Thoughts on this size backpack

[JakeAZ]

We always use a backpack when going to amusement parks / carnivals etc.

We also love to hike and I have this Osprey Manta bag, which is amazingly comfortable / breathable and has a built in rain cover.

I am thinking of using it for the parks, but wanted some input on if it might be too big for storage on rides. It fits within WDW backpack guidelines, so it will have no problem getting in.

I would probably take the hydration pack out for extra storage and just use water bottles on the sides.

Basically is it "overkill"?

Thanks!

 

[tstein12]

Not overkill to me because I like to be prepared for me and my daughter when going to the parks (rain ponchos, water, wallet, first aid stuff, etc.)! I have an Osprey that is slightly larger than the one you show, and it is fine on the all rides. The only tight fit is on Space Mountain, but I usually just ask to sit in the front where there is more leg room.

 

[JakeAZ]

I have an Osprey that is slightly larger than the one you show, and it is fine on the all rides. The only tight fit is on Space Mountain, but I usually just ask to sit in the front where there is more leg room.

Excellent! Thank you

 

[JakeAZ]

Not overkill to me because I like to be prepared for me and my daughter when going to the parks (rain ponchos, water, wallet, first aid stuff, etc.)! I have an Osprey that is slightly larger than the one you show, and it is fine on the all rides. The only tight fit is on Space Mountain, but I usually just ask to sit in the front where there is more leg room.

Any chance you also use it at Universal? I'm thinking it would be a problem there as it would have to go into a locker most of the time. Will probably just try to make do with a fanny pack on those days.

 

[tstein12]

Any chance you also use it at Universal? I'm thinking it would be a problem there as it would have to go into a locker most of the time. Will probably just try to make do with a fanny pack on those days.

I have never been to Universal, so I'm no help!

 

[dez1978]

Seems like way too much to me. I just used a fanny pack or a sling bag from Vera Bradley. I managed to fir enough for the 4 of us in there.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

Any chance you also use it at Universal? I'm thinking it would be a problem there as it would have to go into a locker most of the time. Will probably just try to make do with a fanny pack on those days.

It will definitely have to go in locker on some of the rides. Even my small thin crossbody bag UO asks me to store it in a locker, which is kind of crazy as they let fanny packs on which are actually bulkier than my crossbody bag. I now just loop my crossbody on around my waist on those particular rides: Harry Potter, Men In Black, Mummy, Hulk, I can't think of the rest, not too many others anyway

 

[Kmedders]

We have carried that exact back pack actually. It is very comfortable, but it’s big. You end up having to dig for your stuff. I much prefer having a smaller back pack that makes things more easily accessible. We have gotten to where our kids each carry a small back pack with their items and then I am able to carry something smaller

 

[JakeAZ]

It will definitely have to go in locker on some of the rides. Even my small thin crossbody bag UO asks me to store it in a locker, which is kind of crazy as they let fanny packs on which are actually bulkier than my crossbody bag. I now just loop my crossbody on around my waist on those particular rides: Harry Potter, Men In Black, Mummy, Hulk, I can't think of the rest, not too many others anyway

Thank you for the info. Yes, I've read that a fannypack seems to be the best way to go with Universal. I'd like to avoid the lockers, so we'll try to get by with just those on the two days we are there. Thanks for the confirmation,.

 

[JakeAZ]

We have carried that exact back pack actually. It is very comfortable, but it’s big. You end up having to dig for your stuff. I much prefer having a smaller back pack that makes things more easily accessible. We have gotten to where our kids each carry a small back pack with their items and then I am able to carry something smaller

I'd love to be able to have my kids wear a backpack, but we are not there....yet. What I like most about this backpack is the two side compartments around your waist (easy access to the things you use most). But yes, you are right, it is a big pack, which is why it's so great for hiking.

I'll probably bring a smaller backpack that can be folded up in our luggage. If the Osprey becomes too much of a hassle, I'll switch to that one.

Thank you for your input!

 

[Timandalicia]

I used to do a backpack and considered a few things
-a shallow pocket to access some stuff easier.
-Will it tip over my stroller if I hang it from it
-Can I turn it around and wear it on my front side. This becomes very convenient for some rides and accessibility.
-I’m a hiker and a Disney person. Originally I thought cushion and sturdieness was most important. I discovered that light weight is more so, because unlike hiking, I take it off so often and because of the aforementioned.

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

What do you need to put in it?....

If you NEED a lot of things for the park that's one thing but to take a giant hiking backpack that can fit a house and you fill it to the brim with random things that you really don't need its going to be a hinderance especially on rides.
Its not going to fit in an on attraction storage pouch if that's what you are wondering.
Depending on the attraction it may even be a bit difficult to fit it on the floor or your lap.

 

[Kmedders]

I'd love to be able to have my kids wear a backpack, but we are not there....yet. What I like most about this backpack is the two side compartments around your waist (easy access to the things you use most). But yes, you are right, it is a big pack, which is why it's so great for hiking.

I'll probably bring a smaller backpack that can be folded up in our luggage. If the Osprey becomes too much of a hassle, I'll switch to that one.

Thank you for your input!

Sure! The osprey is nice with the waist buckle for support. It just seemed like our snacks and ponchos are all in a mess at the bottom. I guess it depends on what you take in the park. If you take a lot and use the osprey, I would recommend organizing your items in clear bags within the back pack

 

[JakeAZ]

What do you need to put in it?....

If you NEED a lot of things for the park that's one thing but to take a giant hiking backpack that can fit a house and you fill it to the brim with random things that you really don't need its going to be a hinderance especially on rides.
Its not going to fit in an on attraction storage pouch if that's what you are wondering.
Depending on the attraction it may even be a bit difficult to fit it on the floor or your lap.

We have 12 people going on this trip. Now, we all won't be together the whole time and I'm absolutely not going to carry things for everyone, but in addition to my family of 4, I will most likely keep some things for my parents in there.

So waters, snacks, phones, charging brick, ponchos, storage for things we may buy, light jackets for AM / late PM.

But you do bring up a good point about rides. I do not want it to be an obstacle. It was nice to hear from others that have used similar bags and didn't have issues.

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

We have 12 people going on this trip. Now, we all won't be together the whole time and I'm absolutely not going to carry things for everyone, but in addition to my family of 4, I will most likely keep some things for my parents in there.

So waters, snacks, phones, charging brick, ponchos, storage for things we may buy, light jackets for AM / late PM.

But you do bring up a good point about rides. I do not want it to be an obstacle. It was nice to hear from others that have used similar bags and didn't have issues.

Sounds like you would be better off renting a locker in your situation.
Also I can understand having to carry things for you and your kids if they are too young to carry their own but that's where I'd draw the line.
Are your parents physically unable to carry a bag?

 

[JakeAZ]

Sounds like you would be better off renting a locker in your situation.
Also I can understand having to carry things for you and your kids if they are too young to carry their own but that's where I'd draw the line.
Are your parents physically unable to carry a bag?

I'd much rather carry a bag than go back and forth to a locker. Based on the replies here, it will fit on rides, so I'm good with carrying it.

My parents are able to carry things, but if I can make their trip easier, I will. Being 70+ and wanting to do as much as possible with their 5 grandkids over 6 park days will already be difficult.

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

I'd much rather carry a bag than go back and forth to a locker. Based on the replies here, it will fit on rides, so I'm good with carrying it.

My parents are able to carry things, but if I can make their trip easier, I will. Being 70+ and wanting to do as much as possible with their 5 grandkids over 6 park days will already be difficult.

My parents are in their 70's as well. I love them but dang I am not carrying twice as much when they can carry it.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I agree with locker if at all possible. It is nice you are thinking of everyone but don’t be a pack mule and be hurting at the end of the day. For rain dollar store ponchos fit in each persons pocket. Does everyone normally snack between meals daily or just when at Disney? There are kids size fanny packs- if they need a snack they carry. There are collapsing water bottles you can refill at fountain or get cup of water at quick service ( now I can say I honestly don’t know how that is working during Covid ). Jackets for early morning or late night- perfect for locker or each person tie around waist.
It will be heavy carrying all day for 6 days

You might think backpack not big but in stores and places even with social distancing you could accidentally bump someone.

 

[JakeAZ]

My parents are in their 70's as well. I love them but dang I am not carrying twice as much when they can carry it.

I get it.

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

I agree with locker if at all possible. It is nice you are thinking of everyone but don’t be a pack mule and be hurting at the end of the day. For rain dollar store ponchos fit in each persons pocket. Does everyone normally snack between meals daily or just when at Disney? There are kids size fanny packs- if they need a snack they carry. There are collapsing water bottles you can refill at fountain or get cup of water at quick service ( now I can say I honestly don’t know how that is working during Covid ). Jackets for early morning or late night- perfect for locker or each person tie around waist.
It will be heavy carrying all day for 6 days

You might think backpack not big but in stores and places even with social distancing you could accidentally bump someone.

Oh man yes many times I've had someone with a large hiking backpack accidentally bump into me especially in gift shops.
No judging if that's what they need in the parks but you have to be extremely mindful when you have that large of a bag.
You also can't just whip it off in a line to get something out of it without looking around to make sure you have enough room.