I was a teenager during the initial wave of fanny packs. My parents wore them on busy vacation days throughout the '80s, so most of my peers and I avoided them like the plague as children. Since the 1980s are back in vogue, even fanny packs have returned. The fanny packs of today have evolved into something different from the fanny packs of the past. This modern take on a timeless item is known by various names, including sling bags, crossbody bags, and belt bags, and is worn not across the hips but across the chest, with the pack portion in the front or back.

What We Are Seeking

Material:

Depending on the fabric, a fanny pack may be stylish enough for a night out on the town, rugged enough for a day in the mountains, or even practical as a hands-free diaper bag. Nylon and polyester are two examples of water-resistant fabrics that will keep your belongings dry. Neoprene and leather are both simpler to clean since they can be cleaned by hand using mild detergents. So that you can choose the perfect fanny pack, we list its specific components.

Closure:

Each fanny pack has a unique closure method, regardless of whether it's worn above the hips or over the chest. Most of them feature standard buckle fasteners, but a couple are more unusual in their construction.

Strap Length:

The straps of most fanny packs are adjustable to suit better the wearer's frame or the demands of a particular sport. But there are time constraints on some of them, and we've noted them where we could.

Best Overall Fanny Pack

At the Strategist, we're big fans of Dagne Dover's neoprene luggage and bags in general, and we especially like the company's fanny pack since it combines practicality and good looks. Maxine Builder, the editor of the strategy magazine, prefers the brand's fanny pack because "branding is buried on the rear, in rather a tiny font," making it less noticeable than the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag she also carries. She can fit more in it because of the "forgiving, easy-to-clean" neoprene material and the fact that "it expands a good deal."

The Most Affordable Fanny Pack

Alljahni Mack, a stylist and fashion designer, claims that the fanny pack's sturdy construction comes from the same place as JanSport's well-known book bags and sports bags. Not only is this pack the most reasonably priced option, but it also comes in more than 20 different colors and designs. It is "compact for a busy day spent hiking or working out" and will offer a "wonderful burst of color to your outfit."

Best Travel Fanny Pack

Charlotte Stone, the owner of the eponymous shoe line, suggests this sporty Patagonia waist pack as an accessory for your next international trip. One of Stone's closest friends is a color designer at Patagonia (and so is privy to the brand's seasonal color upgrades), and it was via her that Stone first learned about the pack. By the way, the color palette she chose was lime green and dark teal. She finds it "ridiculously useful," as she uses it to carry dog treats and train goodies for her two dogs on their regular walks. Stone attaches the leashes to the bag's webbing straps to free up his hands.

Top Fanny Pack For Running Errands

This belt bag is another excellent example of how Lululemon successfully combines form and function; like their giant backpacks, they are the epitome of chic practicality. The modest Lululemon logo on the chest may be unnoticeable, but editor Maxine Builder finds it "a touch uncomfortable at times." Her sunglasses case, wallet, phone, and vehicle keys all fit within, and she can "simply drape it over my chest," she adds. As a bonus, "it's quite strong" and "water-resistant," meaning she can feel safe wearing it even in a downpour.

The Most Effective Leather Fanny Pack

Two individuals we talked with noted this Clare V. fanny pack, and model Brooklyn Decker added it to her list of must-haves. Decker uses it anytime she's out for a jog or simply enjoying nature; a buddy gave it to her. Stone has also had her eye on it and offered her rationale for wanting it: the fanny pack would "really go with everything," and she likes the "collegiate attitude" it gives off. Richer Poorer's co-founder and current chief executive officer, Iva Pawling, is a huge admirer but also has purchased the bag in three different colors. She used to wear it while taking her two children out, but now she wears it all the time.

Conclusion

When you're on the go, a fanny pack is one of your most valuable bags. These handy pouches are large enough to store your phone, passport, as well as wallet, plus they allow you to keep your hands free so you can take the perfect vacation picture or have a gelato while sightseeing.