could fit a bottle of water in. Never once did I have a problem with sore shoulders. The bag itself is very light, and the strap is nice and wide. The strap length is adjustable, so you can fit it to just the right length. I don't like to carry a backpack style purse. I have a thing about my purse hanging off of my back. It just makes me nervous.

After we got back my husband asked me about my purse. He about flipped when I told him I bought it at the local collectable store (that was the closest place to me that sold them, and he knows how expensive things are there). But he also commented that it was worth it, because he never once heard me complain about my shoulders hurting. And to be honest, it wasn't that much more than the original bag I bought at Penney's for the trip, but never used.

 

[Jazzygirl72]

I'll add my two cents here regarding back packs. I always use them when I go to Disney. And since we've been going in cooler months, they're great to hold sweatshirts in. We trade off carrying and it really isn't a big deal. That way I can put my camera and all other essentials in the front pockets and carry water on the side holders. If you're not going to need sweatshirts/jackets for the evening, then go with a smaller pack, like a sling shoulder. Either way you can stash the bag down by your feet on the rides.
If I didn't need the sweatshirts I'd go with a sling myself or a fanny.
I went last year at the busiest time of the year...between Xmas and New Year's and didn't have an issue with pickpocketing. I zipped the zippers together down at the bottom so they were tucked under that little zipper flap and next to my elbow. You could always use a safety pin or something similar to keep the zippers together so they can't be opened quickly.

 

[lpizzuro123]

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7519_5205.html

This is the sportsac bag that I use. I have two - one in black and one in white. I have been using these bags for the past 6 or 7 years for many many trips to Disney.

I do it as an over the body bag and it is large enough for my wallet, brush and other things I need to take to the park. There is a zipper in the back and it is the perfect size for park maps and schedules. I use the front zip for my camera.

I have washed my white one many times, which is why I now purchased the black one. This past May instead of wearing a pin lanyard, I put all the pins I wanted to display on the strap.

I highly recommend this bag.

Linda

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

I know your not looking for a sholder bag but I thought I would show you what our kids use. This might lighten the load on you if your kids have there own bag. Assuming you are bringing kids.
http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=tm01

These are great for kids. They can keep snacks there cameras mp3 players in them along with a bottle of water. They never have to take them off as you they just slide them around the front of them when on rides. As for you I would sudjest going to a store with your purse and a sweater in hand. Try on backpacks and put your sweater and purse inside. Check for comfort and ease of on and off. My wife made sure she got one with some back support. It took her 3 or 4 stores before she found one right for her. Now thats all she uses she never just carries her purse. Her backpack goes everywhere. Oh make sure it has several pockets inside. My wife puts her purse in a inside pocket that doesnt touch the bottom of the backpack. so if someone slashes it there will be a big mess from everything else but not her purse.

 

[OKW Lover]

How about picking up one of those small camera bags with a loop that goes around your wrist. Many of them can also be clipped to a belt. It should hold the few things you really need to bring.

 

[nothnbutherainsir]

I carry a bag like this (but not this exact one/brand):

It distributes the weight evenly and it doesn't hurt my back. I'm not a fan of backpacks but I love love love this bag!

 

[RMulieri]

I carry a bag like this (but not this exact one/brand):

It distributes the weight evenly and it doesn't hurt my back. I'm not a fan of backpacks but I love love love this bag!

I have something exactly like that called the Ameribag healthy back backpack..except mine is lime green

 

[solar]

I used a light mini crossbody bag this past trip...it was a Fossil leather thing, not big at all, but super light and thin...never had to take it off on rides, and was perfect for just a few tiny essentials...measured maybe 6 inches wide x 8 inches long (that's a guess!)

It's called the Fossil Small Top Zip mini -- loved it so much, put it in my owner's locker for future visits