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The Best Fanny Pack

Last updated on March 15, 2024

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Fanny Packs

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Best for Hiking

AIKENDO Sweat-Proof Fanny Pack

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AIKENDO

Sweat-Proof Fanny Pack

Available in five fun colors, this hiking gift for women combines style with convenience. The fanny pack is made from a soft material that is waterproof. You can use it to hold your phone, keys, cash or IDs. The belt is form fitting and made with a safety reflective strip for nighttime use.

Overall Take

Most VersatileThis hiking gift for women is also perfect for traveling or day adventures at your favorite theme parks.

 Best Overall

MAXTOP Theft-Proof Waterproof Fanny Pack

MAXTOP

Theft-Proof Waterproof Fanny Pack

Keep your belongings close when enjoying outdoor activities with the family using this fanny pack. It fits waist sizes that measure between 20 and 50 inches, but can also be worn across the shoulder. The pack features four pockets, including a hidden back pocket and a small pocket inside the main compartment.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this fanny pack comes in 17 different colors and patterns, including yellow, navy blue and pink leaves.

 Runner Up

sportsnew Nylon Adjustable Fanny Pack

sportsnew

Nylon Adjustable Fanny Pack

This gender-neutral fanny pack comes in a choice of 15 different colors and patterns. It features an adjustable belt for a custom fit and is nice and lightweight for day trips to Disney or weekend hikes in the mountains. The front zipper pouch is perfect for storing your ID cards, cash, and car keys, while the more spacious main pouch offers room f...

Overall Take

Economical PickThanks to the affordable price tag on this fanny pack, you'll be able to get one for each family member.

 We Also Like

WATERFLY Water Resistant Slim Soft Polyester Fanny Pack

WATERFLY

Water Resistant Slim Soft Polyester Fanny Pack

This slim, fashionable waist bag is so much more than a fanny pack. Made of a soft polyester, this bag easily accommodates your iPhone 8 or Samsung S6. Its belt extends up to 50 inches for your comfort.

Overall Take

Compact PickThis water-resistant fanny pack easily fits your phone.

Buying Guide

The fanny pack is a convenient and often divisive fashion accessory. First introduced in its current form in the 1980s, the fanny pack is traditionally worn at the waist and may have several pockets for organizing keys, cell phones, lipstick and credit cards.

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Fanny packs come in a variety of styles and colors and are often worn ironically, particularly in high fashion. When it comes to convenient ways to store your gear while on-the-go, however, it’s hard to beat the fanny pack.

When choosing a waist bag, be sure to measure around the part of your body where you’ll be wearing the fanny pack. Then, check the sizing the manufacturer indicates a bag can accommodate. Most fanny pack belts are measured in inches.

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Many fanny packs close with a buckle. This makes for convenient on-and-off during a busy day. However, it also can put you at slight risk of theft, particularly in crowded areas or dangerous neighborhoods. You should avoid storing valuables in a waist bag if you will be in a situation like this.

Consider what you’ll be carrying when you are using your fanny pack to help guide you to the right product. Some have just one pocket, while others have multiple compartments and detachable key rings. If you will have your phone with you while using your bag, make sure its dimensions are compatible with the fanny pack you’re considering.

What to Look For

  • When choosing a fanny pack, consider the sorts of outfits you might wear while carrying it. If you prefer to dress in neutrals, for instance, choosing a vibrant waist bag could be quite a statement. Alternatively, you might prefer something that matches your choice of clothing.
  • Fanny packs are fairly inexpensive, so you might choose to invest in several to match your outfits.
  • Don’t forget to measure your waist to be sure a fanny pack will fit you comfortably.
  • Consider the fabric of a waist bag. Some fanny packs come in water resistant or even waterproof materials to keep your belongings dry in bad weather.
  • If you’ll be carrying your fanny pack for long distances, you might choose one that is lightweight.
  • If you plan to take your fanny pack overseas or to a crowded area, look for one with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-blocking technology to safeguard against identity theft.

More to Explore

The fanny pack can be found in many forms throughout human history, but it appeared as it’s known today in the 1980s. It wasn’t until a decade later with the Chanel “belt bag” that fanny packs came to be seen as a chic fashion accessory.

Today, many fanny packs are worn on the shoulder or even crossbody. They’ve been introduced by a variety of couture designers, from Gucci to Louis Vuitton. They were even adopted by skater culture as a convenient pouch while on the halfpipe.

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