10 Stylish Fanny Packs Perfect for Travel

From acid-washed denim to hair scrunchies, and even reboots of Toto’s hit “Africa”: these throwbacks from the ’80s and ’90s—once playfully mocked—are now as trendy as Marty McFly and his DeLorean. But they aren’t the only nostalgic pieces making a comeback. The fanny pack—now featuring a more refined design and innovative materials—is back in style.

Once considered the outcast of bags, the hip belt has made a permanent return for good reason. "Fanny packs stay put and are easy to reach," says Darlene Fiske, founder of the Fiske Group and a longtime fanny pack user. "I can quickly grab my car keys, phone, and cash, leaving my hands free to do other things."

In fact, fanny packs might just be the perfect travel accessory as they are adaptable, compact, and keep your belongings secure and visible. Ready to dive into the world of fanny packs? Here are our top 10 picks.

Our favorite selections

1. Top fanny pack overall: Field Day Hip Pack by Mountain Hardwear
2. Most adaptable hip belt: The Waverley 2 from Lo & Sons
3. Best hip pack for travelers needing extra room: S/F Expandable Hip Pack by Fjällräven
4. Best hip belt for runners: Fast and Free Running Belt by Lululemon
5. Best fanny pack for a retro vibe: Mountain Waist Pack by Topo Designs
6. Best hip pack for parents: The Sidekick by No Reception Club
7. Best hip pack for on-the-go travelers: The Lite Belt Bag by Bellroy
8. Most fashionable fanny pack: Everywhere Belt Bag by Lululemon
9. Best sling with affordable style: Sunset Sling by Kedzie
10. Best hip pack for dog lovers: Utility Pack by Wilderdog

Field Day Hip Pack by Mountain Hardwear

Top fanny pack overall

Our top choice for packs to wear on your, well, you know, is Mountain Hardwear’s Field Day Hip Pack. It strikes the perfect balance between ample and compact space that our experts appreciate. "We don’t need to carry every single item when we’re out adventuring or shopping," Grace Swansinger points out. "With a fanny pack, I’ve got this much room. So what’s essential?"

With a capacity of four liters (about the size of a Chipotle burrito), the Field Day offers ample space for essentials like your ID, keys, and a credit card (which can be tucked away in the discreet interior pocket), along with some snacks and a lightweight extra layer. It also excels in comfort (thanks to its padded back panel) and versatility, as it can be worn in front, at the back, or as a cross-body sling.

Mother Nature gives it a thumbs-up too: The Field Day is crafted entirely from recycled materials, specifically 210-denier ripstop nylon, which is lightweight yet robust enough to withstand the challenges of TSA security or rubbing against rocks during a hike. In terms of style, the Field Day keeps it sleek with solid color options like Bright Copper, Vinson Blue, or classic black, making it suitable for both a scouting mission to view the northern lights and culinary adventures in the Big Apple.

The Waverley 2 by Lo & Sons

Most adaptable hip belt

Fiske suggests opting for a bag in a neutral hue to complement various outfits. Enhance the appearance further with a chic leather finish, creating a hands-free option suitable for any event. The Waverley 2 from family-oriented, Asian-owned brand Lo & Sons is crafted from textured Saffiano leather, luxurious Napa leather, and (our favorite) a sturdy, scratch-resistant vegan leather derived from Nopal cactus. This versatile bag is available in several Fiske-approved colors (black, navy, graphite, sienna) and offers various hardware and interior combinations to suit your style.

With its adjustable two-part strap, the Waverley 2 can be worn in four distinct styles: as a casual belt bag, a cross-body bag, a sophisticated wristlet, or a shoulder bag. Offered in two sizes—8 inches by 5.6 inches and 8.3 inches by 5.9 inches—the bag includes an interior zip pocket for essential items, a convenient slip pocket for smaller necessities, and an exterior card slot ideal for keeping a hotel key safe.

S/F Expandable Hip Pack from Fjällräven

Ideal hip pack for travelers in need of extra room

Heading out on a hiking adventure for your next getaway? Fanny packs are perfect for that too. "They’re a fantastic choice for hikers because you can focus your energy on the trail instead of hauling excessive weight from a backpack," Grace Swansinger explains. "Larger fanny packs available today can even fit a light jacket and have water bottle holders, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your trek."

The S/F Expandable Hip Pack by Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven, in collaboration with cycling experts at Specialized, excels in this category. Though primarily designed for bikepacking (where you cycle from one point to another and camp along the way), this 4.5-liter pack is equally suitable for walking trips, featuring two slim water bottle holders, a spacious central compartment for snacks, and two slip pockets. It’s also water-resistant, making it useful during unexpected rain showers, and is crafted without harmful PFCs. Like Clark Kent, this hip pack has a hidden talent: a discreet back panel that unfolds into a backpack. So while there are times when a simple, rugged carrier is sufficient, if you do need to carry a few extras—maybe a cape and full bodysuit—the S/F Expandable Hip Pack is up for the task.

Fast and Free Running Belt from Lululemon

Top hip belt for runners

"As a runner, you want to ensure your phone or keys don’t fall out of your pocket or get lost," Fiske explains. "A snug fit around your waist is essential. For running, it has to be compact." The Fast and Free Running Belt from Lululemon fits closely against your lower back, crafted from the brand’s lightweight and quick-drying Nulux fabric, ensuring it won’t cling uncomfortably to your skin.

Designed like a cummerbund, this sweat-wicking stuff sack is machine washable, ensuring the Fast and Free Running Belt stays fresh. Reflective details along the zipper strap enhance visibility during early morning and late evening runs, while three available sizes guarantee a perfect, bounce-free fit. While the belt itself isn’t made from recycled materials, Lululemon is dedicated to cutting its average freshwater consumption by 2025 and achieving decarbonization of its supply chain by 2030, as part of its sustainability goals.

Mountain Waist Pack from Topo Designs

Top fanny pack for retro style

Retro vibes are making a comeback, from neon shades to acid-wash denim. Embrace this trend with the two-liter Mountain Waist Pack from Topo Designs, especially in its striking hot pink, neon yellow, and classic black options. This daily companion is equipped with sturdy YKK zippers, a seatbelt webbing strap, and a robust, recycled nylon shell, perfect for adventurous excursions or casual use. Based in Denver, the brand promotes the New Outdoor concept, which fosters an inclusive community for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. So, whether you’re hiking up a mountain or just hanging out after school, the Mountain Waist Pack has you covered.

The Sidekick by No Reception Club

Top hip pack for parents

With a two-year-old and a two-week-old, the Swansingers are navigating the chaos of hand-holding through parking lots, quickly handing out Goldfish snacks, and changing a seemingly endless number of diapers. “There are certainly moments when you need a full diaper bag packed with all the essentials,” Grace Swansinger explains, “but sometimes you just want to lighten your load and carry the basics like a diaper, some wipes, and a few snacks. That’s where a fanny pack shines.”

The newly launched family travel brand No Reception Club has listened closely to parents like Swansinger. Their innovative 24-liter Getaway Bag features dual access points and a clever interior shelf system, but they also offer the aptly named Sidekick (with a three-liter capacity) to complement it. This minimalist fanny pack, made from recycled polyester, is designed to hold everything necessary to keep your baby clean and comfortable. It includes a changing pad and has ample room for up to six diapers, along with ointment and hand sanitizer. You can easily tuck wipes into the back exterior pocket—complete with a handy magnetic flap for quick access. If it gets a bit messy, simply toss it in the washing machine.

The Lite Belt Bag by Bellroy

Ideal hip pack for travelers on the go

“The Bellroy Lite Belt Bag is the ultimate fanny pack for air travel,” says Ellie See, a senior designer at Dinogo. It features an exterior pocket that perfectly accommodates a passport, along with a mesh interior pocket to keep smaller items organized, making it easy for travelers to grab their essentials on the fly. “If the 1.8L capacity isn’t sufficient for you, or if you have a water bottle to carry,” See adds, “the bag has loops that let you attach additional items, provided you have a carabiner.”

Compact and stylish, the water-resistant Lite Belt Bag made of nylon ensures that your valuables are protected from any mishaps at the airport.

Everywhere Belt Bag by Lululemon

Most fashionable fanny pack

Another great selection from Lululemon, this bag is ideal for those skeptical about fanny packs. Travelers who are hesitant to fully commit can gradually embrace this trendy sling. The Everywhere Belt Bag by Lululemon offers multiple ways to wear it across your body, and its compact design makes it easy to carry when needed. According to Dinogo contributor Alex Battaglia, this bag simplifies transitions between locations. Whether navigating busy airports or exploring remote trails, Battaglia emphasizes that this fanny pack “is small enough to keep on you at all times, or easily stowed in your hostel’s safe while you’re out and about.”

Most importantly, this collection is available in a wide array of colors, allowing everyone to find a fanny pack that complements their personal style.

Sunset Sling by Kedzie

Best budget-friendly stylish sling

Whether you’re exploring the City of Light or indulging in some window shopping in Milan, you need a bag that boasts chic urban style while offering ample storage. The Sunset Sling by Kedzie, with its leather-like finish, touches of gold hardware, and dimensions of 6 inches by 9.2 inches, is the perfect choice.

Featuring two main compartments along with interior and exterior slip pockets, the Sunset provides ample space for your essentials and even a small souvenir or two. It comes with a basic black strap (55 inches at full extension), but users can express their style with alternative straps like a vibrant cheetah print or floral design (sold separately).

Utility Pack by Wilderdog

Best hip pack for dog lovers

With a couple of dogs added to the Swansingers' joyful mountain home, they're well-versed in the art of dog walking, running, and hiking. "When you take them out, your hands need to be free," Grace Swansinger explains. "This Wilderdog option is perfect for the included poop bag dispenser and a pouch for storing treats."

The canine-centric brand's 2.5-liter Utility Pack offers three distinct compartments: one for your dog's snacks, another for your belongings (including your wallet and phone), and a third designed to hold a roll of poop bags. The stitched webbing on the front of this lifetime-warrantied mini carrier provides attachment points for your pup’s extra gear (like a bowl or a toy). Plus, with every purchase, Wilderdog donates a pound of kibble to a rescue shelter in need.

This article was first published in July 2023 and updated with fresh information in September 2024. Contributions were made by Ellie See and Alex Battaglia.