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.

No two fanny packs were created equally: each are carefully designed for a specific use in mind, whether that be durability or general use. The following are our favorites for each specific adventure—from mountain biking to day hiking—so you can choose the best fit for you. All aboard the bum bag bandwagon!

Best Fanny Pack for General Outdoors: Klättermusen Eldner 2L Waist Pack

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.

Price: $90
Capacity: 2L SHOP NOW

Best Fanny Pack for Day Hiking:
Osprey Daylight 2L Waistpack

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. This pack is currently of stock due to popular demand, but add it to your wish list and it'll be back in no time.

Price: $30
Capacity: 2L SHOP NOW

Best Fanny Pack for Distance Hiking:
Montbell Trail 4L Lumbar Pack

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.

Price: $52
Capacity: 4L SHOP NOW

Best Fanny Pack for Everyday Carry:
Stüssy Lightweight Waist Bag

Originating in Cali, Stüssy has been a big name in the skateboard and hip-hop industries for decades-and it has no shortage of quality pieces suited for the outdoors. This waist bag is a great standard pack for all your everyday essentials.

Price: $65 Sold Out
Capacity: Unavailable SHOP NOW

Most Durable Fanny Pack:
Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey 8L Pack

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.

Price: $50
Capacity: 8L SHOP NOW

Best Fanny Pack for Fly Fishing:
Yeti Sidekick Dry

This 100% dry bag is perfect for all your fly fishing needs. With similar materials used in construction of whitewater rafts, a hydroshield magnetic closure, AND welded seams, there ain't no water getting into this puppy.

Price: $50
Capacity: 4.5L SHOP NOW

Best Fanny Pack for Bike Commuters:
Gregory Nano Waistpack

Very similar to the Osprey waist pack listed above, this low-profile, easily adjustable, and pocket-plenty Nano Waistpack is a great choice for all you commuters out there. With reflective webbing loops for increased visibilty plus a comfortable quilted back panel, this ranks as our top pick for the traveling suburbanite.

Price: $40
Capacity: 3.5L SHOP NOW

Best Fanny Pack for Mountain Biking:
Nittany Mountain Works Deluxe Hip Sack

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

Price: $56
Capacity: 4L SHOP NOW

Best Fanny Pack for Designers and Artists:
Topo Designs Quick Pack

One of the larger packs on the list, the Topo Designs Quick Pack has lots of nooks and crannies—excellent for carrying a little watercolor set or a journal to your favorite local overview—in addition to your essentials of course.

Price: $69
Capacity: 7.3L SHOP NOW

Best Fanny Pack for Photographers:
Sandqvist x Polaroid Bum Bag

This bag is the most expensive on this list, but for good reason: it's got a cushioned compartment for a Polaroid camera, plus a hidden film pocket to ensure your film is developing safely. Another perk; it's also water resistant and is made with 100% recycled polyester.


Price: $110
Capacity: 4.5L SHOP NOW

Most Packable Fanny Pack:
Matador Hip Pack

Matador started with the invention of a simple item: a packable pocket blanket, a waterproof surface to sit on that fits in your pocket. Ever since, the Colorado brand has been delivering consistent high-quality, ultralight gear. This hip bag packs down to the size of a small lemon, so you can have it ready whenever you need it.


Price: $35
Capacity: 2.5L SHOP NOW

Most Reliable Fanny Pack:
Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack

All hail Patagonia; the creator of the legendary Black Hole Collection. This bag boasts extreme durability, ample pocket storage, and large capacity, and we've chosen this as our Ol' Reliable.

Price: $59
Capacity: 5L SHOP NOW

Most Customizable Fanny Pack:
Buck Products Rumpshaker

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.

Price: $60
Capacity: 2.7L SHOP NOW

Best Ultralight Fanny Pack:
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa

Weighing in at approximately 0.18 lbs, this pack is constructed of waterproof Dyneema Composite designed to fit whatever you want to put in it, from maps to canned beverages, to camera equipment.

Price: $70
Capacity: 2.25L SHOP NOW

Most Unique Fanny Pack:
Cotopaxi Bataan Hip Pack

As part of their Re(Purpose) Collection, this line of fanny packs is made from fabric left over from other companies’ larger production runs, making for a unique item, where no two packs are alike.

Price: $30
Capacity: 3L SHOP NOW