13 Best Fanny Packs, According to Reviewers Who Put them to the Test
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Once upon a time, seeing someone top a look with a fanny pack may have made you cringe, but that’s no longer the case. In fact, the best fanny packs these days are now stylish accessories for moms, travelers, runners, and everyone in between. Originally known for its functionality, the silhouette (and the way to carry it) has come a long way, with everyone from emerging handbag brands to luxury labels offering their own takes on this trend. We tested a few of our own—and consulted fashion experts—and it’s safe to say that the fanny pack (also referred to as the waist bag, belt bag, moon bag, belly bag, or bumbag) is an effortless way to elevate any look. (And no, we don’t just mean wearing one to the gym or to run errands; these bags have elegant counterparts fit for a fancy night out.) But don’t take just our word for it—we asked three celebrity stylists to weigh in on the question: Are fanny packs still in style in 2023?
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, $38
- Best for Moms: Anthropologie Nylon Belt Bag, $58
- Best for Travel: Dagne Dover Ace Neoprene Belt Bag, $95
- Best for Running: Nathan Zipster Fit Running Belt, $29
- Best for Festivals: Patagonia Mini Hip Pack, $75
- Best Splurge: Gucci Blondie Belt Bag, $1,650
- Best for Hiking: The North Face Mountain Lumbar Pack, $45
“Fanny packs have stood the test of time,” celebrity stylist Olivia Rose tells Glamour. “They have been an easy go-to style because of their functionality and comfortability. Any piece that is practical like this can be a wardrobe staple as long as it is styled with intention.”
“Nowadays, fanny packs have become as common as tote bags,” adds celebrity stylist Philippe Uter. “They effortlessly combine ease, style, and practicality. Moreover, they can be a more affordable option compared to a high-end luxury bag like a Birkin, allowing you to indulge in a designer brand without straining your budget.”
Versatility is what makes the best fanny packs timeless wardrobe additions—and if you’re wondering how to wear a fanny pack, you’ll quickly realize that it can be styled with just about everything. And there are more ways than one to wear it: Don't just sling it across your chest; experiment with buckling it across your hip. “In this constantly expanding world, every day can seem like a small voyage,” says celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman. “Fanny packs and many other bags have transcended style to be a daily necessity, which begs the question, Why not use them to enhance and add dimension to a look?”
“I would also play into the juxtaposition of workwear and sportswear,” says Rose. “I would wear it as a cross-body bag with a chic oversized suit and then draw in that sporty touch with retro trainers or a baseball cap.”
So are you ready to incorporate one of the best fanny packs into your summer and fall wardrobe? Ahead, you’ll find an array of styles to shop, from investment buys to a must-have pick for festival-goers and Gen Z's favorite gift for teens.
Best Overall: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Courtesy of brand1/13Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
We’re kicking things off with a pretty fanny pack that’ll soon be your new go-to. It’s not too big or too small, and can function as a wallet alternative while still being able to store your keys and phone. “I've tried out a lot of belt bags and fanny packs over the years, but I always go back to this ultra-versatile one,” says contributing lifestyle writer and editor Kristine Thomason. “When I'm heading out for a mild hike or an active day, I reach for this petite pack because it's lightweight and feels comfortable slung across my shoulder—plus, it holds a shocking amount of essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, phone, wallet, snacks, the list goes on.”
- Material: Nylon, polyester
- Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
- Size: 5" x 7.5" x 2"
- Pros: Water-repellent fabric, more than 15,000 five-star reviews; excess belt strap can be tucked into elastic loop
- Cons: Some say certain colors look different in person.
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Best for Moms: Anthropologie Nylon Belt Bag
Courtesy of brand2/13Anthropologie Nylon Belt Bag
Next up is another fuss-free recommendation ideal for moms. Grab this nylon bag for a trip to the grocery store or perhaps for a date night—the gold hardware makes it easy to dress up. We also love the hidden pocket on the back of the fanny pack, which can house credit cards, Band-Aids, or a small pack of tissues. “Most moms like myself are constantly on the go, and fanny packs have helped my mom uniform feel fashionably functional,” says Katie Bistrian, Anthropologie’s divisional merchandising manager of accessories. “I can grab all the things, hold all the hands, and not worry about where my purse is or what’s falling out. And because of the material, I don’t worry about getting it dirty from kids or weather.”
- Material: Nylon, polyester mesh
- Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
- Size: 5.5" x 7.5" x 2"
- Pros: Includes three inner slip pockets.
- Cons: Available only in a few colors
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Best for Travel: Dagne Dover Neoprene Belt Bag
Courtesy of brand3/13Dagne Dover Neoprene Belt Bag
There’s nothing worse than losing something important when you’re traveling, and this fanny pack can prevent that from happening. It has four pockets, including a small one on the back for cards, plus a holder inside to put your keys. “Being hands-free is helpful when you're out and about, whether it's a short hike, exploring town, or simply on the go,” says Arianna Sartzetakis, founder of the travel platform Uncover More. “The Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack’s multiple compartments make it easy to organize and carry all your essential items, such as cards, cash, keys, and even important travel documents when you're abroad.”
- Material: Neoprene, polyester
- Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
- Size: 9" x 5" x 2"
- Pros: Ample storage with multiple pockets, water-resistant fabric, holder inside for keys
- Cons: Available only in a few colors
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Best Value: Nike Heritage Waist Pack
Courtesy of brand4/13Nike Heritage Waistpack
You can’t go wrong with a Nike fanny pack. This waist pack is highly functional owing to a large main pocket and a smaller one on the back. (Click though to catch the range of colors like neon green, lilac, and gray.) “This big pack can totally hold everything I need for the day,” May says. “When I’m feeling lazy and unorganized, I throw all I can in there and it always fits. Similarly, I like the laid-back vibe it adds to my look.”
- Material: Nylon, recycled polyester fibers
- Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
- Size: 16" x 6" x 4"
- Pros: Additional mesh inside pocket, dual zippers
- Cons: No outside front pocket
Best for Running: Zipster Fit Running Belt
Courtesy of brand5/13Zipster Fit Running Belt
Though you might try to keep things as minimal as possible when running, there are still a few things you need to keep on you. This Nathan running belt is so unobtrusive it'll make you feel as if you’re carrying nothing at all. (Another perk: The discreet design pairs well with any workout clothing.) “To be completely honest, I'm not always the biggest fan of running belts (or any accessories), because I like to feel unencumbered while logging miles,” Thomason says. “That said, of all the options I've tried, I would definitely recommend this adjustable Nathan running belt. The soft, stretchy fabric is so lightweight that I almost forget it's there (a major bonus in my book), and the clip in the back makes it easy to quickly take off when my run is over.”
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
- Size: 2.08 oz.
- Pros: Lightweight design comfortably fits waist; zippered and weather-resistant pocket that fits all smartphone sizes; machine-washable; belt doesn’t bounce when running.
- Cons: Available only in a few colors
Most Sustainably-Designed: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Hip Pack
Courtesy of brand6/13Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Hip Pack
Calling all maximalists! Each Cotopaxi fanny pack is made in the Philippines by designers who get to repurpose fabric into any color combination they want. In short, no two bags are the same. This classic 1.5-liter pack features a large main compartment that can hold a surprising amount of stuff, with the top handle for easy grabbing when you’re in a rush.
- Material: Repurposed fabric, polyester
- Closure: Adjustable and removable belt
- Size: 7" x 4" x 4"
- Pros: Convenient top grab handle, one-of-a-kind colorways, large main compartment
- Cons: Hand-wash only.
Best for Festivals: Patagonia Mini Hip Pack
Courtesy of brand7/13Patagonia Mini Hip Pack
Headed to a music festival or concert? Forgo a bulky bag or tote for this fun hip pack you can fill with necessities. Plus, the lightweight material is a breeze to carry around and won’t weigh you down or get in the way. “This little retro-colored cutie is just big enough for essentials like your phone, cards, keys, and sanitizer,” says entertainment writer and editor Bex April May. “I bring it with me when I’m covering festivals all the time.”
- Material: Recycled nylon
- Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
- Size: 4.75" x 8" x 2"
- Pros: Lightweight, weather-resistant, high packable
- Cons: May be too much color for some.
Best for Hiking: The North Face Mountain Lumber Pack
Courtesy of brand8/13The North Face Mountain Lumber Pack
Leave it to The North Face to deliver a fanny pack built for the great outdoors; this one has a larger-than-average capacity of over two liters, allowing you to stash hiking essentials like mini bug spray, extra hair ties, nut bars, a small first aid kit, and more. Additionally, there’s a cinch strap that can compress your items and keep everything compact.
- Material: Recycled nylon
- Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
- Size: 11.38" x 6.5" x 2.75"
- Pros: Large internal pocket, water-repellent fabric
- Cons: No outside front pocket
Baggu Puffy Fanny Pack
Courtesy of brand9/13Baggu Puffy Fanny Pack
If you have a full schedule of errands, you need a hefty pack to get you through the day. Baggu bags are on the larger side, allowing you more room to carry stuff around. “The fanny packs from Baggu are my absolute favorite,” says lifestyle content creator Lauren Pak. “They’re spacious enough to fit my necessities and are made from nylon so it’s spill-friendly and easy to clean. I use it every day, from walking my dog to running errands, and even when I go out.”
- Material: Technical weave
- Closure: Buckle with adjustable strap
- Size: 6" x 7.75" x 1.5"
- Pros: Unique colors and patterns; budget-friendly
- Cons: On the bigger size
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Best Splurge: Gucci Blondie Belt Bag
Courtesy of brand10/13Gucci Blondie Belt Bag
Between the attention-grabbing logo, classic print, and brown leather trim, Gucci's belt bag proves the humble accessory can also be a fashion-forward investment. Pair this one with jeans and a flowy top for a casual weekend ’fit you’ll want to wear on repeat.
- Material: Leather, supreme canvas, cotton,
- Closure: Adjustable and removable belt
- Size: 8.5" x 5.3" x 1.8"
- Pros: Two compartments, two card slots
- Cons: On the small side
Best Quiet Luxury: Jil Sander Moon Leather Belt Bag
Courtesy of brand11/13Jil Sander Moon Leather Belt Bag
Interested in an understated bag that’s not so over-the-top? Consider Rose’s Jil Sander rec. “My go-to fanny pack would definitely be something simple in design and made of leather,” she says. “Since the bag itself has a unique shape and variety of ways to wear it, I prefer something that is super versatile and has more of a classic feel like this Jil Sander belt bag I want to be able to wear this piece with my athleisure looks and for elevated day-to-day or travel.”
- Material: Leather
- Closure: Adjustable and removable belt
- Size: 10" x 4" x 2.75"
- Pros: Spacious, high-quality leather
- Cons: Limited color options; white style is prone to stains.
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Courtesy of brand12/13Dior Saddle Belt Pouch
Stop scrolling for a true treat-yourself moment. This isn’t your average fanny pack, and you’ll certainly turn heads whether you pair it with something as simple as a white tee or a glamorous floor-length dress. “Dior’s saddle belt pouch is a great way to incorporate luxury as well as functionality,” Freeman says. “I’m so enamored by the way the front flap cascades over its rectangular shape, which runs congruent with the signature diagonal oblique logo print.”
- Material: Grained calfskin
- Closure: Thin removable belt magnetic clasp
- Size: 6.5" x 4" x 1"
- Pros: Two card slots and one zipped pocket, long-lasting material
- Cons: Expensive; may not fit all smartphones.
Best Statement Piece: Loewe Small Puzzle Bumbag
Courtesy of brand13/13Loewe Small Puzzle Bumbag
Loewe's best-selling Puzzle bag gets the fanny pack treatment with this geometric stunner that's sure to pull in all the compliments. “The periwinkle blue puzzle bag from Loewe has captured my heart,” Uter says. “It effortlessly combines ease and style, and the striking blue hue instantly creates a statement-making look. Whatever the bag is, I recommend a small size, nothing too crazy big.”
- Material: Classic calf leather
- Closure: Adjustable and removable belt
- Size: 9.4" x 6.3" x 4.1"
- Pros: Available in multiple colors and sizes, cotton canvas lining, outside pocket
- Cons: Expensive
