need bag(or backpack) advice

[feet1]

I'm trying to go over the pros and cons of different types of bags to bring to the park. When we went last time, I used a leather backpack that I had, but it has been used so much that I had to get rid of it.

I will be bringing my digital camera, my camcorder(it's one of those small hard drive video cameras, so it's compact), a water bottle or 2, some snacks for the kids, nothing much. plus the ponchos for rainy days.

I have been reading all the great reviews of the bagalini messenger tote, so I looked at them on ebags, but to be honest, I would only use it for the trip. I don't find it attractive one bit, so I am thinking, maybe I should get something that I would use after the trip is over, much like the old one I had.

So, I guess I am wondering, to those people who have used the bagalini messenger tote, was it worth it for jsut the trip? Would I have just as much convienence using, say, a Vera Bradley backpack?

I just don't want to spend the money on something I am not going to get full use out of. I suppose I could just pack it away for future trips...

any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Zippiteeee]

I have a black bagallini messenger I thought I would just use for the trip. BUT after getting it and "testing" it out one day for a trip to the beach, I really enjoy it. Everything was organized and it was large enough for a beach towel, sunlotion cellphone, water and a snack. ANd I had room for more.

It really is not as "ugly" as I thought it to be. The picture doesn't do it justice. To me it is a very basic black bag, that I use for the beach, trips to amusement parks or anything else really that a purse won't do.

To be honest with you though, Vera Bradley is not my style. Just wanted to mention that because tastes differ.

 

[Evil Princess]

If your someone who would use a Vera Bradely backpack and find the Bagellini ugly, I wouldn't suggest getting it. I've done just fine many, many times in the parks with just a large leather Coach bag (not that I'm advising bringing anything expensive).

The bag is large enough to hold my digital camera, phone, wallet, sunglasses, medicine, bandaids, a bottle of water, and more. I never had a problem walking around the park with it.

 

[feet1]

You know, I was actually thinking of going to the Coach outlet and seeing their backpacks. (this after I posted the above question, lol) That is what I have an addiction for, Coach. I do like the great little compartments in the bagalinni for stuff though.

 

[Vivianne]

I go the cheapy way.

Small Eastport backpack from Walmart. $6 - $12

I carry my wallet, water, digital camera. cellphone, bandaids and any small souvenirs I buy on my way.

Works for me.

 

[Evil Princess]

You know, I was actually thinking of going to the Coach outlet and seeing their backpacks. (this after I posted the above question, lol) That is what I have an addiction for, Coach. I do like the great little compartments in the bagalinni for stuff though.

I actually got my bag at the outlet for 150, marked down from 450. I didn't just buy it for Disney though, but it is perfect for the parks, and has become my default theme park bag.

Most Coach bags do have a zip compartment on the inside, and two pockets on the inside in the lining, I usually slip my cell in one and the digital camera in the other. It also has a little brass loop on the inside lining to clip my keys and a wristlet inside.

I just figure if you're going to spend that much money on a bag, make sure you're going to wear it post trip.

 

[Graciesmom77]

What about on rides. Can you take your bag with all the stuff in it on the rides or do you have to keep it in your locker?

 

[praline3001]

My DH has one of these and he carries the stuff we need in the park such as camera and small snacks and paperwork. He likes it because he can wear it on the rides and not leave it behind like a backpack and he doesn't have to carry it around all day on his shoulder.

this one is at ebags for 26 but there are other styles and what not. They are NOT fanny packs but mountina hiking waist bags (DH has a problem with fanny packs but loves this )

 

[dobtia]

I go the cheapy way.

Small Eastport backpack from Walmart. $6 - $12

I carry my wallet, water, digital camera. cellphone, bandaids and any small souvenirs I buy on my way.

Works for me.

Same here. We love multiple pockets so we can keep things divided and easy to find. Our bag has made two trips to Disney and countless trips to festivals and the zoo here.

 

[disneymom8589]

After reading posts from other Disers, I got the Overland Donner in the aloe green color. It was great for our trip to WDW this past summer. I got it at shoebuy.com.

 

[Evil Princess]

What about on rides. Can you take your bag with all the stuff in it on the rides or do you have to keep it in your locker?

At Disney you can take it on everything. Universal they make you lock it up on some rides.

 

[erikaluvsdisney]

Just got back from my trip on the 9th. I have a baggalini messanger bag that I bought based on suggestions on mousesavers.

I didn't like it for 2 reasons:

1. It gives you split ****s and I think it makes your ****s look odd and smooshed. - Not attractive

2. It worked for my trip with just my hubby and I, but with the kids in tow, I ended up using my full size Eddie Bauer back pack to accomodate the camera, pins, pennies, ponchos, umbrella, water, etc.

Erika

 

[Wojima]

My wife and I have always used backpacks. It just made our trips easier because our hands were free to pick the kids up at a moments notice to catch a glimpse of something or to throw them onto our shoulders during the parades. This way the bags didn't fall off our shoulders. Also I found wearing cargo shorts/pants were helpful to to stick stuff in the pockets (autograph books/pens, pins, small cameras, etc..)

pirate

 

[kimsuenew]

While I do have a Bagalini tote, I bought a Jansport Sling to use on our recent WDW vacation and loved it! I took it with me on the rides I rode (but the biggest Big Thunder Mountain). It was a comfortable bag, both when wearing and carrying. It was big enough to hold the neccessities but not huge (no where near the size of a typical backpack). Have a wonderful trip!

 

[TinaLala22]

Honestly I have a black disney backpack and I love it. We just throw everything inside the bag anyway so I don't worry about 'organizing' anything...I mean hello we're on vacation who wants to organize?

We don't bring a heck of alot because it's a hassel to take everything out duing security searches. I bring camera, small purse for wallet and things, a ziploc bag with snacks, another ziploc bag with a face cloth, 2 water bottles, ponchos in case it rains and I even grab light coats for later on.

I use the backpack all the time and I have no problem. Plus DH has no problem carrying it because it isn't too girlie..

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I try to minimize when I can, and have been known to go without any bag at night, but when you need a jacket, camera, water, etc. and there's more than will fit in pockets, I like the Jansport Halfpint. Jansport has bags with more compartments than this one - it that's what you want, but I like it because it's tiny and inexpensive. I find fewer compartments easier when going thruogh security. At the Amazon price, you won't mind buying this for just Disney, thoughI use it as a purse too. Since I got black, DH doesn't mind carrying it, and since it's got real backpack straps, you can put it one your back.

The only downside is that you have to be careful about zipping it up all the way, if you do zip it, it's fine, but if you walk with the main pouch not zipped, it has a tendanecy to open up more and things can fall out unexpectedly.

 

[munchie22]

I bought a baggallini for our upcoming trip (from Ebay) and am not thrilled with it - the sling strap isn't that long so I can't wear the bag in a position most comfortable to me and what is with those big buckles? They are huge and heavy. I'm not sure I'm going to bother taking it.

I have a Vera Bradley microfiber backpack that is pretty roomy. It is nice looking and has plenty of space with inside pockets and key chain inside. AND, the bag itself is light. But, I have two more days to decide.

 

[schmitty]

Ive got this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F38YIM/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title/002-8558359-6037631
Puts the weight on your hips not your back.

 

[clareita]

I have a Little Teton backpack from REI. I used in Italy last year and it was great. It is kid's pack, but it works fine for adults. I could fit a big DSLR camera, an extra lens or 2, guidebook, wallet, etc. It has a padded back, which I really like, mesh side pockets for water bottles, and a small outside zippered pocket for maps, etc. I will be using in WDW in April.

 

[whgrn]

I have two of the Vera Bradley backpacks, and have used them on many trips. The only issue I have with them is you have to take them off to get anything from it.

After reading on here, I bought a Baggalini messenger in the spring. I used it on our trip to Turkey this summer. Average temperature was 104 degrees, and one day it was actually 114!!

I LOVE my Baggalini! I never had any problems finding what I needed. It was comfy to wear (and I am a large person), and very lightweight. I agree that the buckles are large and unnecessarily heavy, but you just work around them. There's a place for a water bottle, a cell phone, and all sorts of stuff. I wouldn't be without it at Disney!

Good thing I bought it in LIME GREEN!!!!