Park Bag Recommendation

MSS91

Mouseketeer
Joined
Mar 8, 2016
Messages
104
We will be going to Disney next Friday and I'm looking for recommendations for a bag to bring with me to the parks. But first, here's some background on what I'm looking for:

I'm looking for a decent sized bag that will hold a water bottle, phone, keys, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other park essentials. I don't plan on bringing everything but the kitchen sink with me, but I also can't get by with a tiny purse.

I need something that will be easy on my neck/shoulders. I tend to carry my stress in this region, so a bag that will dig into my neck and shoulders will quickly irritate me.

I would also prefer if the straps wernt made of plastic/synthetic material. I need something that can breathe and absorb sweat. I've had bad experiences in the past with straps rubbing and getting infections.

In the past I have used a drawstring backpack and a Vera Bradley backpack. The Vera one has worked out the best so far, so that's my backup.


Thanks in advance for any input!
 
For two WDW trips, I have used the Piazza Day Bag. Now the strap is nylon, but because it is so long and easily adjustable, I never had any unpleasant rubbing/chafing (I also have very sensitive skin).

The bag is on the smaller side, but easily held my sunglasses (and my husband's), my wallet, sunscreen, back up glasses if my contacts bugged me, lens solution, giant iPhone 6s Plus and Brita water bottle. It didn't dig at all, even when fully loaded. It's also water-resistant and saved my phone from being drowned on a water ride two years ago.
 

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I use a longchamp backpack, the bag is nylon so it's easy to wipe off if anything gets on it. It's small (but boy does it fit a ton in there) I went to a water park once and fit my towel, change of clothes, flip flops, sunscreen, sunglasses in there and had room for essentials (wallet, phone etc). It also folds up nicely so if you are flying, you can fold it up and pack it and use a bigger purse for the plane.
 
For two WDW trips, I have used the Piazza Day Bag. Now the strap is nylon, but because it is so long and easily adjustable, I never had any unpleasant rubbing/chafing (I also have very sensitive skin).

The bag is on the smaller side, but easily held my sunglasses (and my husband's), my wallet, sunscreen, back up glasses if my contacts bugged me, lens solution, giant iPhone 6s Plus and Brita water bottle. It didn't dig at all, even when fully loaded. It's also water-resistant and saved my phone from being drowned on a water ride two years ago.


I have used the same bag many times on my trips with the addition of a comfy strap cover I had made by a nice lady in etsy - ComfyAccessories (not affiliated, just a happy customer). I originally used her for some seat belt covers then realized they would work on the bag as well as nice padding for the strap so I had her use fabric that went with the color of the bag I have.
 

Baggallini cross body...backpacks are too hot on my back. Get one with a wider strap so it is comfortable.
 
I always bring my Osprey Daylite pack. Its a hiking bag so the straps and back are meant for sweat absorption and cooling. Its not a huge pack but holds all the essentials. I've used it on many hiking trips and its super durable and easy to clean.
 

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HIKPRO
Just paid $16.99 for this ultra lightweight backpack on Amazon prime.

HIKPRO
#1 Rated Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack Hiking Daypack + Most Durable Light Backpacks for Men and Women / the Best Foldable Camping Outdoor Travel Biking School Air Travelling Carry on Backpacking + Ultralight and Handy - 6.5 Oz Only
 
After several trips to World and Land, I now officially call Patagonia Atom sling my Disney bag. Big enough to hold what I need. Can clip a water bottle onto it (can also fit one inside, but I prefer the easy access of clipping it to the strap). The compression straps can be used to strap a jacket to the bag, which I did every day at Land last month, given it was chilly in the morning, hot during the day and chilly again at night. The strap and back absorb sweat and I do not find the bag to be hot or to rub at all. In fact, most of the time I hardly know I'm wearing it. Much less stress on my neck than carrying a crossbody bag that sits at the hip and much more comfy and less bulky than a backpack. Swinging the bag around to the front allows for easy access to bag contents and also allows for riding many rides without removing the bag. Really do love this bag.
 
I love the Wayside II Crossbody Bag from L.L. Bean. It was affordable and very comfortable to carry, plus L.L. Bean has a fantastic guarantee on all their products and free shipping.
 
Does nobody use fanny packs anymore? I used to love mine many years ago and am planning on finding another one for our upcoming WDW visit. I can't wear anything, even a tiny wallet purse, over my shoulder for any length of time (neck/shoulder issues) and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to wear a backpack either. In my google searches, I've seen some pretty roomy fanny backs that would hold a lot more than my one from years ago.
 
I was looking at getting a larger Bandi instead of a fanny pack - it's supposed to hold a 6s and a few other small things. We're either taking a rollator or renting a scooter for my mom so we'll have some towing capability for frozen waters/snacks but aside from back/neck strain, backpacks are just so inconvenient and I always feel paranoid in crowds to have all my valuables behind me.
 
I highly recommend the new Vera Bradley line of Lighten Up bags. While I still prefer the look/feel of the signature cotton, the nylon fabric of the Lighten Up line is great for water, not as delicate as the pretty cotton, and comes in a variety of styles (crossbodies, backpacks). My favorite (and Disney park bag of choice) is the Lighten Up Slim Crossbody. Holds everything I need it to and very lightweight. Good luck finding your perfect bag.
 














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