newbie- fannypack or backpack?

[decbysteph]

As a mom of 2 young children I lug around a diaper bag everywhere I go! But this upcoming trip I will only have the DD5 with me, so ne need to bring the "big bag". What do other moms bring to the parks? I'm planning on some cash, ID, bottle of water, autograph book, a few cosmetic items, poncho, and camera. I've never been a fan of how fannypacks look, but the idea of strapping on a backpack all day doesn't sound that appealing either. What do you do??

 

[blewits]

I hate fannypacks but that is what I use in the parks. I bought one of the bigger ones in the sporting goods section at wal-mart. It has 3 compartments and a cup holder/water bottle holder on each side.

I use one compartment for tickets, fastpasses - the smallest one in the front.
another compartment for cash, credit cards, i.d., etc. and the big compartment holds my kids autograph books, fat pens and digital camera.

I like the fanny pack because I turn it around and wear it with the compartments in the front and the latch in the back. This way, everything is right in front of me and I can get to it quickly. I tried the backpack but kept having to take it on and off to get to everything. I like having fast access to my camera and tickets and money. I'm sure I look like a total geek but you can't beat the convenience!

just my 2 cents

wendy

 

[Tasmen]

Not a mom, but this is what I use when I visit parks -- a mini backpack.

They sell them with mesh pockets on the side that you can use to stuff things in like a water bottle. I use one of the pockets for my camera. I loop the camera strap around one of the backpack straps so that I know the camera (I have a small digital camera) isn't going to fall out.

The backpack is a small size so it doesn't feel too cumbersome on your back. I've been able to stuff a hooded sweatshirt (thinnish cotton) into one before along with my other stuff.

I hate the look of fannypacks and will do anything to avoid wearing one

 

[dogsmom]

I use a fanny pack in the parks because I find it easier on my back. I will tell you that when my kids were little it also made it easier to carry them while waiting in a line because they use to sit on the fanny pack attached to my waist!

 

[wic0721]

Last year when we went I took a fanny pack, wore it 1 day and couldn't stand it! Ended up buying a backpack at the Emporium, and using that for the rest of our vacation.

This year I picked up a Baggalini messenger type bag and loved it!

 

[WI_DisneyFan]

I'm going to try a safari vest next year. I used one of those backpacks with one strap last year, and it was all right. But each day we brought less and less stuff as we figured out what we needed and what we didn't. So by the end of the trip, I was wearing an almost empty back pack. I think I can get away with a safari vest with a bunch of pockets.

 

[Twende]

I have always used a fanny pack worn backwards but my kids are insisting that I try the safari vest and maybe many pocketed shorts. They say it will quicken the wait to get through security too.

I guess I will pack the fanny pack but try to find a vest. But then again a vest will cover my fancy Disney T-shirts!

 

[mom2my3kids]

I always wear a fanny pack for any outings like disney..

 

[teresa kay]

My daughter and I both carry backpacks that I bought at JCPenney and the back of them unzips to a full size duffel bag. These are so nice if you wear a light jacket and don't need it later in the day as we go in Dec. and no one wants to carry anything. I bought them a few years ago but I'm sure they still sell them somewhere.

 

[SplshMtnLvr28]

Please do the world a favor and don't bring the fanny pack. My mom got a Baggelini and she loved it.

 

[coolspot]

We brought a mini backpack:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_...older_id=2534374302699687&bmUID=1161890245298

REI in Seattle should carry something similar.

 

[jec13]

My DW just purchased a Baggallini Messenger bag for our September 2007 trip to WDW and is already using it at home. They can be found here:

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

They come in lots of different colors too.

 

[cncDisney4]

I now use a fanny pack. I used to wear a small backpack but just got tired of always having to take it off to get anything. With the fanny pack I have it right up front on my left side and I can get to everything in a snap. Mine also has a mesh holder for a water bottle which is so convenient!!

 

[ArtsyPics]

The Baggellini messenger bag looks great. It also looks as if it might not fit around a larger woman such as myself. The pic linked above shows a petite gal. Hmmm...have any larger (tall and very large) folks tried this? Thanks!

 

[SaraMc]

I use a messenger bag like the bagallini from Eddie Bauer, its small enough to fit my camera and sunblock and a bottle of water, it had a place for id but all I bring in with my is my resort id and a credit card and fast passes. We actually call it the themepark bag, its "manly" enough DH has carried it.
Sadly it might not come this trip ad DS's diaper bag has sort of also become my purse.

 

[SmileMom]

See this thread for the Columbia Tour Pouch from www.campmor.com

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1241401&referrerid=&highlight=campmor

It's an AWESOME bag, and it's delivered to your door in about 3 days.

 

[Have*a*magical*day]

I know the fanny pack may look dorkey but it sure is convenient. I couldn't imagine lugging a backpack or any other large bag around. It does get hot and humid here in Florida.
If you are not going in the winter months then I would think about traveling light. Most of our winter months are still warm to people who deal with snow and ice.

 

[krissyh]

No fanny pack.
Backpack - but not the traditional backpack. I carry a fabric (cotton or nylon) one that is really just a pouch with that has a drawstring that also serves as the straps around the arms.
At one point (several years ago and no more) they had cute ones at Old Navy. Now the only ones I see are nylon and more "sporty". I have seen Addidas and Nike and they also have them in the gift shops at the resorts (wsith the resort name). The resort ones were like $18 but I see them at shoe stores much cheaper.
No extra weight to the bag itself. No bulk at all. No room in suitcase and perfect for wallet, sunglass case (mine and DBF), cell phone, sunscreen, etc.

 

[jennyh2829]

I carried one of those sling backpacks that go across your chest. I am a large girl and it was fine. I never had to take it off I just rotated it around until the bag was in front, unzipped it, and got whatever we needed out. It is a Jansport brand that I got at Target when the school backpacks went on clearance.

 

[disneygal33]

I use both. There are 5 of us and between autograph books camera, keys to the kingdom, emergency meds for tummy's or an allergic reaction(had to run through the park to the first aid station with my son once) I need both. My "backpack" is one of those nylon dray string ones.