bags- crossbody vs. backpack

[AshleeH]

I've used both the small VB backpack and VB mini-hipster - both worked well for their intended purposes on their intended days. This year, I think I'll be trying a bigger cross-body because I felt the same way you did - constantly taking off a backpack gets to be a bit of a hassle, while the cross-body was more convenient. Since I'll have a baby this trip, a cross-body makes more sense for the supplies we'll need and the convenience of holding her and still having the bag accessible.

 

[ZoZo]

I used a Baggallini Messenger Bagg on my trip last month and absolutely loved it!

http://www.baggallini.com/product/Messenger-Bagg/baggallini-crossbody-bags

It was exactly the right size for me (when I received it in the mail, I was worried that it seemed a little small, since I had used a small-to-medium size backpack in the past, but it was fine). There are lots of pockets and compartments for organizing your stuff. It even has an exterior cell phone pocket and a mesh water bottle pocket, which was extremely handy. I also found the bag very comfortable to wear and easy to use, especially since you don't have keep taking it off and on like a backpack.

The only days I didn't use my Baggallini were: 1) the only day we were expecting rain, and I wanted to bring my Frogg Togg poncho; and 2) the day when it was supposed to be pretty cold. For those two days, I brought a small/medium backpack so I could bring my poncho and/or an lightweight jacket.

 

[alicemouse]

I have a small Swiss bag that I carry. I got it at Target in the luggage area, but I've had it for ages--not sure if they still have them or not. It's very versatile. I wear it as a crossbody and I can shift it to the other shoulder if needed, but it looks like a backpack. The large compartment is big enough that I can fit a full sized ipad in it (not that I carry my ipad to the parks, but I use the bag for everything). I can fit two ponchos, two water bottles, a phone, and a camera in this bag. It's large enough to carry what I need, but not big enough to be a nuisance.

 

[momfeez]

Hi everyone,

Last time I went to Disney I used a small backpack to carry my things (just stuff for myself, I'm not toting things for a child). While it was comfortable and worked out fine, I felt like I was constantly stopping, taking it off, looking for something, putting it back on, etc. However, I liked having the room to put a full sized water bottle, some Tylenol, a poncho, my glasses, a hat, camera, my pin lanyard, etc.

I'm thinking about possibly just using either a medium sized crossbody (so water will fit) or a very small one, and carrying my water. I am just looking to find out what others do- yes I realize this is a very insignificant issue but I like knowing how others schlep their stuff. I'd like to go "bag free", but I really like having my Tylenol and some water at all times.

Thanks!

I don't think this is an insignificant issue....I am always looking for the "perfect" bag for Disney and I too would like to go bag free, but I just like to have too much stuff at my immediate disposal. That being said, since the kids started carrying their stuff, I went to a cross body bag and a small Disney cinch type sackbag. Tried doing just the sackbag but I felt like I was always taking it off to get tickets or fp and I tried doing just the cross body but with ponchos, water bottles, sunscreen (we go mostly during the spring and summer) it was too heavy on my neck. So, I was carrying both. Since we now have magic bands, I have been searching for something else that will allow easy access of water bottle but keep my personal stuff ($$, wallet, keys etc.) "safe".

After someone else posted about this bag, I bought it (suppose to arrive today) and am hoping this will fit the bill. It's the adidas Strength Sackpack. It has 2 outside zipper pockets plus a netting on either side for water bottles. Don't have another trip planned until June, so, will have to wait to give feedback, but my hopes are high with this one.

 

[csmith041177]

What can I say....I am an old fashioned backpack guy. Have had the same backpack for 6 years and 5 Disney trips...it is my lucky bag!

 

[Stephaniesue]

I lucked out at Target a few months before our trip in 2011 and found an awesome bag.

It's small, but tall enough to fit a bottle of water and a full size can of sunblock. I can fit bandaids, Tylenol, cell phone, sandwich baggies (wet rides to protect phones), and a couple snacks for the kids.

It was less than 20 bucks, it's a light grey color. It is a cross body bag with adjustable strap. It can be shortened and carried like a regular purse too. So, DH will carry it too. I have used this SO much. It's my camping purse, we use it at the zoo, or if we are even going to yard sales all day.

I will try to get the brand name of it when I get home.

 

[dixie368]

This will be my first Disney trip so I love that ya'll are discussing this! I am a natural over-packer, so I probably will take too much the first day then start leaving stuff in the room the rest of the trip! lol

For park days that I take my DSLR, I'll probably use my Kelly Moore bag:
http://store.kellymoorebag.com/products/2-sues
It's a little bigger than I'd like, but it's pretty comfortable and will keep the camera protected. as much as I spent on that joker, I want it safe!

For park days that I don't take the camera I'm planning on just using my VB Crossbody bag (which will also hold the camera, but no cushioning for it)
http://www.verabradley.com/product/...iantId/184399/pc/640/c/0/sc/988/p/1002222.uts

And I may bring my small hipster VB purse, just in case... I like options!

 

[Disney Dynamite]

I prefer to carry a crossbody bag. The LeSportsac small cleo crossbody is my go-to bag at Disney. Not only is it lightweight and comfortable, but the material (nylon) is also super easy to keep clean. The main compartment and front pocket both zip, so I know my stuff is secure. The size is great too. I've been able to fit two adult ponchos and a water bottle when needed.

 

[Judyfun]

I have 2 (or more) that I switch between. I use the Baggallini messenger bag during the day, and when we head back out in the evening I use a home made bag that embroidered that is big enough for phone/small camera/ ID.

The comment about people not realizing the space that they take up with back packs does way beyond amusement parks. I got smacked yesterday in the elevator here at my office by a co-worker. (ouch)

Judy

 

[v3rs3]

We have a crossbody Maxpedition bag that's been everywhere with us for the past 3 years. We LOVE this bag! We jokingly call it DH's murse, as he's the one that carries it. It's very convenient, and comfortable, easily carries a water bottle and many extras.

I've had the Maxpedition versipack for year, typically use it at conventions or small hikes with my son. My brother always calls it my murse as well. haha This is what I'm planning on carrying on our first trip in 12 days.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/maxpedition-edc-jumbo-versipack.html

Just like this one. Super durable.

 

[coolbrook]

I have always used a fanny pack and still do. I know they are not "in" but for me comfort trumps style on vacation. I got a new one at Target last year that is much flatter than my old one and can be worn over the shoulder too. All kids old enough to be out of a stroller in my family (5 of them) have carried their own stuff (small water bottle, chapstick, money, little snacks, autograph book, etc) in a fanny pack, string backpack or bag of their choice (for teens) on each Disney trip we have taken. This eliminated the need for parents to carry a larger bag.

 

[TillyDe]

I use Vera Bradley Cross the body bags every weekend. I like being hands free.
Here is a link to all of their Cross the body bags. There is a size for any occassion.

http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Crossbody/883/pc/638.uts

And if you are lucky, you could find one on line at the Disney Store.

 

[drew64]

The messenger/cross body styles are easier on other too. Many time have been slammed in the body and or face by people's backpacks as they swing around in lines and slam you with them.

 

[katt789]

I use a small crossbody bag each trip and it does wonders!! I fit a camera, phone, water bottle, sunscreen,wallet, and sometimes even a sweater if it's chillier in there! It's much more accessible for getting on rides and getting things in & out of it quickly. Mom has a drawstring back pack and she seems to like it fine, but I noticed how quickly I would get annoyed at constantly ahving to take it on and off to get things!

 

[Luv2Run]

My personal favorite is my Yoda backpack. I can fit everything I need inside him (with room for small souvenirs), and he always gets lots of laughs, especially when I put his Mickey ears on with "Yoda" embroidered on the back. I stick with Yoda for the off-season, since I don't require as much as during warmer months.

When it's hot, I'll bring my tactical Camelbak. I'll fill the bladder mostly with ice, and a bit of water. That way it keeps my back cool, and as the ice melts throughout the day, I have water to drink. In addition to my normal stuff, I pack an umbrella (for rain, and shade), a change of shoes/socks (sometimes, not always), a washcloth to mop up sweat (ew), plenty of extra sunscreen, and sometimes a battery-operated fan. Yes, dealing with a larger bag can be cumbersome, but it's worth it to me to have the creature comforts so I can stay in the parks longer.

Note: I don't do cross-body bags, because I have two microdermal piercings on my sternum, so a cross-body is not an option for me.

 

[capeseal]

The Patagonia Atom and Travel Sling are my favorites. The sling has a water bottle holder on the outside and is slightly lighter but it is also a little slippery so sometimes I prefer the Atom but both are stellar travel bags and I can fit an awful lot of gear into them though they look small.

 

[Dashzap]

More bag thoughts at: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1855851

 

[theladyloki]

I use the Vera Bradley hipster - it may look small, but it can hold a ton! Tried backpacks before but also found myself having to stop too many time to dig for stuff. After half a day or so, I ended up using only one strap on the backpack so that it was virtually a messenger type bag.

 

[msmileyface]

How big is that Mom's Day Out bag? Does it feel pretty big? Or is it smaller? Lightweight?

 

[peanutmomma]

From Vera's website, the Mom's Day Out dimensions are 11 ¼" x 10 ¼" x 5 ¼" with 55 ½" adjustable strap.

I think it's a decent sized bag - it's my go-to bag when we do theme parks and the zoo here in KC. I also like Vera's hipster bag, but prefer the MDO because it is wider. I can slip my DSLR with a longer lens into it without any problems.