I got the Patagonia 1L Ultralight Black Hole Mini to use as a day bag in town during a long-distance thru-hike in Spain called the Camino de Santiago. Rebecca began writing for Travel + Leisure in 2019. Why We Love It: It's large enough to fit a small water bottle inside. The convertible pack features one main compartment with two interior pockets and three card slots. Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros test all types of bags in our Lab and with consumer testers. One tester also said this was a great style to wear when traveling to avoid pick pockets and keep your items hidden and secure. I managed to fit a journal, pens, Bluetooth keyboard, sandwich, phone, wallet, keys, earbuds, change, passport, water bottle, and battery pack in the Bellroy. Also, I understand that some of these bags may fit me (61, 170 pounds) great but may rub you the wrong way. What to Consider: It's not as waterproof as it claims to be. For all the smaller stuff, a fanny pack is a great option. Seen here in cappuccino, the belt bag is also available in rust, black, natural snake, and ecru. GH fiber scientists test bags in the Lab for fabric strength, abrasion resistance and washability. From their duffels to the totes, everything they make comes in bright, eye-popping colors and unisex shapes that are easy to wear. The large interior can hold an impressive amount of items, according to Amazon reviewers. Number of pockets: Four Dimensions: 8.66" x 0.39" x 3.15" (varies slightly among sizes) Material: Micro polyester and Lycra. True to its name, the Transit bag has you covered whether you're on foot, biking, or taking an Uber downtown. You typically wear them in front of your body on your chest or waist. Without a doubt, the coolest fanny pack on this list is the 7L Sling from Bellroy. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Experience: Hillary Maglin joined Dotdash Meredith in 2018. Perfect to wear on long walks or other outdoor adventures, this fanny pack from Lululemon has a cult-like following as a must-have summer accessory. She has spent years testing, researching, and writing about everything from luggage to comfortable walking shoes to travel pillows and more. Dimensions: 6.1 x 4.1 x 2.1 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Material: Leather, Related: These Heels Are the Most Comfortable to Walk In. GH fiber scientists love Cuyana for being a sustainable fashion brand that manufactures its products in a mindful way. Designed by photographers for photographers. It holds an impressive amount of gear (phone, snacks, lip balm, credit cards, more snacks, etc.) Prior to joining T+L, she was a freelance writer covering current events, pop culture, fashion, and celebrities. Believe it or not, this small wonder is a diaper bag. Does a fanny pack count as a personal item on a flight? It's made from a durable polyester material and a mesh lining, and it lays completely flat when not in use making it super easy to pack. Ready for festivals, crowded subway cars, packed city streets, and anywhere you might take your valuables. Say goodbye to your mother's fanny pack with new chic styles made from leather, water-resistant materials and canvas. Number of pockets: Two Dimensions: 9.25" x 7.64" x 2.68" Material: Polyester. Its multiple pockets give you as much space as a crossbody while still making your outfit look chic and well put-together. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The glossy exterior of this stylish fanny pack from The Drop on Amazon makes this affordable pick look way more luxurious. Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at The Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates fiber-based products ranging from bedding to clothing. Lets be clear here: fanny packs are gender neutral. Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. In addition to the bag's main compartment, it also features a front pocket for easy access to your phone or lip balm. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Bellroy Sling is the most expensive fanny pack on this list at $99, but if youre in the need of ultra-stylish performance in a sleek city-friendly package, its worth the investment. The competitively-priced bag has two zip pockets and an adjustable strap. That situates the bag squarely on your chest just below your line of sight, a tough place for thieves to reach without you noticing. Find one that suits your size, needs, and style and hold it close. Shop the bag in black, navy blue, or pearl white. Featuring two spacious zipped compartments, an adjustable strap, and even a top handle, the pack makes everything from traveling to hiking a breeze. Made with premium faux leather and gold metal hardware, you can customize this pick with a different strap for a chic look. Before that I was a bartender, surf instructor, copywriter, and long-haul travel specialist with nearly 20 years of travel experience in over 40 countries. Though you could wear it in the city, the super-light ripstop nylon back has been made with the outdoors in mind, so expect additional features, like a mesh back panel for extra breathability thatll hold up on long hikes or countryside bike rides. Sleek, soft, and durable, neoprene is one of our favorite fabrics, whether it's a zip-up jacket or a fanny pack, like this one from Dagne Dover. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Girlfriend Collective's fully recycled and waterproof fanny pack is the perfect size for running errands, a neighborhood walk, or a summer road trip. This slim belt bag from FlipBelt is ideal to wear when exercising: it fits around your hips or waist to hold your phone, credit cards and keys. productslearn more about Quite simply the best everyday carry (EDC) fanny pack in an ultralight form factor that works for practically any situation. Just something to keep my phone, wallet, and keys organized in my hiking bag and handy when I changed out of my hiking clothes to head into town. It zips open along the top and feels like a purse more than a fanny packyet its belt means you can cinch it around a flowing dress or loop it through structured pants for a day of hitting the museums in style. Minimalists, urban travelers, fashionable flashpackers, and just about everyone with stuff. It's certainly tempting to shop based solely on looks or number of pockets, but keep strap adjustability in mind as you search for your perfect pack. And thanks to durable nylon, the fanny pack won't easily stretch or tear even if you stuff it completely full. Some concert venues and festivals only allow clear bags, so this clear fanny pack from Wododo on Amazon is ideal as it'll hold necessities for the event while keeping you hands-free. A great hiking lumbar pack is hard to find. Seen here in milky tea tan, it's also available in acorn red and stonewash black. Why We Love It: The body of the bag is incredibly spacious almost the size of a crossbody bag. Heck, theres even a hidden secret zipper compartment in the main pocket for keeping credit cards or cash safely stowed away from your other stuff. It also includes a strap for your water bottle. Remember, a fanny pack only helps keep your stuff safe from thieves and pickpockets if you wear it in front. Cotopaxi's bold, lightweight travel fanny pack is a camping trip essential. Number of pockets: Two Dimensions: 7.5" x 2" x 5" Material: Recycled nylon body with polyester liner and mesh. Whatever you call them, these bags are back and a must-have for travelers. My favorite fanny pack on this list is also the cheapest. extension fanny strap pack waist universal Shes been at Good Housekeeping for over three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for walking shoes, luggage, tampons, pillows, sheets, period underwear and more. Unlike other stash pockets, this one runs the length of the bag, meaning you can fit a passport, money, and other valuables here to keep them safe. Why We Love It: It has more space than most fanny packs. Fanny packs were originally intended to be worn around the waist with the bag resting on your lower abdomen. Number of pockets: Three Dimensions: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 Material: Neoprene with Repreve lining. Our experts wore these fanny packs on hikes, vacations, sightseeing expeditions, concerts and more. I hate that I like this fanny pack so much, Best External Battery Packs & Portable Chargers: An In-Depth Review, The Best Mini Bluetooth Speakers for Travel. In addition, it features a spacious main compartment for larger items like your phone, makeup, and medications, while a flat front pocket is perfect for quickly flashing your ID or tickets. I reward success with more scrutiny, which youll see in the full reviews below. It keeps all your belongings neatly on hand. The waterproof finish is sufficient for most weather, and the pocket design, while basic, is perfect for loading up for the trail. and has an adjustable webbing strap hip belt. Dimensions: 11 x 6.5 x 5.9 | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Material: PVC. Dimensions: 13.5 x 1.75 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 4.8 ounces | Material: Nylon. With thousands of rave reviews online, one tester said "the ordering process was seamless" and everything arrived exactly as ordered. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. There's even carabiner attachment inside for your keys. It is stretchy enough to fit your phone, cards, and keys without the weight of a bulkier bag. And because it's so slim and sleek, you won't risk looking like an "uncool" tourist. Scroll through to see all of the best fanny packs for travel, or click straight to the section that fits your needs most: This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Consumer testers give feedback on style, convenience and long term durability. Best With Multiple Pockets: Freetoo Waist Pack, Best Classic: Herschel Supply Co. Fifteen Hip Pack, Best Sporty: Adidas Originals Sport Waist Pack, Best Budget: Everest Signature Waist Pack, Best Splurge: Saint Laurent Lou Matelass Leather Belt Bag, Best for Carrying Beverages: Waterfly Hiking Fanny Pack, Consider how and where you'll be using it. But if you have something a little larger, sportier, or more fashionable in mind, keep reading for best fanny packs to buy right now. resistant We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Packed with organization and scratch-proof pockets in a waterproof package that will get you out the door and shooting without the hassle of a bulky daypack. For the nervous road warriors out there, the Baboon to the Moon Fannypack is a great theft-proof sling bag. Not to mention, it's lightweight, adjustable, and available in over a dozen fun colors and prints. The bag (which is big enough to hold a standard water bottle) is made of water-resistant nylon and features leather trim. Why We Love It: It's slender, stylish, and water resistant. One tester raved that this fanny pack was a "music festival game-changer," as it made check-in through security super easy. With thousands of reviews online, users rave that this minimalist fanny pack is sleek while still able to hold the essentials and online reviewers say the brand's "customer service is world-class." The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and fanny pack enthusiasts who regularly put all types of bags to the test, including backpacks, laptop bags and purses. Why We Love It: It's so light and compact, it barely feels like wearing anything. The front pocket is fantastic for keeping your keys, wallet, and phone organized and ready to go, and the spacious main compartment can hold a shocking amount of stuff. One online reviewer said, "I love that my husband and I can both use it" when traveling. Perfect for festivals, bike commuters, and walking tour enthusiasts. This clear fanny pack from Veckle will help you get through security with ease thanks to its transparency and compact structure that is within the sizing guidelines for most major stadiums. This clever fanny pack from Waterfly features a built-in pocket that doubles as a cup holder. Based on extensive bag expertise, GH Textiles Lab pros made these fanny pack picks based on in-Lab and consumer testing, top-performing brands and styles with exciting new features we cannot wait to try. But the Patagonia Waist Pack is the right size, shape, and design for just about any day hike. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 10 Best Dog Carriers of 2022 For the Dog On The Go, 9 Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers, 13 Best Workout Shoes for At-Home and Gym Fitness, These Are the Most Comfortable Shoes You Can Buy, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. All-in-all this hip pack is a great transitional day bag/purse/fanny pack, especially if youre already used to carrying a bag every day. While many fanny packs market themselves as "belt bags," you can actually wear this pick as a belt! Number of pockets: Two Dimensions: 12" 6.3" 3" Material: Polyurethane. Designed with two spacious pockets (one of them hidden for added protection), a small carabiner to clip your keys on, and an ultra-adjustable strap that expands up to 46 inches, this little bag packs a powerful punch. It's available in several colors, including purple and Borealis green (pictured), and as the name suggests, is a light addition to any carry-on. Because once you experience the ease of tossing your phone, wallet, keys, earbuds, passport, loose change, eye mask, and maybe even a snack into this deceptively large fanny pack, youre never going back to pockets again. Even better, this medium-sized bag has plenty of compartments, including a backside zipper for keeping valuables safe, and an interior clip to grab hold of your keys or wallet. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The frills-free design is made with water-repellant fabric and comes in more than 10 colors. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Dimensions: 12.99 x 3.54 x 5.51 inches | Weight: 4.8 ounces | Material: Polyester, Related: Cute Crossbody Bags for Travelers. Wear it anywhere and everywherewith its lifetime warranty, it's made to stand up to the elements. Then the choice is really up to you, but we suggest something sleek, leather, and convertible. Thanks to a unique waistband design, the Fifteen Hip Pack can be worn as a belt bag, crossbody, or shoulder bag. And even when it's filled to the brim, it'll always feel soft and comfortable against your body rather than bulky or protruding. All products featured on Cond Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. Small enough for a trail run yet packed with enough space and rugged features to destroy your next day hike. review process. It comes in 26 colors and prints ranging from heathered gray to yellow pineapples. Plus, it's made of recycled materials. You can even buy a belt strap extension to wear the pack as a crossbody. Like a purse, a fanny pack carries all the small stuff you need for a day of sightseeing like your keys, external battery, and lip balm. Number of pockets: Three Dimensions: 12" x 6" x 4" Material: Pebbled faux leather. I just plain like this fanny pack and appreciate the clever built-in features that incidentally make it great for keeping dirty thieves away from my sweet sweet stuff. Its wide enough to comfortably wear as a sling, and at 3L you dont need a compression strap feature unless youre transporting gold bars in this thing. Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 5 ounces | Material: Polyester. Sometimes you need a spacious option that can hold more than just the essentials. Youll use this one. Danish brand Rains designs with Danish weather in mindmeaning they make entirely water-resistant products, like stylish raincoats and, now, a fanny pack. This top-rated Amazon find from Herschel features a clip-fastened adjustable strap, zipper closure, and fully-lined interior. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear. And weighing in at just 3.2 ounces, it's the lightest option on our list, making it perfect for packing and long days on your feet but it still holds everything from phones to cameras to wallets. Along with an adjustable belt and a breathable mesh back that's soft against your skin, the travel-ready bag also has plenty of interior pockets to help organize your belongings. Number of pockets: Three Dimensions: 7" x 4.25" x 2.25" Material: Vinylon. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Aimee Kestenberg's leather waist pack is a tie-dye dream that lets you bop around town without a bulky bag getting in the way. The strap is also one of the most comfortable I tried thanks to the reinforced design. It is made of scratch-resistant nylon and has an adjustable strap that lets you wear it as a crossbody if you prefer. The water-repellent nylon is durable without looking too sporty, and the mix of colors to choose from is anything but boring. Her writing has appeared on InStyle.com, Realsimple.com, People.com, Popsugar.com, Businessinsider.com, and more. Whether you want to elevate your summer outfits with an upscale leather piece or looking for a tough, minimal belt bag for your next hike, theres truly something for everyone. The Moment Fanny Sling is a clear winner for most travelers, but if youre planning to do it for the gram, this is your go-to travel fanny pack. Hikers, plain and simple. Like a purse, backpack or tote, a fanny pack counts as a personal item when flying. The half-pound, eco-friendly bag is lined with Repreve (a fabric made of recycled plastic bottles) and has color-plated hardware. GH pros cannot wait to put this style to the test! Does a fanny pack count as a personal item when flying? Fanny packs are one of the best bags to have when you're traveling. Fanny packs continue to impress style experts, but they also serve a functional purpose for outdoor adventures. Rebecca is an avid traveler and loves searching for the best travel products and making recommendations to readers of what to pack on their trips. These practical pouches are not only spacious enough to hold travel essentials like your phone, passport, and wallet, but they do so hands-free which means you can do more important things like snap the perfect travel photo or enjoy a gelato while sightseeing. If you plan on packing it in a suitcase and bringing it on a sightseeing-filled vacation, opt for a lightweight fanny pack with enough space for your wallet, phone, and potentially a camera and water bottle. Either way, you'll be able to carry plenty of items in its large zippered compartment. Thats a subtle but important shift from smaller fanny packs. Minimalists, urban travelers, commuters, and festivalgoers. And thanks to the resurgence in popularity, there are now designs made specifically for everything from the trail to the city. She also has worked on multiple travel features on backpacks, travel dresses and packing cubes. Before that, she spent three years as a news, entertainment, and lifestyle writer. It's simple, sleek, and available in a ton of colors and prints plus, it discreetly keeps all your essentials tucked away. This quilted nylon belt bag is among the most versatile on this listit works as well in the city as it does on a day hike. Photographers, minimalists, urban travelers, and digital nomads. At just $17, this simple fanny pack from top-tested brand JanSport is an excellent value. You wont be able to fit much more than the essentials in here, but the minimalist design makes it easy to transition from day to night, paired with a sleek long coat, jumpsuit, or pantsuit. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Add a pop of color to your ensemble with this fiery red find. I love the Moment Fanny Sling pack because its all about functionality. Technically a crossbody sling this 7L pack still looks and feels like a fanny pack to me, and honestly, most everyone carries their fanny pack as a sling anyway. The right fanny pack is a game-changer. Available in 13 shades, this best-selling pick has over 17,000 reviews on Amazon with reviewers saying it "stays in place perfectly." With one large interior and a small back zipper pocket, this pick holds everything you need without feeling bulky. Whether headed to an amusement park, concert or hike, we found the perfect fanny packs and belt bags that'll help keep you hands-free while your essentials stay close. It's available in a handful of pretty colorways, including rose gold metallic, zebra merlot, and black with gold hardware. It's spacious enough to fit everything from your phone and headphones to sunscreen and hand sanitizer. sub pop fanny pack subpop If your lifestyle requires a fanny pack that can withstand outdoor activities, this sporty Adidas waist pack is the style for you. Top Products Tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, Can wear as a fanny pack or crossbody bag, Thinner strap allows this pick to be worn as a belt too, Some testers found the fabric showed stains easily, Make sure to check out the size chart before purchasing, Thinner strap felt "cheaper" according to some testers, Can wear this pick through your belt loops, PU material can feel sticky against your skin. There are two interior pockets made of mesh. Not only does this one look effortlessly cool, it's lightweight and comes with extra D-rings to hook on any essentials that don't fit inside (or that you want readily available). Inside the main compartment you'll find an interior zip pocket, and on the back there's a slip pocket with magnetic snap closure. That's rightthere's no need for a jumbo diaper bag when you've got this parent-approved fanny pack slung around your waist. I love to load this up with my camera, phone, wallet, passport, and earbuds and toss it in the tray at security at the airport. This soft pebbled leather belt bag is both functional and stylish. It's available in more than 10 colors and patterns, including woodland camo (pictured), light gray, navy, and goes-with-everything black. Along with an interior compartment that can fit a phone, the belt bag also has two smaller front pockets and a hidden back pocket to store smaller items like keys, money or lip balm. I didnt care much for the gimmicks like the magnetic clasp on the front for quick on/off access, but the sunglasses pocket in the main compartment was surprisingly handy, especially in Southeast Asia. Some fanny packs' straps can only be lengthened or tightened a few inches, which may become a problem with wear.
ot the Patagonia 1L Ultralight B