Bonus: It has a luxurious, eco-friendly lining and dust bag made from Repreve recycled polyester. The Everest Signature Waist Pack is tough and sturdy, but its rough material is uncomfortable and it isnt water resistant like our picks. So we have picks in various sizes (small, medium, large) to suit your needs, as well as traveling and affordable picks. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Choose from 15 colors from goes-with-everything black to bright pink or vintage sunflowers. The strap also doesnt have a way to hold excess strap material, so itll just wave about as you walk around. We liked having the two small pocket options on this pack for stashing small items like Chapstick or tickets. This fanny pack has enough storage to replace a small shoulder bag, is durable and water-resistant, and fits a wide range of waist sizes, though its large capacity can make it uncomfortable when fully loaded. Size: 6 x 12.5 x 4 inches | Weight: 4 ounces. Best Overall: Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack at Dagne Dover, "Dagne Dover does it again with a feature-packed solution thats as practical as it is stylish. "This fanny pack is versatile, the perfect size, and comes in fun colors." Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. (It also speeds you through security at stadiums and airports.) It's just big enough for a wallet, a phone, headphones, and Chapstick. Up the durability and the style factor with a leather fanny pack no matter where your travels take you. The Herschel has a front buckle, which helps avoid chaffing on the hips. Though it has three pockets, the Everest Signature doesn't have a very large capacity, and we often had a hard time fitting all of our items inside. A fanny pack isnt just an accessory. The extra padding made it comfortable for all-day use, whether worn in the front or the back. And theres a 5-inch-wide U-Lock holster on the back thatll hold most bike locks, including the Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best If you ever lose your Tumi bag, the brand offers a "Tumi Tracer" to locate and recover your item. This fanny more than fit our standardized hip pack "kit", with room to spare. But for hikes, we found that a larger main compartment was more important. This wasn't a huge issue for us but could be a concern if comfort is your main priority. This is the bag to get if you want to switch from a small purse or bag without leaving any precious gear behind. The bag itself was large enough for us to stash snacks, a phone, and a lightweight wind jacket for hikes. We researched the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. From attending numerous multi-day music festivals in her early twenties to taking on many international trips in Asia and Europe to rock climbs and hikes closer to home, Jane has always found a use for a good fanny pack. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). We loved the Treasure & Bond Mason Pebbled Leather Belt Bag's (no longer available) sophisticated combination of pebbled leather and a metal zipper. If youre just wearing it for a trip to Disney World or buying it for your teen for camp, going with something less expensive will be more than satisfactory. Its also smaller and narrower than its larger sibling, the Herschel Seventeen, which our panelists preferred. This simple fanny pack is big enough to hold the essentials and is tough enough to take on your next biking excursion. As a veteran digital journalist, shes covered lifestyle content for over 15 years. It has four pockets one main pouch, a secret back pocket, and two small outer pockets. Its not particularly cute, but its somehow lovable in its unabashed dorkiness, Dorie said. The Fila Fanny Pack is lightweight, and it has smooth zippers and multiple storage compartments. The original Patagonia is on the smaller side of the packs we tested, with a capacity of just one liter (7 by 5 by 2 inches) and a 15- to 45inch strap, and the new version is around the same size. Weve found nine fantastic wallets, all of which are less than an inch thick (with cards and cash). The big backpack you use when youre hiking wont work quite well when walking or running a 5K. We have selected the most popular products available online for hands-on testing. Fanny packs have gone through a recent resurgence, shifting from being the butt of many a dad joke to part of a streetwear fashion aesthetic. From our past experience, we compared these new fanny packs to our old favorites for international travel. We also passed out the packs to our friends to see which ones were popular and which ones fell short. This pack has a tapered and spacious design: thicker on top than it is on the bottom. We took detailed notes on the performance and construction of zippers, and we also considered the size and position of pockets. The Dagene Dover Ace Fanny Pack is a water-resistant bag with multiple practical features, such as its easy-to-reach pockets and key safe clip, which are perfect for every kind of traveler. Beyond aesthetics, this pack is also well-made and durable with a narrow, highly adjustable waist strap. Its round design is perhaps not as flattering as a more tapered pack but works well when slung over the shoulder. Size: 9.1 x 4.7 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 9.8 ounces. It only holds a few items, and even then, it starts to feel full quickly. Given the different uses for these packs, though, there isnt one bag that will work for everyone. The flexible, leather shell makes it comfortable to wear this fanny pack when loaded with gear. Lululemon's Everyday Belt Bag is water repellent and easy to wipe clean, so it holds up well for running in the elements. Our overall favorite pick is the Dagene Dover Ace Fanny Pack. Plus, it is the bag you can use outside of travel or running, and just wear it out and about to fit all your essentials. Running errands around town in the Jansport. This pack has an elastic waistband and a very slim profile. The front has a row of four webbing rings (known as MOLLE loops) for attaching key rings, carabiner clips, or lights. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. This three-pocket waist pack is one of the most affordable options we reviewed. For a budget-friendly option, we like the Waterfly Fanny Pack. The main compartment, which can be accessed through its double-zipper, has two mesh pockets to fit your wallet and phone and is made of durable recycled fabrics. to their popular Day Sling Bag, this roomy fanny pack by Aer is stylish, rugged, and masculine in structure with durable black nylon and woven lining for a luxe look and feel. The Dagne sits comfortably on your waist while you stand and moves a little higher when you sit, but it doesnt shift enough to be painful or ill-fitting. To come up with scores for each pack, we divided our tests into four different metrics. "I love everything Lululemon carries," Shale Wolfgang says. This weary traveler has nothing but the shirt on his back and the Tinyat full of supplies. Choose from 17 colors or prints to get a look you love. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. An all-inclusive resort doesnt include everything, so Wirecutters travel staffers have picked out the things you really need to relax. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Dagne Dovers strap isnt as long as some of our other picks, and its design can be polarizing. The Everest Signature has a long strap that's easily converted from a waist belt to a shoulder strap. The water-bottle pockets are too narrow for a reusable water bottle. Fanny packs have really seen a revival in recent years with festival-goers and concert crowds. And the waist strap requires adjusting on both sides, like a backpack's, which can be bothersome. This pack won us over with its useful pockets, including an internal zip pocket and a low-profile external pocket that rests on the backside of the pack. Alesandra Dubin is a longtime frequent traveler for both work and leisureand a mom of young twins. The findings below are the results of our comprehensive side-by-side analysis. We also liked that the excess webbing is kept in place with a sleek, elastic keeper as opposed to a plastic buckle. The Dagnes neoprene material will whisk away any water before it gets inside, plus it gives the bag a snazzy charm. She also interviewed two travel influencers for this article. We also had a small issue with the plastic holder meant to contain extra webbing when the waist belt is cinched down. Our favorite fanny pack of the bunch is the JanSport Fifth Ave. Why its great: The Lil Guy Mini Pack is a no-frills fanny pack thats large enough to carry the essentials, and its 1,000-denier Cordura fabric is both scuff-resistant and water-resistant. A fanny pack might give away that youre a tourist, but the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack helps you vacation like a pro. This comparative hiking pants review looks at pants that With an unfathomable number of flip flop brands and models Ready to don your perfect pair of shades? We looked at 47 different fanny packs in a variety of sizes and designs. Theres a cardholder-sized pocket up front and a slot to hold a pen inside, plus a little clip to hold your keys that makes the last-minute fumble to get inside the house less frantic. With 2.5 liters of storage per JanSports specifications, its smaller than the Dagne Dover, Herschel, and Road Runner, but larger than the Patagonia or Cuyana. It may have a rugged, utilitarian silhouette, but it is the perfect must-have travel companion for everyone and can be customized with a classic or premium monogram. Size: 11 x 5.8 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces. We appreciated brands that provide lots of color and pattern options, half the fun of a fanny pack is their funky flair. It has durable fabric, zippers, and straps that will hold up well to trail conditions while keeping everything you need for a day hike on your body and fully accessible. "Nike is super trendy, so I would definitely want one of these," Shale Wolfgang says. Yet our panelists preferred the fashion-forward look of the Cuyana Mini Circle Belt Bag. Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor specializing in travel, food, parenting, and more. But its puffy shape is divisive. We liked the Big Bud Perfect Fanny Packs (no longer available) bold colors and charming design, but its strap and buckle dont feel as high-quality as other packs, and it wobbled too much to be comfortable while youre out and about. The waist straps on almost all of these packs are made of nylon webbing. The original version was not waterproof, and in our testing, the water bled right through the Patagonias polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon. An affordable fanny pack for people who want to try one out (or just not spend a lot) thats functional, well-organized, decent-looking, and from a company known for hard-wearing gear. ", Best Budget: Waterfly Fanny Pack at Amazon, "Even at a budget-friendly price point, this waist pack hits all the marks for functionality. Baboon to the Moon's 3-liter capacity pack handles all those situations and more, with an external zippered quick-grab pocket, two internal mesh stash pockets, and a nylon webbing secured key loop. It also shifts around too much while walking about; we preferred packs that stayed put. As an added plus, it comes in eight solid colors, including versatile black,dark moss, and a jersey grey to match your wardrobe. Clear material makes it easy for security checks, Plastic can be uncomfortable against the skin. The Fitter's Niche pack has quite a bit of elasticity to it, but this band tended to dig in when worn too tight. It even includes a U-lock holsterbut it doesnt have any internal organization. The outside of the bag is made from CORDURA Nylon OM Supernova shell material with alpine grade universal double stitching for extra support and is water-resistant. For us, this didn't cause any issues, but discomfort could arise over time. It's tapered at the bottom so that it flaps when walking fast or running. Its 6 by 13 by 3 inches, and it has a front zip pocket with a key hook and a main compartment, for a total of 3 liters of storage space. We wore them on quick trips to the local watering hole, where we only needed a few small items. The Herschel was one of our favorites for its aesthetic simplicity and solid construction. And the cherry on top is its affordability. This means that it lacks adjustability and has a small carrying capacity basically enough space for your phone, headphones, a low-profile set of keys, and a few cards. The packs not waterproof, and it has waist-strap adjusters on both sides, which are difficult to alter while wearing the pack. Size: 11 x 5.5 x 3 inches | Weight: 4 ounces. We felt like it was hard to go wrong with this one as a fashion statement. If multiple pockets are your thing, the Waterfly Slim is for you. Its waist strap is also longer than those on most bags we tested, including the JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Packs strap, so it fits a wider range of waist sizes, up to 52 inches. The Adidas waist belt is very adjustable and comfortable when worn either over the shoulder or around the waist. Once we had our testing models, we loaded them up with the things we carry around with us throughout the day such as our wallet, keys, tampons, lotion, a phone, lip balm, and wet wipes for parents with messy kiddos. From luxurious picks to budget-friendly finds, here are the best fanny packs available. We look forward to testing the new, water-resistant style. It's kind of cartoony in a fun way, said updates writer Dorie Chevlen. The lower-scoring packs in this metric fell short because of their shape and overall design. We appreciated the internal zippered pocket on the Tinyat for an extra layer of security for ID cards and cash. We appreciated this one for quick outings around town when we weren't worried about keeping lots of items organized. Waterflys Fanny Pack Slim Soft Polyester Water Resistant Waist Bag has two pockets on the front for expanded storage, which makes organization easier than on some other packs we tested. These Are the Best Travel Purses to Stay Organized on the Go, The 8 Best Kids Luggage Pieces for Easy and Fun Travel, The Best Bags & Backpacks for Disney That Are Super Comfy, Here Are the Best Crossbody Bags for Every Style and Budget, The Best Travel Toiletry Bags to Organize Your To-Go Gear, The Best Travel Money Belts for Stashing Your Stuff, The 10 Best Places to Buy Luggage in 2022, Here Are the Best Lightweight Luggage Pieces of 2022, We Researched the Best Samsonite Luggage ItemsHere Are Our Top Picks. The Adidas pack has the most padding of any of the options in this review, making it a top-scorer in terms of comfort. It has wider straps than most other fanny packs, which our panel of testers said made it more comfortable and secure. But there is a good reason why customers are fans of this bag. Classic colors and limited-edition prints are available in this style. No ads. Unlike its previous model, this one is highly water resistant, and its body fabric, lining, and webbing are made of recycled materials. The Veckle Clear Waterproof is not only highly functional for its claimed use (sporting events), but it is also quite a fashion statement. Once the butt of many jokes, fanny packs (also known as hip packs, sling bags, crossbody bags, bum bags, or whatever else people call them to avoid saying fanny pack) are experiencing a resurgence both in terms of style and ease: Turns out a compact, hands-free bag is pretty useful for carrying what you need for an afternoon. This timeless classic comes in numerous fun colors and patterns most of which come with a monochrome strap, which we appreciate. Each one has its own unique feature set. If you have room for it, you can also stock your fanny pack with small snacks if you plan to be on the go and first aid supplies in case of an emergency. Comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Obviously, we're not attending a sporting event with this pocket knife in our fanny pack, but you get the idea! The large, bold buckle draws attention away from the rest of the pack and is a bit tougher to press down because of its sturdiness. This slim, low-profile option is one of our favorites, owing a lot to its overall aesthetic. We also found the fit to be a tad off on this one. Far from the stigmatized tourist emblem they once were, fanny packs are again a stylish option for traveling and everyday life around town. It comes in so many colors, and I love the material. The bag has the brands signature striped fabric liner and a pebbled leather pull on an exposed zipper. ", Best for Women: Stoney Clover Lane Tie-Dye Fanny Pack at Stoney Clover Lane, "This pastel tie-dye fanny pack is just right for everyday use and is sure to get you noticed. The Herschel pack only has one pocket, which we liked for its simplicity. One great thing about a fanny pack is its utilityso why not invest in one that can take you everywhere, from errands to airplanes to socializing in style. The Herschel Fourteen uses a plastic clip to secure excess webbing, which we found to be ineffective. Fanny packs let you keep money, phones, and travel documents by your side (literally) when on the go. The Adidas National and the Tinyat Travel both have buckles that are slightly forward of the hip, which made them more comfortable overall. Find more colors and styles at Herschel.com. Having a fully stocked bag at the ready makes it easier to get out the door and change your kid on the go. A panelist reviewed and rated our top contenders to help us narrow down our pool. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Our panelists liked the simplicity of the Lil Guys design but wished it had more dividers than a solitary internal pocket. Since the majority of the fannies we tested are highly adjustable, they typically come with a method of securing the excess webbing. The major downside to this pack is its small carrying capacity. The Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack has a unique (if slightly cartoonish) look that can be great for running errands or even a night out with friends. When choosing the best camping chair, we have a lot of Are you searching for the best mountain bike hip pack? Its no-frills design and aesthetics are matched with a reasonably comfortable fit. This pack is classy and simple, plus it comes in a ton of color options. GearLab is reader-supported. "I'm all about finding ways to minimize stress while traveling, and keeping everything readily accessibleon your waistis just one way to make your life easier," says Lindsay Silberman, a travel and lifestyle blogger and co-founder of the Hotel Lobby Candle. With such a great design and a stylish aesthetic, we were surprised that it came with a reasonable price tag. All trademarks property of their respective owners Not only is it a brand classic, but this JanSport pack is also time-tested, budget-priced, made with recycled materials, and well-loved by thousands of fans. It has enough storage to carry a big phone, your overstuffed wallet, a pack of travel tissues, or even a spare bottle of milk for the little one, and it has a few extra pockets for your Metro card or some loose change. ", Most Durable: Herschel Supply Co. Fourteen Hip Pack at Amazon, "Herschels Fourteen waist pack is touted for its durability, versatility, and style. The buckle is a bit larger than most other packs buckles, too, but it provides a satisfying click thats hard not to fiddle with. Size: 11.5 x 6 x 3 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces. Our testers liked just about everything about this pack, although if you're looking for something super flashy or with funky style, the Fifth Ave might feel a bit lackluster. If you need something to carry with you on your next all-day, all-night party, the SoJourner fits the bill. The Waterfly Slim is a very narrow pack, which is great for hiking and all-day wear, as it is low-profile and comfortable. Our runner-up in this category was the Tinyat Travel, which has a slim, narrow shape that contours to the body well. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Also, the buckle on the waist strap lies on the hip bone. She knows the ins and outs of pockets, zippers, straps, and buckles. No sponsored content. This bag has a main section without any organization and a pocket on the front that is larger than the front pouches on most packs we looked at. They examined each fanny pack from the inside and out, and they tested the fit for comfort and wearability. This outside pocket is big enough to hold a small notebook, a phone, and other loose items like pens and chapstick. While its stylish enough to rock on your daily commute, its not the most suitable pack to take out when youre meeting up with friends. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Our biggest issues with this pack had to do with the overall construction and quality of materials and the shape of the pack itself. Larger than many other waist pack options, this bag is a great unisex choice, with six color options to customize your sporty look and a striking Nike logo at the front. Then we filled each fanny pack with all our essentials (ranging from a pair of sunglasses and lotions to a smartphone and wet wipes) and wore them for short walks and while running errands. Most of the packs in this review have three pockets. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. With models in hand, we checked each for manufacturer defects and evaluated the quality of the buckles, seams, and zippers. These packs aren't worth much if they aren't comfortable to wear. Size: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 8 ounces. This fanny pack is larger than its name implies (10 by 5 by 2 inches) with a capacity of 1.6 litersenough for a small paperback, wallet, phone, keys, and a snack-sized bag of chips. The BuyAgain and Everest Signature both have buckles that rest right on the hip, lowering their overall score. Who this is for: Sporty types who like a small pack to carry on hikes, dog walks, or bike rides. The JanSport has a sturdy strap that stays put, even when its carrying a hefty load. A comfy pack for the daily grind: Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack, A sporty pack: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini 1L Hip Pack, A big fanny pack for tote converts: Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack, Also consider: Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Mini Pack, A cheap everyday pack: JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack, A stylish fanny pack for a day in the city, Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L, Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini 1L Hip Pack, A large fanny pack for those who pack heavy. Its shape is tapered so that it is wider at the top than the bottom, which causes it to bounce around when walking. But we feel confident recommending the new version in the meantime because of these upgrades. This plastic buckle didn't hold the extra webbing very well, and we noticed that it kept falling out when walking around. Unfortunately, the straps hooks detached whenever we tried adjusting the fit; there was no way to keep them secured. Who this is for: People who want a large and durable fanny pack that looks good despite being slightly dorky. The front pockets zipper teeth are cloaked in a waterproof seam, which keeps water spills or a surprise rainstorm from damaging the contents within. The packs with the largest range are the Everest Signature, the Herschel Fourteen, and the BuyAgain. Bonus: the fanny pack comes in at a seriously budget-friendly price point so that you can keep more money inside the bag. It comes in tons of color choices and has a simple design. Just slide the bag around to your hip to ease the burden. The Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack was the largest fanny pack we tested, so its cumbersome to wear around town. Thousands of five-star reviewers gush over Herschels waist pack for its durability, versatility, and style; Shale Wolfgang is among the brands fans. A bonus zippered pocket on the back-facing side keeps your valuables (think: your passport) stashed safely while traveling. "I love that they come in a number of fun patterns, colors, and fabrics," she says. Definitely need this waist pack option, she says. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. We loved the striped red and white lining and the leather zipper pull on our test model. If you're not into clear bags, this may not be the bag for you, but it still has a lot to offer. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unlike with most other packs, with this one you have to adjust the strap from both sides, which isnt nearly as convenient. Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack at Dagne Dover, Herschel Supply Co. Fourteen Hip Pack at Amazon, Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag at Lululemon, Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack at Baboon to the Moon, Veckle Clear Stadium-Approved Fanny Pack at Amazon, Stoney Clover Lane Tie-Dye Fanny Pack at Stoney Clover Lane. For us, there are a few key features that make the SoJourner Fanny Pack our favorite choice for all-day or multi-day events. Try the pastel tie-dye option for a significant notice-me factor on the 'Gram, and customize it for a touch of personalization. We also like that this one comes with a headphone port, for times when you need to create your own dance party. The bag includes an adjustable waistband to wear over the shoulders, across the chest, or around the waist, depending on your desired look, and gold hardware adds a stylish flair. Colors: onyx, dark moss, heather gray, storm, dune, and seasonal colors. This pack is made of 1,000-denier Cordura, so its scuff- and water-resistant, and it didnt leak in our tests. Unfortunately, the loop up top and the overly sturdy back make it uncomfortable to wear for more than a few minutes, and its too bulky to stuff in a bag for travelers. So keep that in mind if you think youre going to get caught in the rain. Figure out what youre going to be wearing a waist pack for first, and then go from there to decide what features it should (or shouldnt) have. Choose from seven color options, including black, pink, and camouflageeven a soft corduroy fabric for everyday use. It also has three pockets and a fairly large capacity to suit all of your organizational needs. The Tom Bihn Side Effect is made of 525-denier ballistic nylon that doesnt scuff easily, and it has YKK zippers that dont snag. The Waterfly Slim has four pockets three zippered and one with a Velcro closure. The Ultralight Black Hole Mini is a light bag that holds your phone and a few extra items, like a bottle of sunscreen or a small makeup kit. We also spent a lot of time fiddling with waist belts, buckles, and webbing when assessing the packs. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. We've updated links throughout this guide, and noted that our Patagonia pick has been redesigned. Its tapered shape is flattering and lays flat, whether worn in front or in the back. Which, for some outings, especially in the city, can be plenty. Small capacity limits pack for travel or all-day use. We preferred to wear this one in front or on the side, rather than in the back because its shape is not flattering. Some of our testers also had issues with the shape of this pack, claiming it was unflattering. A slim wallet is better for your style and your spine.