Back pack or beach bag?

HawkeyeChick · Post by **HawkeyeChick** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:26 pm

Ok, silly question I know but I have vacation on my mind.

Do you all take a backpack with you to the beach or do you just bring a big beach bag? Normally I'd bring a bag but it sounds like that could be a pain with all of the trails etc.

Also, where does one find a waterproof bag so that I can attach it to my swimsuit? I figured it'd be easier to keep track of money/keys that way.

Thanks.

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:32 pm

I am a big fan of the LL Bean Boat & Tote bag w/ extra long handles. I hate a beach bag w/ short handles that I can't throw up over my shoulder.

For the waterproof thing ... try an otterbox. We don't have one and haven't ever needed one (not sure what we did w/ keys etc, I guess someone was always around the stuff), but others have said good things about them.

stjdreamin · Post by **stjdreamin** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:52 pm

HI there,

I have a backpack that has 2 good size insulated/waterproof compartments on the bottom plus a regular size backpack area from top. Each of us have our own and pack everything we need for a day at the beach...drinks in bottom area, food in next insulated compartment and all towels etc. in the top. I got them off Ebay(for $12 + $4 shipping) but am sure you can find them lots of places

iowaguy · Post by **iowaguy** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:29 pm

Hi Hawkeye Chick---

Think it depends on what beach you're going to, how close to road, whether you'll be hiking, etc. Just to give you a variety of perspectives, but without saying ours is the "right way," we just use a beach bag. But then we usually go to Hawksnest, Trunk, Maho---beaches that do not require a hike. If you're going to the beach at Caneel, where you're staying as I recall, don't think you'd need a backpack. Might be helpful, though, for the hike to Salt Pond.

LysaC · Post by **LysaC** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:44 pm

I think a backpack is just easier. Our snorkel gear came in a small backpack and was soooo much easier to tote around.

Genral · Post by **Genral** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:43 pm

Lazy way: snorkel gear in one tote, towel over the shoulder, bottle of water in hand, couple 20's and driver's license in pocket......

HawkeyeChick · Post by **HawkeyeChick** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:55 pm

Thanks guys. Clearly I have too much time on my hands today if I'm posting about this! LOL!

Jim, good memory. We are staying at Caneel Bay but we're hoping to get to some of the more remote beaches too. There are a ton of Iowans on St. John boards....wonder why.

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 5:22 pm

I just carry what ever the six on the beach tell me to

Bob & Anita · Post by **Bob & Anita** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:19 pm

What do you mean backpack or beach bag??? We bring both!!!!! Actually, we only bring both if it’s just the two of us and we are planning on spending the better portion of the day on the beach. When we have our two boys we have all backpacks: one takes the backpack cooler, that stjdreamin was talking about, another takes the snorkel gear backpack and then we have two normal backpacks – one for the towels & neat sheet and the other for cameras, binoculars, books, snacks and other stuff.

We agree with Flip Flop, the LL Bean beach bag has nice long handles that make it easy to put it over a shoulder.

lpowmacback · Post by **lpowmacback** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 6:45 am

BOTH also. Hubby, 19-yr. old son, and this time around, 20-yr. old nephew and I each carry our own backpacks w/ towel, water bottles, ipod, book, etc. We each carry a light weight chair, and one person will carry the snorkel gear, one will carry the beach bag with cameras, snacks, suntan lotion (in separate section - we don't wamt accidental slime on the cameras), sheet, etc... and another will carry a small soft cooler with a few items. We like to keep the beach bag the designated dry haven - no damp things allowed - so the cameras, food are safe

cptnkirk · Post by **cptnkirk** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 7:13 am

We do carry on only and bring a small backpack as our small item carry on and stuff it full, works great for the beach

wontongirl · Post by **wontongirl** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 7:37 am

I have an otter box that I got at Cruz Bay watersports years ago that I put keys and money, it has a neck string or a clip for your bathing suit and it floats. I have a back pack from Northface that has a waterproof section in it. I think the style is borealis. I have two dry bags , one small and one medium that I would use for swimming my camera over to Soggy dollar or Sandy spit.
Beach bags are fine also, but I always use the otter box. I end up just kind of using it as my wallet for the week.

BabaAus · Post by **BabaAus** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 10:21 am

>Also, where does one find a waterproof bag so that I can attach it to my swimsuit? I figured it'd be easier to keep track of money/keys that way<

There are also small "dry bags" in the style of fanny packs into which you can fit a wallet, keys and small camera. I got one years ago (at REI) for a trip to Palau and have found it to be invaluable.

beecypresstx · Post by **beecypresstx** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:18 am

Also, where does one find a waterproof bag so that I can attach it to my swimsuit? I figured it'd be easier to keep track of money/keys that way.

We have both. An otter box for car keys and wallet. I have a Splash Caddy from Magellans. www.magellans.com. I have the smaller one. I have used it for years and really like it.

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