July - bag help

[SwanVT2]

We are going in July and I am always the “camel” of the group carrying the bag with all the things (aka I’m the mom). I will have to carry sunscreen and bottled water and snacks. I am looking for a lightweight bag for the heat. Would prefer cross body for safety Any recommendations? Thanks!

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

My suggestion is that everyone carries their own stuff.
I see your DD is 11/12 at this point? (sorry I was nosy to look at that lol).
She can carry her own stuff unless she has a medical issue preventing that?
And your DH should be able to carry his own stuff.
I would not want to carry 3+ water bottles and snacks in a crossbody.
If you're going to carry everyone's then I'd say a backpack.
Otherwise I generally take a Vera Bradley crossbody (although I was toying with using Kate Spade but thus far the answers I've gotten on here are stick with the VB for the parks).

BTW I go in August most of the time.

 

[SwanVT2]

My suggestion is that everyone carries their own stuff.
I see your DD is 11/12 at this point? (sorry I was nosy to look at that lol).
She can carry her own stuff unless she has a medical issue preventing that?
And your DH should be able to carry his own stuff.
I would not want to carry 3+ water bottles and snacks in a crossbody.
If you're going to carry everyone's then I'd say a backpack.
Otherwise I generally take a Vera Bradley crossbody (although I was toying with using Kate Spade but thus far the answers I've gotten on here are stick with the VB for the parks).

BTW I go in August most of the time.

Ha, ha. Yes, I should clarify. DD and DH will carry their own water bottles/my daughter has a Hello Kitty bag But I will carry snacks, sunscreen, water, and my glasses case. I think I was just reading the thread about KS vs. VB bags. I will check those out. Thanks!

 

[Spamcastle]

I am also the pack-mule of the family and ALWAYS carry a backpack when ever we are in the parks. Water bottles, snacks, ponchos, autograph books, pin books, etc. I have found that a nice lightweight and waterproof hiking style backpack is the way to go. Ive been extremely happy with the LL Bean Stowaway Waterprrof Pack.

 

[SwanVT2]

I am also the pack-mule of the family and ALWAYS carry a backpack when ever we are in the parks. Water bottles, snacks, ponchos, autograph books, pin books, etc. I have found that a nice lightweight and waterproof hiking style backpack is the way to go. Ive been extremely happy with the LL Bean Stowaway Waterprrof Pack.

What do you do with your wallet? I get nervous with a backpack that someone can get into it as it is behind me

 

[SwanVT2]

My suggestion is that everyone carries their own stuff.
I see your DD is 11/12 at this point? (sorry I was nosy to look at that lol).
She can carry her own stuff unless she has a medical issue preventing that?
And your DH should be able to carry his own stuff.
I would not want to carry 3+ water bottles and snacks in a crossbody.
If you're going to carry everyone's then I'd say a backpack.
Otherwise I generally take a Vera Bradley crossbody (although I was toying with using Kate Spade but thus far the answers I've gotten on here are stick with the VB for the parks).

BTW I go in August most of the time.

this is kind of nice--
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/W...-Pocket/_/prod11670129?color=68839&sz=ONESIZE

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

What do you do with your wallet? I get nervous with a backpack that someone can get into it as it is behind me

I'm not saying its not possible but this is not a trip to a tourist European city with skilled pick pocketers.
For me I always keep my wallet in an interior zip pocket of whatever bag I use. (most backpacks also have this even more Loungefly ones now). I do this not because I fear someone taking it but rather that when I take something out I'll pull the wallet out with it like if I'm grabbing a poncho out. This way its in its own separated spot that will stay secured unless I specifically want it.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

this is kind of nice--
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/W...-Pocket/_/prod11670129?color=68839&sz=ONESIZE

That does look like a good option if you pack very light.
For me I don't think it would fit my essentials comfortably since I take my small wallet, phone, chapstick, mini brush, ponchos, and like room to shove my hat in on rides.
if you need to carry a glasses case that really would get tight and bulk out.

 

[mary_jones]

Thank you all for your recommendations, because I have a shopper from Victoria's Secret, but I can't say that it is very convenient

 

[NYCgrrl]

My wallet, no matter where in the world I am, looks a lot like this:

https://www.michaelkors.com/cooper-...IBiqHhwt1K0IGxrmv6gYIS6oopSI6KVBoCLDoQAvD_BwE

Just hang it from a short lanyard from your bag, attach to your belt hoops via a carabiner or hang around your neck using a longer lanyard. If you get the kind with plastic card strips as well as a zippered compartment you’ll stand in good stead without feeling like a camel, lol.

 

[sixcats]

I have yet to find a bag I love more than AmeriBag healthy back bag. It has so many interior pockets and spaces to organize things.

 

[SwanVT2]

My wallet, no matter where in the world I am, looks a lot like this:

https://www.michaelkors.com/cooper-...IBiqHhwt1K0IGxrmv6gYIS6oopSI6KVBoCLDoQAvD_BwE

Just hang it from a short lanyard from your bag, attach to your belt hoops via a carabiner or hang around your neck using a longer lanyard. If you get the kind with plastic card strips as well as a zippered compartment you’ll stand in good stead without feeling like a camel, lol.

i have something similar, it is a bath and body works lanyard with card holder and it holds hand sanitizer. If I take hand sanitizer off, I can use this in addition to a small backpack. That's probably the way to go!

 

[Spamcastle]

@SwanVT2 The bag fold over onto itself 3 times and than clasps. Theft of internal items would be very difficult. With that said I carry my wallet and phone in a small runners fanny pack on my person under my shirt. I wear casual gym shorts and Im always afraid stuff will slide out on rides.

 

[SwanVT2]

@SwanVT2 The bag fold over onto itself 3 times and than clasps. Theft of internal items would be very difficult. With that said I carry my wallet and phone in a small runners fanny pack on my person under my shirt. I wear casual gym shorts and Im always afraid stuff will slide out on rides.

Oh cool thanks!

 

[StinkerBelle222]

What do you do with your wallet? I get nervous with a backpack that someone can get into it as it is behind me

Any time I have my wallet in a backpack, I make sure it is in a double zippered compartment so I can use a s-biner clip or a small TSA travel lock to keep that section secured. If I am using the backpack for travel, I always use the TSA lock and it doesn't take much extra effort to unlock it if I need my wallet. I just make sure that I don't keep anything that I will frequently need access to in the same compartment.

 

[Mle8308]

LUG also makes light weight backpacks with a lot of storage. They do sell some versions of their bags in the parks. RFID protected, too.