The 11 Best Fanny Packs of 2023

Jan 21, 2024

Carry all your essentials hands-free with these stylish and functional belt bags.

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Real Simple / Brian Kopinski

Once considered the hallmark of a tourist abroad, fanny packs have returned as a trendy and practical way to securely store your essential belongings while on the go. Whether you call them fanny packs or belt bags, they have one thing in common: Hands-free carrying convenience, which provides you easy access to your phone, wallet, keys, and other belongings without bogging you down like a backpack.

To narrow down a list of the best fanny packs, we poured over hundreds of the highest-rated options on the market, looking at a range of designs and prices while taking durability, comfort, organizational elements, water resistance, and security features into account. We also consulted Emma Wooley, a Brooklyn-based stylist and consultant, on her favorite ways to wear a fanny pack.

“For long walks in my neighborhood, I always bring a fanny pack with just my wallet and keys,” says Wooley, who praises “lightweight” options as ideal replacements for something more “cumbersome, like a tote or shoulder bag.” She suggests using them to stash “a small wallet or card holder and keys,” whether you’re sightseeing or heading to a concert.

Nordstrom

It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and made with recycled materials.

We wish this bag had a longer belt length that could accommodate a looser fit and more waist sizes.

Dagne Dover’s soft and sleek belt bag stands out from the crowd thanks to the brand’s signature neoprene material, which is lightweight, made from recycled plastic bottles, and water-resistant. The moisture-wicking material is designed to make sure sweat doesn’t stick to you while sightseeing or running errands. We love the retro, minimalist look of this fanny pack—and so will anyone who likes to stay organized, as there are four separate pockets to help keep track of your belongings.

We’re big fans of the exterior back pocket, which is perfectly sized for a credit card or public transit card that you need to keep handy—just be mindful, as there’s no zipper. The front pocket, on the other hand, features a zippered closure for added protection for your essentials. The primary compartment is large enough for a phone, sunglasses, and small things like lip balm. It’s available in eight bold colors, from neon pink to olive green. Notably, the seatbelt-like buckle is adjustable from 15 to 47 inches (including the width of the bag), which is a wider range than many of the other options on the market but may not accommodate all waist sizes or those desiring a looser fit.

Price at time of publish: $95

Material: Neoprene | Dimensions: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds | Capacity: 1 liter

Amazon

This sleek bag is convertible and can also be worn as a crossbody bag.

The lightweight bag can sag if it’s filled to capacity.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a wallet-friendly fanny pack with a simple design, consider the Tlmody Belt Bag. It’s waterproof and convertible, so you can opt to wear it around your waist or across your body.

We like its minimalist aesthetic, which looks streamlined from the front but offers a discrete anti-theft zippered pocket on the back. Inside, you’ll find a divided mesh compartment where you can store your keys, lip balms, and other items, while your phone can fit inside the main section of the pouch. Note that if you fill it to capacity it can sag a bit under the weight of the items.

Price at time of publish: $7

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 4.2 ounces | Capacity: Not listed

Nordstrom

This chic bag is made of leather, so it's stylish enough to wear out on the town.

The bag has a small capacity and may not be ideal for long excursions.

This luxe leather bag from Australian designer Aimee Kestenberg is crafted from over 50 percent responsibly sourced leather from tanneries that have earned Leather Working Group ratings for their mindful energy and water use. It’s buttery soft and chic enough to wear out for a night on the town yet practical enough for all-day use.

Anyone who is looking for a fashionable and functional way to tote around their phone and wallet will love this bag, which features an interior zip pocket to keep your keys and cards secure. The capacity is rather shallow, though, so this may not be a great fit for those who have more to carry. Be mindful that the adjustable waistband starts at 25 inches (and stretches up to 40 inches), which means this will sit low on more petite body types and may be better suited to crossbody wear.

Price at time of publish: $148

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 11 x 6.25 x 1 inches | Weight: 8 ounces | Capacity: Not listed

It has a great everyday style that can take you from a morning workout to lunch with friends and then out dancing for the night.

The strap only extends to 41.7 inches, which can feel constricting on taller people when worn as a crossbody bag.

There’s a reason the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag keeps selling out. The fan-favorite fanny pack is small and stylish, with enough pockets to store all your everyday belongings in its 1-liter capacity. Inside, there’s a mesh pocket to keep lip balms, pens, and sunglasses tucked away, while the primary pocket fits a phone and wallet; there’s also a hidden zippered pocket on the back, which can be used to store a phone or passport for safekeeping. While the bag makes for a great travel companion thanks to its lightweight and water-resistant construction, it will likely become your go-to bag for when you’re just running errands, too.

Inside, everything is easy to spot at a glance, and we love that the zipper is secure but smooth enough to open one-handed. The thick belt is also extra comfortable and designed to be worn around your waist or across your body—but note that it only stretches to 41.7 inches, so taller people may have a hard time wearing it crossbody. The best part is that it’s available in 14 gorgeous colors, from powder blue to rosy pink—you might even want to grab more than one before they inevitably sell out again!

Price at time of publish: $38

Material: Nylon and polyester | Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Capacity: 1 liter

The bag is made with sturdy materials that keep items in place.

We wish it had more interior pockets to separate items.

Whether you’re heading to Coachella or a soccer game, there’s a chance you’ll encounter a clear bag policy, which is exactly what it sounds like—a requirement that all bags be see-through as a measure of public safety. Clear fanny packs are a great option, and this one comes in a BPA-free material that fits most stadium requirements.

While PVC is less flexible than materials like canvas or leather, it helps to keep your belongings in place. The belt bag features a buckle that adjusts from 22 to 38 inches so it can be worn around your waist, across your chest, or on your shoulder. The main compartment is a good size, but we wish it had more interior pockets to keep items separated. The small front zipper pocket allows convenient access to cards and IDs—we’d suggest putting them in a card holder to keep your information private.

Price at time of publish: $16

Material: PVC | Dimensions: 12.6 x 6.7 x 6.3 inches | Weight: 0.28 pounds | Capacity: 1 liter

REI

This bag has plenty of zipper pockets and a primary compartment that opens from the top.

The bag is bulkier than others, which may not be ideal for those looking for a sleeker option.

REI is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to high-performance outdoor and travel gear, and this waist pack is no exception. Crafted from recycled nylon, it’s treated with a water-repellent finish to help it stand up to rain and unexpected spills. We appreciate how the primary compartment opens from the top, rather than a typical zip-around which makes for extra easy access to your belongings while on the move.

There are four other exterior pockets to help keep you organized, with a zippered section in the front and a hidden zippered back pocket, which can be used to keep your passport or phone tight against your body. Inside, there’s another zippered mesh compartment for small belongings, plus plenty of space for a boarding pass or train ticket. While some travelers may find this too bulky for day-to-day use, those looking to replace a tote bag or backpack with something smaller will appreciate the dual water bottle pockets, which can each accommodate up to a 1-liter bottle.

Price at time of publish: $50

Material: Recycled nylon and recycled polyester | Dimensions: 11.5 x 7 x 4 inches | Weight: 9 ounces | Capacity: 5.25 liters

Amazon

The breathable moisture-wicking material at the back of the backpack helps keep you cool and sweat-free.

This bag is a bit bulky, so this isn’t ideal for people who just want to carry around the essentials.

Fanny packs with water bottle holders are the ultimate convenience. They allow quick and easy access to your water bottle while you’re on the move, making them an excellent choice for hikers and runners, as well as travelers who want to stay hydrated throughout a long day of sightseeing. The Yuoto Waist Pack is designed with an adjustable waistband that can stretch from 25 to 50 inches, while the mesh water bottle compartment has a 27-ounce capacity. We love that there are two bands that help secure your water bottle, so you don’t need to worry about it bouncing around when you’re active—but keep in mind that the water bottle makes the fanny pack a bit bulkier than others.

Three separate zippered pockets offer ample space to store your phone, wallet, keys, and other belongings, and a small inside pouch is great for storing credit cards and hotel keys. The back of the waist pack is made of a moisture-wicking, breathable mesh material that will keep you cool and sweat-free in even the hottest weather, and the 3M reflective nylon helps with visibility at night. Scoop it up in ten vibrant colorways, from classic black to bright orange.

Price at time of publish: $25

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 14.57 x 2.36 x 6.69 inches | Weight: 0.4 pounds | Capacity: 27 ounce water bottle

Amazon

This lightweight bag is compact and made of waterproof material.

The bag may not be ideal for those who need to carry more than a few essentials.

This super sleek belt is designed for runners who require a secure fit that will stay put on even the bumpiest trail runs. Made from waterproof Lycra, the moisture-wicking fabric is designed to keep you feeling fresh while you work up a sweat. The reflective strip is a crucial detail when it comes to safety, providing improved visibility in low-light and foggy conditions.

One of our favorite parts of the Filoto Running Belt is the opening for headphones, which allows you to safely store your phone inside the main pouch while still having access to music. Despite the compact design, this ultra-lightweight bag manages to store everything from a phone to hand sanitizer and energy snacks or even a small 8-ounce water bottle. Those looking for a fanny pack with additional storage or a more versatile design might prefer a different option.

Price at time of publish: $13

Material: Lycra | Dimensions: 26 x 12 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 2.89 ounces | Capacity: Not listed

It has a large capacity that makes it ideal for long hiking, fishing, and climbing excursions.

Its large size and weight make it more cumbersome to carry.

Patagonia is one of the most reliable brands for outdoor gear, which is why we swear by its Guidewater Hip Pack. With a 9-liter capacity, it fits truly everything you could need for a brief excursion in the primary compartment, while your phone, wallet, and keys fit comfortably in the internal organizer pocket, which can be attached to the outside for easy access. There are plenty of external loops to attach carabiners and other gear to, making this an ideal choice for rock climbing or fishing.

All of this extra storage also means that this bag is larger and heavier than some on our list, so it’s more cumbersome to carry. The bag is IPX-7 rated, ensuring it is fully waterproof and even submersible thanks to the powerful PU-coated recycled nylon construction. While you can use it in salt water, we’d suggest spot-cleaning it afterward to avoid potential salt stains. Note that the zipper is ultra sturdy and can require two hands to maneuver.

Price at time of publish: $239

Material: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester, PU coating | Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 9 inches | Weight: 1.38 pounds | Capacity: 9 liter

Amazon

It’s ultra-lightweight, so you’ll hardly notice that you’re wearing it.

The belt is thin and not suitable for carrying large or bulky items.

This money belt is ideal for travelers who want to keep their important belongings discreetly hidden on their person while abroad. It’s ultra-lightweight and made from thin, ripstop nylon that is water-resistant and breathable enough for all-day wear—it’s even comfortable enough that you can wear it beneath your clothes for an added layer of protection. There are a number of security features designed to provide peace of mind while you’re on the go, from a dual side-release buckle that locks tightly together to built-in RFID protection for your credit cards and ID.

The bag, which has several internal compartments to keep documents like passports and boarding passes organized, also comes with two global recovery tags to help you track your belongings in the event that you ever lose them from your bag. This money belt is thin, so if you plan to carry larger items, you may need a bigger bag. Peak Gear also provides theft insurance, offering up to $250 for lost items. The bag is available in small, regular, and large sizing, with the regular model accommodating a 24 to 42-inch waist.

Price at time of publish: $30

Material: Ripstop nylon | Dimensions: 13.11 x 6.14 x 0.63 inches | Weight: 2.24 ounces | Capacity: Not listed

Nordstrom

This bag has a fashionable and unique style.

The style is luxe but not ideal for those who need a hands-free option for workouts.

Crafted from buttery soft calfskin leather, this designer darling is as elegant as they come and ideal for fashionistas. It has two separate but interlocked pouches, which have enough room for your phone as well as dedicated storage for your AirPod case. It’s easy to reach your essentials thanks to a secure envelope snap closure on each. Inside, there’s a divider to help keep you organized on the move, with space for lip gloss, sunglasses, your wallet, and more.

The sleek leather strap is another draw, as it looks just like a luxurious black belt from the back. We’d suggest pairing this with an LBD for date night or even for a more formal occasion, given the high-end price point and top quality of the material—this isn’t meant to be worn during workouts or for everyday usage.

Price at time of publish: $1,790

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 4 x 6.7 x 1.1 inches | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: Not listed

We chose Dagne Dover Ace Water Resistant Belt Bag as our best overall pick because it is lightweight, water-resistant, and made with recycled materials. It also has a sleek, minimalist style and ample pockets and is available in eight colors.

If you’re wearing a bag around your waist all day, you want to ensure that it’s comfortable and won’t get sweaty or smelly over time. Prioritize a lightweight material, ideally with moisture-wicking and odor-repelling capabilities, ensuring that sweat won’t get trapped beneath it on warmer days. Breathability is also key, as it improves airflow and helps to minimize sweat buildup. Nylon, polyester, and other synthetic fabrics are great for wicking away moisture and drying quickly; avoid fibers like cotton, which will take longer to dry.

Before you purchase a fanny pack, ask yourself what you plan to use it for. Is this a day-to-day bag to toss on for a walk around the neighborhood? Will you wear it to workout or go on runs? Do you need enough space for a passport or to accommodate a water bottle? These questions will help you figure out what size and capacity to look for. A 9-liter bag will be way too big for daily use, but a slim money belt might not have enough space for a traveler looking to carry all their essentials around on their person.

Most fanny packs offer a variety of pockets. Look for a mix of easy-access external compartments and several inner pockets, at least one of which should be zippered for added privacy and protection. Elastic bands help to hold water bottles or small items like lipsticks in place, while small zippered pockets can hold loose change and house keys. (To save space in your fanny pack, check out our tips for things to declutter from your purse.)

How you wear a fanny pack is entirely up to your personal preference and style. While they are designed to be worn around your waist, most can also be slung across your body or carried over your shoulder. Some can even be worn under your clothes for added theft protection. Emma Wooley, a Brooklyn-based stylist, suggests playing around to figure out what feels best for you.

“After a few years of wearing a fanny pack over the shoulder or cross-body, I have finally returned to the OG waist look,” she says. “They're so retro and athletic, so I like to play that up,” she continues, adding that she leans “sporty” when styling them. “I think [they] look cool with a sporty outfit—like my favorite Lululemon tights with chunky Asics, tube socks, and a sports bra or tight tank.”

Yes, a fanny pack is typically considered a personal item on most flights. Generally speaking, most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item per passenger. It’s always a good idea to check your specific airline’s baggage requirements, as some are more strict than others in terms of what sizes and weights are allowed. Budget airlines are more likely to nitpick, so be sure to take that into consideration when packing.

What you can store in your fanny pack will depend on the size and capacity of any given model, but in general, it’s a great place to store your phone, a small wallet or card holder, keys, and other daily essentials. When traveling, it’s also a good option for keeping your passport (or Real ID) on your person. In addition to the basics, Wooley suggests keeping a few cosmetic essentials in your fanny pack, noting that she always carries “a lip balm and a face sunscreen if I’ll be out for more than an hour.”

This article was written by Sophie Dodd, a contributing commerce writer for Real Simple who specializes in travel content. To pull together this list, she spent hours researching fanny packs, considering their overall comfort, value, and organizational features. She also received advice from Emma Wooley, a Brooklyn-based stylist and consultant, on when and how to wear a fanny pack.