The Best Fashionable Fanny Pack for Travel

Fanny packs have come a long way since the frumpy (but kinda cool?) belt bags associated with dads of the 1980’s. Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or traveling over state lines, a fanny pack is a must-have accessory. These versatile bags help you keep all your essentials safe and accessible while also giving you that effortless chic vibe, no matter where you are or what you’re wearing. Read on to learn more about why fanny packs are the ideal bags for every occasion along with where you can find the best fanny pack for travel. 

 

Why are fanny packs good for travel?

When it comes to convenient and efficient travel accessories, few items can match the versatility and functionality of fanny packs. A bag of many names, they’re also known as waist packs, waist bags, hip packs, bum bags and belt bags. Whatever you choose to call them, these compact and stylish accessories have gained immense popularity among travelers worldwide due to their practicality, security features, and high-fashionable appeal. 

Practicality

One of the benefits of fanny packs for travel is their practicality and convenience. A true hands-free travel bag, the fanny pack can be wrapped around your waist or your chest, leaving your hands free for taking photos, enjoying yummy food, biking– you name it! The main compartment is usually equipped with a zippered pocket on the front, providing easy access to your belongings when you need them and ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. With ample storage space, these compact bags can accommodate essential items such as passports, phones, maps, and of course leaving room for a lip gloss. Some fanny packs feature additional pockets and compartments, including hip belt pockets, which allow for further organization and separation of items. It can be helpful to have a back zipper pocket for valuables like your phone or passport, eliminating the need to dig through a larger bag. And don’t underestimate the importance of a bag’s weight while traveling. An ordinary bag strap can really dig into the shoulder after being worn a whole day. A fanny pack, on the other hand, distributes the weight differently. By keeping your essentials at arm's reach, fanny packs enhance your overall efficiency and save valuable time during your travels.

Security 

Traveling inevitably raises concerns about the security of personal belongings, particularly when visiting crowded tourist destinations or navigating through unfamiliar environments. Fanny packs offer an excellent solution to this problem. 

To enhance security, fanny packs can be worn around the waist or across the chest, securely wrapped around the body with the bag positioned in front of you, allowing for constant vigilance and reducing the chances of pickpocketing. Unlike traditional backpacks or shoulder bags, fanny packs offer enhanced security by keeping your valuables within your line of sight, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey. Secure zip compartments provide a discreet and safe space to store cash, credit cards, and travel documents, minimizing the risk of theft or loss.

Fashionable Appeal

OK so they’re safe and practical, but…are fanny packs cool? No longer a micro trend, fanny packs have become a fashion statement in recent years. From sleek leather fanny packs to sporty nylon bum bags, there is a sea of options out there. Don’t be intimidated by all the choices– we’re here to help you find not only the best fanny packs for travel but also cute fanny packs for travel (and ones that will aid you in more sustainable travel). By combining style with versatility, travel fanny packs can be easily paired with different outfits and worn for different activities, from exploring a new city, accenting your festival attire or hiking a trail.

How to Wear Your Fanny Pack

If you’re wondering how to wear a fanny pack, you’re not alone. There are many different ways to wear a fanny pack– Experiment with different wearing options to find the most comfortable and practical fit for your travel needs or the activity. Whether you choose to wear it around your waist as a waist pack or hip pack, as a crossbody bag or sling bag, or on your shoulder, an adjustable strap provides flexibility in finding your preferred style and level of comfort. An ideal fanny pack comes with an adjustable strap to accommodate wearing around the waist or the chest. A hiking fanny pack might be worn around the waist, whereas a fanny pack can be more dressed up when worn as a crossbody bag or sling bag. A black fanny pack is a classic piece that can be worn for many occasions, but colors can add a pop to any outfit. Here are four different ways to wear a fanny pack:

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fanny Pack

Selecting the perfect fanny pack for your travel adventures isn’t actually that hard. There’s a few important things to consider: size and capacity, material and durability, comfort and fit and style. To start, determine how much you’ll need to carry and how you want to style it. 

Size and Capacity

Choosing the right size fanny pack is essential for accommodating your personal needs. Consider the amount of storage space you’ll need for your daily activities. If you prefer a compact and lightweight option, a smaller fanny pack like a hip pack or a may be ideal. These packs typically offer enough room for your phone, wallet, keys, and a few additional items.

On the other hand, if you need to carry more items such as a camera or snacks, a big fanny pack with multiple pockets and a larger capacity would be more suitable. These packs are perfect for longer journeys or for parents traveling with kids.

Material and Durability

Fanny packs come in various materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. When picking the right material for you, it's important to consider how it feels, the versatility of the material, and the material's impact (for those who are into eco friendly travel).

Common materials include nylon, polyester, canvas, and leather. Nylon and polyester can be lightweight and easy to clean, however these synthetic materials are known for being more damaging to the environment, and they often veer towards more casual styling. Canvas is another casual option. Leather fanny packs offer a sleek alternative, exuding timeless elegance and often offer enhanced durability and versatility, since they can be dressed up or down. If you’re into sustainable travel, you might want to consider the impact your purchase has on the planet. Look for more sustainable materials like recycled polyester or upcycled leather, or brands that offset their carbon emissions. (See our Guide to Sustainable Certifications to help determine if a purchase is better for the environment, but keep in mind these certifications are often cost prohibitive for smaller brands.)

Comfort and Fit

Proper fit and comfort are crucial, especially if you plan on wearing your fanny pack for extended periods. Look for packs with extendable and adjustable straps, allowing you to distribute the weight evenly and to accommodate different styling. 

Organization and Accessibility

 

Efficient organization is essential for accessing your belongings quickly and keeping them organized during your travels. Look for fanny packs that offer compartments, pockets, and zippers to separate and categorize your items effectively. Consider packs with phone pockets and built-in card pockets to eliminate the need for an additional wallet, further lightening your load.

Style

 

Fanny packs run the gamut from uber sporty to chic and elevated, so it’s important to find one that’s going to complement your style. We already talked a little about materials in terms of functionality, but what about look? A leather fanny pack may sound fancy, but it can elevate sweats for a grocery store run or a maxi skirt for a night out. A nylon or canvas fanny pack, though, may be more limited to casual outfits and adventures.

Our Recommendations: Best Fanny Packs for Travel

If you’re looking a cute fanny packs for travel, consider a leather fanny pack due to its versatility and durability. Leather fanny packs have the unique ability to be styled for outdoor adventures, city strolls and nights out alike.

Having one bag that works on so many different occasions means packing less, which is a huge win.  What’s more? Leather is a highly durable material that makes it an excellent choice for a fanny pack. Known for its strength and resilience, leather can withstand the rigors of travel and everyday use. Its natural durability allows it to resist tearing, punctures, and abrasions, ensuring that your fanny pack can endure various environments and activities.  With proper care, a leather fanny pack can last for years, making it a reliable and long-lasting travel companion.

The Upcycled Leather Fanny Pack comes in 2 sizes. Both come with a built-in strap extender, an extra piece which can be removed for added for versatility in styling. Both sizes have a secure zip main compartment and a hidden back zip compartment, with 1-3 easy-access built in card pockets inside, depending on which size you choose. The Big Upcycled Leather Fanny Pack is the best fanny pack for International travel, since you can fit your passport in the rear secure, hidden zip pocket. Also consider the Big size if you want to carry snacks or a camera.

What’s more? A leather fanny pack goes with everything. It can accent your personal style and add a cool-factor to any look. Shop our upcycled leather fanny packs today.