Have a Backpack you like for DLR?

[jimsocks]

Have a 10-yr old classic Jansport - but time to put it out to pasture...any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[frijolefrito]

I gave up on backpacks and just use my wife's.

 

[tzeitel]

I have been doing a lot of backpack research lately - nothing to report

Have not found one that I really like, I also have a basic Jansport and I am looking for something a little more structured but not huge/heavy. Just something I can put my SLR camera, some snacks, a hat (or two) and a couple of other small things..oh and a water bottle, preferably on an outside pocket.

Right now I have a small/medium sized messenger bag that fits all that but I like backpacks better

 

[Dash&Maggie]

We've had the same backpack that we got on clearance at Old Navy about 10 years ago. I think I paid $4.00 for it. It's made out of a thin nylon. I've had a Jansport but always go back to this old bag because it's light. It has survived through four WDW trips with three kids. I now consider it my official Disney backpack!

 

[vew-tori]

DH carries a backpack we got at the camera store. It's smaller than a Jansport but has extra padding for the camera. He can get all the camera stuff he carries plus a sweatshirt. It also has a side pocket he uses for his phone and a place for water on the other side. It even keeps thing dry on the water rides. He has carried it for years!

 

[MrsPinup]

We use a basic Jansport when we have the kids. That way we can carry all their stuff without a problem. When it is just me and the DH, we carry a Camelback filled with water. It holds less stuff, but he and I do not need a lot.

 

[SilentFeline]

I use this: https://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/item.do;jsessionid=206E927C162DCF59DA7C9FCB05071678.store-b?siteId=310&itemId=35398 It's very comfortable and is roomy without feeling too big. Plus, as an added bonus, buying this helps animals so it's a win-win! I have both the purple and the black one but it looks like they've sold out of the purple for now.

 

[ducky_love]

I was looking at one at Target that has a cooler compartment in the bottom. It would be nice to carry water and it would be cool on my back. Still haven't decided yet, I'm interested to hear suggestions!

 

[tzeitel]

I was looking at one at Target that has a cooler compartment in the bottom. It would be nice to carry water and it would be cool on my back. Still haven't decided yet, I'm interested to hear suggestions!

Oooh - do you remember the brand and style name? I will have to check it out.

 

[Mugglemama]

We use a backpack from Picnic At Ascot (got it brand new at a thrift store for just a few bucks...score!).

It is designed to be a "picnic" bag, so it is insulated, plus has a special pouch on the side for wine (but we use it for water bottles...). It is insulated, so we use it for food, obviously, but the extra padding is great for my camera, too. It's lightweight, and very structured, so it holds it's shape (food doesn't get squashed by extra water bottles, etc., because they STAY underneath the food if I pack it that way - they don't go rolling around like they might in a standard backpack).

They are pricey when purchased new, but you might be able to find a new or very gently used one one on Ebay or at a local thrift store.

 

[iheartdisney]

I prefer my Camelbak MULE... holds enough ice water for the family for a day, and keeps it cool without getting my back wet!
The MULE has two big compartments that are big enough for cameras, snacks, sunscreen, etc. And i like to throw a few Dr Peppers in the compartment with the bladder to keep them cool, since Dr. Pepper is banished from Disney property!
Plus the straps are such that they distribute the weight between the shoulders and back.

 

[ducky_love]

I just pulled it up and it is exactly what Mugglemama said on Target.com it is called a "picnic back pack". No brand is listed that I can find. It is $29.99 which isn't too bad. I saw it in my local store and it seemed sturdy.

LOL- I never thought I would put so much thought into a backpack! I have a Camelbak but I think it is gross to share that. Plus it isn't really structured so things could get mushed.

 

[DLtorgo]

Before I had kids I used a camelback but without the water bladder thing in it. I just liked the small size. With kids I use a North Face "jester" back pack. It was rated highly in Consumer reports and it is not too large, but has room for diapers, snacks, waters, etc. Very comfortable.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4307297&sizeID=8174535&cid=CSE:GooglePlusbox

Look around for lower prices, just wanted to post a picture.

 

[tzeitel]

Great suggestions! Saw the one at Target for $29.99, I actually like the Day Trip backpack (39.99) better - it is slightly smaller, the water bottle is not off to the side but is on the front and it has 2 insulated compartments.

I also like the look of the North Face one but it is just a big main compartment - is it structured or a bit floppy like most backpacks with just one compartment?

I really do research everything to death!

 

[specialks]

If you are looking for something small, we used a Swiss Gear (?) triangle-shape cross shoulder bag this last trip in December. We found it was perfect for our camera & valuables. However, we had a stroller to throw jackets & food/drink in (although the bag was able to hold a water bottle. It was so great and easily slipped in and out of the bag compartments on the rides. We bought it in the luggage section at Target.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Just do some of us short people a favor, and do not suddenly spin around in a crowded theme park. I have been smacked in the face by these backpacks too many times. Some men seem to carry huge backbacks, stuffed to over 12" thick.

I do not mean normal backbacks, they do not cause trouble of course. But some guys seem to forget how much some of these things stick out!

 

[WDBRDWLK]

Just do some of us short people a favor, and do not suddenly spin around in a crowded theme park. I have been smacked in the face by these backpacks too many times. Some men seem to carry huge backbacks, stuffed to over 12" thick.

I do not mean normal backbacks, they do not cause trouble of course. But some guys seem to forget how much some of these things stick out!

I know what you mean. That has happened to me too.

We take two backpacks with us...I use the smaller DVC nylon one for my little camera, wristlet and a small first aid kit with band-aids and advil and my DH uses our WDW one that holds the water bottles and a light jacket for me along with our snacks and an umbrella. We do our best not to over stuff them. And depending on the weather we will get a locker to unload items that we do not need until night time. Sure we could put everything in one backpack but when I want to buy something I have my wristlet with me!

 

[Mindy71]

What about the Baggallini messenger bag??