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14 Best Fanny Packs for Men aka Belt Bags & Hip Packs
Fanny pack up, bro.
Let’s get something straight: the name “fanny pack” is as out of style as the goofy-looking, neon-colored pouches some of us used to wear in the 90s.
But the “belt bags”, “waist packs”, and “hip packs” that are so ubiquitous to modern guy style, now those things are straight-up cool.
Today’s fanny packs have been given a major facelift to not only look elegant, but also deliver maximum functionality. They’re the ultimate carrying choice for guys who need a bit more space than their pockets can offer, but don’t want to carry around a backpack or messenger bag.
They’re the “in” thing, an addition to your wardrobe that will deliver functionality without sacrificing stylishness.
- Not just for your waist. Where the OG fanny packs were only buckled onto your waist, the modern versions can be worn as cross-body sling bags, too. This dual-wear design lets you choose the style that suits your outfit and keeps everything close at hand.
- Tough and versatile. Many modern fanny packs are made from durable, weather-resistant or weather-proof materials that can stand up to heavy rains, snows, long daily commutes, and even hard work. While some are built for more delicate purposes (can you say “formal fanny pack” to wear with a suit?), the majority are constructed from materials and feature a design that make them able to handle a rough-and-rugged lifestyle.
- The perfect travel companions. I’ve started traveling with mine, using it to carry my documents and flight essentials during the journey, then phone and chargers and other daily necessities while sightseeing around town. It’s a game-changing option that lets me leave my backpack at home but still keeping all my cash, cards, and valuables safe either on my waist or slung across my chest.
I’ve become a bit obsessed with fanny packs in the last few years since their resurgence, so I’ve made it my mission to find the ones that suit my active lifestyle and style choices.
After testing as many as I could get my hands on and researching dozens more, I’ve assembled this list of the all-time best fanny packs you can wear to make carrying your daily loadout and essentials a whole lot easier.
Built to be tough and versatile, this is the ideal pouch for your daily EDC loadout around town. A stylish exterior meets an incredibly well-organized multi-compartment interior, and a magnetic strap buckle that makes putting it on and taking it off a cinch.
Bellroy Venture
For those relaxing weekend strolls around town or a quick jaunt to the bar with your buddies, this is the hip pack for you.
It’s got everything you could want: a spacious main compartment, fabric-lined scratch-resistant phone sleeve, a mesh pocket to stash your sunglasses, a key clip, and a spot for your AirTag. The magnetic strap buckle keeps the bag securely in place whatever you’re doing.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Sling
Hyperlite built their Mountain Gear Versa to be the ideal companion for backpackers and long-distance hikers.
It’s ultralight (hence its name), waterproof, and tough as nails.
It’s got three pockets—a grand main compartment, a front phone pocket, and a rear stash pocket—and is designed to be worn across your body, on your waist, under your shoulder, and even attached to your hiking backpack.
Matador Freerain
The Matador Freerain is ideal for daily commuters and frequent world travelers who want extra storage space close at hand without occupying excess space in their carry-on luggage.
The waist bag packs down to roughly the size of your hand, perfect for stashing in any corner of your backpack or duffel bag. But once unfolded, it offers two liters of waterproof, easily organizable store space. Game-changer, right?
Wandrd D1
I’ve had the Wandrd D1 for two years now, and it has become my constant travel companion.
It’s got all the space I need for my flight essentials—headphones, charging cable, passports, tickets, wallet, phone, and backup battery—and when I’m at my destination, I use it to carry my compact DSLR camera.
It’s wonderfully rugged and has survived all my jungle, beach, fishing, camping, and hiking adventures.
Chrome Industries Ziptop Waist Pack
I’ve yet to find a hip pack tougher than this one. Chrome Industries is one of my go-to brands for hard-wearing, modern-looking gear, and their hip bag definitely suits my needs.
I can wear it on my back, across my chest, or around my waist, and it’s got tons of pockets, plenty of space, and a rugged construction that has held up for nearly three years of frequent use.
Carhartt Durable Hip Pack
Tradies and working men, you already know this one’s got your name on it.
Carhartt is the rugged man’s brand, and this hip pack is the ideal solution for hauling around your most-used tools without the need to load yourself down with a tool belt.
The 600-denier fabric is resilient against punctures and cuts and will shrug off rain and damp with ease.
Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack
Add a pop of color to your wardrobe with this eye-catching hip pack. Topo Designs rocks the bright colorways, embracing the neon colors—blue, yellow, orange, and pink—that were popular in the 90s but giving them a modern appeal you can’t help but love.
Made for easy carrying and wearing on your waist or across your body, it’s the hip bag for guys into making bold style statements.
Vertx SOCP Tactical Fanny Pack
Made in collaboration with the Special Operatives Combat Program, this bag is Everyday Carry-ready, with space for weapons but a low-profile design that will blend in with civilians.
The hidden access pocket allows for quick draw of a knife or tactical tools, and the external cellphone pocket makes it easy to run surveillance without taking your phone out of the bag. Be ready for anything with this bad boy.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
Hikers and climbers, this one’s built for your outdoor adventures. Made from 100% ripstop nylon fabric, it’s weather-resistant but lightweight (100 grams) and flexible enough you can pack it down small to stash in your carry-on or backpack when traveling.
The two-compartment main zippered pocket offers easy access and ample storage space (1 liter), and the webbing belt is comfortable around your waist or across your body.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
For the fast-moving athlete, Lululemon built a bag well-suited to your everyday life. It’s got space enough for your essentials—phone, wallet, cards, and keys—so you can sling them on your waist when running or stash them in the corner of the gym or Yoga studio.
The exterior is water-repellent, great for running or walking in the rain, and the two-way zipper makes accessing your items a breeze.
The North Face Jester
Transition from the hiking trail to the dinner table, and trust this North Face pouch will serve you well in both settings.
Made with incredibly tough, weather-resistant fabric and a spacious 2.2-liter dual-compartment interior, it’s the ideal companion to take everywhere and pack everything you absolutely need.
Phone, trail snacks, backup batteries, charging cables, wallet, keys, and headphones—it’ll fit them all with room to spare.
Fjallraven High Coast
Complement your Fjallraven backpack and waterproof jacket with this hip pack.
It’s lightweight but incredibly durable, made from a 100% recycled nylon treated with a fully waterproof coating. The front and back pockets are both zippered for maximum security.
Whether you wear it across your body or around your waist, you’ll love how easy the strap is to adjust for maximum comfort.
Rains Bum Bag
This bag is all about the form, but it still delivers on function.
It’s incredibly stylish, with a sleek, minimalist-looking exterior that will pair well with any outfit from chino pants and a polo to T-shirt and jeans.
However, the inside offers excellent storage solutions and the polyurethane exterior is fully waterproof and resistant to scratches, punctures, drops, and falls. Class up your outfit with this bag.
Herschel Fourteen Waist Pack
Herschel has made its mark as one of the best-known and best-loved travel bag brands, and their Fourteen Waist Pack lives up to the hype.
Made with a hyper-durable exterior and an eye-catching striped fabric-lined interior, this single-compartment bag ensures you have space for your daily essentials no matter how much you’re carrying. It’s tough, handsome, and affordable—what more could you want?
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