What To Pack in Backpack in July?

[decheez]

Maybe it was left over from when I was in Girl Guides, but even when I was an early 20's tourist at WDW, I always brought 'stuff'. Not a huge bag worth, but bandaids, moleskin (ALWAYS!), suncreen etc. I only needed a small bag to carry it all. I still carry a medium sized crossbody bag (Baggalini On Track) and I've added hand sanitizer, my packable raincoat, eye drops, lip balm, a couple protein bars, hair elastics, reading glasses, bottle of water and a small container of meds. I've used it all, multiple times. And even though it sounds like a lot it doesn't take up much space and I've never felt like my bag has gotten in my way.

I've tried the towels that go around the neck, honestly found them annoying and didn't do much for me that a wet paper towel in the bathroom couldn't accomplish. Plus they're awkward to store unless you also carry a plastic bag.

So I'd say it depends on your son, he may want to bring stuff, maybe not. One of the mini backpacks, or the drawstring backpacks might be an ideal size. Even if he doesn't want to take stuff to the parks I'd suggest throwing some first aid supplies in his luggage. It's pretty expensive to buy that stuff at the gift shops, even if he has it in the room that might be good enough.

 

[clm10308]

I find wearing a backpack in those temperatures to be more uncomfortable than going without any of the listed items. I would be so sweaty after just a few minutes that I would need a dry shirt.

 

[JessicaW1234]

Flip flops for the downpours to avoid soggy sneakers

 

[Stratman50th]

What great ideas! I'm packed and ready to hit rope drop!

 

[glocon]

If he wears a backback, he may end up being a pack mule for all his friends.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Realistically, is an 18 year old going to pack and bring a backpack into the parks every day when going with friends?

We are going in June with our 5 young adults. I see them bringing maybe a couple of items in their pockets (phone/entrance card/granola bar of some sort/ $ or CC) and a disposable bottle of water.

Mine will want to avoid bag check at all costs, especially if they are the one to slow the whole group down.

My kids always carried bags. It all depends on them. Mine were raised going to the parks. They always carried their backpack, so at age 18, it was the norm for them. They are adults now. My one daughter will carry hers and offer to carry mine for a while to give me a break as well.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Skip the neck towel and neck fan as well as extra socks. If her feet get wet, change of socks don't do much when shoes are wet. Try to find a heavy duty lightweight backpack. It will weigh less and cut down on sweating some.
I'd pack zip lock baggies for camera and phone in event she gets caught in a down pour or goes on wet rides too

 

[Disneyfan754321]

That fan that goes around your neck is not worth it.
Just blew hot air at me and I had to keep up with it all day.
A couple of ziplock bags are awesome..

 

[tigger2002]

What great ideas! I'm packed and ready to hit rope drop!

View attachment 569963

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Is that to hold all of your masks?

 

[pascalspal]

Realistically, is an 18 year old going to pack and bring a backpack into the parks every day when going with friends?

We are going in June with our 5 young adults. I see them bringing maybe a couple of items in their pockets (phone/entrance card/granola bar of some sort/ $ or CC) and a disposable bottle of water.

Mine will want to avoid bag check at all costs, especially if they are the one to slow the whole group down.

Truthfully I dont find bag check as a deterrent anymore. Everyone has to go through the same metal detector screenings now - bag or not. You will walk through with metal items in your hand (sunglasses and case, phone, chargers, umbrellas, etc.) and if anything in your bag or pockets alarms they take a quick look through. As long as you have all those items out and in your hands, there is no stop for bag check anymore! So if someone in your party wants to bring a bag, but that is their only reason to not have one, they might want to bring one!

 

[Sandiz08]

Moleskin, sunscreen, a waterproof case/bag for your cellphone, and a poncho.

 

[Blondie58]

I was this teen. I would go to Cedar point every summer with friends growing up. They all knew I had anything you needed. Nail clippers and yes this came in handy once), band aids, advil, other over the counter meds. I also always carry a sweatshirt or jacket in the backpack because I always get cold.

Bought a CP pass for this summer. The first time in three decades. Not near the magic of WDW but a great place to walk, sun, and people watch after 15 months of being locked-up to some extent. Per the original question: I am 60 plus. I carry a Vera Bradly mini cross body with phone, credit card, AP card, DVC card, disposable poncho, rubber like bandaide or two (they don't come off with sweat or water), and a comb. No backpack or large purse etc. I do have a mini water bottle carabiner that hooks around my purse strap. I personally would not like to carry a backpack especially in the Floridia heat and humidity.

 

[maltdizzy]

No backpack. No fannypack/bumbag.

• Cellphone
• Wallet
• Ziploc baggies (for water rides or rain)
• Small hand sanitizer and spare mask (because ... the covie)
• Maybe travel-size sunscreen (only if not traveling back to hotel midday)

Everything else waits back at the hotel. I don't even need cargo pockets. If I want a drink, I buy a drink and I drink the drink. Why have the weight and the hassle and the extra layers of a backpack in July? It's just something else to have to keep track of, plus taking in on and off of rides.

 

[Shellyred8]

Truthfully I dont find bag check as a deterrent anymore. Everyone has to go through the same metal detector screenings now - bag or not. You will walk through with metal items in your hand (sunglasses and case, phone, chargers, umbrellas, etc.) and if anything in your bag or pockets alarms they take a quick look through. As long as you have all those items out and in your hands, there is no stop for bag check anymore! So if someone in your party wants to bring a bag, but that is their only reason to not have one, they might want to bring one!

The new screening process has been one of the best things to come out of this COVID nightmare! Bag or no bag, you all go thru the same line (except strollers and scooters) and it's sooooooo fast!!!!

One more thing to add: Lip balm with sun screen.

 

[easyas123]

No backpack. No fannypack/bumbag.

• Cellphone
• Wallet
• Ziploc baggies (for water rides or rain)
• Small hand sanitizer and spare mask (because ... the covie)
• Maybe travel-size sunscreen (only if not traveling back to hotel midday)

Everything else waits back at the hotel. I don't even need cargo pockets. If I want a drink, I buy a drink and I drink the drink. Why have the weight and the hassle and the extra layers of a backpack in July? It's just something else to have to keep track of, plus taking in on and off of rides.

Spot on-

 

[Newbie500]

I would add a hand towel and/or a face towel.

 

[kwdw]

Hi! Our DS18 and 4 friends are headed to WDW July 5th for a graduation trip. Im getting their packing list together (to suggest) for a backpack for the parks. So far I have:
1. rain poncho
2. disposable masks
3. neck cooling towel (is there on brand better then another?)
5. neck fan (maybe?)
6. sunscreen
7. water bottle
8. snacks
9. spare socks
10. band aids
11. hand wipes

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Is this a one day thing? If yes, for 18 year old boys, I’d suggest cargo shorts for extra masks, their wallet with excess items removed, and their phone with at least a wall outlet charger or a back up charger. And a bit lecture on sunscreen in the morning before they take off to the park.

If this is a multi day trip, then maybe a light weight string backpack for each of them for disposable rain ponchos, extra masks, travel size tube of sunscreen, travel hand sanitizer, and a phone back up charger.

In both scenarios, they need to be taught how to access first aid to clean up any cuts in the park and asked if they want to carry a reusable water bottle or not. Some guys that age are all about reusable water bottles and will carry one all day. Others are simply going to buy a cold drink each time they want one. And well, enough money to eat and drink as they want during the day.

 

[larsonb74]

Small towel, multiple purposes.
Wipe off rain soaked seating area
Wipe down sweaty brow/neck

 

[Twitterpaited]

Hi! Our DS18 and 4 friends are headed to WDW July 5th for a graduation trip. Im getting their packing list together (to suggest) for a backpack for the parks. So far I have:
1. rain poncho
2. disposable masks
3. neck cooling towel (is there on brand better then another?)
5. neck fan (maybe?)
6. sunscreen
7. water bottle
8. snacks
9. spare socks
10. band aids
11. hand wipes

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Will an 18 yo boy actually carry all that stuff? Just wear cargo shorts and be sure to have extra masks.

 

[North of Mouse]

Don't see many kids wanting to lug a backpack in the heat - neither will I - don't have pockets so have a small crossbody bag for cc, cash, dr. lic. ID, med. ins. card (yes, I do), phone, maybe bottle of water clipped to side, and mostly that is it. Have never understood why anyone wants to lug a huge backpack in the heat like they're planning to spend multiple days in the park before going back to hotel.

Have you asked your son's opinion on this??
Have not gone since Covid, so forgot masks, maybe an extra thrown in.