Suggestions for a good Disney park day bag

[jaycns]

First, my search feature is not working right now...so I apologize in advance for asking a question that must be easily answered if I could search.

I have a great Columbia sling right now in terms of size and usage but the whole cannot switch shoulders thing is a big thing to me. My right shoulder gets pretty tired after a long day at the parks. It would be great if I could switch back and forth or wear it as a backpack sometimes.

So...top things I am looking for:

1. a sling that can be used on either shoulder
2. it would be great if it could convert into a backpack
3. something "smallish" to medium in size. Nothing huge. BUT...I do carry around five ponchos (small disposable ones in packs), chapstick, mini sunscreen, hairbrush, small notebook, camera and four pin lanyards(my boys inevitably get sick of wearing theirs)...so small won't work...but I don't need normal backpack sized either.
4. I would like it in a color that my dh wouldn't be embarrassed to carry around so that I can schlep it off on him from time to time.
5. I would like it to be very durable.
6. I would like it to have at least one separate compartment that I could shove little things like our tickets, maps, and show time guides into. I would not like it to have a billion little compartments though...takes too much time going through security (okay, so I do get a bit antsy when I am 'almost' there ).

THANKS A MILLION for any suggestions!!

 

[Harambe]

We use an LLBean one-shoulder bag. It is excellent. It is black and very durable, and I had my initials put on so that there would not be any mix-ups at the parks. DH always carries it.

Filled with compartments, we carry lots of stuff (altho a lot less now that the kids are older) and still have room to put in the occasional purchase.

It was a little pricey (I think it was about $75 - $80), but we've used it for five trips and it still looks brand new!

 

[jaycns]

We use an LLBean one-shoulder bag. It is excellent. It is black and very durable, and I had my initials put on so that there would not be any mix-ups at the parks. DH always carries it.

Filled with compartments, we carry lots of stuff (altho a lot less now that the kids are older) and still have room to put in the occasional purchase.

It was a little pricey (I think it was about $75 - $80), but we've used it for five trips and it still looks brand new!

Thanks! Is it a one shoulder only bag or could you switch the strap from shoulder to shoulder?

Price is always a consideration...but I am willing to spend what is needed to invest in a good bag that will hold up for more then a few vacations!

Thanks!!

 

[jaycns]

Bumping in hopes of some more suggestions! TIA

 

[alloyd1170]

Try a search for Baggallini (very popular on here, but I dont like it since it goes across your body) and Travelon (another poplular one). Ive tried a waist pack (ok but not comfy after a while), Healthy Back bag (same complaint as you with sore shoulder)....

I just ordered a new Travelon bag from QVC. Its a convertible backpack/sling bag in Microfiber (black, taupe which might get dirty fast, and wine). I dont like big bags, but need something to carry my wallet, and a SLR type camera, and maybe a few little things. I keep the big stuff (diaper supply, snacks drinks, etc) in the stroller. Im hoping this one will be big enough (dimension are 14" x 4" x 14"). I liked it since it has credit card slots on the back of the bag (which goes against your back) protecting it from thieves I hope! You can unzip the strap to change it to a backpack or sling. The item # on QVC is F0521 if youre interested. Think its normaly around $23+ and is on sale for $21+.

alison

 

[Skroops]

I like Kipling bags. They are very light weight and there a lot of styles and colors to choose from. They have a small messenger bag that can convert to a back pack. I bought a black one and a tan one in that style. They are very sturdy, well made and last for years. They also have a messenger bag that looks more like an over the shoulder book bag/computer bag. It has thick long straps, and you can put it on either shoulder. Your DH would be okay lugging that. I like them better than back packs because my back gets so hot sometimes.
They aren't the cheapest bag, but you can find them on sale or sometimes at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. There are the Kipling stores in a lot of airports and malls these days too.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

We have the backpacks from the disney store no they don't do just one shoulder but they don't have alot of compartments and since they are kids backpacks they are on the small side. I use the front bottom pocket for park maps and things like that, the top compartment I use to put my phone in and the bag itself I use for our camera, tide stick, lotion etc., as well as things we pick up throughout the day.

To view the backpack go to disneyoutlet.com. In the left column select accessories in the kids section and then select backpacks and lunchtotes and you will find them the have princesses, nemo, power rangers, and Pirates.

 

[Tasmen]

I got my mom a small kipling bag for a disneyland trip 4 years back as I didn't want to be seen with someone using a fannypack (yes, I know, bad daughter ). I usually use a mini-backpack. I have one by Clive and another by some outdoor gear manufacturer that for the life of me I cannot remember the name of. I do think, though, I will be getting a Baggallini for my upcoming to trip WDW. The urban baggallini can be used as a sling or converted to a backpack I believe.

 

[CampbellScot]

I have an overland Donner bag and it's worked very well for me at Disney. It has two water bottle holders on either side which is GREAT, lots of space in the main compartment, a back pocket and an organizer in the front for change, cell phone, sun glasses, credit cards, etc. I love mine. It comes in black so anybody can carry it.

Also, LLbean has a "Carry On" bag that I think is new this year. It looks a lot like my Donner bag, except it has back pack straps, a shoulder strap and carrying handle, so you can carry it in the most convenient way for you. It's $39. I'm getting one for a carry on bag. It's got a water bottle holder and it can expand. Very handy little bag over all. It may be just what you are looking for!!! It's on their website!!

good luck!!! A good bag is KEY!!!

 

[connorsgram]

L.L. Bean has their Stowaway Healthy Back Bag at $29.00. I have it and love it. I carried it on our last trip. I also carry it to ballgames where I'm on the bleachers and my bag may fall off and dump all my stuff. It has lots of compartments inside and out, but the best part is all the zippers. The bag zips and the 2 outside compartments zip. There's also a velcro outside compartment and an outside pouch for a small water bottle or umbrella.

 

[jaycns]

Thanks for all fo the suggestions...just bumping in hopes of a few more! TIA!!