What is the best fanny pack to have for the parks?

[Mr. Baloo]

in the past, we have had small children that necessitated the carrying of a back pack, for supplies for the baby, now that she is almost 3, she is almost 100% potty trained, so, we prob dont need the back pack anymore.


What is the best fannypack? how big is too big? How comfortable is it to have around your waist all day?

Thanks, from an long time disney fanatic, that is new to this board!

 

[studog]

Think about what you may need to carry. Does your camera you may carry have a case that can go on your belt? What about lotion or sunscreen? Somethings you might want to rent a locker for the day and store stuff in there. Whatever fannyback you do choose, it will probably feel awkward. Another thing is that if you get leather, it may make you sweat a little underneath as opposed to a breathable one.

Ken

 

[KIS]

I had read about the Mountainsmith lumbar pack on these boards a while back .

Independent of that, I went to my trusted home spun camping store and explained my concerns -- WDW trip with a 5 y.o. and my husband and me, that we'd have in it: 3 rain ponchos, snacks, 3 water bottles, sunscreen, maps, a swimsuit or watershoes, etc.

Guess what? The guy handed me the Mountainsmith, the bigger one (there's Tour and Day), Tour, was what he recommended.

He said he bought one reluctantly because he thought fanny packs were "fruity", but it soon became his favorite daypack because it's light and does not hurt his back.

It is on the expensive side. He suggested I load it up and wear it around the home for 6 - 8 hours to see if I'll like it. Apparently my store will accept it for up to a year.

We got a camera case that can attach to the belt or be worn around the neck. We will get a coin purse like that, too, (for keys, cards, and passes). We will get a couple of sunglass cases as well that attach to the belt. That way, there will be little in/on the pack when we stash it various places on the stroller and go for a ride.

The pack can be used as a handbag, shoulder bag, and with an attachment, become a backpack. He showed me how to do that and, frankly told me that the only reason he could see it as being useful was for those people who are still reluctant to use the lumbar belt. He mentioned, however, that it might be used effectively along with the belt so that the goods are more against your back. Even without it, however, the belt does not bend down with weight.

KIS

 

[Valentine]

I actually bought my Fanny pack AT Disney my last trip.. and I couldn't have lived without it.... it is the perfect size.. holds my camera.. my cellphone.. my sunglasses.. money. tickets.. some granola bars.. tissues... keys... and park maps... and was not too heavy... they have them with Mickey, Tigger or Pooh on the front... the hotel gift shops seem to carry them mostly.. but I did see them at the Boardwalk.. and also DTD.... $15 was the price I believe.. give or take a $1 Good investment.. and good souvenier!!

Kathy

 

[trstno1]

I'm going to second the recommendation for the Mountainsmith lumbar packs - I love my "Daypack.' Mountainsmith makes a range of lumbar packs - you can see the entire lineup at ebags.com (not to push any particular website). With a 20% discount (which is available via the Discovercard website and Mastercard website), the prices range from $16 - $72.

 

[Kaycee]

I guess it depends on how much you'll be packing, but we've been perfectly happy for 3 WDW trips with our WalMart fanny packs. We don't use them other than at WDW (fanny packs ARE fruity, except at WDW of course! ) so they're still in great shape. Mine is the regular-sized one and my DH (who's 6'3" and 205lb) got the larger size. I carry my cell phone, park passes, small tube of sunscreen, antibiotic wipes, Shout wipes, money, a room key, moleskin and a comb, and there's plenty of room. DH carries his small digital camera, his cell phone, a room key, money, and an extra battery, and he has plenty of room too. If you think you'll be carrying a lot of stuff, then go to a sporting goods store. If not, save yourself some money and get a regular old fanny pack. Ours are regular bookbag/fanny pack canvas-type material so they're light and don't make us sweat. I honestly forget it's even there! We sprayed our packs with Scotchguard last trip, and everything stayed dry even though it rained nonstop pretty much the whole trip.

Now that my kids are getting bigger, I'm thinking about ordering a fanny pack here on the DIS for me to wear and letting the boys share my old one. That way, other DISer's may recognize my lime green pack and say hi!

 

[stacy6552]

Dont abandon that backpack just yet. Our son was very very potty trained on our last trip. He still had an accident (on a ride that was broken down). Bring that change of clothes because shorts and underwear in the park will run you $20 each.