Once the (ahem) butt of many jokes, fanny packs—also known as crossbody bags, sling bags, and belt bags—are now considered an everyday-wardrobe staple. And with good reason: These compact, hands-free bags are pretty darn useful. Plus, they’re cute.
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Since , we’ve researched 90 bags and personally tested 46. In our latest round, we packed ’em with potatoes to compare their capacities, ran them under the tap to find out if they would keep belongings dry, and adjusted them on the bodies of 14 Wirecutter and New York Times staffers in our Long Island City, New York, headquarters.
Ultimately we chose 10 favorites that fit a range of budgets, tastes, and circumstances. Among our picks, you’ll find stylish packs ready for just about anything—from everyday errands to rugged adventures to dressed-up evenings on the town.
This crowd-pleasing nylon fanny pack won over our testers with its old-school charm and delightful details, including a fleecy front pocket and sturdy lash tabs. But the long strap leaves lots of slack hanging on smaller bodies.
The North Face’s Berkeley Lumbar was the unexpected breakout star of our testing—this unassuming pack swept in and charmed our panelists, earning the highest overall scores and the most “would buy” votes by far. Its secret to success: fun and functional features, just-right proportions, and slightly nostalgic good looks that instantly appeal.
It has a cool throwback style. Naturally, The North Face (and fanny packs in general) makes us think of the ’90s, when the brand was ubiquitous. But the Berkeley Lumbar—with its ’70s-style logo patch, relaxed shape, and crinkly nylon fabric—also brings to mind even earlier days, especially in the attractive mustardy color that we tested.
Though it looks compact, it fits plenty. This is the rare bag that doesn’t seem huge on a petite frame yet can still accommodate a day’s worth of gear, including a small water bottle, a pack of wipes, a wallet, a , and keys.
It’s filled with surprising—and delightful—features. The front pocket is lined with ultrasoft fleece, offering protection for sunglasses and phones. And the diamond-shaped lash tabs on the bag’s exterior base, while not terribly useful for hitching up gear, lend some structure, like a pair of feet.
This casually cool nylon pack has a flexible crescent shape that nestles snugly against the body. A detachable handbag-style shoulder strap adds versatility, but operating the hooked waist clasp can be tricky.
$73 $50 from Beis TravelPrice includes shipping (deal on pink)
With a sleek, vaguely techy vibe (think The Matrix), Béis’s The Sport Pack looks like it came right out of a Y2K mood board. Ironically, you’d have been mercilessly teased for even contemplating a fanny pack in the early aughts—but today, we’re totally here for it. What’s more, this roomy, body-hugging sling can double as a shoulder bag.
The crescent shape is comfy and flattering. The Sport Pack has a gently curved shape that allows the bag to comfortably nestle into the body. Even though this bag is long, its lack of bulk and its silky nylon material make it flexible and light; our movements never felt awkward or restricted.
It’s sleek and stylish, with a handbag-style strap for versatility. Testers were drawn to this bag’s sporty good looks. The standout feature is a detachable paracord strap, which is mainly there for visual flair, though you can also use it to sling the bag over your shoulder in a hurry. To change up your look for the evening, you can remove the waist strap entirely and leave only the braided paracord.
The interior is spacious and well organized. We comfortably fit a full-size water bottle, a wallet, keys, sunnies, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and a snack into the roomy main compartment. It’s nicely laid out, too, with a key clip, an interior zippered pocket, three card slots, and a long, flat exterior back pocket. Exceptionally smooth, two-way zippers—outfitted with springy pulls—make accessing your stuff a breeze.
Practical and well made, this nylon pack has a cute square design and comes in over a dozen whimsical colors and patterns. It’s marvelously roomy, but the boxy shape can get a little awkward when it’s loaded with lots of stuff.
The large, boxy Baggu Fanny Pack is disarmingly straightforward. Like most of the offerings from Baggu, it has an ugly-cool aesthetic, and it’s available in an array of bold colors and personality-packed prints. For us, there’s no question: It’s hip to be square.
It holds a shocking amount of stuff. The Baggu Fanny Pack has a stacked silhouette with two expansive rectangular compartments. We had no trouble loading it up with a pack of wipes, a small water bottle, a glasses case, a slim wallet, a , keys, travel-size sunscreen, lip balm, and a snack. (Among our picks, only the truly enormous Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L is bigger.)
It comes in more than a dozen color and pattern options. Whether you gravitate toward safer neutrals, acid neons, or cartoony collabs (think Hello Kitty, the Peanuts gang), you’ll find something that delights among Baggu’s rotating selection.
It’s seriously sturdy. This Baggu pack is made from recycled heavyweight nylon, with a ripstop nylon lining. The zippers feel especially hardy and smooth, and the thick strap stays put in its serrated slider. I’ve owned an older version of this bag since , and the fabric, hardware, and stitching remain in excellent condition.
This classic, bargain-priced polyester bag—which is available in lots of different colors—is an excellent entry point into fanny pack fandom. Just note: It’s our only pick that isn’t water-resistant.
For a cute, inexpensive belt bag, look no further than the cozily familiar JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack. It’s a fab option for the fanny-pack-curious or for anyone on a limited budget. It also makes a great gift for tweens and teens (or nostalgic children of the ’80s and ’90s).
It has a classic, casual look. The old-school Fifth Avenue really announces itself as a “fanny pack,” if that’s what you’re after. But its compact, rounded shape makes it equally well suited as a crossbody bag or waist bag.
You can choose from more than a dozen solids, patterns, and fabrics. Want florals? Pastels? Camo? Done. (The selection varies by retailer.) In addition to the large array of polyester packs, the JanSport site carries a number of corduroy options, which typically cost around $8 more.
It’s roomy enough for a day on the town. Despite its petite footprint, this pack accommodates quite a bit in its deep main compartment and flat front pocket. We were able to (haphazardly) pack a small water bottle, a slim wallet, a , keys, travel-size sunscreen, lip balm, and a snack bar. (Warning: Stuff it too full, and it’ll resemble a codpiece.)
Just don’t expect it to keep stuff dry. The Fifth Avenue is our only pick with no water resistance. When we put it under a running faucet, the fabric soaked through almost immediately.
Made from a unique patchwork of remnant nylon and polyester fabrics, this vibrant pack has a distinctive look and a comfy, structured build. If you purchase it online, you can’t choose the colors—the exact design of your bag will be a surprise.
If the words “deadstock fabric” make your heart swell, the cheerful and comfy Cotopaxi Kapai 3L Hip Pack Del Día is likely to make it sing. Like the other offerings in the company’s Del Día collection, this bag is patched together from remnant nylon and polyester, which gives it a bright and bold color-blocked look.
You don’t get to choose your exact colors. Because each pack is one of a kind, when you order online, you won’t know precisely what you’re getting. (Our test bag had a blue-heavy blend, but we could just as easily have received a purple and orange melange.) If you prefer not to roll the dice, we recommend shopping in person.
The design is thoughtful and ergonomic. The Kapai pack has a well-padded back panel that contours to the body and feels nicely supportive, plus a wide, comfy strap, so it distributes weight well. Inside the main compartment, a fleece-lined sleeve protects your and other delicate flat items.
It isn’t quite as roomy as it looks. Don’t get us wrong—this bag has plenty of space for a small water bottle, a snack, sunglasses, a wallet, a , and keys. But the pack’s semirigid build makes it less accommodating than, say, the Baggu Fanny Pack, which is more flexible. (Style editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson bought the Kapai pack for a trip to Walt Disney World and quickly discovered that it couldn’t accommodate all of the various sundries required to survive 12-hour stretches.)
This roomy, durable ripstop polyester bag is large enough to comfortably stand in for a diaper bag, tote, or compact backpack. But its generous size may overwhelm smaller frames.
For a fanny pack that’s large enough to replace a diaper bag or a small hiking pack, consider the Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L. It’s so big, one tester joked that she could use it as a carrier for her Chihuahua (though we don’t advise that). Thanks to its ergonomic design, it wears comfy, even when stuffed to the brim.
It’s seriously spacious. We fit an astonishing 12 russet potatoes in this thing! In more practical terms, the main compartment comfortably accommodates a light jacket, a sunhat, a pack of wipes, a large wallet, a , keys, sunglasses, and several snacks—with room to spare.
It has stretchy side pockets. Two mesh pockets on either end of the pack are purpose-built for water bottles, with compression straps to keep articles firmly in place. You could also use the pockets to tote sunscreen, bug spray, or a travel-size umbrella.
Even fully loaded, it’s comfy to wear. The Black Hole is the most ergonomic of our picks, with a generously padded, well-ventilated back panel that flexes to accommodate different body shapes and movements. And the wide, sturdily built strap adjusts securely and doesn’t dig into skin.
It’s rugged enough to withstand the elements. The Black Hole pack is made from recycled ripstop polyester, with TPU-film laminate waterproofing. It’s built for outdoor conditions and can take a lot of abuse, and it’s backed by Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee.
Made from buttery full-grain leather, this hyper-organized midsize belt bag offers a luxurious feel without skimping on practicality. Its normcore-meets-leather look isn’t for everyone, but we think it works.
Most of the pricier leather packs we tested refused to put practicality front and center. The Leatherology Blake Belt Bag was the exception. You can find a pocket for everything in this thoughtfully designed full-grain leather bag, and honestly, we’re digging the cool-dad-visits-Europe vibes.
Its elevated-normcore aesthetic won us over. When we first saw the Leatherology Blake Belt Bag, we thought it was, well, kind of ugly. (One tester astutely observed: “It’s giving The Rock in that one photo.”) But the look grew on us. It’s a classic fanny pack silhouette crafted from buttery leather, featuring prominent utilitarian hardware. The end result is versatile and polished—casual enough for daily errands yet refined enough to dress up for dinner.
It’s hyper-organized. Thanks to the smartly laid-out pockets, you can easily grab stuff out of the Blake bag while you’re on the go. The main compartment has four card slots, plus space for a large wallet and a glasses case, while the interior zip pouch keeps smaller items separate. The top-access back pocket is ideal for stashing a and other flat items. And the front pocket conceals—you guessed it—another pocket.
You can customize your bag with a monogram. For no extra charge, Leatherology allows you to personalize your pack with debossed (stamped), hand-painted, or trapunto (quilted) lettering.
This bag’s rich, supple full-grain leather and beautifully curved shape drew “oohs” and “aahs” from our testers. Yes, it’s expensive, and no, it doesn’t have enough interior space for a water bottle—but it’s by far the most beautiful fanny pack we’ve ever laid eyes on.
Words like stunning and sophisticated are rarely used to describe the humble fanny pack. But they were the first to spring to mind when we saw the chic leather Maison de Sabré The Sling Bag. It’s the most expensive pick in this guide—and it’s truly worth the splurge.
It’s the loveliest fanny pack we’ve ever seen. Testers “oohed” and “aahed” over the Sling Bag’s lovely crescent shape and its supple, full-grain leather, which comes in five rich shades (including striking emerald green and pomegranate red). It’s the rare fanny pack that wouldn’t look out of place at a nice restaurant.
The crossbody design has a comfortable, body-hugging fit. This bag is meant to be worn across the chest; it has a low profile and curved form that cradles the body. “It actually feels like part of my outfit, rather than an accessory,” remarked a tester. Note that the strap doesn’t open and close, so if you opt to wear it as a waist pack, you’ll have to do some awkward shimmying to get it on and off.
It doesn’t fit as much stuff as you might think. While the Sling Bag isn’t tiny—and actually presents as a midsize pack—it isn’t terribly spacious. We were able to squeeze in a slim wallet, a , keys, sunglasses, lip balm, and hand sanitizer, but not a small water bottle. Still, it’s well organized, with a key clip and interior pockets for corralling smaller items, plus a functional back pocket.
Maison de Sabré also makes this pack in a scaled-up version, The Large Sling Bag, which does accommodate a water bottle. We tested that bag and found that its bigger proportions didn’t quite work: It felt slightly unwieldy and less comfortable, and somehow it looked less breathtaking.
With a streetwear–meets–Pop Art aesthetic, this lighthearted neoprene bag makes an oversize impact. The plumped-up exterior makes the pack look roomy, but it’s actually quite small inside.
$90 $55 from Dick's Sporting GoodsFree Scorecard membership required (deal on khaki)
The Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack looks like a joyful cartoon drawing of a belt bag. This small-yet-mighty neoprene bag has a bulbous body and exaggerated hardware—which we happen to like. It’s fun. (I’ve personally bought three of these.)
The distinctive Pop Art aesthetic is a fashion flex. The Ace pack is formed from softly sculpted neoprene, with toothy zippers and an almost comically large buckle. Not all of our testers dug it—but it wouldn’t be much of a statement piece if everyone agreed, would it?
It reads big but lives small. This fanny pack’s commanding presence and puffy build make it appear roomier than it is. It’s actually quite compact inside, with space for just a few well-organized essentials—a slim wallet, keys, a , and a few odds and ends.
The wet-suit material keeps stuff cushioned and moderately dry. The Ace pack’s squishy neoprene fabric protects delicate items such as phones and glasses from bumps and falls. However, this is one of our least storm-ready picks, as under a running faucet it locked out moisture for about 30 seconds—not a dreadful result, but far below average in our testing.
Lightweight and packable, this sporty nylon pack is ideally suited for travel or quick outings. It’s sized for just the essentials—nothing more—and the strap is on the shorter side.
Note: Patagonia has updated the Black Hole Mini bag and renamed it the Terravia Mini Hip Pack 1L; we have not yet tested the new model. The original Black Hole Mini will still be sold at retailers such as Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods while supplies last.
The cute, casual Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L is mini indeed. (As is the updated and renamed model that it’s being replaced by, the Terravia Mini Hip Pack 1L.) This teensy, lightweight bag—the petite cousin of our supersized Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack pick—is perfectly proportioned for going on quick jaunts around the neighborhood (dog walks, short errands) or for throwing into a suitcase.
It’s especially small and light. With a capacity of just 1 liter (that’s two russet potatoes, by our measure), this bag’s flexible main compartment and front zippered pocket are sized for the bare essentials. This model is also the lightest fanny pack in this guide by far, tipping the scales at a mere 2.7 ounces.
You can turn it into an even tinier parcel. The whole bag can be stuffed and stowed into its own front pocket, which makes it particularly portable. Toss it into a tote or backpack, and you’ll always have a hands-free option at the ready.
It’s well constructed. The Black Hole Mini is made from recycled ripstop nylon with a recycled-polyester lining, and Patagonia backs this bag with its Ironclad Guarantee. The bag has a cushy back panel and smooth, silky strap webbing. Bonus: Its weather-resistant coating (a combination of silicone, polyurethane, and DWR finish) keeps contents dry on rainy walks.
I’m a senior staff writer covering style and accessories for Wirecutter. I’ve written our guides to the best laptop backpacks, backpacks for high school and college students, and tote bags, to name a few. My carry closet may be full to bursting—an occupational hazard—but I’m a minimalist at heart. A streamlined, compact fanny pack is often my bag of choice.
For the edition of this guide:
Wirecutter has been evaluating fanny packs since . In , we decided to revisit this guide—and breathe some fresh life into it.
We retested our five original picks to determine which ones were still worth recommending (three are still standing). And we considered the brave new world of bum bags, researching 47 additional models and selecting 24 to evaluate in person.
I personally tested every contender—wearing, packing, and adjusting them for daily life. (I am 5-foot-6, waist size 28.) I further vetted the bags by weighing each one on a postal scale and measuring their dimensions and strap lengths.
To find out how the bags would fare in wet weather, I held them under a running faucet for up to two minutes or until the fabric soaked through. And to get a direct comparison of their capacities, I, er, stuffed each pack with as many russet potatoes as would comfortably fit. (This was a strangely illuminating exercise.)
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After we eliminated a handful of the packs for absurdly frustrating design flaws, the remaining 19 advanced to panel testing. A group of 14 testers—Wirecutter and New York Times staffers with varying heights, builds, and aesthetic preferences—assessed the packs at Wirecutter headquarters in Long Island City, New York. We instructed the panelists to fill the bags with practical props, wear them around in both crossbody and waist-pack modes, and then complete detailed surveys.
We evaluated the fanny packs on the following criteria:
This is not a comprehensive list of everything we’ve tested for previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available.
Bags with bewildering straps are a dime a dozen. Among those we struggled with were the Alo Yoga Explorer Fanny Pack, which was also adorned with unnecessarily heavy metal hardware; the vegan leather Monos Metro Sling Bag, which also projected uncomfortably from the body when worn; and the made-for-cycling (and devoid-of-organization) Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Fanny Pack.
The impracticality prize went to the Fjällräven Kånken Hip Pack Plus, which had a hard-to-adjust strap complete with fiddly clips, a large, awkward shape, and inexplicable snap-together top handles. Its tiny cousin, the Fjällräven Kånken Hip Pack, though stiff-feeling, was comparatively more sensible.
We gave some bags the boot on aesthetic grounds. Testers said that the quilted Calpak Luka Belt Bag “looked like a lunchbox.” (I liked its puffy, cooler-bag build but was outvoted.) The Everlane Renew Transit Fanny Pack was deemed “banana-like,” and it comes in only “boring” beige and black.
We tried several splurgy all-leather packs. The purse-like Clare V Grand Fanny looked trés chic—alas, its wide, very flat shape made it awkward to fill, and it had no lining or internal pockets. Minor History's The Crosstown Sling Bag had an elegant crescent shape, but it too lacked internal organization—and it wasn’t nearly as stylish or luxurious as our leather Maison de Sabré pick.
Considering its appealing price—around $70 for a real-leather pack—we wanted to love the Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag. While it was cute at first glance, it didn’t feel like an amazing value—a number of tells revealed its inexpensive construction, and it’s too small to be very practical.
The generously sized Herschel Pop Quiz Hip Pack got lukewarm marks from testers, and its material was notably stiff and starchy.
The teeny-tiny Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L may be, well, everywhere, but we weren’t wowed. We were particularly annoyed by the large buckle, which refused to lie flat. The same goes for the scaled-up Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L, which oddly didn’t feel that much bigger.
We liked the State Lorimer Fanny Pack—it just doesn’t scream “fanny pack.” It had a flat, rectangular shape that felt too large to wear around the waist, and some testers also found it awkward as a crossbody.
This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter. A previous version of this article was written by Kaitlyn Wells and Jordan McMahon.
Zoe Vanderweide
What I CoverI focus on clothing, bags, shoes, and other wearables, plus gear and tips for wardrobe maintenance. The guides I’ve written include those for women’s jeans, white sneakers, cheap sunglasses, bras, and laptop backpacks.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAll the rage in the ’90s and the topic of much ridicule in the decades since, fanny packs are here to stay. We tested dozens of the best fanny packs to find the top options for everything from hands-free hikes and travel days to running errands around town.
Each fanny pack in this review has been carried around over the course of several weeks and over dozens of miles by our testers — from the Sierra mountaintops to the Washington coast to the local dog park and farmer’s market. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and stylish or rugged and trail-ready, these picks deliver comfort, convenience, and just the right amount of storage.
If you want an overall performer, choose the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack. It can fit all the essentials for your next hike. Or, for a more budget-friendly model, choose the Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack to tote around town. No matter what you see, we have you covered. Each model has been measured in categories such as capacity, carry, and comfort.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Fanny Packs guide on May 10, , to add the KAVU Canvas Spectator, a fashion statement of a fanny pack that’s ideal for casual outings, and to add additional information to a few of our top picks based on further testing.
There are hundreds of fanny packs on the market. We think those award winners above are just a bit better than the rest, but we’ve also used many others to carry our essentials. Check out the fanny packs below before making your choice.
The staff of GearJunkie has been around the block. And, we aren’t afraid to admit we’ve been on the fanny pack train for a while now. From carrying essentials on day hikes to mountain bike laps where a backpack would be cumbersome, fanny packs make our outdoor adventures more enjoyable. So, we’ve come to know a good pack when we see one.
Our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, has over 10 years of experience with gear in the outdoors. With extensive reviews of a plethora of gear under her belt, she knows the best ways to put a fanny pack to the test. Carefully assessing metrics such as carry style, capacity, compartments, and sizing, Miya made sure each pack was measured against the same categories.
Joybeth Sullivan, an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring beautiful sights alongside her German Shepherd companion, took over this guide in . Senior Editor Nick Belcaster rounds out our testing team, and as an alumnus of the Pacific Crest Trail, he’s been around the block once or twice. A multi-sport athlete, Nick’s testing takes him across the West to places like the Hoh Rain Forest and on long traverses of the North Cascades.
Our testers have been researching the best fanny packs on the market since , combing through dozens of models before choosing the 20 in our current review to put to the test. We made sure to include a variety of styles, from casual to sophisticated, technical to burly, keeping in mind that many different people use fanny packs for a variety of reasons, and wanting our review to reflect that.
Each product was tested over the course of several weeks, with our testers based on the flanks of the Sierra Nevada mountains and on the Washington coast. To keep the testing standardized, we wore each pack for at least 5 miles, carrying an average of 3 pounds in each. This testing regimen will be used each time we test a new pack to add to the review, ensuring you get the best idea of each pack’s real-world feel and best application.
Our testers also evaluated each model’s materials, seams, buckles, waist belts, and zippers and loaded each with a similar load of accessories to test their comfortability. If you’re looking for other hiking gear, check out our guides to the best trekking poles and the best ultralight backpacks.
Now that you’ve seen how awesome fanny packs are, you want one but don’t know which to choose. Here are a few considerations to help you pick the perfect pack.
First and foremost, how do you plan to use your pack? Do you need something sleek for travel or a carryall for hiking? Or is water capacity of utmost importance? These are important considerations.
What you’ll use your fanny pack for the most will determine what type of fanny pack to buy. Take care to look at each pack’s specifications closely, as some of them will specialize in a certain activity, while others are more hybrid.
The Backpackers & Hikers: The day hiker will want to choose between a small pack to carry their , wallet, keys, and a snack or look into purchasing a bigger pack with pockets for water bottles and space for a layer. Backpackers will typically use a fanny pack as a small accessory pouch for items that are nice to have easily accessible, such as sunscreen, GPS devices, bug spray, etc.
Some packs are made specifically for backpacking and can even be integrated into a backpack’s waist belt. The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack and the REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack are perfect for hiking where you just want to carry the bare essentials, and the Black Diamond Pursuit 6 and the Osprey Talon & Tempest Waistpacks are our top choices for when you want a pack that can carry a lot more.
The Casual Users: Fanny packs are now ubiquitous for men and women alike, and are undeniably useful for carrying around the day’s essentials without resorting to a bag or overstuffed pockets. The casual user will want to look for a pack that is between 1 and 2.5 L in capacity, with 3 L bordering on too big to carry around all day comfortably. Choosing a fanny pack that can also be worn across the body will increase the functionality of this everyday carry. Other features to look for are a key leash, front pockets for organization, and a separate back pocket to keep valuables close to your body.
Style is likely an important consideration for those seeking a daily driver as well. For the more casual, color-appreciating user, the Fjallraven Kanken Hip Pack is a good choice. The Kavu Spectator Canvas comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and is a great option for casual outings.
The Mountain Bikers: A solid waist pack is a great addition to the mountain biker’s kit. Backpacks tend to get very sweaty and often are overkill for what most bike enthusiasts may need on a ride. A fanny pack with a stretchy waistband, breathable back panel, pockets for small water bottles, and enough capacity to fit snacks, sunscreen, and some small bike tools will be the perfect companion on your next trail ride.
The EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L is a great specialized pack that even includes a 3L bladder to make sipping water an easier affair. We also love the Black Diamond Pursuit 6 with its stretchy, comfortable waistband for long rides.
The Runners: Let’s be real, running with any sort of bag on your body isn’t the most ideal. If you’re going for a short run or one where you will be able to access drinking water, give the Flipbelt Zipper Edition a shot. But when you start increasing the mileage, carrying some water and some nutrition becomes important.
Runners will want to look for a fanny pack that has either integrated water bottles or flasks, or a dedicated place to securely put your own bottle. You’ll want the bottle or bottles to be small so as not to feel cumbersome or slosh around too much as you trot, and you’ll want a comfortable, secure waistband that keeps everything in place for wherever the trail takes you.
Nathan is an athletic brand that makes fanny packs specifically for the dedicated runner. The Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack is a great minimalist pick that includes a water bottle, hugs the body securely, and has enough space for a few essentials. If you’re looking for a bit more space, the Nathan Limitless 2 Liter Sling is a good bet.
While the classic way to wear a fanny pack is on your hips with the bag facing the front, there are actually a few different ways to wear one, which will change based on the weight of the pack, personal preference, or activity. Some, like the Kavu Spectator, can be worn on your waist or crossbody style.
Larger bags for everyday use can be great to wear across the body. Some packs are heavy and are better worn on the back of the hips rather than the front for less awkward carrying.
Not all fanny packs are created equal. It’s important to note the capacity of a pack before purchasing and also look at the number of pockets the pack has to make sure it’s going to fit your needs. We tested fanny packs ranging from ultra-lightweight to the 9L Mountainsmith Tour and Patagonia Guidewater Hip Packs.
Some packs only have one major compartment, while others, like the Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack, have a variety of pockets, pouches, and even water bottle holders. Consider what level of organization you’re looking for in a fanny pack.
A compact fanny pack ranges in size from around a 1L capacity to 2.5 L. Fanny packs traditionally fall around these sizes, while bigger packs are sometimes referred to as “waist packs.” Being compact allows for a more comfortable carry throughout the day, as the weight they can hold is limited. Many fanny packs of this size can also be worn across the body, providing a different carry style.
This size pack is typically limited in the number of pockets it has, and is usually just big enough for a few small accessories. The Fjällräven High Coast Fanny Pack, REI Co-op Trail 2, and Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Packare great compact packs that you’ll find yourself grabbing for your everyday carry. But if you want to carry around a full-size water bottle, eBook, or a light layer, you’ll have to delve into sizes beyond 2.5 L.
Mid-sized fanny packs can range anywhere from 3 to 9 L in size. These packs are typically more technical, and can be valuable for specific activities that require packing more accessories like hunting, fly fishing, mountain biking, or hiking. Mid-sized fanny packs will sometimes have thicker, padded waistbelts to enable you to carry weight more comfortably, and tend to have a variety of pockets, water bottle holders, and compression systems.
The Gregory Nano and Cotopaxi Bataan are the larger casual packs we tested, both being 3 L. The Black Diamond Pursuit 6 and Osprey Talon sit in the middle range at 6 L, and the Patagonia Guidewater and Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack are the largest in our roundup with their 9L capacities.
While nylon is a popular fanny pack material, it certainly isn’t the rule. Many innovative packs utilize high-tech fabrics to gain water resistance and durability or simply add some flash.
On the technical side of the spectrum, the TPU of the Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack makes it 100% waterproof. We were also impressed with the Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny, which is a budget pick still made with 600-denier ripstop fabric — a highly durable material.
Fanny packs also often integrate other textiles into their design to add special functionality, such as a stretch mesh used in a water bottle pocket or a neoprene divider that adds structure to the pack.
From zippers to drop pockets to water bottle holders, there are a number of different ways to tote around your kit in a fanny pack. In any zippered pocket, look for high-quality YKK brand zippers that will last longer than their generic counterparts. Some will even be water-resistant.
A drop pocket won’t have any type of closure to keep things secure, but often these can be handy for quickly tossing a into while you’re out and about. We also greatly appreciated whenever a fanny pack included an internal compartment with a key loop to clip our keys to.
Because most fanny packs can only carry so much (the average across the packs we tested was 3.5 L), large padded waist straps aren’t often needed. Many will use a simple webbing hip belt, brought together with a single side-press buckle.
Some fanny packs, like the larger Mountainsmith Tour, offer slightly more padding in their straps and even include pockets that add to the overall capacity. We also especially appreciated the mountain bike-specific EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L’s adjustable elastic and Velcro waist wrap.
It’s always a good idea to take your measurements and check the pack specs. Most bags fit a variety of people, but some packs don’t cinch down small enough for petite packers, while others run surprisingly small. Measuring will help you pick the right pack for your body to maximize success and comfort.
Now it’s time to buckle up and get ready for a life of fanny-pack adventures. We’ll even let you call it a lumbar bag or hip pack if it makes you feel better. Just get out there and enjoy the awesomeness that is hands-free packing, whatever the activity.
Fanny packs come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options around $15 to premium designs of $239. While the cheaper models often provide the essentials and functionality needed for a fanny pack, spending more usually means better materials, increased durability, and additional features for outdoor enthusiasts. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect at different price points
Budget options are great for casual adventurers or those who just need a simple pack for light use. While these packs often lack advanced features, they still offer solid value for their price.
The Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack ($20) is a no-frills, fun option with a classic design. While it lacks water resistance and multiple compartments, it’s a lightweight, affordable choice for everyday use. The REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack ($22) is lightweight and extremely packable. This is perfect for travel and short hikes. Its water-resistant material makes it a solid step up from budget packs.
Budget options generally sacrifice water resistance, long-term durability, and advanced features, but they are still reliable for many activities.
Spending more in this range gets you better material quality, additional compartments, and improved comfort for longer adventures.
The REI Co-op Trail 2 ($30), our best overall pick does it all; from biking to dog walks and everything in between. The Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack ($40) is a minimalist yet durable pack made with eco-friendly materials and water-resistant fabric (with the most vibrant color options, by the way!), ideal for those seeking a sleek and functional design for day hikes or urban exploration. Originally designed for runners, the FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt ($42) is lightweight and weather-resistant, an ideal choice for minimalist adventurers who need quick access to essentials without the extra bulk.
In this category, you’re gaining extra comfort, water resistance, and better durability, but might still miss out on some of the advanced features found in premium models.
Premium fanny packs are designed for serious adventurers who need top-quality materials, superior comfort, and specialized features like waterproofing or extra compartments for long hikes or rugged conditions.
With its signature bold design made with eco-friendly, recycled materials, the Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack ($60) is an excellent premium choice. It features multiple compartments, a comfortable fit, and extreme durability for long adventures. Known for its durability and multiple compartments, the Mountainsmith Tour ($90) is a favorite among serious hikers and outdoor adventurers, offering superior organization and comfort.
At this price range, you’re investing in durability, top-notch materials, and added comfort features that make these packs suitable for extended outdoor use.
For more information, please visit Basketball Bags Wholesale & Custom.