I carry a backpack but that's because I'm a notorious overpacker. There's no way I could fit everything I want to carry with me in a little fanny pack! Though I guarantee they are more comfortable.
I carry a small, repeat, small backpack. It is actually a camelback, but I take the water pouch out of it and carry a bottle instead. I've done the walk with a fanny pack, but found the backpack works better for me. Keep it light, though. An extra pair of socks, lip balm, sunscreen, rain poncho ( if you have it, we may not need it!) gum, healthcare card, ID. . . etc.
I have a fanny pack and a back pack - I get too anxious about not having all my "stuff". I mostly use the fanny pack for my water bottles - I find that it's awkward to reach the bottle from a back pack. Plus my walking buddy will not sit on bare ground so I carry a small waterproof blanket for her to sit on. I find the resting spot while she "forages" for food - it's a great relationship
I have my walking belt from the running room it has two little mesh pockets I cram dental floss, chapstick, and two tissues into one, and the other I put my cell phone and a couple tiny mints. It hold my water bottle in the middle, the best $26 bucks spent!
a backpack and a fanny pack? And I thought I was bad, haha.
My backpack is one of those ones that sits across 1 shoulder with my cell phone attached to the strap. I found a way the first year to hold my water bottle in front in a comfortable position with a carabiner.
I carry iPod speakers in the back pocket with a long cord connecting my iPod to them, which sits in a ribbon wrapped around the strap of the backpack so I can control the volume and skip songs.
I have to carry a pump (I'm a nursing mom) so I think a back pack is the way to go. I was thinking about the sling style but didn't know if it would be as comfortable as one with 2 straps.
Wow, carrying a pump would be a challenge... are you going to be storing the milk as well? You might want to work with one of the sweep vans - perhaps they could transport your stuff for you rather than having you carry it.
I'd be careful of your choice of backpack - you need to make sure none of the straps will compress any of your milk ducts (I breastfed for seven years, and experienced more than one blocked duct ). If you can't find someone to transpor the pump for you, you might want to consider a good sized fanny pack for your pump and see if you can avoid a backpack altogether.
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Weekend to End Women's Cancers - Crew Member - Camp Concierge 2009 and Caboose 2010 Ride to Conquer Cancer - Rider - 2008, 2009, 2010 and registered for 2011
What about a sling backpack, that only has one strap from hip to opposite shoulder? I used one last year and loved it (plus, you won't get squished)....got mine at Bentley for dirt cheap. Will probably use it again this year.
EnviroJen If its at all possible see if whomever is watching the baby can bring him/her to you. I had a team mate in Vancouver that did that. Her husband and mother-in-law took turns driving out to where she was (communicated via her Blackberry) when it was feeding time. Took care of not needing to pump and concerns about keeping your milk fresh. Otherwise I agree with Carolyn, see if you can work something else out for transporting it.
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Chad's Shadow Team: Butterfly of Hope 2010 Walking in all 6 cities.