Ladies - purse or backpack?

[dani0622]

Hello everyone! I did a search on purse or backpack and came up with 20 pages of nothing! I am trying to decide what to bring for next trip. Last trip I had a messenger bag purse and I just felt like it was annoying my hip where it hit (had a lot of stuff in it- camera, wallet, etc.). It also went over my head and across the body so I felt a strain all day in my neck. And of course I cannot fail to mention the two inch wide LIME green strap that went across my chest- it flattened and brought more attention to my ****s then I care to mention (of course noticed this AFTER in pics ). So I need something new and wandered what other ladies used. I think a small packback might be the way to go. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

 

[noseybuddy]

Last trip I used a handbag/backpack. It was small, just big enough to hold what i needed. Cute and stylish.

OK, does that makes sense. It looks like a handbag but it is a backpack.

 

[laurajetter]

I agree that a small backpack would be the way to go. I hate carrying purses on vacation; I'm always afraid I will put it down and leave it somewhere. A backpack frees up both my hand and I know the bag is always on me.

I usually make sure it is on the small side; carrying around a big pack can be cumbersome. Also, see if there is anything you can eliminate from your usual stuff you bring to cut down on the weight of it.

Make sure to try the backpack on before purchasing to make sure it is comfortable and the straps don't rub you uncomfortably.

 

[luvflorida]

I immediately snapped to attention when I read your thread! I have this thing for backpacks, (obsession? fetish?)

Seriously, I have at least ten backpacks of all sizes hanging on hooks in my bedroom closet. I haven't used a purse in years. I use small backpacks. Check out www.backcountry.com They have a ton of backpacks in all different sizes, from smaller than some purses to great, big packs for hiking and such.

I especially love the ones with tropical type designs on them, and I love all the extra little zipper pockets and things. I use the smaller versions for regular everyday life, and when I go on vacations I use a slightly larger model. You can carry it like a purse, over one shoulder, or over both shoulders like a regular backpack. Even the smaller packs hold all my regular stuff plus a camera, fisrt aid kit, sunglasses, etc.

I think I'll go look at the site myself! Can you tell I'm excited!

 

[dani0622]

Thanks everyone! Checking out that backcountry website now! I know what you also mean about the purse that is an actual backpack. My SIL brought one on our trip a few years ago.

 

[Costumesaremylife]

In the past few years I have gone at least a dozen times usually I take nothing but a small pocket wallet and sunglasses. One trip I bought a new mickey suitcase, mine had broken, and it came with a backpack. I decided to take the backpack so I wouldn't have to trek back to my room for my refillable mug at the end of the day. I learned that backpacks are fabulous. Not a huge scary one, but enough to carry a bottle of water, maybe your snack, camera, a mug if you have one from the hotel. A souvenier, and on water rides or rollercoasters you can put everything in it. It was just handy to have. Just make sure at the beginning of the day you check what you're putting in it so its not heavy. Starting the day with a heavy backpack is not a good idea. They also don't cut across your chest in photos!

 

[Lady Belle]

Backpack, for sure! I kept a thin wallet in my front pocket with my id, park pass, credit card and cash. The backpack was used for sunscreen, water bottles, hat and sun glasses storage while on rides, and helped carry any small purchases that we didn't want to bother with package delivery. It came with us on every ride, even roller costers and water rides, with no ill effects.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I have switched to what I call backpack purses - last ones I found were at Kohl's - black leather and plenty of room for either everything.

 

[Marseeya]

Even though they're ugly, I do a waist pack at amusement parks. The ultimate in hands-free convenience!

At WDW, I also ended up purchasing this mini-backpack from Walmart for $5. It was pink (they also had blue) and was really cute! It was kind of a pain when I wanted to ride roller coasters or rides where you really need to be strapped in, but it was also pretty convenient -- but not for things where you'd want to use constantly throughout the day, like tissues, tickets, lotion, or sanitizer.

 

[MsDisney23]

I like the backpack for travel! I also just bought a bag from www.travelonbags.com for my next trip. These are also sold on QVC

 

[Lil_Tink]

Why dont you bring a small backpack. Like this

Then your not lugging it around but you can put what you need in it.


I usually bring my small black back pack because it can fit water, snacks ext

 

[Blondie]

When in WDW I alternate between a messenger bag and a small back pack.

 

[Wolfen-Sensei]

Backpack all the way. You'll never see me carrying a purse. Backpacks are much more comfortable. Not to mention durable!

 

[LadyBears]

Even though they're ugly, I do a waist pack at amusement parks. The ultimate in hands-free convenience!

At WDW, I also ended up purchasing this mini-backpack from Walmart for $5. It was pink (they also had blue) and was really cute! It was kind of a pain when I wanted to ride roller coasters or rides where you really need to be strapped in, but it was also pretty convenient -- but not for things where you'd want to use constantly throughout the day, like tissues, tickets, lotion, or sanitizer.

I agree with this also!! I do bring a backpack with the "we may need" stuff - but store it in a locker. Makes for bringing things back to the hotel much easier, too! My fannypack has all we need - $, camera, tickets, tissues, bandaids, ear plugs for my DD for fireworks, etc. It even has a pouch on the side that holds a water bottle.

I find that the backpack tends to make me sweat more. They are uncomfortable to try to fit on rides. Also, I guess I am paranoid, but I am not comfortable leaving important items in the backpack - I can't see behind me if someone wanted to steal something from me.

 

[MNmom2]

Neither since it seems I always have a little one when we go and have a diaper bag and/or stroller for my stuff. If I disn't have that and felt like I had to have something along I'd opt for a small backpack type purse.

 

[Disney Doll]

I have a purse that has a long strap that goes over my chest, so it is handsfree.

If I carried anything too big, DH would have me lugging all his stuff in it!!!!

 

[CathrynRose]

I think a small packback might be the way to go. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

I do backpack - think those small, drawstring style ones - kinda nylon-waterproof material.


Like this style: http://niketown.nike.com/niketown/c...roductId=96008&origin=null&_requestid=1746989

 

[Imzadi]

I carry around a stylish backpack purse all the time living here in NYC. I love having both arms free & the extra room to stuff anything I buy inside of it. Plus when I want to carry it purse style, I just sling one of the straps over one shoulder, works fine.

 

[SDFgirl]

When we went to WDW in May, we took a Baggallini messenger bag:

http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/mes..._nylon/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18644

We loved it! It doesn't hit on your hip, the bulk is mostly in your back. It's very comfortable and has a place for bottles of H2O on the outside. We carried that thing everywhere and it held up great.

In fact, I still use it as my purse, months later.

 

[Nite0wl71]

I do backpack - think those small, drawstring style ones - kinda nylon-waterproof material.


Like this style: http://niketown.nike.com/niketown/c...roductId=96008&origin=null&_requestid=1746989

That's what I use. I first used it in the parks and now I use it all the time. It is not hot or make you sweat. In fact DH got me a new one for Christmas because my other one was looking so bad, even when I washed it it would not come clean.