13 Best Fanny Packs, According to Reviewers Who Put them to the Test

There’s nothing worse than losing something important when you’re traveling, and this fanny pack can prevent that from happening. It has four pockets, including a small one on the back for cards, plus a holder inside to put your keys. “Being hands-free is helpful when you're out and about, whether it's a short hike, exploring town, or simply on the go,” says Arianna Sartzetakis, founder of the travel platform Uncover More. “The Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack’s multiple compartments make it easy to organize and carry all your essential items, such as cards, cash, keys, and even important travel documents when you're abroad.”

• Material: Neoprene, polyester
• Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
• Size: 9" x 5" x 2"
• Pros: Ample storage with multiple pockets, water-resistant fabric, holder inside for keys
• Cons: Available only in a few colors

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You can’t go wrong with a Nike fanny pack. This waist pack is highly functional owing to a large main pocket and a smaller one on the back. (Click though to catch the range of colors like neon green, lilac, and gray.) “This big pack can totally hold everything I need for the day,” May says. “When I’m feeling lazy and unorganized, I throw all I can in there and it always fits. Similarly, I like the laid-back vibe it adds to my look.”

• Material: Nylon, recycled polyester fibers
• Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
• Size: 16" x 6" x 4"
• Pros: Additional mesh inside pocket, dual zippers
• Cons: No outside front pocket

Though you might try to keep things as minimal as possible when running, there are still a few things you need to keep on you. This Nathan running belt is so unobtrusive it'll make you feel as if you’re carrying nothing at all. (Another perk: The discreet design pairs well with any workout clothing.) “To be completely honest, I'm not always the biggest fan of running belts (or any accessories), because I like to feel unencumbered while logging miles,” Thomason says. “That said, of all the options I've tried, I would definitely recommend this adjustable Nathan running belt. The soft, stretchy fabric is so lightweight that I almost forget it's there (a major bonus in my book), and the clip in the back makes it easy to quickly take off when my run is over.”

• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
• Size: 2.08 oz.
• Pros: Lightweight design comfortably fits waist; zippered and weather-resistant pocket that fits all smartphone sizes; machine-washable; belt doesn’t bounce when running.
• Cons: Available only in a few colors

Calling all maximalists! Each Cotopaxi fanny pack is made in the Philippines by designers who get to repurpose fabric into any color combination they want. In short, no two bags are the same. This classic 1.5-liter pack features a large main compartment that can hold a surprising amount of stuff, with the top handle for easy grabbing when you’re in a rush.

• Material: Repurposed fabric, polyester
• Closure: Adjustable and removable belt
• Size: 7" x 4" x 4"
• Pros: Convenient top grab handle, one-of-a-kind colorways, large main compartment
• Cons: Hand-wash only.

Headed to a music festival or concert? Forgo a bulky bag or tote for this fun hip pack you can fill with necessities. Plus, the lightweight material is a breeze to carry around and won’t weigh you down or get in the way. “This little retro-colored cutie is just big enough for essentials like your phone, cards, keys, and sanitizer,” says entertainment writer and editor Bex April May. “I bring it with me when I’m covering festivals all the time.”

• Material: Recycled nylon
• Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
• Size: 4.75" x 8" x 2"
• Pros: Lightweight, weather-resistant, high packable
• Cons: May be too much color for some.

Leave it to The North Face to deliver a fanny pack built for the great outdoors; this one has a larger-than-average capacity of over two liters, allowing you to stash hiking essentials like mini bug spray, extra hair ties, nut bars, a small first aid kit, and more. Additionally, there’s a cinch strap that can compress your items and keep everything compact.

• Material: Recycled nylon
• Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
• Size: 11.38" x 6.5" x 2.75"
• Pros: Large internal pocket, water-repellent fabric
• Cons: No outside front pocket

If you have a full schedule of errands, you need a hefty pack to get you through the day. Baggu bags are on the larger side, allowing you more room to carry stuff around. “The fanny packs from Baggu are my absolute favorite,” says lifestyle content creator Lauren Pak. “They’re spacious enough to fit my necessities and are made from nylon so it’s spill-friendly and easy to clean. I use it every day, from walking my dog to running errands, and even when I go out.”

• Material: Technical weave
• Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
• Size: 6" x 7.75" x 1.5"
• Pros: Unique colors and patterns; budget-friendly
• Cons: On the bigger size

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Between the attention-grabbing logo, classic print, and brown leather trim, Gucci's belt bag proves the humble accessory can also be a fashion-forward investment. Pair this one with jeans and a flowy top for a casual weekend ’fit you’ll want to wear on repeat.

• Material: Leather, supreme canvas, cotton,
• Closure: Adjustable and removable belt
• Size: 8.5" x 5.3" x 1.8"
• Pros: Two compartments, two card slots
• Cons: On the small side

Interested in an understated bag that’s not so over-the-top? Consider Rose’s Jil Sander rec. “My go-to fanny pack would definitely be something simple in design and made of leather,” she says. “Since the bag itself has a unique shape and variety of ways to wear it, I prefer something that is super versatile and has more of a classic feel like this Jil Sander belt bag I want to be able to wear this piece with my athleisure looks and for elevated day-to-day or travel.”

• Material: Leather
• Closure: Adjustable and removable belt
• Size: 10" x 4" x 2.75"
• Pros: Spacious, high-quality leather
• Cons: Limited color options; white style is prone to stains.

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Stop scrolling for a true treat-yourself moment. This isn’t your average fanny pack, and you’ll certainly turn heads whether you pair it with something as simple as a white tee or a glamorous floor-length dress. “Dior’s saddle belt pouch is a great way to incorporate luxury as well as functionality,” Freeman says. “I’m so enamored by the way the front flap cascades over its rectangular shape, which runs congruent with the signature diagonal oblique logo print.”

• Material: Grained calfskin
• Closure: Thin removable belt magnetic clasp
• Size: 6.5" x 4" x 1"
• Pros: Two card slots and one zipped pocket, long-lasting material
• Cons: Expensive; may not fit all smartphones.

Loewe's best-selling Puzzle bag gets the fanny pack treatment with this geometric stunner that's sure to pull in all the compliments. “The periwinkle blue puzzle bag from Loewe has captured my heart,” Uter says. “It effortlessly combines ease and style, and the striking blue hue instantly creates a statement-making look. Whatever the bag is, I recommend a small size, nothing too crazy big.”

• Material: Classic calf leather
• Closure: Adjustable and removable belt
• Size: 9.4" x 6.3" x 4.1"
• Pros: Available in multiple colors and sizes, cotton canvas lining, outside pocket
• Cons: Expensive