Once widely ridiculed (and, depending where you are, still sorta ridiculed), the waist pack, aka bum bag aka fanny pack aka lumbar bag aka belt bag, is an under-appreciated piece of essential outdoor gear. With a small footprint yet voluminous design capable of being worn a number of ways, it's an ideal travel bag for day hikes, mountain and city biking, fly fishing, and pretty much any other activity where an extra layer and snack may come in handy. Sure, the stigma still lends itself to 'dad on vacation,' but with undeniable functionality and many forward-thinking brands making smart and stylish iterations, from retro to modern, fanny packs are having a bit of a moment in the spotlight. And there's plenty to choose from these days.
No two fanny packs were created equally; each is carefully designed for specific use in mind, whether that be durability or general use. When choosing a fanny pack, just like any other piece of outdoor gear, it's best to keep in mind your intended activity—mountain biking, day hiking, fly fishing—and what features suit that activity best—waterproof, pockets, roll tops, you name it.
Looking for a trusty belt bag to hold just the essential phone, wallet/credit cards, and keys? Or for a replacement backpack like a mini black hole duffel—equipped with everything under the sun and enough room to haul a Nalgene? The following are our top unisex picks, individually vetted (no “best amazon rated” bullsh*t here) with specific adventure aligned suggestions, so you can choose the best fit for you. All aboard the bum bag bandwagon!
