The Best Fanny Packs For Travel: Ultimate Guide

Fanny packs are back in style and are a great way to carry your essentials while keeping your hands free. They are especially useful for travel, offering a practical way to tote your phone, wallet, passport, and other small items. When choosing a fanny pack, consider factors such as capacity, durability, water resistance, style, and price. Here are some of the best fanny packs for travel:

- Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack: This stylish and spacious neoprene fanny pack offers protection and cushioning for your belongings. It features multiple pockets for organization and an adjustable strap.

- JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack: A sturdy, well-sized, and affordable option with a long adjustable strap that fits a wide range of body types.

- Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack: A lightweight, water-resistant, and packable fanny pack that is great for travel and outdoor activities. It has a soft padded back for comfort and a short strap that may not fit larger waist sizes.

- Herschel Pop Quiz Hip Pack: A spacious and durable fanny pack with a long adjustable strap. It has a waterproof zipper and a large front pocket, but the waterproof material makes it a bit challenging to open and close.

- Tortuga Travel Sling: A durable and comfortable fanny pack with multiple pockets and a hidden secret zipper compartment for added security. It is not 100% waterproof and does not have a dedicated water bottle pocket.

- Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole 1L Mini Hip Pack: A minimalist and stylish fanny pack that can hold your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items. It has a waterproof zippered front pocket but may not be ideal for larger phones or those who need more internal organization.

- Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag: A fashionable and comfortable fanny pack with a thick, seatbelt-like strap. It has a sleek look, subdued branding, and a generous opening for easy access. The 1-liter capacity may be limiting for those who carry more items.

- Bellroy 7L Sling Bag: A stylish and rugged fanny pack with a front pocket and a secret back pocket. It has a large capacity but may be too big for some and is designed to be worn as a crossbody sling rather than a traditional fanny pack.

Best fanny packs for hiking

If you're looking for a fanny pack to take hiking, there are several options available. Here are some of the best fanny packs for hiking, with a range of features to suit different needs:

The North Face Terra Lumbar 3L

This hip bag is a great option for travel, short hikes, or running errands. It has a padded back panel and an adjustable waist strap for comfort and features a main compartment for secure storage and smaller external pockets for easy access. The external bungee cords and compression clips allow you to secure items like a rain jacket or a T-shirt, making it a versatile choice for hiking.

Cotopaxi Lagos 5L Hiking Hydration Hip Pack

This fanny pack combines the features of a hydration pack with a daypack, making it ideal for shorter hikes. It includes a comfortable hip belt and padded mesh back for breathability, along with a 1.5-liter water bladder and 5 liters of storage space. The meshed and padded wings provide a snug fit, reducing movement and minimizing strain on the hips.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L

This compact fanny pack is perfect for carrying just the essentials and is made from 100% recycled fabric. It has two zippered pockets for organization and an adjustable strap that allows you to wear it around your waist or sling it across your chest. The padded back panel ensures comfort during use.

REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack

The REI Co-op Trail 2 is a versatile and affordable option, great for both outdoor activities and casual use. It has a small 2L capacity, a DWR coating to protect against the elements, and a spacious back stash pocket for valuables. The slim profile and adjustable strap make it comfortable to wear during various activities, including hiking, biking, and dog walking.

EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L

The EVOC Hip Pack Pro is an excellent choice for mountain bikers, offering ample storage space and specialized features. It has an adjustable elastic and Velcro waist wrap for a secure and comfortable fit. It includes multiple pockets, water bottle sleeves, and a waterproof phone pocket.

FlipBelt Zipper Edition

The FlipBelt Zipper Edition is designed for runners and hikers who need to carry essentials without bulk. It has a snug fit, lightweight design, and water-resistant fabric. The unique pocket system allows for secure storage, and the zipper pocket adds extra security for valuables.

These fanny packs offer a range of features tailored for hiking and outdoor activities, ensuring comfort, storage, and functionality during your adventures.

Best budget fanny packs

If you're looking for a budget fanny pack, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best budget fanny packs for travel:

JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack

This simple and functional fanny pack is an excellent budget option. It has an adjustable waist belt so you can wear it comfortably as a crossbody bag, and its small size prevents it from feeling too heavy. The fabric is made from strong and durable 600-denier ripstop polyester, and it comes in a variety of colours and patterns. While it lacks a security pocket and a mesh back for breathability, it's a great choice for those on a tight budget.

REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack

This budget-friendly option is perfect for minimalist travellers who want to pack light. It's made from high-quality recycled ripstop nylon and is water-resistant. The pack has two exterior zippered pockets and one interior zippered pocket, providing enough space for essentials like a phone, wallet, passport, keys, and snacks. The adjustable waist strap allows for comfortable wear around the waist or slung over the shoulder.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L

This compact and lightweight fanny pack is ideal for shorter hikes or travel, as it takes up minimal space and leaves your hands free. Made from recycled ripstop nylon, it's water-resistant and has a soft, padded back for comfort. The main compartment has room for a smartphone and a few small items, and there's a front pocket with a key clip. It also folds down into itself for easy packing. However, the strap must be adjusted from both sides, and the short strap length may not fit people with larger waists.

Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Fanny Pack

Although a bit pricey for its simplicity, this fanny pack is roomy and designed for urban cyclists. It's made from scuff-resistant and water-resistant 1,000-denier Cordura fabric, ensuring durability. It has a rectangular shape and thin material, providing more space than its physical size suggests. It includes a U-lock holster for bike locks and four MOLLE loops for attaching items like key rings or lights. However, some may find it bulky to wear, especially when seated, and the stiff material can be uncomfortable when full.

Herschel Pop Quiz Hip Pack

This spacious fanny pack is perfect for those who want to carry more without sacrificing the convenience of a fanny pack. With a capacity of 3.5 litres, it can accommodate a small paperback, wallet, phone, keys, and other essentials. The strap is long and adjustable, fitting a wide range of waist and chest sizes. It's made from thick and scuff-resistant 600-denier polyester, ensuring durability. However, when fully loaded, it can feel heavy and may be uncomfortable for those with smaller frames.

Best large fanny packs

If you're looking for a large fanny pack to take on your travels, the Calpak Luka Belt Bag is a great option. It's described as having a large capacity that can fit all your travel essentials, including a compact travel umbrella. The bag also has various pockets to keep things organised, and a smooth zipper and wide opening so you can easily grab your passport, wallet or keys without having to dig around. It's available in 19 different colours, and although the puffy design might add some bulk, it's still a great spacious option.

Another large fanny pack to consider is the Herschel Pop Quiz Hip Pack. With a capacity of 3.5 litres, it's the roomiest of the Wirecutter's picks. The pack has a long, adjustable strap that can be worn around the waist or across the body, and fits a wide range of waist and chest sizes. It has a spacious 3.5-litre main compartment, a front zip pocket, and an internal mesh slip pocket. However, when the bag is fully loaded, it can feel heavy and uncomfortable to carry centrally at the waist.

The Osprey Talon 6 is another high-capacity lumbar pack, with a capacity of 6 litres. It's described as "bulky and heavy" but is a good option if you want to replace your daypack. It has lots of pockets, dual water bottle sleeves, and compression straps for securing a lightweight jacket.

If you're looking for a budget option, the JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack is a great choice. With a capacity of 2.5 litres, it falls in the middle of the range in terms of dimensions. The pack has a sturdy, adjustable strap, and comes in a variety of colours and prints. However, the main compartment lacks internal organisation, and the strap is a bit narrow and may dig into the waist.

Finally, the Free Range Equipment Canvas Phanny is a stylish option with a capacity of 2 litres. It has a beautifully designed, abrasion-resistant canvas exterior, thick zipper pulls, a nicely padded back panel, and a leather logo patch on the front. However, it only has one pocket, with no zippered compartments, which can make organisation a bit tricky.

Best compact fanny packs

If you're looking for a compact fanny pack that doesn't compromise on style or functionality, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best compact fanny packs for your travel needs:

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is a popular choice, often selling out due to its versatility and sporty yet stylish design. With a 1-liter capacity, it can fit your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and other small essentials. The lightweight fabric and adjustable 41.7-inch strap make it comfortable to wear around the waist or across the chest. It also features a discreet back pocket, a larger front-facing pocket, and a mesh pocket inside the main compartment for added organisation.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L

For a compact and lightweight option, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is a great choice. Made from recycled ripstop nylon, it's water-resistant and perfect for shorter hikes, dog walks, or bike rides. It has a capacity of 1 liter, which can accommodate a smartphone, sunscreen, and a small makeup kit. The pack also has a front pocket with a key clip. The soft, padded back ensures it rests comfortably against your body, and it can be folded up into a compact size for travel. However, the strap has a maximum length of 36 inches, which may not fit people with larger waists.

Baggu Fanny Pack

If you're looking for a surprisingly roomy option, the Baggu Fanny Pack delivers. It features two spacious pockets that can fit a 16-ounce water bottle, a book, and other essentials. The sturdy nylon construction ensures durability, and it comes in a range of 18 colorful options.

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

The Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack is a stylish and roomy choice. Made from neoprene, it offers protection and cushioning for your belongings. It has a unique, slightly cartoonish look and is spacious enough to hold a large phone, an overstuffed wallet, and other items. It features a chunky, large-tooth zipper and an oversized buckle for security. While the buckle can be clunky to operate, the bag is comfortable to wear, with a thick strap that rests nicely on the waist.

JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack

For a compact and affordable option, the JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack is a great choice. Made from sturdy 600-denier polyester, it's water-resistant and well-sized for everyday use. It has a 2.5-liter capacity and features an unusually large outside pocket that can accommodate a small notebook, phone, and other items. The adjustable strap, ranging from 14 to 51 inches, makes it suitable for a wide range of body types. However, the strap is a bit narrow and may dig into the waist for some users.

Best fanny packs for men

Fanny packs, also known as waist packs, sling bags, or crossbody bags, have made a comeback and are now considered stylish and functional accessories for men. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag is a versatile and sporty option that can be worn during various activities, including travelling, outdoor adventures, and festivals. It features a spacious 2L main pouch with a double two-way zipper and a mesh inner sleeve for organisation. Additionally, there is a discreet smaller pocket at the back for hiding valuables. The bag is made from water-resistant nylon and comes in various colours, including a standout eucalyptus green.

Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L

The Bellroy Venture Ready Sling is a compact and lightweight fanny pack ideal for travel. It features two pockets: a larger one for essentials like a wallet and passport, and a smaller padded pocket designed to protect your phone. The self-compressing gusset creates a slim profile, making it comfortable to wear under clothing, and the removable strap allows for easy storage.

Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack

The Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack excels in organisation, featuring various compartments and pockets to keep your belongings sorted. The butterfly-style opening in the centre provides easy access and ample space, while the two-way zipper seals the main large compartment. The bag also features the brand's signature colour-block aesthetic, adding a stylish touch to its streamlined design.

The North Face Terra Lumbar 3L

The North Face Terra Lumbar 3L is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a durable, weather-resistant construction and ample storage space. It can hold water bottles, a first aid kit, a map, snacks, and even a lightweight windbreaker, thanks to its external bungee and bottom compression. Additionally, the padded back panel provides comfort during longer treks.

Rains Bum Bag

The Rains Bum Bag offers superior water resistance, as it is made from polyurethane (PU) with a coated zip closure. The sleek and spacious design makes it ideal for everyday use, and it can be worn like a backpack without feeling bulky.

Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack Medium

The Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack Medium is a lightweight and durable option made from the brand's patented Bergshell fabric, ensuring strength and water resistance. It features security pockets on the back for cards, earbuds, and a passport, making it perfect for city dwellers, frequent flyers, and nature lovers.

Dagne Dover Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack

The Dagne Dover Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack combines sporty and sophisticated style, making it a versatile choice for various outfits. The sleek neoprene construction is durable and waterproof, and the bag comes in a range of colours and mesh textures.

Alo Explorer Fanny Pack

The Alo Explorer Fanny Pack offers functionality and style, pairing well with athleisure wear and casual clothes. It features three pockets for your essentials, including two front pockets for easy access and a secure pocket against your body. The nylon material is comfortable and easy to clean.

Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L

The Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack offers a spacious 5L capacity, the largest on this list. It features a single compartment, a front pouch, and stretchy water bottle pockets, making it ideal for biking and hiking. The adjustable waist belt provides a comfortable fit, and the ripstop polyester construction ensures durability.

Arc'teryx Arro Waist Pack

The Arc'teryx Arro Waist Pack is a streamlined and versatile option for city explorers. It offers a compact design to carry your daily essentials and features WaterTight external zippers to keep your belongings safe and dry. The mesh back panels provide airflow, making it comfortable to wear during light hikes.

Nike Elemental Premium Fanny Pack

The Nike Elemental Premium Fanny Pack is a spacious yet well-organised option, featuring a subtle blacked-out Swoosh design. It is made from 100% polyester with an 8L storage capacity and is ideal for storing all your necessities, from keys to sunglasses.

Prada Re-nylon Belt Bag

The Prada Re-nylon Belt Bag is a stylish and elegant option, featuring recycled nylon and Saffiano leather. It showcases the brand's signature enamel triangle logo and offers a 4.5L storage capacity.

Herschel Fanny Bag

The Herschel Fanny Bag is a budget-friendly option that delivers quality and style. It features a tumbled grey colourway with hints of black, ensuring a tasteful addition to any outfit.

Lululemon Fast and Free Run Belt Bag

The Lululemon Fast and Free Run Belt Bag is a streamlined and practical option, made from sweat-wicking Lycra. It features a cost-effective design and is ideal for those who value practicality and streamlined design.

Topo Designs Mountain Sling Bag

The Topo Designs Mountain Sling Bag is an outdoors-ready option made from recycled nylon ripstop. It offers a spacious 6.5L capacity, a wide adjustable strap, and zippered pockets to secure your valuables. The bold shade of cobalt blue adds a stylish touch to your outdoor adventures.

Frye Zip Top Leather Belt Bag

The Frye Zip Top Leather Belt Bag is an office-appropriate option that exudes sleek, streamlined style. Cut from the same premium-quality leather as the brand's rugged boots, this belt bag features antique hardware for a retro vibe. It provides ample storage space for essentials like a phone, wallet, and lip balm, and the zippered top allows for easy access.

Frequently asked questions