Framed Backpacks and the parks

[sshindel]

I was wondering if anyone has used a framed backpack instead of bringing a stroller into the parks?

What I'm talking about is one like this:
http://www.rei.com/product/793998

My wife and I use one of these when we go to some of the local attractions (fairs, fall festivals, etc) to bring our 2 1/2 year old daughter around without having the issue of the stoller. It works well, and is comfortable for me to haul around for long stretches of time without much issue.

A day / days at a Disney parks worries me though. My dear wife is gung-ho on the idea, but since she will be 32/33 weeks pregnant at the time of our next trip, she wont be sharing the load (she's got a kid full time strapped on ).

I'm not worried as much about my back killing me or anything, as our daughter will be down walking probably as much or more than she will be riding, and we'll be taking plenty of rests for my wife to take a load off as well. I'm more concerned about the following:

1) What to do with it while on rides. On some rides, my DW will not be able to join us due to her pregnancy, so she can sit and mind the backpack. But, the one we have is HUGE, and for those rides that she will be able to join us on, like Peter Pan or something, I don't know what we'd do with it. A stroller we can park. The backpack though, I'm not positive what I might do with it. It's almost as big as my kid! I dont think I'd want to leave it in the stroller lots.

2) Flying with the thing. I've looked online a bit on some other sites about suggestions on how to fly with one of these bags. It does worry me though that if they throw it around too much and bend the frame, it's not going to be very useful.

I dont know. I can see it being very useful in some cases (World Showcase) but a pain in others (Magic Kingdom). Does anyone on here have experience with using one of these framed backpacks on their trips through the parks? The closer I get to the trip, the more I'm inclined to leave it at home all together and just take our Maclaren stroller and be done with it.

 

[sshindel]

Anybody ever use one of these at the parks?

Anybody?

Bueller? Bueller?

 

[Frau Farbissina]

I used a Sherpani Lightweight around town, but never in the parks. I don't actually know that I've ever seen one in the parks. I think the biggest issue would be how bulky they are--it's not like you could stuff it under the stroller seat when you're not using it, like you can with a soft carrier?

Have you thought about an Ergo carrier? Since she'll want to walk a lot, it might be fine.

 

[erstwo]

Sorry - I've never used one. I have seen them at the parks, but haven't paid any attention to how people dealt with them/ asked anyone how they liked them.

We had a Kelty (sp?) back in the day for hiking with the kids. We loved it, but I'm not sure we'd take it to Disney if our kids were that size.

My concerns would be the same as your concerns. Our carrier was damaged one time under an airplane, it really was never the same - couldn't do the "free standing" thing after that. I would put it inside a suitcase if you plan to put it under the plane.

I *think* you would be able to fit it next to your feet on Peter Pan & Haunted Mansion, but I wonder what the CMs would have to say about it? :shrug: Don't want a backpack in the middle of "London" :lol:.

Honestly, I say ALL that to say, I'd get a stroller. You'll eventually be tired. And even the tiniest of 2 1/2 year olds gets heavy after a while?

Either way I hope you have a great trip!

 

[sshindel]

Thank you guys for your input. You've kind of confirmed what I had been leaning towards. It's just going to be better / easier if we bring our stroller and not worry about the backpack.

We have an Ergo carrier, but I have not really used it since she was quite a bit younger. It will be great for our next little one, but I dont think my toddler (who's been walking since 8 months old) will be caught dead in the Ergo these days.

I think it will be easiest for us to leave our Kelty at home and use it locally, and bring our stroller to the parks like we did last year. I'd hate to have the thing get wrecked in the baggage hold of the plane, and I'd hate to drag the thing down there only to find it was a major pain in the neck and never use it. We know the stroller works, and will be much more convenient.

Thank you for confirming that! Saves me a big worry.

 

[erstwo]

Thank you guys for your input. You've kind of confirmed what I had been leaning towards. It's just going to be better / easier if we bring our stroller and not worry about the backpack.

We have an Ergo carrier, but I have not really used it since she was quite a bit younger. It will be great for our next little one, but I dont think my toddler (who's been walking since 8 months old) will be caught dead in the Ergo these days.

I think it will be easiest for us to leave our Kelty at home and use it locally, and bring our stroller to the parks like we did last year. I'd hate to have the thing get wrecked in the baggage hold of the plane, and I'd hate to drag the thing down there only to find it was a major pain in the neck and never use it. We know the stroller works, and will be much more convenient.

Thank you for confirming that! Saves me a big worry.

Sounds like a good plan!

For the life of me I can't remember why, but we did gate check our Kelty one time, and as I said, it was never the same. I'm sure you know what I mean when I say it wasn't free standing anymore after that. One of us would have to hold it up if there was a child in it or hold it open sometimes to put the child in it.

 

[loveofamouse]

I agree on the stroller advice. I just don't see backpack carriers being a good choice at the parks. DH and I just had this conversation an hour ago.

I am a bit concerned about your dw going to the parks so far along in her pregnancy. All of that walking could put her into early labor.