While some travellers prefer the spaciousness of backpacks or travel totes, others appreciate the simplicity and convenience of a hands-free option. For those who value minimalism and want to carry only the travel essentials, fanny packs might just be the one-stop solution for you.
Once a popular fashion trend in the 80s and 90s, fanny packs have made a comeback in recent years, becoming one of the most coveted staples in every traveller’s vacation wardrobe. Also known as belt bags, waist bags, bumbags, or crossbody bags, these versatile accessories offer a combination of functionality and fashion. With enough space to hold your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and sunscreen, fanny packs hooked onto your waist allow you to explore cities or navigate trails without the burden of a larger bag.
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A fanny pack’s utility isn’t limited to keeping you hands-free. It is also extremely comfortable to wear, especially for those prone to back and neck pains, since you wouldn’t be lugging it on your back. Moreover, the resurgence of this bag style has led to the availability of abundant modish designs fashioned in distinctive materials to leave one spoilt for choice. While a timeless leather piece can make a great pick for a relaxed and touristy holiday, rugged and water-resistant nylon bags are the perfect go-to option for an adventurous, outdoor vacation.
If you’re seeking a hassle-free and essential travel companion, consider purchasing a fanny pack from our diverse selection. Promising convenience, luxury and style, our curated shopping list features iconic pieces from top brands like Louis Vuitton, LOEWE, Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga, Givenchy, TUMI, Bally, Maison Margiela, and Moncler Durance, all designed to make a lasting impression while keeping your hands free.
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The best fanny packs to check out for hassle-free travel
Louis Vuitton Comet Bumbag
The Comet Bumbag incorporates the use of premium, soft calf leather in a rather sporty design to lend a luxuriously casual look. It features the Monogram Spotlight print where the blossoms and LVs both have colourful neon shadows to add that subtle pop of hue.
The main compartment is accompanied by two small zipper pockets on the front for easy access and organised storage of essentials. Additionally, while the adjustable strap can be used to wear it on the waist or above the hip, the top handle allows it to be carried as a hand-held bag as well.
Image: Courtesy 24s.com
- Dimensions 17.72 x 6.69 x 3.54 inches
- Material Calf leather, textile (lining)
LOEWE Puzzle Bumbag
Fashioned in an avant-garde cuboid shape, the small-sized Puzzle Bumbag by LOEWE makes for a fashionable yet durable pick for travelling. Crafted using high-quality calfskin leather and a precise cutting technique to create sharp lines and bends, it features a flap-covered zipper compartment. It has enough space to store all your essentials like passport, wallet, phone and keys while the external and inner pockets can keep your boarding pass, train tickets and bills secure.
The strap can be adjusted to offer a comfortable and snug fit and can also be used to wear the bag on the shoulders or as a crossbody. It is compact and can fold flat, making it easy to pack and carry in a suitcase as well.
Image: Courtesy Mr Porter
- Dimensions 9.4 x 6.3 x 4.1 inches
- Strap length 34.6 inches - 57.8 inches
- Material Calfskin, herringbone cotton canvas (lining)
Maison Margiela Glam Slam Sport Belt Bag
Mimicking matelassé, a hand-stitched quilted design from Marseilles, France, the Glam Slam Sport belt bag has a luxuriously casual look. Made using nylon and calf leather, it boasts rounded edges, lending the design a soft aesthetic to sit snugly on the waist.
While the large zippered compartment with an internal pocket has plenty of space for all your belongings, the bag also features an external back pocket for storing things that demand quick access. The maximum drop of the adjustable strap is about 22.8 inches, making it easy to wear across the shoulder or around the waist.
Image: Courtesy Maison Margiela
- Dimensions 17.3 x 7.8 x 5.5 inches
- Strap length 53.15 inches
- Material Cordura fabric, 100% calf leather
Bally Mountain Belt Bag
A part of the brand’s Mountain collection, this classy bag fashioned with white calf leather will make for an ideal travel companion. Not only will the gold-toned hardware elevate your vacation look, but its generous space will also keep all your essentials safe on the go. Its sleek yet structured make will surely stand out, especially when paired with monotone looks. The belt-like strap can be adjusted using the buckle for a secure fit.
Image: Courtesy Bally
- Dimensions 9 x 6 x 1 inches
- Material Calf leather
Balenciaga Explorer Beltpack
Another fashionable waist pack to elevate your vacation look with its rugged streetwear aesthetic is this all-black style from Balenciaga. While the wrinkled lambskin lends high durability, the adjustable press-release nylon strap promises a comfortable fit. A functional piece, it features an additional front pocket apart from the main compartment for storing small essentials. The white branding adds just the right touch of hue to maintain its understated opulence.
Image: Courtesy Ssense
- Dimensions 15.7 x 7 x 3.9 inches
- Material Arena lambskin
Christian Louboutin Loubideal Belt Bag
The Loubideal belt bag makes for one of the best fanny packs for travel owing to its two separate practical compartments. With an additional slip pocket, the bag boasts generous space to store more than just a phone, passport and money. The nylon strap can be adjusted up to 43.3 inches to fit easily around the waist or slung across the body while the mesh back feels breathable.
The signature tonal spikes, rubber panel with branding and classic red lining further elevate the bag’s style quotient.
Image: Courtesy Christian Louboutin
- Dimensions 9 x 4.3 x 3.3 inches
- Strap length 11.8 - 43.3 inches
- Material Fabric, rubber
Moncler Durance Belt Bag
Amp up your airport look with the Moncler Durance belt bag designed in a tasteful taupe hue with water repellent nylon and premium leather. Wear it around the waist, across the chest or simply carry it as a shoulder bag — this versatile piece is easy to style. Its comfortably casual yet modish aesthetic pairs well with all kinds of outfits, which means that carrying this one bag will suffice for the entire trip. The vivid black and red hues bring an elegant contrast while the silicone brand logo accents it perfectly.
Image: Courtesy Ssense
- Dimensions 15 x 7 x 2.7 inches
- Material Nylon, leather trim
Givenchy G-Trek Bumbag
The G-Trek Bumbag made with nylon and calf leather is ideal for people who resonate with a minimal fashion style. Crafted in a subtle beige hue, it is primarily accented by the broad 4G zipper. The webbing band featuring the reflective GIVENCHY logo adds an understated charm, making this bag a timeless piece in your wardrobe.
Its compact size makes it suitable for light packers and travellers who prefer the ease and comfort of not carrying too many things when exploring bustling cities and crowded tourist areas.
Image: Courtesy Givenchy
- Dimensions 10.24 x 5.12 x 3.54 inches
- Material Nylon, calf leather
TUMI Classified Waist Pack
A part of the brand’s Alpha Bravo collection featuring hyper-functional bags for people who’re always on the go, this waist bag channels practicality at the core of its design. Stylish and utilitarian, this bag’s main zippered compartment is spacious enough to hold all your essentials like phone, wallet, keys, passport, sunglasses and earphones.
Additional front pocket, back slip pocket and other internal pockets, as well as a key leash further add to the efficiency of this piece as the ultimate travel fanny pack. It is also equipped with the TUMI tracer and external loops to hang accessories like AirPods easily.
Image: Courtesy TUMI
- Dimensions 11 x 5.8 x 2.8 inches
- Material Ballistic nylon
Choosing your ideal travel fanny pack
While choosing a fanny pack for your travels is a cakewalk because the features are largely the same, the following are a few things to consider.
1. Opt for a bag material that best suits your intended use. If you want a fanny pack that stands the test of rainy weather conditions and other outdoor adventures, choose a piece made from water-resistant and easy-to-clean fabrics like nylon and polyester.
If a sporty, modish style coupled with practicality is on your checklist, designer choices fashioned in supple yet durable calfskin leather or lambskin should be your go-to pick.
2. Most belt bags feature adjustable straps to fit comfortably on the waist or across the chest. However, some of them can only extend up to a few inches. If a comparatively long strap is essential for you, consider checking those dimensions as well.
3. Pay attention to the size specifications of the fanny pack as well, because a small size does not necessarily mean it won’t offer enough space. Consider what you wish to carry in your waist bag and choose one accordingly.
Additionally, if you prefer keeping your things extra organised, look for the number of compartments and pockets a design has to offer.
How did we select the best fanny packs?
Owing to the extensive variety of fanny packs available in the market, choosing some of the best ones required thorough research, more so because all these recommendations are purely editorial. Apart from style and practicality, multiple other factors were assessed such as the materials used, organisational pockets and durability.
We’ve especially included designs that have adjustable straps to suit every traveller’s needs while also ensuring diversity amidst sizes for all kinds of travellers. From a light packer who prefers a compact design to one who carries as many essentials as possible and requires a large size, our list has covered it all. Irrespective of the size, all our picks offer generous space to carry things like a phone, wallet, keys, passport and even beauty touch-up essentials.
Additionally, we’ve also tried to create a good mix of pieces that are either ideal for outdoor adventures, have a high fashion quotient or are a blend of both.
(Feature image credit: Lasvane/Pexels)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
Prices of the products mentioned are subject to change.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Usually, fanny packs are crafted from water-resistant materials like nylon and polyester. Some luxe pieces are also made using calf leather or lambskin which are extremely sought-after for their suppleness, flexibility and durability.
Fanny packs feature an adjustable strap that can be used to fit them easily around the waist or sling across the chest. Consider cross-checking the maximum strap length when shopping online and trying on the bag when purchasing at a store.
Some of the fanny pack alternatives to go hands-free include a hidden neck wallet, shoulder wallet, travel security belt, sling bag and crossbody bag.
Yes, bags specifically designed to hold a water bottle are available in the market and also have small additional pockets to hold essentials like a phone, cash and cards. However, they usually come in a crossbody style as it’s easier to carry a water bottle slung across the chest than having it constantly tugging down from the waist because of the heavy weight.
Each bag comes with its own set of cleaning instructions based on the materials it incorporates in its make. It is recommended to follow them to maintain the longevity and look of your bag.
Written By
Divya Arora
With an academic background in Public Relations, Divya has a flair for writing about topics spanning ..Read More
