Opinions on fanny packs.....

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I can't believe I'm even considering one but I'm finding that the VB cross body bags that I tend to use in the parks are either too small or bigger than I need.

Any fanny pack wearers out there?

Which one do you have?
Can it fit a lot without being bulky?
Does it sag on you when its full of stuff?
How unflattering do you think it looks lol?

 

[Traver Freeman]

Yikes! Fanny packs are a thing of the past (imo) and I cringe thinking about using one. But, hey, in the end it's whatever is more comfortable for you. If you like it, don't worry about what anyone else thinks, it works for you. We have a stroller for our LO, so plenty of places to stuff things. And we usually have one of those draw string backpacks we carry around. Don't see how you could fit any less in one of those as you would in a fanny pack? Or are you talking about fanny pack in addition to backpack?

You could always switch to a bigger backpack. My mom carries around a full "school-type" backpack in the park. We recommend she reduces what she takes into the park, but she doesn't mind carrying it, so that's up to her.

Another idea is a locker in the park. They are around $10/day I think.

 

[themadlbb]

I'd second the recommendation for a backpack if you need to carry stuff. Personally I try to get away with not carrying anything if possible, but I realize that's not an option for everyone .

Another good option I see a lot is a camelback backpack. They have models with good storage and you've got easy access to water throughout the day as well.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

BTDT with backpacks. Not going back to them.
I like my VB cross bodies so if not a fanny pack then that's what I'll continue with.

 

[xlxo]

Love my cargo pants.... don't need a fanny pack.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Believe it or not, fanny packs are becoming a thing again! Top designers had them on the runway last year.

I don't have a recommendation on one brand over another. Good luck!

 

[bumbershoot]

My only opinion is that we need to call them waist packs so we don't make the British and Australians faint. (That f word refers to the part of the body that midwives deal with)

 

[bryanb]

I have this one friend who always brings a fanny pack to a theme park. Not sure if he's just practical, too cool to care, or thinks he's gonna create a new trend (like when he tried to bring back Member's Only jackets in college)... or a combination of all.

But for me, I don't have the audacity or confidence to pull it off, nor the poor taste to even try... depending on who you ask. I'm a string sackpack man myself. Those lightweight minimalist athletic bags tell the ladies (or the gents) that you are a person of style and class.

 

[RubySue]

Believe it or not, fanny packs are becoming a thing again! Top designers had them on the runway last year.

Yep, fanny packs are coming back, but they're usually called waist packs now. Many are thinner and better looking than the old fanny packs. Many have a strap that can convert from waist carry to shoulder carry.
Check Ebags site under "waist & fanny packs". I like the looks of the Travelon anti-theft bags, but haven't tried any, yet.

 

[DisneyFanatic]

I've used a waist pack on almost every trip. I don't worry about how they look. It's a convenient way for me to carry my phone and camcorder.

 

[switch15foot]

I use a fanny pack to carry cell phone and go pro when I dare not enter the park with my DSLR. Only difference is I don't wear it on my waist, I wear it like you would wear a cross body bag.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

I wore one on our first trip in 2001-I didn't like it.To me it was hot and uncomfortable. For years I carried a crossbody bag about the size of the VB mini hipster, which is what I'ver carried the last few years. This year I will be taking my VB just in case I feel like I can't live without it, but I'm going to try and go without a bag to avoid the lines.

 

[ols386]

I don't wear a fanny pack, but if others wear them, then that's their choice, and not my business.

 

[TnTWalter]

my two teen daughters wanted them this year so I ordered these. I bought 3 but son didn't want [he uses his pockets in cargo shorts. so I used it. It's great. I was using a spibelt which you can't see at all but only holds my phone...this i can put a granola bar and chapstick in has inside and outside pocket too for room key, headphones, etc....but spibelt is adequate if you don't want people to see it... I keep a $20 bill; credit card and id in my phone case and then put it in there.

fannypack only $9 I bought all 3 in grey
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017RXT27Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

spibelt $22 [i use to run and at gym and sometimes at WDW]
https://www.amazon.com/SPIbelt-Larg...=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=spibelt

 

[2forMe]

Just say no to the fanny pack!!!

 

[Euby]

In years past, I used a crossbody type of bag. I normally wear t-shirts in the park and the band of the crossbody bag would always end up rubbing my neck. After a few days, it would be a little raw. So I'm going the "waist pack" route this trip. I found someone on Etsy that creates custom ones using Disney themes (PM me if interested in the store name). I've haven't received my order yet, but looking forward to it.

Edited post to add that they can accomodate those who are pooh-sized, too.

 

[Eoywin]

I used a cross body bag last trip because the autograph book my daughter picked was too big to fit in my fanny pack. It wasn't bad, but I prefer the fanny pack.

I'm frumpy already - being hands free with stuff I need right there is very appealing.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

I'm a vb fan. I love the disney designs. Have you tried the hipster? I've used that in 2 trips and loved it. I also have a triple-zip hipster that's a tad bigger at home, but it doesn't have a Mickey print and I'm a sucker for my Mickey one in WDW. This year I will try the vb mailbag cross body style (Mickey print!) but will bring my regular hipster just in case.

I do see the appeal of the fanny/waist pack though. Perhaps vb should make one, with a disney design! And maybe I could get a cut of the profits because THAT is a brilliant idea

 

[kwdw]

Besides short hikes in the woods, Disney is the only place I wear a fanny pack - and I happen to love it. Cross-body bags always hurt my neck and shoulders by late in the day and are NOT flattering on me. That strap across my chest looks worse than a fanny pack.

The fanny pack is not flattering - but man - its comfortable and practical for me. Don't get "too big of one" - or you will pack it too heavy - and you'll get a sore lower back. But if you need something to carry a few more things than will fit in pockets - I think it works great. You don't want a "day hike" pack - that's too big.

I bought my at REI a number of years ago now, and its got a nice series of pockets, a padded section, a small outside pocket, etc. The thing to do when looking at them is to already know what you are going to put in it and where is it going to fit. For me - my small camera (better than a phone camera!) - fits by itself in a padded pocket - so I don't have to worry about a bulky camera case. A zipper pocket on the inside holds my asthma inhaler and lip balm. And I have a small slip case that holds some ID cards. Then I have a carabiner that will hold a water bottle that attached to a loop on the outside when not in use. You get the idea

Buy either a neutral color or one of the ones sold by Disney.

 

[Branflakes]

Try a different crossbody. There are many types with differing straps and sizes and pockets etc. I personally am a big fan of Dooney. Not too big. Not too wide at the bottom, weather proof, zip shut and just enough room for essentials.