Everybody loves a quality purse, backpack, or briefcase, but sometimes in our world travels, bags that large just aren’t necessary. Fanny packs, alternatively, allow you to carry a few essentials while still having the use of both hands and eliminating shoulder strain.
Fanny packs are perfect for people who need to carry several small things like their phone, passport, money, and snacks. If you’re more of a minimalist and only want a safe place to store your cash, consider a travel money belt instead. But if you’re on the hunt for the best travel fanny packs, here they are. We’ve created a guide that not only includes the best travel packs on the market, but also tells you what to look for so you can buy the one that’s perfect for you.
Quick Answer: Best Travel Fanny Packs
Below is a list of the best waist packs for travel:
- Waterfly Fanny Pack
- Tinyat Travel Fanny Pack
- Everest Signature Waist Pack
- JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack
- Herschel Supply Co. Seventeen Hip Pack
- Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
- Yome Travel Waist Pack
- HEETA Waterproof Fanny Pack
- SoJourner Cute Fanny Pack
- Badiya Crocodile Leather Fanny Pack
What to Look for in a Good Fanny Pack
Here are some things to consider before buying a fanny pack.
1. What’s the Main Purpose of your Fanny Pack?
The reason you’re getting a waist pack will determine what type you should get. If you’re out touring a city for a day and only need to carry your phone, credit cards, hotel room key, and ID, a smaller fanny pack will do. If you’re heading out for a day hike, you may want a larger fanny pack that holds a bit more, maybe even one large enough to hold a bottle of water. Or you may be interested in one that is good for protecting your belongings at the beach; a fanny pack that’s large enough to hold your phone, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Every traveler is different. Just make sure you get a fanny pack that matches your needs.
2. Size / Storage
Think about what you want to carry with you in your fanny pack. Once you decide what you’ll be carrying most often, choose a fanny pack that will leave you a little extra storage space, just in case. You don’t want to overstuff it, but you also don’t want it to be mostly empty either. Keep in mind, fanny packs are not meant to have the space capacity of a purse or backpack.
If you have a larger smartphone, be sure you know the measurements of the fanny pack in advance to be sure your phone will fit.
3. Pockets
Some fanny packs only have one main compartment while others have up to four. Many traditional packs today will offer three – one large main compartment, a front zipper pocket, and a rear hidden zipper pocket for things like your passport. Consider what you’ll be carrying in the waist pack and if you desire to have a separation between your belongings.
4. Water Resistance
Any of the best traveling fanny pack options will be water resistant. This allows your belongings to stay safe and protected in case you get caught in the rain without an umbrella or get splashed while you’re relaxing by the pool.
Some fanny packs are completely waterproof, those are the ones you should choose if you plan to take it to the beach a lot. Waterproof fanny packs will keep your phone protected even if it goes underwater for a little while.
5. Straps
Previously fanny packs had just one strap to go around your waist so the pack could sit in front of you. Today, straps on a fanny pack give it more versatility. You can now wear the pack on your front, on your back, or even as a crossbody sling or shoulder bag. If you’re considering using it as a shoulder pack or crossbody sling, make sure you know how far the shoulder strap extends.
Best Travel Waist Pack Reviews
Now that you know what to be on the lookout for, these are the best travel waist packs currently on the market.
Waterfly Fanny Pack
Waterfly Fanny Pack is considered the best fanny pack for travel because of its convenient features. It’s lightweight, so it won’t weigh you down as you walk the streets of London or tour the ancient town of Hoi An. This fanny pack has one main compartment with double zippers which can fit smartphones up to 7.2 inches. It has two front pockets, and a hidden pocket in the back which can fit a device up to 6.4 inches. The pack is resistant to water so you won’t have to worry if it gets a little wet. The waist belt is made from polyweb and can fit waist sizes up to 50 inches. Waterfly Fanny Pack has more than enough features to make it a great fanny pack whether you’re touring a city or exploring nature. For a more in-depth review, click here.
Tinyat Travel Fanny Pack
Named the best fanny pack for international travel, Tinyat Travel Fanny Pack is large enough to hold your essentials, but small enough that it shouldn’t draw attention from pickpockets. It measures 12.2” x 4.7” x 4.7” and has a waist belt that fits a variety of sizes. This fanny pack is made of a durable, waterproof nylon and has a front zipper pocket as well as a hidden rear zipper pocket. The pockets are large enough for several small essentials like your phone, passport, hotel room key, and credit cards. For a stylish fanny pack that can follow you all around the world, go with the Tinyat Travel Fanny Pack.
Everest Signature Waist Pack
The Everest Signature Waist Pack was specifically designed for everyday use, so no matter what you’re doing anywhere in the world, this fanny pack is a great size and weight to hold your valuables. It’s made from 600D polyester that’s resistance to moisture and mildew, measures 11.5” x 3.0” x 4.5”, and only weighs eight ounces. This fanny pack includes three zippered compartments – a front pocket with a detachable keyring, a back pocket for things you want to keep out of reach of others, and a large middle compartment that’s 6.0” x 5.0” which will hold the majority of your belongings. It also has a long strap so you can wear it as a fanny pack or a sling. Whether you need the best waist packs for hiking, the beach, or checking out a new city, the Everest Signature Waist Pack is a great option.
JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack
While many fanny packs have a feminine design, the JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack is one of the best fanny packs for men because it holds the necessities while also having more masculine design options. The 600D polyester fanny pack is perfect for guys who want to carry more than just their wallet, but don’t need a ton of storage space. It has a main zipper compartment and a front zipper compartment, measures 12.5” x 6.0” x 4.0”, and weighs four ounces. The hip belt extends to 50 inches, and the fanny pack has an adjustable strap that allows you to wear it on your front, back, or as a crossbody sling. For a simple but effective waist pack, be sure to consider the JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack.
Herschel Supply Co. Seventeen Hip Pack
The Herschel Supply Co. Seventeen Hip Pack is a versatile fanny pack even though it’s not that large. The pack is only 7.5” x 6.5” but it has two compartments to store your things and a volume of 3.5 liters. It’s 100% polyester with a nylon lining and has a 16.5” shoulder drop so you can wear it as a fanny pack or across your body. The strap has an adjustable webbing that extends to 55 inches. While most people use fanny packs to hold things like their phone, money, and identification, the Herschel Supply Co. Seventeen Hip Pack also works as a small camera bag.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
Weighing only 3.5 ounces, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack has become a top contender for the best waist pack for travel. It has a main and front compartment, and comes in fun colors or a traditional black. The pack itself is made from a 70D recycled ripstop nylon that’s treated with a silicone face coating and a polyurethane back coating to promote weather resistance. The lining is made of a 200D recycled polyester and is treated with a polyurethane coating as well as a durable water repellent finish. The main compartment features a security pocket that acts as a stuff sack when you’re not using it. Because it’s able to pack down so small, you can toss the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack in your purse or travel backpack when you’re not using it and you’ll barely notice it’s there.
Yome Travel Waist Pack
If you don’t think you need something as big as a daypack for your upcoming hike, consider the best hiking waist pack which can hold your essentials without weighing you down on the trail. The Yome Travel Waist Pack is a sturdy 900D oxford fanny pack that measures 12.8” x 7.0” x 5.0” and has three compartments. The front pocket is ideal for smaller items, the hidden back pocket is perfect for your ID and money, and the large main compartment has ample space and can hold larger items like a smartphone and a standard water bottle. It even has a hole for your headphones so you can talk on the phone or listen to music. The waist strap expands up to 49 inches and the fanny pack is resistant to water. If you’re heading out to explore nature, be sure to take the Yome Travel Waist Pack with you.
HEETA Waterproof Fanny Pack
The HEETA Waterproof Fanny Pack is basically a fashionable dry bag that’s perfect for the beach, boating, swimming, etc. It’s 100% waterproof with triple sealed zipper-lock protection and a fold over Velcro top. The pack protects your phone and other valuables for up to one hour underwater as deep as 32 feet. You’re even able to control your phone screen through the pack when it’s not in water. The pack is 6.0” x 8.6”, has a waist range of up to 46 inches, and can be used as a fanny pack, hand bag, crossbody bag, or shoulder bag. If you’re searching for the best waterproof fanny pack for swimming, kayaking, and other fun water activities, the HEETA Waterproof Fanny Pack is the answer.
SoJourner Cute Fanny Pack
Put your fashion on display with this super cool fanny pack! The SoJourner Cute Fanny Pack comes in a variety of designs, ranging from floral patterns and polka dots to animal print and tribal patterns. While the pack is very fashionable, it’s also practical. It has three different compartments that offer great storage and a waist band that stretches to 48 inches. The pockets of this water-resistant fanny pack are lined with nylon and have reinforced stitching, and the durable material is designed not to rip or tear. If you want a fanny pack that looks amazing while being confident it’ll protect your valuables, choose the SoJourner Cute Fanny Pack.
Badiya Crocodile Leather Fanny Pack
This multi-purpose fanny pack will be a woman’s best friend both at home and while on the road. The waist pack measures 7.2” x 2.0” x 4.7” and can fit waists up to 35 inches. It is made of a high-quality crocodile grain leather giving it a luxurious look and feel. The two pockets are designed to hold a phone and other small things like money, keys, and an ID. The Badiya Crocodile Leather Fanny Pack is the perfect alternative to a small purse when you’re on the go.
While many ‘90s babies probably never thought fanny packs would come back into style, here they are! They’re a must-have for adventure lovers and are the perfect way to keep your belongings close while still being able to use both hands. You’ll love the freedom you feel when you wear your new fanny pack on your next trip.
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