Packing lighter for the Parks

[squirrel]

I normally carry a backpack and a fanny pack to the parks. I use to pack a digital camera and a camcorder in the backpack. Which took up most of the space.

This year I want to downsize. I bought a smartphone with a 16 MP camera and a power bank. The camera has 64 GB and I already had a 8 GB memory card (so I put it in the phone). Do you think I need my camcorder?

I was thinking of purchasing a sling backpack (I have quite a few regular ones). The only other things I need to carry are a water bottle and my inhalers (2 plus the spacer in a ziplock bag). Plus the regular stuff lip balm, kleenex, band aids, sunglasses, etc. I need to be able to access the inhalers quickly.

I don't wear shorts or capris with pockets, so bags are the only way to carry the stuff I need.

Should I just use one of my backpacks or should I go smaller with a sling backpack. If so any recommendations.

 

[loves to dive]

I go bagless but when I'm wearing something that the pockets won't hold my cell phone or doesn't have pockets like sundresses, I wear a runner belt. All I carry is my cell phone, ID, a little cash, CC and AP. Reading glasses around my neck, sunglasses on my face, cap on my head MB either on my wrist or on a carbiner attached to a belt loop if I have one. Before I got the runners belt, I used a very small cross body to carry what goes in pockets now. I've actually ordered on of those little wallet type things that attaches to the back of my cell phone so I can put my other stuff in it. I don't video so can't help you there, I know I've used my cell phone every once in a while but just don't bother any more.

 

[ToddyLu]

My DH always used a sling bag in the park and at one time was an avid photographer. I will ask him what he kind he used.

 

[pooh2001]

We like to use some sort of bag - your choice
We like fanny packs - no guest can pick pocket it

 

[squirrel]

We like to use some sort of bag - your choice
We like fanny packs - no guest can pick pocket it

I do make it harder, when wearing a backpack. I clip a carabineer to both zippers so you have to undo it before you can open the backpack.

 

[belle825]

I'm debating the same thing. We've always had a kid in diapers but this trip we are leaving our one year old at home and taking our four and seven year olds. I want to downsize from my sling backpack and am considering a fanny pack only. I just need my phone, my contacts/glasses and room for my sunglasses, and maybe room for a few little snacks. In the past I've carried everything but the kitchen sink and it's going to be hot (August) and sticky and I just think a fanny pack sounds less cumbersome.

 

[DVC_Dad_Canada]

There should be a voting option for no bags at all.

 

[keepswimming76]

I started using a small sling backpack now that we do not take a stroller. I like having the ability to switch shoulders. I can even tighten mine enough to carry around my waist sometimes. I tend to get neck and shoulder pain if I carry a bag in the same position every day.

 

[awalker1015]

I carry a small sling bag. In five trips I have minimized what is in my park bag to:
Phone
External charger
Small spray sunscreen and stick
Small wallet
Kleenex pack
Small ziplock with bandaids, Advil, hair bands

It has made park touring much nicer.

 

[arminnie]

I do not have back issues. I have never had back issues. But when I bought the Healthy Back sling bag it KILLED my back. I gave it away after one trip. So you won't really know until you try it.

Now I admit that I loaded it up - but it's not like it weighed 30 pounds. I loved the concept. Things were so easy to access. I think you have to try it to know if it will work.

I love using a small or medium crossbody. I don't mind a backpack, but it is difficult to access the contents.

 

[Redbudlover]

I used to bring everything, but am now do not. I wear sunglasses and put my regular glasses on a chain around my neck. I have teensy, crossbody purse that carries my phone, inhaler, lipstick, drivers license, $20, DVC membership card and sunblock stick. Sometimes I will stick an extra charger in it. I used to carry ponchos, camera , sweaters, water, book, band aids, aleve, a hairbrush, etc. etc, but if I need a bandaid Disney has one. My FPs and schedule, the book and camera is on my phone. My magic band has my credit card and room key. One word: DOWNSIZE!

 

[dreiwhit]

I'm not a fan of sling backpacks because I haven't found one yet that is comfortable and doesn't slide around.

I'm more used to regular backpacks, and that is what I carry in the park. The one I have has padded straps and only two pockets to make it easier going through security.

 

[queenofthehive]

I carry a wristlet. I am not an all day park goer. I go to the park in the morning then take a mid-day break and go back in the evening. I usually just carry a cellphone, id, small amounts of cash (use my magic band mostly), burt's bee lip balm, extra cell battery and hand sanitizer. After many years of going to the parks, I realize I do not need all that stuff. Just the bare minimum....

 

[BobbyDukes]

Try them out. Do a test run. Go to a zoo one day with a sling and another with a backpack. Carry things you think u will bring to WDW.
I always prefer backpacks. More space just in case u need it. A sling won't carry a rain coat/poncho well as well with the rest of ur assortment and any space for some souvenirs

 

[Wild Roses]

Have you tried taking photos & videos with your new phone? Are you happy with them? If so, leave the other stuff! If not, go ahead and take the camcorder!

If you're like me, there's plenty of things to buy for Disney, and I'd use an existing backpack (maybe the smallest one) rather than buy a new one.

 

[Main Street Matilda]

I'm actually considering exactly the same thing. I used to carry a larger bag but as my kids no longer needed me to carry their "extras", I eventually downsized to a small backpack (Hershel Dawson XS) but I'm a fan of small sling bags. I have a leather one that I use for day trips (i.e. to New York City) and I love that I can slip it to my side or front for both security reasons and to access the zippers without removing the bag. I find that with backpacks, even a small one, I need to remove the backpack to access the pockets.

My issue right now is that in looking at slings, they either look too big or too small. My leather one isn't an option for WDW - can't imagine that would be a good choice in rain or heat.

 

[motherof2boys]

https://www.mythirtyone.com/macsata/product/4538
I carried this for 10 days last month. I Love it!! Perfect size. I carried my phone, water bottle, car keys, portable charger, chapstick, DVC card, hand sanitizer, hair elastics, & a pair of flip flops. Lol I think that's it. A few times I also threw in my wallet & a light sweater. My only complaint is that the side zipper is on the right so when I wore it over my right shoulder I had to take it off to open it.

 

[bdiddy]

I carry a small cross body bag that has my travel (small-size) wallet, cell phone, a charger, a baggie with baby wipes, some Advil, Purrell, my lipstick, Sunscreen and DH's medication. That's it. Kids handle their own phones. Dh handles his own phone, keys and wallet.

 

[PinkHelloKitty]

I carry a small crossbody purse as it's just me and the boyfriend. I experimented with a backpack on my last trip but honestly it was so annoying taking it on and off for rides and I didn't need the extra space. I only carry my phone, a small compact wallet for ID/credit card/cash, a tiny sandwich bag filled with regular and blister bandaids, and breath mints.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I go bagless. All I need is my phone, a small amount of cash, credit card, ID, and AP for discounts. I have a small wardrobe of "travel clothes" that have pockets, including pants like these https://www.rei.com/product/861817/...WsX_Gs5ANEotIiVH4BnCluRa1E3Zv8o0aAmz3EALw_wcB
and dresses like this https://www.toadandco.com/womens/dr...3BDF9pR9hZdIvFgr-GXuPAjGG6TMCmJ4aAmqbEALw_wcB
and I can fit all this stuff (phone, cards, cash) in the pocket.
If I needed something else (like you need your inhalers) I would bring a small runners belt--I have a spibelt https://spibelt.com/ that stretches to accommodate objects, I'm sure 2 inhalers could fit in.

I don't carry things that I'm unlikely to need, or can get for free in the parks. Kleenex? If I need to blow my nose I will just stop in a restroom and grab some tp. Bandaids? If I'm bleeding that bad, I'm heading to first aid! I suppose if my lips were already very chapped I would carry lipbalm--but so far that hasn't been the case in all my visits to Disney.