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. We also took them into the wilderness, where they carried the necessities like sunscreen, Chapstick, and snacks. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. The water-resistant neoprene fanny pack has an adjustable strap for a precise fit, a key clip for added security when youre out and about, and two hidden pockets for stashing valuables in addition to its front and main pockets for the rest of your gear. It also shifts around too much while walking about; we preferred packs that stayed put. But we feel confident recommending the new version in the meantime because of these upgrades. When worn the traditional way, the JanSport is low-profile and doesn't bounce around when walking. It has wider straps than most other fanny packs, which our panel of testers said made it more comfortable and secure. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The Herschel Fifteen Hip Pack is made of cotton which soils easily and isnt waterproof. The inside is roomy enough to replace the contents of a small crossbody purse. The BuyAgain pack had a rounded shape that we found to be fairly unflattering when worn in the back. It has four pockets one main pouch, a secret back pocket, and two small outer pockets. Lululemon's Everyday Belt Bag is water repellent and easy to wipe clean, so it holds up well for running in the elements. Our lead tester Jane Jackson has over three years of experience testing all types of bags from massive backpacking backpacks down to the humble fanny pack. The biggest issue with this one is its small carrying capacity. And the cherry on top is its affordability. We also had a small issue with the plastic holder meant to contain extra webbing when the waist belt is cinched down. Size: 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: 6.7 ounces. With models in hand, we checked each for manufacturer defects and evaluated the quality of the buckles, seams, and zippers. We loved the Treasure & Bond Mason Pebbled Leather Belt Bag's (no longer available) sophisticated combination of pebbled leather and a metal zipper. You can stuff it with everything from a large wallet to a makeup kitwith room to spare. If multiple pockets are your thing, the Waterfly Slim is for you. The original version was not waterproof, and in our testing, the water bled right through the Patagonias polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon. We tested a bright yellow one with pineapples on it the whole thing is vaguely reminiscent of a banana. It was designed for travel and has all the features to prove its worth: a quick-access front pocket with a keychain to store smaller items; a hidden back pocket; water-resistant fabric; and an adjustable shoulder strap with a magnetic fastener for customized comfort. Who this is for: Sporty types who like a small pack to carry on hikes, dog walks, or bike rides. You'll spend a bit on this Tumi waist bag, but it's a worthy investment you'll have for yearsand one that will hold up to the wear and tear of travel and everyday use. The Tinyat Travel Waist Pack is a stylish, slim pack that is available in numerous unique color and pattern options. So we have picks in various sizes (small, medium, large) to suit your needs, as well as traveling and affordable picks. We also liked that the excess webbing is kept in place with a sleek, elastic keeper as opposed to a plastic buckle. 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. We also found that the clear design makes accessing items easier since you can always see where things are. Let's not forget the internal and external pockets to store small items. Our top scorer in this metric was the Herschel Fourteen. Each one has its own unique feature set. 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. The Treasure & Bond Faux Leather Belt Bag (no longer available) is about the size of a purse clutch, closer to a fashion accessory than fanny pack. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Size: 16 x 4 x 6 inches | Weight: 6.2 ounces. 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. Also, the buckle on the waist strap lies on the hip bone. 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. We also tested the Waterfly Hiking Waist Bag Fanny Pack, which rocks a bottle holster on the front and a sturdy design. Why its great: The Fifth Ave Fanny Pack is affordable and well-constructed, with enough room to be stuffed to the brim and still be comfortable to wear. The Everest Signature Waist Pack is tough and sturdy, but its rough material is uncomfortable and it isnt water resistant like our picks. This pack is classy and simple, plus it comes in a ton of color options. 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. With such a great design and a stylish aesthetic, we were surprised that it came with a reasonable price tag. Its slim design will lay flat when you're really getting down. Running errands around town in the Jansport. Its wrapped in a strap of nylon webbing. This limits the organizational capabilities of the pack. 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. To come up with scores for each pack, we divided our tests into four different metrics. We have selected the most popular products available online for hands-on testing. We independently review everything we recommend. Its the only fanny pack we tested with a removable waist strap that attaches to the bags nylon webbing with hooks. We researched the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. Our biggest issues with this pack had to do with the overall construction and quality of materials and the shape of the pack itself. For those looking for some extra space, though, this could be a bit limiting. Also, this pack lacks the adjustment range that many of the other packs have, limiting its versatility. The Fitter's Niche pack has quite a bit of elasticity to it, but this band tended to dig in when worn too tight. For us, this didn't cause any issues, but discomfort could arise over time. This see-through bag serves as an ideal stadium pack since its clear design allows for a quick pass through security checks. But for hikes, we found that a larger main compartment was more important. Its no-frills design and aesthetics are matched with a reasonably comfortable fit. 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. We appreciated brands that provide lots of color and pattern options, half the fun of a fanny pack is their funky flair. 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. When asked about her favorite fanny pack, Silberman says that this fanny pack by Stoney Clover is her go-to. "Nike is super trendy, so I would definitely want one of these," Shale Wolfgang says. The PVC pack meets transparent bag policies in terms of size and has a front and main zipper pocket. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Dagne Dovers strap isnt as long as some of our other picks, and its design can be polarizing. Not a huge deal, but we did prefer packs with an elastic keeper for extra webbing, rather than the plastic clip that the Herschel uses. The Waterfly Slim has four pockets three zippered and one with a Velcro closure. Bonus: It has a luxurious, eco-friendly lining and dust bag made from Repreve recycled polyester. Its constructed well, so it doesnt bulge when its stuffed, and the design gives the internals some nice, cushiony protection. The design is versatile, allowing you the option to wear it like a sling bag or around the waist. We also appreciated the three zippered pockets of varying sizes to keep items organized. This style holder for excess webbing was difficult to adjust. Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor specializing in travel, food, parenting, and more. We assessed their design making notes about zippers, pockets, materials used, and overall construction. I can picture myself shoving the essentials in this bag for commuting. That sentiment was echoed by content curation editor Makula Dunbar, who said, I could easily leave another bag at home in some scenarios and pack everything in it.. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. (It also speeds you through security at stadiums and airports.) It only holds a few items, and even then, it starts to feel full quickly. The Lil Guys large size makes it bulky to wear, especially when seated. Obviously, we're not attending a sporting event with this pocket knife in our fanny pack, but you get the idea! A bonus zippered pocket on the back-facing side keeps your valuables (think: your passport) stashed safely while traveling. If you're not into clear bags, this may not be the bag for you, but it still has a lot to offer. This waist pack comes at a budget-friendly price point but hits all the marks for functionality: its lightweight, compact, and water- and sweat-proof, with multiple pockets to keep your stuff well organized. Size: 11 x 5.8 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces. We liked the small external pockets for Chapstick and other small items. our process. The shape of this pack makes it fit strangely, especially when packed. The Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Mini Pack offers a 30 days to life warranty, which means there may be a small charge for repairs or shipping. Choose from seven color options, including black, pink, and camouflageeven a soft corduroy fabric for everyday use. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The strap is a bit too narrow and dug into the waists of some of our panelists. The lower-scoring packs in this metric fell short because of their shape and overall design. 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. People who want something they can pack down small while on a trip so they dont need to lug a backpack or purse everywhere. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. This simple fanny pack is big enough to hold the essentials and is tough enough to take on your next biking excursion. As an added plus, it comes in eight solid colors, including versatile black,dark moss, and a jersey grey to match your wardrobe. 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. Classic colors and limited-edition prints are available in this style. We look forward to testing the new, water-resistant style. Though this is a fairly subjective category, we considered the overall construction of the pack plus the number of color and pattern options available. The JanSport has a limited lifetime warranty. Bonus: the fanny pack comes in at a seriously budget-friendly price point so that you can keep more money inside the bag. A fanny pack might give away that youre a tourist, but the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack helps you vacation like a pro. The clear plastic material is also conveniently very waterproof, for the unlikely event of your neighbor at the football game accidentally sloshing beer into your lap. A fanny pack can be worn in many ways, including on your waist, across like a messenger bag, or on your back like a backpack. In this metric, we spent a lot of time assessing the pocket configuration of each pack. For camping, trekking, or any time that ultralight is the top priority, Cotopaxi's fanny packis an ideal choice. We subjected each fanny pack to rigorous testing to determine our favorite models. No ads. The Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack was the largest fanny pack we tested, so its cumbersome to wear around town. Has lots of pockets, but a small capacity. Most of the packs in this review have three pockets. This slim, low-profile option is one of our favorites, owing a lot to its overall aesthetic. We liked having these two small pockets for small items like Chapstick and train tickets, allowing us to separate items so they don't all get lost in one big pocket together. 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. That isnt as wide as some of our other picks, like the Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack, but itll still fit a wide range of waist and chest sizes. The findings below are the results of our comprehensive side-by-side analysis. You can also wear them in front of you to lower the chances of being pickpocketed. The Waterfly Slim is a very narrow pack, which is great for hiking and all-day wear, as it is low-profile and comfortable. In terms of quality, we found that the waistband was made from a fairly rough, thick webbing that was not only hard to adjust but uncomfortable against the skin. We appreciated the internal zippered pocket on the Tinyat for an extra layer of security for ID cards and cash. 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. Whether it's your first time buying a hip pack or you're a seasoned veteran looking for an upgrade, our baggage experts are here to help. Overall, we found this pack to be fairly comfortable. If you ever lose your Tumi bag, the brand offers a "Tumi Tracer" to locate and recover your item. It should come as no surprise that the Adidas National Waist Pack was our go-to for any athletic endeavor. It even includes a U-lock holsterbut it doesnt have any internal organization. The SoJourner, though available in lots of fun patterns and colors, also fell short in terms of shape and fit. The ability to carry your belongings hands-free makes all-day festivals all the more enjoyable. If you need something to carry with you on your next all-day, all-night party, the SoJourner fits the bill. We've updated links throughout this guide, and noted that our Patagonia pick has been redesigned. Its funky, large-toothed zipper is jarring at first, but it keeps the bag secure and doesnt require too much fussing to open or close. Elastic waistband is secure and comfortable. The Veckle Clear was one of our least favorites in this metric because the plastic material felt a bit sticky against the skin, especially on warm days or when exercising. It is tapered so that it is narrower at the bottom, making it feel floppy and top-heavy. Though it was comfortable for all-day use, the SoJourner has no padding in the bag itself. But its puffy shape is divisive. The big backpack you use when youre hiking wont work quite well when walking or running a 5K. The Patagonia has a soft, padded back that makes it super cozy around the waist, and it sits comfortably against your body. It also has three pockets and a fairly large capacity to suit all of your organizational needs. All trademarks property of their respective owners For added versatility, wear this oversized pack over your shoulder, chest, or back. productslearn more about 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. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. The waist belts on these three packs measure 48 inches, 36 inches, and 33 inches, respectively. Our favorite fanny pack of the bunch is the JanSport Fifth Ave. It's well-made with a solid, adjustable waistband and a durable feel. Our review team has been hard at work, buying and testing 10 of the best fanny packs on the market in a side-by-side comparison. We also liked that the strap, which was among the longest we saw at 14 to 51 inches long, makes it great for a vast range of body types. And it condenses nicely into an included pack, so you can take it with you on your travels. (Hello, all five lip balms!) Size: 5.5 x 8 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 4.4 ounces. 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. There are many different takes on the fanny pack, from the barebones, single-pocket ones vacationers use to stylish leather bags for a night on the town. Its not particularly cute, but its somehow lovable in its unabashed dorkiness, Dorie said. The packs with the largest range are the Everest Signature, the Herschel Fourteen, and the BuyAgain. Size: 5 x 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 6.8 ounces. The JanSport has a sturdy strap that stays put, even when its carrying a hefty load. This pack is like the cargo pants of fanny packs. Having a fully stocked bag at the ready makes it easier to get out the door and change your kid on the go. Its round design is perhaps not as flattering as a more tapered pack but works well when slung over the shoulder. 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. This plastic buckle didn't hold the extra webbing very well, and we noticed that it kept falling out when walking around. Colors: black cordura, burgundy cordura, gray cordura, navy cordura, olive cordura, and rust cordura. Also, the lack of adjustability in the waist belt could be limiting. For this metric, we considered three main aspects of design that influence the overall comfort of a hip bag. 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. It's roomy enough for your essentials with interior and exterior pockets as well as a snackplus, it's sure to get you noticed with color options including sun ray yellow and autumn orange. Size: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 8 ounces. The Herschel Seventeen Hip Packs waist strap stretches from 21 to 52 inches long, so it fits a wider range of waist and chest sizes than our other picks. The Fila Fanny Pack is lightweight, and it has smooth zippers and multiple storage compartments. With three zippers, a highly adjustable waistband, and a very reasonable price tag, the Everest Signature Waist Pack is a great, basic pack. The Herschel Fourteen, though, puts the class back into a category of bag that was traditionally deemed "nerdy". Some of our testers also had issues with the shape of this pack, claiming it was unflattering. We appreciated its simplicity, with a single pocket and a one-way zipper. A slim wallet is better for your style and your spine. The flexible, leather shell makes it comfortable to wear this fanny pack when loaded with gear. The downside to this design is that it doesn't fit a very wide variety of items. We also liked how this pack fits comfortably and lays flat against the waist. The BuyAgain has two-way zippers on the main compartment, which came in handy. The front has a row of four webbing rings (known as MOLLE loops) for attaching key rings, carabiner clips, or lights. We preferred to wear this one in front or on the side, rather than in the back because its shape is not flattering. The Herschel was one of our favorites for its aesthetic simplicity and solid construction. The Adidas National and the Tinyat Travel both have buckles that are slightly forward of the hip, which made them more comfortable overall. With input from Silberman and travel and lifestyle influencer Melanee Shale Wolfgang, we rounded up our favorite fanny packs. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. 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. Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. 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. The KAVU Spectator is more shallow than other bags in its category, and we had concerns about the buckles durability over time, as it didnt snap as securely into place. The Tom Bihn Side Effect is made of 525-denier ballistic nylon that doesnt scuff easily, and it has YKK zippers that dont snag. In terms of padding and general feel, the Tinyat and the Waterfly Slim both felt great against the body, whether worn in front or back. The materials used in the construction of this pack are durable, high quality, and fairly water-resistant. The webbing strap adjusts with a clip. "I love everything Lululemon carries," Shale Wolfgang says. The Adidas waist belt is very adjustable and comfortable when worn either over the shoulder or around the waist. If you're going to be out and about all day, having a fanny pack durable enough to withstand lots of wear and tear will be necessary. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best This fanny more than fit our standardized hip pack "kit", with room to spare. ", 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. A highly adjustable pack not only fits a wider variety of body types, but it can be worn in numerous, creative ways. 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? The Adidas pack has the most padding of any of the options in this review, making it a top-scorer in terms of comfort. We made sure to check the waist belt of each one, noting which packs were adjustable and which ones were not. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. This pack has an elastic waistband and a very slim profile. Unfortunately, the straps hooks detached whenever we tried adjusting the fit; there was no way to keep them secured. 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 Herschel Fourteen uses a plastic clip to secure excess webbing, which we found to be ineffective. Why its great: Our original pick, the Patagonia Lightweight Travel Mini Hip Pack, has been slightly redesigned since we first tested it for this guide and selected it as a pick. Author, journalist, and fanny pack aficionado Judith Newman explains why. The pack is trapezoidal and has more structure than oblong belly bags like the Tinyat Travel Fanny Bag Waist Pack, which can press against your midsection. The fact that this one comes in lots of fun patterns and color options is an added plus. Some are rougher than others, which can cause chafing, and generally feel less comfortable. The BuyAgain and Everest Signature both have buckles that rest right on the hip, lowering their overall score. Stoney Clover's fanny pack's smooth nylon material is just the right size for everyday use and travel. Not only that, this bag's main compartment is large enough to fit anything from a mini iPad to a metal water bottle. It's narrow and slim, which is great for its overall fit and for all-day comfort, but this also means that the Tinyat is in fact, tiny, and has a limited carrying capacity. It has a flip-top closure and exposed sides, so its less secure to carrysmall items like lip balm or cash could fall out. We plan on testing the new design to see if it holds up like our original pickand will confirm that it is indeed water resistant. Thousands of five-star reviewers enthuse over this bag's durability as well as its form factor. Yet our panelists preferred the fashion-forward look of the Cuyana Mini Circle Belt Bag. This is the bag to get if you want to switch from a small purse or bag without leaving any precious gear behind. The buckle is placed just in front of the hip bone, so there's no pressure on the hip bones when the pack is worn in the back. The downside to the super-adjustable options is that they have tons of excess webbing when fully tightened down. Learn more. Definitely need this waist pack option, she says. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and fun patterns, which we love. Find more colors and styles at Herschel.com. Overall, we felt that there are better-made products out there, with similar price tags and cooler designs. We wore them on quick trips to the local watering hole, where we only needed a few small items. The major downside to this pack is its small carrying capacity. The Dagne Dover comes with a one-year limited warranty. Here's a waterproof fanny pack that says, "I have absolutely nothing to hide." The Herschel Seventeen is made of thick, scuff-resistant 600-denier polyester. So she has put to the test scores of hands-free options that are equally practical and stylish for a life on the go. She knows the ins and outs of pockets, zippers, straps, and buckles. Size: 11.5 x 6 x 3 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces. The Everest Signature has a long strap that's easily converted from a waist belt to a shoulder strap. This pack is made of 1,000-denier Cordura, so its scuff- and water-resistant, and it didnt leak in our tests. ", Best for Men: Aer Day Sling Bag at Nordstrom, "Aer's roomy fanny pack is stylish, rugged, and masculine in structured black nylon and polyester. ", Most Versatile: Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack at Baboon to the Moon, "This bag can take you everywhere, from errands to airplanes to socializing in style. We also found that fitting wide objects, like a small notebook or portable battery pack, is challenging in this sleek pack. The front pockets zipper teeth are cloaked in a waterproof seam, which keeps water spills or a surprise rainstorm from damaging the contents within. Try the pastel tie-dye option for a significant notice-me factor on the 'Gram, and customize it for a touch of personalization. Best of all, each bag comes in a one-of-a-kind colorway designed by employees in the Philippines for a truly unique accessorynot one is the same. Up the durability and the style factor with a leather fanny pack no matter where your travels take you. These bum bags accompanied us on a wide variety of hands-free activities. Size: 11 x 6.5 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces. The widely adjustable belt makes it suitable for men and women and is even comfortable enough to adjust for kids. The waist belt is also highly adjustable, which makes it fit a wide range of body types and means it can also be worn over the shoulder. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We wore fanny packs all around town from JanSport, Herschel, Adidas, and more to find the best, whether you're looking for fashion or function. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. The heavy-duty 1,000-denier Cordura isnt too pliable and can feel uncomfortable when full. In the following paragraphs, we not only delve deeper into our testing process for each of these metrics but also highlight which packs were the stars in each category. This pack has a tapered and spacious design: thicker on top than it is on the bottom. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. A fanny pack isnt just an accessory. But there is a good reason why customers are fans of this bag. No sponsored content. We prioritized strap length, aesthetics, and price, narrowing that list to 22 models for testing. The zippers teeth are covered in a layer of waterproof fabric, to prevent moisture from seeping in through the crevices. For a budget-friendly option, we like the Waterfly Fanny Pack. 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. 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. The front zipper pocket is as wide as an iPhone X and can hold your travel tissues, work badge, and gum. 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.