The Best Running Fanny Packs, According to a Seven-Time Marathon Runner
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No matter if you’re just getting into running or are a seasoned marathoner, you’ve almost certainly struggled with storing your stuff. The best running fanny packs not only hold everything you need (think phone, keys, and credit cards), but they also don’t bounce or chafe—and look relatively good with most workout clothes and sneakers too.
When looking for a belt bag to wear while running, there are a few things you should take into account: First, does it fit your phone? Unless you have a smartwatch that can make (and answer) calls, you probably want to run with your phone for both safety and convenience. Next, if you’re training for a half or full marathon—or logging distances that require on-the-go fueling—you'll want to look for a style that has an easy-to-access storage area for gels.
Just like you would weigh the features in your running shoes, shorts, and sports bras, you'll want to consider the overall fit and design of the fanny pack to find what's most comfortable for you. Ask yourself if you prefer a belt bag that sits low on your waist or higher up by your belly button, or maybe you want one that can be strapped across the chest. Are you looking for a slim pocket attached to an elastic strap, or do you prefer the whole belt to essentially be one giant pouch? Finally, search out any small details that are important to you, like multiple zippers, inside pockets, or a reflective strip if you run early in the morning or at night.
Below, you’ll find the best running fanny packs for a variety of preferences and needs, many of which I have tried and worn myself as a seven-time marathoner.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Lululemon Mini Belt Bag, $34
- Most Versatile: Athleta All About Belt Bag, $35
- Best for Races: Nathan Hipster Running Belt, $18
- Best for Large Phones: FlipBelt Classic, $34
- Best for Snacks: Salomon Pulse Belt, $24
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/12Athleta All About Belt Bag
We love a multi-tasking wardrobe essential—and this lilac fanny pack is everything we want for running—and perhaps more importantly, running errands. It's partially made from recycled polyester and comes in four other colors, including black and a sweet cherry red. The front zippered pocket arguably gets the most use (it's clutch for storing keys and change), and the adjustable strap is high-appreciated when you're debating between wearing it on your hip or across your chest. (If you want something that's roomier for just walking around, this UPF-rated, water-resistant crossbody is another Glamour reader favorite.)
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2/12Lululemon Mini Belt Bag
This small but mighty belt bag is a great multipurpose fanny pack for when you’re traveling and want something you can wear while sightseeing and on a run or hike. Though tiny—it measures 7.1" x 1.6" x 4.1"—it’s large enough for your phone, keys, and a small wallet, and has both an exterior and interior pocket. And it was just released in a slew of new spring colors (we're partial to the mint).
Save when you shop on the best running fanny packs with these Lululemon promo codes.
3/12Nathan Hipster Running Belt
This stretchy mesh fanny pack from outdoor brand Nathan fits snugly below your waist and holds a surprising amount of gear. It has zipped pockets in the front and back that securely fit your phone and credit cards, while fold-over pockets around the side provide convenient storage for midrun gels. I personally wear this belt for races when I need both a secure pocket for my phone and an easy-to-reach one for gels.
4/12FlipBelt Classic
Made of a single piece of stretchy fabric, the minimalist FlipBelt is essentially one giant pocket and the best running fanny pack for large phones. It features multiple nonzippered openings that stay closed when the belt is flipped over, and keys stay secure thanks to an interior fabric hook. It’s made of a durable fabric that won’t lose its elasticity, no matter how many times you throw it in the wash.
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5/12Lululemon Fast & Free Running Belt
Similar in style to the SPIbelt, Lululemon’s Fast and Free belt features a zippered pocket secured on an elastic waistband with a buckle closure, plus two small side drop-in pockets and a hook for keys. It’s made of a lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric and has subtle reflective details for early morning runs. We love it for its fun color options and slim silhouette that easily fits under your clothes.
Save when you shop on the best running fanny packs with these Lululemon promo codes.
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6/12Salomon Pulse Belt
Designed for both runners and skiers, the Salomon Pulse is a great running belt for distances long enough that you want a large compartment to stash snacks but short enough that you don’t need a full-on running backpack. It’s made of a fast-drying, moisture-wicking fabric, and has horizontal pouches that can hold two half-liter soft water bottles. It has a slim, nonbulky design that really does make it feel like an extension of your running shorts or black leggings.
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7/12SPIbelt Original Running Belt
Featuring an expandable zipper pocket and a soft elastic waistband that stays in place on the move, the SPIbelt (SPI stands for “small personal item”) is one of the original belt bags for road runners. The compact 6.5" pouch fits most phones, including the iPhone 13 Pro. This is another belt in my personal collection, and I tend to wear it for shorter runs or races when I just need a convenient place to keep my phone and credit card.
8/12Cotopaxi Bataan Duffel
If you’re looking for a fanny pack with a maximalist design, consider the Cotopaxi Bataan bag. One of the larger belt bags on this list, it has a three-liter volume and is made of lightweight repurposed ripstop nylon (hence the cool color blocking). Its capacity makes it the best running fanny pack to wear if you want to carry more than the usual essentials on your run, like a change of clothes or sunglasses. The adjustable strap means it can be worn cross-body to better distribute the load.
Save when you shop on the best running fanny packs with these Nordstrom promo codes.
9/12Nathan Marathon Pak
This belt bag from Nathan is designed for the demands of marathon day thanks to loops along the waistband that hold gels, and a separate “trash stash” pocket. Additional expandable and stretchy pockets hold your phone, keys, and money, while a large loop through the front pocket can easily store a T-shirt or towel.
10/12Alo Yoga Bag
This streamlined running belt from Alo Yoga keeps things simple with one large (8" x 4.5") pocket attached to an adjustable waistband with a belt buckle closure. It’s made of a water-resistant ripstop fabric and has subtle features like a heavy mesh overlay in the zippered main pocket and reflective details in the grosgrain webbing.
11/12Nike Slim Running Fanny Pack
If you have an Apple Watch or are just running phone-free, this super-slim fanny pack from Nike has space for everything you need. The small pocket fits your keys, driver’s license, credit cards and not much else, making it a great option if your running (or bike!) shorts don’t have any pockets. It has a barely there feel and doesn’t bounce when you run. A reflective border on the zipper keeps you visible when running at night.
Save when you shop on the best running fanny packs with these Nike promo codes.
12/12The North Face Run Belt
Like the Salomon Pulse, this North Face fanny pack is designed for a long day running on trails. It’s made of a technical, fast-drying fabric that will keep your belongings dry and has structured padding for added comfort. The zippered main compartment has a one-liter capacity that fits most phones as well as a soft water bottle.
