Post pics of your bag you carry into park

[DisTwix]

Both pictures work!

They look comfy, and the perfect size. Were they comfortable?

I was VERY comfortable with the bag. I could move it from front to side to back with ease, and it even worked on the opposite shoulder. The only thing that was a little bit of a pain was the pad on the strap would shift as I shifted the bag, and I'd have to readjust it, or hunt it down on the strap. But - having carried crossbody without the pad, I was *so* happy to have it.

There were a few moments where I'd have probably 10lbs worth of snacks and water and camera and so on and so on in there, and it still laid well against the body.

And, as you can see - we are all different sized chicks, and all of us found it comfy.

 

[sayhello]

I was VERY comfortable with the bag. I could move it from front to side to back with ease, and it even worked on the opposite shoulder. The only thing that was a little bit of a pain was the pad on the strap would shift as I shifted the bag, and I'd have to readjust it, or hunt it down on the strap. But - having carried crossbody without the pad, I was *so* happy to have it.

There were a few moments where I'd have probably 10lbs worth of snacks and water and camera and so on and so on in there, and it still laid well against the body.

And, as you can see - we are all different sized chicks, and all of us found it comfy.

What does the inside of the bag look like? How many pockets in the main compartment? I haven't found any site that has pictures of the inside of it.

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[DisTwix]

What does the inside of the bag look like? How many pockets in the main compartment? I haven't found any site that has pictures of the inside of it.

Thanks!
Sayhello

YES! That frustrated me so much when I ordered mine, and felt like I was really taking a chance...

OK - there is a zipper pocket on the back (against the body) that was perfect for maps, itineraries... my one girlfriend used that pocket for her money and tickets.

The main pocket, with the zip-open gusset, has an inside zipper pocket that is big enough to hold a small camera, a snap in led light and a snap in mirror.

The front compartment (also under the front flap) has two zippers that open down the sides for better access... and this is where the waterproof pouch is - a clear vinyl/plastic zippered pouch against the main body, plus two net pouches (camera, cell phone, sharpies, etc) on the front wall of that section.

On the outside of the flap is a zipper, PLUS, when the flap is flipped up, there is a zippered meshie pouch on the underside of it - this is where I chose to keep park tickets/FP.

Then drink pouch on the side can zipper into the bag as well, so it isn't hanging out all the time.

Opening the gusset zipper gained another inch to inch and a half of space in the main pocket.

Above the whole thing, kinda on the strap, is a cell phone pouch that was incredibly handy. AND, there is a great spot there for 2-3 pins.

Hopefully that helps!

 

[tpettie]

Oh sure fine..... DisTwix's pictures worked but mine didn't
We too were a large group mix of adults and children we all had a bag the Women had the large leather travel mates. We used them for the plane to take what we wanted with us, Kids packed games, cards snacks ect. Used the passport carrier for our whole groups KTTW so the fass pass runner only had to take the one pouch and go also worked great for keeping the fass passes in once we had them.

We loved them
I ordered the first one online to see what ther were like then found a store here at home to ordert the rest of them to save shipping cost.

Here is the web site it's called Heys Travel Mates
http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=tm01

Happy hunting.

 

[altheatoldme]

I just want to jump on the "I LOVE MY HEYS TRAVELMATE" bandwagon!



This bag is awesome!

I use a 2 bag system, so this is my never-leaves-my-body bag, it's the perfect size, it's small enough to take on the rides but big enough to hold all of the essentials, mine ususally holds my ID, money, cameras (still and video), a bottle of water, a snack, a paci, 1 diaper and a few wipes, but has also been known to expand and hold an entire change of clothes, a blankie and leftovers from lunch. I'm not sure I could use JUST this bag though, maybe without kids, but I do also have a diaper bag that I keep on my stroller with my not so essential every minute essentials, like ponchos, extra diapers, sunblock, extra clothes, etc, etc, etc.

So that's my testimonial, I would buy this bag again in a heartbeat, and in fact I may buy a second just because it comes in so many fun colors!

 

[LollipopPanda]

Wow....this thread is amazing!

I found a neat link on the Heys Travelmate.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4643516913172425635


After watching the video, I'm pretty much sold on ordering this one.

 

[Buzz & Woody]

I had a green one and the velro stopped sticking! I was ticked. They sent a new one to me though. I've never had velro stop sticking, but it happened

 

[CampbellScot]

I'm in SO much trouble with this thread! I've been reading it for two days now and obsessing about park bags! My husband just yelled at me to quit "LOOKING AT BAGS for the MILLIONTH hour in a row!"



I'm so going to buy two or three more...to try them out.



I just ordered and am expecting a delivery today of the Ameribag Baby bag! It's fairly roomy with specific spots to hold bottles and such (which will be handy for water bottles and diet coke bottles!!) and extra pockets on the outside for "parent" necessities. We usually travel with two kids (8 & 6) and I always carry the bulk of stuff and my neck and back are totally thrown out by the end of the trips. So I"m looking forward to the Ameribag and it's promise to keep my back healthy!

I'm also considering a smaller travel bag. I like the Heys bag I've seen here several times...I'm also looking at some LeSportsac bags...or maybe the smaller Sherpani bags.

this is just too much fun!!!

I'll be sure and give a report on the Ameribag! It should be here any time!!


ETA: The Ameribag baby bag arrived. I was so excited at first look. I love all the pockets and give it a high rating from an organizational standpoint.

Unfortunately...

I am very disappointed to say that I do NOT like it at all. I don't like the way it feels on. It's really awful. I actually packed it with a typical load of a park stuff...two bottles of water, ponchos, my passporter, misty mate, anti bacterial wipes, sunscreen, sunglasses...that sort of thing. I tend to be an over packer...which is why the Ameribag was so appealing. Healthy back bag my foot! It promises that weight is distributed in such a way that heavy loads somehow feel lighter and put less stress on the neck and back. Well it doesn't. And this load wasn't even heavy...aside from the bottles of water. I took the bottles out and it was still bad. The strap cuts into my neck terribly. No matter how I adjust it. The strap doesn't appear to be cut in a way that would keep it from hanging badly. There is no favorable weight distribution that I can tell. It felt just as heavy as any bag might with the stuff that was in it. It's impossible to get the bag into a comfortable position b/c it is continually sliding until it's almost under my arm.

I tried carrying it in both of the ways that are suggested by Ameribag. Both ways were equally uncomfortable. My husband, the eternal opitmist, saw my distress and thought he'd see if he could help. He put the bag on and immediately said "Send it back. That bag is just obnoxious!"

So...the Ameribag will be going back. Seriously, if I actually had an infant and attempted to carry that so called "Super baby bag for mom", I'd lose my mind fighting with the dang thing.

On the plus side, I have the thrill of the continued hunt for the perfect bag!

Onward!!!

 

[kymmyk13]

This is overwhleming, too many choices. I want a Hey's Travelmate bag but I will also need a backpack, is that doable.

 

[Kevenswife2]

This is overwhleming, too many choices. I want a Hey's Travelmate bag but I will also need a backpack, is that doable.

Yes, if you want to feel like a pack mule

 

[dtum]

I carry my small Buxton bag and DH has the packpack. We usually get a locker for the backpack, but this trip being June we may want to have our drinks with us rather than having to keep going to the front of the park for a quick drink.

 

[altheatoldme]

Don't give up!!

Last year, for months before my trip, I was so stressed out trying to find "the perfect bag", which of course, does not exist. But man, there are sooooo many choices, I thought it must be out there.

So I read this thread, which took me weeks, I bought, I tried, I returned, I repeated a couple times, and for a while I just ignored that I would need a bag at all, then I read some more, I bought again, I tried again, I returned again, Baggalini, SportSac, Vera Bradley, nothing seemed to work for me.

Then just when I was about to give up and I have no idea what, keep everything in my pockets maybe, who knows what I was thinking, I bought my Travelmate, delivered, seriously, THE DAY before I was leaving, and it ended up being my "perfect bag".

So have faith, whatever is "perfect" for you, the Disney Gods will make it all work out in the end!

Or be sure to have REALLY big pockets!

 

[kymmyk13]

Ok you made me laugh.. ..I have been so stressed about this trip you would never know that I was a former CM. I think I am going to order the travelmate today. We are not leaving until April 8. Also I am staying with my sister so if I decide I need a different bag I can always borrow one from her. I may have my DD18 carry a small backpack, I over pack and my DD 4 like to have her comfort items.

 

[DisTwix]

ETA: The Ameribag baby bag arrived. I was so excited at first look. I love all the pockets and give it a high rating from an organizational standpoint.

Unfortunately...

I am very disappointed to say that I do NOT like it at all. I don't like the way it feels on. It's really awful. I actually packed it with a typical load of a park stuff...two bottles of water, ponchos, my passporter, misty mate, anti bacterial wipes, sunscreen, sunglasses...that sort of thing. I tend to be an over packer...which is why the Ameribag was so appealing. Healthy back bag my foot! It promises that weight is distributed in such a way that heavy loads somehow feel lighter and put less stress on the neck and back. Well it doesn't. And this load wasn't even heavy...aside from the bottles of water. I took the bottles out and it was still bad. The strap cuts into my neck terribly. No matter how I adjust it. The strap doesn't appear to be cut in a way that would keep it from hanging badly. There is no favorable weight distribution that I can tell. It felt just as heavy as any bag might with the stuff that was in it. It's impossible to get the bag into a comfortable position b/c it is continually sliding until it's almost under my arm.

I tried carrying it in both of the ways that are suggested by Ameribag. Both ways were equally uncomfortable. My husband, the eternal opitmist, saw my distress and thought he'd see if he could help. He put the bag on and immediately said "Send it back. That bag is just obnoxious!"

So...the Ameribag will be going back. Seriously, if I actually had an infant and attempted to carry that so called "Super baby bag for mom", I'd lose my mind fighting with the dang thing.

On the plus side, I have the thrill of the continued hunt for the perfect bag!

Onward!!!

That totally STINKS!!!

You know - I have a backpack from ebags - eBags brand - that I've had for a while, and it's been incredibly comfortable. I use it for my work laptop hauler, my overnight bag, carry-on, hiking companion, etc... it's really held up, and the thing I've liked about it most is that it has been comfortable.

The first trip I had it on was to Vancouver, and I ended up going on a 6 mile bike ride with the thing on my back loaded with water, snacks and jackets - it was totally fine, the load never bothered me.

They don't make the exact one I have anymore - but I know they have a ton of good pictures and decent selection... and you can usually find good coupon codes for them (I like retailmenot.com). They don't necessarily look as cute as I like a bag to look, but the function (for ME!) has been great.

Good luck and HAVE FUN with your shopping!!! You'll find something great.



OH - and I was carrying my Heys AND a backpack for some parts of my recent trip.... it wasn't MY backpack... but it wasn't comfortable. I'd definitely have the kids haul some of their own stuff... we had 2 7 year olds and a 10 year old, and they each had their own little packs and were great about keeping up with them and NOT whining about them.

Of course - we also had a stroller... so we all got back breaks occasionally!

 

[LisaNJ25]

i have the overland donner bag
http://www.ebags.com/overland_equipment/donner_shoulder_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=109695

I paid around $30 for it and I see they have update it since I ordered it 2 years ago.


We also have a lands end diaper bag/back pack we bring.

 

[lecach]

I didn't like the Baggalini Messenger bag. It just didn't fit right on my body.

http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Messenger-Sling-Bagg-Stop-Nylon/dp/B0001F32AO

Would I like the Hey's Travelmate? The polka dot design really appeals to me.
http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Heys-USA-Exotic-TravelMate-Polka-Dot-Bag/3444382/product.html

 

[hannah_03]

I bought a messenger Bagallini two years ago and it was just "okay". Last year I bought an Overland Donner and thought it was better made. I will be taking it again this year

 

[S. C.]

I had a green one and the velro stopped sticking! I was ticked. They sent a new one to me though. I've never had velro stop sticking, but it happened

Does the bag feel bulky to you? Watching the video it looks bulky and uncomfortable to me.

 

[becca1125]

The heys travelmate, do you thin I could fit a few diapers and a travel thing of wipes in there? Im trying to figure out what to do. I have a 17 month old and I normally carry a small backpack-toddler size for a diaper bag. Im wondering if I can get away with one bag? But then I think about all the crap I need to take and think the Heys could just be for me lol I was going to use it as a purse and stash id's, cell phone and of course dh's crap, he always wants me to put his wallet and cell in my purse I just dont wanna roll up in Disney looking like the beverly hillbillys

 

[Kevenswife2]

The heys travelmate, do you thin I could fit a few diapers and a travel thing of wipes in there? Im trying to figure out what to do. I have a 17 month old and I normally carry a small backpack-toddler size for a diaper bag. Im wondering if I can get away with one bag? But then I think about all the crap I need to take and think the Heys could just be for me lol I was going to use it as a purse and stash id's, cell phone and of course dh's crap, he always wants me to put his wallet and cell in my purse I just dont wanna roll up in Disney looking like the beverly hillbillys

Yes, the Heys would hold your diapers and such, but not a lot of mom's things with the diapers.

Right now I have both a Baggallini Messenger bag and a Heys Travelmate. I filled both with a couple of water bottles (for weight) and wore them around the house while doing my housework. Bending, squatting, etc. I wore them in the front and the back, and each was comfortable.

I chose to keep the Baggallini because of it's size. While I'm sure I won't fill it up, I like to have 'wiggle' room. Extra room so I'm not having to remove things to find what I'm looking for. Room for those 'extras' I pick up at the parks, which I felt the Heys didn't have (for me). Also, I feel I have more versatility in carrying options with the Baggallini. And the flashlight didn't work on the Heys bag .

I got both bags for around $20. The tag on the Heys says $39.99. There's NO WAY I'd pay that!