The Best Fanny Packs of 2025

All the rage in the ’90s and the topic of much ridicule in the decades since, fanny packs are here to stay. We tested dozens of the best fanny packs to find the top options for everything from hands-free hikes and travel days to running errands around town.

Each fanny pack in this review has been carried around over the course of several weeks and over dozens of miles by our testers — from the Sierra mountaintops to the Washington coast to the local dog park and farmer’s market. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and stylish or rugged and trail-ready, these picks deliver comfort, convenience, and just the right amount of storage.

If you want an overall performer, choose the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack. It can fit all the essentials for your next hike. Or, for a more budget-friendly model, choose the Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack to tote around town. No matter what you see, we have you covered. Each model has been measured in categories such as capacity, carry, and comfort. 

Editor’s Note: We updated our Fanny Packs guide on May, 10, 2025, to add the KAVU Canvas Spectator, a fashion statement of a fanny pack that’s ideal for casual outings, and to add additional information to a few of our top picks based on further testing.

Other Bum Bags To Bring Along

There are hundreds of fanny packs on the market. We think those award winners above are just a bit better than the rest, but we’ve also used many others to carry our essentials. Check out the fanny packs below before making your choice.

Fanny Pack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Fanny Packs

Our Expert Testers

The staff of GearJunkie has been around the block. And, we aren’t afraid to admit we’ve been on the fanny pack train for a while now. From carrying essentials on day hikes to mountain bike laps where a backpack would be cumbersome, fanny packs make our outdoor adventures more enjoyable. So, we’ve come to know a good pack when we see one.

Our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, has over 10 years of experience with gear in the outdoors. With extensive reviews of a plethora of gear under her belt, she knows the best ways to put a fanny pack to the test. Carefully assessing metrics such as carry style, capacity, compartments, and sizing, Miya made sure each pack was measured against the same categories. Joybeth Sullivan, an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring beautiful sights alongside her German Shepherd companion, took over this guide in 2024. Senior Editor Nick Belcaster rounds out our testing team, and as an alumnus of the Pacific Crest Trail, he’s been around the block once or twice. A multi-sport athlete, Nick’s testing takes him across the West to places like the Hoh Rain Forest and on long traverses of the North Cascades.

Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds

Our testers have been researching the best fanny packs on the market since 2021, combing through dozens of models before choosing the 20 in our current review to put to the test. We made sure to include a variety of styles, from casual to sophisticated, technical to burly, keeping in mind that many different people use fanny packs for a variety of reasons, and wanting our review to reflect that. 

Each product was tested over the course of several weeks, with our testers based on the flanks of the Sierra Nevada mountains and on the Washington coast. To keep the testing standardized, we wore each pack for at least 5 miles, carrying an average of 3 pounds in each. This testing regimen will be used each time we test a new pack to add to the review, ensuring you get the best idea of each pack’s real-world feel and best application. 

Our testers also evaluated each model’s materials, seams, buckles, waist belts, and zippers and loaded each with a similar load of accessories to test their comfortability. If you’re looking for other hiking gear, check out our guides to the best trekking poles and the best ultralight backpacks.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Perfect Fanny Pack

Now that you’ve seen how awesome fanny packs are, you want one but don’t know which to choose. Here are a few considerations to help you pick the perfect pack.

Primary Use

First and foremost, how do you plan to use your pack? Do you need something sleek for travel or a carryall for hiking? Or is water capacity of utmost importance? These are important considerations.

What you’ll use your fanny pack for the most will determine what type of fanny pack to buy. Take care to look at each pack’s specifications closely, as some of them will specialize in a certain activity, while others are more hybrid.

Fanny Pack User Profiles

The Backpackers & Hikers: The day hiker will want to choose between a small pack to carry their phone, wallet, keys, and a snack or look into purchasing a bigger pack with pockets for water bottles and space for a layer. Backpackers will typically use a fanny pack as a small accessory pouch for items that are nice to have easily accessible, such as sunscreen, GPS devices, bug spray, etc. 

Some packs are made specifically for backpacking and can even be integrated into a backpack’s waist belt. The Patagonia Ultralight Black
Hole Mini Hip Pack and the REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack are perfect for hiking where you just want to carry the bare essentials, and the Black Diamond Pursuit 6 and the Osprey Talon & Tempest Waistpacks are our top choices for when you want a pack that can carry a lot more. 

The Casual Users: Fanny packs are now ubiquitous for men and women alike, and are undeniably useful for carrying around the day’s essentials without resorting to a bag or overstuffed pockets. The casual user will want to look for a pack that is between 1 and 2.5 L in capacity, with 3 L bordering on too big to carry around all day comfortably. Choosing a fanny pack that can also be worn across the body will increase the functionality of this everyday carry. Other features to look for are a key leash, front pockets for organization, and a separate back pocket to keep valuables close to your body. 

Style is likely an important consideration for those seeking a daily driver as well. For the more casual, color-appreciating user, the Fjallraven Kanken Hip Pack is a good choice. The Kavu Spectator Canvas comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and is a great option for casual outings.

The Mountain Bikers: A solid waist pack is a great addition to the mountain biker’s kit. Backpacks tend to get very sweaty and often are overkill for what most bike enthusiasts may need on a ride. A fanny pack with a stretchy waistband, breathable back panel, pockets for small water bottles, and enough capacity to fit snacks, sunscreen, and some small bike tools will be the perfect companion on your next trail ride. 

The EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L is a great specialized pack that even includes a 3L bladder to make sipping water an easier affair. We also love the Black Diamond Pursuit 6 with its stretchy, comfortable waistband for long rides.  

The Runners: Let’s be real, running with any sort of bag on your body isn’t the most ideal. If you’re going for a short run or one where you will be able to access drinking water, give the Flipbelt Zipper Edition a shot. But when you start increasing the mileage, carrying some water and some nutrition becomes important. Runners will want to look for a fanny pack that has either integrated water bottles or flasks, or a dedicated place to securely put your own bottle. You’ll want the bottle or bottles to be small so as not to feel cumbersome or slosh around too much as you trot, and you’ll want a comfortable, secure waistband that keeps everything in place for wherever the trail takes you. 

Nathan is an athletic brand that makes fanny packs specifically for the dedicated runner. The Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack is a great minimalist pick that includes a water bottle, hugs the body securely, and has enough space for a few essentials. If you’re looking for a bit more space, the Nathan Limitless 2 Liter Sling is a good bet.

Carry Style

While the classic way to wear a fanny pack is on your hips with the bag facing the front, there are actually a few different ways to wear one which will change based on the weight of the pack, personal preference, or activity. Some, like the Kavu Spectator can be worn on your waist or crossbody style.

Larger bags for everyday use can be great to wear across the body. Some packs are heavy and are better worn on the back of the hips rather than the front for less awkward carrying.

Capacity

Not all fanny packs are created equal. It’s important to note the capacity of a pack before purchasing and also look at the number of pockets the pack has to make sure it’s going to fit your needs. We tested fanny packs ranging from ultra-lightweight to the 9L Mountainsmith Tour and Patagonia Guidewater Hip Packs.

Some packs only have one major compartment, while others like the Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack have a variety of pockets, pouches, and even water bottle holders. Consider what level of organization you’re looking for in a fanny pack.

Compact

A compact fanny pack ranges in size from around a 1L capacity to 2.5 L. Fanny packs traditionally fall around these sizes, while bigger packs are sometimes referred to as “waist packs.” Being compact allows for a more comfortable carry throughout the day, as the weight they can hold is limited. Many fanny packs of this size can also be worn across the body, providing a different carry style.

This size pack is typically limited in the number of pockets it has, and is usually just big enough for a few small accessories. The Fjällräven High Coast Fanny Pack, REI Co-op Trail 2, and Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Packare great compact packs that you’ll find yourself grabbing for your everyday carry. But if you want to carry around a full-size water bottle, eBook, or a light layer, you’ll have to delve into sizes beyond 2.5 L. 

Mid-Sized

Mid-sized fanny packs can range anywhere from 3 to 9 L in size. These packs are typically more technical, and can be valuable for specific activities that require packing more accessories like hunting, fly fishing, mountain biking, or hiking. Mid-sized fanny packs will sometimes have thicker, padded waistbelts to enable you to carry weight more comfortably, and tend to have a variety of pockets, water bottle holders, and compression systems. 

The Gregory Nano and Cotopaxi Bataan are the larger casual packs we tested, both being 3 L. The Black Diamond Pursuit 6 and Osprey Talon sit in the middle range at 6 L, and the Patagonia Guidewater and Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack are the largest in our roundup with their 9L capacities.

Materials

While nylon is a popular fanny pack material, it certainly isn’t the rule. Many innovative packs utilize high-tech fabrics to gain water resistance and durability or simply add some flash.

On the technical side of the spectrum, the TPU of the Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack makes it 100% waterproof. We were also impressed with the Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny, which is a budget pick still made with 600-denier ripstop fabric — a highly durable material.

Fanny packs also often integrate other textiles into their design to add special functionality, such as a stretch mesh used in a water bottle pocket or a neoprene divider that adds structure to the pack.

Compartments

From zippers to drop pockets to water bottle hostlers, there are a number of different ways to tote around your kit in a fanny pack. In any zippered pocket, look for high-quality YKK brand zippers that will last longer than their generic counterparts. Some will even be water-resistant.

A drop pocket won’t have any type of closure to keep things secure, but often these can be handy for quickly tossing a phone into while you’re out and about. We also greatly appreciated whenever a fanny pack included an internal compartment with a key loop to clip our keys to.

Straps

Because most fanny packs can only carry so much (the average across the packs we tested was 3.5 L), large padded waist straps aren’t often needed. Many will use a simple webbing hip belt, brought together with a single side-press buckle.

Some fanny packs, like the larger Mountainsmith Tour, offer slightly more padding in their straps and even include pockets that add to the overall capacity. We also especially appreciated the mountain bike-specific EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L’s adjustable elastic and Velcro waist wrap.

Sizing

It’s always a good idea to take your measurements and check the pack specs. Most bags fit a variety of people, but some packs don’t cinch down small enough for petite packers while others run surprisingly small. Measuring will help you pick the right pack for your body to maximize success and comfort.

Now it’s time to buckle up and get ready for a life of fanny-pack adventures. We’ll even let you call it a lumbar bag or hip pack if it makes you feel better. Just get out there and enjoy the awesomeness that is hands-free packing, whatever the activity.

Price & Value

Fanny packs come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options around $15 to premium designs of $239. While the cheaper models often provide the essentials and functionality needed for a fanny pack, spending more usually means better materials, increased durability, and additional features for outdoor enthusiasts. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect at different price points

Budget

Budget options are great for casual adventurers or those who just need a simple pack for light use. While these packs often lack advanced features, they still offer solid value for their price.

The Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack ($20) is a no-frills, fun option with a classic design. While it lacks water resistance and multiple compartments, it’s a lightweight, affordable choice for everyday use. The REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack ($22) is lightweight and extremely packable. This is perfect for travel and short hikes. Its water-resistant material makes it a solid step up from budget packs.

Budget options generally sacrifice water resistance, long-term durability, and advanced features, but they are still reliable for many activities.

Mid-Tier

Spending more in this range gets you better material quality, additional compartments, and improved comfort for longer adventures.

The REI Co-op Trail 2 ($30), our best overall pick does it all; from biking to dog walks and everything in between. The Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack ($40) is a minimalist yet durable pack made with eco-friendly materials and water-resistant fabric (with the most vibrant color options, by the way!), ideal for those seeking a sleek and functional design for day hikes or urban exploration. Originally designed for runners, the FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt ($42) is lightweight and weather-resistant, an ideal choice for minimalist adventurers who need quick access to essentials without the extra bulk.

In this category, you’re gaining extra comfort, water resistance, and better durability, but might still miss out on some of the advanced features found in premium models.

Premium

Premium fanny packs are designed for serious adventurers who need top-quality materials, superior comfort, and specialized features like waterproofing or extra compartments for long hikes or rugged conditions.

With its signature bold design made with eco-friendly, recycled materials, the Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack ($60) is an excellent premium choice. It features multiple compartments, a comfortable fit, and extreme durability for long adventures. Known for its durability and multiple compartments, the Mountainsmith Tour ($90) is a favorite among serious hikers and outdoor adventurers, offering superior organization and comfort.

At this price range, you’re investing in durability, top-notch materials, and added comfort features that make these packs suitable for extended outdoor use.

Frequently Asked Questions