Best fanny pack

fanny pack
(Image credit: Getty)

Backpacking usually involves a backpack. But what if you decide you want to travel light and not get dragged down by a pack on your back? The best fanny packs let you carry your essential items and keep them close to you around your waist, over a shoulder or across your chest. For a lightweight hike or walk, they are hard to beat. 

This also makes them invaluable for traveling or shopping when you want to keep your valuables secure but easily accessible. Lost phones and bank cards can ruin your day so a fanny pack is a sensible, practical choice. Look for an adjustable strap so you can make sure it’s comfortable however you wear it. A range of zipped pockets is good for organizing your essentials too so you know where to get your hands on your keys, wallet, phone, cards, and more. Here are the fanny packs we would recommend. 

Best overall

fanny pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Entchin Fanny Pack

Plenty of pockets and fully adjustable

This fanny pack has four zipper pockets to keep your essentials organized. The front pocket is good for keys, the back for valuables, and the inners for money or ID cards. The buckled belt is fully adjustable between a range of 32” to 44”. You can wear it on your waist to the front or back or carry it over your chest or shoulder like a sling bag.

Best bigger pack

fanny pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

FREETOO Waist Pack Bag Fanny Pack

Bigger fanny pack that can take a water bottle

This larger waist pack is big enough to hold a water bottle. It has a total of five zippered pockets including a small hidden compartment in the main pocket for valuables and a flat zippered exterior pocket behind the waistband against your body. The flexible strap is fully adjustable and gives you the flexibility to wear the bag in different ways. 

Best for day hike

fanny pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Bp Vision Outdoor Fanny Pack

Rugged pack with extra straps and options

Made from wear-resistant nylon with breathable mesh, this fanny pack can carry a 25oz water bottle and everything else you need for a day hike. Two extra shoulder straps mean three ways to carry: around the waist, using the shoulder strap or using the backpack strap. The waist strap can be adjusted from 26” to 50”.

Best for security

fanny pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

VAN BEEKEN Fanny Pack

Security focused pack with secure straps and buckles

Designed to give your gear more security from pickpockets, this fanny pack has reinforced security straps, zippers, and buckles plus a hidden zipper pocket on the back. A unique One Balance System and compartment layout make it balanced and comfortable to wear around your waist or as a cross-body bag. 

Bottom line

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The fanny pack is the perfect size to fit all your essentials in and is designed to keep them safe and secure around your waist. For traveling, camping, and sightseeing they soon become indispensable. We recommend the Entchin Fanny Pack. It’s a good size with plenty of pockets and easy to adjust and wear. What more could you want from a fanny pack?

If security is the main criteria for you, maybe because you are traveling somewhere pickpockets operate, the VAN BEEKEN Fanny Pack is a good option. Its reinforced straps and zips give that extra layer of safety plus it’s very comfortable to have on you.

Advnture team

Launched in July 2020, Advnture is the ideal destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Whether you're into epic hikes through the wilderness, camping trips with the family, climbing with your friends, or looking for a trail running personal best, our team of experts will point you in the right direction, with top buying advice and in-depth guides to help you get the most of your time in the backcountry.