waist pack travel

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The 14 Best Travel Fanny Packs and Waist Packs [2024]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

823 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Table of Contents

The benefits of fanny packs, things to consider with travel fanny packs, the 14 best travel fanny packs, final thoughts.

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A fanny pack may bring back memories of the 1980s and some of the fashion disasters that went with the era, but owning one of these much-maligned sling-style bags will completely transform the way you carry your personal belongings with you.

Sling it over your shoulder or tie it around your waist, and you’ll soon see why the fanny pack is back and is a favorite of fashionistas all over the world.

If you’re thinking of investing in your first-ever fanny pack or simply looking to reignite your love, remember that there are many great reasons to wear your belongings around your waist:

• A fanny pack leaves your hands free to concentrate on the more important things in life. Without handles, you can slip it around your waist or over your shoulder, and off you go.
• Anyone can wear a fanny pack. The style itself is unisex, meaning that the whole family can wear one if they want to. There are also thousands of styles to choose from, available in colors and sizes to suit every fanny pack fan.
• These types of bags are lightweight and durable and will help keep you better balanced than a shoulder or tote bag. Because of this, fanny packs are perfect for outdoor activities, sports, and other adventures where you don’t want your travel bag to hold you back.
• A fanny pack is spacious without being bulky . With several different compartments, you can easily keep your keys, wallet, phone, and other small essentials about your person without weighing yourself down.
• Fanny packs are back in fashion! From music festivals to the beach and everywhere in between, fashion-focused travelers once again love the look of the waist bag.

Before you buy a fanny pack for your next trip, be sure to take into account the following:

Belt Length

Fanny packs aren’t one size fits all. Some will have longer belt straps than others, and depending on the size of your waist, you’ll need to investigate whether it will fit before you purchase.

Also, if you’re planning on wearing it across your body or over your shoulder, it will need to be adjustable to be able to hang properly.

Your fanny pack will be going on plenty of adventures with you. For this reason, it will need to be lightweight yet strong and durable, and you’ll want to ensure that you can wipe or wash it as often as you need to.

Leather, PU, nylon, or even cotton fanny packs are all good choices, but you’ll need to choose a fabric that’s robust enough to hold your belongings without tearing.

Anti-Theft and Slash-Proof

Many travel bags offer anti-theft protection and slash-proof straps and material. Just because your fanny pack is small doesn’t make it any less vulnerable to criminals eager to access your belongings.

RFID lining helps to protect the data held on your contactless credit cards while slash-proof material stops pickpockets with flick knives from stealing your stuff.

Organization, Pockets, and Water Bottle Holder

Not all fanny packs are equal as some offer more benefits than others.

A basic pack may have room to hold your essentials, while larger packs can provide a variety of slots or zippered compartments and may even have a mesh holder for your water bottle . These are great for longer adventures, hiking trips, or days at the beach.

1. The Everyday Fanny Pack

Everest Signature Waist Pack in Jade

Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, this cute little fanny pack is perfect for everyday use. With a 46-inch waist strap, a zippered compartment, and a front hanging key chain, this small bag will keep your essentials safe, whatever you’re doing.

The Everest Signature Waist Pack is made from polyester fabric and has a unique slim and sporty design . The adjustable waist belt can be made small enough to fit around your waist or lengthened to wear across your body.

The main compartment is large enough to hold your wallet , coins, and even your cell phone, while the zippered front pocket and key holder will keep everything else safe.

Designed with practicality in mind, this fanny pack can be wiped down or washed to ensure it looks good and lasts through many adventures.

What We Like

• Made from water-resistant material

What We Don’t Like

• No dual-opening zippers

2. Top-of-the-Range Adventure Lumbar Pack

Osprey Packs Talon 6 Lumbar Pack

Travel giant Osprey is famous for its incredibly durable and long-lasting travel accessories, and the Talon 6 Lumbar Pack is certainly no exception. Made from mesh-covered AirScape ridge foam to keep your load secure, this fanny pack allows you to be as sporty or adventurous as you want to be.

Much more than just a travel pouch, this large, secure, and stable lumber pack will keep your belongings safe and your posture grounded. This is a superb fanny pack for the serious traveler, with the ability to carry 2 water bottles in the padded bottle sleeves that stay upright even when you don’t.

You can pack plenty of essentials, including money, keys, your phone, and even your passport or ID in the large, zippered compartment, while the horizontal, straightjacket compression straps ensure that the pack never gets bent out of shape.

As with all Osprey products, the Talon 6 Lumbar Pack comes with Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee. This is a serious pack for serious travelers.

• Holds 2 water bottles
• Might be too bulky for some people

3. The Multiple Carry Options Fanny Pack

VISCNE Outdoor Fanny Pack

This is a monster of a fanny pack, designed with seriously exciting adventures in mind. Made from wear-resistant nylon with a breathable mesh lumbar, this is the perfect pack to take with you on your next hiking, fishing, cycling, or camping trip.

Additional shoulder straps mean that you can carry this pack 3 ways: around your waist, across 1 shoulder, or over 2 shoulders like a backpack. The adjustable belt means you can make it long or short enough to fit almost anyone, while the 2 side zipper pockets will keep your stuff organized.

Dual water bottle holders will ensure you stay hydrated whatever you’re doing, while various compartments will easily hold your phone, wallet, keys, coins, and everything else you need.

• Comes in a range of colors
• Water bottle pockets are quite shallow

4. Great Fanny Pack for Runners and Active Users

Waterfly Hiking Waist Bag Fanny Pack

Made from water-resistant nylon, this fanny pack is perfect for long hikes or outdoor adventures in any kind of weather. Large enough to fit your keys, your coins, and even your phone, this fanny pack will protect your precious belongings from the elements.

With the addition of a stable water bottle holder, your favorite drinking vessel will remain upright while you run, hike or climb. The 2 separate zipper pockets and an additional small front pocket are perfect for keeping your stuff organized and together, while the adjustable strap fits nicely around your waist.

Designed with sports fanatics in mind , the back mesh pad allows the straps to breathe, keeping your waist dry and fresh, no matter how much you sweat.

For your own added security this bag comes complete with reflective strips , making it an excellent choice for anyone who is active or runs near cars or other vehicles.

• Breathable mesh back pad
• Compartments are quite small

5. Fanny Pack for the Organized Traveler

FREETOO Waist Pack Bag Fanny Pack for Men and Women

This traditional-style fanny pack offers you all the space you need across 5 zippered pockets. The largest is big enough to hold your water bottle, while the smallest will keep all those little bits like keys and hair ties safe and organized.

Made from strong 1000D polyester , this bag is easy to clean and built to last. An excellent addition to your everyday travel baggage, this useful little pack has sturdy zippers, an adjustable strap with a secure waist buckle, and the option to be worn either around your waist or across your shoulders.

Just as useful for outdoor activities as it is for festivals and having fun, this is a great option for anyone.

• Lots of pockets to keep organized
• The waist strap is quite short

6. Fanny Pack for Fashionistas

Badiya Women’s Mini Crocodile Leather Waist Bag

This fabulous little fanny pack is just the right size for keeping your phone, credit card, money, and ID safe while you enjoy the finer things in life. With an on-trend leather look, this beauty is an excellent choice for festivals, parties, and shopping.

Made from high-quality faux crocodile material, the pack has 2 pockets and an adjustable strap that reaches up to 39 inches, making it easy for you to wear around your waist or to carry over your shoulder.

With a look and feel that takes you back to the belt bags of the 1970s, this is an up-to-date way to keep your personal belongings close to you at all times, while still looking fashionable.

• Practical and stylish
• Difficult to close if overfilled

7. The Classic Canvas Fanny Pack

LemonGirl Unisex Waist Bag

Modern convenience with a stylish look, this fanny pack is made of durable canvas with plenty of room to carry all your personal belongings.

With 1 large zippered pocket and 1 small pocket, this canvas fanny pack is large enough to carry your cash, cards, cell phone, and your keys. It can be hand-washed or popped in the washing machine to keep it looking as fresh as you do on every outing.

The adjustable waist bag can be worn around your waist or slung over your shoulder for a real old-school feel. Great for festivals, beach parties, and gatherings, you can keep everything close with this epic little fanny pack.

• Stylish, muted colors that go with everything
• Too slim to carry anything bulkier than a cell phone

8. The Festival Fanny Pack

SoJourner Black Rose Fanny Pack

A gorgeous 90s-style fanny pack with plenty of space to keep your belongings safe, this bag comes in a variety of prints including flowers, stripes, polka dots, and even the American flag. Perfect for trendy fashionistas and festival lovers, these bags are adorable and super useful.

The 2 main zippered pockets will keep your water bottle , money, keys, cards, and cell phone all close to hand, while the back pocket is perfect for loose change and hair ties. The adjustable nylon waistband fits a 15- to 48-inch waist.

These bags are suitable for both men and women, and the durable nylon construction will ensure that your SoJourner fanny pack will last you over many great adventures.

• Available in a range of colors and designs
• Zippers are quite fragile

9. Compact and Lightweight Waist Pack

Tinyat Travel Fanny Bag Waist Pack

Cute and compact, this basic little fanny pack is perfect for keeping your most important pieces close to you. Made from durable, washable nylon, you can rely on this bag over and over again.

The zippered front accessory pocket is great for storing your keys, your ID card, your credit and debit cards, your cell phone, and even your coin purse. You can also stay looking good from the word go, with enough room to stash your favorite lipstick, perfume, or comb.

The discreet back pocket will keep notes or valuables hidden out of sight, and the lightweight, fashionable design means this little beauty can be worn with a wide variety of outfits . The waist belt is adjustable to fit waist sizes from 16 to 40 inches, so you can throw it around your waist or sling it over your shoulder.

• Hidden zipper pocket at the back
• Doesn’t hold a great deal

10. Extremely Slim and Minimalist Waist Pack

Waterfly Slim Fanny Pack

This weather-resistant fanny pack will keep your belongings safe from a damp day or a little bit of drizzle. Designed to fit men, women, and even children, it has a highly adjustable waistband that can accommodate all sizes. The Waterfly brand also offers extendable band straps for extra-large waists, that can be purchased separately.

This fanny pack is well-made, yet lightweight and extremely durable. The slim, elongated design of this waist bag keeps it compact and discreet.

The main double-zippered compartment is perfect for housing your keys, phone, wallet, and credit cards, while the 2 extra front pockets and hidden rear pocket are great for smaller valuables and loose change.

Available in a variety of different colors, the slim design of this bag makes it just right for cyclists, runners, climbers, or campers.

• Can be worn in multiple ways
• Only has very light water-resistance

11. Giant Waist Pack for Those Who Need Lots of Space

Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack

This giant of a fanny pack is a favorite with hikers and outdoor-minded travelers. Large enough to be used as a hiking pack, a golfing bag, or even for carrying spare diapers, this Tour Lumbar pack will keep your going on many adventures.

Made from durable and high-quality CORDURA fabric, this pack can be carried in a variety of ways.

The pack comes complete with a removable shoulder strap, traditional front panel bungee, an interior tablet sleeve, a smartphone-compatible waist belt pocket, ridged EVA back panel padding with stash pocket, side water bottle holders, hanging inner sanctum, zippered front panel pocket with key clip, and even a headphone port.

This pack can fit in everything you need, and then some.

Despite its enormous size, it remains reasonably lightweight and easy to carry, making its hefty price tag worth the investment if you’re planning to get a lot of use out of your new compact carrier.

• Front panel to stash additional items
• Straps are difficult to tighten on smaller people

12. The Statement Fanny Pack From JanSport

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

A favorite with hipsters and high schoolers all over the world, the JanSport brand is as popular as ever . The Fifth Avenue fanny pack is available in a variety of colors and prints and can be worn on your waist or across your body.

Made from durable, wipeable fabric, this fanny pack has a large main compartment that can keep your keys, coins, credit cards, and even your cell phone safe while you’re on the move. The smaller zipper pocket is perfect for quick and easy access to your loose change or small valuables.

A usefully-sized pouch with a cool logo, the JanSport fanny pouch is one of the most fashionable on the market.

• Simple and stylish design
• Zippers are a bit fragile

13. The Budget Double-Water-Bottle-Holding Waist Pack

Everest Lumbar Waist Pack

This fanny pack from Everest can be worn as a lumbar pack, a fanny pack, or even as a side hip pack, depending on your preference.

With 3 good-sized pockets, you’ll be able to carry everything you need with you, including your keys, wallet, credit cards, coins, cell phone, and even your passport.

It also comes with the addition of 2 water bottle pockets that are insulated to keep your refreshments cool, even on the move. The tie-down straps keep your bottle upright, even when you’re not, while the nylon waist strap will accommodate up to a 46-inch waist.

Padded back panels make this super comfy to wear, and the breathable fabric wicks away moisture to prevent sweaty patches when you’re wearing it.

• Adjustable load compression straps
• Water bottles can leak

14. The Fanny Pack for Hikers

EGOGO Travel Sport Waist Pack Fanny Pack

Designed to be worn on the side of your hip , this water-resistant waist pack is a unique way to keep your belongings close by your side at all times.

A little on the small side, this cute little bag is big enough to carry your water bottle, wallet, phone, and perhaps even your travel camera in the main compartment. Your keys and loose change can be stored in the smaller zippered compartment.

With a padded back and side panel, it will rest gently against your hip, and stay there comfortably for as long as you need it.

Available in a variety of colors, this is a nice little bag for adventurers of all kinds.

• Air mesh back pocket
• The buckle is a little fiddly to clasp

What was once a laughable accessory reserved only for elderly tourists or old men in Lycra is now back in fashion in a massive way.

Fanny packs are popular from the beaches of Miami to the dance floors of NYC, taking in Coachella and a host of different sporting events and activities along the way.

So what are you waiting for? Wear your stuff where you can see it and keep your hands free to bike or climb with a fanny pack.

Interested in some additional travel accessories to make your adventures easier? Check out some of our other reviews:

• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market
• The Best Laptop Backpacks To Buy for Travel
• The Best Carry-On Travel Garment Bags [Suits, Dresses, Shirts & More]
• The Best Travel Wallets and Organizers [For Men & Women]

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Home » Gear » BEST Fanny Pack For Travel – Ultimate Waist Pack Guide (2024)

BEST Fanny Pack For Travel – Ultimate Waist Pack Guide (2024)

There’s a humble accessory that has been quietly re-asserting itself as a true must-have for adventurers, urbanites, and fashion-forward individuals alike. We’re talking about the best waist packs, or as our friends across the pond like to call them, fanny packs.

These unassuming yet incredibly versatile companions have finally escaped the 80’s to emerge as perhaps the ultimate statement piece in today’s fashion plus functionality landscape.

But this isn’t just another ode to the fanny pack; it’s your definitive, GOAT guide to understanding their resurgence and why they’ve earned their spot as both a wardrobe staple and a definitive travel accessory.

In this post, I am going to dig deep and explore the diverse range of styles, materials, and brands that have elevated the waist packs to the forefront of fashion. And, most importantly, we’ll tell you what the best fanny packs for adventurers, urbanites, ravers and everybody is.

So buckle up (literally), as we embark on a journey through the wonderful, weird world of waist wear, where style meets substance, and convenience becomes a fashion statement.

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What a Waste! Check out these top Waist Packs (Or Fanny Packs…)

Nomatic Sling Navigator Collapsible Sling

• Weight > 1.36KG
• Capacity > 3L
• Price > $59.99

WANDRD D1 FannyPack

• Weight > 0.3KG
• Capacity > 2L
• Price > $74

Osprey Daylite Waist Pack

• Weight > 0.2KG
• Price > $35

Stubble & Co Ultralight Sling

• Weight > 0.16KG
• Capacity > 4L
• Price > $54

Gregory Nano Waistpack

• Weight > 0.4KG
• Capacity > 1.5L
• Price > $49

REI Co op Trail 2 Waist Pack

• Weight > 0.12KG
• Price > $29.95

Here Are The Best Fanny Packs, Waist Packs and Bum Bags

Why use a waist pack, the best fanny packs and waist bags – comparison table, final thoughts on choosing the best waist bag.

• Buy Us a Coffee!

Over the past 12-18 months I have been sent a lot of bum bags by a number of brands ( I am now a total waister. An unrepentant bum-bagger ).

Some were great and others were bloody dreadful. But out of all the many, many, many fanny packs that we tried, tested, loved, loathed, and lost, these ones listed here are our absolute faves. Check out the best fanny packs for travel.

The Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Sling is a game-changer for anyone who demands both style and functionality from their everyday carry. Crafted by the innovative minds at Nomatic, this sling bag takes the concept of portability to a whole new level. More than just a bag, it’s a quintessential piece of Nomatic travel gear designed to seamlessly adjust to your dynamic lifestyle.

At first glance, the Navigator Collapsible Sling presents itself as a sleek, minimalist companion for your daily adventures. However, what sets it apart is its remarkable collapsible design. With a simple flick, it transforms from a compact, lightweight pouch into a full-sized sling bag, providing you with the flexibility to carry more when needed.

There are a few versions available too. The 1L version is ideal for keys, change, and a phone, the 3L version (which I use regularly) can fit tissues, mozzie spray, chewing gum, and cigarettes and then the 6L version will even fit a shoe inside.

Before we go any further, let me tell you that we have a full review of the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Sling  elsewhere on this site, in case you are interested.

The Gregory Nano waist pack is a lightweight, durable travel essential for any globe trotter. It’s been an absolute game-changer when it comes to holding all my items in one place and has become my favourite item from Gregory .

The bag has three spacious pockets with easy-access zippers; a large pocket in the middle, a hidden one towards the body – perfect for keeping those important items safe, and a smaller one at the front. It has a sturdy, adjustable buckle which you can opt to wear around the waist or cross-body. One of my favourite features is the padded back, especially on those long travel days this pack is super comfy and hardly feels like you are wearing it.

The only downfall for me is that I am a fairly large human and even for me, this bag is pretty big. Nearly double the size of my previous bumbag; it has a lot of room for items but the size doesn’t go unnoticed. But overall, you know what, I couldn’t be happier with the Gregory Nano Waistpack and have confidence that my items are safe.

In fact, it’s become one of my all-time favourite pieces of travel gear at the moment.

WANDRD Crossbody

The WANDRD Crossbody is a stylish and functional accessory for your daily essentials. This thing has more pockets and compartments than I know what to do with, making it stand out when compared to other cross-body or bum bags (fanny packs to some of you) which can become deep dark black holes of doom and swallow your car keys.

It feels comfortable to wear all day long and has a bunch of cool features such as auto-closing magnetic pockets, a hidden AirTag pocket and water-resistant fabrics which have both saved my butt and protected my belongings from drunk-me a couple of times. 

There is also a lifetime guarantee offered on this product and it comes with a 30-day return policy, which is exactly why I recommend WANDRD brand .

The worst thing about the WANDRD Crossbody is the price tag. At $70 this thing is definitely NOT the cheapest crossbody bag on the market. It also isn’t the greatest option for storing single larger items which could fit into other regular bum bags or similar products. That being said, the pockets are one of the most useful and unique parts of this product.

The Osprey Daylite Waist Pack is a belter for those who want a trusty companion for their day-to-day adventures or a quick jaunt into the wilds. It’s sturdy, no-nonsense, and designed with practicality in mind. The main compartment is just the ticket for your daily bits and bobs, and there are enough extra pockets to keep everything tidy and to hand.

It’s made from high-quality, durable materials and comes with the Osprey promise of quality. Plus, it’s comfy to wear , with a padded back panel and an adjustable strap that lets you find just the right fit.

Strapping on the Osprey Daylite Waist Pack, you’ll feel ready for whatever the day throws at you. It’s a doddle to wear, staying put whether you’re on a brisk walk or cycling through town. On the downside, it’s a bit basic in terms of looks and while it’s not the largest pack around, it’s spot on for essentials and a bit more.

For the price, you’re getting a reliable piece of kit from one of our absolute favourite brands  that’s built to last (see the Osprey Lifetime Guarantee ) , making it a smart pick for anyone after a quality waist pack made for the outdoors.

Stubble & Co Ultralight Sling

The Stubble & Co Ultralight Sling is a testament to modern, lightweight design without sacrificing durability and utility – a recurring feature highlighted in our thorough Stubble and Co review . Constructed with high-performance, water-resistant materials, this sling is designed to withstand the rigours of daily use while keeping your belongings safe and dry.

The streamlined, aerodynamic shape ensures it never feels bulky, and the multiple compartments are ingeniously laid out to provide quick access to your items.

Wearing the Stubble & Co Ultralight Sling feels liberating , as it offers the perfect balance between minimalism and functionality . The weight distribution is so well-engineered that you’ll barely notice it’s there, even when fully packed.

However, the ultralight nature means it’s not intended for heavy gear or too many items, which might be a limitation for some (it certainly is for me). While the price point reflects its high-end build and materials, budget backpackers may find it a stretch, though the investment is justifiable for the quality and design you receive.

AER City Sling 2

The AER City Sling 2 is a proper gem for city dwellers and minimalists who crave both style and substance. This sleek sling is all about smart urban living, with a design that’s as sharp as it is practical. Crafted from top-quality, water-resistant materials, it keeps your kit safe and sound, rain or shine.

Though compact, the interior is a masterclass in organisation – there’s a spot for everything, from your tech gadgets to your travel essentials. And with its modern, understated aesthetic (typical of AER), it’s a perfect match for any outfit, whether you’re hitting the office or the streets.

Strapping on the AER City Sling 2 feels like you’ve got everything under control. It’s comfy, with a strap that’s a doddle to adjust, and it sits just right, keeping your hands free and your essentials within easy reach.

But keep in mind, at 2.5l it’s designed for the essentials plus a bit more – so it’s not the one if you’re looking to lug around a lot of gear. The price might make you think twice, but it’s worth the splash. It’s a top pick for anyone after a compact, stylish way to carry their day-to-day essentials.

You might also find the Aer Day Sling 2 to be a compelling option. It’s large enough for a few extra items, but not so big that it becomes a cumbersome burden of doom. Check out our in-depth Aer Day Sling 2 review for more insights.

REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack

The REI Co-op Trail 2 WaistPack is the adventurer’s companion, blending ruggedness with thoughtful functionality. Designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, it’s built from sturdy, weather-resistant fabrics that can take a beating from the elements.

The pack offers ample space in its main compartment, complemented by smaller pockets and loops for organisation and easy access to gear. The padded back panel and adjustable waist strap ensure comfort and stability, whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply exploring the urban jungle.

Strapping on the REI Co-op Trail 2 WaistPack feels like gearing up for an adventure. Its robust construction instils confidence, knowing your belongings are protected whatever the weather. The price reflects REI’s commitment to making good gear affordable. At the time of writing, it’s priced on sale at just $20 making it the single biggest bargain in this post .

Treat yourself with an REI Membership Card ! It’s a fantastic deal if you like shopping with REI.

Bellroy Venture Hip Pack

The Bellroy Venture Hip Pack represents the very epitome of both style and functionality in the realm of compact carry solutions. Crafted from sustainably sourced, water-resistant materials, this hip pack boasts a sleek, minimalist design that doesn’t compromise on space or organisational features.

The main compartment is spacious enough to hold all your essentials, with additional pockets thoughtfully placed for easy access and safe storage of valuables. The adjustable strap ensures a perfect fit , whether you prefer to wear it around your waist or slung casually over your shoulder.

Using the Bellroy Venture Hip Pack feels like a seamless extension of your own body (think Kangaroo pouch). The pack sits comfortably against the human body, distributing weight evenly to minimise strain during extended wear. It also allows for quick retrieval of items without the hassle of rummaging.

On the flip side, while the compact size is perfect for essential travel items , it may not suffice for those needing to carry larger or multiple items. Additionally, the premium materials and craftsmanship come with a price tag, but for those valuing durability and style, it’s an investment.

Tortuga Fanny Pack

The Tortuga Fanny Pack is your go-to mate for keeping things light and sorted. It’s crafted with top-notch, durable materials, ready to take on a bit of rough and tumble.

Despite its compact size, this fanny pack is a bit of a Tardis – you’ll be chuffed to find it’s got plenty of space for all your bits and bobs. The design’s dead smart, with pockets in just the right places, so you can grab your gear in a snap without any faff.

Wearing the Tortuga Fanny Pack is a pleasure. It sits snug against your hip, so you can gallivant around town or hit the hiking trails without it getting in your way. The strap is easy to adjust, so whether you’re wearing it cross-body or around your waist, it’s comfy as fuck.

On the downside, if you’re the type to pack heavily, you might find it a tad snug. (Actually, you’ll enjoy this guide on light packing —it’s incredibly practical for streamlining your belongings and maximizing efficiency). While this fanny pack for travel isn’t the cheapest option on the high street ($95…ouch), you’re getting top-notch quality for your quid, making it a sound investment for the long haul.

Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack

The Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is your perfect partner for a day out when you fancy keeping things simple and secure. Made with sturdy, weather-beating fabrics , this little number is tougher than it looks, ready to face a drizzle or a downpour without a bother.

Its nifty design is all about making the most of space, with just enough room to stash your essentials like your phone, keys, and a bit of grub for the road. Plus, it’s a proper looker with its sleek design and cool colour options.

Slipping on the Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack, you’ll feel sorted for your day’s adventure. It’s so light and comfy, half the time you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

Mind you, if you’re someone who likes to carry more than the bare essentials, you might find it a bit on the snug side. It’s a bit pricier than your run-of-the-mill hip pack, but with its robust build and eco-friendly creds, it’s worth every penny , especially if you’re keen on doing your bit for the planet. My girlfriend has used one of these for over a year now and she loves it.

Cotopaxi Kapai Waistpack

The Cotopaxi Kapai Waistpack is one of the best fanny packs for anyone who loves to add a splash of colour to their day. It’s made from sturdy, repurposed fabric, so each pack’s got its own unique vibe . Not just a pretty face, this waist pack is dead practical too.

It’s got a spacious main compartment and a couple of clever pockets to keep your stuff organised. Whether you’re off to a festival or just nipping down to the shops, it’s a brilliant little companion for all your essentials.

The Cotopaxi Kapai Waistpack is a real treat. It’s lightweight and the strap adjusts easily , so you can wear it however suits your style. The funky colours are sure to turn heads and you’ll be chuffed knowing your pack is one of a kind.

On the flip side, if you’re a bit of a wallflower, the bold look might feel like a lot – it certainly WILL get noticed. And while it’s fab for your everyday bits, don’t expect to pack anything too bulky. Price-wise, it’s a fair deal.

Lulelemon Everything Waist Belt

The Lululemon Everything Waist Belt is a slick pick for those who like to keep it stylish yet functional. Crafted with Lululemon’s signature attention to detail , this waist belt is a dream for anyone who’s on the move.

It’s sleek, doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb (unless you go for a bright colour version, of course…), and yet, it’s got a surprising amount of room for your essentials. I’d say this one is perfect for a workout session or a casual day out.

Strapping on this Lululemon waist belt, you’ll feel proper sorted. It’s so comfy and snug, perfect for a jog, a yoga session, or just a busy day in town. The compartments are well-thought-out, making it a breeze to keep your stuff organised.

However, if you’re planning to pack more than the basics, you might find it a tad restrictive. In terms of value, this one is also on the cheaper end so all in, it’s a totally affordable, sleek, no-fuss option for folks who want their gear to look good and last .

Matador Freerain Waterproof Waistpack

The Matador Freerain Waterproof Waistpack is an affordable, sturdy companion for many an adventure, come rain or shine. This little trooper is built to battle the elements, with top-tier waterproof fabric that keeps your gear bone-dry, come hell or high water.

It’s dead lightweight and packs down to practically nothing (basically rolls up into a ball), so it’s a doddle to chuck in your bag just in case. But don’t let its light frame fool you – it punches above its weight in space and durability. With its roll-top closure, it’s like a mini fortress for your valuables.

Wearing the Matador Freerain Waistpack feels like you’re ready for anything. Whether you’re trekking through a downpour or splashing about at a festival, your stuff stays dry and safe. It’s comfortable to wear and adjusts easily, so it’s spot on for active days out.

The minimal design means it’s not one for the pack rats – it’s perfect for essentials but won’t handle much more. The price is midpoint and personally, I’d prefer to spend a few more bucks and get the Nomatic but then again, this one is a proper space-saver and it tucks away into its own pocket when you’re not using it.

Continue reading to discover even more EPIC backpacking gear exclusively from REI’s top-notch selection.

Osprey Arcane Waist Pack

The Osprey Arcane Waist Pack is a cracking choice for those after a blend of urban style and practicality. It’s sleek, with a clean design that won’t stick out like a sore thumb in the city or at the cafe. But don’t let its good looks fool you – this pack is highly practical.

Crafted from high-quality, sustainable materials, it’s not just tough, but also kind to the planet. The main compartment’s got enough room for your day-to-day gear, and the additional pockets are spot-on for keeping things organised and secure.

Wearing the Osprey Arcane Waist Pack is a breeze. It’s lightweight and comfy, with a strap that’s easy to adjust for that perfect fit. The pack sits snug against your body, so it’s ace for a day out or your daily commute. The material feels lush and the overall build quality is what you’d expect from Osprey – top-notch.

However, if you’re gearing up for an adventure or need to cart around a lot of kit, this might not be your best bet. Price-wise, it’s a fair deal (in fact it’s cheap), especially when you consider the eco-friendly materials and the solid build.

Stubble & Co – The Crossbody

Back to Stubble & Co’s. So The Crossbody is a blinder of a bag for those who want their essentials close and their style on point. It’s rugged yet refined, made with premium, durable materials that can take a bit of a beating and still look the business.

The size is spot on – not too bulky, but with enough room for your phone, wallet, and a few extras. The design’s clever, with pockets in just the right places and an adjustable strap that lets you wear it your way, whether that’s crossbody or over the shoulder.

Wearing the Crossbody by Stubble & Co, you’ll feel sorted and stylish. It’s dead handy for keeping your bits and pieces organised and within easy reach. The bag’s a treat to carry around, staying snug against your body without getting in the way.

The build quality’s bang on, so you know it’s going to last. In terms of price, it’s a solid investment – you’re getting a great little bag that’s built to last. It’s a cracking choice for anyone after a no-nonsense, stylish crossbody for their everyday adventures.

Peak Design Field Pouch 2

The Peak Design Field Pouch 2 is a bit of a stunner for anyone serious about their gear. It’s not just a pouch; it’s a compact carry solution that’s been thought through from every angle. Made from recycled materials, it’s tough, water-resistant, and eco-friendly to boot.

The design is both sleek and practical, with enough space to keep your tech, cables, and personal items neatly organised. It’s versatile too – wear it as a sling, pop it in your bag, or attach it to your belt, and you’re good to go.

With the Peak Design Field Pouch 2, you’ll feel like you’ve got a trusty sidekick for your gear. It’s dead easy to carry and keeps everything secure and within reach. 

Note that it’s worn better as cross body/overarm than as a waist or fanny pack mind. Price-wise, it’s fair. If you can dig the aesthetic (which isn’t for me) then it is a sound, savvy, safe choice for anyone who values top-notch organisation and sustainability.

Tredz Evoc Hip Pack

And finally… The Tredz Evoc Hip Pack is an absolute corker for those who love to hit the trails or cruise the city with their essentials in tow. It’s rugged , ready for action , and designed with both comfort and convenience in mind.

The materials are top-drawer, tough enough to handle a bit of rough and tumble, and the ventilation system on the back is a real game-changer, keeping you cool when the going gets tough. Storage-wise, it packs just the right amount of space and pockets to keep your gear sorted and at your fingertips.

Hitting the road (or the trail) with the Tredz Evoc Hip Pack feels like you’ve got everything under control. It’s super comfortable to wear . The pack’s spot-on for staying organised on the move, with pockets that make sense and easy access to your stuff.

On the downside, if you’re after something low-profile, this might feel a bit bulky. And while it’s not the cheapest option out there, the quality, design, and sheer practicality make it a blinding choice for anyone after a durable, comfortable hip pack for their outdoor escapades.

But why would anybody even need a bum bag? I hear some of you at the back over there asking. After all, aren’t they cheesy and garish and alltogether a bit 1980’s?

Well, yes. But, the fact is that whether you’re a globetrotter, a city explorer, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker, the waist pack has a use for you . I won’t lie, for the longest time I was a bit sniffy about wearing one of these but they have been a bit of a life changer.

Not convinced? Read on…

• Airports: Navigating the hustle and horror of airports becomes so much easier and a little less terrible with a waist pack. Keep your travel essentials—passport, boarding pass, wallet, and phone—securely within reach while keeping your hands free to handle luggage and documents. Nobody fumbling awkwardly through your bag at security checkpoints, and breeze through customs with ease.
• City Walks: Picture yourself strolling through charming streets (or dirty ones if that be your vibe), exploring hidden alleys, and capturing the essence of a city on foot. A waist pack keeps your valuables close and your look effortless. It’s the perfect accessory to blend fashion with functionality, allowing you to soak in the urban vibes without the burden of a bulky bag.
• Beach Days: The sea, sand, and sunburn await, and your waist pack answers the call. Safeguard your sunscreen, secure your shades, and keep your essentials protected from sand and surf. With its compact design and water-resistant features, it’s an absolute essential on your beach packing list . Just note that while some of these packs are waterproof, don’t take the piss and go in the sea whilst wearing it.
• Festivals: When the music hits and the crowd sways (or moshes?) , you’ll want the best waist pack to keep your festival essentials secure. Kiss goodbye to the worry of losing your valuables in the chaos or getting pick-pocketed in the crowd. With enough space for tickets, cash, disco extras, and your phone, you can dance the night away without missing a beat.
• Light Hikes: For those spontaneous hikes or nature walks, a waist pack proves invaluable. Store your trail mix, a water bottle, and your camera for those breathtaking vistas. It’s lightweight, allowing you to explore nature with comfort and ease without the bind of bringing a backpack (we do have loads of good hiking backpacks to recommend by the way) .

I have no doubt you now agree that (1) fanny packs are awesome and (2) there are a lot of good ones to choose from. Personally, the Nomatic 3L Sling I got last summer has become a total travel essential and that would be my recommendation. Still, if you are on a tight budget the REI Co-op Trail 2 is a great buy and if you want something to make you stand, then go all the colours of Cotopaxi Kapai Waistpack .

Anyway, I do hope you found this helpful and moreover, I hope you buy something using one of our links as we get a cheeky kick-back.

See you on the road and peace among worlds.

• For the intrepid souls out there, take a look at this adventure packing list .
• You should also know what NOT to pack , too, including things like liquids, weapons, and ya know, snakes too!
• You’ll want to secure a reliable travel backpack for convenience and comfort!
• And, if you’re looking for a badass purifier bottle to hydrate your next adventure, you NEED to read this Grayl Geopress review .

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Aiden Freeborn

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22 Best Fanny Packs and Belt Bags for Travel in 2024

Written by Becca

Updated on September 9th, 2024

What are the best fanny packs and belt bags for travel? Check this list of the best waist bags and hip packs for women travelers, before you book your next trip.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Fanny Packs

• lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L / 2L

Canvelle Fanny Pack

Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag

• Moment Fanny Sling 2L

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa

Kibou Vegan Leather Bag

• Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag
• Nike Elemental Premium 8L

Lux & Nyx Origami Belt Bag

SPI Crossbody Pouch

Kibou Mini Vegan Leather Fanny Pack

• WANDRD All-New D1 Fanny Pack

Tortuga Travel Sling

TOPO Designs Mountain Waist Pack

Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack

Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack

• Osprey Daylite Waist Pack

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

Kånken Hip Pack

Herschel Settlement Hip Pack

Everlane Renew Transit Fanny Pack

LeSportSac Everyday Belt Bag

Call them what you want — fanny packs, waist bags, waist pouches, belt bags or hip packs — these types of travel bags that get slung around your hips are crucial, in my opinion, to convenience during a trip!

Wearing a fanny pack or waist pack during travel gives you a more hands-free flexibility than using a tote bag. It allows you to not have to flip your backpack to the front or take it off, if you just want to grab something quickly, like a phone or passport.

Having a bag around your waist is also a great way to keep lots of valuables in check, right in front of you, whether sightseeing, hiking or in the airport. I’ve really enjoyed keeping my passport, phone, wallet and headphones in a waist bag while flying, rather than having any of them in my personal item that gets stowed under a seat.

Browse our 5 favorite picks

• lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Check Availability
• Canvelle Fanny Pack Check Availability
• Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag Check Availability
• Tortuga Travel Sling Check Availability
• Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag Check Availability

If you’re looking into a new waist pouch, belt bag or hip pack this season, why not check out the list below, which we’ve curated from the best travel brands? Read on, to see which fanny pack or waist pack is best for your upcoming trip.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L / 2L

I tried out this sleek and stylish belt bag from lululemon that can be worn as a waist pack or cross-body sling. Since getting this belt bag, we’ve seen so many people wearing this bag when we’re out and about. It is so popular and we’ve even had some friends buy it since we wrote about it here.

For these reasons, we’re naming it the #1 best belt bag in this “best of” list.

Turning into a belt bag, it can be worn close to the shoulder and across your front. The strap adjusts all the way to 41.7”. I like the big buckle that makes a “snap” sound when you close it, and I also like the two elastics that hold the strap as it is adjusted into its different lengths.

It has zippered pockets and an easy-access exterior pocket, along with one interior pocket for stashing valuables. I tried out the 2L version, and it holds a dab more than the 1L. It fits my wallet, my phone and my keys, and has space for a bunch of other daily essentials. Either one also makes a really nice gift for someone who’s always on the go.

You can see more photos at my lululemon belt bag review and if you’re also on the hunt for another style of a crossbody bag, head to see the lululemon gear I recommend at the best crossbody bags for travel .

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Keep your essentials close with the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, a perfect companion for the urban explorer.

Canvelle Fanny Pack

I became introduced to the Canvelle machine-washable fanny pack that comes in two convenient sizes, Oversized and Original. It’s a hands-free purse that I wear on my front and also on my back, and I like the gold zipper accents. When I mentioned my big fanny pack to my mom recently, she said, “Oh, you love that bag. You take it everywhere.” It’s true!

I turned the Canvelle fanny pack into my default day cross-body bag, and I like that it’s bigger, but it’s lightweight. It fits all my daily “stuff” from hand cream, hand sanitizer, keys, cards, wallet and phone, to more random items like even an entire water bottle.

Canvelle’s fanny pack has several cool features, including numerous pockets. It has a secure zipper pocket inside the main compartment and a mesh pocket in front of it.

The front of the bag itself (in the “Oversized” size choice) has a second zipper pocket for things like keys, cards or tissues, and there’s a zipper pocket on the back as well, for whatever you please (it’s intended to be a water-resistant phone pouch!). There’s an interior key clip additionally that I use for my Canvelle flat wallet.

For fanny pack colors, there’s Grey, Olive, Terracotta, Black and Quilted Black. I also have some of the patterned crossbody straps that you can purchase as add-ons. I have Black Jacquard for my Quilted Black fanny pack, and “Boho” for my Olive fanny pack.

Use code HALFHALF15 to get 15% off your order, and learn more about the brand at my Canvelle brand page .

Maintain your chic style on the move with the Canvelle Fanny Pack, combining fashion with function.

Photo via Canvelle

Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag

Are you new to the Public Rec brand ? The Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag is my favorite minimal and slim crossbody and waist bag that I cover in my Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag review .

What I like about this belt bag is that it’s sleek and has lots of pockets. It’s also expandable. I like the shiny silver buckle that gives it a bit of pizzazz. I use this belt bag as my day-to-day bag for when I leave the house and all I need are my phone, wallet and keys, in a simple bag that I can throw into another larger tote or purse.

In its fanny pack form, the Public Rec belt bag was a great thing to bring as a waist pack on my and Dan’s trip to the Berkshires . I liked that I could easily and quickly convert it from a waist bag to a cross-body belt bag, whether we were hiking, shopping, walking or getting out of the car quickly at a rest stop during our road trip.

Stay organized on the go with the Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag, a sleek and practical accessory.

Photo via Public Rec

Moment Fanny Sling 2L

I like the down-to-earth and timeless look of these “fanny slings” from Moment. Coming in both 2-liter and 1-liter varieties, you can choose either, depending on how much you think you need to carry (or how big you like your sling bags to be). I liked trying out the Moment sling because I wanted to see how the materials felt, and they’re very lightweight with a very satisfying zipper.

The 2L Moment Fanny Sling can be worn on either your shoulder or your hips like a hip pack, and it’s a great size overall. It can fit a small camera, or even a windbreaker, if folded up. It’s got a soft inner lining to keep everything safe, and rainstorm-proof construction. I liked checking out all the cool photo-savvy details like a little cleaning cloth on an elastic.

If you like Moment, and you’re hunting for a new backpack as well, I recommend checking out our Moment Everything Backpack review .

Moment Fanny Sling

Embrace the convenience of the Moment Fanny Sling, a minimalist and functional solution for on-the-go storage.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa

Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a company that makes camping backpacks, tents, camping sleep systems, apparel and outdoorsy accessories, so they know what’s up when it comes to adventure gear. Their Versa waist pack was designed to be a timeless type of fanny pack with ultimate versatility. This one’s a bit wide, so note the size: it measures 6 inches by 9 inches, but weighs in at only 5 ounces (wow?!).

When I’m wearing it, it’s hard to even tell I have it around my waist. It’s that level of weightless.

So, it’s a super lightweight option for a travel waist bag and it has a waterproof construction meant to get you through hikes and any type of weather while on the road. That’s why I tried it out on a rainy day near home! What I like is the paper-like material with the crinkle effect that it’s made of. It kind of made me say, “Oh wow, I didn’t expect it to feel like this!”

Standout features include a back slide-in phone pocket, front zipper pocket and space enough to even potentially fit a small water bottle. I also like the double zippers in the main pocket, and the petite buckle and thin strap. I prefer to wear this one as a fanny pack rather than a sling bag.

See why this ultra-lightweight waist bag is awesome for travel.

Kibou Vegan Leather Bag

Attention traveling moms (and dads): if you haven’t heard of the Kibou fanny pack sling bag, allow me to introduce it to you.

For a limited time: Join the list for 15% off your first order + get free shipping on orders $75+!

Shop the deal

Kibou was started by two cool moms who invented the first-ever diaper bag fanny pack, which is an incredible little belt bag to have on travel days, road trips and while changing a diaper on a plane . It’s a perfect little bag with a great design, and comes in a Mini version made of nylon , too.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a Kibou vegan leather crossbody pack to see what it was all about. Basically, it’s a place to put all your baby and child essentials, with bonus compartments of a waterproof zippered wipes sleeve and a fold-out changing pad that stashes into the backside.

The design is minimal, and the colors are bold and classy, like Blush, Olive, Charcoal, Smoky Indigo, Midnight and Jade. In the main compartment, I can fit sunglasses, my phone, a few diapers, a pacifier, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, keys, a slim wallet and a snack bar.

I’m looking forward to using my Kibou as a travel day fanny pack that I can go into a rest area with when we’re traveling with our baby , rather than my entire Deuter Up Seoul daypack that I use as a diaper bag right now. Check out the review of the Kibou that I posted, with even more photos.

Embrace style with the Kibou Vegan Leather Bag, a chic choice for the traveling parent.

Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag

How adorable is Quince’s new neoprene belt bag? I tried out this waist bag and styled it both as a crossbody belt bag, as well as a snug hip pack around my middle. I have to say, it looks absolutely fantastic.

What I like, personally, about this travel fanny pack is that it’s lightweight, bold and comfortable. It’s fully adjustable, going from snug belt bag across my torso to a fanny pack on my waist or hips. There’s a zippered front pocket and a zippered main compartment that has a flap to protect your stuff from rain or elements.

Is it sustainable? It’s made from 100% recycled nylon, and recycled water-resistant neoprene materials. And price-wise, this belt bag is priced competitively for what it is. At under $40, it’s almost a no-brainer when compared to more expensive options for a travel fanny pack that hold the same amount of stuff in 1 liter of volume.

I like this travel belt bag from Quince and I think it’s going to be an essential part of future day trips and excursions.

Quince Neoprene Belt Bag

This cute waist bag and adjustable belt bag is minimal, cute and functional with its bold zippers and recycled materials.

Nike Elemental Premium 8L

This belt bag is the biggest one by volume in my list, and it’s big ! It’s also very affordable and often goes on sale (thanks, Nike!). As a highlight, it’s made from sustainable materials (recycled polyester fibers) and it’s sleek, modern and sporty.

If you’re on an active trip, or if you plan to be between hiking, activities and the hotel pool, I recommend the versatility of this bag.

The bag has a large double zipper compartment, front zipper pocket and two mesh inner pockets (with zippers). Honestly, this belt bag is so big that you could fit a sports water bottle, an extra shirt and maybe even a hiking shoe (just kidding).

It’s lightweight and comes in neutral colors, so it’s easily sharable with a sibling, friend or partner if you’re traveling together!

As a short disclaimer, Nike gave me this product to try, and the opinions above are completely my own.

Nike Elemental Premium 8L Belt Bag

Gender-neutral and full of zippers, this sporty belt bag is spacious and sustainable.

Lux & Nyx Origami Belt Bag

I first noticed woman- and minority-owned brand Lux & Nyx for its satiny products that have the design theme of sleek “origami.” I was curious about the brand’s functional bags that are elevated for the stylish traveling woman.

The company is an online-only seller of clutches, backpacks, handbags, crossbody bags and weekenders. Lux & Nyx aims to “keep the woman holding them confident and clutter-free.” I think the Lux & Nyx products work well for business travel, or for when you have semi-formal and formal (weddings!) occasions during a trip.

I tested the signature Origami Belt Bag , which looks cute as both a waist pack and crossbody sling. It’s refined, with a “victory sleeve” and interior zipper pocket hidden into the inner fabric. That’s a travel-forward feature that keeps things safe while in transit.

Inside, it has a D-ring for keys, and credit card slots, with a mesh pocket. I like the smooth adjustable strap, and the interesting magnetic buckle that I haven’t seen in other belt bags of this type. Some highlights are the upcycled leather trims, water-resistant interior and bold color choices like Crimson and Cardinal Red , which will add a pop of color to any outfit during travel.

A sleek and satiny belt bag with a hidden zipper pocket in origami-style design.

SPI Crossbody Pouch

The new SPI Crossbody Pouch came to me first as a cross-body tiny sling bag, and then I found out that it could double as a tiny waist bag.

SPI is a running company, and all their products are made for the outdoors and for convenience during workouts on the go . Last year though, when I got to try the SPI Crossbody Pouch for the first time, I started using it as a convenient sling pouch I could throw on as I was walking out the door to grab mail, take a walk around the block or go grab coffee.

I also used it as my #1 go-to pouch while going out bike riding, because I could have my phone and keys safely in there.

As a bonus, and according to the product page on the SPI website , if you simply adjust it by double-wrapping it around your waist at the right length, it becomes a waist pack for running! Try that during your next trip when you want to work out during travels .

Stay organized on the go with the SPI Crossbody Pouch, a compact and savvy solution for carrying your essentials.

Kibou Mini Vegan Leather Fanny Pack

This mini fanny pack and belt bag from Kibou is such a cutie. Coming from one of my favorite brands ( Kibou ), the mini version of the original fanny pack is a compact “fit only what you need” waist pack that can be worn several ways.

Among its cool features are the inner elastic pouch for protecting your phone’s screen, a key hook to keep keys in place, a waterproof “wet pocket” to hold wet wipes or sanitizing wipes and stain-resistant nylon lining. The nice exterior is vegan leather made from recycled textiles. It’s perfect for traveling parents who want to branch out from the full-size Kibou fanny .

Not a fan of vegan leather? Try the Kibou Mini in black nylon , a please-all color and style.

This perfectly-sized mini fanny pack can be worn as a belt bag, and comes in both vegan leather and nylon.

WANDRD All-New D1 Fanny Pack

The WANDRD D1 Fanny Pack is a modern and bold fanny pack that makes all other fanny packs look old-fashioned. Like the others we’ve mentioned, it can be worn cross-body, or at the hip like a hip pack.

I think one of the best features is the waterproof YKK zippers, along with the magnetic buckle that’s just a step above the competition.

You can fit a lot in this hip pack, which is meant to please anyone into photography. You’ll be able to fit a compact camera in here, along with your phone, wallet and keys (the big “don’t-leave-home-without-these” trifecta).

WANDRD D1 Fanny Pack

Experience hands-free convenience with the WANDRD D1 Fanny Pack, built for the essentials.

Tortuga Travel Sling

The Tortuga Travel Sling comes from the Tortuga Backpacks family of products and you may know some of their bags from my Tortuga Laptop Backpack review . This adjustable belt bag can be worn “however you want,” from a tight belt bag across your chest to a waist bag or hip pack on travel days.

It’s versatile, just like all of Tortuga’s products. It’s not surprising that the quality is outstanding. With a 2.5-liter capacity and a weight of only 0.5 lbs when empty, it has cool build features like a magnetic buckle, YKK zipper hardware and weather-resistant waterproof fabric. All of these come in handy if you’re caught in a storm while sightseeing.

True to what I like about Tortuga’s backpacks, the interior is smart: it has mesh organization pockets, a key ring and an interior zipper mesh pocket for my coins, cards and packets of sanitizing wipes for on the go. You can see more about the background of the company at my Tortuga brand review .

You can get $20 off when you purchase it with a Tortuga travel backpack .

A smart and strong belt bag for travel with mesh pockets, strong zippers and versatile ways to wear.

TOPO Designs Mountain Waist Pack

We’ve liked TOPO Designs products, and the Mountain Waist Pack is a 2L outdoorsy bum bag for travelers.

TOPO Designs calls it the ideal adventure companion, to wear any way you want: over the shoulder or at your waist. This is a great hip bag for hiking and biking, with its big YKK zipper pulls and lightweight recycled nylon build.

Get outdoorsy with the TOPO Designs Mountain Waist Pack, a perfect carry-all hip bag.

Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack

Patagonia’s products always feel fun and fresh, even with their slight throwback designs that remind me a little bit of the 90s. The Mini Hip Pack is an ultralight fanny pack bag for travel that clocks in at 1 liter of volume! Does it remind you of a mini version of Dan’s Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ?

It’s not a big fanny pack at all, so it looks good on women, especially anyone who is petite. Much like the other hip packs and waist bags in this list, it easily extends with its adjustable strap and turns into a cross-body sling bag, just like that!

Other cool call-out features are that it is one-size-fits-all, and is crafted with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing.

Compact and versatile, the Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is perfect for your essentials on the go.

Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack

Leave it to Cotopaxi to make a cool hip pack type of fanny pack for the modern and rugged traveler. Of course, the Coso 2L Hip Pack - Cada Día comes in funky color combinations that will turn heads. I got it in the blue/teal color that happened to get discontinued right after mine arrived.

It’s even more fun to play around with than it looks in the photos on the website (or in my photos here). The outside pocket that’s kind of like a bucket pocket is actually expandable and contractible, and that’s just the beginning of the features! What stood out to me was the STRONG feeling of all the materials (they’re thick) and the two-way zippers for the main compartment.

This hip pack has multiple grab handles, a back zippered pocket for security, and an interior fleece-lined pocket for a phone. Check out the innovative design at the Coso 2L product page .

Enjoy tons of pockets and funky color designs with the Coso 2L Hip Pack, perfect for hands-free travel.

Osprey Daylite Waist Pack

This waist pack from Osprey is for the hiker and adventurer. If you’re familiar with the Osprey brand, you may know we also recommend their backpacking backpacks in our list of the best travel backpacks for women !

This waist bag is not a fashion statement, but it will certainly be your chosen hip pack for hiking, backpacking and long-term travel. It also comes at an affordable price point for the budget-minded backpacker.

Osprey Daylite Hip Pack

Perfect for quick outings or festivals, the Daylite Waist Pack offers compact storage for your essentials without sacrificing style.

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

JanSport has never been the fashion-forward style choice for travelers, but (!) JanSport is a brand that has stood the test of time and is trusted by anyone into a quality backpack or waistpack.

The JanSport fanny pack is lightweight and spacious, and converts to an over-the-shoulder cross-body belt bag, too. It’s ideal for camping and hiking, but could be your sling bag companion on your next city trip, too.

Carry your essentials in style with the JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack, combining classic design and practicality.

Kånken Hip Pack

As you could’ve guessed, the Kånken Hip Pack from Fjallraven is pretty adorable! Just like the backpacks from Fjallraven, this waist pack comes in more colors than you could dream of. One of the benefits of buying from this brand is that Fjallraven offers lifetime repairs!

This hip pack is unisex, so don’t be surprised if someone else in your hiking group asks to borrow it! At its petite size, it’s only 135 g (0.29 lb) before you put anything in it, and it’ll fit your essentials.

The Kånken Hip Pack provides stylish, compact storage for your essentials, a perfect companion for city exploration or outdoor adventures.

Herschel Settlement Hip Pack

Herschel has made an on-trend hip pack that’ll serve as a cool and timeless fanny pack for travelers. The Settlement Hip Pack is specifically designed to fit your essentials (phone-wallet-keys). It comes in a very nice assortment of colors that’ll stand the test of time, like Ash Rose and Ivy Green.

I like that this one also converts to a cross-body sling pack. If you’re itching to see the other fanny packs that Herschel makes, check out the Settlement Hip Pack Quilted version , which is like “carrying your essentials on a cloud.”

Compact yet spacious, the Herschel Settlement Hip Pack provides on-the-go storage without weighing you down.

Everlane Renew Transit Fanny Pack

I really like look of this minimalist and modern fanny pack from Everlane, which they call The Renew Transit Fanny Pack . It has a wide build, so it’s not a snug and compact waist bag like some of the others in this list. It won’t be going out of style anytime soon.

Fun fact: this product is made from recycled bottles! It also comes in fresh colors, and you can definitely wear it in a waist pack fashion or a cross-body sling style.

Get the Everlane Renew Transit Fanny Pack, a stylish and minimal belt bag for travel.

LeSportSac Everyday Belt Bag

I have worn my LeSportSac fanny pack all over the world! I got it in 2019 and it has come with me on all my trips since then. What I like about it is that it has two separate pockets, has a thick adjustable strap and that it is super lightweight.

It’s a classic style from LeSportSac, which is a classic brand. When I’m not wearing this belt bag, I just empty it and toss it in my backpack or other bag that’s with me on a trip.

I’ve even tried maxing out the adjustment of the strap to make it into a cross-body sling bag while biking in NYC.

Check out these photos of how I used this fanny pack during my trips to both Antigua, Guatemala and Merida, Mexico .

Keep your essentials close with the LeSportSac Everyday Belt Bag, a stylish and convenient solution for on-the-go storage.

Why should you trust me?

I’ve personally tested a large number of the fanny packs and belt bags you see here, and I’ve tested them during my travels, both at home and abroad!

I’ve been traveling for years, for all sorts of purposes, from backpacking Southeast Asia in my 20s to traveling for business in my 30s. Having a trusty and convenient pack around my waist is crucial, whether I’m traveling on a babymoon with Dan or flying for a one-day business trip .

I’ve looked for belt bags and waist packs that have great features like expandability, pockets, great styles, sustainable factors and affordable prices. I hope you trust my choices on this list so that you find the travel bag that is right for your next trip!

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The 10 best fanny packs and belt bags for travel.

Combine hands-free convenience with style and organization.

The Best Fanny Packs and Belt Bags

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

Fanny packs of the 2020s are not the same as they were in the 1980s and 1990s. Yes, you can still find packs adorned with wild shapes, fluorescent colors and styles to perfect your Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson costume, but many of them are more fashion-forward. Choose from neutral tones, an array of fabrics (from recycled fibers to leather) and unique features to keep you organized.

What's more, fanny packs are useful. They free up your hands while keeping everything at your fingertips. You don't have to worry about a pack sliding from your back to your front (like a crossbody bag), nor will you suffer the excess heat on your back that often plagues backpack users.

If you're still not convinced, perhaps one of the packs below will help. Based on consumer reviews and travel expert insights, these are the best fanny packs for travelers. Whether you're vacationing solo , heading out on a hike or taking the kids to Walt Disney World , there's something on this list for you.

• Best Overall: Dagne Dover Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Overall (at a lower price point): JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack

Best men's: patagonia ultralight black hole mini hip pack 1l, best women's: lululemon everywhere belt bag 1l, best for kids: everest junior waist pack, best anti-theft: travelon anti-theft active waist pack, best plus size: attackcatbags waxed canvas sling bag, best clear: veckle clear fanny pack, best for hiking: cotopaxi bataan 3l fanny pack.

• Best Leather: Lo & Sons Bond

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Best Overall: Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

What sets this pack apart: Dagne Dover's neoprene fanny pack is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it an appealing option for eco-conscious travelers . The bag features three different sections: a front zip area, the main zippered compartment and a card slot on the back. Inside the main pocket, you'll find slots for both lip balm and cards or cash, plus a key clip. The fanny pack has an adjustable waist strap, weighs 9 ounces and is water-resistant.

This pack comes in classic colors, including mauve, olive, camel, black and gray. Special seasonal colors and patterns may be available, too. It also comes in a recycled air mesh version that weighs less than 5 ounces.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers say the bag is excellent for everyday use and they love being hands-free while traveling or running errands. Others note that the bag can be small if you have a large phone plus other items inside.

Price: $95 or less

Courtesy of JanSport

What sets this pack apart: This bag holds all your travel essentials in a main zippered compartment with a small zip pouch on the front and a fully adjustable waist strap. When empty, the pack weighs just 4.5 ounces, and it is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including lilac, camouflage, floral and black. You can also snag the bag in a corduroy material.

Travelers appreciate: Users of this bag praise the variety of colors and patterns, noting it's best for those traveling light (think: a few credit cards, your phone and lip balm). Many also mention that the bag is great to wear as a crossbody.

Price: $30 or less

Courtesy of Patagonia

What sets this pack apart: Patagonia's pack has a classic style, with one large zip pouch and a smaller zippered enclosure on the front. It comes in multiple colors from basic black to blue to moss green. What's more, the pack stows away into a stuff sack for easy portability and weighs less than 4 ounces. It's also made with 100% recycled materials. Patagonia also makes a larger version of this pack.

Travelers appreciate: "This light pack is the perfect size for your phone, wallet, car keys, and any other adventure essentials (sunscreen, dog treats, etc.)," says Zach Watson , senior editor of travel at U.S. News. "I'm always misplacing small equipment, but Patagonia's eye-catching colors help this pack stand out from my more monotone gear. My pack is still going strong after more than four years of regular use in sun, rain and snow."

Price: $35 or less

Courtesy of Lululemon

What sets the pack apart: The bag features a water-repellent fabric with two zippered compartments: one main section (which includes a mesh pouch inside) and one along the back exterior. This crossbody comes in multiple colors, including gray, black, green, pink and white. It also comes in a clear bag style with white or black trim. Select colors feature fabric made from recycled materials. The regular bag's strap reaches 41.7 inches, but you can buy a version of the bag with a longer strap that extends to 55.5 inches.

Travelers appreciate: "I started using the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag when I would take my son to a park or playground because it allowed me to keep my hands free and also kept all my essentials at my fingertips (without being bulky)," says Ann Henson , assistant managing editor of travel at U.S. News. "Now I use this as my everyday bag. It's easy to wipe clean and the interior pockets keep everything organized."

Megan Wood , senior editor of commerce for U.S. News' 360 Reviews, adds, "I especially love the size for walking my dog. It holds keys, treats and poop bags, and frees up my hands for holding the leash and a cup of coffee." Other reviewers also like the color variety, with several noting they own multiple different colors.

Price: $38 or less

Also consider: Reviewers say the ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag is a durable, stylish dupe of the Everywhere bag. Plus, it's a budget-friendly alternative at about $14 or less.

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Courtesy of Everest

What sets this pack apart: From snacks to fidget spinners, children have their own necessities during a trip. Everest's kid-sized waist pack could fit the bill. The pack itself measures roughly 8 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches and weighs 4 ounces when empty. The pack has two front-access zippered compartments. There are several kid-friendly color options, such as coral, purple, hot pink and turquoise.

Travelers appreciate:  Travelers say the pack is perfect for small children, noting it fits their kids well and gives them space to keep small objects such as rocks and seashells safe as they explore. Nevertheless, parents do warn the buckle can be finicky and that the excess strap is long after adjusting (it can adjust up to 60 inches).

Price: $21 or less

What sets this pack apart: AttackCatBags prides itself on offering not only stylish fanny packs, but also inclusive sizing. Its waxed canvas bags come in youth to 6X sizes as well as two styles: a 12-inch hip pack or a 15-inch sling bag. The bags are covered in organic beeswax, which makes the bag fashionable and water-resistant. Bags come in various colors and patterns, such as pink, a moons and clouds print, and Japanese-inspired designs.

Travelers appreciate: Reviews compliment the quality of the bag, noting both its durable construction and beautiful fabrics. They also appreciate how big both the hip pack and sling bags are, saying they're both perfect for carrying the essentials on a trip.

Price:  $70 or less

Also consider: Canvelle's Original Fanny Pack is another wonderful option as its strap reaches up to 61.5 inches (including the bag). It costs $95 or less for the original size. "Not only is this belt bag ideal for all body types, but it also offers a deceiving amount of space – even more so if you use one of the coordinating slim wallets," says Amanda Norcross , senior content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. "I appreciate that it's machine washable, and that I can use it for literally anything: travel, concerts, everyday errands and more."

Courtesy of Veckle

What sets this pack apart: This clear fanny pack features a waterproof PVC material as well as two zip compartments. The strap adjusts up to 47 inches. The bag itself measures 11 x 6.5 x 5.9 inches, which meets the size requirements for events (most stadiums limit bags to 12 x 12 x 6 inches). Though clear, there are a few colorways such as black trim, gray trim, pink trim and white trim with a rainbow strap.

Travelers appreciate: Users say they've successfully taken this bag to concerts and stadiums that have clear bag rules. Many also appreciate the size of the bag, complimenting both its capacity and long strap.

Price: $12.99 or less

Courtesy of Travelon

What sets this pack apart: Thanks to RFID-blocking technology, locking waist straps, locking zippers and slash-resistant material, this Travelon fanny pack is ideal for jet-setters who want some extra security during their vacations. The bag features front and rear zippered pockets, and the interior has a key clip plus a small light. The strap can accommodate waists up to 48 inches in circumference. This pack comes in three colors: black, gray and teal. Keep in mind that to take full advantage of the security features, you'll have to relock the bag each time you get something out.

Travelers appreciate: The security features, plus the bag's classic style, appeal to reviewers. Some travelers say the bag was too small for their needs, while others say it was just the right size for essentials (like a passport, credit cards and a phone).

Price: $50 or less

What sets this pack apart: Each multicolor Cotopaxi fanny pack is one-of-a-kind. Possible colors you can combine include yellow, teal, olive or red. Purchasers have the option to select their own bag – or save a few dollars by receiving a mystery bag (and have no control over the colors). What's more, the materials are sustainably sourced: Packs are made from surplus nylon fabric that otherwise would've ended up in a landfill. The single zip compartment has two internal mesh pockets to help keep belongings organized.

Travelers appreciate: "Besides being fun to look at and wear, this durable fanny pack really packs a punch when it comes to outdoor activities," says Leilani Osmundson , senior digital producer for travel at U.S. News. "In addition to my phone, wallet and keys, I'm able to fit other hiking must-haves like snacks, first-aid supplies and even a small water bottle. Plus, with two mesh pockets inside, it's easy to keep things organized."

Price:  $37.50 or less

Also consider: If you'd like slightly more subdued color options, you can't go wrong with Eddie Bauer's Stowaway Packable Waist Pack . "I've worn this bag while traveling, during hikes, at concerts, to bars – basically any scenario where you would want to have all your necessities on-hand without feeling weighed down," says Victoria Sheridan , home goods editor for 360 Reviews at U.S. News. Sheridan also says the bag is subtle enough to not clash with her outfits and it's durable: She's had her bag for about three years.

Best Leather: Lo & Sons Bond

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

What sets this pack apart: This sheepskin leather fanny pack comes in four neutral tones (black, navy, cognac and cream) to match any outfit. The main zippered compartment on the front features mesh pockets and a zippered pocket with card slots inside; it also has a key tether. The back of the fanny pack has a card slot as well as a zip compartment. The zipper pulls are designed to accommodate a TSA-approved lock, should you want some extra security for your belongings.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers point out the fine quality of the bag and note it is an excellent travel accessory that fits all the essentials. A few noted how lightweight the bag is.

Price:  $328 or less

Also consider: This leather fanny pack from Etsy gets great reviews for its quality and classic style. The bag costs around $86 or less.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Marisa Méndez   is an avid gear connoisseur who's constantly on the hunt for her next perfect travel item. Her current favorites are Knockaround's Deja Views sunglasses , a Portland Gear backpack (the compact size), a Quatish jewelry case and a Lands' End cargo jacket . She's also anxiously awaiting her next trip to break in her Solgaard Carry-on Closet . Marisa used her love of both organization and research to come up with this list of fanny packs.

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The 8 Best Fanny Packs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your hands free and your belongings close with these minimalist bags

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

How we tested, other fanny packs we tested.

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

Getty Images

The ultimate accessory for hands-free convenience, fanny packs are loved by travelers who want to keep their essentials easily accessible and always in sight. The best options offer multiple carrying methods (as a waist or hip pack, and as a crossbody sling), good internal and external organization pockets, and a versatile aesthetic that can transition easily from one activity to another. Durable materials and easy, one-handed access are key, while concealed anti-theft pockets and integrated key clips are examples of nice-to-have extras.

To help you find the right fanny pack for you, our team of travel experts put 36 popular options to the test in a range of real-life scenarios. We scored each bag for quality, capacity, ease of use, fit, and value. From luxury leather choices that double as fashion accessories to fanny packs designed especially for new parents with built-in diaper changing facilities, here are the best from our tests.

Best Overall

Alo explorer fanny pack.

Double zipper on the main compartment

Incredible capacity

Perfectly sized interior and exterior pockets

Color options are limited

The Alo Explorer Fanny Pack was a firm favorite for our team, scoring perfect fives across the board during testing and easily justifying its considerable price tag. It’s made of nylon fabric with gunmetal hardware and we felt that the quality of both was evident from first glance. The material is soft with a satin-like feel, yet insanely durable and scratch-resistant. And the zippers pull effortlessly, especially on the main compartment where there are two pulls for easy opening in either direction. The fanny pack offers a 3-liter capacity and we were astonished by what we could fit inside.

We packed everything from a card holder wallet and phone to an AirPods case, keys, makeup, pills, sunglasses, a tote bag, and gum just in the main compartment, which is RFID protected. We also loved that we could fit our phone into both of the zippered exterior pockets, one of which is cleverly concealed on the pack’s back panel as a deterrent to thieves. Even when the main compartment was full, this back pocket’s capacity was not affected. The adjustable, clip-on waist strap is super smooth and long enough to be truly inclusive, while color choices include chic black or espresso, both with the distinctive rubber patch Alo logo.

Dimensions: 4.75 x 10.75 x 4.5 inches (packed) | Weight: Not listed | Volume: 3 liters | Materials: Nylon

Best for Parents

No reception the sidekick.

Magnetic wipe-dispensing section

Impressive capacity

Unisex aesthetic

Lacks a waterproof section for soiled clothes

If you have a child in diapers, the Sidekick from No Reception Club may just be your new best friend. It’s expressly designed to facilitate one-handed diaper changes on the go and pairs a water-resistant, recycled nylon shell with a cute printed lining. We found that everything except the brand tag (which started to fray) held up well during our test period and appreciated that the fanny pack was easy to wipe clean. We were surprised by how much we could fit inside: a few diapers, a onesie, diaper rash cream, sunscreen, sanitizer, and wet wipes. There’s even an interior slip pocket for separating your things from your baby’s.

Innovations that make this fanny pack different from regular ones include a padded, wipeable changing mat that folds away into its own zippered compartment for seamless ease of use, and our favorite feature: a magnetic flap on the back panel that reveals space for a wet wipes dispenser so you can grab one whenever you need to, single-handedly. The fanny pack looks good on both men and women and can be worn around the waist or slung across the torso. Either way, your hands are kept free for toddler-wrangling. The only downside? The adjustable strap is not particularly inclusive in its sizing.

Dimensions: 6 x 11 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 8 ounces | Volume: 3 liters | Materials: Recycled nylon shell, polyester and nylon interior

Most Stylish

Dagne dover ace fanny pack.

Stain-resistant neoprene in a choice of gorgeous colors

Material stretches to increase capacity

Can be worn in multiple ways

Tiny exterior pocket

Dagne Dover has a reputation for quality and style, and the Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack is no exception. We love the water-resistant neoprene shell for its amazing durability and the fact that spills roll right off without staining. This keeps whichever beautiful color you choose looking great for longer. We took ours camping and on trips to LA, Denver, and Seattle, and it still looks brand new. We also loved feeling that our belongings were well protected. The pack features a recycled polyester lining and is 100 percent vegan, with a tapered profile that makes for a flattering silhouette.

The adjustable strap lets you switch between a range of carrying styles. And although the pack’s 1-liter capacity is smaller than others on this list, we didn’t really feel the loss because of the amount of stretch in the material. We were able to fit a wallet, passport, sunglasses, a phone charger, and AirPods with plenty of room to spare. The interior also features a slip pocket for your cards and/or cash, a key clip, and an elastic lipstick holder (no more rummaging around every time you want to reapply!). The only downside for us was the exterior zippered pocket, which we found too small to be useful.

Dimensions: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 9 ounces | Volume: 1 liter | Materials: Neoprene shell, recycled polyester lining

Best Compact

Patagonia ultralight black hole mini hip pack.

Packs away into an ultralight carry pouch

Tough, weather-resistant construction

Ethical and sustainable materials

May be too small for some

The Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack from Patagonia scores major sustainability points with 100 percent recycled materials put together in a Fair Trade Certified factory. It’s made from weather-resistant nylon ripstop and is also eminently packable—even stowing away into its own pocket for added compactness. It’s ultralight at just 3.5 ounces, but despite its relative thinness we felt confident in its quality (thanks in part to Patagonia’s well-deserved reputation for making products that last). It offers one liter of packing space and we were able to fit a lot, including a wallet, keys, sanitizer, lip balm, perfume, and medication.

We found that contents were super easy to access on the go. There’s also a zippered front pocket for keeping smaller items separate. Adjust the herringbone-webbing strap to wear the fanny pack around the waist or across your chest (the latter was our preferred carrying method). We found it very comfortable and loved that the pack’s combination of lightness and balance made it easy to wear for extended periods. When it comes to colors, choose a single shade like black or passage blue, or opt for a patchwork design featuring colors ranging from burl red to obsidian plum.

Dimensions: 4.75 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Volume: 1 liter | Materials: Recycled ripstop nylon

Best for Running

Aikendo slim running belt.

Amazingly good value

Comfortable fit stays securely in place

Keeps essentials easily accessible

Headphone outlet could be wider

The Aikendo Slim Running Belt is the perfect accessory for those that like to run. It’s designed for a snug, extra secure fit with a wide strap that doesn’t dig in or ride up when you move. After trying this out, we can confirm that there’s no annoying bouncing, either, and we liked that the strap is adjustable to fit almost any waist. The pack is made from sweat- and water-resistant neoprene that feels soft against the skin. It’s lightweight and well-constructed, with reflective accents on the front pocket to increase visibility when running in the dark.

We found that we were able to fit a phone, cash, and lip balm in the main zippered compartment, and we loved how easy it was to access these essentials on the go. The main compartment also features a hole for your headphones (although we found this a bit tight), while other storage options include two smaller side pockets and a key clip. There are also elastic bands that can hold a water bottle securely in place. Finally, all hardware, from the premium plastic buckle to the smooth-running zipper, seems to be good quality. Given the pack’s performance, we were shocked by its very affordable price tag!

Dimensions: 7.9 x 4 inches | Weight: 3.9 ounces | Volume: Not listed | Materials: Neoprene

Best for Hiking

Jansport fanny pack.

Plenty of space for all the essentials

Extra durable with a great warranty

Machine washable

Not especially fashionable

If you’re looking for a fanny pack capable of standing up well to long days out on the trail, the JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack is a solid choice. It’s lightweight yet durable, with premium 600-denier polyester construction and the peace of mind that comes with the brand’s guarantee to replace or repair any defective products. We used ours virtually nonstop throughout the testing period, including on a week-long hiking vacation to Oregon. Afterward, there were no visible signs of wear and tear. We also like that the pack is easy to spot clean and can go in the washing machine in case of any major dirt.

Both the main compartment and the zippered stash pocket are relatively spacious. We were able to fit a whole host of items including a wallet, phone, headphones, keys, sunscreen, and a snack. The adjustable strap is long enough to accommodate larger sizes and allows you to easily switch between wearing the pack around the hips or across the chest. We’d recommend wearing it over clothes, though, because the strap material isn’t the softest. The two-way zipper on the main compartment makes it easy to access contents on the go. Colors range from conservative black to pastel lilac or surplus camo.

Dimensions: 6 x 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Volume: 2.5 liters | Materials: Recycled polyester

Best Leather

Quince italian pebbled leather sling bag.

Timeless style in a choice of colors

Slim yet surprisingly spacious

Easy to access everything one-handed

Clasp may be tricky for those with limited dexterity

With its 100 percent top-grain Italian leather exterior and cotton canvas lining, this Quince fanny pack is an elevated option for those who want something that can transition easily from day to evening wear. It comes in three colors: mink with silver hardware, black with gunmetal hardware, or cognac with gold hardware. All three offer a timeless aesthetic and are gorgeously soft to the touch. The leather is thick and durable without being stiff, while the pebbled texture hides any signs of wear and tear. Use the included dust bag to keep it looking pristine when not in use.

You can wear the fanny pack around the waist or as a crossbody sling using the adjustable nylon webbed strap to make fine adjustments for a customized fit. We found that the pack’s lightness, balance, smooth strap, and slim profile combined to make it barely noticeable, with very little movement no matter how active we were. Organization includes an interior card holder and a zippered back pocket. The main compartment is capacious: we fit a card holder, phone, AirPods case, keys, makeup, sunglasses, and various beauty accessories. We liked that we could operate the zipper one-handed.

Dimensions: 5.75 x 11 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 10.8 ounces | Volume: Not listed | Materials: Italian leather shell, cotton canvas lining

Best Budget

Maxtop crossbody fanny pack.

Flattering shape

High-quality, water-resistant material

Lots of pockets

Can be difficult to access items on the go

Not as capacious as it looks

Retailing for almost a quarter of the price of our overall winner, the Maxtop Large Fanny Pack is a worthy budget alternative to some of the more expensive bags on this list. We liked the thick, durable feel of the material and appreciated that it’s water-resistant and easy to clean. The hardware is sturdy and the strap is nice and thick—suggesting that saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. This fanny pack adjusts to fit waists of up to 50 inches and can also function as a crossbody sling or shoulder bag. We found it comfortable in all configurations.

Organization options abound with zippered front and back pockets and another zippered pocket inside the main compartment. The pack is streamlined, which, while good from an aesthetic point of view, means that it’s not as spacious as it looks. We found that we could fit a wallet, keys, mints, sanitizer, and sunglasses, but not a sunglasses case. The fit was slightly more forgiving when we wore it as a sling, although we found access to be a bit tight either way. Other pluses include a headphone hole, a reflective strap loop, and a whole host of color choices ranging from army green to bright pink.

Dimensions: 14.3 x 5.9 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 5.8 ounces | Volume: Not listed | Materials: Nylon

The Alo Explorer Fanny Pack beat out the competition thanks to its roomy 3-liter capacity, functional and long-lasting fabric, and thoughtfully designed organization. If you have a little one on your hands and need a pack to complement your adventures, reach for the Sidekick from No Reception.

Our team of travel experts tested a total of 36 fanny packs. Each test began with an initial assessment of the pack’s material and construction quality. Then, we checked whether the pack’s straps were adjustable and, if so, how inclusive the size range was. Next, we loaded the fanny pack with our regular everyday essentials including a phone, keys, and a wallet. We evaluated each bag’s capacity and the effectiveness of any organization features, such as internal and external pockets, slots, and dividers.

We tried wearing the fanny pack in several different ways, including around the waist both forward and backward, and across the chest and back as an over-the-shoulder crossbody. We also tested how easy it was to switch between carrying styles for any packs that claimed to be convertible. Finally, we wore the pack at least three times throughout the two-week testing period in a range of scenarios, from running errands to dining out. We evaluated how comfortable the pack was, how much it moved about, and how easy it was to access contents on the go.

We scored each pack from one to five for quality, capacity, ease of use, fit, and value, with overall scores used to determine our category winners.

After testing so many fanny packs, we thought there were a few more worth mentioning, although we found some minor issues that kept them off our main list.

Calpak Luka Belt Bag : We loved this fanny pack’s quality construction and super smooth zipper, as well as its large capacity and secret, anti-theft pocket. The only reason it didn’t make our main list was its bulkiness, which we felt detracted from its overall aesthetic.

Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag : We found this fanny pack simple to use and easily accessible. We liked the neoprene material and thought it was very comfortable. However, we disliked the lack of a zipper on the back pocket and the fact that the front pocket was too small to be particularly functional.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L : This fanny pack stood out for its sturdy construction and thoughtful organization features. We found it comfortable to wear in multiple positions. It’s not especially stylish or luxurious, but makes for a simple, effective pick for those with a lower-end budget.

What to Look For in a Fanny Pack

Fanny packs can be made from a number of different materials, with the right one for you depending on what you’ll be using it for, your budget, and your chosen aesthetic. For hiking and other activities where weight is a priority, look for light yet durable materials such as ripstop polyester or nylon. Canvas and neoprene are a little heavier but offer added sturdiness and structure. Neoprene is also soft to the touch and boasts excellent water resistance. For a more luxe look that transitions seamlessly to the city streets and looks just as good on an evening out, opt for a leather fanny pack with polished hardware.

While fanny pack sizes don’t vary as much as some other bag styles, there are super compact versions out there for those who have only the most basic essentials to carry, as well as ones with dimensions to suit a slightly larger load. In terms of volume, the typical range is around one to three liters. Carefully consider what you’re likely to need on your average day out and choose a fanny pack that can accommodate it all with enough space left over to make finding and accessing your belongings easy. Sometimes when it comes to fitting a lot of items, the dimensions and volume are less important than the amount of stretch in the material.

You can use fanny packs for almost any activity, from exploring South Korean national parks to touring Europe’s ancient cities. Durability and water resistance are always important, but especially so if you’re likely to be spending an extended amount of time outside in unreliable weather. What you’ll use the fanny pack for also determines what you need to carry and which size you should go for. Those who plan on wearing their pack as urbanwear will likely place a higher priority on brand name and a fashionable design, while those who plan to hike with it will want something more rugged and durable. Some fanny packs, like the Sidekick with its integrated baby-changing mat, are intended for a very specific purpose.

There are lots of ways to wear a fanny pack and the right one for you depends on your outfit and personal style, the situation, and the shape and size of the fanny pack in question. The classic way to wear a fanny pack is around the hips. If you’re traveling to an area where theft is a concern, we recommend slipping the strap through your belt loops as an extra precaution against it being unclipped without you noticing. You can also wear your fanny pack around your waist for a more cinched-in look or score extra style points by using it as a crossbody sling. Whether you wear it backward or forward is up to you.

Opinions differ among travel experts as to whether a fanny pack counts as a personal item or not, with some arguing that since you wear it, it could be classified as attire rather than luggage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers no confirmation either way. But unless your fanny pack is slim enough to be considered a concealed money belt , we think there’s every chance that airline staff could count it as a personal item, especially on a busy flight. We recommend including it in your luggage calculations and either allocating it as your only personal item or packing it inside your larger carry-on .

No bag is completely theft-proof, but fanny packs can reduce the likelihood of becoming a target—if you use them correctly. The main advantage of a fanny pack versus a regular bag or backpack is the ability to wear it on the front of your body. Keeping your fanny pack (and therefore your valuables) in your direct line of sight at all times is a great way to deter would-be pickpockets. The fact that a fanny pack is typically worn close to your body also makes it more difficult for a thief to tamper with it without detection. Some slimline versions may even be worn under your clothing to reduce visibility and, therefore, temptation.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and Commerce Updates Editor. She’s traveled to over 50 countries on six continents and has often used a fanny pack to keep her valuables safe on the go. Products in this article were selected from a longlist of more than 35 different fanny pack brands, according to the results of real-life tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts.

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Best Fanny Packs of 2024

From minimalist belt bags to feature-rich designs for hitting the trail, we pick the year's top fanny packs.

Switchback Travel ( Jason Hummel )

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

Once considered an unfashionable fad of the '90s, fanny packs—also known as waist, lumbar, and hip packs—are making a serious comeback in 2024. From replacing a purse while running errands around town to keeping the essentials handy on the trail, many of today’s designs are impressively versatile and offer unmatched on-the-go access. We put several leading designs to the test on local trails, while traveling, and during our normal day-to-day to bring you our 17 favorites below. From stylish, everyday-friendly options to high-capacity and durable models built for hiking, our list covers the full gamut. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

Editor’s note: We updated our fanny packs guide on May 21, 2024, to add the CamelBak M.U.L.E. as our top hydration waist pack. We also included Thrupack’s ultralight Eco Summit Bum and outlined our testing practices below the picks.   

Our Team's Fanny Pack Picks

• Best Overall Fanny Pack: Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
• Best Budget Fanny Pack: JanSport Fifth Avenue
• Best Small Pack for Carrying the Essentials: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini
• Best Fashionable Belt Bag for Urban Use: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
• Best High-Capacity Lumbar Pack for Hiking: Osprey Talon 6 / Osprey Tempest 6
• Best Hydration Waist Pack: CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5
• Our Favorite Fanny Pack Design: Free Range Equipment Canvas Phanny
• Best Supplemental Waist Pack for Backpackers: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa

Best Overall Fanny Pack

1. cotopaxi coso 2l hip pack ($60).

Fanny packs can serve a wide range of purposes, from replacing a purse to carrying the essentials on commutes or short day hikes. For all-around use, we love versatile designs like Cotopaxi’s Coso 2L Hip Pack. For starters, there’s plenty of space to divvy up must-have items and a few extras, the exterior is both durable and water-resistant, and the adjustable waist strap makes it easy to alternate between hip and cross-body carry. The storage layout is also very well executed, including a fleece-lined pocket on the inside for sunglasses or a phone, a zippered pocket at the back for keeping cash or documents handy but hidden, and a pouch-like space at the front that’s perfect for quickly stashing your phone or wallet while on the move (with another zippered pocket abutting the main compartment). Finally, as we’ve come to expect from Cotopaxi, the Coso is sustainably built with 100%-recycled nylon and has that playful, colorful styling that the brand is known for.

No fanny pack is perfect, however, and the Coso is no exception. While we’ve enjoyed the 2-liter capacity for day-to-day use, some may find it a little big and cumbersome. If you’re just looking to stash small necessities and a couple extras while running errands, Cotopaxi’s 1.5-liter Kapai will save you over $30 and 6 ounces in weight. The Coso has two additional pockets that make it easier to stay organized, and we like the water-resistant and easy-to-clean front pouch, but both packs boast the brand’s trademark multi-toned styling and strong sustainability slant. A final in-house alternative is Cotopaxi’s Bataan , which offers an additional liter of storage space for around $28 less than the Coso. However, the Bataan’s flexible build causes it to feel droopy and unwieldy when stuffed full, and the lack of organization is undeniably limiting. In our opinion, the Coso is the most well-rounded of the bunch and checks all the boxes for most daily wear, travel, and light outdoor use, earning it our top spot. See the Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack

Best Budget Fanny Pack

2. jansport fifth avenue ($30).

Fanny packs inherently are a relatively cheap bunch, but we certainly understand wanting to save a few bucks wherever possible. If budget is at the top of your priority list, JanSport’s Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack checks most of the boxes for daily use at a wallet-friendly $20 (some colorways are even cheaper on Amazon). The design is decidedly basic with a pocket-free interior and single zippered pouch on the front, but the 2.5-liter capacity fits day-to-day essentials with room to spare. You don’t have to skimp on style, either: The Fifth Avenue is pretty low-profile and comes in a nice selection of bright colorways and fun patterns.

Who is the JanSport Fifth Avenue best for? Occasional users likely won’t mind the simplistic storage layout and lack of premium touches like a padded backpanel or ergonomic zipper pulls. It’s also a viable option for minimalists who just want a no-frills design for walking the dog or running quick errands around town. For outdoor use, however, it leaves a lot to be desired—even casual hikers will appreciate the bump in quality, durability, and organization that comes with stepping up to a design like Cotopaxi’s Coso above or Gregory’s Nano below. But if you’re just looking for a cheap but functional day-to-day waist pack that covers the basics, the Fifth Avenue is a fine choice. See the JanSport Fifth Avenue

Best Small Pack for Carrying the Essentials

3. patagonia ultralight black hole mini ($35).

Most people don’t leave the house without their phone, wallet, and keys, and a streamlined design like Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Mini is perfect for minimalists who just want to keep track of the essentials. At just 1 liter, the Black Hole is tied for the second-smallest design on our list (along with Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag below) but packs a solid punch for its diminutive size. Highlights include a nicely sized zippered pocket at the front, soft padding along the backpanel, and silicone/PU coatings for added assurance in wet weather. The Black Hole Mini also stuffs down into its own pocket for storage, making it a no-brainer to throw in a duffel for travel or a backpack for short outings from camp. Finally, as we’ve come to expect from Patagonia, the Black Hole has a nice sustainability slant with recycled and bluesign-approved materials that are certified to the Fair Trade standard.

We love the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini as a substitute for a purse or carrying your phone and treats while walking the dog. It’s also low-profile enough to wear under a rain shell or insulated jacket and doesn’t bounce around too much on short runs or bike rides. But there’s no denying the Black Hole’s small size and limited organization—for anything more than a quick after-work jaunt or ride, you’ll almost certainly want something larger and with more pockets. For a small boost in capacity, Osprey’s Ultralight Stuff Waist Pack is similarly light (2.9 oz.) and packable with an additional liter of space. But the Black Hole Mini is all most people need for day-to-day use and nothing they don’t, and the retro styling is the cherry on top. Note: The Black Hole’s waist strap maxes out at 36 inches, which is less than many competitors and may not work for some. See the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini

Best Fashionable Belt Bag for Urban Use

4. lululemon everywhere belt bag 1l ($38).

Many of the picks here are made by outdoor brands and have a slightly technical look as a result, but athleisure giant Lululemon has filled a nice niche in the market with their Everywhere Belt Bag. Offered in 1- and 2-liter capacities (we’ve included the former here), this fanny pack is high on style with a sleek look, subdued branding, and classy colorway selection. We also like the thick, seatbelt-like strap that’s comfortable to wear all day and effectively keeps the bag in place while walking. The storage layout isn’t anything to write home about, but the small zippered pocket on the back, interior mesh divider, and generous opening to the main compartment (plus the big zipper) make organization and access quick and easy. In fact, one editor’s wife described it as “the ultimate everyday bag,” and we think the praise is well deserved.

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L is a more urban-friendly alternative to Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Mini above and one of the closest purse substitutes on our list. In other words, it’s a great option for city dwellers and other fashion-forward shoppers who value the added on-the-go convenience but without the polarizing looks. Again, it’s important to take the storage constraints into account—those looking to carry more than just their phone, wallet, keys, and a couple small extras will likely want to step up to the 2-liter model for $10 more (the two packs are otherwise identical). Lululemon also offers the pack in a smaller, 0.7-liter version called the Everywhere Belt Bag Mini, although it won’t save you any cash over the 1-liter model here. Regardless of which capacity you choose, the Everywhere Belt Bag stands out as a very chic and trendy design that fits right in on city streets. See the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Best High-Capacity Lumbar Pack for Hiking

5. osprey talon 6 ($90).

The options above are great for around-town and even light outdoor use, but hikers looking to replace their daypack will likely want to step up to a larger and more purpose-built design. Enter Osprey’s Talon 6, which takes design cues from their Talon daypack collection that’s been a favorite of ours for years. As expected from Osprey, carrying comfort is excellent thanks to the Talon 6’s cushy padding along the hipbelt, and the AirScape backpanel—shared with the daypacks—breathes well and provides great support and structure. Storage also abounds with two large hipbelt pockets, a generous zippered compartment at the front, dual water bottle sleeves (perfect for 16-oz. Nalgene bottles), and compression straps for securing a lightweight jacket. Finally, the Talon is well built with thick fabrics that will stand up to long-term outdoor use and is the only design here to be offered in a women’s-specific model (the Tempest 6).

The Osprey Talon 6 is a great choice for outings when you just want to carry water, a light layer, and snacks, but it’s far from a featherweight at 14.4 ounces. It does undercut the Talon 11—the smallest daypack in the collection—by around 14 ounces, but you can certainly go lighter with more streamlined daypacks like REI’s Flash 18 (9.5 oz.) or Cotopaxi’s Batac 16L (12 oz.). On a related note, the Talon 6 is decidedly bulky and can feel unwieldy when loaded down with heavier items like water and electronics (some users report lower back pain after long days on the trail). But if you pack strategically, the Talon stands out as one of the most well-executed hiking designs on the market and can easily substitute a daypack on most done-in-a-day adventures. For $15 less, it’s also worth checking out Black Diamond’s Pursuit 6 , which shaves off 6.4 ounces and is noticeably lower-profile but with thinner padding and fewer features. See the Osprey Talon 6   See the Women's Osprey Tempest 6

Best Hydration Waist Pack

6. camelbak m.u.l.e. 5 ($90).

If the idea of replacing your daypack with a fanny pack is enticing but you don’t want to sacrifice easy on-the-go hydration, a reservoir-equipped design could be just the ticket. Our favorite in this category is CamelBak’s M.U.L.E. 5, which is technically built for bikers but crosses over nicely for hiking. Like the Talon above, the CamelBak features a mesh-heavy backpanel to keep air flowing, a well-padded hipbelt that minimizes pressure points on long days out, and ample pockets for divvying up on-trail essentials—plus a handy bungee system at the top for securing a light layer. And arguably the biggest draw: The M.U.L.E. comes with a quality 1.5-liter Crux reservoir, which fits neatly against the back of the main compartment to minimize bounce, along with a magnet on the hose that keeps it out of the way. For all-day rides and long days on the trail, you also get water bottle pockets on either side of the main compartment. 

What complaints do we have about the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5? First and foremost is the lack of versatility: Like the Talon above, the M.U.L.E. is decidedly hefty and bulky, which severely limits overall appeal. It’s also on the pricier end at $90, although the included Crux reservoir is a $33 investment on its own (and the Talon above costs the same without a bladder, albeit with an additional liter of storage). Finally, the CamelBak’s interior capacity is smaller than its designation would suggest at 3.5 liters, and a full reservoir will take up a good chunk of that space, meaning there isn’t as much room for gear storage as you might expect. But again, on-trail comfort and the included reservoir are undeniable selling points, especially for those who split their time between hiking and biking. See the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5

Our Favorite Fanny Pack Design

7. free range equipment canvas phanny ($59).

Style is largely subjective, but Free Range Equipment’s Canvas Phanny collection was quick to win us over. A small brand based out of Bend, Ore., FRE works with outdoor artists to create unique, outdoors-inspired designs—at the time of publishing, you can choose from a hopping 20 different styles including colorful mountain landscapes, wildlife-centric designs, and more. Overall quality is excellent thanks to the abrasion-resistant canvas exterior and premium touches like thick zipper pulls, a nicely padded backpanel, and a leather logo patch on the front. Two of our editors recently adopted the Canvas Phanny as their go-to waist pack, and we’ve found it useful for everything from running errands around town to shuttling the essentials —including a 500-milliliter soft flask, phone, snacks, a headlamp, and even a wind shirt—while Nordic skiing.

What’s not to like with Free Range Equipment’s Canvas Phanny? The most glaring downside is the barebones storage layout: The interior features a stretchy sleeve at the back with a clip for securing keys, but there are no zippered compartments. This hasn’t been a dealbreaker for us but can make organization tough—we often find ourselves rifling through the main compartment in checkout lines to find our credit card, for example. If you tend to carry a lot of smaller items, it may be worth opting for a design like Cotopaxi’s Coso above or Arc’teryx’s Mantis below, the latter of which includes two zippered pockets (one inside and one at the front) as well as an interior stash pocket and a sleeve along the backpanel for securing a phone. But there’s a reason we keep using the Canvas Phanny: It’s nicely sized for a variety of uses, has a premium feel, and looks great to boot. See the Free Range Equipment Canvas Phanny

Best Supplemental Waist Pack for Backpackers

8. hyperlite mountain gear versa ($79).

Hyperlite Mountain Gear specializes in ultralight backpacking gear made with Dyneema, which is known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and inherent waterproofing abilities. Their Versa is no exception, combining a competitive 4.3-ounce weight and reliable protection in a durable and outdoor-ready package. Despite its unassuming appearance, the Versa comes nicely equipped with three total pockets: one massive zippered pocket at the front, a mesh divider inside the main compartment for separating a wallet or map, and a stash pocket along the back for keeping your phone handy. Hyperlite didn’t skimp on the smaller details, either: The Versa boasts bound seams for added strength, quality YKK zippers to seal out moisture and keep your belongings protected, and long zipper pulls that are glove-friendly.

Who should buy the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa? Thru-hikers and minimalist backpackers looking for supplemental storage space will appreciate the ability to attach it to their backpack via the hipbelt or sternum strap—simply thread either strap through the pass-through sleeve at the back of the Versa (where the aforementioned stash pocket is located). Photographers, guides, and other outdoor-goers with specialized gear needs will also benefit from the ability to keep certain items (e.g., camera lenses or first aid supplies) close at hand without worrying about them getting wet. The Versa is no small investment at $79 and weighs a little more than competitors like the Thrupack Eco Summit Bum (3.6 oz.) and LiteAF Feather Weight (2.3 oz.) below, but it’s the only fully waterproof design of the trio (joining Matador's Freerain below) and a very appealing backcountry companion. For a smaller and lighter (2.7 oz.) option from Hyperlite, their 1.3-liter Vice Versa is similarly built but forgoes zippered storage for $20 less.  See the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa

Best of the Rest

9. rei co-op trail 2 ($30).

We often turn to REI for affordable but well-made gear, and the Trail 2 Waist Pack fits the bill nicely. For just $30 and a very respectable 4 ounces, you get a versatile 2 liters of capacity with a practical storage layout that comprises a zippered pouch at the front for separating small items and a sleeve at the back for keeping your phone or wallet handy but hidden. The Trail is also noticeably slim and low-profile, which translates to an unobtrusive and barely-there feel (it’s one of the best options here for wearing under a jacket in inclement weather). And while fairly common, the dual zippers for the main compartment make access quick and easy—you don’t have to unzip them all the way unless you’re removing a large item like a smartphone. Finally, the latest Trail 2 uses recycled materials for both the body and lining fabrics, which only add to its all-around appeal.

In addition to the standard Trail 2 here, REI also offers the design in “Print” and Pride” models with more vibrant styling (the regular version is a little dated). There’s also a larger 5-liter variation that tacks on daisy chain webbing, dual water bottle pockets, and a padded mesh backpanel for $20 more. If you’re on the fence about which option is best for you, we’d break it down as follows: The Trail 2 is the more versatile and everyday-friendly design, while the Trail 5 is the better hiking/outdoors companion that’s noticeably lighter (9 oz.) and less bulky than competitors like the Osprey Talon above (i.e., it has more crossover appeal). Both Trails are excellent values for what you get, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better balance of price and performance. See the REI Co-op Trail 2

10. Arc'teryx Mantis 2 ($50)

Arc’teryx is known for their premium craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the Mantis 2—which is a part of its namesake daypack collection—carries the torch. What immediately stood out to us about the Mantis was the generous storage layout, which consists of a large front zippered pocket with a key clip and two pockets in the main compartment (one open stash pocket and one zippered security pocket). We’re also big fans of the sleeve along the backpanel that offers quick and easy access to a phone, transit pass, or travel documents. The downside to all of these separate spaces is that they eat into the Mantis’ interior—the pack doesn’t fit a 500-milliliter soft flask as easily as the Free Range Phanny above, for instance—but we personally love the boost in convenience for day-to-day use.

Why didn’t we rank the Arc’teryx Mantis higher? While overall capacity is pretty middle-of-the-road at 2.5 liters, the Mantis’ square shape gives it a bit of an awkward look and feel when worn on the waist. Arc’teryx does make the Mantis in a 1.5-liter version for $10 less that’s a little more hip-friendly, but both options strike us as better suited for cross-body carry (in terms of both function and fit). The branding is also a little loud on both versions with the Arc’teryx logo front and center, although this is largely a matter of personal preference. These small complaints aside, the Mantis is a well-made and thoughtfully built design at an approachable price point—especially for Arc’teryx. For a more hiking-focused design from the brand, check out their 2.5-liter Arro Waist Pack ($80), which tacks on water-resistant zippers and breathable mesh around the hipbelt and backpanel. See the Arc'teryx Mantis 2

11. Matador Freerain ($60)

Matador is a travel-focused brand and relatively new to the outdoor space, but they’ve wasted no time in assembling a quality lineup of light but dependable packs for both casual and technical use. One of their leading packs is the Freerain, which is fully waterproof and compresses down impressively small for travel. The Freerain Hip Pack sticks to a similar formula, including a tough and tear-resistant Robic nylon build with reinforced panels in high-wear areas, a UTS coating and sealed seams for reliable wet-weather protection, and the ability to pack down for storage or travel—simply turn the Freerain inside out and stuff it into its front pocket. Matador also includes a mesh compression sack to make it even smaller.

How does the Matador Freerain compare to the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa above? Both designs are waterproof, weigh around the same (the Versa is 0.3 oz. heavier), and are purpose-built for backcountry use. The Freerain will save you around $20 and packs down much smaller, but not everyone will love the backpanel-free build—it can feel a little floppy when hiking—and roll-top closure, which helps with waterproofing but makes it harder to access the interior. The Versa is also a little bigger with 2.5 liters of capacity, and wins out in storage with three pockets (compared to just one for the Matador), and we appreciate the ability to attach it to our pack’s hipbelt or sternum strap for a boost in organization on the trail. The Hyperlite’s better organization, structure, and versatility earn it a higher spot on our list, but the Freerain nevertheless is a solid performer for its weight and size. For a cheaper and more everyday-friendly option from Matador, check out their $40 ReFraction Packable Sling . See the Matador Freerain

12. Gregory Nano ($40)

Like Osprey’s Talon 6 above, Gregory’s Nano Waistpack is a well-executed take on its namesake daypack collection. However, unlike the high-capacity Talon, the Nano is an approachable option that’s built for the trail but still looks the part around town. While too big to serve as a dedicated daily companion, the 3.5-liter capacity is just about perfect for short day hikes—it's generous without feeling overly cumbersome on the trail—and the backpanel is sufficiently padded for all-day comfort. Most of the smaller details are equally well sorted, including a wider-than-average waist strap for distributing the load and molded zipper pulls that are very easy to operate, even with gloves on. Added up, the Nano strikes a nice middle ground between smaller and more casual designs like the REI Trail 2 above and massive, hiking-focused options like Osprey’s Talon.

It's worth noting that Gregory’s Nano collection also includes the Nano Waistpack Mini and Nano Shoulder Bag. Stacked up against the standard Nano here, the Nano Mini checks in an ounce lighter, boasts a 2.5-liter capacity, swaps the mesh backpanel for padded nylon, and forgoes the top zippered pocket. The Nano Shoulder Bag weighs the same as the Nano Mini but with 3.5 liters of capacity (the same as the standard Nano) and a thinner strap for cross-body carry. In the end, all are well-executed additions to the popular Nano line, but the standard Nano Waistpack here stands out as the most trail-ready of the bunch. We do wish it came with a belt keeper to secure the excess webbing when cinched tight, but it’s a small gripe and a quick DIY fix. For $5 less, we also like Osprey’s similarly built Daylight Waist Pack , although the 2-liter capacity is more limiting than the Nano’s 3.5-liter size. See the Gregory Nano

13. Thrupack Eco Summit Bum ($58)

Thrupack is a cottage brand that specializes in fanny packs purpose-built for thru-hikers (hence their name), and their Eco Summit Bum goes head-to-head with designs like Hyperlite’s Versa above and LiteAF’s Feather Weight below. Like those packs, the Summit Bum is tough and fully trail-worthy with high-end, tear-resistant materials and the ability to attach to your pack’s hipbelt or sternum strap for added organization (Thrupack has some helpful videos showing all the possible configurations). The Thrupack isn’t technically waterproof like the Hyperlite, although the EcoPak fabric, PU-coated zipper, and YKK buckle are trustworthy enough to rely on in most conditions. And a fun twist: The Summit Bum is fully customizable—choices include desired capacity, pocket layout, material and colorway, type of waist belt (standard or “Comfy”), and more—which is great news for experienced thru-hikers looking to perfect their kit and those who like to geek out on gear.

As we mentioned, the Thrupack Eco Summit Bum isn’t fully waterproof, which may or may not be a dealbreaker, depending on expected trail conditions. The Summit Bum does get the edge in weight over the Versa by 0.7 ounces (it’s 0.6 oz. heavier with the upgraded “Comfy” strap)—and you can save 1.2 ounces by ditching the waist strap and connecting it directly to your pack—but true ounce-counters will likely prefer the LiteAF Feather Weight below (2.3-2.6 oz. depending on fabric choice). Some folks will also be disappointed by the lack of zippered storage, although the two interior pouches and rear sleeve should cover the basics. In the end, the Eco Summit Bum is undeniably specialized and lacking in everyday appeal, but it’s a fun and tailor-made option for creative ULers. Bonus: The EcoPak fabric is made from 100%-recycled polyester and forgoes the use of harmful perfluorocarbons (PFCs for short). See the Thrupack Eco Summit Bum

14. Janji Multipass Sling Bag ($56)

Janji is a running brand that offers a competitive selection of comfortable, moisture-wicking apparel. While also designed for runners, their Multipass Sling Bag strikes us as equally great for travel and hiking. Comfort is a clear strong suit: The pack boasts a flexible, mesh-heavy backpanel that nicely balances breathability and support; the hipbelt is wide and does a great job distributing weight; and it’s easy to dial in a close fit with good adjustability and an exterior bungee cord to snug down a half-full load. Despite its technical intentions, the Multipass also comes well equipped in the storage department with a generously sized main compartment that includes a key clip and a separate space for cards, a zippered pocket at the back for securely stashing valuables, and a pass-through sleeve between the pack body and hipbelt for securing an extra layer or even a small water bottle. And we love the addition of the crossbody strap, which helps minimize unwanted movement and tucks neatly away when not in use.

Why do we have the Janji Multipass Sling Bag ranked here? First, the pack’s running focus results in a fairly technical look and feel that’s noticeably less everyday-friendly than designs like the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag or even Cotopaxi’s flashy Coso above. Fit is another potential issue: While highly adjustable, the positioning of the hipbelt and cross-body strap may cause discomfort for those with broader builds and bigger chests. Finally, we wish the bag featured a better way to stash a water bottle—the pass-through sleeve is workable most of the time, but runners will likely find it lacking in security. Of note: Despite its “sling bag” designation, we consider the Janji more of a fanny pack. For a more detailed breakdown of the former, see our section “ What About Sling Bags? ” in the buying advice below.  See the Janji Multipass Sling Bag

15. LiteAF Feather Weight ($50)

Like Thrupack, LiteAF specializes in ultralight gear tailor-made for thru-hikers and other weight-conscious adventurers. At a scant 2.3 ounces for the 1.5-liter version (2.6 oz. with EcoPak’s EPX200 fabric), their aptly named Feather Weight is the lightest design on our list and an easy sell for dedicated ULers. Like the Summit Bum, the Feather Weight is highly customizable: You can choose between 1.5- and 2.1-liter capacities, a detachable versus fixed hipbelt, and three different fabrics: Ultra 200 (high-strength polyethylene), Dyneema, or EPX200 that’s made from recycled polyester. Regardless of your selections, all Feather Weight packs feature a water-resistant zipper, a stretchy mesh front pocket, taped seams, and a 1-inch webbing hipbelt with a 1-inch buckle. The pack also comes in a wide selection of eye-catching designs—two personal favorites are the Tropic Sunset and Liquid Candy (shown here)—that pump some serious flavor and personality into the market.

All of LiteAF’s Feather Weight fanny packs are made to order, which has its pros and cons. For reference, lead time at the time of publishing is listed at a very reasonable 2 weeks, but you can almost certainty expect a longer turnaround during peak season. We also wish LiteAF included a pass-through point at the back for attaching to a pack. Opting for the clip-equipped detachable waist belt (a $2 add-on) is a viable solution for those who own a backpack with a removable hipbelt, but that’s realistically a limited subset of backpackers. A final omission is zippered storage, although the mesh pocket at the front is taut enough to dependably stow your phone while hiking. In the end, the Feather Weight won’t be a top pick among casual users but is another feathery and fun option for avid backcountry-goers. For an even lighter (1.8 oz.) design with more subdued but classy styling, check out High Tail Designs’ Ultralight Fanny Pack . See the LiteAF Feather Weight

16. Kavu Spectator ($25)

Kavu's Spectator goes head-to-head with Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Mini above as a small but practical waist pack for carrying the essentials. Right away, we’ll note that the 0.5-liter capacity is the smallest on our list and a little undersized for most uses—it can accommodate a phone, wallet, keys, and a couple small extras but not much more. The rest of the design is similarly basic with a single zippered pocket and a thick nylon waist strap, although we appreciate that Kavu included a padded backpanel. Combined with the approachable $25 price tag and wide selection of bright patterns and colorways, the Spectator is a nice value for minimalists who want to keep weight and bulk to a minimum while running errands, walking the dog, or taking a short walk.

Most fanny packs here come with a sleeve or additional pocket inside the main compartment for separating items like your wallet, cards, or documents, but not the Kavu Spectator. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker given the Spectator’s small size (you won’t have to rifle around for very long if items shift during transport), but it does detract from overall convenience. That said, we personally prefer more space for day-to-day use—there’s a reason that the 2-liter Cotopaxi Coso and Free Range Equipment Canvas Phanny are our go-to fanny packs. But if you’re in the market for a low-profile and unadorned waist pack that won’t break the bank, the Spectator certainly fits the bill. See the Kavu Spectator

17. Mountainsmith Tour ($90)

The 6-liter Osprey Talon above is plenty of fanny pack for most day hikers, but those with more specialized gear needs may want to step up to an even larger option like Mountainsmith’s 9-liter Tour. As expected for its size, the Tour leaves little to be desired in terms of organization: Storage abounds both inside and out, including smartphone-compatible hipbelt pockets, a mesh shove-it pocket at the front, side water bottle pockets that can each fit a 32-ounce Nalgene, a hidden stash pocket along the backpanel for keeping your phone or passport handy, and ample compression straps for securing extra layers. There’s even a headphone port and tablet-friendly sleeve on the inside that’s padded with foam for added protection. Taken together, the Tour is an intriguing daypack alternative for photographers, fly fishermen, mountain bikers, and maximalist hikers who prioritize easy on-the-go access to equipment, snacks, and other necessities.

Realistically, the Mountainsmith Tour is far too large and bulky for most. At 1 pound 9 ounces, it’s a significant 10.6 ounces heavier than Osprey’s 3-liter-smaller Talon above and looks comically big, especially on those with smaller frames. On the bright side, the Tour does come with a removable shoulder strap for cross-body carry, or you can pick up Mountainsmith’s Strapettes for wearing the pack backpacking-style (a really innovative option, in our opinion). That said, most hikers will still prefer a lightweight daypack—it will distribute the load much better, feel more natural over long distances, and likely come with a bump in capacity for little to no weight penalty. But if you’re prone to neck or back pain or prefer to keep certain equipment close at hand, the Tour will surely get the job done. Of note: Mountainsmith claims that the waist belt extends to 48 inches, but some users report it’s around 10 inches shorter. See the Mountainsmith Tour

Fanny Pack Comparison Table

*Editor's note: "Waist" refers to the adjustability range of the hipbelt.

About Our Testing Process

A big part of our job at Switchback Travel is staying up-to-date on current outdoor trends, and we have to admit we were pretty excited to see fanny packs making a comeback. Smaller and lower-profile than daypacks, they’re a great option for day-to-day use, short hikes, and everything in between. Managing editor Sarah Nelson kicked off this guide in early 2023 with 17 leading waist packs, from small and budget-friendly designs that wear well around town to purpose-built options for hikers and backpackers. While our current lineup above hasn’t changed all that much, there have been some notable additions and innovations, including CamelBak’s hydration bladder-equipped M.U.L.E. that’s great for hikers and bikers alike, along with Thrupack’s Eco Summit Bum that utilizes ultralight but durable EcoPak—a fabric that’s made from 100%-recycled polyester and PFC-free (we break this down more in our “ Sustainability ” section below).

We use fanny packs for everything from running errands around town to supplementing a backpacking pack on quick jaunts from camp. While all of the models above have a few things in common, designs vary considerably depending on your intended use(s). The first question you’ll want to answer is how much capacity you need, which also generally correlates with weight and packability (the bigger the pack, the heftier and bulkier it will be). Padding, durability, and pocket layout are also important considerations, and we look for designs that are comfortable to wear all day, hold up well over time, and come adequately equipped for organizing the essentials. As the market changes, we’ll update this guide accordingly as new and noteworthy options are released.  

Fanny Pack Buying Advice

Fanny pack utility and best uses, capacity and dimensions, carry styles, weight and packability, pockets and organization, padding and support, hipbelt and waist strap design.

• Waterproof Fanny Packs

Fit and Sizing

Sustainability, what about sling bags, activity-specific and hydration fanny packs.

Also known as waist packs, lumbar packs, hip packs, and sometimes belt bags, fanny packs come in a variety of styles and capacities and serve many purposes. Starting at the casual end, many of the designs above can be a viable substitute for carrying the essentials (e.g., a phone, wallet, and keys) in a purse or stuffing them in your jacket or pant pockets. Our go-to everyday options are typically on the smaller side—we’ve found the sweet spot to be between 1 and 2.5 liters for our day-to-day needs—and a few of our favorites include the Cotopaxi Coso (2L), Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini (1L), and Free Range Equipment Canvas Phanny. Many of these designs also cross over well for travel—it’s a nice dose of confidence being able to keep our documents and valuables close to our body while navigating through security checkpoints and exploring around town when we arrive at our destination.  

At the other end of the spectrum are hiking-focused fanny packs like Osprey’s Talon 6 and Mountainsmith’s Tour, which are much larger and more feature-rich. These are essentially pared-down daypacks and come with all the requisite features for done-in-a-day adventures, including dedicated water bottle storage, ample pockets for stashing the essentials and plenty of snacks and extras, and compression straps for securing a light layer or two. Like daypacks, they also boast well-padded hipbelts and breathable mesh backpanels for good all-day comfort. Weight and bulk are the two biggest downsides: The Talon checks in at 14.4 ounces, while the Tour is a whopping 1 pound 9 ounces (most casual waist packs weigh around 8 oz. or less). In our opinion, most folks would be better served by a lightweight daypack, but hiking-focused waist packs do have their place for photographers, fly fishermen, and other outdoor-goers who want to keep certain equipment close at hand.  

A third and final category is ultralight, thru-hike-friendly fanny packs like Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Versa , Matador's Freerain, Thrupack’s Eco Summit Bum Classic, and LiteAF’s Feather Weight. Commonalities include high-end fabrics that are thin but impressively tear-resistant (Dyneema leads the pack here), streamlined feature sets that just cover the basics, and—of course—low weights (the Versa is the heaviest of the trio at 4.3 oz.). Oftentimes, UL models also allow you to remove certain components (like the hipbelt) to shave off another ounce or two, and many can be connected to your backpack's hipbelt or sternum strap for added on-trail storage. Finally, customization is popular among cottage brands, and both Thrupack and LiteAF offer the ability to hand-pick materials, colorways, and more. For those with more specialized gear needs, there are also plenty of purpose-built designs for activities like running, fishing, biking, and more (we break these down further in our section on “ Activity-Specific Fanny Packs ” below). 

Fanny packs come in a wide variety of capacities, with the picks above ranging from just 0.5 liters for the Kavu Spectator to a whopping 9 liters for the Mountainsmith Tour . In general, capacity correlates closely to a waist pack’s intended use: Casual, everyday-friendly designs tend to be smaller, while hiking-specific models are larger to accommodate a day’s worth of gear, water, and snacks. Ultralight, thru-hiking-friendly waist packs fall closer to the former end, ranging from 1.5 liters for the LiteAF Feather Weight (it also comes in a 2L version) to 2.5 liters for the Hyperlite Versa and Thrupack Eco Summit Bum. As we mentioned above, we’ve found the 1- to 2.5-liter range to be just about perfect for day-to-day use. As an example, our 2-liter Free Range Equipment Canvas Phanny easily accommodates our plus-sized iPhone, wallet, keys, an epi-pen, lip balm, and a small e-reader with room to spare.  

Dimensions go hand in hand with capacity but can be a helpful indicator of overall heft and bulk. For example, Mountainsmith’s 9-liter Tour measures 11.5 inches long, 10 inches tall, and 5 inches deep, while Patagonia’s 1-liter Ultralight Black Hole Mini is just 8 inches long, 4.8 inches tall, and 2 inches deep. Most designs hover somewhere in the middle, but lower-profile options like the Black Hole and REI Co-op’s Trail 2 (also 2 in. deep) make it incredibly easy to throw an outer layer on overtop in cold or inclement conditions. By comparison, those with a wider profile—like Free Range’s 3.5-inch-deep Canvas Phanny—look and feel noticeably bulkier and more awkward under a jacket (especially one with a trim fit). In the end, capacity will be the more important spec for most, but dimensions can help paint a clearer picture.   

Fanny packs are a pretty versatile bunch, and a lot of that stems from the ability to wear them different ways, including on your hips, over one shoulder, or across your body. Most of the options above can be worn multiple ways, so your carry choice will largely depend on your objective. For example, securing your fanny pack around your waist is the best option for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities that involve a lot of movement since you can cinch it tight to minimize bouncing. Over-the-shoulder and cross-body carry are more common for casual use and around-town wear—it’s much easier to get your pack on and off when sitting down for a meal, for instance. Mountainsmith’s Tour also comes with a removable shoulder strap and is compatible with their Strappettes (sold separately) for backpack-style carry.  

Many targeted ultralight designs—including the Hyperlite Versa and Thrupack Eco Summit Bum—are also made to attach to your backpack’s hipbelt or sternum strap for added on-trail storage. The process is quick and easy: Simply thread your pack’s strap through the pass-through sleeve at the back of the fanny pack. LiteAF’s Feather Weight notably omits a sleeve, although opting for the detachable strap allows it to connect to backpacks with removable hipbelts. If you’re curious about all the possible configurations, Thrupack has a few videos showcasing the various carry options for their Summit Bum.

Most casual users won’t likely pay much attention to weight or packability since fanny packs are a pretty lightweight category in general. That said, there’s still a decent spread in the market, and backcountry users in particular will benefit from keeping weight to a minimum. For reference, the lightest design on our list is LiteAF’s aptly named  Feather Weight  at just 2.3 ounces, while the heaviest is Mountainsmith’s Tour at 1 pound 9 ounces. Most options fall somewhere in the middle, with the majority hovering in the 3- to 8-ounce range. From our experience, this is plenty light for day-to-day use, and most people likely won’t notice a few extra (or fewer) ounces when running errands, walking the dog, or even embarking on a short bike ride or day hike.  

On a similar note, packability is a feature that’s nice to have but far from necessary. From our list above, only two designs are made to pack down into one of their pockets when not in use: the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini and Matador Freerain , the latter of which also comes with a separate compression sack for stuffing down even further. However, while we always appreciate minimizing bulk for storage and travel, these fanny packs are already pretty small and streamlined to begin with. In other words, being able to pack them down doesn’t provide a huge benefit, but it may help keep them in better shape over the long term (there’s a lower risk of punctures when stored with sharp gear, for instance).  

The organizational layout of a fanny pack can have a major impact on overall convenience and accessibility. When starting your search, you’ll want to look closely at the number of pockets, their size and location, and how many (if any) are zippered. If we had to design our ideal fanny pack, it would have a zippered front pocket that’s smartphone-compatible, a rear sleeve for securely and discreetly storing a phone or passport, and a non-zippered pocket along the back of the interior for separating a wallet or cards from the rest of our belongings in the main compartment (plus a key clip, which is very common). This is one of our biggest gripes with Free Range Equipment’s Canvas Phanny: With just one non-zippered pocket inside and no exterior storage, we often find ourselves rummaging through the pack to find what we’re looking for. On the flip side, Arc’teryx’s Mantis 2 checks all of the boxes above and tacks on an additional zippered security pocket in the main compartment, which is pretty ideal for everyday use.  

Pocket layout and design don’t vary too heavily, but there are a few outliers worth calling out. One is Janji’s Multipass Sling Bag , which features a pass-through sleeve between the pack body and hipbelt that’s great for stashing a thin layer or a small water bottle. Hiking-specific designs like the Osprey Talon 6 and Mountainsmith Tour also come with hipbelt pockets, dedicated water bottle storage, and compression straps for securing extra layers. Speaking of layers, the front pouch on Cotopaxi's Coso 2L Hip Pack is perfect for stashing a light windbreaker or shell. Finally, LiteAF’s Feather Weight has a generous mesh pocket at the front that’s taut enough to stow your phone, although we think it’s better suited for a thin beanie or liner gloves. In the end, only you can decide how many pockets you need (more aren’t always better), but laying out your belongings can be a good place to start.  

In general, fanny packs fall into one of three buckets: Those with no padding, those with lightly padded backpanels (oftentimes all foam), and hiking-specific designs with mesh-heavy, backpack-like cushioning along the backpanel and hipbelt. Since most fanny packs are relatively small and light, most folks won’t be too deterred by a basic, backpanel-free design like the Matador Freerain. The Freerain does feel a little floppy and unsupportive while hiking, and it’ll likely grow a little clammy in mid-summer temperatures, but it’s perfectly serviceable for trail outings and bike rides in most conditions.  

At the other end of the spectrum are hiking-focused models like the Osprey Talon and Mountainsmith Tour that boast thickly padded, mesh-heavy backpanels and hipbelts. In general, these designs offer great all-around cushioning and support for long days on the trail, and the boost in breathability is a boon in hot weather. However, not everyone will love the rigidity—flexible alternatives like the aforementioned Freerain pack down much smaller for stuffing into a pack or duffel bag . Those looking for a versatile option for around-town and light outdoor use will likely prefer a middle-of-the-road fanny pack with a lightly padded backpanel. A few of our favorite crossover options include the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini, Arc’teryx Mantis 2, and Gregory Nano . In our experience, these provide the best balance of comfort and bulk.  

Like "Padding and Support" above, waist strap design can be broken into three categories: standard webbing, thicker seat belt-style straps, and well-cushioned, backpack-like hipbelts. Most picks above fall into the first grouping with relatively thin, low-profile webbing straps that get the job done for day-to-day and light outdoor use but don’t stand out from a comfort or support perspective. For a step up in both of those areas, seat belt-style waist straps are popular among casual designs—like the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L —and excel for cross-body carry in particular (a wide strap will distribute the weight better and dig in less than a webbing strap). Finally, hiking-specific models like the Osprey Talon 6 and Mountainsmith Tour take cues from daypacks with thickly cushioned hipbelts for shuttling a day’s worth of water, snacks, and gear, although you’ll still want to be conscious of weight (too much resting on your hips can result in lower back pain).  

Materials and Durability

Most fanny packs are plenty durable for their intended uses, but material type and thickness do vary considerably and will be an important consideration for some. For reference, “denier” (D) is used to denote fabric thickness, with a higher number indicating beefier materials (note: Not all manufacturers provide this spec, but most do). To highlight the spread, minimalist designs like the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini (70D body) and Matador Freerain (50 and 70D) use relatively thin fabrics, while hiking-specific models like the Mountainsmith Tour (420D) and Osprey Talon (100 x 210D with 420D in high-wear areas) are much thicker. This isn’t too surprising—we expect hiking-focused packs to hold up well around sharp equipment like trekking poles , tent stakes, etc.—but does have implications for those who plan to wear their fanny pack mainly for outdoor activities.  

Regardless of denier, the type of material used can have a significant impact on long-term durability. For example, the Free Range Canvas Phanny  has a thick, abrasion-resistant exterior that stands up well to long-term use. While thin, Dyneema is also known to be impressively tear-resistant for its weight (as seen in the Hyperlite Versa and some versions of the LiteAF Feather Weight). UHMWPE, or ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene, is another material used to boost strength while keeping weight to a minimum, and we’ve had positive experiences thus far with the Matador Freerain, which uses a mix of Robic nylon and gridded UHMWPE in high-wear areas. In other words, denier is certainly a part of the equation, but it’s just one piece in the larger durability puzzle.  

Waterproof Fanny Packs Most fanny packs can fend off light moisture with durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings or other water-resistant treatments. Some, like Thrupack’s Eco Summit Bum , take it a step further with YKK zippers and/or buckles, which we’ve come to trust even in sustained rain. However, while these measures will be fully sufficient for most, those who live in notoriously wet climates or who don’t mind getting out in inclement weather may want to consider a fully waterproof design. Matador’s Freerain is one option, combining PU and UTS waterproof coatings with full seam sealing, YKK zippers and buckles, and a roll-top closure for the utmost in wet-weather assurance. Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Versa is also fully waterproof thanks to its Dyneema fabrics, YKK zippers, and bound seams. In the end, most people will be perfectly fine with a standard DWR-equipped fanny pack, but the Matador and Hyperlite add a nice dose of security for getting out in places like the Pacific Northwest.  

All of the fanny packs above only come in one size, but the good news is that most designs feature highly adjustable hipbelts that can accommodate a wide range of waist sizes. Thankfully, some manufacturers provide that range on their product page, although many do not (we’ve listed this spec when available in our comparison table above). For reference, Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Mini will fit waists from 8 to 36 inches, while many competitors—including the Osprey Talon 6, REI Trail 2, Matador Freerain, and Gregory’s Nano—max out closer to 50 inches. This likely won’t pose an issue for most but is worth considering if you have wider hips or plan to layer heavily underneath. Finally, it’s worth noting that Osprey makes a women’s-specific version of the Talon called the Tempest 6 , which fits waists from 24-44 inches (compared to 25-50 in. for the Talon). This is pretty typical of women’s designs, but don’t be afraid to go with the unisex/men’s model if it fits you better.   

Our impact on the environment has never been of greater concern, and we appreciate it when brands go the extra mile toward minimizing their impact. The use of recycled fabrics has increased considerably over the past few years and is now fairly common in the fanny pack market. More recently, manufacturers have turned to PFC-free DWR coatings made without per- or polyfluorinated chemicals—"forever chemicals" known to be harmful to the environment. We also keep an eye out for bluesign-approved and Fair Trade Certified fabrics. A couple standouts above include Cotopaxi's Coso 2L Hip Pack , which is made with 100%-recycled nylon, and Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Mini, which uses recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics that are certified to the Fair Trade standard. Finally, some specialized ultralight designs—like those from Thrupack and FeatherLite above—use a new innovation called EcoPak EPX200, a fabric that’s made from 100%-recycled polyester and treated with a PFC-free DWR finish.  

We exclusively cover fanny packs above, but we’d be remiss not to mention sling bags, which are another popular style that typically comes with a single shoulder strap for cross-body carry. Importantly, many fanny packs can be worn either on your waist or over one shoulder (and many folks will opt for the latter the majority of the time), but wearing a fanny pack across the body usually results in a slight drop in convenience due to the way the pockets are positioned. By contrast, dedicated sling bags like Patagonia’s Atom and Kavu’s Rope Sling boast vertically oriented pockets and zippers that make cross-body access easier. Sling bags also generally offer more capacity than waist packs due to their more ergonomic shape—the Atom and Kavu are 8 and 10 liters respectively—but there are plenty of smaller designs available, too. In the end, we consider fanny packs the more versatile choice due to their multiple carry options, but sling bags are a nice alternative for those who don’t plan to wear their pack around their waist.  

The fanny packs above are built for everyday and light outdoor use, but there are also plenty of more specialized designs made for running, fishing, biking, and more. Dakine is a longstanding leader in the mountain biking realm with a wide selection of packs that are purpose-built for cyclists, including their popular Hot Laps collection. Runners typically opt for minimalist, belt-style designs like the Amphipod AirFlow MicroStretch Plus or FlipBelt Classic to keep weight and bulk to a minimum while logging miles. Finally, Patagonia’s Guidewater Hip Pack 9L is a popular option among fly fishermen for its fully waterproof and submersible design, external lash points for securing extra gear, and pass-through sleeve that can fit a net.

A final category worth having on your radar is hydration-equipped fanny packs, which are typically aimed at hikers, mountain bikers, and trail or mountain runners. Our favorite is CamelBak’s M.U.L.E. 5 above, which comes with a quality 1.5-liter Crux reservoir and crosses over nicely for both hiking and biking. Osprey also has a healthy selection of singletrack-ready designs, including the reservoir-equipped Seral 4 . Alternatively, many running-focused designs include small bottles rather than bladders, including Nathan’s Peak Hydration Waist Pack and UltrAspire’s Speedgoat 3.0. Finally, there are several larger and more feature-rich options for all-day adventures—from long bike rides to ultralight mountain missions—like Ultimate Direction’s Mountain Belt 5.0 and Mountainsmith’s Cona 4. None of these cross over particularly well for daily wear, but they make a lot of sense for athletes looking for a vest or pack alternative. Back to Our Top Fanny Pack Picks   Back to Our Fanny Pack Comparison Table

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

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• Travel Products
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The 11 Best Carry-on Travel Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These spacious and comfortable carry-on backpacks can easily replace a suitcase.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Skip the stress of checking a bag or lugging a traditional carry-on suitcase around an airport by adding a carry-on backpack to your travel gear. Practical, functional, and hassle-free, a carry-on backpack can fit up to a week’s worth of clothes, depending on your wardrobe and packing prowess. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or embarking on a weekend getaway, this style helps make your trip as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

We evaluated 89 carry-on backpacks in more than seven separate tests in our New York City lab and even utilized our airplane set — complete with a row of real plane seats and overhead storage bins — during the process. We then took each bag out into the world for at least six months to test its worth on a variety of trips.

Why I'm the Expert

After taking part in every single backpack test we've done since 2022, personally testing more than 50 bags, and even owning two packs from this list, including our best overall winner, I'm confident there is a carry-on backpack for every type of traveler here.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

I've used this pack for over four years and I'm confident I can fit more in it than a carry-on.

There isn’t a designated water bottle holder.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack earned our top pick as the best carry-on backpack with its perfect performance in all categories of our testing. We loved its high capacity and thought the unstructured style was ideal for wedging clothes into every corner, maximizing packing space in the clamshell-style compartments. The shell is made of a TPU-coated 1000D polyester with a rubbery feel, and although it feels resistant to liquids, the backpack comes with a rain cover to ensure that your belongings stay dry while traveling. Handles on all four sides of the backpack make it easy to carry and lift into an overhead bin from any angle. The only downside to the bag is that it doesn't have a water bottle holder on the sides, so you'll have to carry one or try to fit it in the top pocket in the front.

During testing, we weren't surprised to see that the durable-feeling materials weren't damaged at all after we repeatedly tossed the bag onto the ground. Aside from testing this bag in our lab, I personally own it and have used it for countless trips in the last four years. The quality hasn't wavered in the slightest and I typically reach for the bag since I can fit more than I could in a carry-on. Plus, with the rising costs of bringing luggage on an airplane, this bag has been a real money-saver since I can usually fit my personal items inside, too.

The Details: 35 liters | 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.8 pounds | TPU-coated 1000D polyester, nylon | Padded laptop sleeve

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
• PHOTO: Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best for Long Trips

Away the outdoor convertible backpack 45l.

We love how comfortable it is on your shoulders and back thanks to the soft materials and cushioned shoulder straps.

At nearly 22 inches tall, this pack may be too long for those with shorter torsos.

You'll be surprised by just how spacious this backpack is. The main compartment opens up like a clam shell for easy access to items that allowed us to fit an entire four-day packing list with ease — plus a few extra items. There are multiple large compartments, compression straps, and a few pockets in this backpack that are ideal for organizing clothes, gear, and accessories. While the 45-liter backpack can grow heavy when completely filled, the padded shoulder straps are supportive and keep you comfortable when walking for long periods of time. Plus, the convenient duffel handles allow you to switch up your carrying style if you do grow fatigued.

This backpack also sports a well-padded laptop sleeve that protected our testing laptop when we threw the fully packed bag off a counter three times. There was also no sign of rips, scuffs, or tears in the bag's fabric after our tests. This water- and abrasion-resistant backpack would be perfect for avid travels who are looking for a sleek backpack to take them from city explorations to camping adventures.

The Details: 45 liters | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | Water-resistant

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best With Packing Cubes

Asenlin 40l travel backpack.

It’s spacious and comes with three packing cubes to stay organized while traveling. 

After six months of use, the bag is scuffed up with noticeable scratches.

Perfect for travelers on a budget, the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack impressed us with its packing features and comfortable fit. We thought the bag provided excellent organization thanks to the interior and exterior compression that provided extra room for packing. The backpack comes with three different packing cubes in small, medium, and large. We also like that this backpack includes both a suitcase strap and a handle to hold it horizontally. The backpack itself also features straps inside and a laptop sleeve to easily hold down items and pack electronics.

The design didn’t blow us away like those from some of the more costly brands, but it does have a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. We also liked the flexibility of being able to wear the Asenlin as a backpack, hold it like a briefcase, or use the trolley sleeve to slide it onto a roller suitcase’s handle. However, a bigger adjustment range for the chest strap would have been ideal. During our durability tests, the backpack didn’t scuff or show signs of damage. We think this budget pick is well worth the low price for those looking to get a durable, comfortable, and spacious carry-on backpack. 

The Details: 40 liters | 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | 2.7 pounds | Polyester | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best for Photographers

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

You can access the main compartment on the bag from four different exterior zippers.

This is one of the most expensive backpacks on our list.

This 45-liter backpack has a main compartment that is spacious enough to fit clothes for at least four days, and its expansive design is helpful for packing bulky items like jackets and shoes. Placing the clothes and shoes into the bag during testing was efficient and simple thanks to a removable divider sleeve and compression straps to hold everything down securely. Designed with photographers in mind, this backpack functions similarly to a camera bag . It can fit camera cubes, and it has four points of entry to the main compartment, allowing travelers to quickly grab clothes or accessories without unzipping the backpack. There is a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets for water bottles or a camera tripod. 

Peak Design didn’t let any space go to waste on its backpack, so even the hip belt has a small pocket on it for storage and can be packed away when you’re not looking for extra support. It’s also easy to adjust all of the straps to prevent weight imbalances and pinching. Made of weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, the bag held up perfectly after we tossed it on the ground, showing no signs of scuffs or damage — exactly what you want in a durable backpack . Although the price of this bag is steep, it comes with plenty of helpful features for travelers, and the stellar performance leads us to believe that it would last a long time. 

  The Details: 45 liters | 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | 4.8 pounds | Nylon, polyester | Laptop sleeve | Expandable

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Compression

Tropicfeel shell backpack.

It features adjustable straps to change the bag's size and a removable compressing wardrobe organizer.

The handle on the top of the bag wasn’t as comfortable to hold onto as we hoped. 

We love this backpack’s thoughtful features geared toward all types of travelers. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack has the ability to store up to 42 liters worth of clothing for a weekend or week-long trip, but you can also use it as a 20-liter backpack for day trips, sightseeing, and everyday use.

After regularly using the bag for six months, we found it to be incredibly sturdy and durable. We had no issues fitting our full packing list and found that there was plenty more room thanks to the variety of adjustable buckled straps that allow you to adjust the size of the bag. You can loosen the front buckle to allow the roll-up opening flap to expand to fit more items, and there is a kangaroo pouch at the bottom of the backpack that provides an additional six liters of space for shoes or other items you want to keep separate. There’s also a padded compartment in the back of the backpack that can fit laptops up to 17 inches long and a removable compressing wardrobe organizer that can be hung in a closet when you reach your destination.

We thought the backpack was comfortable to wear after adjusting the shoulder and waist straps, but we found that it might take some effort to get the buckles into your desired setting. The Shell Backpack didn’t show any signs of damage throughout testing, and the material is weather-proof. For travelers looking to add upgrades to their backpacks, the brand has an organization system and accessory pouches that you can add on for additional fees. If you need an all-in-one backpack, we think this backpack’s versatility makes it well worth the higher cost. Bonus, if you want a sustainable backpack , this one is made from made 100 percent recycled nylon and 64 percent recycled polyester. 

The Details: 20 to 42 liters | 12 x 20 x 7.5 inches | 3.3 pounds | Recycled polyester

Best Organization

Topo designs global travel bag 30l.

There are tons of pockets and a laptop compartment to help you organize your belongings.

After six months of use, we noticed the bag can feel quite heavy if packed full.

Packing for a trip can often feel tedious, but the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L helps make it easy and efficient. We loved how convenient it is to store a laptop up to 15 inches in the padded compartment in the back of the bag, and there are two front pockets for easy access to a tablet or phone charger. There are a ton of compartments and pockets that offer plenty of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes, with places to stash cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and more.

The adjustable shoulder straps and straps that go across the chest and waist help evenly distribute the backpack's weight, making it more comfortable to carry around, although we noticed during our long-term testing that the bag can still feel heavy if you pack it completely full. The 100 percent recycled nylon material felt durable and would likely stay in good condition over time. 

The Details: 30 liters | 12.5 x 20 x 7 inches

Best Expandable

Nomatic travel pack.

The expandable zippers add an extra 3.5 inches of space which increases the capacity to 30 liters.

Some of the pockets feel unnecessary.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is the ultimate versatile carry-on backpack thanks to its expandable zippers that add an extra 10 liters of space. Ideal for an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, the bag has a variety of pockets and compartments to efficiently organize shoes, clothes, accessories, and technology. While the number of pockets on the interior was a bit overwhelming at first, travelers who like to be extra organized will appreciate the designated padded laptop sleeve, sunglasses case, discrete passport pocket, and plethora of slip and zippered pockets in the main compartment. The handles and padded shoulder straps are comfortable for carrying the bag, and the small-to-medium size of the backpack makes it super comfortable to carry since it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy. We used this bag on a variety of international trips throughout four months of testing, and it still looks new, despite rough handling and being shoved under airplane seats.

The Details: 20 liters (expands to 30 liters) | 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches | 4.16 pounds | 16-inch laptop pocket

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao

Matein Travel Backpack

It has several compartments for keeping clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories organized.

The materials feel a little lower in quality than other backpacks we tried.

If you’re not ready to invest in a pricier carry-on backpack, you can always dip your toes with this functional and spacious one for under $60. This 40-liter backpack has one large main compartment that can fit several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case without any issues. We particularly love the separate footwear compartment to prevent the bottom of your shoes from coming into contact with clean clothes and that storage can even fit pairs up to size 12. In addition, there is a laptop pocket and a large front pocket with spots to put items like phone chargers, headphones, and other small accessories that could get lost easily. Compared to the pricier bags we tried, this one feels a bit lower in quality, but none of the nylon fabric tore and scuffed during our durability tests, so we still think this bag has a good lifespan ahead of it. 

The Details: 40 liters | 20 x 13 x 8 inches | 2 pounds | Water-repellent nylon

Best Waterproof

Tortuga travel backpack.

This bag is crafted from 100 percent recycled and waterproof material to protect your belongings in bad weather.

The bag can feel a bit heavy to carry when it’s fully packed.

If you’re traveling somewhere with a rainy climate, you’ll want a carry-on backpack like this one from Tortuga that can ward off the elements. It’s made with the brand’s 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200 or “sailcloth” material to protect your belongings and prevent bad weather from putting a serious damper on your trip. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the Tortuga Travel Backpack essentially sat in a puddle for hours, yet none of our gear or clothing inside got wet at all, and the bag was easy to clean with just a wet cloth.

This is a seriously spacious bag at 40 liters, so we found that you can seamlessly fit a week’s worth of clothing (or more) between the two clamshell compartments. Because of the split style of the bag, packing it up is hassle-free since it’s easy to see exactly how much space is left on each side. And if you run out of space in the main compartments, there are top, front, and side exterior pockets to store a laptop, accessories, water bottles, and more items that you’ll want to have handy while traveling.

The Details: 40 liters | 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Waterproof sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best for Foot Travel

Osprey fairview 40.

It has straps that distribute the bag's weight and makes it feel lighter, which is great for walking long distances.

It’s a large bag, but it wasn’t so heavy that it was uncomfortable to wear.

For travelers journeying on foot, the Osprey Fairview wowed us with its spacious interior and comfortable fit. The straps for walking longer distances are really the best part — making your bag feel like you're carrying less since the weight is so well distributed. The bags have the same storage capacity and general style, but Osprey’s women’s backpacks are designed to fit a smaller torso with waist and chest harnesses that sit upward and outward for a more comfortable carry. In testing, the main compartment and mesh zippered pouch on the front flap proved to be spacious. There are two internal compression straps and one external strap that kept belongings secure through our rough handling, so we think the bag would provide sufficient protection if you do need to check it in for a flight. 

We appreciated the padded shoulder straps and back that made wearing the backpack comfortable, despite the weight of its contents. The Osprey Fairview bags have an internal suspension the brand calls “LightWire” that distributes the weight from the harness to the hip belt, and our shoulders didn’t hurt after carrying the backpack since most of the weight shifted to the lower body.

The Details: 40 liters | 22 x 14 x 9 inches

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Best Convertible

Calpak terra 26l laptop duffel backpack.

With a modular design, we loved being able to carry this spacious pack as a duffel or backpack.

We found it was most comfortable to carry as a backpack when packed full.

The two-in-one design of this carry-on backpack from Calpak makes it the perfect piece of luggage to add to your collection. If you need to carry the backpack long distances, the padded straps offer plenty of comfort to protect the shoulders from feeling the weight of the pack, and they can be tucked away when they're not needed. For rushing off an airplane or grabbing the pack quickly, the duffel bag strap makes it easy to sling the pack over the shoulder within seconds. In testing, senior commerce editor Lydia Price preferred using the backpack straps after noting that the generous padding in the back and on the straps made the bag noticeably more comfortable to carry. I also own this bag and prefer to use the backpack straps, but I love having the option to carry it multiple ways as my needs change on the go.

Although the bag is medium-sized with a 26-liter capacity, it still has plenty of room to fit enough clothing for four or five days' worth of traveling thanks to the numerous pockets—an organizational design feature you'll find in many Calpak luggage pieces . The clamshell-style opening also makes it easy to organize items between the two compartments. The ripstop polyester fabric didn't scuff or scratch during our durability tests and we especially love that the outer material is water-resistant, which is helpful for all types of adventuring from urban to outdoor settings.

The Details: 26 liters | 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | 2.9 pounds | Recycled ripstop polyester | 17-inch padded laptop pocket

Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on backpacks, there were some that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses revealed during testing. 

Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack : We loved how durable, comfortable, and water resistant this 35-liter backpack is. It also comes with a waterproof phone case that kept our phone dry when submerged underwater. However, the roll top is so long and cumbersome, it makes packing a bit of a hassle.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus : We loved the adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the bag when not in use, but we think there are better bags out there for a fraction of the price. 

AmazonBasics Carry-on Travel Backpack : It had plenty of compartments for staying organized and the material felt durable, but there weren’t any standout features that made it a must-have backpack. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L : This backpack fits all of the packing items, and it even fits under an airplane seat, but our budget pick performed slightly better and it costs less. 

On more than seven separate occasions, we tested carry-on backpacks in our New York City lab to make sure we were creating this list with the best options from trusted luggage brands. For our latest tests, we built a specially designed airplane set that includes a row of real airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we've put over 89 carry-on backpacks through a series of trials that compared capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. After completing our in-house testing, we sent the backpacks out with our Travel + Leisure editors to give us insight into how they fared during real-world travel. We have been updating this article with long-term testing insights as soon as they become available. 

To test for capacity, we began by packing the bags with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. We noted if any space was left over as well as how functional the compartments were for organizing the contents packed. We evaluated the overall design of the bags by paying attention to how they fold out, how well the zippers and buckles work, and the functionality of each pocket or compartment. 

Next, we put on the backpacks and walked around for 10 minutes to rate comfortability. The highest scoring backpacks were exceptionally enjoyable to wear with the weight evenly distributed on the shoulders or hips.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Then, we threw the backpacks a few feet or off a countertop to test for durability. The highest-rated bags had no scuffs or tears after rough handling, and the packed items inside remained unharmed as well. 

Our testers had no previous knowledge of the cost of each backpack until after testing was completed. This allowed us to give an unbiased rating of overall values, where the top bags were determined to be fairly priced based on a high-quality performance, especially for the pricier bags. After our lab tests, the backpacks were sent out for real-world testing for up to six months.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Consider under-the-seat versus carry-on bags.

Not all carry-on backpacks will fit under the seat of an airplane, but if that’s your intended use, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before heading to the airport. Similarly, with a carry-on backpack for the overhead bin, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions to avoid paying unwanted fees if the bag is stuffed full of clothes. 

Keep in mind what the bag will be used for

It may seem obvious, but to find the perfect travel backpack you need to first consider its primary function. For those traveling by foot, a smaller, lightweight backpack would be better for portability and comfort. For those traveling by air, a compression bag or backpack that has plentiful organization could be a better choice so you get the most out of the limited airline baggage space. When traveling by air, you might also want to consider an option with wheels for added convenience, like a rolling backpack, weekender, or duffel bag .

Frequently Asked Questions

During our test, we packed three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag into each bag and often had extra space for more clothes. Many backpacks come with a laptop compartment , but you’ll want to make sure that feature is included before purchasing yours.

Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, and it’s possible for a carry-on backpack to not fit within some limits. Most bags will have a product details section highlighting the dimensions of the backpack. If you’re looking to fit the bag solely under the seat , you should check to make sure the bag fits the dimensions while it’s packed.

It depends on the airline, where you're flying, and the kind of flight class you purchase. Some airlines only allow you to bring one item onto the plane with you, while others will let you bring a personal item, such as a backpack, and an additional carry-on item, like a suitcase or weekender bag . It's always best practice to double check your airline's luggage restrictions prior to traveling.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

After moving to New York City in the spring of 2022 to test travel gear for T+L, Anna Popp has spent countless hours personally testing more than 50 backpacks including bags on this list from Cotopaxi, Calpak, Peak Design, and Nomatic. She has been traveling with our top pick for more than four years — and even had to get everyone in her family the same bag so they would stop stealing hers.

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