10 Travel-Ready Fanny Packs That Are Actually Stylish

Acid-washed denim, hair scrunchies, even near-identical remakes of Toto’s chart-topper “Africa": These vestiges of the ’80s and ’90s—all mocked good-naturedly for decades—are now just as fly as Marty and his DeLorean. But they aren’t the only dusted-off remnants of yesteryear now visible. The fanny pack—updated with sleeker style and even some high-tech materials—is back.

Once the pariah of packs, the hip belt has rejoined the mainstream for good reason. “Fanny packs stay in place, and they’re accessible,” says Darlene Fiske, who’s worked with style-forward, luxury travel brands for decades as founder of the Fiske Group. She’s also been wearing a fanny pack for years. “It’s easy to grab what I need—my car keys, my phone, my money—and I have two hands to multitask.”

Indeed, fanny packs are arguably a near-ideal travel companion since they’re versatile, packable, and keep items secure, close, and within view. Ready to embrace the fanny pack? Here are 10 of our favorites.

Our top picks

1. Best overall fanny pack: Field Day Hip Pack by Mountain Hardwear
2. Most versatile hip belt: The Waverley 2 from Lo & Sons
3. Best hip pack for travelers who need extra space: 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 throwback style: Mountain Waist Pack by Topo Designs
6. Best hip pack for parents: The Sidekick by No Reception Club
7. Best hip pack for travelers on the move: The Lite Belt Bag by Bellroy
8. Most stylish fanny pack: Everywhere Belt Bag by Lululemon
9. Best sling with budget-friendly style: Sunset Sling by Kedzie
10. Best hip pack for dog owners: Utility Pack by Wilderdog

Courtesy of Mountain Hardwear

Field Day Hip Pack by Mountain Hardwear

Best overall fanny pack

• Buy now: $21, mountainhardwear.com
• Pros: Versatile style, heavy-duty fabric, recycled materials
• Cons: Doesn’t fit the kitchen sink (though that’s kind of the point)

Our top pick for packs to wear on your, well you know, is Mountain Hardwear’s Field Day Hip Pack. It offers the big-enough-but-not-excessive sizing that our experts love. “We don’t have to pack every little thing with us when we go out on an adventure or we’re going shopping,” Grace Swansinger reminds us. “With a fanny pack, I’ve only got this much space. So what do I actually need?”

At four liters (roughly the size of a Chipotle burrito), the Field Day has plenty of room for must-have items like your ID, keys, and a credit card (shove those in the hidden-away interior pocket), as well as a few snacks and even a thin extra layer of clothing. This option also ticks the boxes for comfort (thanks to a padded back panel) and versatility, since it wears well in front, in back, or as a cross-body sling.

Mother Nature also approves: The Field Day is made entirely of recycled materials, namely 210-denier ripstop nylon, which is lightweight yet still durable enough to handle the rigors of navigating through TSA or rubbing against rocks on a midtrip hike. As for style, the Field Day keeps things simple with monochromatic offerings like Bright Copper, Vinson Blue, or a straightforward black that allow it to work as well on a scouting mission to see the northern lights as it does flavor-hopping around the Big Apple.

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

The Waverley 2 from Lo & Sons

Most versatile hip belt

• Buy now: $95–$210 (was $220), loandsons.com
• Pros: Wearable four ways, urban chic aesthetic, vegan leather option
• Cons: Leather exterior isn’t for rugged pursuits

Fiske recommends choosing a bag in a neutral color to go with multiple outfits. Elevate the look even further with an elegant leather exterior, and you’ve got a hands-free hauler that works well on any occasion. The Waverley 2 from family-first, Asian-owned accessories brand Lo & Sons comes in textured Saffiano leather, buttery smooth Napa leather, and (our favorite) a durable, scratch-resistant vegan leather made from Nopal cactus. The versatile pack comes in a range of Fiske-approved colorways (black, navy, graphite, sienna) with multiple hardware and interior options to mix and match.

Thanks to its two-part adjustable strap, the Waverley 2 can be worn four different ways: from the more casual belt bag and cross-body bag silhouettes to a gala-ready wristlet or shoulder bag. Available in two sizes—8 inches by 5.6 inches and 8.3 inches by 5.9 inches—the bag features an interior zip pocket for can’t-lose items, a handy slip pocket for little must-haves, and an exterior card slot perfect for stashing a hotel key.

Courtesy of Fjällräven

S/F Expandable Hip Pack by Fjällräven

Best hip pack for travelers who need extra space

• Buy now: $80 (was $120), specialized.com
• Pros: Expands to fit even large items, made with ecofriendly fabrics
• Cons: Bulkier size

Planning to hit the trail on your next trip? Fanny packs excel there too. “They are a great option for hikers so that you get to spend your energy on the hike and not lugging around too much weight from a backpack,” Grace Swansinger says. “Larger fanny packs on the market even have room to store a light jacket and have water bottle holders so you know you’ll still be well-prepared for your hike.”

The S/F Expandable Hip Pack by Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven, a collaboration with the bike gurus at Specialized, is a winner in this realm. Technically, it’s designed for bikepacking (expeditions where you bike from point to point and camp in between), but this 4.5-liter pack works well for bipedal outings too with its two slim water bottle holders, a central compartment big enough to house plenty of snacks, and two slip pockets. It’s also water-resistant, a boon for any unexpected showers, and produced without environmentally detrimental PFCs. But just like Clark Kent, this hip pack has a hidden superpower: A discreet back panel unfolds to create a backpack. So while there are certainly times when a minimal, rugged stuff-hauler fits the bill, if you do need to tote a few extras—a cape and full bodysuit, perhaps—the S/F Expandable Hip Pack is ready.

Courtesy of Lululemon

Fast and Free Running Belt by Lululemon

Best hip belt for runners

• Buy now: $38, shop.lululemon.com
• Pros: Slim, no-bounce design holds the essentials
• Cons: Only holds the essentials

“As a runner, you don’t want your phone or your keys to fall out of your pocket or get misplaced,” Fiske says. “Having something tight around your waist is helpful. For running, it’s got to be something small.” The Fast and Free Running Belt by Lululemon sits snug against your backside, but it’s made from the brand’s lightweight and fast-drying Nulux fabric, so it won’t feel sticky against your skin.

Since this cummerbund-inspired stuff sack wicks sweat but doesn’t prevent it, Lululemon made sure the Fast and Free Running Belt is machine washable. Reflective hits along the zipper strap keep you visible on predawn and postsunset jogs, while three different sizes ensure you get the perfect, bounce-free fit. Although the belt isn’t made with recycled materials, Lululemon overall is committed to reducing its average freshwater use by 2025 and decarbonizing its value chain by 2030, as outlined in its sustainability initiatives.

Courtesy of Topo Designs

Mountain Waist Pack by Topo Designs

Best fanny pack for throwback style

• Buy now: $49, topodesigns.com
• Pros: Retro aesthetic, recycled materials, inclusive brand ethos
• Cons: Long zipper straps create a less streamlined look

Retro style, from neon colors to acid-washed jeans, is cool again. Own it with a two-liter Mountain Waist Pack from Topo Designs—preferably in its hot pink, neon yellow, and black colorway. This everyday carrier features burly YKK zippers, a seatbelt webbing strap, and a durable, recycled nylon exterior, ready for rugged outings in the woods and hills—or not. The Denver-based brand champions what it calls the New Outdoor, “an inclusive place that allows us, regardless of who we are, to be both the outsider and the insider, the novice and the pro.” So, whether you wear the Mountain Waist Pack literally on a mountain or just for a postschool hang at the Max, it’s got you covered.

Courtesy of No Reception Club

The Sidekick by No Reception Club

Best hip pack for parents

• Buy now: $85, noreceptionclub.com
• Pros: Comes with a changing pad, made with recycled materials
• Cons: On the expensive side

With kids aged two years and two weeks, the Swansingers are in the thick of hand-holding across parking lots, dishing out Goldfish at a moment’s notice, and changing diapers (so many diapers). “There are definitely times you need the diaper bag, when you need all of the things,” Grace Swansinger says, “but then there are times when you want to go a little bit lighter and you just want to bring the basics like a diaper, some wipes, and a couple snacks. That’s the benefit of a fanny pack.”

New-in-2022 family travel brand No Reception Club heard parents like Swansinger loud and clear. So while its 24-liter Getaway Bag is an innovative backpack with dual entry points and a unique, interior shelf system, the brand also offers the aptly named Sidekick (three-liter capacity) to accompany it. Minimalist in its size, aesthetic, and environmental impact, the recycled polyester Sidekick is thoughtfully designed to hold everything your baby needs to stay fresh and dry. The changing pad is included, and it has enough space to stuff up to a half-dozen diapers, along with ointment and hand sanitizer. Stick the wipes in the back exterior pocket—we love its magnetic flap closure—and it’s a breeze to swipe and wipe. Don’t stress if a little mess ends up on the fanny pack. Just toss it into the washing machine.

The Lite Belt Bag by Bellroy

Best hip pack for travelers on the move

• Buy now: $49, bellroy.com
• Pros: Water resistant, has bag loops for added storage
• Cons: Magnetic closure on the strap is easy to undo

“The Bellroy Lite Belt Bag is the perfect fanny pack for airplane travel,” says Afar senior designer, Ellie See. With an exterior pocket that perfectly fits a passport, and a mesh interior pocket that can separate smaller items, this pack ensures easy access for travelers looking to grab their valuables quickly while on the move. “If the 1.8L capacity isn’t enough for you, or if you’ve got a water bottle,” See says, “ the bag also has loops for you to attach whatever you want, as long as you have a carabiner.”

Minimalist in its size and aesthetic, the nylon-clad, water-resistant Lite Belt Bag will keep all of your valuables safe from any-and-all airport accidents.

Everywhere Belt Bag by Lululemon

Most stylish fanny pack

• Buy now: $39, Lululemon.com
• Pros: Ideal for travelers averse to carrying a pack around their waist, thoughtful design, great color lineup
• Cons: Smaller size means less storage for your everyday necessities

Another pick from Lululemon makes our list. This bag is perfect for the fanny pack skeptics out there. Travelers who aren’t quite ready to embrace a true fanny pack can ease into the throwback-turned-comeback trend with this versatile sling. Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag can be worn in multiple ways across your body. The smaller silhouette also makes it easy to transport in a pinch. For Afar contributor Alex Battaglia, this pack makes it incredibly easy to move between destinations. Whether trekking through crowded airports or hiking up remote mountains, Battaglia notes that this fanny pack “is small enough to keep on your person at all times, or stow away in your hostel’s safe when you head outside.”

Most important, this line comes in a diverse range of colors, so that anyone can find a fanny pack that will fit with their wardrobe.

Courtesy of Kedzie

Sunset Sling by Kedzie

Best sling with budget-friendly style

• Buy now: $48, kedzie.com
• Pros: Dressy exterior, interchangeable straps go with different outfits and occasions
• Cons: Vegan leather isn’t made with sustainable materials

For long days wandering through the City of Light or window shopping in Milan, you need a pack with slick, urban styling. Yet you still want enough storage capacity to avoid having to backtrack to the hotel. The Sunset Sling by Kedzie—with its leather-esque exterior, hits of gold hardware, and 6-inch-by-9.2-inch sizing—is just the thing.

Equipped with two primary pockets, plus interior and exterior slip pockets, the Sunset has space for the essentials plus room for a small souvenir or two. And while it comes with a simple black strap (55 inches when fully extended), users can let their personality shine with alternate options like a bold cheetah print or flowery pattern (sold separately).

Courtesy of Wilderdog

Utility Pack by Wilderdog

Best hip pack for dog owners

• Buy now: $29, wilderdog.com
• Pros: Thoughtful design, help a shelter dog with purchase
• Cons: Need to pack doggie treats in a separate baggie to prevent odors

With a pair of pups joining the Swansingers’ happy mountain household, they also know about dog walking—and dog running and dog hiking. “When you take them out, you’ve got to have your hands free,” Grace Swansinger says. “This option from Wilderdog would be useful for the poop bag dispenser and stasher bag that is included to store treats.”

Indeed, the canine-focused brand’s 2.5-liter Utility Pack features three separate compartments: one for Fido’s snacks, a second for yours (along with your wallet and phone), and a third ready to fit a roll of poop bags. Stitched webbing along the front of this lifetime-warrantied mini hauler provides attachment points from which to hang your best friend’s additional accouterments (maybe a bowl or pull toy). Best of all, Wilderdog sends a pound of kibble to a rescue shelter in need with every purchase.

This article was originally published in July 2023 and was updated with new information in September 2024. Ellie See and Alex Battaglia contributed reporting.