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Travel Bum Bags

For when a backpack is too cumbersome, but pockets aren't enough, a travel bum bag is a seriously handy bit of kit. Simple yet spacious, a bum bag - also known as a waist bag - is perfect for sightseeing, hiking, light travelling, or traversing a festival site. Wear it on the waist or crossbody – it’s comfortable either way and always on trend.

Trespass Bum Bags for Men and Women

Keep your belongings within easy reach with a Trespass bum bag. Also known as waist packs, these handy bags are ideal for so many activities, including hiking, sightseeing and braving the elements at a festival.

Travel Bum Bag

Get holiday-ready with a Trespass travel bum bag. Bumbags are great for keeping valuables close by - not only are they great for security, but they are also super handy at check-in, no rummaging through bags to find your documents. Everything is close to hand. And, when you reach your destination, the trusty travel bumbag is ideal for carrying your belongings on excursions or day hikes. Each bum bag is designed from tough fabric with double stitched seams to ensure durability. Our travel and hiking bumbags will last season after season.

Bum Bags for Festivals

Are you festival-ready? With festival season approaching, it’s time to invest in a waterproof bum bag. The humble bum bag is ideal for festivals - not only are they stylish, but they are super practical too. The adjustable bag is large enough to fit your essentials and small enough to allow freedom of movement. There’s no denying it’s a wardrobe essential for day hikes, holidays, and of course, festivals. When buying a bum bag for festivals, pay attention to sizing and pockets. Our Dax 2.5 litre bumbag - has five zipped pockets and an internal organiser – plenty of space for all your festival essentials.

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The 14 Best Travel Fanny Packs and Waist Packs [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

760 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3057 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

The Benefits of Fanny Packs

Things to consider with travel fanny packs, 1. the everyday fanny pack, 2. top-of-the-range adventure lumbar pack, 3. the multiple carry options fanny pack, 4. great fanny pack for runners and active users, 5. fanny pack for the organized traveler, 6. fanny pack for fashionistas, 7. the classic canvas fanny pack, 8. the festival fanny pack, 9. compact and lightweight waist pack, 10. extremely slim and minimalist waist pack, 11. giant waist pack for those who need lots of space, 12. the statement fanny pack from jansport, 13. the budget double-water-bottle-holding waist pack, 14. the fanny pack for hikers, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

A fanny pack may bring back memories of the 1980s and some of the fashion disasters that went with the era, but owning one of these much-maligned sling-style bags will completely transform the way you carry your personal belongings with you.

Sling it over your shoulder or tie it around your waist, and you’ll soon see why the fanny pack is back and is a favorite of fashionistas all over the world.

If you’re thinking of investing in your first-ever fanny pack or simply looking to reignite your love, remember that there are many great reasons to wear your belongings around your waist:

• A fanny pack leaves your hands free to concentrate on the more important things in life. Without handles, you can slip it around your waist or over your shoulder, and off you go.
• Anyone can wear a fanny pack. The style itself is unisex, meaning that the whole family can wear one if they want to. There are also thousands of styles to choose from, available in colors and sizes to suit every fanny pack fan.
• These types of bags are lightweight and durable and will help keep you better balanced than a shoulder or tote bag. Because of this, fanny packs are perfect for outdoor activities, sports, and other adventures where you don’t want your travel bag to hold you back.
• A fanny pack is spacious without being bulky . With several different compartments, you can easily keep your keys, wallet, phone, and other small essentials about your person without weighing yourself down.

Fanny packs are back in fashion! From music festivals to the beach and everywhere in between, fashion-focused travelers once again love the look of the waist bag.

Before you buy a fanny pack for your next trip, be sure to take into account the following:

Belt Length

Fanny packs aren’t one size fits all. Some will have longer belt straps than others, and depending on the size of your waist, you’ll need to investigate whether it will fit before you purchase.

Also, if you’re planning on wearing it across your body or over your shoulder, it will need to be adjustable to be able to hang properly.

Your fanny pack will be going on plenty of adventures with you. For this reason, it will need to be lightweight yet strong and durable, and you’ll want to ensure that you can wipe or wash it as often as you need to.

Leather, PU, nylon, or even cotton fanny packs are all good choices, but you’ll need to choose a fabric that’s robust enough to hold your belongings without tearing.

Anti-Theft and Slash-Proof

Many travel bags offer anti-theft protection and slash-proof straps and material. Just because your fanny pack is small doesn’t make it any less vulnerable to criminals eager to access your belongings.

RFID lining helps to protect the data held on your contactless credit cards while slash-proof material stops pickpockets with flick knives from stealing your stuff.

Organization, Pockets, and Water Bottle Holder

Not all fanny packs are equal as some offer more benefits than others.

A basic pack may have room to hold your essentials, while larger packs can provide a variety of slots or zippered compartments and may even have a mesh holder for your water bottle . These are great for longer adventures, hiking trips, or days at the beach.

The 14 Best Travel Fanny Packs

Everest signature waist pack in jade.

Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, this cute little fanny pack is perfect for everyday use. With a 46-inch waist strap, a zippered compartment, and a front hanging key chain, this small bag will keep your essentials safe, whatever you’re doing.

The Everest Signature Waist Pack is made from polyester fabric and has a unique slim and sporty design . The adjustable waist belt can be made small enough to fit around your waist or lengthened to wear across your body.

The main compartment is large enough to hold your wallet , coins, and even your cell phone, while the zippered front pocket and key holder will keep everything else safe.

Designed with practicality in mind, this fanny pack can be wiped down or washed to ensure it looks good and lasts through many adventures.

What We Like

• Made from water-resistant material

What We Don’t Like

• No dual-opening zippers

Osprey Packs Talon 6 Lumbar Pack

Travel giant Osprey is famous for its incredibly durable and long-lasting travel accessories, and the Talon 6 Lumbar Pack is certainly no exception. Made from mesh-covered AirScape ridge foam to keep your load secure, this fanny pack allows you to be as sporty or adventurous as you want to be.

Much more than just a travel pouch, this large, secure, and stable lumber pack will keep your belongings safe and your posture grounded. This is a superb fanny pack for the serious traveler, with the ability to carry 2 water bottles in the padded bottle sleeves that stay upright even when you don’t.

You can pack plenty of essentials, including money, keys, your phone, and even your passport or ID in the large, zippered compartment, while the horizontal, straightjacket compression straps ensure that the pack never gets bent out of shape.

As with all Osprey products, the Talon 6 Lumbar Pack comes with Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee. This is a serious pack for serious travelers.

• Holds 2 water bottles
• Might be too bulky for some people

VISCNE Outdoor Fanny Pack

This is a monster of a fanny pack, designed with seriously exciting adventures in mind. Made from wear-resistant nylon with a breathable mesh lumbar, this is the perfect pack to take with you on your next hiking, fishing, cycling, or camping trip.

Additional shoulder straps mean that you can carry this pack 3 ways: around your waist, across 1 shoulder, or over 2 shoulders like a backpack. The adjustable belt means you can make it long or short enough to fit almost anyone, while the 2 side zipper pockets will keep your stuff organized.

Dual water bottle holders will ensure you stay hydrated whatever you’re doing, while various compartments will easily hold your phone, wallet, keys, coins, and everything else you need.

• Comes in a range of colors
• Water bottle pockets are quite shallow

Waterfly Hiking Waist Bag Fanny Pack

Made from water-resistant nylon, this fanny pack is perfect for long hikes or outdoor adventures in any kind of weather. Large enough to fit your keys, your coins, and even your phone, this fanny pack will protect your precious belongings from the elements.

With the addition of a stable water bottle holder, your favorite drinking vessel will remain upright while you run, hike or climb. The 2 separate zipper pockets and an additional small front pocket are perfect for keeping your stuff organized and together, while the adjustable strap fits nicely around your waist.

Designed with sports fanatics in mind , the back mesh pad allows the straps to breathe, keeping your waist dry and fresh, no matter how much you sweat.

For your own added security this bag comes complete with reflective strips , making it an excellent choice for anyone who is active or runs near cars or other vehicles.

• Breathable mesh back pad
• Compartments are quite small

FREETOO Waist Pack Bag Fanny Pack for Men and Women

This traditional-style fanny pack offers you all the space you need across 5 zippered pockets. The largest is big enough to hold your water bottle, while the smallest will keep all those little bits like keys and hair ties safe and organized.

Made from strong 1000D polyester , this bag is easy to clean and built to last. An excellent addition to your everyday travel baggage, this useful little pack has sturdy zippers, an adjustable strap with a secure waist buckle, and the option to be worn either around your waist or across your shoulders.

Just as useful for outdoor activities as it is for festivals and having fun, this is a great option for anyone.

• Lots of pockets to keep organized
• The waist strap is quite short

Badiya Women’s Mini Crocodile Leather Waist Bag

This fabulous little fanny pack is just the right size for keeping your phone, credit card, money, and ID safe while you enjoy the finer things in life. With an on-trend leather look, this beauty is an excellent choice for festivals, parties, and shopping.

Made from high-quality faux crocodile material, the pack has 2 pockets and an adjustable strap that reaches up to 39 inches, making it easy for you to wear around your waist or to carry over your shoulder.

With a look and feel that takes you back to the belt bags of the 1970s, this is an up-to-date way to keep your personal belongings close to you at all times, while still looking fashionable.

• Practical and stylish
• Difficult to close if overfilled

LemonGirl Unisex Waist Bag

Modern convenience with a stylish look, this fanny pack is made of durable canvas with plenty of room to carry all your personal belongings.

With 1 large zippered pocket and 1 small pocket, this canvas fanny pack is large enough to carry your cash, cards, cell phone, and your keys. It can be hand-washed or popped in the washing machine to keep it looking as fresh as you do on every outing.

The adjustable waist bag can be worn around your waist or slung over your shoulder for a real old-school feel. Great for festivals, beach parties, and gatherings, you can keep everything close with this epic little fanny pack.

• Stylish, muted colors that go with everything
• Too slim to carry anything bulkier than a cell phone

SoJourner Black Rose Fanny Pack

A gorgeous 90s-style fanny pack with plenty of space to keep your belongings safe, this bag comes in a variety of prints including flowers, stripes, polka dots, and even the American flag. Perfect for trendy fashionistas and festival lovers, these bags are adorable and super useful.

The 2 main zippered pockets will keep your water bottle , money, keys, cards, and cell phone all close to hand, while the back pocket is perfect for loose change and hair ties. The adjustable nylon waistband fits a 15- to 48-inch waist.

These bags are suitable for both men and women, and the durable nylon construction will ensure that your SoJourner fanny pack will last you over many great adventures.

• Available in a range of colors and designs
• Zippers are quite fragile

Tinyat Travel Fanny Bag Waist Pack

Cute and compact, this basic little fanny pack is perfect for keeping your most important pieces close to you. Made from durable, washable nylon, you can rely on this bag over and over again.

The zippered front accessory pocket is great for storing your keys, your ID card, your credit and debit cards, your cell phone, and even your coin purse. You can also stay looking good from the word go, with enough room to stash your favorite lipstick, perfume, or comb.

The discreet back pocket will keep notes or valuables hidden out of sight, and the lightweight, fashionable design means this little beauty can be worn with a wide variety of outfits . The waist belt is adjustable to fit waist sizes from 16 to 40 inches, so you can throw it around your waist or sling it over your shoulder.

• Hidden zipper pocket at the back
• Doesn’t hold a great deal

Waterfly Slim Fanny Pack

This weather-resistant fanny pack will keep your belongings safe from a damp day or a little bit of drizzle. Designed to fit men, women, and even children, it has a highly adjustable waistband that can accommodate all sizes. The Waterfly brand also offers extendable band straps for extra-large waists, that can be purchased separately.

This fanny pack is well-made, yet lightweight and extremely durable. The slim, elongated design of this waist bag keeps it compact and discreet.

The main double-zippered compartment is perfect for housing your keys, phone, wallet, and credit cards, while the 2 extra front pockets and hidden rear pocket are great for smaller valuables and loose change.

Available in a variety of different colors, the slim design of this bag makes it just right for cyclists, runners, climbers, or campers.

• Can be worn in multiple ways
• Only has very light water-resistance

Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack

This giant of a fanny pack is a favorite with hikers and outdoor-minded travelers. Large enough to be used as a hiking pack, a golfing bag, or even for carrying spare diapers, this Tour Lumbar pack will keep your going on many adventures.

Made from durable and high-quality CORDURA fabric, this pack can be carried in a variety of ways.

The pack comes complete with a removable shoulder strap, traditional front panel bungee, an interior tablet sleeve, a smartphone-compatible waist belt pocket, ridged EVA back panel padding with stash pocket, side water bottle holders, hanging inner sanctum, zippered front panel pocket with key clip, and even a headphone port.

This pack can fit in everything you need, and then some.

Despite its enormous size, it remains reasonably lightweight and easy to carry, making its hefty price tag worth the investment if you’re planning to get a lot of use out of your new compact carrier.

• Front panel to stash additional items
• Straps are difficult to tighten on smaller people

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

A favorite with hipsters and high schoolers all over the world, the JanSport brand is as popular as ever . The Fifth Avenue fanny pack is available in a variety of colors and prints and can be worn on your waist or across your body.

Made from durable, wipeable fabric, this fanny pack has a large main compartment that can keep your keys, coins, credit cards, and even your cell phone safe while you’re on the move. The smaller zipper pocket is perfect for quick and easy access to your loose change or small valuables.

A usefully-sized pouch with a cool logo, the JanSport fanny pouch is one of the most fashionable on the market.

• Simple and stylish design
• Zippers are a bit fragile

Everest Lumbar Waist Pack

This fanny pack from Everest can be worn as a lumbar pack, a fanny pack, or even as a side hip pack, depending on your preference.

With 3 good-sized pockets, you’ll be able to carry everything you need with you, including your keys, wallet, credit cards, coins, cell phone, and even your passport.

It also comes with the addition of 2 water bottle pockets that are insulated to keep your refreshments cool, even on the move. The tie-down straps keep your bottle upright, even when you’re not, while the nylon waist strap will accommodate up to a 46-inch waist.

Padded back panels make this super comfy to wear, and the breathable fabric wicks away moisture to prevent sweaty patches when you’re wearing it.

• Adjustable load compression straps
• Water bottles can leak

EGOGO Travel Sport Waist Pack Fanny Pack

Designed to be worn on the side of your hip , this water-resistant waist pack is a unique way to keep your belongings close by your side at all times.

A little on the small side, this cute little bag is big enough to carry your water bottle, wallet, phone, and perhaps even your travel camera in the main compartment. Your keys and loose change can be stored in the smaller zippered compartment.

With a padded back and side panel, it will rest gently against your hip, and stay there comfortably for as long as you need it.

Available in a variety of colors, this is a nice little bag for adventurers of all kinds.

• Air mesh back pocket
• The buckle is a little fiddly to clasp

What was once a laughable accessory reserved only for elderly tourists or old men in Lycra is now back in fashion in a massive way.

Fanny packs are popular from the beaches of Miami to the dance floors of NYC, taking in Coachella and a host of different sporting events and activities along the way.

So what are you waiting for? Wear your stuff where you can see it and keep your hands free to bike or climb with a fanny pack.

Interested in some additional travel accessories to make your adventures easier? Check out some of our other reviews:

• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market
• The Best Laptop Backpacks To Buy for Travel
• The Best Carry-On Travel Garment Bags [Suits, Dresses, Shirts & More]
• The Best Travel Wallets and Organizers [For Men & Women]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new fanny packs called.

Fanny packs are now also called waist packs. These have always been popular but never considered fashionable until recently. Fanny packs are back in style!

Are fanny packs good for travel?

Fanny packs are lightweight and durable and will help keep you better balanced than a shoulder or tote bag. Because of this, fanny packs are perfect for outdoor activities, sports, and other adventures where you don’t want your travel bag to hold you back.

Are fanny packs out of style?

Can you wear a fanny pack on a plane.

If you’re wearing a fanny pack on an airplane, this would count towards your carry-on allowance. Many airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and a personal item, and fanny packs are generally small enough to be considered as your personal item.

How do I choose a fanny pack?

• Belt length
• Anti-theft and slash-proof
• Organization, pockets, and water bottle holder

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The 9 Best Fanny Packs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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The ultimate accessory for hands-free convenience, fanny packs are loved by travelers who want to keep their essentials easily accessible and always in sight. The best options offer multiple carrying methods (as a waist or hip pack, and as a crossbody sling), good internal and external organization pockets, and a versatile aesthetic that can transition easily from one activity to another. Durable materials and easy, one-handed access are key, while concealed anti-theft pockets and integrated key clips are examples of nice-to-have extras.

To help you find the right fanny pack for you, our team of travel experts put 36 popular options to the test in a range of real-life scenarios. We scored each bag for quality, capacity, ease of use, fit, and value. From luxury leather choices that double as fashion accessories to fanny packs designed especially for new parents with built-in diaper changing facilities, here are the best from our tests.

Others We Liked

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, alo explorer fanny pack.

Amazingly soft yet durable fabrics

Double zipper on the main compartment

Incredible capacity

Perfectly sized interior and exterior pockets

Color options are limited

The Alo Explorer Fanny Pack was a firm favorite for our team, scoring perfect fives across the board during testing and easily justifying its considerable price tag. It’s made of nylon fabric with gunmetal hardware and we felt that the quality of both was evident from first glance. The material is soft with a satin-like feel, yet insanely durable and scratch-resistant. And the zippers pull effortlessly, especially on the main compartment where there are two pulls for easy opening in either direction. The fanny pack offers a 3-liter capacity and we were astonished by what we could fit inside.

We packed everything from a card holder wallet and phone to an AirPods case, keys, makeup, pills, sunglasses, a tote bag, and gum just in the main compartment, which is RFID protected. We also loved that we could fit our phone into both of the zippered exterior pockets, one of which is cleverly concealed on the pack’s back panel as a deterrent to thieves . Even when the main compartment was full, this back pocket’s capacity was not affected. The adjustable, clip-on waist strap is super smooth and long enough to be truly inclusive, while color choices include chic black or espresso, both with the distinctive rubber patch Alo logo.

Dimensions: 4.75 x 10.75 x 4.5 inches (packed) | Volume: 3 liters | Materials: Nylon

Best for Parents

No reception the sidekick.

No Reception Club

Magnetic wipe-dispensing section

Impressive capacity

Unisex aesthetic suits moms and dads

Lacks a waterproof section for soiled clothes

If you have a child in diapers, The Sidekick from No Reception Club may just be your new best friend. It’s expressly designed to facilitate one-handed diaper changes on the go and pairs a water-resistant, recycled nylon shell with a cute printed lining. We found that everything except the brand tag (which started to fray) held up well during our test period and appreciated that the fanny pack was easy to wipe clean. We were surprised by how much we could fit inside: a few diapers, a onesie, diaper rash cream, sunscreen, sanitizer, and wet wipes. There’s even an interior slip pocket for separating your things from baby’s.

Innovations that make this fanny pack different from regular ones include a padded, wipeable changing mat that folds away into its own zippered compartment for seamless ease of use. And our favorite feature: a magnetic flap on the back panel that reveals space for a wet wipes dispenser so you can grab one whenever you need to, single-handedly. The fanny pack looks good on both men and women and can be worn around the waist or slung across the torso. Either way, your hands are kept free for toddler-wrangling. The only downside? The adjustable strap is not particularly inclusive in its sizing.

Dimensions: 6 x 11 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 8 ounces | Volume: 3 liters | Materials: Recycled nylon shell, polyester and nylon interior

Most Stylish

Dagne dover ace fanny pack.

Dagne Dover

Stain-resistant neoprene in a choice of gorgeous colors

Material stretches to increase capacity

Can be worn in multiple ways

Exterior pockets are too small

Dagne Dover has a reputation for quality and style, and the Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack is no exception. We love the water-resistant neoprene shell for its amazing durability and the fact that spills roll right off without staining. This keeps whichever beautiful color you choose (from camel to dark moss) looking great for longer. We took ours camping and on trips to LA, Denver, and Seattle, and it still looks brand new. We also loved feeling that our belongings were well protected. The pack features a recycled polyester lining and is 100 percent vegan, with a tapered profile that makes for a flattering silhouette.

The adjustable strap lets you switch between a range of carrying styles. And although the pack’s 1-liter capacity is smaller than others on this list, we didn’t really feel the loss because of the amount of stretch in the material. We were able to fit a wallet, passport, sunglasses, a phone charger, and AirPods with plenty of room to spare. The interior also features a slip pocket for your cards and/or cash, a key clip, and an elastic lipstick holder (no more rummaging around every time you want to reapply!). The only downside for us was the exterior zippered pocket, which we found too small to be useful.

Dimensions: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 9 ounces | Volume: 1 liter | Materials: Neoprene shell, recycled polyester lining

Best Compact

Patagonia ultralight black hole mini hip pack.

Packs away into an ultralight carry pouch

Tough, weather-resistant construction

Ethical and sustainable materials

May be too small for some

The Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack from Patagonia scores major sustainability points with 100 percent recycled materials put together in a Fair Trade Certified factory. It’s made from weather-resistant nylon ripstop and is also eminently packable—even stowing away into its own pocket for added compactness. It’s ultralight at just 3.5 ounces, but despite its relative thinness we felt confident in its quality (thanks in part to Patagonia’s well-deserved reputation for making products that last). It offers one liter of packing space and we were able to fit a lot, including a wallet, keys, sanitizer, lip balm, perfume, and medication.

We found that contents were super easy to access on the go. There’s also a zippered front pocket for keeping smaller items separate. Adjust the herringbone-webbing strap to wear the fanny pack around the waist or across your chest (the latter was our preferred carrying method). We found it very comfortable and loved that the pack’s combination of lightness and balance made it easy to wear for extended periods of time. When it comes to colors, choose a single shade like black or passage blue, or opt for a patchwork design featuring colors ranging from burl red to obsidian plum.

Dimensions: 4.75 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Volume: 1 liter | Materials: Recycled ripstop nylon

Best for Running

Aikendo slim running belt.

Amazingly good value

Comfortable fit stays securely in place

Keeps essentials easily accessible

Headphone outlet could be wider

The Aikendo Slim Running Belt is the perfect accessory for those that like to run. It’s designed for a snug, extra secure fit with a wide strap that doesn’t dig in or ride up when you move. After trying this out, we can confirm that there’s no annoying bouncing, either, and we liked that the strap is adjustable to fit almost any waist. The pack is made from sweat- and water-resistant neoprene that feels soft against the skin. It’s lightweight and well constructed, with reflective accents on the front pocket to increase visibility when running in the dark.

We found that we were able to fit a phone, cash, and a chapstick in the main zippered compartment, and we loved how easy it was to access these essentials on the go. The main compartment also features a hole for your headphones (although we found this a bit tight), while other storage options include two smaller side pockets and a key clip. There are also elastic bands that can hold a water bottle securely in place. Finally, all hardware from the premium plastic buckle to the smooth-running zipper seem to be of good quality. Given the pack’s performance, we were shocked by its very affordable price tag!

Dimensions: 7.9 x 4 inches | Weight: 3.9 ounces | Volume: Not published | Materials: Neoprene

Best for Hiking

Jansport fanny pack.

Plenty of space for all the essentials

Extra durable with a great warranty

Machine washable

Not especially fashionable

If you’re looking for a fanny pack capable of standing up well to long days out on the trail, the JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack is a solid choice. It’s lightweight yet durable, with premium 600-denier polyester construction and the peace of mind that comes with the brand’s guarantee to replace or repair any defective products. We used ours virtually nonstop throughout the testing period, including on a week-long hiking vacation to Oregon. Afterward, there were no visible signs of wear and tear. We also like that the pack is easy to spot clean and machine washable in case of any major dirt.

Both the main compartment and the zippered stash pocket are relatively spacious. We were able to fit a whole host of items including a wallet, phone, headphones, keys, sunscreen, and a snack. The adjustable strap is long enough to accommodate larger sizes and allows you to easily switch between wearing the pack around the hips or across the chest. We’d recommend wearing it over clothes, though, because the strap material isn’t the softest. The two-way zipper on the main compartment makes it easy to access contents on the go. Colors range from conservative black to pastel lilac or surplus camo.

Dimensions: 6 x 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Materials: Recycled polyester

Best Water Resistant

Eddie bauer skylar waist pack.

Eddie Bauer

Secret pocket for securing valuables

Great organization features

Soft straps are very comfortable

Would prefer a larger main compartment

Expensive considering limited use

Eddie Bauer’s Skylar Waist Pack is made from 100 percent recycled nylon for the perfect combination of sustainability, lightness, and water resistance. The latter attribute makes it ideal for outings in changeable weather, though we felt it was better suited to athletic/outdoors use than as a fashion accessory in the city. We also found the pack to be a high-quality, well-made product and liked that it held its shape when empty. And, although it was perhaps a little smaller than others on this list, we were able to fit sunglasses, a card holder, a phone, keys, and lip balm in the zippered main compartment.

What this fanny pack lacks in terms of space, it makes up for in organization. It boasts zippered front and back exterior pockets, two internal mesh pockets, and a dedicated key fob section. Everything was easy to access on the go, except for the back pocket that is specifically designed to sit flush against your body as a deterrent to thieves. The adjustable belt extends from 5 to 46 inches for a super-inclusive fit. We liked the soft material and found the pack so comfortable it was easy to forget we were wearing it. Choose yours in black, antique pine, or dusty violet.

Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 3 inches | Materials: Recycled nylon

Best Leather

Quince italian pebbled leather sling bag.

Timeless style in a choice of colors

Slim yet surprisingly spacious

Easy to access everything one-handed

Clasp may be tricky for those with limited dexterity

With its 100 percent top-grain Italian leather exterior and cotton canvas lining, this Quince fanny pack is an elevated option for those that want something that can transition easily from day to evening wear. It comes in three colors: mink with silver hardware, black with gunmetal hardware, or cognac with gold hardware. All three offer a timeless aesthetic and are gorgeously soft to the touch. The leather is thick and durable without being stiff, while the pebbled texture hides any signs of wear and tear. Use the included dust bag to keep it looking pristine when not in use.

You can wear the fanny pack around the waist or as a crossbody sling using the adjustable nylon webbed strap to make fine adjustments for a customized fit. We found that the pack’s lightness, balance, smooth strap, and slim profile combined to make it barely noticeable, with very little movement no matter how active we were. Organization includes an interior card holder and a zippered back pocket. The main compartment is surprisingly spacious: we fit a card holder, phone, AirPods case, keys, makeup, sunglasses, and various beauty accessories. We liked how easy access was and that we could operate the zipper one-handed.

Dimensions: 5.75 x 11 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 10.8 ounces | Materials: Italian leather shell, cotton canvas lining

Best Budget

Maxtop crossbody fanny pack.

Flattering, streamlined shape

High-quality, water-resistant material

Multiple organization options

Can be difficult to access items on the go

Not as capacious as it looks

Retailing for almost a quarter of the price of our overall winner, the Maxtop Large Fanny Pack is a worthy budget alternative to some of the more expensive bags on this list. We liked the thick, durable feel of the material and appreciated that it’s water-resistant and easy to clean. The hardware is sturdy and the strap is nice and thick—suggesting that saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. This fanny pack adjusts to fit waists of up to 50 inches and can also function as a crossbody sling or shoulder bag. We found it comfortable in all configurations.

Organization options abound with zippered front and back pockets and another zippered pocket inside the main compartment. The pack is streamlined, which while good from an aesthetic point of view, means that it’s not as capacious as it looks. We found that we could fit a wallet, keys, mints, sanitizer, and sunglasses, but not a sunglasses case. The fit was slightly more forgiving when we wore it as a sling, although we found access to be a bit tight either way. Plus points include a headphone hole, a reflective strap loop, and a whole host of color choices ranging from army green to bright pink.

Dimensions: 14.3 x 5.9 x 3.5 inches

After testing so many fanny packs, we thought there were a few more worth mentioning, although we found some minor issues that kept them off our main list.

Calpak Luka Belt Bag : We loved this fanny pack’s quality construction and super smooth zipper, as well as its large capacity and secret, anti-theft pocket. The only reason it didn’t make our main list was its bulkiness, which we felt detracted from its overall aesthetic.

Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag : We found this fanny pack simple to use and easily accessible. We liked the neoprene material and thought it was very comfortable. However, we disliked the lack of a zipper on the back pocket and the fact that the front pocket was too small to be particularly functional.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L : This fanny pack stood out for its sturdy construction and thoughtful organization features. We found it comfortable to wear in multiple positions. It’s not especially stylish or luxurious, but makes for a simple, effective pick for those with a lower-end budget.

Our team of travel experts tested a total of 36 fanny packs. Each test began with an initial assessment of the pack’s material and construction quality. Then, we checked whether the pack’s straps were adjustable and, if so, how inclusive the size range was. Next, we loaded the fanny pack with our regular everyday essentials including a phone, keys, and a wallet. We evaluated each bag’s capacity and the effectiveness of any organization features, such as internal and external pockets, slots, and dividers.

We tried wearing the fanny pack in several different ways, including around the waist both forward and backward, and across the chest and back as an over-the-shoulder crossbody. We also tested how easy it was to switch between carrying styles for any packs that claimed to be convertible. Finally, we wore the pack at least three times throughout the two-week testing period in a range of scenarios from running errands to dining out. We evaluated how comfortable the pack was, how much it moved about, and how easy it was to access contents on the go.

Each pack was scored from one to five for quality, capacity, ease of use, fit, and value, with overall scores used to determine our category winners.

What to Look for in a Fanny Pack

Fanny packs can be made from a number of different materials, with the right one for you depending on what you’ll be using it for, your budget, and your chosen aesthetic. For hiking and other activities where weight is a priority, look for light yet durable materials such as ripstop polyester or nylon. Canvas and neoprene are a little heavier, but offer added sturdiness and structure. Neoprene is also soft to the touch with excellent water resistance. For a more luxe look that transitions seamlessly to the city streets and looks just as good on an evening out, opt for a leather fanny pack with polished hardware.

While fanny pack sizes don’t vary as much as some other bag styles, there are super compact versions out there for those that have only the most basic essentials to carry, as well as ones with dimensions to suit a slightly larger load. In terms of volume, the typical range is around one to three liters. Carefully consider what you’re likely to need on your average day out and choose a fanny pack that can accommodate it all with enough space leftover to make finding and accessing your belongings easy. Sometimes when it comes to fitting a lot of items, the dimensions and volume are less important than the amount of stretch in the material.

You can use fanny packs for almost any activity, from hitting the trails at your local park to touring Europe’s ancient cities. Durability and water resistance are always important, but especially so if you’re likely to be spending an extended amount of time outside in unreliable weather. What you’ll use the fanny pack for also determines what you need to carry and which size you should go for. Those who plan on wearing their pack as urbanwear will likely place a higher priority on brand name and a fashionable design, while those who plan to hike with it will want something more rugged and durable. Some fanny packs, like The Sidekick with its integrated baby changing mat, are intended for a very specific purpose.

There are lots of ways to wear a fanny pack and the right one for you depends on your outfit and personal style, the situation, and the shape and size of the fanny pack in question. The classic way to wear a fanny pack is around the hips. If you’re traveling to an area where theft is a concern, we recommend slipping the strap through your belt loops as an extra precaution against it being unclipped without you noticing. You can also wear your fanny pack around your waist for a more cinched-in look or score extra style points by using it as a crossbody sling. Whether you wear it backward or forward is up to you.

Opinions differ among travel experts as to whether a fanny pack counts as a personal item or not, with some arguing that since you wear it, it could be classified as attire rather than luggage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers no confirmation either way. But unless your fanny pack is slim enough to be considered a concealed money belt, we think there’s every chance that airline staff could count it as a personal item, especially on a busy flight. We recommend including it in your luggage calculations just to be safe and either allocating it as your only personal item or packing it inside your larger carry-on.

No bag is completely theft-proof, but fanny packs can reduce the likelihood of becoming a target—if you use them correctly. The main advantage of a fanny pack versus a regular bag or backpack is the ability to wear it on the front of your body. Keeping your fanny pack (and therefore your valuables) in your direct line of sight at all times is a great way to deter would-be pickpockets. The fact that a fanny pack is typically worn close to your body also makes it more difficult for a thief to tamper with it without detection. Some slimline versions may even be worn under your clothing to reduce visibility and, therefore, temptation.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and Commerce Updates Editor. She’s traveled to over 50 countries on six continents and has often used a fanny pack to keep her valuables safe on the go. Products in this article were selected from a longlist of more than 35 different fanny pack brands, according to the results of real-life tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts.

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25 Best Fanny Packs and Belt Bags for Travel in 2024

Written by Becca

Updated on March 14th, 2024

What are the best fanny packs and belt bags for travel? Check this list of the best waist bags and hip packs for women travelers, before you book your next trip.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Fanny Packs

• lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L / 2L

Canvelle Fanny Pack

Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag

• Moment Fanny Sling & Mini Fanny Sling

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa

Kibou Vegan Leather Bag

• Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag
• Nike Elemental Premium 8L

Lux & Nyx Origami Belt Bag

SPI Crossbody Pouch

Kibou Mini Vegan Leather Fanny Pack

• WANDRD All-New D1 Fanny Pack

Vessi Shoreline Belt Bag

• Tortuga Travel Sling

TOPO Designs Mountain Waist Pack

Tom Bihn Side Effect Bag

REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack

Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack

Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack

• Osprey Daylite Waist Pack

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

Kånken Hip Pack

Herschel Settlement Hip Pack

Everlane Renew Transit Fanny Pack

LeSportSac Everyday Belt Bag

Call them what you want — fanny packs, waist bags, waist pouches, belt bags or hip packs — these types of travel bags that get slung around your hips are crucial, in my opinion, to convenience during a trip!

Wearing a fanny pack or waist pack during travel gives you a more hands-free flexibility than using a tote bag. It allows you to not have to flip your backpack to the front or take it off, if you just want to grab something quickly, like a phone or passport.

Having a bag around your waist is also a great way to keep lots of valuables in check, right in front of you, whether sightseeing, hiking or in the airport. I’ve really enjoyed keeping my passport, phone, wallet and headphones in a waist bag while flying, rather than having any of them in my personal item that gets stowed under a seat.

Browse our 5 favorite picks

• lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Check Availability
• Canvelle Fanny Pack Check Availability
• Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag Check Availability
• Moment Fanny Sling Check Availability
• Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag Check Availability

If you’re looking into a new waist pouch, belt bag or hip pack this season, why not check out the list below, which we’ve curated from the best travel brands? Read on, to see which fanny pack or waist pack is best for your upcoming trip.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L / 2L

I tried out this sleek and stylish belt bag from lululemon that can be worn as a waist pack or cross-body sling. Great for stylish women travelers (or men travelers!), it can be worn in a cute “waist” location rather than at your hip.

Turning into a belt bag, it can be worn close to the shoulder and across your front. The strap adjusts all the way to 41.7”. I like the big buckle that makes a “snap” sound when you close it, and I also like the two elastics that hold the strap as it is adjusted into its different lengths.

Since getting this belt bag, we’ve seen so many people wearing this product as we’re walking around where we live, and when we’re out and about. It seems it’s super popular and we’ve even had some friends buy it since we wrote about it here. For these reasons, we’re naming it the #1 best belt bag in this list that you’ll want to consider for your travels.

It has zippered pockets and an easy-access exterior pocket, along with one interior pocket for stashing valuables. I tried out the 2L version, and it holds a dab more than the 1L. It fits my wallet, my phone and my keys, and has space for a bunch of other daily essentials. Either one also makes a really nice gift for someone who’s always on the go.

You can see more photos at my lululemon belt bag review .

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Keep your essentials close with the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, a perfect companion for the urban explorer.

Canvelle Fanny Pack

I became introduced to the Canvelle machine-washable fanny pack that comes in two convenient sizes, Oversized and Original. It’s a hands-free purse that I wear on my front and also on my back, and I like the gold zipper accents. When I mentioned my big fanny pack to my mom recently, she said, “Oh, you love that bag. You take it everywhere.” It’s true!

I turned the Canvelle fanny pack into my default day cross-body bag, and I like that it’s bigger, but it’s lightweight. It fits all my daily “stuff” from hand cream, hand sanitizer, keys, cards, wallet and phone, to more random items like even an entire water bottle.

Canvelle’s fanny pack has several cool features, including numerous pockets. It has a secure zipper pocket inside the main compartment and a mesh pocket in front of it.

The front of the bag itself (in the “Oversized” size choice) has a second zipper pocket for things like keys, cards or tissues, and there’s a zipper pocket on the back as well, for whatever you please (it’s intended to be a water-resistant phone pouch!). There’s an interior key clip additionally that I use for my Canvelle flat wallet.

As for sustainability, Canvelle’s fanny pack is made from 16 recycled plastic bottles as well as high-performing fabrics. I find it to be a nice shape, and it’s so easy to sling over your shoulder when you are leaving the house or getting out of the car. If you’re looking for an even lighter-weight hands-free travel bag, check out the Canvelle Belt Bag , which is minimalist, simple and barely weighs anything at all!

For fanny pack colors, there’s Grey, Olive, Terracotta, Black and Quilted Black. I also have some of the patterned crossbody straps that you can purchase as add-ons. I have Black Jacquard for my Quilted Black fanny pack, and “Boho” for my Olive fanny pack.

Use code HALFHALF15 to get 15% off your order.

Maintain your chic style on the move with the Canvelle Fanny Pack, combining fashion with function.

Photo via Canvelle

Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag

Are you new to the Public Rec brand ? The Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag is my favorite minimal and slim crossbody and waist bag that I cover in my Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag review .

What I like about this belt bag is that it’s sleek and has lots of pockets. It’s also expandable. I like the shiny silver buckle that gives it a bit of pizzazz. I use this belt bag as my day-to-day bag for when I leave the house and all I need are my phone, wallet and keys, in a simple bag that I can throw into another larger tote or purse.

In its fanny pack form, the Public Rec belt bag was a great thing to bring as a waist pack on my and Dan’s trip to the Berkshires . I liked that I could easily and quickly convert it from a waist bag to a cross-body belt bag, whether we were hiking, shopping, walking or getting out of the car quickly at a rest stop during our road trip.

Stay organized on the go with the Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag, a sleek and practical accessory.

Photo via Public Rec

Moment Fanny Sling & Mini Fanny Sling

I like the down-to-earth and timeless look of these “fanny slings” from Moment. Coming in both 2-liter and 1-liter varieties, you can choose either, depending on how much you think you need to carry (or how big you like your sling bags to be). I liked trying out the Moment sling because I wanted to see how the materials felt, and they’re very lightweight with a very satisfying zipper.

The 2L Moment Fanny Sling can be worn on either your shoulder or your hips like a hip pack, and it’s a great size overall. It can fit a small camera, or even a windbreaker, if folded up. It’s got a soft inner lining to keep everything safe, and rainstorm-proof construction. I liked checking out all the cool photo-savvy details like a little cleaning cloth on an elastic.

Then, even smaller, is the cute 1L Mini Fanny Sling . It’s similar to its 2L big sibling, but even lower-profile and could be hid under your shirt or jacket if you’re in a scenario in which you want to hide your valuables (La Rambla in Barcelona , perhaps?). It still fits compact cameras and large phones, and is completely vegan, with no leather composition. I listed it as one of the best accessories for backpackers .

If you like Moment, and you’re hunting for a new backpack as well, I recommend checking out our Moment Everything Backpack review .

Moment Fanny Sling

Embrace the convenience of the Moment Fanny Sling, a minimalist and functional solution for on-the-go storage.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa

Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a company that makes camping backpacks, tents, camping sleep systems, apparel and outdoorsy accessories, so they know what’s up when it comes to adventure gear. Their Versa waist pack was designed to be a timeless type of fanny pack with ultimate versatility. This one’s a bit wide, so note the size: it measures 6 inches by 9 inches, but weighs in at only 5 ounces (wow?!).

When I’m wearing it, it’s hard to even tell I have it around my waist. It’s that level of weightless.

So, it’s a super lightweight option for a travel waist bag and it has a waterproof construction meant to get you through hikes and any type of weather while on the road. That’s why I tried it out on a rainy day near home! What I like is the paper-like material with the crinkle effect that it’s made of. It kind of made me say, “Oh wow, I didn’t expect it to feel like this!”

Standout features include a back slide-in phone pocket, front zipper pocket and space enough to even potentially fit a small water bottle. I also like the double zippers in the main pocket, and the petite buckle and thin strap. I prefer to wear this one as a fanny pack rather than a sling bag.

See why this ultra-lightweight waist bag is awesome for travel.

Kibou Vegan Leather Bag

Attention traveling moms (and dads): if you haven’t heard of the Kibou fanny pack sling bag, allow me to introduce it to you.

For a limited time: Join the list for 15% off your first order + get free shipping on orders $75+!

Shop the deal

Kibou was started by two cool moms who invented the first-ever diaper bag fanny pack, which is an incredible little belt bag to have on travel days, road trips and while changing a diaper on a plane . It’s a perfect little bag with a great design, and comes in a Mini version made of nylon , too.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a Kibou vegan leather crossbody pack to see what it was all about. Basically, it’s a place to put all your baby and child essentials, with bonus compartments of a waterproof zippered wipes sleeve and a fold-out changing pad that stashes into the backside.

The design is minimal, and the colors are bold and classy, like Blush, Olive, Charcoal, Smoky Indigo, Midnight and Jade. In the main compartment, I can fit sunglasses, my phone, a few diapers, a pacifier, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, keys, a slim wallet and a snack bar.

I’m looking forward to using my Kibou as a travel day fanny pack that I can go into a rest area with when we’re traveling with our baby , rather than my entire Deuter Up Seoul daypack that I use as a diaper bag right now. Check out the review of the Kibou that I posted, with even more photos.

Embrace style with the Kibou Vegan Leather Bag, a chic choice for the traveling parent.

Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag

How adorable is Quince’s new neoprene belt bag? I tried out this waist bag and styled it both as a crossbody belt bag, as well as a snug hip pack around my middle. I have to say, it looks absolutely fantastic.

What I like, personally, about this travel fanny pack is that it’s lightweight, bold and comfortable. It’s fully adjustable, going from snug belt bag across my torso to a fanny pack on my waist or hips. There’s a zippered front pocket and a zippered main compartment that has a flap to protect your stuff from rain or elements.

Is it sustainable? It’s made from 100% recycled nylon, and recycled water-resistant neoprene materials. And price-wise, this belt bag is priced competitively for what it is. At under $40, it’s almost a no-brainer when compared to more expensive options for a travel fanny pack that hold the same amount of stuff in 1 liter of volume.

I like this travel belt bag from Quince and I think it’s going to be an essential part of future day trips and excursions.

Quince Neoprene Belt Bag

This cute waist bag and adjustable belt bag is minimal, cute and functional with its bold zippers and recycled materials.

Nike Elemental Premium 8L

This belt bag is the biggest one by volume in my list, and it’s big ! It’s also very affordable and often goes on sale (thanks, Nike!). As a highlight, it’s made from sustainable materials (recycled polyester fibers) and it’s sleek, modern and sporty.

If you’re on an active trip, or if you plan to be between hiking, activities and the hotel pool, I recommend the versatility of this bag.

The bag has a large double zipper compartment, front zipper pocket and two mesh inner pockets (with zippers). Honestly, this belt bag is so big that you could fit a sports water bottle, an extra shirt and maybe even a hiking shoe (just kidding).

It’s lightweight and comes in neutral colors, so it’s easily sharable with a sibling, friend or partner if you’re traveling together!

As a short disclaimer, Nike gave me this product to try, and the opinions above are completely my own.

Nike Elemental Premium 8L Belt Bag

Gender-neutral and full of zippers, this sporty belt bag is spacious and sustainable.

Lux & Nyx Origami Belt Bag

I first noticed woman- and minority-owned brand Lux & Nyx for its satiny products that have the design theme of sleek “origami.” I was curious about the brand’s functional bags that are elevated for the stylish traveling woman.

The company is an online-only seller of clutches, backpacks, handbags, crossbody bags and weekenders. Lux & Nyx aims to “keep the woman holding them confident and clutter-free.” I think the Lux & Nyx products work well for business travel, or for when you have semi-formal and formal (weddings!) occasions during a trip.

I tested the signature Origami Belt Bag , which looks cute as both a waist pack and crossbody sling. It’s refined, with a “victory sleeve” and interior zipper pocket hidden into the inner fabric. That’s a travel-forward feature that keeps things safe while in transit.

Inside, it has a D-ring for keys, and credit card slots, with a mesh pocket. I like the smooth adjustable strap, and the interesting magnetic buckle that I haven’t seen in other belt bags of this type. Some highlights are the upcycled leather trims, water-resistant interior and bold color choices like Crimson and Cardinal Red , which will add a pop of color to any outfit during travel.

A sleek and satiny belt bag with a hidden zipper pocket in origami-style design.

SPI Crossbody Pouch

The new SPI Crossbody Pouch came to me first as a cross-body tiny sling bag, and then I found out that it could double as a tiny waist bag.

SPI is a running company, and all their products are made for the outdoors and for convenience during workouts on the go . Last year though, when I got to try the SPI Crossbody Pouch for the first time, I started using it as a convenient sling pouch I could throw on as I was walking out the door to grab mail, take a walk around the block or go grab coffee.

I also used it as my #1 go-to pouch while going out bike riding, because I could have my phone and keys safely in there.

As a bonus, and according to the product page on the SPI website , if you simply adjust it by double-wrapping it around your waist at the right length, it becomes a waist pack for running! Try that during your next trip when you want to work out during travels .

Stay organized on the go with the SPI Crossbody Pouch, a compact and savvy solution for carrying your essentials.

Kibou Mini Vegan Leather Fanny Pack

This mini fanny pack and belt bag ) from Kibou is such a cutie. Coming from one of my favorite brands ( Kibou ), the mini version of the original fanny pack is a compact “fit only what you need” waist pack that can be worn several ways.

Among its cool features are the inner elastic pouch for protecting your phone’s screen, a key hook to keep keys in place, a waterproof “wet pocket” to hold wet wipes or sanitizing wipes and stain-resistant nylon lining. The nice exterior is vegan leather made from recycled textiles. It’s perfect for traveling parents who want to branch out from the full-size Kibou fanny .

Not a fan of vegan leather? Try the Kibou Mini in black nylon , a please-all color and style.

This perfectly-sized mini fanny pack can be worn as a belt bag, and comes in both vegan leather and nylon.

WANDRD All-New D1 Fanny Pack

The WANDRD D1 Fanny Pack is a modern and bold fanny pack that makes all other fanny packs look old-fashioned. Like the others we’ve mentioned, it can be worn cross-body, or at the hip like a hip pack.

I think one of the best features is the waterproof YKK zippers, along with the magnetic buckle that’s just a step above the competition.

You can fit a lot in this hip pack, which is meant to please anyone into photography. You’ll be able to fit a compact camera in here, along with your phone, wallet and keys (the big “don’t-leave-home-without-these” trifecta).

WANDRD D1 Fanny Pack

Experience hands-free convenience with the WANDRD D1 Fanny Pack, built for the essentials.

Vessi Shoreline Belt Bag

If you’ve seen our Vessi waterproof shoes review , you may have seen how this company has made revolutionary all-weather gear that’s great for travel to rainy destinations. If you plan to be on a trip that involves potentially stormy weather, waterfalls or other opportunities to get soaked, consider a waterproof belt bag.

Vessi’s Shoreline Belt Bag is a travel waist pack that also converts into a crossbody bag. It has a key loop, pockets and an adjustable strap. It’s a simple product, but made from Vessi’s epic waterproof tech fabric. I tried it out in a rainstorm and everything stayed dry!

A waterproof belt bag made from incredible all-weather fabric.

Tortuga Travel Sling

The Tortuga Travel Sling comes from the Tortuga Backpacks family of products and you may know some of their bags from my Tortuga Laptop Backpack review . This adjustable sling bag can be worn “however you want,” from a tight belt bag across your chest to a waist bag or hip pack on travel days.

It’s versatile, just like all of Tortuga’s products. It’s not surprising that the quality is outstanding. With a 2.5-liter capacity and a weight of only 0.5 lbs when empty, it has cool build features like a magnetic buckle, YKK zipper hardware and weather-resistant waterproof fabric. All of these come in handy if you’re caught in a storm while sightseeing.

True to what I like about Tortuga’s backpacks, the interior is smart: it has mesh organization pockets, a key ring and an interior zipper mesh pocket for my coins, cards and packets of sanitizing wipes for on the go.

You can get $20 off when you purchase it with a Tortuga travel backpack .

Tortuga Travel Sling Bag

A smart and strong belt bag for travel with mesh pockets, strong zippers and versatile ways to wear.

TOPO Designs Mountain Waist Pack

We’ve liked TOPO Designs products, and the Mountain Waist Pack is a 2L outdoorsy bum bag for travelers.

TOPO Designs calls it the ideal adventure companion, to wear any way you want: over the shoulder or at your waist. This is a great hip bag for hiking and biking, with its big YKK zipper pulls and lightweight recycled nylon build.

Get outdoorsy with the TOPO Designs Mountain Waist Pack, a perfect carry-all hip bag.

Tom Bihn Side Effect Bag

I wouldn’t necessarily call this a fanny pack, but it does have the same effect. If you’re looking for a small bag to take with you while you travel, and want something that will absolutely last forever, check out the Side Effect from Tom Bihn.

I like this option because Tom Bihn products truly do last forever. The minute you feel the material, you’ll know that it’s superior quality and won’t break down over time. We wrote all about Tom Bihn and what to know before you buy, in this brand guide .

As a functional bag, though, I think the Side Effect Bag great. You can use this as your small travel companion, to hold your passport, phone, charger, headphones and a book.

You can use this as a travel organizer and purpose this bag for some of your small camera equipment. You can use this as a craft bag, reading bag, really anything that you can imagine, and it easily becomes a petite cross-body purse too!

Embrace minimalism with the Tom Bihn Side Effect Bag, a versatile, compact accessory for your essentials.

REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack

The waist pack from REI won’t win any high fashion awards, but it will be highly functional and act as a great little travel tool for you.

The body and lining of this waist pack are made from recycled material, and the outside is water-repellent. If you get caught in bad weather while traveling, you will be covered, and the things that you need available at a moment’s notice won’t get soaked!

I like this option for a travel waist pack because it has a secret stash pocket in which you can keep your “super valuable items,” like cash, keys or passport.

Stash your essentials close with the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack, a hands-free travel solution.

Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack

Patagonia’s products always feel fun and fresh, even with their slight throwback designs that remind me a little bit of the 90s. The Mini Hip Pack is an ultralight fanny pack bag for travel that clocks in at 1 liter of volume! Does it remind you of a mini version of Dan’s Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ?

It’s not a big fanny pack at all, so it looks good on women, especially anyone who is petite. Much like the other hip packs and waist bags in this list, it easily extends with its adjustable strap and turns into a cross-body sling bag, just like that!

Other cool call-out features are that it is one-size-fits-all, and is crafted with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing.

Compact and versatile, the Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is perfect for your essentials on the go.

Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack

Leave it to Cotopaxi to make a cool hip pack type of fanny pack for the modern and rugged traveler. Of course, the Coso 2L Hip Pack - Cada Día comes in funky color combinations that will turn heads.

This waist bag also converts into a cross-body sling, and is great for both men and women. You could even use one among the entire family (or share it with a friend).

This hip pack has multiple grab handles, a back zippered pocket for security, and an interior fleece-lined pocket for a phone. Check out the innovative design at the Coso 2L product page .

Keep your essentials close with the Coso 2L Hip Pack, perfect for hands-free convenience.

Osprey Daylite Waist Pack

This waist pack from Osprey is for the hiker and adventurer. If you’re familiar with the Osprey brand, you may know we also recommend their backpacking backpacks in our list of the best travel backpacks for women !

This waist bag is not a fashion statement, but it will certainly be your chosen hip pack for hiking, backpacking and long-term travel. It also comes at an affordable price point for the budget-minded backpacker.

Osprey Daylite Hip Pack

Perfect for quick outings or festivals, the Daylite Waist Pack offers compact storage for your essentials without sacrificing style.

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

JanSport has never been the fashion-forward style choice for travelers, but (!) JanSport is a brand that has stood the test of time and is trusted by anyone into a quality backpack or waistpack.

The JanSport fanny pack is lightweight and spacious, and converts to an over-the-shoulder cross-body belt bag, too. It’s ideal for camping and hiking, but could be your sling bag companion on your next city trip, too.

Carry your essentials in style with the JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack, combining classic design and practicality.

Kånken Hip Pack

As you could’ve guessed, the Kånken Hip Pack from Fjallraven is pretty adorable! Just like the backpacks from Fjallraven, this waist pack comes in more colors than you could dream of. One of the benefits of buying from this brand is that Fjallraven offers lifetime repairs!

This hip pack is unisex, so don’t be surprised if someone else in your hiking group asks to borrow it! At its petite size, it’s only 135 g (0.29 lb) before you put anything in it, and it’ll fit your essentials.

The Kånken Hip Pack provides stylish, compact storage for your essentials, a perfect companion for city exploration or outdoor adventures.

Herschel Settlement Hip Pack

Herschel has made an on-trend hip pack that’ll serve as a cool and timeless fanny pack for travelers. The Settlement Hip Pack is specifically designed to fit your essentials (phone-wallet-keys). It comes in a very nice assortment of colors that’ll stand the test of time, like Ash Rose and Ivy Green.

I like that this one also converts to a cross-body sling pack. If you’re itching to see the other fanny packs that Herschel makes, check out the Settlement Hip Pack Quilted version , which is like “carrying your essentials on a cloud.”

Compact yet spacious, the Herschel Settlement Hip Pack provides on-the-go storage without weighing you down.

Everlane Renew Transit Fanny Pack

I really like look of this minimalist and modern fanny pack from Everlane, which they call The Renew Transit Fanny Pack . It has a wide build, so it’s not a snug and compact waist bag like some of the others in this list. It won’t be going out of style anytime soon.

Fun fact: this product is made from recycled bottles! It also comes in fresh colors, and you can definitely wear it in a waist pack fashion or a cross-body sling style.

Get the Everlane Renew Transit Fanny Pack, a stylish and minimal belt bag for travel.

LeSportSac Everyday Belt Bag

I have worn my LeSportSac fanny pack all over the world! I got it in 2019 and it has come with me on all my trips since then. What I like about it is that it has two separate pockets, has a thick adjustable strap and that it is super lightweight.

It’s a classic style from LeSportSac, which is a classic brand. When I’m not wearing this belt bag, I just empty it and toss it in my backpack or other bag that’s with me on a trip.

I’ve even tried maxing out the adjustment of the strap to make it into a cross-body sling bag while biking in NYC.

Check out these photos of how I used this fanny pack during my trips to both Antigua, Guatemala and Merida, Mexico .

Keep your essentials close with the LeSportSac Everyday Belt Bag, a stylish and convenient solution for on-the-go storage.

Why should you trust me?

I’ve personally tested a large number of the fanny packs and belt bags you see here, and I’ve tested them during my travels, both at home and abroad!

I’ve been traveling for years, for all sorts of purposes, from backpacking Southeast Asia in my 20s to traveling for business in my 30s. Having a trusty and convenient pack around my waist is crucial, whether I’m traveling on a babymoon with Dan or flying for a one-day business trip .

I’ve looked for belt bags and waist packs that have great features like expandability, pockets, great styles, sustainable factors and affordable prices. I hope you trust my choices on this list so that you find the travel bag that is right for your next trip!

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The Best Fanny Packs

Once the (ahem) butt of many jokes, fanny packs—also known as hip packs, sling bags, crossbody bags, or bum bags—have made a major comeback in recent years. They’re now a fully accepted and celebrated wardrobe staple, and with good reason: These compact, hands-free bags are pretty darn useful. Plus, they’re cute. We researched 47 bags and tested 22, ultimately landing on five favorites that suit a wide variety of tastes and situations.

The research

A stylish and roomy fanny pack: dagne dover ace fanny pack, a cheap and cute fanny pack: jansport fifth avenue fanny pack, a petite, outdoorsy fanny pack: patagonia ultralight black hole mini hip pack 1l, a fanny pack for cyclists (and minimalists): road runner bags lil guy fanny pack, a spacious fanny pack: herschel seventeen hip pack, how we picked and tested, the competition.

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

Roomy and style-forward.

This spacious neoprene pack is a true blend of fashion and function—you can stash plenty of stuff in it (a large wallet, makeup kit, phone) and still have room to spare. But its puffy shape isn’t for everyone.

Buying Options

The Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack is just right for people who want an accessory that’s as much a fashion flex as it is a useful carry pack. We were won over by its charming, bulbous style—though it’s not everyone’s taste—and roominess. It’s the priciest fanny pack of any of our picks, but—for less than $100—it’s a decent value, especially compared with the price of traditional handbags.

It’s as stylish as it is practical. “It’s kind of cartoony, in a fun way,” said staff writer Dorie Chevlen of the fanny pack’s distinctive, padded look. The neoprene (think: wetsuit) material helps prevent any water from getting inside and adds to the pack’s snazzy, modern vibe.

It has oversize hardware. The Dagne Dover fanny pack has a chunky, large-tooth zipper that runs across the top. It can be visually jarring at first, but it keeps the bag secure and works without much fuss. The buckle on the Dagne Dover fanny pack is also oversize, which is an odd choice in terms of form and function; it’s distractingly large and a bit clunky to operate, though it does emit a satisfying click when fastened.

It’s spacious. Without looking or feeling overly big or bulky, the Dagne Dover fanny pack has enough storage to carry a big phone, an overstuffed wallet, a travel pack of tissues, and even a spare sippy cup for the little one. (Note: This pack is wider at the top and tapers towards the bottom.) Plus, it has a few extras to help keep your belongings organized: a cardholder-size pocket up front, a slot to hold a pen inside, and a handy little clip for house keys.

It’s comfy to carry. The Dagne Dover fanny pack is sturdy and well constructed; it doesn’t start bulging when it’s stuffed full, and it keeps its contents nicely cushioned and protected. The strap is unusually thick for a fanny pack, which our panel of testers liked—they said it felt more pleasant and secure. The bag rests comfortably on your waist when you’re standing and moves a little higher when you sit, but it doesn’t shift enough to be painful or ill fitting. The strap isn’t as long as some of our other picks, such as the Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack, but it still fits a wide range of waist and chest sizes.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• It’s the priciest fanny pack of our picks.
• The cartoonish design can be polarizing.
• The buckle on the strap is overly large and bold, making it distracting and hard to operate.
• Warranty: one-year limited warranty
• Dimensions and capacity: 9.25 by 2.75 by 5.5 inches; around 2.3 liters
• Strap length: 29 to 48 inches long
• Weight: 8.3 ounces
• Colors: around seven, change seasonally

JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack

Cheap, good-looking, and reliable.

For people who are curious about fanny packs or don’t want to spend a lot, this is a great starter bag. It’s sturdy, well sized, and comes in plenty of colors and patterns—but the main compartment lacks organization.

Commuter on a budget? Just looking to dip your toe into the world of fanny packs? Both are solid reasons to consider the JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack . But this midsize polyester bag could be for anyone, really, who doesn’t want to sacrifice quality for price: It’s a simple, functional, and well-constructed pack.

It’s a nice in-between size. With its 2.5-liter capacity, the JanSport fanny pack falls in the middle of the range, dimensions-wise, among our picks. It’s smaller than the Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Fanny Pack and Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack, similar in size to the (shorter but fatter) Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack, and larger than the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L. The main compartment of the bag lacks any internal pockets or organization, which is a bummer. The outside pocket is unusually large; it can accommodate a small notebook, a phone, and other loose items like pens and lip balm.

It’s well made. In our testing, the JanSport fanny pack’s sturdy polyester fabric was able to easily fend off water, even after 10 seconds under a running faucet. The pack’s strap is sturdy and stays put even when it’s carrying a heavy load. We also liked that the strap is highly adjustable—from 14 to 51 inches long—enabling this pack to fit a wide range of body types. (A fabric ring helps keep any excess strap material from flapping about.) But the strap is a bit on the narrow side, and it dug into the waists of some of our panelists.

It’s wearable. Our panelists appreciated the JanSport fanny pack’s mixture of simplicity and style. This is a pack that can be easily thrown on with all kinds of casual outfits—it blends in with an outfit rather than upstaging it. And it comes in over a dozen colors and prints to suit a wide range of tastes.

• We’d prefer if this bag had some internal organization in its main compartment.
• The strap is a bit too narrow and dug into the waists of some of our panelists.
• Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
• Dimensions and capacity: 6 by 12.5 by 4 inches; 2.5 liters
• Strap length: 14 to 51 inches long
• Weight: 4 ounces
• Colors: over a dozen colors and prints

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L

Lightweight and adventure-ready.

This light, nylon pack is great for shorter hikes or tossing into your vacation suitcase, since it takes up barely any space. But it doesn’t have room to hold all that much.

For active types in search of a lightweight, compact pack to bring along on hikes, dog walks, or bike rides, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L —made from recycled ripstop nylon—fits the bill. It’s also well suited for travelers, since it packs down to practically nothing and leaves your hands unencumbered while sightseeing. Wherever you find yourself, the Patagonia Ultralight is a pleasure to wear: It has a soft, padded back that makes it feel cozy around the waist, and the pack sits comfortably against your body.

It’s made to withstand the elements. The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L is a slight redesign of one of the original picks in this guide, the Patagonia Lightweight Travel Mini Hip Pack. Unlike the previous model, this newer one is, per Patagonia, “highly water resistant,” and its body fabric, lining, and webbing are made of recycled materials. (We have not retested this pack since the redesign.)

It’s pint size. The Patagonia fanny pack is the smallest pack we recommend, with a capacity of just 1 liter. The main compartment has room for a smartphone and a few additional items, like a bottle of sunscreen or a small makeup kit; it doesn’t have organization, but given the capacity, you won’t have many contents to organize anyway. This pack has a front pocket with a key clip that can house a few more small items. Our panelists gave this pack the thumbs-up for dog walks or short bike rides, but you’ll probably need something larger for more serious treks. This pack also has the shortest strap of any of our picks (by far), with a maximum length of 36 inches, so it may not fit people with larger waists—a complaint that users mention multiple times over on the Patagonia website.

It’s packable. This oval-shape Patagonia fanny pack can be folded up into its own front pocket and easily tossed into a suitcase for getaways. But if you’re planning to use this as your primary day bag once you reach your destination, just keep in mind the limited capacity—beyond the essentials, you won’t have much room for toting things like guidebooks and souvenirs.

• This pack’s petite size allows room for only the true essentials.
• The unusually short strap (with a 36-inch maximum length) may not fit many people’s waists.
• The strap of this pack must be adjusted from both sides (unlike with most other packs), which is a nuisance.
• Warranty: Patagonia gear is covered by an open-ended guarantee that covers defects, returns (for any reason) and repairs; damage caused by usual wear and tear is subject to a repair charge
• Dimensions and capacity: 4.75 by 8 by 2 inches; 1 liter
• Strap length: 8 to 36 inches long
• Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Colors: seven, including color block and solid

Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Fanny Pack

Utilitarian bike bag.

Though this roomy nylon pack is designed for urban cyclists—it even has a U-lock holster—its minimalist style appeals beyond the biking demo. But some may find it too no-frills for everyday use.

Don’t let the name fool you: The Road Runner Bags Lil Guy Fanny Pack is a surprisingly roomy—if decidedly no-frills—nylon fanny pack. And since it was originally designed with city cyclists in mind, it’s extremely durable, as well.

It’s built tough. The Road Runner Bags fanny pack is made from 1,000-denier Cordura fabric, which is scuff resistant and water resistant; in our tests, no water leaked in. Its zipper is covered by a layer of waterproof fabric to prevent moisture from seeping in through the crevices; the extra material did not get in the way of operating the zipper. This is a pack that was made to last, which is only appropriate, given its eye-raising price tag.

It packs a lot in. In terms of its specs, the Road Runner Bags fanny pack isn’t all that big: 10 by 5 by 2 inches, with a capacity of 1.6 liters. But because of its rectangular shape, thin material, and basic main compartment, which has just one internal flap pocket, it can hold about the same amount of stuff as the physically larger and trapezoidal Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack (13 by 6.5 by 3.5 inches). During testing, the Road Runner Bags fanny pack had enough space for a small paperback, a wallet, a smartphone, keys, and a snack-size bag of chips. Some testers found it bulky to wear, especially when seated. And since the heavy-duty Cordura material isn’t very pliable, it can feel uncomfortable when the pack is full.

It has some cyclist-centric features. The exterior of the Road Runner Bags fanny pack is wrapped in a strap of nylon webbing, which has four MOLLE (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) loops built into the webbing for attaching things such as key rings, carabiner clips, or lights. On the back of the pack, you’ll find a 5-inch-wide U-lock holster that holds most bike locks, including Wirecutter’s top pick, the Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 .

• For such a simple bag, the price is surprisingly steep.
• We wish the main compartment, which has a solitary internal pocket, had more dividers.
• Some testers found the pack bulky to wear, especially when seated.
• The bag’s Cordura material can feel stiff and uncomfortable when full.
• The waist strap requires adjusting on both sides, like a backpack, which can be bothersome.
• Warranty: “ 30 days to life warranty ,” meaning that 30 days after purchase, the customer is responsible for shipping costs and some repair fees
• Dimensions and capacity: 10 by 5 by 2 inches; 1.6 liters
• Strap length: 33 to 47 inches long
• Colors: seven

Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack

Big and durable.

This polyester pack is the same size as a standard purse or tote, and it allows you to go hands free. But its large capacity means it can get uncomfortable when fully loaded.

Understandably, not everyone is willing to make the transition from a regular handbag to a fanny pack if it means leaving some of their beloved gear behind in the process. (Hello, all five lip balms!) But with the Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack , you don’t need to make that sacrifice: At 3.5 liters, it’s the roomiest of any of our picks. It also has the longest, most accommodating strap—it can be adjusted from 21 to 52 inches long—so it fits a wider range of waist and chest sizes than our other picks.

It lives large. This is the bag to get if you don’t travel light. “I could easily leave another bag at home in some scenarios and pack everything in it,” said Makula Dunbar, associate manager of commerce partnerships. The main compartment fits a small paperback, a clutch wallet, a smartphone, a phone charger, and car keys. This model also has a front zip pocket (with a key hook) that’s large enough for a smartphone, travel tissues, a work badge, and a pack of gum. But that spaciousness can be a blessing and a curse: When it’s full of gear, the Herschel fanny pack feels heavy if carried centered at the waist; sliding the bag around to the hip helps ease the load.

It’s durable. This Herschel fanny pack is made of thick, scuff-resistant 600-denier polyester. The buckle on the waist strap is sturdy and unusually large; people with limited hand strength may need two hands to unbuckle it. The front pocket’s zipper teeth are cloaked in a waterproof seam, which keeps spills or a surprise rainstorm from damaging the contents within (and also, annoyingly, makes the pack harder to open and close). Water didn’t penetrate the bag during our tests, although it did take hours for the exterior fabric to dry.

Note: A fully weather-resistant version of this bag is also available, which we have not tested. It has a matte, weatherproof coating and only one main zippered compartment. But at 1.8 liters, it’s quite a bit smaller than the standard 3.5 liter Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack.

It doesn’t try too hard. The Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack gives off classic (if basic) fanny pack vibes. “It’s not particularly cute, but it’s somehow lovable in its unabashed dorkiness,” said staff writer Dorie Chevlen. It’s structured and trapezoidal; some fanny packs are oblong-shaped and can press against your midsection, like the Tinyat Small Fanny Pack, featured in the Competition section.

• The waterproof material around the front-pocket zipper teeth makes this pack harder to open and close than most bags we tested.
• The buckle on the strap is large, and people with limited hand strength may need two hands to unbuckle it.
• When it’s packed full of gear, the Herschel fanny pack feels heavy to carry centrally at the waist. (Shift the bag around to your hip to ease the burden.)
• Dimensions and capacity: 6.5 by 13 by 3.5 inches; 3.5 liters
• Strap length: 21 to 52 inches long
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Colors: over 30 colors and prints

We started out with a list of 47 fanny packs in a variety of sizes and designs. By narrowing in on the key criteria of aesthetics, strap length and adjustability, and price, we were able to whittle that list down to 22 models for in-person testing. The finalists were broken down by small, medium, large, budget, and leather.

We checked each pack for defects and evaluated the quality of the buckles, seams, and zippers. Then we supplied a testing panel with items such as a wallet, keys, tampons, lotion, a smartphone, lip balm, and wet wipes, and we filled each fanny pack with our essential gear to assess the storage capacity. With the bags loaded up, we paid attention to how comfortable they were to wear at the waist and across the shoulder, and how secure the buckles and straps were while worn.

We also ran the bags under a kitchen faucet to test their water resistance.

Finally, we had 10 Wirecutter staffers, with heights ranging from 5-foot-2 to 6-foot-2 and weights ranging from 105 to 200 pounds (and with differing preferences for wearing the packs crossbody or around the waist), take the packs home for continued testing. They used them for daily commutes and weekend excursions, then shared their feedback on the bags’ overall fit, quality, and style.

We tried the small Fila Fanny Pack , the Herschel Fifteen Hip Pack , and the KAVU Spectator , but they weren’t as stylish and comfortable as our picks. The Tom Bihn Side Effect has a detachable strap; unfortunately, that strap detached itself constantly.

The medium Adidas Originals National Waist Pack didn’t expand, and the Big Bud Press Fanny Pack had a wonky strap. The Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L was the largest pack we tested, and it was too big to feel comfortable.

We tested multiple budget packs, including the  Everest Signature Waist Pack , the  Tinyat Small Fanny Pack , the  Waterfly Fanny Pack With One Water Bottle Holder , and the  Waterfly Lightweight Water-Resistant Fanny Pack 1L . None of them matched our low-cost  JanSport pick’s style and utility.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guides

Jordan McMahon

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

Further reading

Why I Love My Fanny Packs

by Judith Newman

A fanny pack isn’t just an accessory. It’s a state of mind. Author, journalist, and fanny pack aficionado Judith Newman explains why.

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Clothing Picks of 2023

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These stylish items were some of Wirecutter’s most-loved clothing and accessory picks in 2023.

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Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

Wirecutter’s Most Popular Clothing and Accessories Picks of 2022

These shoes, shirts, and accessories were the most-purchased Wirecutter clothing picks in 2022.

The Best Fanny Packs of 2024

Call them what you will — waist packs, hip packs, lumbar bags. In our opinion, they're all fanny packs, and we've narrowed down the best of the year.

All the rage in the ’90s and the topic of much ridicule in the decades since, hip/waist/fanny packs are almost certainly here to stay . Heck, more than that — they’re making a strong comeback. From fishing to trail running and travel to bike commuting, fanny packs prove endlessly versatile and useful.

Our expert gear testers have been reviewing fanny packs since 2021, carefully researching dozens of models before choosing 20 of the best on the market to put to the test. Five new fanny packs have been added to the lineup for 2024, and each 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 a technical pack to fit all the essentials on your next hike, or you’re looking for a more basic model to tote around town, our selection covers it all. And 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 for comparing bags and an FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Fanny Packs guide on March 13, 2024, to add a new selection of bum bags, including the versatile REI Co-op Trail 2, the trail-run-ready Black Diamond Pursuit 6, and the do-it-all Gregory Nano Waist Pack.

• Best Overall Fanny Pack: REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack
• Best Budget Fanny Pack: Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack
• Best Running Fanny Pack: Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack
• Best Everyday Lightweight Fanny Pack: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
• Best Backpacking Fanny Pack: Thrupack Summit Bum Classic
• Best Around-Town Fanny Pack: BAGGU Fanny Pack
• Best Mountain Biking Fanny Pack: EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L

REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack

• Capacity 2 L
• Dimensions 11.5” x 5” x 2”
• Weight 4.3 oz.
• Number of pockets Two plus main compartment

• Made from recycled materials with a DWR finish
• Back stash pocket for valuables
• Simple and versatile for town-to-trail
• DWR coating but no waterproof zippers
• On the small side

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 felt too heavy. Additionally, the Trail 2 lays flat and 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. The back pocket on this waist pack has a zipper and is quite spacious, increasing the appeal of the pack. 

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.

Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack

• Capacity 2.5 L
• Dimensions 6” x 12.5” x 4”
• Weight 4 oz.
• Number of pockets One main zippered, one front

• Lightweight
• Comes in many different colors and patterns
• No inner security pocket
• No breathable mesh back

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.

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

There are some features on our top-rated fanny packs that are lacking in this simple bag. Our lead tester tends to prefer fanny packs to have a security pocket, which is a small interior pocket where your valuables are more 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.

Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack

• Capacity 0.25 L
• Dimensions 12" x 6" x 5"
• Weight 6 oz.
• Number of pockets One zippered stretch, one water bottle

• Minimalist running pack for water and essentials
• Comfortable and ergonomic fit with minimal bounce
• Includes a water flask
• Angled bottle holder allows for one-handed access
• Very small capacity
• No pocket for storing a jacket
• Expect some bounce while running
• Specialized, sporty look

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.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack

• Capacity 1 L
• Dimensions 8" x 4.75" x 2"
• Weight 3.5 oz.
• Number of pockets Two zippered

• New version is made from all recycled materials
• Can stuff into its own pocket making
• Made of 70-denier, 100% recycled ripstop nylon for durability and weather resistance
• Minimal capacity

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 be able to 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 that is made of weather-resistant nylon, and 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.

Thrupack Summit Bum Classic

• Dimensions 9" x 5" x 3"
• Number of pockets One zippered, one drop-in

• Highly customizable
• Can be worn five different ways
• Made by thru-hikers, for thru-hikers
• High-quality materials
• Certain accessories sold separately
• Interior pockets are quite small
• No exterior pocket

Made specifically with the thru-hiker in mind, the Summit Bum ($50) from Norfolk, Virginia-based Thrupack is customizable and practical and made by actual long-distance thru-hikers who realized how useful fanny packs were on the trail.

Our senior editor Nick Belcaster used a Summit Bum during a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and carried snacks, his phone, and a full mirrorless camera setup in it for thousands of miles.

This fanny pack can be worn five different ways: as a standard fanny pack around the waist, through your backpack’s hip belt (best for simple webbing hip belts up to 1.5 inches wide and at least 8 inches between hip-belt padding), across your chest with its two included lightweight carabiner attachments, as a crossbody bag, and around your backpack.

With 11 different colors to choose from plus the option of purchasing a Comfy Strap , this is the most customizable fanny pack in our lineup, and its thoughtful design makes it well worth the moderate cost.

This fanny pack is minimalist, however, and doesn’t translate as well off the trail as an everyday pack. With no interior space division, this is the most minimalist fanny pack in our lineup in terms of pocket space.

If you like the organizational qualities extra pockets provide, then this might not be the choice for you. But if you’re a thru-hiker planning your next trip on the trail, the Summit Bum just might be the accessory that makes your experience that much better.

BAGGU Fanny Pack

• Capacity 1.7 L
• Dimensions 6.5" x 8" x 2"
• Weight 5.7 oz.

• Large capacity
• Simple and stylish
• Made of high-quality recycled materials
• BAGGU will send a strap extender for free
• No padding on strap

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

You might want to be careful, however, in loading it up too much. The strap has no padding on it and could become uncomfortable if walking 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.

EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L

• Capacity 3 L
• Dimensions 11" x 7.1" x 3.1"
• Weight 15.2 oz.
• Number of pockets Two zippered front, two zippered hipbelt, and two stretch mesh

• Comfortable waist wrap
• The pack stays super secure
• Tons of room for water and supplies
• Additional water bottle sleeves
• Waterproof phone pocket
• Pack runs warm
• Storage might not be enough for true all-day epics
• Spooky phone pocket placement

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, and 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.

Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack

• Capacity 6 L
• Dimensions 25” x 5.5” x 3.5”
• Weight 8 oz.
• Number of pockets 4+ main compartment

• Very comfortable, BD continuous fit harness
• Large carrying capacity
• Side pouches for water bottles
• Waterproof zipper flap can make the main zipper hard to open quickly

The Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack ($75) is another great hiking, mountain biking, and trail running technical fanny pack. 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.

Gregory Nano Waist Pack

• Capacity 3.5 L
• Dimensions 13” x 5.5” x 4”
• Weight 7.4 oz.
• Number of pockets 2+ main compartment

• Breathable back panel
• Great as a waist pack or cross body bag
• No loop to hold the long tail of the waist band
• Not waterproof

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.

Nathan Limitless 2 Liter Sling

• Weight 6.5 oz.
• Dimensions N/A
• Number of pockets 1+ main compartment

• Comes with removable 14 oz hydration flask
• Extra crossbody strap helps limit movement while running
• Hidden back panel pocket
• Awkward to wear with torso strap
• Less comfortable and convenient than a running vest
• Strap can chafe neck when worn crossbody as intended

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 oz 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 winner, the 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 isn’t our first choice when we lace up and head out the door.

Osprey Talon 6 & Tempest 6 Waistpack

• Weight 14.4 oz.
• Dimensions 10” x 8” x 6”
• Number of pockets 3+ main compartment

• Women’s and men’s versions for tailored fit
• Padded bottle sleeves
• Made with high quality materials
• Can get heavy quickly to the point where a daypack might be a better choice
• Water bottles not included

The Osprey Talon 6 and the Osprey Tempest 6 Waistpacks ($90) are the only fanny packs in our lineup that have 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.

Having a 6L capacity, it’s easy to overload this waist pack with enough 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.

Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack

• Capacity 9 L
• Dimensions 13" x 9" x 9"
• Weight 1 lb., 6 oz.
• Number of pockets One external zippered, one internal zippered

• Very large capacity can fit all your fishing essentials
• Nylon with a PU face coating and a TPU back coating makes this a durable and waterproof pack
• Exterior loops and webbing for additional gear carry space
• Large, technical fanny pack not meant for everyday wear
• Can get heavy if packed full, making it more difficult to hike with

For adventurers who seek the 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 things like phones or wallets. And it’s waterproof-rated to IPX-7, thanks to waterproof zippers and fabric.

This technical fanny pack is definitely overkill for those looking for something simple to take into the outdoors, with a high price tag to reflect that. And at 9 L, it can be easy to overpack with heavy items and make 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.

Cotopaxi Bataan

• Dimensions 11" x 5.5" x 3"
• Number of pockets One zippered

• Great carrying capacity for everyday use or for quick day hikes or dog walks
• Stylish, fun colors
• Made of repurposed nylon
• Thin webbing hipbelt
• Can’t order specific color combinations – each bag is unique

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. And the two internal mesh pockets keep small items easily accessible. And in case you hadn’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 Phillippines with control over 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.

Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack

• Capacity 9 L (Men’s), 6 L (Women’s)
• Dimensions 11.5" x 10" x 5"
• Weight 1 lb., 9 oz.
• Number of pockets Three external, two water bottle, two hipbelt

• Water bottle pockets
• Comfortable, padded back
• Front compression attachment system for stashing a jacket
• Can get heavy if packed full
• Not an everyday fanny pack

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.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Fanny Pack

• Capacity 2.25 L
• Dimensions 2.25" x 6" x 9"
• Weight 3 oz.
• Number of pockets One zippered main, one front, one back stash

• Made of waterproof, high-quality materials
• Compatible with backpack waist belts and sternum straps
• Good for backpacking or everyday wear but not enough features for a day hike
• White model gets dirty quickly

When it comes to ultralight pursuits, the Versa Fanny Pack ($79) from Hyperlite won’t weigh you down. This minimalist pack will be the perfect addition to your backpacking adventures so you can keep your essentials close.

With a wide clamshell opening, the pack can easily store and provide access to things you might need like snacks, bear spray, sunscreen, or a small GPS device. An internal mesh pocket allows you to divide your items, and a bonus front zipper pocket is great for smaller items like chapstick or keys.

A pouch on the back with side openings can be used to slip the fanny pack over your backpack’s waist strap for seamless integration. Made with waterproof Dyneema composite fabrics, this fanny will keep your things dry in an unexpected shower.

Our tester took this pack primarily out on hikes to test how well it performed. While the crinkly, stiff material of the waterproof Dyneema doesn’t stretch much to accommodate a lot of items, she liked that this limited her to only putting the things she needed to be the most accessible into the pack. 

Be forewarned, however, that the white model is prone to getting dirty. And while this might not be a problem on the trail where everything will be covered with dirt anyway, if you’re buying this pack to primarily use around town, you’ll have to clean the outside frequently as dirt becomes quickly apparent.

Minimalist enough for the trail but stylish enough for everyday use, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa is a versatile, ultralight option.

Fanny Pack Comparison Chart

How we tested fanny packs.

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 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 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.

Our testers also made sure to evaluate the materials, seams, buckles, waist belts, and zippers of each model, as well as loaded each of them up with a similar load of accessories to test their comfortability. Read on in our guide below to find out more about how each stacked up.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Perfect Fanny Pack

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.

Primary Use

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.

Fanny Pack User Profiles

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 like the Thrupack Summit Bum Classic and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa are made specifically for backpacking, and can even be integrated into a backpack’s waist belt. The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is perfect for going on a hike where you just want to carry the bare essentials, and the Black Diamond Pursuit 6 and the Osprey Talon & T empest 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. 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.

Carry Style

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 in our review, like the Thrupack Summit Bum or Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa , can be fitted onto your backpack hip belt or attached to your bike as a bike bag. 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 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. A fanny pack traditionally falls 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 BAGGU 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 Dyneema composite material of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa gives it exceptional durability, while 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.

Compartments

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 hipbelt, brought together with a single side-press buckle.

There are some fanny packs, like the larger Mountainsmith Tour , that offer slightly more padding in their straps and even include pockets that add to the overall capacity. We also especially appreciated the adjustable elastic and Velcro waist wrap of the mountain bike-specific EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L .

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.

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, like the Thrupack Summit Bum , 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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We found the best travel backpacks of 2024, including top picks from Peak Design, Osprey, Patagonia, and more.

Pro Gear Tester Mallory Paige is always up for adventure. Whether motorcycle camping across North America (with her dog in a sidecar!), paddling whitewater in a tiny packraft, or traveling in a van she’s always ready to pivot and turn a challenge into an opportunity. When not busy obsessing about gear, she can be found building an off-grid homestead in the remote mountains of Colorado.

Originally from New York, Miya graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College and quickly fled west to see what the great outdoors had to offer. What was supposed to be a summer job in Yosemite National Park turned into five years, with her ultimately becoming a rock climbing guide with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. She now works as a photographer and freelance writer and is always looking for ways to share her passion and expertise for outdoor gear through her writing.

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The 11 Very Best Fanny Packs

They can be used on date night, while hiking, or even as a hands-free diaper bag..

In this article

Best fanny pack overall.

• Best for travel
• Best for errands
• Best leather
• Best for parents
• Best for running

Whether I’m going for a walk, dancing at a festival, or meandering through the airport , I carry a fanny pack almost every day. I love how a fanny pack allows me to carry my essentials hands-free (I can fit my phone, water bottle , keys, money, and some teeny SPF into my favorite Dagne Dover fanny pack), while also keeping a close eye on them. And it’s a truly versatile accessory —  a fanny pack can be dressed up for date night, thrown on while hiking a mountain, or even used as a hands-free diaper bag.

Call it a belt bag, bum bag, or a waist pack, I’ve tested many options over the past two years. The best ones will be made of a sturdy material like polyester or neoprene, and can handle being stuffed full (and a little rain ) as you run errands. They’ll also have been designed with convenience and security in mind — I like my fanny packs with plenty of pockets and thoughtful organization, so I can keep track of my keys and money, and not have to entirely unpack the thing just to find a piece of gum .

To find the most stylish (but still functional) fanny packs, my fellow Strategist writers and I tested several on trips, walks, and hikes . I then also asked more than a dozen fashionable people, including models, photographers, stylists, for their favorite fanny packs, too. If you don’t want to scroll through all the options, you can click any of the links below to jump straight to the fanny pack that sounds right for you. And if you’re looking for something a bit larger, read my guide to weekender bags and carry-ons .

What we’re looking for

The material will help determine the functionality of your fanny pack. Water-resistant ones like nylon and polyester will ensure your things stay dry. Leather and neoprene, which can be hand-washed with light detergents, are easier to clean. I’ve noted the material of each fanny pack so you can pick the one that’s right for you.

Whether it sits above your hips or across your chest, each fanny pack has a specific way it closes. A buckle closure is typical, but a few on this list are unique in their design.

Strap length

Most fanny packs have adjustable straps to tighten or loosen them to fit your size or activity needs. But some have a limit on how long they go, so I’ve made note of that wherever I can.

Material: Neoprene | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: 36 inches

I’ve been using this fanny pack for a year — it’s become my go-to on daily walks. And while we at the Strategist love the neoprene backpacks , carry-ons , and work totes from Dagne Dover, I especially like the small details in this fanny pack. For example, the bag’s key clip. I’m known for scrambling around my bag, sure that this time I’ve lost my keys for good — only to find them wedged between my SPF and claw clip. The key clip makes my keys easy to find right inside the bum bag, which also has an equally handy back pocket for cards. I also like how it holds its shape even when I’ve stuffed it full of my essentials (it has a slightly spongy exterior, so it doesn’t look skew-whiff with a water bottle inside.)

Strategist editor Maxine Builder uses the brand’s fanny pack because its “logo is hidden on the backside, in relatively small print,” making it more discreet than her other fanny pack, the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. “It also feels a little less sporty, so it’s a nice ‘going out’ option,” she adds. It’s this versatility (it’s a day to night fanny pack) combined with the thoughtful touches, generous capacity, and squishy comfortable fit that make this my favorite fanny pack — even with its higher price point considered.

Best less-expensive fanny pack

Material: Polyester | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: 50 inches

Jansport is a reliably good brand. I used its backpacks for several years throughout college , and its fanny packs are made from the same 600-denier polyester that carted my books around school. Although it’s the cheapest bag on our list, it’s still just as durable as bags quadruple the price. And it comes in a nice range of colors and styles (including a lilac and camo). “JanSport is known for its high-quality sports bags,” agrees stylist and designer Alljahni Mack . ‘It will add a “beautiful splash of color to your outfit and is compact for an active day spent hiking or working out.” The bag also has one of the longest straps of all the fanny packs listed here, so it’s a good choice if you’re plus-size or broad-shouldered.

Best fanny pack for travel

Material: Recycled polyester | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: Not listed

I can’t get enough of Patagonia’s Black Hole range. I’ve named their duffel my favorite weekender bag for two years in a row, and their waist pack has all the features that I love in a smaller package. That is not to say, however, that the Patagonia waist pack is “small.” My first thought after receiving it is that it felt more like a sling than a fanny pack — especially on my five foot five frame. It’s both waxy and cushioned, which makes it water-resistant, but not so stiff that it doesn’t fit comfortably against the body. It also has a five-liter capacity, and an additional pocket to stow a water bottle on the side (so you don’t have to rummage through your belongings every time you want to take a sip ). There’s also two pockets, one for smaller essentials like cards and keys, and the larger back pocket. This is where Charlotte Stone keeps training treats and doggy treats in it on daily walks with her two dogs. She describes the bag as “ridiculously functional.”

Best fanny pack for errands

Material: Polyester and nylon | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: 41.7 inches

Lululemon makes some of my favorite gym bags, and like those larger bags, this belt bag maximizes function and style. There was a time it was perennially out of stock (it’s very popular with tweens), but now you can regularly get your hands on one of its 14 colorways. As well as a larger, front-facing pocket, it has a discreet back pocket which is great for storing a phone, some cash, or credit cards. Inside the main pocket there is also a mesh-pocket, so everything inside is easy to see without too much jiggling around. Builder finds the Lululemon branding on the front “a little embarrassing at times,” but it’s small enough to go unnoticed. She says that it fits all of her necessities for everyday errands, including a sunglasses case, wallet , phone, and car keys, and she can “easily sling it across my chest.” Plus, “it’s fairly sturdy” and “water-resistant,” so she can wear it in a rainstorm and not worry that anything will get soaked.

Best surprisingly roomy fanny pack

Material: Nylon | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: Choice of either 34 or 45 inches  

I was surprised by how much fits inside the Baggu fanny pack. Inside its two pockets, there’s space for a 16-ounce water bottle, a book, and your other fanny-pack essentials (think phone, keys, lip gloss). Photographer Jacq Harriet even told me that this bag can hold her chunky 35-mm. camera, and is strong enough too: It’s made from a sturdy nylon. “It holds pretty much everything, like a Mary Poppins never-ending bag,” she says. It also comes in a massive range of eighteen colors, and is definitely my favorite-looking fanny pack of any on this list. (I’ve got my eyes on the limited edition Hello Kitty pattern.)

Best leather fanny pack

Material: Leather | Closure: Belt closure | Strap length: 29–45 inches

I’ve heard lots about this fanny pack from Clare V. — two of the people I interviewed name-checked it, and model Brooklyn Decker even recommended it to us as one of the things she can’t live without. Instead of a buckle closure (like the Dagne and Dover model, for example), it closes like a belt with a simple gold buckle. It fits your phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and other little essentials like lip balm or minis. Decker got it as a gift from a friend and uses it whenever she’s running around or just soaking up the great outdoors. Iva Pawling, the co-founder and CEO of Richer Poorer, owns it in three different colors and wears it daily: “Clare’s designs are everyday gear with a hint of cool and whimsy, which make them perfect.”

Best fanny pack for parents

Material: Nylon | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: 21–34 inches

Parents, allow me to point you to this belt bag, which writer Sarah Hoover uses as a minimalist diaper bag . Hoover explains that, after her first baby, she “discovered that, for day-to-day excursions, a fanny pack is far superior to any proper diaper bag.” At first, she would carry two diapers, a Ziploc of wipes, and an extra onesie in the bag. But as her son has grown, her load has actually gotten lighter — with more space to spare for her own essentials, like a ChapStick and credit cards (which she keeps in the front pouch of the fanny pack). “Paravel’s pack, in its austerity and attention to smart design, goes well with jeans and simple dresses, but has a price that makes me not too worried if it ends up with a little baby puke on it,” Hoover says.

Best ( faux ) leather fanny pack for parents

Material: Vegan leather | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: 33–49 inches

After being sent this diaper bag –fanny pack combo by Kibou, it has become Strategist senior writer Lauren Ro’s “go-to.” While it’s technically meant to act as a compact replacement for a diaper bag — it has space for diapers, a waterproof pocket for wipes, plus a built-in changing mat in the back — she has begun using it as her everyday bag, she says. “What makes it convenient for baby use is what makes it great for everyday life: Everything you need is easily accessible, and it’s small enough to not get in the way,” she adds. Ro says she especially likes the pocket in the front with cardholders, which lets her grab her credit card without having to dig. She also likes that it’s made of easily wipeable vegan leather. “It’s just big enough to carry the absolute minimum: The main compartment fits my wallet (which is admittedly fat), phone, keys, a small bottle of hand sanitizer , lip balm, and a mask,” she says. “I take it everywhere, and it’s convenient for when I need to be hands-free, whether that’s at the grocery store, chasing my toddler around the neighborhood, or at protests.

Best fanny pack for running

Material: Neoprene | Closure: No closure | Strap length: Strap in S–XL

Most runners want a fanny pack that’s as sleek as can be. This bag from FlipBelt is just that. It’s slim, and made from a firm neoprene that sits snugly around your hips (and doesn’t move around while you’re on the go). It’s the right width to fit a phone and a few essentials, but not so bulky it’ll be an annoyance while you’re running. It can also double up as an anti-theft fanny pack, says Molly Fergus , who is the general manager of TripSavvy. “I’ve considered using this as a money belt when I’m in crowded areas. It could easily hide underneath a baggy shirt, so your passport, cash, and CDC card — perhaps the most valuable item of the three — are safely hidden,” she explains.

Best larger fanny pack for running

Material: PU-coated ripstop | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: Not listed

If you need a little bit more room, you might be better suited to this larger but still svelte sling bag from Janji. Frequent runner and Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa told me it’s the best thing he bought in the whole of 2022. It’s more convenient than a running vest, while still having enough space to store keys, a phone, and running essentials like a water bottle, a spare T-shirt, and some snacks. “One of my favorite things to do in New York is to go on a long run with friends to some food destination, eat there, and then take the train back home. This pack is perfect for those excursions.” The bag also has a hidden cross-body strap, meaning it can transform from a fanny pack to a sling worn on the back — whichever way you prefer to wear it.

Best fanny pack for festivals and raves

Material: Polyester | Closure: Buckle closure | Strap length: 54 inches

I went to three festivals last summer and a fanny pack was essential. I wanted something durable and showerproof — summertime or not, I was still in Britain. This Carhartt waist pack ticked both boxes and was roomy enough for my phone, keys, money, snacks, and a little tube of sunscreen. You can hook water bottles and a packable rain jacket onto two loops sewn onto the bag, too. It’s since seen me through several raves and events. Though you can cram a lot inside the waist pack, it’s not cumbersome on a busy dance floor and looks understated thanks to its simple slate-gray polyester shell.

Some other fanny packs we’ve written about

Our experts

• Gabby Beckford , travel writer • Maxine Builder , Strategist editor • Brooklyn Decker , actress and model • Bethany Everett-Ratcliffe, content creator of Twenty Something • Molly Fergus, general manager of TripSavvy •  Jacq Harriet , photographer • Sarah Hoover, writer and art historian • Alljahni Mack , stylist and designer • Dominique Pariso, Strategist writer • Iva Pawling, co-founder and CEO of Richer Poorer • Lauren Ro , Strategist senior writer • Jeremy Rellosa, Strategist writer • Charlotte Stone , women’s-footwear designer

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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The best bum bags for safe, accessible, hands-free travel

Embrace hands-free travel with a trusty and stylish bum bag at your side.

Originally a trend from the 1980s, this style has seen a resurgence in popularity, becoming a must-have accessory once again. Whether you want to dress up your outfit or carefully pack all your essentials, a belt bag fits your accessories and style of the day.

Love them or hate them, they’re the perfect blend of style and functionality . Which is why they’re not only aesthetic, they’re the perfect travel companion.

These summer essentials come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, so no matter your travel style, why not give this trend a spin on your next holiday?

Read more: Our favourite backpacks for women

The best travel bum bags

Hallmarks of the trend

Sometimes called a belt bag, it’s a small, compact bag designed to be worn around the waist or over your shoulder. They’re typically smaller than a backpack, less fuss than a handbag and are a style sported by men and women. Making it easy to grab your phone, hand sanitiser or headphones, it lets you switch up your look when you’re on the go.

The best belt bags for women

Here's our pick of the hottest waist bags for women. From designer pieces to everyday basics, there's something for everyone.

This extendable white holdall

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

According to Lululemon, this best-seller is specially crafted for on-the-go wear. Designed to hug your body just right, it now has a new adjustable belt strap for extra comfort and breathability. The crisp white opal colourway makes it the perfect travel companion for every season.

This classic designer waist bag

Gucci Interlocking G Belt Bag

A brand that needs no introduction, Gucci is renowned for its premium and high-quality craftsmanship. Featuring the iconic double G logo and beige supreme canvas, Gucci’s latest accessory exudes a look of luxury. Stay stylish and organised with this two-pocket waist bag.

This trendy leather waist bag

Coach Women's Polished Pebble Belt Bag

We’re obsessed with the versatility of this black leather bag. Its subtle gold detailing, rich pebbled leather and multiway chain make it the ultimate addition to a fashion-forward look. Style it at your waist, as a crossbody or over the shoulder and get ready to switch up your ‘I’m an on-the-go gal’ look.

The best waist bags for men

Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, you'll need a trusty bag at your side. From classic to trendy pieces, we have everything you’ll need right here.

This men's bum bag for everyday wear

Nike Heritage Hip Pack

This Nike Heritage Hip Pack ticks all the right boxes for its classic style and functionality. With its effortless modern look, lightweight design and enough room to fit your phone, earphones and card, it's a must-have for anyone who travels. If you ask us, a minimalist look never disappoints and this bag doesn't either.

This seriously lightweight bag

Forclaz Compact Travel Bum Bag

If you need an everyday go-to bag, a compact travel bag is just what you need. This ultra-light, two-litre capacity bag helps you keep on the move. When not in use, this nifty Forclaz option folds into itself to take up as little room as possible. Plus, at £4.99, it’s an absolute bargain.

This durable, waterproof bag

The North Face Lumbnical Bum Bag

The North Face is perfect for hiking and long trips, and this holdall keeps essentials secure and close-at-hand at all times. The North Face has a cult-like following and so do its iconic colourways. Coming in the brand’s popular red, this bag is made from durable and water-repellent nylon fabric, protecting your belongings from light moisture.

This designer belt bag you’ll wear everyday

Calvin Klein Recycled Logo Bum Bag

Make a statement with this polished, streetwear-approved style. Its large compartment is big enough to fit your bulkiest items — a major win — and it features the signature CK logo to instantly revitalise your accessory collection.

The best unisex pick

The great thing about these bags is that a lot of them can be worn by men or women . In fact, any of the picks we've included on our list could be worn by anyone, but this all-purpose bag is created with a unisex design in mind. So, we couldn't leave it off the list.

MoKo Secure Travel Money Belt

Travel with peace of mind with this secure money belt. With its advanced RFID blocking layers, this belt will prevent your private information and valuables, such as credit card information, from being scanned or stolen. Thanks to its durable materials and lightweight design, it also provides optimal comfort.

Our verdict

We've included a plethora of options here, and you can't really go wrong with whichever you choose. However, for us, we can't recommend the MoKo Secure Travel Money Belt  enough for keeping your cash and valuables safe. But the Forclaz Compact Travel Bum Bag  is a close runner-up for a cheaper yet still effective option, and the Calvin Klein bum bag  for a touch of designer luxury on the go.

Prices updated on 29/03/2023. We are not responsible for any changes made to the prices listed.

A self-proclaimed ‘obsessed TikTok user,’ Lauren Pascal uses her knowledge to help readers shop for trendy new products. Lauren is also an experienced travel writer and recently wrote informative pieces for travellers during the pandemic.

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Collection: Bum Bags & Fanny Packs

Merging functionality with our love of creative design, we've updated our bum bags, fanny packs and waist bags to create a hands-free travel essential. Discover our variety of colors, prints and sizes for men and ladies to suit your style. Looking for a small bum bag that will just hold the essentials, or a larger style? Whatever you choose, keep your essentials safe as you travel with secure compartments and sturdy zippers.

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The best toiletry bags for every traveler

Whether you travel light or heavy, a toiletry kit is essential to keeping your luggage tidy. Here are our picks.

The best travel toiletry bag can be the difference between clean, organized luggage and a suitcase full of spilled lotion. After combing through hundreds of customer reviews, we determined that Peak Design’s Wash Pouch is the best overall.  

It incorporates the most important features in a travel toiletry bag: thoughtful design, plenty of multifunctional pockets, durable materials, and a compact size. This bag is a great fit for most travelers, but it’s not the only option. Whether you pack light, heavy, or somewhere in between, here are all our top toiletry bags for your essentials.

Our picks for the best travel toiletry bags

Best overall: peak design wash pouch.

Buy it now on   Amazon   or   Peak Design

Why we like it:   The thoughtful design behind Peak Design’s Wash Pouch allows it to handle all sorts of toiletry items. Inside, multiple mesh pockets organize essentials, a zippered compartment holds smaller items, and a magnetically sealed section neatly stashes a toothbrush. Anything that won’t fit inside tucks into the large zippered pocket outside.

We love that you can set it upright on a counter or hang it via a built-in hook. The Wash Pouch is designed to prevent spills and leaks. However, if something seeps out, the weatherproof nylon material makes it easy to clean up. You can remove the inner lining to clean up bigger spills too. Peak Design backs this bag with a lifetime guarantee.

Keep in mind:   There are only two color options (black and sage green). It may take up a lot of space in a carry-on bag.  

Product details: Dimensions:   10.2 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4.4 inches tall | Weight:   8.7 ounces | Material:   Nylon | Waterproof:   Yes  

Best toiletry bag for makeup: Eachy Travel Makeup

Buy it now on   Amazon

Why we like it: The best feature on this waterproof toiletry bag is that it opens flat, allowing easy access to makeup. That’s especially helpful for anything that needs to stay upright, like foundation and moisturizer. Multiple interior pockets and partitions keep compacts and tools organized, plus there’s a built-in brush holder. With 24 styles and two sizes (medium and large), travelers have lots of options to choose from.

Keep in mind:   This toiletry bag has a top handle for carrying, but there is no hook for hanging.  

Product details: Dimensions:   9.25 inches long, 4.13 inches wide, and 4.33 inches tall |   Weight:   9 ounces | Material: Polyurethane | Waterproof:   Yes  

Best small travel toiletry bag: Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer

Buy it now at   Dagne Dover

Why we like it:   The Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer may be small, but it packs a big punch in organization. It has a removable insert with six adjustable dividers that turn this simple pouch into a multi-compartment toiletry bag. Two tall and two short elastic hoops keep things like toothbrushes and razors in place, while a zippered mesh pocket helps you see smaller items like bobby pins.

We appreciate that this organizer is made from recycled polyester and mesh and that the dust bag it ships in is made of three recycled plastic bottles. Travelers can stuff products into the smaller option to fit in a carry-on, but the larger option provides a bit more room.

Keep in mind: This toiletry bag isn’t waterproof and requires a little more care to clean.  

Product details: Dimensions:   5.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall | Weight: 6 ounces | Material:   Polyester | Waterproof:   No

Best travel toiletry bag for organization: L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

Why we like it: With six liters of space, L.L. Bean’s water-resistant Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag is best for heavy packers. It has multiple large mesh pockets, zippered compartments, plus a removable shower caddy and a built-in mirror to keep everything organized. The hook is hefty enough to hold 25 pounds, according to the company. This toiletry bag is likely a safe bet for durability—L.L. Bean claims they exposed the bag to extreme temperatures, 20,000 zips and unzips, and 150 sandpaper scrapes.

Keep in mind: All that organization sacrifices space. This bag is big and will likely take up lots of room in a carry-on.  

Product details: Dimensions: 9.75 inches tall, 11.5 inches wide, and 3.5 inches in diameter | Weight: 14 ounces | Material:   Nylon | Waterproof:   Yes  

Best hanging travel toiletry bag: Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

Buy it now at   Calpak

Why we like it:   Counter space is always at a premium when traveling. That’s why we love the water-resistant Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag, which maximizes vertical storage. It’s got plenty of large and small compartments, toothbrush holders, and zippered pockets. We also appreciate that it’s made from six single-use plastic bottles and is backed by a one-year warranty. The toiletry bag has 10 color options, plus a matching sling bag and duffel backpack.

Keep in mind: The top closes with a buckle, which isn’t as secure as zippers for preventing things from falling out.  

Product details: Dimensions:   8 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches tall | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Material: Polyester | Waterproof:   Yes  

Best Dopp kit: The Renew Transit Catch-All Case

Buy it now at   Everlane

Why we like it: Everlane’s Renew Transit Catch-All Case is a stylish and functional dopp kit. Durable and water-resistant, it has a spacious main compartment with five pockets and an exterior zip pocket for frequently used items. We like that the main pocket folds down so you don’t have to dig around for that tube of toothpaste. This toiletry bag also gets bonus points for using environmentally friendly fabric (polyester made from single-use plastic bottles) and environmentally safe dyes.

Keep in mind:   This toiletry bag can only be spot-cleaned, which is less convenient than machine-washable options.

Product details: Dimensions: 11 inches long, 6.5 inches tall, and 4.75 inches in diameter | Weight: Unknown | Material:   Polyester | Waterproof: Yes  

Best waterproof toiletry bag: Maliton Hanging Toiletry Bag

Why we like it: No matter how much you try to prevent it, leaks can still happen. Our top pick for best waterproof toiletry bag comes from Maliton. Made with showers and humid bathrooms in mind, it’s constructed of waterproof nylon and has reinforced zippers to help keep spills in and water out.

Besides being waterproof, this toiletry bag has ample space for all your bathroom essentials—mesh pockets and multiple compartments, including one big enough for a towel. And the whole thing folds up for storing.

Keep in mind: This bag is larger than other toiletry bags, so it may not be ideal for carry-ons. suitcase.

Product details: Dimensions:   11 inches long, 4.87 inches wide, and 7.6 inches tall | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Material: Nylon | Waterproof: Yes

Our review process

With so many options, choosing the best travel toiletry bag for you can be time-consuming. To help, we filtered our search by the following attributes:

Third-party reviews: Brand marketing can be deceiving. We made sure to consider only toiletry bags with high ratings and positive reviews from both verified customers and third-party review sites.

Brand reputation:   We looked beyond product descriptions to customers’ opinions about the brand as a whole. Speedy and attentive customer service, ethical manufacturing practices, and a commitment to sustainability are all important aspects.

Functionality:   We looked for toiletry bags with a variety of pockets, compartments, and zippers for maximum functionality. We awarded bonus points for thoughtful design elements such as removable pouches and hooks.

Material and durability:   How a toiletry bag is constructed is key. We looked for bags made with sturdy materials such as nylon and polyester. We gave extra points for innovative materials, like recycled plastic or eco-friendly vegan leather.

Capacity:   We looked for travel toiletry bags with enough room to hold all your essentials, plus a little extra in case of emergencies.

Compactness:   Space is always at a premium when traveling. We kept an eye out for toiletry bags that collapse or flatten to fit into carry-ons.

Tips for buying travel toiletry bags

Type of toiletry bag.

Toiletry bags typically fit into two categories: hanging and dopp kits. Hanging bags have a built-in hook and generally open like a book, revealing multiple compartments and pockets. Dopp kits tend to be more compact and have a main compartment with a zippered opening on top. While dopp kits can have multiple pockets, they’re usually more suitable for packing light.

Because toiletry bags store liquids and powders, they need to be able to withstand in-flight spills. Look for bags made of water-resistant materials like nylon or polyester. The best travel toiletry bag should have at least one mesh pocket for securing items that tend to get damp, like toothbrushes.  

Toiletry bags come in all shapes and sizes. To determine what size is best for you, make a list of must-have toiletries and determine whether you prefer to pack travel-size products, full-size, or a mix of both. Don’t forget to factor in the size of your luggage.

Frequently asked questions

What fabric is best for a toiletry bag?

Toiletry bags made of nylon or polyester are great because they tend to be more durable and easier to clean. These materials also tend to resist water, but always check the label to be sure.

What is a TSA-approved toiletry bag?

Per   TSA guidelines, air travelers can carry on 3.4-ounce bottles and aerosol containers of creams, pastes, liquids, and gels in one quart-sized bag. To reduce the chance of being screened, many people opt for clear toiletry bags so that TSA agents can see what’s inside. Some international airports require transparent plastic bags for liquid items. Always check the guidelines for your destination.

What’s the difference between a toiletry bag and a dopp bag?

Generally, dopp bags or kits tend to be made of leather and are rectangular in shape. However, “toiletry bags,” “dopp kits,” and “dopp bags” are used interchangeably in most cases.

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10 Carry-on Backpacks That Are So Spacious, You Won’t Need to Check a Bag — From $22 at Amazon

Shop bags from Samsonite, SwissGear, and more ahead of your next vacation.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

There are a seemingly endless number of travel hacks that you could employ to elevate your experience in the sky, but there’s one that reigns supreme: bringing along a backpack as your personal item. Not only is this a simple way to keep your hands free for snacks, coffee, and other essentials, but it’s also an excellent tool for avoiding checking a bag while still bringing along everything you might need for your trip.

It’s no small feat finding the backpack of your dreams, which is where we come in. Below, we’ve rounded up the 10 long-haul flight-worthy bags to pack up this season, and with prices starting at just $22, you’ll have no trouble sticking to your budget. From extra large packs for major overpackers to an expandable hiking bag , you may never need to check a bag again with the help of these reliable totes.

Vgcub Large Travel Backpack

Large enough to comfortably hold your travel essentials, electronics, and even a pair of shoes, this convenient 40-liter capacity backpack is an excellent option for a work trip where you’re traveling with just a personal item and a simple rolling carry-on. A built-in charging port is compatible with a wide range of portable power banks to keep your devices online while you’re on the go, and several thoughtfully placed pockets allow for impressive organization so you can easily access your items in-flight. Best of all, it’s on sale for 35 percent off right now. 

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

This Amazon best-seller has long been lauded as the perfect travel backpack , and right now, shoppers can score the roomy and comfortable bag for a staggering 45 percent off as we head into spring. A durable, water-resistant exterior can be relied upon to keep your belongings safe while traveling in even the worst weather, while a spacious interior is equipped to hold a change of clothes, your laptop, and more. Not to mention that an anti-theft pocket at the back of the bag is exactly the place you’ll want to store your passport and ID, so you can adventure with peace of mind that your belongings are safely stored away at all times.

Lovevook Laptop Backpack

Seeking a stylish bag that still keeps you well-prepared for your travels? Look no further than this sleek tote from Lovevook that boasts all the features of a great backpack while still elevating your outfit on the go. The large backpack is available in 20 stunning colors and patterns that add a touch of personality to your travels, and a cushioned laptop compartment within the primary pocket ensures that this bag is great for everyday use as well. Plus, it’s even fitted with a convenient luggage strap, allowing it to slide over your rolling suitcase handle with ease.

Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Checkpoint Friendly Backpack

Samsonite is one of the top brands in luggage, so it only stands to reason that its backpacks would be just as valuable for air travel. Currently sitting at just $76 thanks to an on-site coupon, this large TSA-approved backpack is an excellent tool for avoiding checked bag fees while staying organized throughout your adventures. The lightweight design sits at just under 3 pounds so you don’t have to worry about your bag weighing you down as you rush through the airport; plus, a breathable back panel offers support and airflow during even the warmest days.

Matein Carry-on Backpack

It’s not every day that you find a backpack that opens like a suitcase, but for known overpackers this can be a major asset for making the most of your luggage space. This lightweight, 40-liter backpack even made Travel + Leisure editors’ list of best carry-on backpacks they tested. Why? It’s well-equipped with pockets and an expandable design that’s still compatible to fit underneath the seats of most airlines, while built-in straps inside of the bag ensure that your clothing remains neatly folded and kept in place during transit. An additional interior mesh pocket allows you to store other items that you might need to access at a moment’s notice, and the bag is even available in sizes L through 2XL to best fit your packing needs.

Vecave Carry-on Backpack

An Amazon’s Choice option, this handy carry-on bag that’s strikingly similar to a flight attendant-favorite is sure to become your go-to for longer trips and warmer weather vacations thanks to the built-in wet bag that’s practically made for bathing suits and dirty laundry alike. A separate laptop compartment keeps your electronics safe and padded from being jostled around while flying, while the primary pocket fully unzips like a suitcase so you can pack every corner to the brim without being forced to check a duffel. To top it all off, it’s even complete with a unique shoe compartment and a vent at the base, so your belongings never become stuffy — no matter how long they’re packed away. 

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Backpack

After earning nearly 20,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, you can rest assured that this durable, spacious, and reliable backpack will be a major asset to add to your travels — and right now it’s available for $86 at Amazon (and will surely last for years to come). Created with a TSA-approved design, this bag boasts a large primary pocket alongside a laptop pouch and a padded back that come together to make for comfortable travel during trips of any duration. The zippered front pocket is ideal for storing your phone, wallet, and other items that you might need to grab quickly, and it’s even thoughtfully built with an RFID-blocking compartment to keep your cards safe. And yes, it flattens out to stuff under your airplane seat, even when packed to the brim.

Yorepek Travel Backpack

For a limited time, this airline-approved 50-liter backpack is on sale at Amazon for a mere $26, so if you’re tired of toting around a shoulder bag as your personal item, this is your sign to upgrade. Padding at the back of the bag keeps you comfortable and supported even when you’ve packed your backpack to maximum capacity, and seeing as the primary pocket opens wide, you’ll have no trouble adding everything from shoes to a book, or even a spare outfit without needing to cut back due to a lack of space. To top it all off, it’s TSA-approved.

Keofid Classic Carry-on Travel Backpack

Tech-savvy travelers will be thrilled to find that this backpack is designed with their devices in mind, as it’s complete with a handy USB charging port that easily connects to your portable power banks for safe and efficient charging without relying on airport ports. Durable zippers and a top-carry handle alongside a simple luggage strap make it easy to navigate through the airport while giving your back a rest, but when it is time to put your bag back on, a breathable and padded exterior injects much-needed comfort. Did we mention that it’s on sale for just $23?

Lapsuono Extra Large Backpack

Put simply, this backpack is not designed with minimalist travelers in mind, but rather for people who prefer to bring all of their prized possessions along with them during their journeys. With an extra-large capacity (18.3 inches by 13 inches by 11 inches) that opens like a clamshell for the utmost packing space, this backpack is about to become your favorite hack for avoiding checked bag fees without skimping on your outfit options. It’s well-suited to fit your laptop, clothing, shoes, and more, and it even features a handy glasses strap alongside an anti-theft back pocket that was created with your passport in mind. And at nearly 50 percent off, this backpack is practically a steal for just $26 at Amazon.

Semsty Expandable Hiking Backpack

Hiking vacations are surely in the cards for the coming months, so you should be prepared with a backpack that can carry you from the airport to the trails with ease. Enter: the Semsty Expandable Hiking Backpack which is designed for active travelers, and is currently sitting at a budget-friendly $26 at Amazon. The 50-liter capacity is qualified to handle your camping gear and spare clothes with room to spare, while the ergonomic design remains slim and well-suited for airline travel. To top it all off, the bag has the space to expand an additional 4 inches at the base, so you’ll never have to cut corners with your packing again. 

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Luggage Storage Moscow

Top luggage storage location in moscow, tverskaya street, accessible and affordable luggage storage in moscow.

When traveling to Moscow, Russia, you want to know the location of your luggage at all times. However, keeping up with your luggage on your own can be time-consuming, tiring, and even painful at times. Radical provides Moscow luggage storage at various locations, giving you more time to do what you want.

Create a Better Travelling Experience

You want your time in Moscow to be as stress-free as possible, so you can spend your time how you want, whether you want to view monuments, learn about the city’s culture or explore the city. With all of the time it takes to organize your trip, you don’t want to find yourself forced to bring heavy luggage that you don’t immediately need with you. Radical has five locations to choose from, allowing you to pick a site that is closest to you. You can easily book online and pay an affordable price to store your items in a safe location. Radical is designed to be convenient and user-friendly and will overall help you have a better trip to Moscow.

Travel the Way You Want

If you’re going on a trip for business, staying for an extended period of time or you’re just not the best at packing light, Radical has your back. You’ll be able to bring more to Moscow without having to haul everything with you at once. Accessing the convenient Moscow luggage storage is easy thanks to the central sites, including locations by Red Square and Arbatskaya Station. Don’t worry about having to buy extra items that you couldn’t fit with you, because you’ll be able to pack the items you want without having to break your back carrying all of your bags everywhere with you. Give yourself peace of mind by storing your bags in a nearby location at a price you can afford. Use Moscow luggage storage provided by Radical to have a memorable trip to Moscow.

Explore Moscow City Center

Visiting the biggest city of the largest country in the World can be overwhelming and exciting. That's why we advise you to start your trip from the City Center. First destination, of course - Red Square, which plays important role in the history of Russia. The buildings surrounding the Square are all significant in some respect. Lenin's Mausoleum, for example, contains the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union. Nearby there is brightly domed Kremlin and the palaces and cathedrals of the Saint Basil's Cathedral, and one of the oldest and authentic Russian Market called GUM.

What to do in Moscow

There are plenty of activities for all ages that you can do in this beautiful city. If you like Art and History, you are in the right city. One of the most notable art museums in Moscow is the Tretyakov Gallery. It is one of the biggest Museums in Russia and contains both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Other great Museums options: Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, The State Historical Museum of Russia, and the Polytechnical Museum. Also, Moscow is the heart of the Russian performing arts, including ballet and circus. So if you are traveling with kids go visit Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard and in the evening you can enjoy the Bolshoi Theatre.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

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