The 13 Best Fanny Packs of 2023

Dagne Dover’s Ace Fanny Pack is stylish, secure, and adjustable.

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The Best Fanny Packs

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Whether you’re in the market for something to take on a jam-packed vacation, to a concert, or for a hike, a fanny pack is a great accessory to have on hand. After all, these super versatile bags allow you to go hands-free — a huge plus for those with a busy lifestyle. Whether worn around your waist or as a crossbody, these smaller bags typically fit your phone, wallet, passport, and other travel, or day-to-day, essentials. 

Our top pick is the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack, which is made from water-resistant neoprene and features a key clip and zippered pockets. It’s a stylish choice that can be used at the gym, while on vacation, or even right at home. However, if you’re looking for something a little more specific, check out our complete list of the 13 best options below. 

Best Overall

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

Dagne Dover Fanny Pack

Dagne Dover

Why We Love It
  • This fanny pack is stylish and comes in a wide range of colors from camel to currant.

What to Consider
  • It’s on the smaller side if you typically carry a large wallet and a phone.

It’s hard to go anywhere these days without seeing someone sporting the Ace fanny from Dagne Dover — with good reason. Made from water-resistant neoprene, this fanny pack is great for workouts, traveling, or daily use. It has a front zipper pocket plus pockets within to store your cash, cards, and belongings, and there’s a key clip to keep your keys in a secure spot, too. The strap is adjustable to fit you best (up to 36 inches), and the entire pack is vegan and comes with a dust bag for storage when not in use. Multiple colors are available including black, moss, and violet. 

Price at time of publish: $95

The Details: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | 0.5 pounds | 1 liter | Neoprene | Water-resistant

Best Organization

Freetoo Waist Pack

FreeToo Waist Pack

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • We love the hidden interior pocket for added security. 

What to Consider
  • The strap may easily loosen over time.

Made with five separate zippered pockets, this fanny pack holds everything you need in an organized fashion. The largest pocket holds a 16-ounce water bottle, and there’s a small, hidden compartment inside the main pocket for valuables. A flat, zippered pocket behind the waistband is great for cards or cash, and the waist strap is adjustable (up to 27.6 inches) so you can wear the pack around your hips, over the shoulder, or under your arm. The bag is also water-resistant in case of light rain and spills. You can snag it in a variety of neutral colors or even bold red. 

Price at time of publish: $29

The Details: 7.87 x 5.11 x 3.94 inches | 0.44 pounds | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best Splurge

Bottega Veneta Cassette Belt Bag

Bottega Veneta Cassette Belt Bag

Bottega Veneta

Why We Love It
  • It has a luxurious appearance, and makes a statement with any outfit.

What to Consider
  • There’s only one pocket.

If you’re all about fashion, this fanny pack from Bottega Veneta is a posh must-have coming in a wide range of colors including blush, lavender, white, and burgundy. The woven leather straps create a design that turns heads, and the magnetic closures make it super easy to access your belongings. Simply adjust the 49.2-inch strap to your liking and you’re ready to go. Because of the price point and design, this fanny pack is best suited for date nights, shopping trips, and easy activities. We don’t recommend using this fanny pack for workouts or daily use in inclement weather. 

Price at time of publish: $1,800

The Details: 3.7 x 7.1 x 2 inches | Leather | Not Water Resistant

Best Budget

Maxtop Fanny Pack

Maxtop Fanny Pack

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • The scratch-proof front pocket and theft-proof back pocket make traveling less stressful. 

What to Consider
  • The strap tends to loosen, so you’ll need to retighten it frequently.

If you’re looking for a fanny pack with great features that won’t break the bank, this one from Maxtop is a solid choice. It’s also a great starter fanny pack for anyone looking to test this style for the first time. It has three zipper pockets that hold everything from a phone and keys to a passport, cards, and cash. The strap is adjustable (up to 48 inches) and allows you to wear the pack in multiple ways, including across your chest and over your shoulder. Pro-tip: Store your phone in the main pocket and your keys in the inner pocket, as the inner pocket is scratch proof to protect your belongings. Several colors and patterns are available but the flamingo-and-palm version is particularly eye-catching for a warm-weather trip.  

Price at time of publish: $11

The Details: 12.2 x 4.5 x 3.2 inches | 0.23 pounds | Water-resistant

Best for Hiking

Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L

Patagonia Black Hole® Waist Pack 5L

Patagonia

Why We Love It
  • It’s rather lightweight for its size making it a great daypack alternative.

What to Consider
  • It can feel rather bulky when full and worn around the waist.

Store your essentials while on the trail with the oversized Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L, made with 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing coming from “post-industrial waste fiber, leftover material from weaving mills, and postconsumer fishing nets,” according to Patagonia. The front pocket works for cards, cash, and a phone, while the main zipper compartment has a stretch pocket for a water bottle, hat, and gloves. The bag could even fit a light layer thanks to two compression straps on the sides. You can pick this up in black, navy, or bright blue.

Price at time of publish: $69

The Details: 16.5 x 6 x 4 inches | 0.71 pounds | 5 liters | Recycled polyester | Water-repellent 

Best for Carrying Beverages

Waterfly Hiking Fanny Pack

Waterfly Hiking Waist Bag Fanny Pack

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • We love the designated spot for your water bottle and the rope holder to tie it down. 

What to Consider
  • Despite the photos, the water bottle isn’t included. 

This fanny pack has a designated spot for a water bottle and an elastic rope on the holder to keep your bottle secure while running. There are two zipper pockets for your keys, phone, cards, cash, and more, as well as an adjustable strap (up to 46 inches) with a buckle that fits easily around your waist, or across your chest. Reflective strips on the bag are a great feature for those who like to run or walk at night, and the mesh back padding is breathable to keep your waist dry and sweat-free. Fourteen colors and patterns are available. 

Price at time of publish: $30

The Details: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.1 inches | 0.38 pounds | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best for Running

Nathan Running Belt Waist Pack

Nathan Running Belt

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • Because the pack is so narrow, it won’t bounce against you as you run.

What to Consider
  • The belt can loosen as you move and require frequent retightening.

When it comes to running, a small, lightweight belt bag is great for storing the essentials. This one from Nathan has two external zippered pockets for your phone and keys, and the adjustable belt extends up to 44 inches. The pack is made from super lightweight neoprene and has a reflective belt for nighttime runs. Four colors are available, including black and magenta. 

Price at time of publish: $25

The Details: 16 x 4.75 x 1 inches | 0.12 pounds | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best Slim

WATERFLY Fanny Pack

4.7
Why We Love It
  • This lightweight, water-resistant bag has several exterior pockets.

What to Consider
  • The main compartment is pretty small.

At just 5 ounces, this lightweight pack from Waterfly won’t weigh you down when you’re running, hiking, or doing anything active. It has four pockets, including three front pockets and a hidden, anti-theft back pocket that works for a passport, credit cards, or cash. There’s also a key hook in the main compartment, and the pack is big enough to store any phone under 6.5 inches. The belt can be adjusted up to 50 inches, and the material is water- and sweat-resistant. Just choose one of the 17 color or print options and wear it on your waist, over the shoulder, or as a sling bag across your chest. 

Price at time of publish: $16

The Details: 8 x 2.5 x 4.3 inches | 0.32 pounds | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best Clear

Clearworld Clear Fanny Pack

Clearworld Store Clear Fanny Pack

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • The stadium-approved dimensions are great for a quick trip through security at games, concerts, and more. 

What to Consider
  • The material makes the pack stiff and inflexible.

If you’re looking for something that can pass event security quickly, a clear fanny pack is a great option. This one is made with nontoxic, BPA-free material with stadium-approved dimensions. The pack has an adjustable buckle and comes with a smaller front zipper pocket that can hold a phone or your ID, plus a zipper main compartment for larger items. The strap adjusts to up to 38 inches and the pack can be worn over your hips, across your chest, or over your shoulder. 

Price at time of publish: $16

The Details: 12.6 x 6.7 x 6.3 inches | 0.28 pounds | PVC | Waterproof

Best Faux Leather

Kibou Vegan Leather Diaper Belt Bag

Kibou Faux Leather Diaper Belt Bag

Nordstrom

Why We Love It
  • It doubles as a small diaper bag. 

What to Consider
  • It’s on the smaller side.

Yes, this bag is classified as a diaper bag, but it’s also a fantastic fanny pack that’s perfect for families on the move. Wear it on your waist or over your shoulder — either way works since the buckled belt is adjustable (up to 49 inches). The pack comes with a removable changing pad in the back pocket in case you do want to use it as a small diaper bag, and the interior has card slots and a key hook for all of your belongings. The top opens wide — so it’s easy to access your items — and zips closed. The entire pack is lined so you can easily dump everything out for a quick clean. Grab it in one of five neutral colors ranging from olive green to blush pink. 

Price at time of publish: $98

The Details: 11 x 6 x 4 inches | Faux leather | Water-resistant

Best Large

Herschel Supply Co. Seventeen Hip Pack

Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack

Herschel Supply Co.

Why We Love It
  • It has plenty of space for everything you need.

What to Consider
  • The clip and strap can become loose.

Looking for a fanny pack that allows you to carry a bit more than the minimum? The Seventeen from Herschel does just that. The larger, 3.5-liter size allows you to carry your phone, keys, cards, cash, plus things like road maps, a camera, travel documents, concert tickets, and more. Wear it around your hips, across your chest, or over your shoulder. It comes with a zippered main compartment plus a front pocket with a waterproof zipper and key clip. The adjustable strap comes with a buckle that makes it easy to take on and off. 

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: 6.5 x 13 x 3.5 inches | 0.55 pounds | 3.5 liters | Water-resistant

Best Durable

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

Fanny Pack

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • It’s simple and made of strong 600-denier polyester.

What to Consider
  • It only has two pockets.

JanSport is known for making durable bags at an affordable price, and the Fifth Avenue fanny pack is no exception. It’s made with 600-denier polyester that’ll hold up for years, plus strong and sturdy zippers. There’s a main zipper pocket in the front, plus a smaller stash pocket for cards and such. Take it to a concert, the beach, on vacation, or use it every day if you wish, as this fanny pack is super versatile. 

Price at time of publish: $20

The Details: 6 x 12.5 x 4 inches | 4 ounces | 2.5 liters | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best Everyday

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon

Why We Love It
  • The trendy bag has multiple slip and zip pockets which allow it to fit much more than its size would imply.

What to Consider
  • It may take a small miracle to catch your desired color in stock.

If you’re looking for a sporty fanny pack to bring to the gym (and beyond), no list could be complete without Lululemon’s extremely popular belt bag. The original 1-liter size is out of stock more often than not but, if you’re lucky enough to catch it, you’ll find a bag with a main compartment that has two mesh slip pockets on either side to keep things sorted. There’s also a back exterior zip pocket to leave cash and cards easy to access (but tight against your body), and this pocket also snugly fits an iPhone 13 Pro. (If you can’t catch the standard size, look for the mini version or jumbo 2-liter one instead.)

Price at time of publish: $38

The Details: 7.5 x 5 x 2 inches | 1 liter | Nylon and recycled polyester | Water-repellent

Tips for Buying Fanny Packs

Consider where, when, and how you’ll use it

Are you needing something for everyday use, something discreet and small for travel, or something lightweight for running? Knowing where, how, and when you’ll use the fanny pack can affect whether you want a dressier material like leather or something water-repellent instead. It’s always a good idea to assess any pockets, card slots, and other organizational features to ensure it fits what you want, too.

Prioritize the fit

If you’re looking for something for exercise, look for a smaller pack that won’t bounce around. If you’re looking for something more stylish that can be used everyday, opt for a slightly larger fanny pack that you can adjust to wear multiple ways. Strap length is another consideration, especially if you want to wear it as a crossbody as well.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I wear a fanny pack?

    You can wear a fanny pack over your hips, or if the straps are long enough, across your chest or over your shoulder. 

  • What is the difference between a belt bag and a fanny pack?

    There is no difference — they’re two names for the same product. 

  • Does a fanny pack count as a personal item on the plane?

    Most airlines allow you to bring one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. However, a fanny pack can still serve as your personal item if you’re wearing it on the plane. If your fanny pack fits inside your larger purse or backpack, you can slip it inside at boarding and count the bigger bag instead.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Amanda Ogle used research and her personal expertise as a travel writer to craft the perfect list of fanny packs for your next adventure.

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