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Once dismissed as a fashion faux pas typically associated with tourists, the fanny pack, or waist pack, has experienced a remarkable resurgence and is now a coveted style accessory. It has seamlessly integrated itself into the world of fashion alongside backpacks, gym bags, chic totes, and cross-body bags. The resurgence of fanny packs can be attributed to their inherent utility in our modern, minimalist lifestyles. In an era where carrying bulky wallets and an abundance of cosmetics is no longer a necessity, these convenient waist packs have reclaimed their status as the “Best Fanny Packs.”
A fanny pack lets you take your phone, card wallet, lip gloss, keys, and mask without using your hands. The bright nylon fanny packs of the past still exist, but their styles have changed to look more like the latest “It” bags. Luxury brands like Coach and Dior have joined the trend by making fanny packs out of fur, leather, and jacquard fabrics. To find the most stylish and useful fanny packs, we asked a group of stylish people, including models, photographers, designers, and our own team of writers and editors, to tell us which ones they liked.
Best Fanny Packs Comparison Table
| Product | Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack | Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L | Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack | Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Fanny Pack | JanSport Fifth Ave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Nylon | Polyester | Polyester | Nylon | Polyester |
| Capacity | 1L | 5L | 3L | 1L | 2.5L |
| Number of Pockets | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Adjustable Waist Strap | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water-Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Key Clip | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Internal Organization Features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon |
| Dimensions | 8.5″ x 5″ x 2.5″ |
| Capacity | 1.25 liters |
| Pockets | Multiple interior and exterior pockets |
| Adjustable Strap | Yes |
| Water-Resistant | Yes |
The Strategist loves Dagne Dover’s fanny pack because it’s stylish and functional. Strategist Maxine Builder loves the brand’s fanny pack since its “logo is hidden on the backside, in relatively small print,” making it less noticeable than her Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. Since it’s constructed of “forgiving, easy-to-clean” neoprene, “it expands a fair bit,” letting her put more in. “It also feels a little less sporty, so it’s nice ‘going out’ option,” she says. “It’s small but durable,” says Twenty Something’s Bethany Everett-Ratcliffe.
I started carrying the bag on walks after their recommendations. It holds its shape even when filled. I like the bag’s key clip. I often search my purse for my keys just to discover them caught between my SPF and claw clip. The bum bag’s back card pocket makes them easy to find.
The Good
- Sleek and stylish design
- Ample storage space with multiple pockets
- Durable and water-resistant material
- Adjustable strap for a comfortable fit
- Suitable for both casual and active use
The Bad
- May be on the pricier side compared to other options
- Limited color options
Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Recycled polyester |
| Dimensions | 10″ x 6.5″ x 3″ |
| Capacity | 5 liters |
| Pockets | Main compartment with internal organization, front zippered pocket |
| Adjustable Strap | Yes |
| Water-Resistant | Yes |
Consider this sporty Patagonia waist pack, which comes from Charlotte Stone, who has her own shoe line. It would go well with your outfits for traveling. Stone found out about the pack from one of her best friends who works at Patagonia as a color artist and changes the colors of the brand every season. She chose the mix of lime green and dark teal, by the way.
She says it’s “ridiculously useful” because she can carry training treats and dog treats in it when she walks her two dogs every day. Stone even ties their leads to the webbing straps of the bag so she doesn’t have to use her hands. Our writers like the Black Hole line from Patagonia. The 40-liter duffel is our pick for the best weekend bag. This is a nice addition, but it can also be used by itself.
The Good
- Made from recycled materials
- Spacious main compartment with internal organization
- Additional front pocket for easy access
- Water-resistant for protection against the elements
- Adjustable strap for a customizable fit
The Bad
- May be larger in size for those seeking a compact fanny pack
- Limited color options
Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
| Dimensions | 7.5″ x 13″ x 3.5″ |
| Capacity | 3.5 liters |
| Pockets | Front storage pocket, internal key clip |
| Adjustable Strap | Yes |
| Water-Resistant | Yes |
The Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack has enough space (3.5 L) for people who carry a lot of gear and is strong enough to carry the weight. Its waist strap is also longer than those on most of the bags we tested, including the JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack, so it fits a bigger range of waist sizes, up to 52 inches. This is the bag you should get if you want to switch from a small purse or bag but don’t want to leave any important things behind.
(Hello, all five lip balms!) The pack is shaped like a trapezoid and has more structure than oblong belly bags like the Tinyat Travel Fanny Bag Waist Pack, which can press against your stomach. It’s 6.5 inches wide, 13 inches tall, and 3.5 inches deep. It has a front zip pocket with a key hook and a main section, giving it a total storage space of 3.5 liters. The front zipper pocket is as big as an iPhone X and can fit your travel tissues, work badge, and gum.
The Good
- Classic and timeless design
- Compact size with sufficient storage space
- Convenient front storage pocket for easy access
- Internal key clip for added organization
- Water-resistant for protection against light rain or splashes
The Bad
- May not fit larger items due to the compact size
- Limited color options
Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Fanny Pack
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Cordura nylon |
| Dimensions | 9″ x 5″ x 3″ |
| Capacity | 1.5 liters |
| Pockets | Main compartment, front zippered pocket |
| Adjustable Strap | Yes |
| Water-Resistant | Yes |
It measures 10 by 5 by 2 inches and can hold 1.6 liters, which is enough for a small print book, wallet, phone, keys, and a snack-sized bag of chips. Even though it’s small, it can hold the same amount of stuff as the Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack (13 by 612 by 3 12 inches), which is bigger and has a triangular shape. This is because it has a simple rectangular shape, thin materials, and no internal organization.
The Lil Guy Mini Pack is a simple fanny pack that is big enough to carry the basics. It is made of 1,000-denier Cordura, which is both scratch-resistant and water-resistant. This fanny pack is bigger than its name suggests.
The Good
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Compact size ideal for minimalists
- Multiple compartments for organized storage
- Water-resistant for outdoor activities
- Adjustable strap for a comfortable fit
The Bad
- Limited color options
- Smaller capacity may not suit those needing more storage space
JanSport Fifth Ave
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
| Dimensions | 6.5″ x 12.5″ x 4″ |
| Capacity | 2 liters |
| Pockets | Main compartment, front zippered pocket |
| Adjustable Strap | Yes |
| Water-Resistant | No |
JanSport Fifth Ave is our favorite fanny pack. We like this classic’s monochromatic strap and many colorful hues and patterns. With a narrow, adjustable waist strap, this pack is sturdy and stylish. It can be worn slung or around the waist. JanSport’s conventional style is low-profile and doesn’t bounce. The Fifth Ave bundle is affordable, making it appealing.
Our testers loved this set, however the Fifth Ave might disappoint if you’re expecting for something flashy or funky. Its low-key design and vivid hues may not appeal to fashion-forward people. The waist strap buckle sits on the hip bone. This didn’t bother us, but it could afterwards.
The Good
- Affordable and budget-friendly option
- Compact and lightweight design
- Main compartment and front pocket for organization
- Adjustable strap for a personalized fit
- Versatile and suitable for various activities
The Bad
- Not water-resistant, so caution is needed in wet conditions
- Limited color options
Questions and Answers
You can take important things like a wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, small snacks, hand sanitizer, and other personal items in a fanny pack. Some types may have extra pockets or spaces to help you keep things in order.
Modern fanny packs are made with straps that can be adjusted and shapes that are easy to wear. Look for models with padded back panels and materials that let air in. This is especially important if you plan to wear it for long amounts of time.
Yes, there are many ways to wear a fanny pack. Usually, they are worn around the waist, but for a stylish, trendy look, they can also be worn across the chest or slung over one shoulder.