Best Theme Park Backpack

[mommyofsamson]

I am planning on going to WDW in January. I need some help finding a backpack that will fit some "toddler" items and also maybe some stuff for Mommy. I need one that has a few (at least one outer) pockets, but not a diaper bag. It doesn't need to hold cold stuff.
I would prefer the brand Jansport (or any of their sub-brands). I also like things that are pretty (and good quality).

Any suggestions would be helpful. Price is not fully a issue (hopefully under $100). I am open to all suggestions, as long as they are good quality.

 

[dawnhaze]

I love Jansport backpacks too - they last me a good 10-15 years, generally. I've only had two my whole life.

The 'Big Student' pack model has been around forever and has three outside compartments of varying sizes as well as two large inside compartments. I used one all through school and it's a pretty great bag. It's $45 on the website currently and comes in tons of colors and designs.

 

[bigdisz]

Drawstrings work VERY well! I have been using them since '08. I usually use my Disney ones. They are light on the back and shoulders and you can swing them off and on in a second. Plus, they fit nicely into the pouches in your ride seats

 

[natricks]

Drawstrings work VERY well! I have been using them since '08. I usually use my Disney ones. They are light on the back and shoulders and you can swing them off and on in a second. Plus, they fit nicely into the pouches in your ride seats

I agree, they are cheap enough that they can get beat up and not get worried about ruining a nice backpack. Easy on and off, and fit nice in the seat backs.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Our DLR backpack (and now our WDW one) is a Jansport from Costco. It has lasted us several years and has no hint of wearing out. Try looking late summer around back to school time. Costco often gets items that are a little bit nicer for a lesser price. But you'll be able to check all the back to school sales.

 

[Alesia]

I am planning on going to WDW in January. I need some help finding a backpack that will fit some "toddler" items and also maybe some stuff for Mommy. I need one that has a few (at least one outer) pockets, but not a diaper bag. It doesn't need to hold cold stuff.
I would prefer the brand Jansport (or any of their sub-brands). I also like things that are pretty (and good quality).

Any suggestions would be helpful. Price is not fully a issue (hopefully under $100). I am open to all suggestions, as long as they are good quality.

Keep in mind that multiple pockets can add significant time at bag check.

I prefer a simple drawstring backpack. you can put things in ziplock bags to keep them organized.

 

[Kimosabe]

Keep in mind that multiple pockets can add significant time at bag check.

I prefer a simple drawstring backpack. you can put things in ziplock bags to keep them organized.

I'll take an extra minute at bag check if it means knowing exactly where things are going to be (without digging) later in the day. I got a new backpack for Christmas this year after using the same one for the last several years. Nothing wrong with the old one, but thought I would want something similar that was a little lighter since I am usually the designated junk-toter in the parks. Used it on a non-WDW trip recently and got a little freaked out as I started thinking about a certain pocket not being in the same place, or the water bottle pockets not cinching at the top, etc., etc., etc. With the old pack, I have very specific pockets where I keep very specific things for trips to the World (phone here, autograph books there, sunglasses case here, and so on). It's pathetic, really....definitely a first world problem, eh? Maybe a simple drawstring bag would do me some good!

 

[PinkBudgie]

Keep in mind that multiple pockets can add significant time at bag check.

I prefer a simple drawstring backpack. you can put things in ziplock bags to keep them organized.

I don't know how bag checks are at WDW, maybe they are faster to get through. But at DLR, DH just opens up all of the back pack zippers while waiting in line. Or if there is no line, he unzips them while walks.

We have certain pockets for certain things too.

 

[mommyofsamson]

I'll take an extra minute at bag check if it means knowing exactly where things are going to be (without digging) later in the day. I got a new backpack for Christmas this year after using the same one for the last several years. Nothing wrong with the old one, but thought I would want something similar that was a little lighter since I am usually the designated junk-toter in the parks. Used it on a non-WDW trip recently and got a little freaked out as I started thinking about a certain pocket not being in the same place, or the water bottle pockets not cinching at the top, etc., etc., etc. With the old pack, I have very specific pockets where I keep very specific things for trips to the World (phone here, autograph books there, sunglasses case here, and so on). It's pathetic, really....definitely a first world problem, eh? Maybe a simple drawstring bag would do me some good!

I do the same thing. I have tried a drawstring backpack but I don't like that they have no support on my shoulders. (IE: keys on my belt loop, phone in my pocket. If not there, where are they???)

I don't mind taking an extra minute in the bag checking station. It makes me feel better.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Bag check is not that bad when you have a backpack with lots of pockets. Just unzip them while you wait and the processes is painless.

 

[greentea]

I need a bag that's light and comfortable due to back problems, so I bought an Osprey Daylight Daypack last year and I'm planning to take it on our WDW trip this fall:

Super light, has a laptop/tablet sleeve for organization, comfortable to wear all day. I got it on sale for about $35.

 

[momandRN2B]

I bought the "Day Tour Mini Backpack" from eBags. It's small and lightweight but it has quite a few organizing pockets too.

 

[maguis82]

I bought a North Face one five years ago for my first Disney Trip. It's called a Pandora - it's designed for women and smaller than a normal backpack. Despite it's smaller size, it holds a decent amount of stuff. The inside has pockets to help keep things organized and the front has a small pocket for things you need to access more frequently. It's pretty light weight, the straps aren't too wide and it doesn't make my back all sweaty. It looks like they stopped making it according to their website but you could probably find something similar or maybe find it in stock on another site. I bought my through Zappos, free shipping & returns so you can try out different bags. (No link because I'm a newbie and I just learned that's not allowed.)

 

[baseballnut]

I have been searching EVERYWHERE for a good backpack that I can also slide into the bottom of the stroller easily. The one I had last time, which I've had for almost 10 years, broke. But it was a bit of a struggle to fit in the stroller basket because it was so wide, even though it was a small pack.

I settled on a Swiss Gear Daytripper from Target for $35. It's thinner and fits perfectly. Water resistant and very durable. On hiking sites they even say it's a great bag for the price. It's longer instead of thick, so it's more comfortable to wear, too. While I love the North Face ones, they were just a little too big for what I want - because I'd like to not carry it all day, lol.

 

[maguis82]

I have been searching EVERYWHERE for a good backpack that I can also slide into the bottom of the stroller easily. The one I had last time, which I've had for almost 10 years, broke. But it was a bit of a struggle to fit in the stroller basket because it was so wide, even though it was a small pack. I settled on a Swiss Gear Daytripper from Target for $35. It's thinner and fits perfectly. Water resistant and very durable. On hiking sites they even say it's a great bag for the price. It's longer instead of thick, so it's more comfortable to wear, too. While I love the North Face ones, they were just a little too big for what I want - because I'd like to not carry it all day, lol.

The women's North Face day packs are pretty small, so I wouldn't completely rule them out based on size.

 

[baseballnut]

The women's North Face day packs are pretty small, so I wouldn't completely rule them out based on size.

I agree, they are nice and small- but so is my stroller basket! I tried the ones I found at Dick's and a couple other sporting goods stores, plus the other big box stores. And just FYI, people look at you funny when you push around an empty stroller!

And I was mistaken, mine is the City Pack.

Unless there's something smaller than the Borealis, Jester, Isabella, etc. that maybe my stores don't have?!!! I would love one...and maybe I can give DH the Swiss Gear one. I just need it to slide in and out of the basket quickly, with side mesh pockets for water bottles and a small front pocket for my phone. (My stroller is the Inglesina Swift)

 

[DanenRox]

Nothing beats a fannie pack in WDW. Sure, they're hideous. Yes, they're out of date. Still, they are the perfect accessory for trekking about the parks.

 

[princessesintraining]

I just purchased a thirty one vary you backpack purse. I'm going to try it out on our upcoming trip. It can convert from a backpack to a cross body purse. Search for it on the boards here because someone has a video of all he different ways you can wear it.

 

[pepperandchips]

I just ordered this for my upcoming trip Deuter City Light Backpack

It's only 18 x 9.4 x 6.7 inches and less than a pound. Hoping this is about half the size of the massive backpack I used for grad school. It's also got some kind of special function where it meets your back to increase airflow (the feel of the pack on my back was probably my #2 concern - #1 was obviously not looking like a total dork).

I like the color and thought it was a good price so I wanted to share. I'm able to pick it up at the REI less than 5 miles from my office, so I was able to save some money on shipping as well.

Good luck with your backpack perfection search!!