Lightweight Backpack

[ladybugsteph]

I'm really starting to plan for our trip in September, and I really don't want to drag my heavy diaper bag along with me. I'm not a fan of the cross body backpacks/purses, since it cuts right into my chest, and I hate how it looks So I'm looking at good 'ol 2 strap backpack.

I don't think I can do one of those cinch styles with the cords for straps, because I'll have my big DSLR and I'm afraid it will cut into my shoulders. I'd love to know if I'm wrong though, because that would definitely be lightweight!

So, any thoughts/recommendations?

 

[maggs1035]

I'm really starting to plan for our trip in September, and I really don't want to drag my heavy diaper bag along with me. I'm not a fan of the cross body backpacks/purses, since it cuts right into my chest, and I hate how it looks So I'm looking at good 'ol 2 strap backpack.

I don't think I can do one of those cinch styles with the cords for straps, because I'll have my big DSLR and I'm afraid it will cut into my shoulders. I'd love to know if I'm wrong though, because that would definitely be lightweight!

So, any thoughts/recommendations?

Do you have young children? Our son will be 6 and we are taking our stroller one more time for our trip in May 2013? I would much rather push a stroller, and not carry a bag all day? Plus we think he will get tired! I know lots of people will comment on a stroller for a 6 yr old, but it's not just for him, it's for us adults too!

 

[soxfan11901]

Check this one out:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69232?feat=816-CL1

Super lightweight

 

[MSSANDRA]

the llbeam bags are super light and super tough. Just pick your style and you will be pleased. They are lifetime guaranteed. DS5 just got his first one for kindergarten and he will carry it till middle school. DS20 is still caring his middle school one in college!

 

[CourtneyL]

The Stowaway backpack from LL Bean is awesome. We have both the old style and the current style and they are wonderful. It's very lightweight and holds enough. When it isn't very full it lays nicely against your back and doesn't get in the way. I highly recommend

 

[Yoshiandi]

I will also comment on the LLBean bags. I had mine FOREVER.. I then gave it to my younger sibling who used it while he was in Italy for a college study abroad program. They hold a lot more than you would think and are super durable.

 

[latexscooter]

I'm a big fan of the Baggallini Get Out of Town Bag. It's discontinued but you can still get at eBags. I've had mine for several years. It's lightweight, water resistant, can be a double or single strap (there's a zipper), lots of separate storage, detachable wallet and the size is perfect. My husband also doesn't mind carrying it too because it doesn't look like a purse. Here's a link if you're interested.

http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/get-out-of-town-bagg/125162

 

[starsweeper]

LL Bean makes great lightweight bags. Also, plan to take as little as you need into the parks. We bought a lightweight WDW backpack and small crossbody purse at the resort for our first trip. We were able to take everything (diaper changing items and extra clothing for 2 toddlers, personal items, camera, snacks, bottled water, etc.) with room to spare.

 

[ladybugsteph]

Great! Thanks for the replies and recommendations! I'm not just thinking about the park itself, I'm also thinking about the lugging it around on the transportation, while keeping track of my 4 and 2 year old boys I did the diaper bag last year, and it was just so bulky/heavy, and made it difficult for my older son to get on and off the sit and stand.

I'd love to be able to bring an extra lens with me, and don't really want to leave it on the stroller when on rides. Not to mention, I have an iPhone in a bulky OtterBox Defender, which won't fit in my pocket. So I was thinking that a backpack would solve those issues. I'd probably leave diaper/pullups/wipes in the stroller.

 

[zuzu310]

This is my first trip with a toddler so here is my plan of attack. I am buying one of these: http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?SKU=15134003& to store diapers, wipes, snacks, things no one would steal, in.

And last night I finally broke down and bought one of these...http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69232?feat=stowaway-SR0
This is going to be my under the seat bag on the plane and our bag to carry into the parks. Originally I was planning on carrying a different backpack on the plane and using a crossbody in the parks but why not kill two birds with one stone?

 

[seethelight]

this forum has been so dangerous! just bought the llbean bag!!! anything for disney!!!! haha!

 

[scdufek]

this forum has been so dangerous! just bought the llbean bag!!! anything for disney!!!! haha!

I know what you mean!!! I think I'm going to purchase one as well. Lol! This year we will have no stroller, but will need done thing to help carry the essentials we'll need in the park.

 

[KY*Figment]

I'm really starting to plan for our trip in September, and I really don't want to drag my heavy diaper bag along with me. I'm not a fan of the cross body backpacks/purses, since it cuts right into my chest, and I hate how it looks So I'm looking at good 'ol 2 strap backpack.

I don't think I can do one of those cinch styles with the cords for straps, because I'll have my big DSLR and I'm afraid it will cut into my shoulders. I'd love to know if I'm wrong though, because that would definitely be lightweight!

So, any thoughts/recommendations?

I used a cinch backpackers last time and hated it. This trip it will be a Lands End backpack. It was oldest dd for school. I have tested it w/ a local amusement park.

 

[akcire]

This is my first trip with a toddler so here is my plan of attack. I am buying one of these: http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?SKU=15134003& to store diapers, wipes, snacks, things no one would steal, in.

And last night I finally broke down and bought one of these...http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69232?feat=stowaway-SR0
This is going to be my under the seat bag on the plane and our bag to carry into the parks. Originally I was planning on carrying a different backpack on the plane and using a crossbody in the parks but why not kill two birds with one stone?

Just a thought.....

If you do choose to use the mesh pocket for the back of your stroller to store you diapers, you will definitely want to keep them in a sealed plastic bag. If it rains while your stroller is outside they will blow up and be worthless.

 

[zuzu310]

Just a thought.....

If you do choose to use the mesh pocket for the back of your stroller to store you diapers, you will definitely want to keep them in a sealed plastic bag. If it rains while your stroller is outside they will blow up and be worthless.

Yeah, thanks for the reminder. We will just seal them in a gallon sized ziploc. I really bought it for use around town too. The cup holders made for the stroller are so annoying to take on and off and I like how I can still fold the stroller with this bag on it.

 

[ladybugsteph]

Looks like I have some online shopping to do I agree that this place can be dangerous! Ha! I'm also going to purchase some of those temp tattoos I came across on Pinterest for the boys. Little did my husband know that I'd be spending money on the trip even before the trip!

 

[jk2006]

I LOOOVE this backpack for Disney...it has tons of organization, but isn't huge, yet holds alot. If you have a REI store in your area check it out. I have used it for 3 trips, with 2 little kids and it is awesome. I have essentials and the camera in this backpack-take it on all rides, and I leave a chicco bag with extra diapers/wipes/spare clothes/baby food on the stroller. http://www.rei.com/product/805258/rei-nikole-day-bag-womens

 

[theworldneedscolor]

I just bought a cheap Roxy backpack at Famous Footwear for $15 bucks. The price can't be beat, but you get what you pay for (basically, not super high quality). It's big enough for a sweatshirt, water bottle, wallet and small camera case. It has a few pockets also. I'm going to test it out this summer, but if it falls apart or just isn't working for me, I may have to splurge on one of those LL Bean bags!

 

[J'aime Paris]

A question about the LL Bean bag. My DD carries a huge binder/organizer that holds all her subjects for school. The binder rings must be about 2.5 inches, plus folders, zippered storage areas, etc.

Would the LL Bean bag be able to accommodate this, plus her flute case, plus her lunch bag? (Yes, she is loaded up!)

 

[soxfan11901]

A question about the LL Bean bag. My DD carries a huge binder/organizer that holds all her subjects for school. The binder rings must be about 2.5 inches, plus folders, zippered storage areas, etc.

Would the LL Bean bag be able to accommodate this, plus her flute case, plus her lunch bag? (Yes, she is loaded up!)

I would choose a different bag for school use. It's great for the parks because it is lightweight, doesn't have extra compartments(so it's easy to go through bagcheck), and holds just enough for a day at the park.
It's a lighterweight nylon than the regular bean backpacks and I don't know if it would hold up to the abuse that a kid can put it through at school.
Check out their other backpacks for her. The regular ones last forever (I still have mine from college 25 years ago).
They have some on sale if you are not picky about the color.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/305?nav=ln-32#/llb/shop/5729?nav=ln-305&thumbType=0