When you’re on the go, you don’t want to be bogged down by a huge bag you need to keep adjusting over and over. This is where a fanny pack comes in.
Fanny packs can’t carry everything, but a good waist pack will carry all your travel essentials plus a little extra.
Some fanny packs are complete with a variety of pockets for storing different items. Others are compact and geared toward physical exercise. Some are plain and simple but get the job done.
Every traveler is different, as are their needs. Depending on who you’re traveling with, what you’re carrying, and where you’ll be going, there is a travel fanny pack on the market that’s well-suited to your needs.
We reviewed our top seven fanny pack choices and have included information on what diversifies each product from the rest. No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s a waist pack for you!
The Best Fanny Packs
Waterfly’s fanny pack gets the job done if you like to travel with just the basics.
The pack comes in 28 colors and patterns that will delight even the most selective shoppers. For people who like a splash of color, there are fun prints with tropical flowers or stripes and even flamingoes. Those who prefer solid colors will enjoy the more traditional look -- maybe navy, forest green, or a subtle camo print.
This pack is made of water-resistant nylon. The material can handle a spritz of water but isn’t meant for prolonged exposure to rain, so if you’re traveling somewhere stormy, this pack might not work well for you.
Even though the pack isn’t best for rainy days, Waterfly’s product is great for staying organized because of its four unique pockets. The main pocket can store smartphones as large as an iPhone X or Samsung 6. The front has two pockets: one that secures with a strip of velcro and another that zips shut. The velcro pocket will work well for storing keys, whereas the front zipper pocket can hold loose change or chapstick.
The fourth and final pocket is hidden on the backside of the waist pack. This secret pocket stores special or essential items that you want to keep as close to you as possible.
Pros
- Four pockets make the pack easy to organize
- High customer satisfaction
Cons
- Not waterproof
Key Features
- Made of nylon
- Water-resistant
- Easy-to-adjust polyweb belt
- Fits waist sizes up to 50''
- Durable plastic buckle
Specifications
- Brand: Waterfly
- Dimensions/Weight: 9.4 x 4.3 x 2.1 inches; 5.3 ounces
Outdoorsy travelers, meet your match!
Sport2People’s running pouch fanny pack is a dream come true for active people who still need to pack a couple of things with them before going on an adventure.
The pack consists of a large pocket that fits bigger items like your smartphone, plus a small pouch that fits items like credit cards, cash, chapstick, and keys.
If you’re going on an adventure alone or just need a moment to yourself, you can hook your phone up to headphones, thread them through the headphone hole in the pouch, and listen to music while your phone is safely stored away!
This pouch is also great for evening wear because there are three reflective darts that will light up in the night.
Pros
- Perfect for physical activity
- Super lightweight
- Sleek and subtle design
Cons
- Might not fit all your travel-related necessities
Key Features
- Earphone hole
- Two-pocket design
- Waist adjusts from 27.5’’ to 40.5’’
- Water-resistant
- 3 reflective darts
Specifications
- Brand: Sport2People
- ASIN: B019BQNTL0
- Weight: 2.08 ounces
This fanny pack can adjust to be used as an arm, shoulder, or hip pack, depending on your size and what you’re using the pack for.
This pack is excellent when it comes to storage possibilities. It’s plain to look at and only comes in black or gray-green, but what it lacks in flashy style it makes up for in impressive durability.
The pack is made with longlasting, tear-resistant polyester material divided into five pockets. All five are sized to fit different items. The largest main pouch, for example, can fit a 16-ounce water bottle.
If you’re not a light traveler but you do like to organize your chaos, this pack is a great choice for you. It has a ton of space for all your goodies, plus it’s built to last.
Pros
- Tons of space for personal items
- Great for use on longer trips or when traveling with others
Cons
- Limited variety when it comes to color
- Bulky
- Heavier than other suggested products
Key Features
- Black or gray-green
- 5 zipper pockets of various sizes
- 1000D polyester+
- Strap can adjust from 23.6’’ to 45.3’’
- 18-month warranty
- Plug buckle
- Water-resistant
Specifications
- Brand: FRETOO
- Dimensions/Weight: 13 x 3.5 x 5.5 inches; 7 ounces
JanSport’s especially highly-rated fanny pack is more simple and straightforward than most others on the market.
Instead of having a variety of pocket options and unique features, it boasts reliability and durability. This waist pack is made with a strong polyester that is built last for years to come.
The pack has two zippers: one front and one main. Both zipper pockets are big enough to accommodate all the necessities and in style, too. The pack comes in twelve colors and patterns.
Pros
- Big pockets
- Made by a beloved brand
- Simple yet functional
Cons
- Less space for organization than larger models
- Not as streamlined/low profile as sportier options
Key Features
- 600 Denier polyester
- Two zipper pockets
- Available in 12 colors
Specifications
- Brand: JanSport
- Dimensions/Weight: 6 x 12.5 x 4 inches; 3.52 ounces
Tinyat’s fanny pack looks and feels luxurious, yet is quite affordable.
The waist pack adjusts to waist sizes of 16 inches to 40 inches, so it’s built for smaller-sized people, including kids. You can also carry it around your shoulder if that better suits your needs!
This fanny pack comes in 18 different styles, ranging from a fun print with flamingos to a textured gray color.
The pack is made with durable nylon, and the interior is lined with a lovely orange fabric to protect your belongings from outside irritants.
Pros:
- Discreet back pocket to keep your valuables hidden.
- Lightweight and fashionable
- Made of durable material
If you’re traveling with a loved one or your whole family, this pack will not only meet your packing needs but may allow you to help them with their belongings, too.
The water-resistant pack is straddled by two water bottle holders that can hydrate your group during a long day exploring the city or hiking through the hills. In addition to space for two drinks, there are three zipper pockets. The front one can hold a phone that’s less than 6 inches tall while the largest can fit an iPad Mini.
It comes with a strap that you can use to transform the waist pack into a sling or purse if that works better for your needs. There’s also a back pad that relieves pressure on the body from carrying the pack.
Pros
- Ample space for large items
- Great for long excursions or hikes
- Back pad to relieve pressure
Cons
- Heavy and a bit clunky by design
Key Features
- SBS zippers
- Adjusts to waist sizes of 22'' to 52'’
- Reflective strip
- Anti-fall adjustable strap
- Available in 13 colors
- Back pad for increased comfort
Specifications
- Brand: Waterfly
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.7 x 7.5 inches
Dimok’s running belt fanny pack is perfect for adventurers who don’t like to stay in the same place for long.
The pack is so lightweight you will barely be able to even notice it. It’s made with neoprene -- a flexible, water-resistant fabric.
If you’re hiking in the mountains or just want to be outside, you can plug into some music or a podcast thanks to the convenient space to thread your headphone cable through. You’ll be connected, but your phone will be out of sight and out of mind.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Sleek design
- Unique fabric
Cons
- Few pockets
- Can't fit larger items
Key Features
- Water-resistant neoprene
- Fits waist sizes 28" to 49"
- Available in 5 colors
- Machine washable
- Space for headphone cable
Specifications
- Brand: Dimok
Fanny Pack Buying Guide
Fanny packs all have something different to offer. Before buying one, make sure to consider all the features of a good waist pack related to your unique needs.
Material
The material of the waist pack is directly correlated to its durability. Stylish fabrics include cotton and denim, but trendiness doesn’t necessarily equal durability.
Most of the products we selected are made with nylon or polyester because both are reliable, durable fabrics. They’re lightweight and unlikely to scratch or tear.
Nylon and polyester are also better candidates when it comes to resistance to water. Especially since you’ll be using your pack when you’re out on the town, you don’t want to worry about a light drizzle destroying your precious belongings.
Keep an eye out for water-resistant packs, many of which are made with nylon, polyester, or neoprene. Neoprene is a flexible fabric that molds to the body and is the superior material for strenuous physical activity.
If you’re traveling to a place where rain is a daily occurrence, it might be important for you to prioritize water-resistant or waterproof packs over all else!
Storage
Storage possibilities vary from pack to pack.
Some packs only have two pockets, which is a good option for people who are carrying larger items or who don’t care much for organizing individual pockets. These packs tend to offer more space in each pocket but organization opportunities are definitely minimized.
If you prefer to have a space for everything, more pockets are a must for you!
Many packs come with a “hidden pocket” which is a slim pocket on the side of the pack worn closest to your body. This pocket is excellent for keeping important items, like currency, IDs, or other precious information close to you.
