Lanyards vs. Bags: 5 Key Differences for Pin Traders Traveling to the Parks -

Pin trading is one of the most exciting parts of visiting theme parks like Disney and Universal. But before you head out, you’ll need a reliable way to carry and display your pins. That’s where the debate begins: lanyards vs. bags for pin trading. Both options come with pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your personal style, trading habits, and comfort. In this post, we’ll break down five key differences to help you decide which pin storage solution is best for your next adventure.

1. Accessibility

Lanyards are the go-to for quick trades. Worn around your neck, they keep pins front and center, making it easy for other traders (and cast members) to see your collection. If you’re actively trading throughout the day, this visibility is a huge plus.
Bags, on the other hand, are more secure but less accessible. Whether it’s a crossbody, mini backpack, or dedicated pin bag, you’ll have to unzip and flip through pages or sections to find what you need. Great for organization, but not ideal if you want to trade quickly.

2. Security

While lanyards offer visibility, they leave your pins more vulnerable to being bumped, snagged, or lost. Backing locks help, but there’s always a risk—especially on rides or in crowded areas.
Bags provide a safer home for your valuable or sentimental pins. With zippers and padded sections, your collection stays protected from the elements and accidental damage.

3. Comfort

Wearing a lanyard loaded with pins all day can get heavy and uncomfortable—especially during summer heat. Neck strain and sweat are real concerns, particularly if you’re trading a lot.
Bags distribute weight more evenly. A mini backpack or crossbody bag can hold more without weighing you down in one spot. Plus, they double as a space to hold other essentials like snacks, water, or sunscreen.

4. Display

When it comes to showing off your favorite pins, lanyards are unmatched. You can theme your lanyard by character, park, or color and easily swap pins as you go.
Bags offer display possibilities too—especially if they include transparent pin pages or flap pockets. You’ll need to open the bag to showcase your pins, but they stay cleaner and more organized.

5. Capacity

A standard lanyard holds 6–12 pins comfortably. Any more and you risk it becoming too heavy or cluttered.
Bags can carry entire collections. Whether you’re a casual collector or a hardcore trader, a pin bag or park-themed mini backpack gives you the room to bring backup pins and rotate throughout the day.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between a lanyard and a bag really comes down to how you like to trade. If you’re all about quick swaps and visual flair, lanyards might be your best bet. But if you’re more interested in protecting a growing collection and staying organized, bags are the way to go.
Better yet—why not use both? Many pin traders wear a lanyard for active trades and stash extra pins in a bag for backup. It’s the best of both worlds!

📌 Related Reads You’ll Love:

Adorable Mini Backpacks for Pin Traders
Pin Storage Hacks: How to Protect and Organize Your Collection
Theme Park Pin Trading Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts