These are the best fanny packs for travel in 2024

A retro fashion favorite, compact waist packs keep your hands free and can help protect your back while you’re exploring.

The quintessential accessory of the 1990s, the fanny pack has made a stylish comeback. Today, this small yet mighty bag is a travel necessity for stashing essentials while keeping your hands free to grab suitcases or snap a quick photo.

“I use a fanny pack as a replacement for either a purse or a backpack, depending on where I'm going and how much I have to take,” says Hannah Singleton, a freelance journalist based in Utah. “It’s convenient, easy to carry, and you can position it either over the shoulder or in classic fashion around the waist.”

Fanny packs are also great for travelers with back pain. “If you are someone who experiences pain in your neck, upper back, or lower back, using a fanny pack can reduce the risk of pain flare-ups,” says C. Evan Johnson, an orthopedic physical therapist and founder of Vital Fortitude Rehab Center in San Diego, California. “This is because the fanny pack sits at the hips and does not increase load on the spine quite like a backpack would.”

These days there are tons of fanny packs (also called waist packs, belt bags, or bum bags), many with updated designs and features, such as water resistance and anti-theft factors. “I look for something that’s stylish, easy to clip on, and has multiple pockets,” says Florida-based travel and lifestyle writer Jessica Poitevien, who calls her fanny pack a bolso poderoso (powerful bag). “A zippered pocket on the inside is important for extra security.”

With so many to choose from, we dove into the research to find the best fanny packs for travelers. Based on expert opinion and our own experience as travel journalists, we’ve determined that the best fanny pack for travel is the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L. Many others won us over too. Here’s our list of the best fanny packs for travel.

Our experts agree that the best fanny packs combine sleek design, storage, and zippered pockets. Below, we break down everything you need to know about our top picks.

Buy it now at Lululemon

Why we like it: With over 19,000 five-star reviews on the company's website, this viral Lululemon belt bag has plenty of fans. There’s much to love about this popular fanny pack. It has both exterior and interior pockets, is water-resistant, and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. It also comes in 20 colors.

Keep in mind: Some reviewers have complained that the Lululemon decal falls off after repeated use. Additionally, this ubiquitous fanny pack may not be right if you’re looking for something unique.

Product details: Weight: Not listed, but volume is 1L | Material: Recycled nylon ripstop | Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 5 in.

(The 9 best crossbody bags for your next trip)

Buy it now at Nex

Why we like it: This midsize fanny pack can be worn four ways—as a crossbody, on your shoulder, around your waist, or carried in your hand. It has a roomy main compartment with a two-way zipper and an extra pocket inside that’s large enough to fit a traditional men’s wallet. The microfiber leather exterior is made to resist water and dirt, while the inner lining is made to resist both water and mold.

Keep in mind: The three-liter capacity may tempt you to overstuff this bag. But with one compartment, you may have to paw through all your things to find what you need. The straps are not detachable, so the bag may not pack as neatly as others.

Product details: Weight: 0.76 lbs. | Material: Microfiber vegan leather | Dimensions: 10.2 x 3.1 x 6.1 in.

Buy it now at Ori London

Why we like it: The Paddington D Hipbag is a fantastic find if you’re into style and sustainability because it’s got a nifty circular design and it’s made from recycled nylon. It’s also quite functional. The main compartment has plenty of room and a “secret” zippered pocket for valuables. The exterior zippered pocket can hold smaller items like a card or a lip balm. The adjustable strap lets you carry it as a pouch in a tote or backpack.

Keep in mind: Because of the round shape, items like larger mobile devices or bulky folio wallets won’t fit.

Product details: Weight: Not listed, but carrying capacity is 1.5 L. | Material: Recycled nylon | Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 2.4 in.

(The 8 best travel backpacks of 2024)

Buy it now at Fjallraven

Why we like it: With a capacity of just two liters, this minimalist fanny pack is designed for everyday use and light outdoor activities. It’s made from water-resistant “Vinylon F” fabric, which the company says helps guard against the elements. The main compartment includes a pocket, while two external zippered pockets provide quick access for sunglasses or a sunscreen stick. We love the special touches like a label to customize your Kanken and a key hook. If you don’t feel like wearing it around your hips, you can simply carry it by the top grab handle or attach it to a larger pack.

Keep in mind: Because of its limited capacity, this fanny pack holds only basics.

Product details: Weight: 4.8 oz. | Material: Vinylon F | Dimensions: 4.7 x 7 x 3.5 in.

Buy it now at Monos

Why we like it: This bag can be worn three ways—around the waist, crossbody style (using the adjustable nylon strap), or attached to the Metro backpack or Metro duffle via a quick snap flap. It’s made from “ultra-microfiber” vegan leather (polyester and nylon with a polyurethane coating) which is designed to resist water and scratches.

We love that the main pocket opens wide, thanks to the zip-around construction. Inside, find another zipped pocket for cash and two card slots. The outside pocket is large enough to fit a passport or mobile device.

Keep in mind: With a volume of only 0.9 liters, this fanny pack is small. It’s ideal for a short walk or a solo traveler who doesn’t have much to carry. It’s best when paired with another bag for holding things like sunglasses, a hat, or a water bottle.

Product details: Weight: 0.8 lbs. | Material: Ultra-microfiber vegan leather | Dimensions: 7.7 x 1.8 x 5.9 in.

(The best carry-on luggage to make your next plane trip a breeze)

Buy it now at Cotopaxi

Why we like it: With multiple pockets for optimal organization, this spacious fanny pack is perfect for long travel days. “The main thing I look for [in fanny packs] is multiple compartments,” says Singleton. She prefers a zipper pocket on the outside, so she can keep things like her phone and identification close. “I also like ones that are large enough to store a layer of clothing and some snacks. Too small and I find them a bit useless.”

The Allpa X 3L has all of that and more. The front compartment opens flat revealing three mesh pockets and a key hook, and there’s plenty of room inside for a water bottle and a small journal in addition to other necessities. If that’s not enough storage, you can use the side release buckles to expand (or compress) it.

We also love that, just like other Allpa bags, this one is made with 100 percent recycled materials and water-resistant nylon, so your things remain protected in wet weather.

Keep in mind: The numerous pockets can be overwhelming at first as you try to remember where you’ve stashed everything. Loose items may fall out of the front pocket if it’s open and the bag is worn like a sling.

Product details: Weight: 12 oz. | Material: Recycled nylon and recycled polyester | Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 5 in.

Buy it now at Patagonia

Why we like it: This little fanny pack is ideal for carrying just the basics, plus it folds down into its own pocket so you can pack it to use later. It’s made from 100 percent recycled fabric, feels light, and is made to be weather-resistant. Despite its small size, it has two zippered pockets to keep things organized, and the strap adjusts (from 8 inches to 36 inches), which means you can wear it around your waist or sling it across your chest. Either way, the padded back panel helps keep it comfortable.

Keep in mind: This is an extra small pack with one compartment. It may not be the best option for anything longer than a quick hike or jaunt around town.

Product details: Weight: 3.52 oz. | Material: Recycled nylon ripstop | Dimensions: 4.8 x 8 x 2 in.

Buy it now at Cotopaxi

Why we like it: This fanny pack combines the features of a hydration pack with a daypack. The lightweight, durable design includes a comfortable hip belt and padded mesh back for breathability. With a 1.5-liter water bladder and 5 liters of storage, it’s large enough for snacks, a phone, and other hiking essentials. The bungee system on the outside can also be used for stowing extra items. We also appreciate that the hydration system has a bite valve to avoid spills when not in use and the top grab handle makes it easy to transport.

One standout feature? The meshed and padded wings—they offer comfort when worn around the hips. “If you are looking for ways to reduce spine pain by using a fanny pack, look for one that has a snug fit that contours to the body well. [It] will reduce excessive movement that will ultimately pull on the hips and transfer that force to the body,” says Johnson.

Keep in mind: While perfect for shorter hikes, the five-liter capacity may not be enough for longer treks. Additionally, some hikers may find the bladder’s hose position awkward.

Product details: Weight: 10 oz. | Material: Recycled nylon ripstop and recycled ripstop polyester (lining) | Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 4.5 in. (The best toiletry bags for every traveler)

Buy it now at The North Face

Why we like it: This hip bag is a great grab-and-go option for travel, short hikes or running errands around town. The padded back panel and adjustable waist strap provide comfort for extended use. It has a main compartment for secure storage and smaller external pockets for easy access to your stuff. The external bungee cords and two compression clips give you plenty of ways for securing a rain jacket or extra T-shirt, especially when you use it as a hiking pack.

Keep in mind: The main compartment opens through the length of the bag, making it seem that all the contents will fall out. Take care, especially if you’re in a rush.

Product details: Weight: 7 oz. | Material: Recycled nylon ripstop | Dimensions: 4.3 x 13 x 3.5 in.

Buy it now at Athleta

Why we like it: In the past year, “event” travel has been trending. According to a study published by NerdWallet, more than 38 percent of Americans traveled in state for a show and upwards of 17 percent traveled out of state. Concert authorities have beefed up security restricting the kind of bags and purses allowed in concert venues. This clear belt bag complies with most venue policies and is made from recycled polyester. We appreciate that the detachable straps adjust so you can wear it around your waist or over your shoulder.

Keep in mind: This bag has only one main compartment.

Product details: Weight: Not listed | Material: Recycled polyester | Dimensions: 7 x 2 x 4.5 in.

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: If you’re looking for a pack that prioritizes safety and security, then the Pacsafe Anti-Theft Waist Pack is a good choice. Made from recycled materials, it has RFID-blocking pockets (to protect your passport and ID from remote scanning), cut-resistant straps, and lockable zippers—ideal for peace of mind during travel or in busy locations. The two zippered pockets are big enough for phones, wallet, and keys and the straps are adjustable, so you can wear around your waist or across your body.

Keep in mind: The pack isn’t big enough for bulky items like a water bottle or a rain jacket.

Product details: Weight: 0.7 lbs. | Material: Recycled polyester and nylon | Dimensions: 5.9 x 14.2 x 3.6 in.

The main difference between a fanny pack and a belt bag is style and how they are worn. A fanny pack is usually worn around the waist with the pouch in the front or back. Belt bags, on the other hand, are a more modern take—they’re often sleeker, versatile, and can be worn around the waist or slung over your shoulder as a crossbody bag. Belt bags are often seen as fashionable, while fanny packs have a practical vibe.

Fanny packs are a great choice for travelers who can’t or may not want to carry weight on their backs. A back injury has nudged New York City-based journalist Rena Behar into the fanny pack camp. “I’ll go for a fanny pack anytime I want my hands and upper body free and unencumbered, like dancing at a festival, or my back and neck are feeling particularly strained, but I need to carry more than my pockets allow,” she says. “I’ve also been using them more lately when biking or hiking. … They’re easier to wrangle and don’t make me feel as weighed down.”

A fanny pack can be worn a few different ways. The traditional way is around your waist across the front for easy access, or at the back to keep the bag out of the way, especially if you’re participating in a sport like biking or running. You can also wear it across your chest like a crossbody bag. Some people even throw it over one shoulder for a casual look. The key is to choose a style that feels comfortable for your needs.

When buying a fanny pack, our experts suggest looking for a few key features:

Fanny packs come in many sizes and capacities which is generally measured in liters (volume). Make sure you choose one that is large enough for your belongings without being bulky. Behar prefers a two-pocket bag with a main compartment and a smaller front pocket or internal divider to keep items organized. “It also should be spacious enough for easy phone access and open in a way that prevents items from spilling out,” she says.

Water-resistant or durable fabrics are best especially if you’re traveling or spending time outdoors. These protect the contents of your pack against the elements and are more versatile. Singleton looks for a breathable mesh panel at the back of the pack “so it doesn’t get sweaty against your skin when you are out and about.”

A flexible strap lets you wear a fanny pack in multiple ways, depending on the occasion. Adjustable straps can also be handy for sharing fanny packs with friends and family. Just look for a unisex style.

While the number of pockets in a pack is up to personal preference, multiple pockets can help keep things organized.