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Once a retro relic of the ’90s, the fanny pack has shed its kitschy past and reemerged as a chic, indispensable companion for the modern traveler. Today’s belt bags are as thoughtfully designed as they are stylish, offering hands-free ease without compromising on aesthetics. Whether you’re navigating a packed airport terminal or wandering through a new city, these compact carriers keep your essentials—passport, phone, wallet, sunglasses—secure and effortlessly accessible. The latest styles range from minimalist leather silhouettes perfect for urban explorations to durable, trail-ready options made for the great outdoors. No matter your destination or style sensibility, these are the best fanny packs to travel with right now.
FAQ:
How do I choose a good fanny pack?
The best fanny packs for travel are versatile, durable, and stylish. With these qualities in mind, we looked for well-made options that varied in material, size, adjustability, and price. We found fanny packs that can be worn for multiple occasions, are comfortable on your waist, and offer plenty of space for carrying your must-haves; we made sure they look good, too.
What is the difference between a sling bag and a fanny pack?
They're very similar—a fanny pack is usually worn around the waist like a belt, while a sling bag lays higher across the shoulder and chest. Both offer hands-free comfort, just at different sizes. Fanny packs are often smaller, and have one main compartment pocket, while sling bags can have the bandwidth to hold as much as a backpack or purse.
Are fanny packs ideal for travel?
The short answer—yes. Fanny packs have gone in and out of style, but the bag's practical nature has always made it a popular accessory among travelers. Fanny packs are ideal for occasions where you want to be hands-free, and find more comfort carrying a bag around your waist rather than your shoulder, chest, or back. A large purse or bulky backpack can be burdensome on long travel days.
Top fanny packs for travelers
The Béis Belt Bag is slim and sleek, but still has plenty of space. The main compartment can fit your lip balm, hand sanitizer, and lotion, while the slot on the back can be used to hold your passport or phone. It’s quite versatile and can be worn around the waist, across the shoulders, or even attached to a suitcase strap.
Dimensions: 5.5"H x 2"W x 7.5"D
Material: Nylon
Leave it to Lululemon to create a versatile waist pack that's designed for an active lifestyle. The water-repellent fabric and lightweight material makes it a comfortable bag to carry around all day, no matter what the weather throws at you. In addition to the zippered compartment, there's an easy-access exterior pocket that can fit cards, cash, or sunglasses (if you slip them in without a case). Associate commerce director Madison Flager has had this one for years and wears it often; she recommends it for running, cruises, and city trips.
Read a full review here.
Dimensions: 7.5"H x 2"W x 5"D
Material: Polyester, nylon
Sleek, soft, and durable, neoprene is one of our favorite fabrics, whether it's a zip-up jacket or a fanny pack, like this one from Dagne Dover. The half-pound, eco-friendly bag is a favorite of travel bookings editor Jamie Spain; it's lined with Repreve (a fabric made of recycled plastic bottles) and has color-plated hardware. The strap is adjustable and the interior features a handy slot for credit cards. Shop the bag in more than a dozen colors, including heather gray, onyx, navy, and dune, shown above.
Dimensions: 9.25H" x 5.5W" x 2.75D"
Weight: 8 oz.
Material: Neoprene with recycled repreve lining
This quilted nylon belt bag, worn often by commerce editor Meaghan Kenny, is among the most versatile on this list—it works as well in the city as it does on a day hike. And if it suddenly becomes your go-to bag for weekends at home, we don’t blame you. Shop the bag in black, navy blue, or pearl white.
Dimensions: 4.5"H x 1.1"W x 7.2"D
Weight: 7 oz.
Material: Leather
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For people who aren’t looking to spend a lot, but still want to get in on the trend, this is a reliable starter bag. The recycled polyester is easy to clean and the large pocket is a simple design while; the compact size means there won’t be much rummaging on your part. Stash keys or a lip balm in the exterior zippered pocket and you’re prepared for anything from a simple stroll to a day out at the beach.
Dimensions: 6"H x 10"W x 4"D
Material: 100% recycled denier polyester
The ultimate packable fanny pack—this one from Paravel folds up into a small pouch and can be quickly expanded. It can be worn multiple ways, is so lightweight, and has multiple compartments to keep everything organized. Bonus: This one can be personalized with custom embroidery.
Dimensions: 5"H x 2"W x 8"D
Weight: 4.96 oz.
Material: Negative nylon made from plastic bottles
This belt bag is on the larger side, so it's best for day trips when you might need to carry some extras like snacks, a water bottle, or even a bathing suit. It is made of scratch-resistant nylon and has an adjustable strap that lets you wear it as a crossbody if you prefer.
Dimensions: 11"H x 5.5"W x 3.5"D
Weight: 8 oz.
Material: Polyester
Best fanny packs for hiking and camping
Fashioned from 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a weather-resistant TPU-film laminate, this waist pack offers robust protection against the elements. Its five-liter capacity includes a main compartment with a mesh divider and a front zippered pocket, providing organized storage for essentials like snacks, a phone, and a compact camera. The breathable mesh lumbar panel ensures comfort during extended wear, while the adjustable waist belt and side compression straps keep the pack snug against your body, minimizing bounce on the move.
Dimensions: 16H" x 6.5W" x 4.5D"
Weight: 11.1 oz.
Material: 100% recycled polyester ripstop
The L.L.Bean Stowaway Waist Pack is the ultimate lightweight companion for the outdoorsy adventurer. Made from durable, eco-friendly recycled polyester ripstop fabric, it’s designed to withstand everything from rugged trails to urban strolls. The pack features dual zippered pockets, an interior key fob, an air mesh back panel for breathability, and an adjustable strap that offers hands-free comfort and the option to wear it as a crossbody.
Dimensions: 5H" x 7.5W" x 2.25D"
Weight: 4.8 oz.
Material: Recycled polyester ripstop fabric
This sporty fanny pack is perfect for active travelers—it's lightweight, compact, and features the Adidas logo on the front. There's a main compartment for your phone, wallet, keys, and a smaller front zippered compartment for items like lip balm or Airpods.
Dimensions: 29"H x 8"W x 10"D
Weight: 4.8 oz.
Material: Polyester
Best designer fanny packs
Trendy yet practical, the Tory Burch Fleming convertible belt bag is a staple for any jet-setter. Crafted from supple quilted leather and finished with the brand’s iconic Double T logo, its compact yet thoughtfully designed interior features multiple compartments that keep essentials like your phone, passport, and wallet perfectly organized and easily accessible. The convertible straps—allowing you to wear it as a belt bag, crossbody, or shoulder bag—offer versatile, hands-free ease whether you’re navigating bustling streets or stepping out for dinner. Sleek enough to elevate your look but durable enough for everyday adventures, the Fleming is a seamless blend of style and function.
Dimensions: 7.5H" x 5.1W" x 2.8"D
Material: 100% sheep leather
Composed of a cotton and leather blend, this belt bag’s open-knit design offers a breezy, vacation-ready aesthetic. The adjustable woven strap ensures comfort during long days of exploration, while the front zip compartment keeps essentials secure yet accessible. Whether you're strolling through coastal towns or navigating urban landscapes, this bag combines style and practicality for the discerning traveler.
Dimensions: 15H" x 18W" x 5.5D"
Material: Calfskin and viscose
The Clare V. Grande fanny pack is a classic blend of Parisian elegance and practical design, serving as a versatile piece that can be worn as a belt bag, a crossbody, or a shoulder bag, adapting effortlessly to various travel scenarios. Its spacious interior accommodates essentials like a passport, phone, and wallet, while its sleek silhouette ensures it complements both daytime explorations and evening outings.
Dimensions: 8H" x 12.75W"
Material: Leather
Campomaggi bags are handmade by Italian craftsman using world class leather. The result? A timeless piece you'll wear everywhere. The Brato belt bag boast an impressive 15.5 inches of space inside the main compartment, and is made of a leather that gets softer over time, making it more comfortable with each wear without changing the integrity of the bag. It's a belt bag you’ll pay a pretty penny for, but you won’t need to buy another for years to come.
Dimensions: 15.5"W x 8"H x 4"D
Material: Leather
Best water-resistant fanny packs
A unique pleated design makes this fanny pack a statement piece. It's a personal favorite of mine—in addition to the main compartment, one of the folds in the front hides a smaller zippered pocket that can house keys or your phone. It also has built-in credit card slots, an adjustable belt strap with a magnetic clasp, and is made from water-resistant materials that make it easy to clean.
Dimensions: 5"H x 8"W x 2"D
Material: Satin with upcycled leather trimming
Swedish brand Fjällräven unsurprisingly nailed an effortlessly chic pack. The super-light bag—it weighs less than five ounces—is great for hikes, and has three zippered compartments that can fit small items like sunscreen and power bars. Seen here in pink, it's also available in corn yellow, black, royal purple, and arctic green.
Dimensions: 4.7"H x 7"W x 3.5"D
Weight: 4.7 oz.
Material: Vinyl
It’s no secret that we’re fans of cult luggage brand Baboon. From its duffels to the totes, everything they make comes in bright, eye-popping colors and unisex shapes that are easy to wear. Their three-liter fanny pack is no exception. The water-repellent nylon is durable without looking too sporty, and the mix of colors to choose from is anything but boring. Even better, this medium-sized bag has plenty of compartments, including a backside zipper for keeping valuables safe, and an interior clip to grab hold of your keys or wallet. Because of the size, it's also super versatile, and can hold its own whether you’re hitting the streets of Seoul or hiking in Oregon.
Dimensions: 5"H x 10"W x 2.5"D
Weight: 6.8 oz.
Material: Nylon, polyester
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
