No matter your age, Theme Parks can be an awesome experience. But like any adventure, your enjoyment can hinge on just how prepared you are. Part of that preparedness means having the right way to carry the gear you may need to make the most of your experience.
These are the Theme Park Commandos’ recommendations for the best tools for carrying all your gear depending on how you are traveling and the size of your group.
Best All Around
G4Free Unisex Adults Backpack
This small daypack is the perfect companion when you are out for a day at the parks. It has multiple pockets and compact and adjustable features. Made of high-quality, water-resistant, and tear-resistant polyester material, with durable SBS metal zippers. Its breathable adjustable shoulder straps and reinforced stitching to guarantee a long life of toting around the parks.
Featuring one main zipper pocket, a second large zipper front pocket, one front open pocket, one back hidden pouch, and 2 side pockets, the tablet compartment in the main zipper pocket is great for staying connected on the go, and the second front pocket has more small pockets that perfectly fit your assorted necessities. A hidden security pocket on the padded back can hold your wallet. 2 side pockets fit a water bottle or folding umbrella. It comes in multiple vibrant colors and can be used by people of varying sizes, including kids.
Best Bag for Parents
Skip Hop Diaper Bag Backpack
Parents of small children have need of something a bit more than what your average day pack can provide, and Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag delivers. It’s Skip Hop’s best-selling bag for a reason: It’s surprisingly sturdy and can stand up on its own without tipping over. The Forma features a roomy main compartment with a changing pad and a couple of pockets and two insulated bottle pockets on the sides. It also has a designated phone pocket in its frontmost compartment.
Another feature that makes this bag stand out from the crowd is the two removable packing cubes located in the front compartment: One made of mesh to put those smaller items like pacifiers or socks that might otherwise get lost, and a second made of insulated material to hold another bottle. Its straps aren’t the most cushioned, but since the Forma weighs only 1.4 pounds, it’s less of an issue, and the plusses with this bag far outweigh the only downside we’ve found.
Best Cooler Bag
SEEHONOR Insulated Cooler Backpack
A good choice for theme park adventures when you plan on bringing in your own food and drinks, the SEEHONOR Insulated Cooler Backpack is constructed from a heavy-duty nylon that doesn’t puncture easily. The inner liner is just as impressive and made from a foam that allows the contents to stay heated or nice and cold. It also features a can opener and several hooks (can you say refillable cup holder? I know you CAN!). Of course, the 100% money back guarantee doesn’t hurt either.
It comes in two different sizes – Capable of holding 45 cans & 25 cans, respectively, so you can choose which is best for your family.
Bonus – Best Themed Cooler Bag
ONIVA – Disney PTX Backpack Cooler
This insulated, padded cooler bag is comfortable to carry and has space for up to 23 drink cans inside. This chiller backpack comes in multiple Disney themes & color combinations and includes a harness made for attaching the bag to a golf cart or stroller.
Best Themed/Bounding Backpacks
Loungefly Backpacks
I’m sure if you’re a theme park aficionado you KNOW who Loungefly is. These backpacks, bags, and assorted collectibles have become THE status symbol for regulars. Bonus is that they’re very well made and cute to boot! The exclusive Villains Chibi is our current favorite, but there are a ton of options to choose from suitable for bounding across multiple park areas. From Wizards & Witches to Princesses, there is always something from Loungefly sure to match that perfect Bounding outfit.
Best Sling Bag
G4FREE SLING BAG
A Theme Park Commando Favorite! Small enough for everyone, including the kiddos to carry, but big enough to hold everything a person could need for a day at the parks. Affordable enough to get one for everyone in the family, and comes in 19 unique colors. Buckle is park standard 3-prong ABS clip, and best of all it can be worn around the waist as a “fanny pack” for “THOSE” rides.
Commando Approved!
This highly affordable bag’s features include – Practical Design, Strong, Sturdy, and Compact but with separated spaces to organize little items. The strap and the back are thickly padded for comfortable carry. The adjustable strap adds stability and security to fit different needs.
Bonus
Best Fanny Packs
WATERFLY Fanny Pack Waist Bag
We almost have to include a theme park traveler’s favorite on the list, even if it isn’t technically a backpack.
Sometimes you just want to be able to strap your needs around your waist and go, knowing you’re not going to have to bother with ride lockers and shifting a bag around on your shoulders all day. The Waterfly Fanny Pack Waist Bag fits this bill perfectly.
- Water Resistant:The front outside surface is made of water-resistant nylon material, so you’ll never worry about your belongings getting wet on rainy days
- Stable Water Bottle Holder: (Bottle not include)There is an elastic rope on the water bottle holder mouth, which efficiently keeps your bottle stable and safe while jogging to make that early entry ride.
- Multiple Pockets: 2 separate zipper pocket and a small front pocket are very convenient to keep your iPhone6/6s Plus/7 Plus, keys, card, wallet, cash, etc.
- Adjustable Buckle Belt:The adjustable strap fits comfortably around your waist, and the buckle closure makes it easy to take on and off
- Multiple color options
- Available in two sizes to fit your needs
- Larger size can be worn as a sling as well
Disclosure: Items in this section redirect to associated affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Using our links to find the vacation supplies you need helps to maintain this site.
Tips for Buying a Backpack for Theme Park Visits
Stay within the size limit
When buying a backpack for your trip, make sure it’s within the size limit for the park you’re going to. The rules say all luggage (including backpacks, suitcases, duffles, and coolers) brought into any theme park can’t be bigger than a set dimension.
Prioritize comfort
A Theme Park may be you “Happy Place”, but maybe not if you’ve got an achy back and stiff shoulders. Like supportive footwear and breathable clothing, a comfortable backpack design is crucial. A smaller bag will generally be easier to carry for longer days, though it depends on what you put inside.
For heavier or mid-size backpacks, padded straps are ideal, as they’ll take some of the pressure off your shoulders. Some people prefer sling-style bags, which can help evenly distribute the weight across your back.
Look for water resistance
Many rides pose a risk of getting wet. If you like splash-prone attractions, you’ll definitely want to get a backpack that’s water-resistant — if not 100 percent waterproof. Then there’s weather to consider. Rain is a regular thing at many destinations, and Commandos don’t let a little thing like getting wet stop them, but nobody likes a soggy PB&J.
Think about insulation
While many parks allow you to bring in your own food & beverages, some don’t allow you to bring in loose ice cubes or dry ice, but they recommend reusable ice packs or zip-lock bags with ice inside. If you need to keep milk, baby formula, drinks, snacks, or medications cold, opt for a backpack with an insulated compartment and maybe an ice pack for good measure.
Can I bring food into a theme park?
That really depends on your destination. Some parks let guests bring their own food and nonalcoholic drinks. There are a few specific universal rules, though. Most often, except for baby food jars, glass containers aren’t allowed. Many parks also prohibit anything that requires reheating or has a “pungent odor.” And at some locations you’re supposed to let a security worker know when you enter with food.
What should I pack in my backpack for a day at a theme park?
We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a small first aid kit, and a battery bank and cables for charging devices at the minimum. You may also want an extra t-shirt, a small umbrella and/or a packable poncho in case it rains or you get soaked on a ride. Toss in a few dry snacks, and you’re good to go.
What material is good for a backpack?
Most backpacks are made of polyester, nylon, or vinyl, all of which are generally durable with some level of water resistance. That said, many are coated with thermoplastic for an added layer of protection from rain, splashing, spills, and stains. Neoprene (the material used to make wetsuits) also stands up well to water. Another good option is vegan leather, which is super easy to wipe clean.
