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Fanny packs make a great choice for the essentials when traveling, hiking or days out in the city, but they're also trending as an easy purse replacement or just a great alternative to stuffing everything into your pants pockets. To decide which fanny pack would be our go-to for 2025, we bought 8 of the most popular, top-selling styles and incorporated them into every part of our lives.
Our testers agreed the REI Co-op Train 2 Waist is the best overall choice for organization, ease, and style. Our team also appreciated the JanSport Fifth Ave for its friendly price and array of color options.
Need space to carry more? If a fanny doesn't quite cut it, check out our sling bags review or our complete backpack review review if you need to haul more than a day pack. Our exhaustive list of travel bags can also help take you wherever you may roam!
Durable, water-resistant material, useful storage options including an anti-theft pocket for security and a bucket-style main compartment
Comfortable fit, soft fabric, many storage compartments
Comfortable, stylish, easy to use, plenty of storage
Solid construction, fits well, breathable padding, stuffs into built-in pocket when not in use
Inexpensive, sold in many colors and patterns, constructed of durable materials
Low profile, long and slim, useful organizational features, inexpensive, anti-theft zippered pocket
Cool colors and unique patterns, large main compartment, can be adjusted from fanny pack to sling
Stylish, durable, great for the basics
Cons
When main compartment is full the outer pocket is hard to use, narrow waist strap
Small in size, fancy aesthetic better suited to town than trail use
Bulky, expensive, large pockets don't have organization features
Lacks storage compartments, no key clip
Only two zippered pockets, lacks organization, no key clip, no padding across back
Bulges when packed full of items, back pocket too small to hold passport
Limited structural support results in sagging when full, few organizational pockets
Expensive, not enough storage, hard to access
Bottom Line
A sturdy, easy-to-use fanny pack that has everything you need to keep small loads organized and can easily be carried as a sling
Simple organizational basics wrapped in a small yet classy exterior that feels soft against the skin - perfect for dinners out or quick jaunts around town
This large fanny pack has plenty of space for the essentials but comes at a premium price
Well-built, breathable, and comfy, with plenty of room for the bare essentials and the option to carry as a fanny pack or as a tiny sling
A simple, stylish, inexpensive fanny pack that comes in many different colors and can be worn across the body as a sling bag
Highly adjustable and low profile, this is a slim fanny pack that works well for running and other activities or can be worn as a crossbody sling for everyday use
Colorful and stylish with a simple design that can handle all the basics but won't keep you particularly well organized on the go
This simple fanny is great for daily outings, but lacks the space for larger items
The REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist topped our list of favorite fanny packs in the lineup, not only because it is one of the least expensive products we tested but also because of its day-to-day practicality. With five compartments, this little two-liter waist pack is an organizational machine. It does a great job of keeping your belongings separated and protected from each other by offering various storage options. A sneaky anti-theft pocket at the back can hold important items like a passport or wallet, while lesser valuables can be tossed into the main bucket-style zip pocket at the front. Inside, you'll find a key clip and two small slide pockets to stay organized. Although these offer no velcro or zipper closure, the slip design provides a snug fit, and they make a perfect place to stash lip balm, earbuds, or other small essentials. A third outer zip pocket is large enough to carry a phone, sunglasses, a snack, or anything similar for quick access. The fabric is even water resistant, making this fanny pack an excellent choice for hikes or walks in light rain.
If you're tall and have a broad chest or wide shoulders, we recommend taking a few measurements to see if the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist will work well for you as a crossbody or sling. The total circumference is 47 inches. We should also note that the strap is only about one inch wide and is made of heavy webbed nylon that is less soft against the skin than the material we tested on other models. This may reduce its appeal for some. Minor complaints aside, this is our favorite fanny pack for its superb organization and functionality. It also happens to come at a great price, which only adds to our love of this bag. If you don't mind fewer pockets, the classic JanSport Fifth Ave is a similarly-sized model at an even more appealing price.
We love how many compartments the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist has and that even when all of them are full, it doesn't feel too bulky.
The JanSport Fifth Ave fanny pack is a stylish and functional bag that seamlessly blends practicality with a trendy flair. Its compact design makes it perfect for hands-free convenience, whether exploring a city, hiking, or running errands. It has a streamlined silhouette that can complement various outfits, from casual streetwear to sporty looks. The range of colors—from classic black to vibrant patterns—ensures something for everyone. The main compartment is spacious enough to fit your wallet, sunglasses, and even a compact camera. The front pocket zips securely and is perfect for quick-access items like your phone or keys. The adjustable strap allows you to customize the fit easily, whether you prefer it snug around your waist or slung over your shoulder.
One big caveat of the JanSport Fifth Ave is that it lacks organization. There is just one main pocket and a smaller zippered pocket, which is located outside the pack and doesn't protect your keys or credit cards from potential theft. For its size, it would be nice to have one extra pocket (preferably with a key clip) to keep your items safe and separate from one another. This aside, the fanny pack is a great, affordable option that combines style, comfort, and durability. It's ideal for anyone looking for a practical way to carry essentials without compromising aesthetic appeal. Want a stylish fanny pack with more storage space? Check out the Lululemon Everywhere Belt 1L, which has five pockets in total.
The JanSport Fifth Ave fanny pack has a simple yet classic design.
Credit: Luka Krajnc
Best Fanny Pack for Just the Essentials
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L NEW
If you're looking for a minimalist fanny pack for the bare essentials, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L is the perfect choice. It's lightweight and made from durable, 100% recycled nylon ripstop that is weather resistant and feels soft against the skin. The backside of the pouch is covered in a cushiony, breathable material that makes the waist pack particularly comfortable for hiking or to wear in hot weather. There is one main zippered compartment for items like a cell phone and sunglasses and one small front zip pocket well-suited to stashing loose items like lip balm or keys. We have used this highly functional fanny pack for years while hiking, in combination with a large backpack. It is especially nice if you wear spandex or pants without pockets, as it can provide quick access to your phone or snacks without having to stop and dig through a larger pack. It also compresses down into a self-contained stuff sack for easy storage when not in use.
However, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole is mini, meaning items inside won't get lost easily. Its design could be improved by adding an inner slip pocket or two to secure the smallest necessities and provide additional organizational flexibility. Also, the strap is a bit slim for cinching comfortably around some folks. Then again, since this zipped pouch is so small and unlikely to hold a significant amount of weight, its narrow strap should be fine for most users. This fanny pack is an excellent choice for carrying minimal necessities and a perfect, easy-access accompaniment for your next backpacking trip or dog walk.
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack fits a lot more than it looks! And the padding on the back makes it comfortable all day.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
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We think it's unanimous -- fanny packs are for everyone!
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
How We Tested
We have been testing bags of all kinds for over a decade, and we know exactly what to look for in a fanny pack. After determining the top fanny packs on the market, we had our experts thoroughly test them. We took them on jaunts around town, travels overseas, on quick hikes, and just about anywhere we were headed. We kept in mind the comfort, storage, ease of use, versatility, and much more for each pack. We were sure to keep detailed notes on their performance. Regardless of where your day takes you, a fanny pack can be a convenient way to hold your essentials, and our team is here to help you find the right one for you.
The bags we tested were scored across four performance metrics:
Comfort and Fit (30% of overall score weighting)
Storage and Protection (30% weighting)
Ease of Use (30% weighting)
Versatility and Aesthetics (10% weighting)
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L can pack a punch.
The Baggu is available in lots of fun colors and patterns.
We have zero complaints about the amount of storage the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist offers!
Our detailed testing approach is sure to help you find the fanny pack right for you.
Why Trust GearLab
Our lead testers, Tatyana Grechina and Whitney Clark have been obsessed with bags of all kinds for as long as they can remember. Tatyana has always had some sort of clutch or tote with her, even back in grade school. Tatyana prioritizes fanny packs that keep all her essentials close without being too bulky. Whitney has had a long-time love for fanny packs. As a frequent world traveler, she loves a sling that fits well with the rest of her travel system and keeps the most important items in arm's reach.
There's no shortage of sizes and colorways depending on what you want in a fanny -- from minimalist neutrals to brightly colored and classic black.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Analysis and Test Results
Our in-depth evaluation of fanny packs included popular styles best suited for everyday wear, daily runs, trail hikes, commutes, festivals and more. We considered options that could carry the essentials and stay comfortably in place all day, offering easy access to things like a cell phone, keys, wallet, or other important personal items.
What's the Best Value?
It's not often that one of the least expensive products in our lineup also happens to be one of the best. But when it comes to fanny packs, the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist delivers on all fronts, scoring exceptionally well across every metric and selling at a budget price. Its numerous pockets and slim, thoughtful design make it highly functional, comfortable to carry, versatile, and an easy choice as a top value option among fanny packs.
The simplicity, storage and affordability of the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist make it a great choice.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Affordable, stylish, and fully functional, the JanSport Fifth Ave won our spot as a top budget pick for good reasons. It ticked all the boxes, performed average in all metrics, and is the least expensive fanny pack we tested. At 2.5 liters, it has plenty of space for all your daily essentials and comes in over 20 different styles and colors!
The JanSport Fifth Ave feels like you can stuff everything into it but still looks small and sleek when on!
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Another great buy is the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack. Although it is one of the smaller bags we tested out of the group, it's the perfect size to keep a few key items close at hand for a night on the town or a weekend hike. It's extremely comfortable to wear around your midsection and well-constructed from 100% recycled materials, which makes it a great choice when small is what you seek.
One nice thing about the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L is that when one compartment fills up, it doesn't affect the other one.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Comfort and Fit
First and foremost, we considered each fanny pack's comfort and fit. While it might be fine with light items, once filled up, a poorly constructed fanny pack can dig into your waist or pull awkwardly. We kept this in mind as we filled each fanny pack with practical daily essentials. We noted the materials used, padding along the hip, and any other features that either enhance or take away from the overall fit and comfort.
One of the most comfortable options we tested was the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack, with a comfy backside pad encased in breathable polyester fabric and a soft herringbone waist strap. It also easily adjusts to accommodate a wide range of shapes, sizes, and carry/fit preferences and comes with a buckle that can be positioned to the side or in the back as required. The Lululemon Everywhere Belt 1L is almost as comfortable to wear but has an unfortunately-placed buckle that always seemed to fall directly on our hips.
Whether you're hiking, chilling lakeside or running errands, a fanny pack is the perfect hands-free accessory to tag along.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
The most comfortable, larger fanny is the Baggu Fanny Pack. Despite not having any padding besides the double-layered heavy-weight nylon on the back, it's surprisingly cushy when fully loaded. The bag's design, which offers a large amount of flat surface area, seems to disperse the weight in an innovative way, and the wide strap is made of a thick, soft weave that absorbs any discomfort. The fanny easily clicks on and off, can be worn in whatever way you'd like, and has three easily accessible zippered compartments — chunky, buttery zippers. We rave, but honestly, we're just glad that the Baggu lives up to the hype in comfort, since it's the priciest of our lineup!
The Baggu Fanny Pack may be the priciest in our lineup, but it holds up well, has great zipper and strap clip functionality and plenty of room for anything you need.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
With its flat design, the Bellroy Lite sits flush and smooth against the hip and fastens with an equally flat magnetic clasp. The bag's light fabric, durable fabric and compact nature lets it stay in place all day and, thanks to the adjustable strap, doesn't swing around at all. Its interior cushioning also gives it a pleasant, squishy feel that rounds any awkward edges. Our only complaint is with organization – a couple more compartments on the inside and an easier way to get your phone in and out of the mesh sleeve (instead of two diagonal openings) would go a long way. Though having your items close to your body logically makes sense, it seems like having the outside pocket on the front of the bag instead of the back would reduce the chance of a stuffed fanny's contents poking you and would also make that exterior pocket easier to access.
We love the sophisticated tones and minimalist design of the Bellroy Lite, which also features a long key ring holder.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Despite there being no padding, the Cotopaxi Bataan 3L is also pretty comfortable to carry! Though it does sag a bit when fully loaded, the bag's longer shape allows the items' even distribution, which helps it feel secure, and its contents don't jut out or poke you. The classic buckle and ease of adjustability while on the body also help it feel more comfortable and secure as your needs throughout the day change!
Even with all the space for storage and its somewhat boxy shape, the Cotopaxi Bataan 3L does not look bulky on the waist -- just vibrant!
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Storage and Protection
When it comes to fanny packs, the two-liter REI Co-op Trail 2 is our favorite, wowing us with five pockets. The main compartment has two slip pockets and a key clip to keep your items easy to find without stopping and digging for them. A large outer pocket with a zipper provides a safe place for your phone, while the anti-theft pocket on the back is large enough to hold a passport, some cash, and credit cards.
Another bag we liked for its organizational flexibility is the smaller Lululemon Everywhere Belt. Despite its smaller one-liter storage capacity, this pouch also comes with five pockets to stow your daily necessities, making it a great choice for running errands and outings around town.
The Cotopaxi Bataan 3L is a prime example of an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink bag but somehow still feels comfy and looks good on.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Or, if you need something to carry your smallest essentials — keys, ID, and maybe a mini sunblock or a smaller phone — on your next run, the Waterfly Slim is a low-profile, waterproof fanny pack that's ideally suited to getting sporty. Just don't overfill it, or it will become bulky and noticeably less comfortable in motion.
Long and sleek, the Waterfly Slim is a great fanny pack for running.
Credit: Whitney Clark
If you are after pockets and space, the Baggu can fit a ton. This bag can be worn as a crossbody, just in case you find yourself filling it up too much for your waist.
We love how roomy and sturdy the Baggu Fanny Pack is!
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Ease of Use
Not all fanny packs are created equally, though the design might seem pretty simple and straightforward. Some have conveniently placed zippers and pockets that are easy to access, while others do not. We appreciated bags that kept our contents organized, rather than becoming a jumbled mess as we ran or hopped over river rocks. Even the buckle can greatly enhance the fanny pack experience. Some are easy to get buckled, while others take a few extra moments to get set. These are all things we considered when testing the fanny packs' ease of use.
The Lululemon Everywhere Belt has an exceptionally large buckle that is easy to handle and simple to clip on and off. The strap can be adjusted while worn, so there's no need to take it off to tighten or loosen it back up. Its large zippered opening makes it easy to access contents without taking it off and digging through it, while small inner pockets are well-equipped to hold our belongings in place during motion.
The buckle on the Lululemon Everywhere Belt rests on the hip which may cause discomfort for some.
Credit: Whitney Clark
The REI Co-op Trail 2 fanny pack is super easy to dial in the fit and operate all closures, providing easy access to all belongings once in use. We loved how functional and accessible all of its pockets are, including two small slip pockets (one with a key clip), perfect for keeping track of items like lip balm, keys, or headphones. During our testing, they never spilled their contents into the main part of the bag, giving us confidence that our belongings would stay put.
Truly a gem, the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist holds everything you need.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
The JanSport Fifth Ave is one of the best fanny packs when it comes to ease and accessibility! Its smooth, rounded shape makes it great for storing anything you need and – the best part – getting to it with zero difficulty. There are only two pockets, but they are really easy to access, and since the bag is on the smaller side, items aren't easily lost. The outside pocket is great for storing things like chapstick, cash, or headphones, and being front-facing makes it quick to access on the go!
We love how simple and easy the JanSport Fifth Ave is to wear all day.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Another fanny pack favorite is the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack. It's very simple in design, with minimalist features for carrying core everyday essentials. This bag is easy to clip on and off and comes with an adjustable strap and buckle that can be slid to either side of your hip for comfort or even worn to the back if you prefer. The Waterfly Slim has more features but is also very easy to use, with an easy-release buckle that works for both fanny pack and crossbody wear and a front compartment that's very easy to access while you're wearing it.
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L zips up easily and sits comfortably on your hip or waist!
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
We also found the Cotopaxi Bataan 3L to be surprisingly easy to use. Though it doesn't have as many different compartments, it's small enough that things don't get lost, and the design makes it really easy to open the top and access anything on the go. The simple buckle feature and adjustable strap also make it quite accessible and easy to adjust as needed, depending on what you're wearing or doing at the moment!
An editor favorite, the Cotopaxi Bataan 3L comes in the most unique colorways!
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
If you want a larger fanny pack that holds anything you need and stays put, the Baggu makes a great option. It doesn't have a lot of niche compartments or a key ring, but it does have a ton of space and three easy-to-access compartments. It may seem like a small thing, but the construction of the zipper style itself — a little bigger and a buttery, dense plastic — makes it especially easy to zip and unzip on the go, since it doesn't have that awkward, occasional snag of metal zipper teeth.
Closeups of the Baggu, the Patagonia and the Bellroy! Each of these serve slightly different purposes but they all look great on.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Versatility and Aesthetics
Style will vary from person to person. However, we asked our friends and family - lots of them - to rate the fanny packs in our lineup. Based on this feedback, we were able to rate these bags based on their aesthetics. Through lots of use, we were well acquainted with their versatility. Some were bags we would happily wear every day, while others are best for travel, or for running.
The REI Co-op Trail 2 is versatile, worn as a fanny pack or across the chest for a different style. It comes in fewer colors, but the updated version looks more stylish, and the grid pattern is smaller and less noticeable. The bag does have a slightly athletic look, though the new colors improved the look and significantly bumped up the style score. The Patagonia Black Hole Mini has a minimalistic appearance that melts easily into outfits — or a bold look that stands out if that's what you want — all based on your chosen color combination.
Fanny pack curious but never worn one? You can opt for a more minimalist look like the Bellroy or the Jansport, an athletic vibe like the Patagonia and the REI Co-op Trail 2 or go full-on fun with the Baggu and Cotopaxi's bright colorways!
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
We also loved the JanSport Fifth Ave for its timeless look, simple design, and seamless integration into most outfits. The waist pack comes in 21 different colors and patterns, so whether you're looking for classic black or retro flowers, you should have no trouble finding something that works. It can also be worn a couple of different ways, and the strap has plenty of room for adjusting based on your needs.
We love that the classic JanSport Fifth Ave can also fit anything you need and doesn't lose its sleek shape.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
The Lululemon Everywhere Belt doesn't feature as many colorways, but the ones it does have work just as well with a sundress as they do with a pair of hiking pants. Both these bags can be dressed up for a night on the town or worn casually on a day hike. They can also easily be thrown over your shoulder and worn as a crossbody bag around town.
If you're looking for a sleek, discreet fanny pack, the Bellroy Lite is among the most aesthetic of the group. It comes in four colors at the moment, which lean more earth-toned, such as ash and clay, and the design features a tough fabric paired with a sophisticated, minimalist cut. If you don't need to hold a lot of content, the Bellroy Lite will stay flush to your body and look chic all day!
Similar to the JanSport Fifth Ave, the Bellroy Lite also has a classic feel to it.
We can't get over how well the Bellroy blends casually into any outfit -- and how, despite its size -- the Baggu does not overpower its wearer!
Finally, it's hard not to love the brightly colored and classic design of the Cotopaxi Bataan 3L. These vibrant bags put the fun in functionality, and no two fanny packs are exactly alike. Each one is made using repurposed fabric scraps, meant to promote sustainability by reducing material waste, and this gives each item a unique, eye-catching design. The brand gives factory workers full creative freedom to mix and match colors, so each Cotopaxi Bataan 3L really is one-of-a-kind!
Every aspect of the Cotopaxi Bataan 3L is uniquely made with recycled fabrics and no two bags are exactly alike.
Credit: Tatyana Grechina
Conclusion
We know there are lots of options out there, and these are the options we found the most compelling and useful. Keep in mind, many of these fanny packs are available in many more colors and patterns, so you will be able to find the pattern that fits your style. We hope we have made your fanny pack decision much easier, regardless if you're looking for a travel companion or day-to-day pack.
Over the years, we have tested plenty of fanny packs.
