The Best Fanny Packs for Hands-Free Travel

Yes, they’re back in style. 

BY MEGAN SPURRELL February 25, 2020

A decade ago, wearing a fanny pack screamed “tourist.” But like many of the trends we thought we’d lost to the ’90s, they’re back in style, and for travelers, that’s a great thing. Fanny packs have always been the most practical way to tote your essentials around—you can throw your phone, hotel key, and wallet in before heading out hands-free. And thanks to the resurgence in popularity, there are now designs made specifically for both the trails and the city. Whether you’re the type to strap a fanny pack around your waist or are more of a slung-across-the-back dresser, are craving classic nylon or seeking an upscale leather look, there’s truly something for everyone. Hop on board: These are the best fanny packs for travel.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Baboon Fanny Pack

It’s no secret that we’re fans of cult luggage brand Baboon. From their 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 (think cyan blue and “boomer pink,” which is just slightly softer in hue than millennial pink). 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.

Buy Now: $59, baboon.com

Cos Leather Purse Belt Bag

For a sleek, low-profile option, this leather belt bag from Cos hits the mark. The bag itself is made of buttery soft leather, and has two zippered compartments and a removable belt strap (in case you want to use it as a clutch—or, for that matter, want to repurpose the belt). You won’t be able to fit much more than the essentials in here, but the minimalist design makes it easy to transition from day to night, paired with a sleek long coat, jumpsuit, or pantsuit. The unisex bag comes in a versatile black and a soft mint green.

Buy Now: $99, cosstores.com

Baggu Fanny Pack

Baggu’s reusable travel bags come in handy on practically every trip. Now, their Fanny Pack is on our must-have list. This bag expands to be bigger than others thanks to two spacious zippered compartments, meaning it can fit all your essentials and then some. If shoving your New York City subway map, sunglasses, and collapsible water bottle inside makes it feel a little too bulky around your waist, you can throw it over your back as a cross-body, or even hang it on your shoulder—the extendable strap makes it easy to convert. In classic Baggu style, you have your choice of flashy hues like tomato red and bright pink, or can go for a more understated look with black on black or camel.

Buy Now: $48, baggu.com

A.P.C. Demi-Line Belt Bag

For a belt bag that is as fabulous as the pied-à-tierre you’re renting in Paris, this wine-colored A.P.C. style is the only fanny pack you need. Made of a decadent calfskin, the half-moon shape is just like the brand’s popular purse, but the outline is slightly smaller and loops through a gorgeous leather belt. It zippers open along the top and really does feel like a purse, not a fanny pack—but the belt means you can cinch it around a flowing dress, or loop it through structured pants, for a day of hitting the museums and looking great while you do so.

Buy Now: $455, 24s.com

Paloma Wool Lisa Waist Belt

If you’re having trouble picturing yourself strapping into a nylon pack, consider this woven number from Barcelona-based Paloma Wool. It’s hand-crocheted, and every detail is simple as can be—from the snap button closure to the one knot required to secure it on. Even better, this fanny pack is super dainty, meaning you can slide it on over a strappy dress, structured skirt, or tee and jeans, and it’ll never look costume-y. Consider this a must-pack for that summer trip to the Greek Isles you’re planning.

Buy Now: $55, garmentory.com

Rains Mini Belt Bag

Danish brand Rains designs for Danish weather—meaning they make entirely water-resistant products, like stylish raincoats and, now, a fanny pack. The mini belt bag is slim in profile and utterly simple in design with just one main zippered pocket and an adjustable buckle strap. You can easily wear it as a cross-body or around your waist under your raincoat, if need be, without it sticking out. Thanks to the lightweight polyester material, it’s perfect for keeping your stuff 100 percent dry in drizzly weather. Like Rains’ coats, which are anything but dull, this bag comes in a bright orange-y red that’ll brighten up the grayest of days.

Buy Now: $60, nordstrom.com

L.L.Bean Stowaway Hip Pack

If you’re really channeling the ’90s aesthetic of a fanny pack, lean in with the L.L.Bean Stowaway. It matches the decade’s look to a tee, with mix-and-match color panels of turquoise, purple, and magenta, plus orange bungee zipper ties that feel nostalgic as those blue and purple solo jazz paper cups. Though you could wear it just as easily in the city, the super-light ripstop nylon back has been made with the outdoors in mind, so expect additional features, like a mesh back panel for extra breathability that’ll hold up on long hikes or countryside bike rides. Best of all, the whole thing can fold up into an internal pocket, making it as packable as can be.

Buy Now: $25, llbean.com

Ganni Belt Bag

Also on the long list of Danish brands we love is cool-girl label Ganni, which unsurprisingly nailed an effortlessly chic pack. Their rendition is made of a padded technical weave that works both in the city and on a week-long safari. A carabiner attachment makes it especially functional for camping trips. And if it suddenly becomes your go-to bag for weekends at home? We don’t blame you. The super-light bag—it weighs just five ounces—has two zippered compartments that can fit your essentials and odds and ends like sunscreen or power bars.

Buy Now: $115, shopbop.com