Sometimes you want to carry items on your person while traveling, but a backpack is too big and your pants pockets are too small. That's where fanny packs can come in handy! Fanny packs are also known as waist packs, hip packs, belt bags, and hands-free bags. They are small fabric pouches that are commonly worn around the waist and are usually secured with some sort of buckle.
With so many options to choose from, we've searched online and found 10 fanny packs for traveling that reviewers love. Our top pick is the Ultralight Black Hole® Mini Hip Pack from Patagonia, since it's water-resistant, minimalist, and made of sustainable materials. For more of our top selections, please continue reading. Also, check out our buying guide for some tips on how to choose the right fanny pack for you.
Quick List - Top Fanny Packs For Travel
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Fanny packs are great for carrying items and making a fashion statement. Before you go shop, here are a few tips to help you find the right fanny pack for you.
Depending on how or where you want to use your fanny pack, certain materials may work better than others. If you want to wear it casually, a canvas fabric may do the job.
If you want to use it for outdoor activities or frequent usage, you may like breathable water-resistant materials like nylon or bamboo. If you need your fanny pack to be completely waterproof, you may like one made of polypropylene or plastic.
Water-resistant fabrics work for most dry and damp situations, but waterproof fabrics work for any situation where the bag may be submerged into liquid or if your items cannot get wet at all.
Especially if you plan to travel abroad, anti-theft fanny packs are highly recommended. They may have features like hidden pockets, hidden zippers, or even locking compartments. Some straps can also have hidden pockets built into the strap itself.
Like any bag, fanny packs come in different sizes. Some are very small and can only fit essentials like your phone, keys, and ID. Some are fairly large and can hold items like sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, and more. Depending on your needs, there are plenty of sizes to choose from.
Fanny packs will usually have adjustable straps. Adjustable straps will allow you to wear the fanny pack multiple ways, such as around your chest or around your waist. Most fanny pack straps can fit most adults. If you need a larger strap, some brands offer strap extenders.
If you want better ways to organize your items, you’ll probably like fanny packs that have multiple pockets. They may have internal compartments inside one main pocket, or external pockets.
Fanny packs can also have water bottle compartments, holes for headphones, or even RFID-blocking properties. RFID-blocking technology prevents thieves from skimming your sensitive information from items like contactless credit cards.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack | ![]() | An Environmentally-Friendly Fanny Pack | |
2 | Baboon to the Moon Fannypack | ![]() | An Anti-Theft Fanny Pack | |
3 | Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack | ![]() | A Fanny Pack That's as Stylish as It is Functional | |
4 | Moment MTW Fanny Sling | ![]() | A Modern Fanny Pack for Photographers | |
5 | Topo Designs Quick Pack | ![]() | A Very Large-Capacity Fanny Pack | |
6 | Peak Design Everyday Sling | ![]() | A Large Sling and Fanny Pack for Cameras or Drones | |
7 | Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack | ![]() | A Medium-Capacity, Sustainable Utility Fanny Pack | |
8 | Timbuk2 Rascal Belt Bag | ![]() | A Versatile and Convertible Fanny Pack | |
9 | Adidas Essential Crossbody Bag | ![]() | A Flexible, Everyday Urban Fanny Pack | |
10 | The North Face Lumbar Pack | ![]() | A Medium Capacity Fanny Pack for the Outdoors |
This lightweight water-resistant mini hip pack is made completely of recycled fabrics and is suitable for waist sizes of 28 to 40 inches. It can hold essentials like regular-sized phones, keys, and wallets. It also has padding on the back for extra comfort.
Some reviewers complain that this fanny pack's strap was too smooth and sometimes slipped, especially if your body is larger than average. Most reviewers find this fanny pack great for casual travel. They like that it can carry their essentials without being too bulky.
This water-resistant fanny pack has enough space to fit plus-sized phones, clutch wallets, and more. It also has an anti-theft pocket on the back as well as internal pockets for organizing.
This fanny pack is made of Cordura nylon, a shell material with tough construction. Its strap is fairly thick for better weight dispersal. Best of all, this bag has a lifetime warranty.
A few reviewers felt this bag's zippers were a bit stiff. Other than that, most reviewers praise this fanny pack for being spacious and having many pockets without feeling bulky. They recommend this bag for most weather conditions, even heavy snow.
This fanny pack is made of breathable canvas material, making it perfect for dry weather and hot climates. It also has waterproof zippers for more durability. It can fit many items, even a typical chapter book or DSLR camera.
This fanny pack has two pockets, but some reviewers dislike how it does not have any internal pockets for better organization. Some people also had issues with the zipper getting caught on the lining. Otherwise, most reviewers are impressed by the quality and capacity of this bag.
If you need a fashionable way to carry around small camera gear, this fanny pack might be for you. It can hold plus-sized phones and a 35mm camera. It has storm-proof material on the outside, but it's lined with microfiber on the inside, making it safe for holding sunglasses and lens filters. It even has an anti-theft pocket on the back.
Some reviewers had issues with the strap slipping around throughout the day. They also state that the strap might be short for people who are larger than average.
Regardless, most reviewers praise this fanny pack for looking small, but having a decent medium-sized capacity. They highly recommend it for people who want to carry around vlogging equipment.
This weather-resistant pack works great as a fanny pack, over-the-shoulder bag, or even a bike attachment. It has padded fabric and internal pockets for organization, along with bottom compression straps to prevent bulkiness.
Some reviewers had issues with the strap sliding, especially with heavier items. Most reviewers are amazed at this fanny pack's capacity and functionality. They love that it can hold large water bottles, snacks, and more essentials. They find it a great alternative to a backpack.
If you want a fanny pack that works for both outdoor adventures and professional settings, then this fanny pack might do the job.
This Everyday Sling was made to carry professional photo gear and has lots of internal compartments to organize each piece of equipment. It comes with a flexible internal divider and a padded tablet sleeve for up to 11-inch devices. It also has a lifetime warranty.
Reviewers warn that the shoulder pad is not adjustable, only the straps. Most reviewers are impressed with this fanny pack's sturdy fabric and many compartments. They find that it works for most small to medium-sized cameras and lenses.
This Patagonia fanny pack is completely made of recycled fabrics. It can hold your phone, keys, wallet, and two water bottles. It also has breathable padding on the back for more comfort against your body.
A few reviewers had issues with the zipper getting stuck on the key strap. They also warn that the water bottle holders are not very tall. However, most reviewers like that this fanny pack is weather-resistant and very durable.
This Rascal Belt Bag was made for people on the go. With a two-liter capacity, this fanny pack is like a slightly bigger version of Patagonia's Mini Hip Pack.
This fanny pack has a front pocket for quick access items and a main compartment with one zippered pocket for everything else. It also has reflective zipper pulls for safety at night.
Reviewers state that the strap is on the thin side and they warn that the bag is on the small side, and best for only essential items. Regardless, most reviewers like that this fanny pack is durable and recommend it for hiking or outdoor festivals.
This simple and breathable fanny pack was built for daily use. It has two separate pockets for quick access to all your essential items. Its flexible material will move comfortably with your body whether you are on an airplane or at a hiking trail.
A few reviewers complain that the logo design may wear over time. Other than that, most reviewers find this fanny pack perfect for looking stylish while traveling in dry weather. They say that it can even fit a water bottle, but they recommend it for just essential items.
The Lumbar Pack is weather-resistant, especially for cold weather, and can hold all your essential items and more. It also has "invisible" zippers as anti-theft protection. Best of all, it has a lifetime warranty.
Reviewers warn that the strap loops to keep loose ends in place don't work well and the strap is longer than average. Most reviewers think this fanny pack is a great size, not too big or small. They like that it can fit water bottles, sunglasses, and all their essential items.
There are plenty of bags and luggage that can make traveling easier. Check out our other articles for more ideas!
No. 1: Patagonia|Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
No. 2: Baboon to the Moon|Fannypack
No. 3: Herschel|Seventeen Hip Pack
No. 4: Moment|MTW Fanny Sling
No. 5: Topo Designs|Quick Pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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