What if you have a fanny pack phobia?!?

[Jill72]

I personally have a thing against fanny packs - don't know why - but I know they are useful and handy and all the travel books recommend them. Since I don't want to use one - should I use a backpack instead? And how much stuff do I need to bring to the parks with me each day? We have one child age 5 1/2 going with us.

 

[GusT]

I have the same phobia!!!! I was also wondering the same. I always carry a backpack when we go anywhere (cedar point, 6 flags, zoos......). And I only have me, my fiance, and his 15 year old daugher. When we have small kids I will probably carry a roll around suitcase. You must be prepared!!!!

-Erica

 

[ncbyrne]

I used to have a thing against them too....(they look weird and dorky). But, after a few trips to WDW, and seeing the vast majority of people with free hands, I gave in. I won't wear them anywhere else, but I do take one with me to WDW simple for the convenience. Don't get me started on backpacks. I dislike those more than fanny packs....

 

[matlock42373]

I have a great fanny pak it holds everything I need including brita bottle and 2 ponchos

 

[eacatwork]

I've been reading all the threads about Baggallinis and Travelon bags, etc. and was easily seduced by them. But then I sat down and thought about what exactly I'll be carrying while I'm there (not much since it's just DH and me) and realized that I could get away with a fanny pack, since DH offered to wear one too. We can each have our own bottle of water and he can carry the camera since he's the photographer anyway! We just agreed that we'd swing our packs around to the back or take them off for photos.

 

[stczt]

I carry a fanny pack on my sholder like a purse and if I am riding something then I put it on. I like the fact that its small and I cant overpack.

 

[Tasmen]

I'm a big fan of mini backpacks personally. I have a baggallini now and am trying it out for everyday use before I switch from backback to messenger bag for the parks. But I'm with you, I really cannot stand fanny packs.

 

[Jill72]

Ok - maybe this is a dumb question - but what's the difference b/w a messanger bag and a baggalini?

 

[CampbellScot]

Okay I'll tell y'all a funny "fanny" pack story...

My cousin from Ireland came to visit me here in the states a few years ago. We walked into a grocery store where they had a big sign saying "Free Fanny Pack with every purchase"...well my cousin's face turned bright red and he was looking around to see if anyone else was as embarrassed as he was. I asked him what on earth was wrong and this is the conversation that took place:

Eoin:"Do you not see that sign?"
me: "The one that says Free Fanny pack? Yes I see it"
Eoin: (looking alarmed) "Good lord woman d'you just say it out like that for the world to hear?"
me: What's wrong with Fanny pack?
Eoin: (his face is BEET red at this point) Cam, STOP saying that...WORD...

well I'm thinking my cousin is having a major case of jet lag...so we got our stuff and got out of there. Once we were in the car he explains that the word "Fanny" is a rather crude word for female private parts...

so imagine his SHOCK at walking into a grocery store with a bad word scrawled across a huge sign...he was mortified!! Fanny packs are called "Bum Bags" in Ireland.

I still crack up laughing when I think of that or even see the words "fanny pack"!!!

 

[cindysteve]

I personally have a thing against fanny packs - don't know why - but I know they are useful and handy and all the travel books recommend them. Since I don't want to use one - should I use a backpack instead? And how much stuff do I need to bring to the parks with me each day? We have one child age 5 1/2 going with us.

I am just the opposite. After using a fanny pack on vacation in 2000, I never went back to a purse. I use one all the time now. I can sling it over my shoulder, or hook it on my waist. Maybe I'm just getting old...

 

[smi727]

I love my Tinker Bell messenger bag. I picked it up at Wal-mart right before my trip last summer. It's just big enough for a wallet, sunscreen, band aids, 2 emergency ponchos, and deodorant. I'm taking it with me again this summer!

 

[Jill72]

Campbell - that story is hilarious!!

 

[plove53]

I hated (still do) the fanny packs. Try an over the shoulder messenger bags My DGF loves her Baggallini. I also think it is great! I work in NYC and I use a Baggallini style bag (messenger bag) when I go to work. They are not fannybagish, or cumbersome like a backpack… It's lightweight and easy on, easy off!

-p

 

[mysparky]

I used to use a fanny pack (don't really like the look, but they're light and don't allow you to overpack) but last time when went I used a small backpack instead. I really liked the smaller backpack, but you have to make sure it's small! The tendency to overpack a "normal" sized pack is too great when you've got the room.

This summer, we're each traveling with our own Camelbaks as keeping hydrated is a key goal and I don't want to lug around half-frozen water bottles for everyone all day. The kids have Camelbaks with very little room for storage (enough for a poncho), but mine has 2 extra pockets so I'll also be able to carry my sunglasses, a small digital camera, the park passes, 1 bottle of sunscreen, my poncho, and antibacterial hand wipes.

Bottom line, keep it light! Even 5 lbs can feel like 10 when you're carrying it around all day!

 

[Malibelle]

I am not a fan of the fanny packs either. I like the baggallini but I find its way to big for the parks because I don't carry a lot. I found this Travelon bag on QVC that I think will be perfect for my video camera, digital, park tickets and money. Its not too big but not really small and it actual will turn into a fanny pack for those who love fanny packs. I should be getting it any day.
Item# F10867
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/app.detail

 

[smep013]

I never thought I would ever wear a fanny pack. I bought one for my trip last August and can't wait to use again. We always go in the summer, so it is nice to not have a backpack (large or small) on my back making me sweat even more! Also, my hands were always free and when I needed something I did not have to stop and take the backpack off to access it.

To get over your so-called phobia:

Buy an inexpensive one at Walmart and walk around the house with it on.

Ha Ha Ha!

 

[Elmo888]

I can't stand the fanny packs, either.

My understanding is that a messenger bag is worn across the body (from shoulder to opposite hip) and the bag rests on the hip. The Baggalini is more of a sling (please correct me if I'm wrong in terminology) where the strap is across the body (again, from shoulder to opposite hip), but the bag is on your back. The Baggalini also has pockets on the strap that is across your body.

Baggallini is a brand...
http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/mes..._nylon/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18644

I used a small messenger bag, Overland Equipment Placer. It isn't big enough for a water bottle, but has a top zipper pocket that easily held small camera, hand gel, make up compact, lip stuff, etc. We had a stroller, so non-valuables went there.
http://www.ebags.com/products/index...ategory_Link=Details_Overland Equipment_19677

I also have the OE Donner, and it could hold 2 water bottles and more. It is very similar to the Placer, but bigger and with 2 side pockets. (I haven't used it yet - this is for when I don't have a stroller to use as a pack horse!)
http://www.ebags.com/products/index...ategory_Link=Details_Overland Equipment_19375

http://www.overlandequipment.com/

Enjoy!

 

[buzz2400]

I only wear the fanny bag when I am at universal or disney. It allows me to keep the tickets and money in a safe place and I don't have to worry about leaving the "bag" behind. I also carry a backpack but I would never go without the fanny pack.

 

[jjarman]

DS16 has made me promise not to wear a fanny pack this time. I wasn't going to anyway as I have a smallish backpack that will hold my camera, ponchos, money, tickets, etc. It is a jansport so it is light and durable. It only has the main compartment and an outside pocket so easy to get through security. If we don't take that I will take the camera bag which measures about 6" x 6" x 6". It will hold the camera, batteries, money, tickets and a few little things. I can always slide the handle of our mugs over the strap if needed. I anticipate this will be what we will take in the evenings after a return to the room in the afternoon. We most likely will not need the ponchos at night (unless the weather channel says different) so we won't need as much room.

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

I use a fanny pack, I love it but only because it is flat. It holds money, tickets, credit cards and maybe a small digital p&s camera. It hides very discretely under any shirt or top I may have on so it doesnt show in any photos. It is also not cumbersome when sitting down on rides.