12 Best-Designed Hip Bags for EDC & Outdoor Adventures

Once widely ridiculed (okay, still sorta ridiculed), the waist pack aka bum bag aka fanny pack aka lumbar bag is a under appreciated piece of essential outdoor gear. With a small footprint yet voluminous design capable of carrying a serious load, it's ideal for day hikes, mountain and city biking, fly fishing, and pretty much any other activity where a spare layer and snack may come in handy. Sure, the stigma still screams dad on vacation, but with many forward thinking brands making stylish iterations, there's plenty to chose from these days.

The following are 10 of our recent favorites. All aboard the bum bag bandwagon!

Klättermusen Eldner 2L Waist Pack, $90

Easily the most technical on the list, the maximalist Eldner from Swedish outdoor outfitter Klättermusen is an instant favorite. With mesh pocks, a bungie tie-down, and a quick-release buckle, it’s Scandinavian in all the right ways.

Timbuk2 La Banane 2.5L Fanny Pack, $33

A simple, streamlined hip pack for everyday carry. Simple and straight to the point—exactly what you want in a hip pack.

Montbell Trail 4L Lumbar Pack, $32

Our low-key favorite outdoor brand, Japan’s Montbell never disappoints with highly practical, kinda-nerdy, and always considered designs. The Trail Lumbar Pack hits the nail on the head, and features adjustable lash on points for extra storage of a rain layer, trail towel, etc.

Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey 8L Pack, $49

With an 8 liter capacity, the Montana-made Hip Monkey from noted gear brand Mystery Ranch is made of durable 500D Cordura to take a beating without failing, over and over and over again.

Snow Peak Active Mesh 2Way 8L Pack, $78

Though not entirely a bum bag, the 2Way Bag made the list because of its clever design—it unzips into a full 17 Liter backpack. Pretty cool and perfect for international travel when you might bring home more than you originally left with.

Osprey Daylight 2L Waistpack, $30

The pack that inspired this very list, we’ve taken the Daylight on hikes and dirt bike adventures in Oregon and cruises to the climbing gym in NYC. Out in late summer, it’s available now for preorder from REI.

Moment Fanny Sling, $70

A surprise product drop from the Seattle-based maker of professional quality camera lenses for your phone, this ripstop sling pack features an expandable design, a water-resistant PU coating, and weatherproof zippers, making it ideal for photographers of all styles.

Topo Designs x Madewell Belt Bag, $49

A limited-edition iteration of a Topo classic, the Madewell Belt Bag is made of canvas with mutliple lash-on points and an interior zippered compartment for stowing smaller essentials. Dig the clean styling.

Nittany Mountain Works Deluxe Hip Sack, $56

A highly customizable design made to order in Pennsylvania with smart detailing like a daisy chain for attaching bike lights or additional storage.

Buck Products Rumpshaker, $70

One of our longtime favorite indie bag brands, the Rumpshaker is made by hand in southwest Montana and designed to be worn however the hell you want to wear it.

Sealand Gear Moon Pack, €45

Handmade of upcycled sail cloth in South Africa, this durable design is great for wearing cross-body style and styled for both around town use and hitting the trail.

Patagonia Lightweight Mini 1L Hip Pack, $29

A lightweight, hyper packable bag made of water-resistant ripstop nylon perfect for daytime exploring on far flung adventures.