The Best Fanny Packs of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Oct 21, 2024

Our expert gear testers have been reviewing the best fanny packs since 2021, carefully researching dozens of models before choosing 20 of the top products on the market to put to the test. 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.

Even the skeptics among us have to admit fanny packs are pretty great. Whether you want to carry a snack, pack your phone, stash hydration, or speed through airport security, a fanny pack helps you do it all without the hassle of slipping shoulder straps or unreachable zippers.

Whether you’re looking for an overall performer like the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack to fit all the essentials on your next hike or a more budget-friendly model like the Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack to tote around town, our selection covers it all. Each model has been measured in categories such as capacity, carry, and comfort.

At the end of our comprehensive review, you’ll find our buyer’s guide with helpful tips on how to find the best fanny pack to fit your needs. We’ve also included a specs chart and a price and value section for comparing bags.

Editors Note: We updated our Fanny Packs guide on October 16, 2024, by adding a price and value section and 4 new bum bags.

The REI Co-op Trail 2 ($30) is a great little fanny pack that not only provides high value for its low price tag but also works for a variety of activities and is subtle enough in its design to appeal to different styles. Choosing the best overall fanny pack is a difficult task, but this pack from REI strikes the best balance between being functional for the outdoors while also being great for casual use.

A small 2L capacity is enough for small accessories on your next-day hike or dog walk. A DWR coating keeps the elements at bay, and a spacious back stash pocket keeps your valuables close. Though the capacity is on the smaller side compared to some of the other fanny packs we tested, it keeps the weight manageable, and the pack never feels too heavy. Additionally, the Trail 2 lays flat, isn’t bulky in any way and doesn’t sag down over your hips.

Our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, always appreciates a back pocket to keep valuable items close and secure. This waist pack’s back pocket has a zipper and is quite spacious, increasing its appeal.

Miya often found it nice to wear as a shoulder bag while biking, and the slim profile ensured that it didn’t get in the way too much while riding. The REI Co-op Trail 2’s utility, sustainable materials, and affordable price make this our choice for the best overall fanny pack.

This simple Fifth Avenue fanny pack from Jansport ($20) is an excellent budget option. An affordable price, simple yet functional design, and many different colors and patterns to choose from make it a great choice for everyday carry.

The adjustable waist belt allows you to wear this pack comfortably as a crossbody bag. And the Fifth Avenue’s small size prevents it from getting too heavy and having the strap dig into your shoulder.

The fabric was robust throughout use, made with a strong 600-denier ripstop polyester. We also loved that the textile is constructed from 100% recycled materials.

Some features on our top-rated fanny packs are lacking in this simple bag. Our lead tester tends to prefer fanny packs with a security pocket, which is a small interior pocket where valuables are tucked away. She also likes bags with mesh backs for breathability, which she finds becomes especially noticeable on hikes, bike rides, or long dog walks.

Other than these missing attributes, the Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack from Jansport is a great, fun choice for those with a tight purse.

The FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt ($42) is designed for runners and hikers who need to carry essentials without the bulk. The snug fit, lightweight design, and water resistance make it ideal for active use. One of the standout features of the FlipBelt is its unique pocket system, which allows you to store items securely without worrying about them bouncing around during your activities.

We tested the FlipBelt on various runs, and its snug fit is a game-changer. The belt hugs the waist comfortably and has enough stretch to accommodate multiple items without feeling constricting. The zipper pocket adds an extra layer of security for valuables, which is a fantastic addition for those who carry items like keys or a phone.

Without the bulk of a traditional fanny pack, you can run comfortably — though it is not meant for larger items, so if you’re looking for a fanny pack to carry your water bottle, we recommend trying the Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack. It also is not completely waterproof, so take extra care in wet conditions.

While the FlipBelt Zipper Edition is largely used for running, a wonderful secondary usage is traveling due to its discrete, hideable design. It’s the ideal security travel belt, designed to hold passports and other necessary items while traveling. We’ll certainly be taking it with us next time we travel outside the country.

The EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L ($135) is an excellent choice for riders looking for a pack to meet their needs on medium-to-long mountain bike rides. Utilizing an uber-adjustable elastic and Velcro waist wrap, this pack offers best-in-class comfort and a super secure fit for when the going gets rough.

The Hip Pack Pro 3 has plenty of storage for keys and smaller bits on the lumbar strap, as well as sleeves for two additional bottles. It easily carries a multitool, pump, levers, spare tube, plug kit, phone, keys, and wallet — in addition to a full reservoir. This 1.5L Hydrapak bladder rides close to the body in the Hip Pack Pro and works with a quick-release hose that can be routed out either side of the pack. Grabbing a quick sip on the go has never been easier.

Rounding out the Hip Pack Pro is a flip-out waterproof phone pouch that rides behind the front of the pack, and while the waterproof nature was assuring, we did feel a little apprehensive about the placement during some of our more rowdy descents. Many other fanny packs make space at the rear of the pack for a more protected ride, so you’ll just need to be on your game about keeping the rubber side down wearing this hip pack.

The EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3 is a great option for most riders, and from shuttle laps to all-day epics and everything in between — it’ll go the distance.

We all know minimalist travelers who pride themselves on fitting every item they need in the smallest amount of space. The REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack ($22) is an excellent budget option that doesn’t skimp on quality for those minimalist travelers. We found this is great to toss in a suitcase when space is at a premium. Despite the thin material, it is still water resistant thanks to the durable water repellent (DWR) that causes moisture to bead up on the surface.

What stood out to us is that you can pack it away to an even smaller size into its own pocket. However, when it’s in use, we can easily fit all of our essentials (phone, wallet, passport, keys, snacks) thanks to the 1.5-liter capacity. The strap is comfortable whether you wear it classically on your waist or sling it over your shoulder. Bonus points that it comes in the best multi-colored designs. Our favorite color combo is Desert Moss.

The REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack’s strengths could also be seen as its weaknesses. The minimalist design may feel like a limitation to some. There aren’t multiple compartments, so it’s not easy to stay organized within the pack. And if you do jam-pack it, wearing it all day, the heaviness may cause the straps to become uncomfortable due to the lack of padding.

This is an excellent choice for minimalist travelers who prioritize packability and lightweight compactness. It’s ideal for day trips, festivals, or any event where you just need to keep the essentials on you.

The Fjällräven High Coast Fanny Pack ($45) walks the line so well in being ideal for both urban exploration and outdoor adventure. What we like the most about this pack is the thoughtful organization. It has multiple zippered compartments, where you can easily keep everything secure. While hiking, the adjustable waist strap prevents any bouncing while moving, which, if you’re a hiker, you know is crucial for an enjoyable experience.

It’s small, but it holds a lot. It has a security pocket, a mesh ventilated backing, and the main compartment even has a key clip. And it’s made from 100% recycled waterproof polyamide.

Even though the main fanny pack is made with waterproof material, it’s important to note that the seams and zippers are not waterproof. So, if you find yourself in a heavy downpour, you may notice it is not entirely waterproof. We recommend being cautious when exposing the pack to rain and don’t submerge it.

This pack is ideal for the environmentally-minded person who loves style as much as they love functionality. Whether you’re visiting a new city or going on a hiking excursion for the weekend, the Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack will be a welcome companion.

If you’re a Cotopaxi enthusiast like we are… you’ll love this fanny pack as much as their other products (Hello Cotopaxi Renovo Collection!). The Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack ($60) combines bold colors with sustainable materials. The 2-liter capacity hits a sweet spot for day hikes or city adventures, offering enough space for what you need while maintaining a compact form. With multiple compartments and a comfortable fit, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, though it comes at a premium price.

With a more premium price, there should be lots of unique features. Luckily, that is the case here. We found it to be comfortable for day-long wear, thanks to the adjustable waist and shoulder straps. What sets the Coso apart is its thoughtful organization — with multiple compartments that make it easy to store and access your essentials. It even has an interior pocket with fleece lining!

Overall, the Cotopaxi Coso fanny pack is best suited for adventurers who need a reliable and sustainably made pack. It’s ideal for those looking to carry more essentials — perhaps even for more than one person (whether that’s treats for your dog, snacks for your kid, or anything else).

The Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack ($75) is another great technical fanny pack for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. At a spacious 6 L, it’s easy to fit a day’s essentials into this convenient pack. Built very similarly to the Osprey Talon 6, also in our review, it is slightly lighter and less bulky overall, making it very suitable for trail running.

The BD Continuous Fit harness is a very comfortable waist belt that moves well with your body. Our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, took it on bike rides and mountain trails and was impressed by how well moisture wicked where it sat on her lower back, and that it never felt too heavy or uncomfortable after a long day.

This pack is generally lighter and less bulky than the similarly designed Osprey Talon in our lineup, and Miya preferred the sleeker profile for scrambling around in the mountains of the Eastern Sierra.

A standard 20-ounce water bottle fits into the mesh pockets, and adjustable straps tighten to keep them secure. Made with recycled materials, this pack isn’t specifically marketed as being water-repellant, but a water-resistant main zipper and a small flap covering the front zipper do a decent job of keeping out light moisture. From hiking trails to mountain bike single track, the Black Diamond Pursuit 6 will be a good companion.

The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack ($35) is perfect for travel, festivals, minimalist hikes, walking the dog, or everyday use. The ripstop nylon fabric is impressively light yet strong. The strap doesn’t offer any padding, but that shouldn’t be a problem because the small nature of this 1L pack prevents heavy loads.

As an added portability bonus, the pack folds into its own pocket when not in use. It’s perfect for stashing in your carry-on just in case or keeping it as a backup in the car. It’s available in a variety of colors.

As mentioned above, this fanny pack has a 1L capacity, making it one of the smaller packs in our fleet. So, don’t expect to carry much with this everyday pack. It won’t fit a book or e-reader, but it’s perfect for a phone, wallet, keys, some chapstick, and a few other small accessories.

This is a great choice for someone who needs a small, high-quality pack made of weather-resistant nylon. It can carry the essentials for you when your pockets are not quite enough. For overall build quality, this is one of the best fanny packs you’ll find.

This spacious fanny pack from BAGGU ($52) is the best everyday, around-town fanny pack in our lineup. With two large main compartments, it can hold our wallet, keys, and phone with plenty of room for more. A small notebook, e-reader, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and some snacks also easily made their way inside. Made of durable, recycled nylon, this pack can also be worn like a crossbody bag.

However, you might want to be careful when loading it up too much. The strap has no padding and could become uncomfortable if you walk around all day with heavier items inside.

We enjoyed the spaciousness and style of this BAGGU fanny for everyday use and think its simple look, functionality, and array of colors and patterns to choose from make it the best around-town fanny pack for almost anyone.

Trail runners and endurance athletes rejoice! The Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack ($40) was meant for you. The streamlined design keeps it light and comfortable while still having enough space to hold a snack, the included 18-ounce water bottle, keys, and phone.

The extended side panels hug the body securely, and the expandable zippered pocket keeps essentials at hand. We especially like the included SpeedDraw Flask and the angle of the bottle pocket, which makes it easy to grab and stash your water on the go.

While the Hydration Waist Pack does a great job at staying close to your body and keeps the water bottle small enough that it doesn’t feel like a huge encumbrance while you run, it’s hard to make a fanny pack that is absolutely bounce-free. So expect some bounce in this waist pack on your runs.

This waist pack is best suited for runners, hikers, or dog walkers who want a fanny pack that can carry some water as well, and don’t mind a very specialized, sporty look.

Gregory, a brand known for its dependable backpacks, has ventured into the world of fanny packs with the excellent Nano Waist Pack ($40). With an incredibly spacious (for a fanny pack) 3.5L capacity, this waist pack is sure to have plenty of space for all your essentials on your next hike, bike ride, errand run, or dog walk.

In those 3.5 L, our tester could fit a liter of water in the main compartment along with a couple of bars. In the front pocket, she fit her wallet and keys, and the back pocket was the perfect size for her phone as well as provided quick and easy access. This was the perfect amount of items to bring on a short hike out of her hometown in Bishop, Calif., And the breathable, padded back panel along with the wide waistband, made carrying the weight a comfortable affair.

That 1.5” waistband is long enough to accommodate a range of body sizes. However, there is, unfortunately, no loop to tuck the tail of the strap into to keep it neat and out of the way after you’ve tightened it the desired amount. This leaves the extra straps dangling in the breeze, which might be annoying to some.

This pack, while made with 210-denier nylon, is not DWR-treated, leaving it susceptible to rain showers. Despite these notes, the Gregory Nano Waist Pack is a great choice for those looking for ample space for their hikes or everyday carry.

The Nathan Limitless 2 Liter Sling ($70) is a crossbody sling designed for running. While you can wear this as your standard waist pack, it transforms into a running pack when you wear it across the shoulder and deploy the torso strap to keep the bag secure and snug against your body. The sling comes with an additional 14-ounce hydration flask which gives it more bang for the buck, and its ample 2L size can fit everything else you might need on a short to medium-distance run.

While we appreciate that this design is intended to bridge the gap between a small fanny pack and a running vest, it doesn’t quite hit the mark for comfort or utility. While the torso strap does a surprisingly good job at keeping the pack from bouncing up and down too much while running, there’s no denying that it feels and looks awkward to have an extra strap wrapped around your torso.

The shoulder strap also has the ability to chafe your neck the way it wraps around the chest and shoulder, and over long distances could become quite uncomfortable. Additionally, there is nothing convenient about this shoulder sling. If you want a sip of water from the hydration flask, you’ll have to undo the torso strap, swing the bag around to your front, unzip the main compartment, and pull out your water flask.

As far as running hip packs go, we much prefer the design of our award-winning Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack, which keeps everything simple and around the waist for quick and easy access and limited bounce. The Nathan Limitless 2 Liter Sling is a decent hybrid waist pack and shoulder sling, but it isn’t our first choice when we lace up and head out the door.

The Osprey Talon 6 and the Osprey Tempest 6 Waistpacks ($90) are the only fanny packs in our lineup with a men’s and women’s specific model. For a more technical waist pack like this 6L, which can hold a good amount of gear, the build matters more, and the women’s version is made to fit narrower waists more comfortably.

Our tester, Miya Tsudome, tested the Tempest, taking it out on hikes on the steep trails outside of her home in Southeastern California. Miya filled this waist pack with a 26-ounce water bottle, a light windbreaker, a couple of bars for snacks, a small tube of sunscreen and bug spray, her phone, and her car keys. She chose to put her water bottle into the main compartment of the pack itself because she did not have the small-sized water bottles that fit into bottle sleeves. Even so, there was still plenty of room for what she considers the essentials on any hike.

With a 6L capacity, it’s easy to overload this waist pack with items that make it heavy enough to be uncomfortable over longer distances. While this pack is definitely more nimble than a daypack, it’s good to keep it packed on the lighter side or opt for a daypack for a more comfortable carry.

The Biostretch waistbelt on the Osprey Talon and Tempest Waistpacks is padded and comfortable, and this pack has more pockets than most of the models in our lineup, making it great for staying organized.

For adventurers who seek water, the Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack ($239) may be the best option. The Guidewater is a technical, waterproof lumbar pack with a roomy interior pocket, thick, comfortable pads on the waist strap that feel great all day long, and additional features like daisy chain webbing loops on the outside to attach accessories.

This pack is designed with a large central pocket and a smaller detachable pocket inside for phones or wallets. Thanks to waterproof zippers and fabric, it’s waterproof to IPX-7.

This technical fanny pack is definitely overkill for those looking for something simple to take into the outdoors, and its high price tag reflects that. At 9 L, it can be easy to overpack with heavy items, making you wonder if a small backpack might have been the better choice.

But Patagonia markets the Guidewater Hip Pack for fishing and water-laden activities, and it’s the perfect pack for those dedicated to those pursuits.

The Cotopaxi Bataan ($33) is a fanny pack ready for a good time. The main compartment has a two-way zipper, which makes accessing gear a cinch. Two internal mesh pockets keep small items easily accessible. And in case you haven’t noticed yet, it comes in Cotopaxi’s signature bright colors.

Best of all, it’s extra versatile and quality-made with recycled materials. The 3L size holds all the necessities without weighing you down. And the single webbing waist strap is simple and comfortable.

You might not want to get attached to a specific colorway, however, because each fanny pack is designed by employees in the Philippines who control the final colors of the product. Therefore, what you receive might not look quite like what you chose.

All in all, the Bataan is a great pack for biking around town, hanging out with friends, or wearing every day to add some color and flair to your lifestyle.

Long known for making bomber lumbar packs, Mountainsmith’s Tour pack ($90) lives up to that reputation. It has plenty of features and is just the right size for a day hike. For hydration on the trail, each of the side pockets holds a 32-ounce bottle. Or you can stash one with water and one with snacks for fast access on the trail.

The bungee cord is great for storing a rain jacket, and the padded back provides plenty of comfort. The interior foam-padded pocket keeps your tablet (or beloved Kindle) safe, and the hip pocket can hold a large smartphone.

Though packed with many helpful features and a large carrying capacity for time on the trail, this lumbar pack might be a little too much for someone who is looking for something more casual to also carry around town.

The Mountainsmith Tour fanny pack wins best overall for its comfort, size, and functionality for many activities in the outdoors. It’s a great choice for hikers, dog walkers, anglers, mountain bikers, and more, with ample space for accessories. We think it’s one of the best large-capacity fanny packs available today.

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, and 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 2024. 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 2021, 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 phone, 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 BAGGU Fanny Pack comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and is also our top choice for “Best Around-Town Fanny Pack.”

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.

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 Pack are 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 hostlers, 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 phone 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.

You can wear a fanny pack however you like! There are a number of different ways you might choose to saddle up your fanny pack, including across your waist (with the pack at the front or back) or worn as a crossbody bag.

Worn at the front of your waist can provide quick access to essentials, while a fanny pack worn at the back carries better if you choose to run with your pack. There are also fanny packs designed to integrate with your backpack hipbelt.

It all boils down to geographic slang! While calling it a fanny pack or waist bag is common with American English speakers, British English speakers will often call them bum bags. Other terms we’ve come across include lumbar packs, hip packs, and rump rucks (all right, we made that one up).

In many ways, fanny packs often are safer than purses when it comes to traveling internationally where pickpockets may be an issue. Because they are buckled around your waist as opposed to slung over a shoulder, they are much more connected to your body.

Fanny packs, often by default, will close with a zippered entry, which while not 100% secure can be a deterrent to prying eyes. And positioned at the front of your waist, fanny packs allow you to keep your valuables in view at all times.

It would be simple to say nylon, but the truth is there are a variety of textiles fanny packs can be made from that lend themselves to different uses. There are even different types of nylon. For example, TPU-backed nylon creates a 100% waterproof pack that is ideal for fishing.

Also, consider the Cotopaxi Bataan, a fanny pack made from 100% repurposed nylon.

Fanny packs are exceptionally useful for activities where you might want quick access to a number of essentials. From backpacking trips where you might store a map, compass, and a snack to exploring a new city and keeping your wallet and boarding pass secure, fanny packs are made to make things easy to grab on the go.

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