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The Fanny Packs Our Editors Wear on Flights, Walks and Weekend Errands

Easy and chic.

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best fanny packs belt bags

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Belt bags are cool again, and it’s because they’re so convenient. These days you can find designs that switch into a crossbody or that feature water-resistant materials for easy travel. Whether you're headed to an amusement park, concert or hike, we found the perfect fanny packs and belt bags that'll help keep you hands-free while your essentials stay close.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and fanny pack enthusiasts who regularly put all types of bags to the test, including reliable backpacks and laptop bags. After having consumer testers try each bag, our Lab pros evaluate the fabric's strength, abrasion resistance, and washability. This roundup of the best fanny packs and belt bags includes top-tested styles, options from brands that have performed well in past Lab tests, and popular picks we found online.

Our top picks:

Lululemon fanny packs are collectively a favorite among GH Textiles Lab pros and testers, especially the original Everywhere Belt Bag. It has an adjustable strap that helps this pick fit a variety of body types and lets you wear it in different ways. Senior product Analyst Grace Wu told us that she bought her bag a few years ago, “but it still looks just as good.” This particular version is just a little wider and taller, and there are a couple of new colors to consider.

MaterialNylon, polyester, mesh
Strap length44.9 inches
Fifth Avenue
$23AmazonAlso Consider
Credit: Jansport

For under $20, this no-frills fanny pack is an excellent budget-friendly find. In our Lab tests, JanSport fabrics have proved to be abrasion-resistant. Thousands of online reviewers echo that sentiment, raving that this minimalist fanny pack is sleek while still able to hold the essentials. Online reviewers said the brand's "customer service is world-class," too.

MaterialPolyester
Strap length50 inches
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Famous for its best-selling diaper bag, Fawn Design's fanny pack impressed GH Textiles Lab pros. Made with premium faux leather and gold metal hardware, you can customize this pick with a different strap for a chic look. Our pros love that it has a roomy interior without looking massive for a versatile piece that can easily be worn out at night or on your daily walk.

MaterialPebbled faux leather
Strap length44 inches
Slim Running Belt Fanny Pack
Credit: Amazon

Director of Editorial Commerce Brie Schwartz is a personal fan of this Amazon pick. It comes in several fun colors, and while it can hold a smartphone and a couple other essentials, it’s slim and sits more flush against your body. We love that the buckled belt that can adjust from 24 inches to 42 inches long. There’s a hole for your headphones too.

MaterialNylon, spandex
Strap length42 inches
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For a more elevated look (that comes pretty close to a purse), we love this option from Clare V. The rattan pattern is perfect for spring and summer, and the leather, metal zippers, and hardware on the straps make it feel more luxe than your everyday bag. You can choose from five different colors.

MaterialLeather
Strap length39 inches
All About Belt Bag
Now 34% Off
Credit: Athleta

With a bit more structure than others on this list, the Athleta belt bag adopts a rectangular silhouette that seamlessly stashes wallets and phones. It's also easier to peek inside and spot belongings without any falling out. "The Athleta belt bag followed my mom on her European travels, toting her passport, phone, sunglasses and on,” one of our staffers said. “By the end of it, it only needed some spot cleaning."

MaterialPolyester
Strap length50 inches
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Ace Fanny Pack
Credit: Dagne Dover

Made with Dagne Dover's signature neoprene fabric, this fanny pack is ideal for travel as it has a spacious interior and excellent organizational pockets for easy access. One of our staffers loves this pack, saying it's "such a compliment-getter" and that it's “not only super chic, but it’s durable: I’ve had it for over two years, and it still looks brand new!” If the bag's dirty after a long vacation, you can hand wash this pick to keep it fresh trip after trip.

MaterialNeoprene
Strap length36 inches

Editors and analysts alike are proud wearers of Free People's sling-style bags. This fun bag emulates the shape of a fanny pack but wears like a crossbody. It's available in 14 vivid shades, including hot pink, lime green and fiery red. Online reviewers rave that it even replaced their favorite belt bags. One wrote: "Got this bag right before a trip to Spain, and it was perfect! I wanted a stylish crossbody that could hold a lot of stuff, and it definitely did the job!"

MaterialLeather
Strap length36 inches
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Perfect for summer exploring, this water-resistant fanny pack from Fjallraven comes in six shades and has multiple pockets, keeping everything you need secure and accessible. GH fiber scientists appreciate that the material is not only easy to clean, but stays in great shape even after extensive use. Testers have worn this pack to outdoor music festivals, on long hikes and on international vacations, loving that it can be dressed up or down.

MaterialVinyl
Strap length42.5 inches
10
Best for Running

SPIbelt Running Belt

Running Belt

With a GH Fitness Award under its belt, this pouch is the perfect companion for runners who can't be weighed down by pockets or armbands. Our testers were impressed by the sheer amount that fit inside the deceptively small running belt. One marathon runner said, “I really love how convenient and secure this belt is. It surprisingly fits a lot in its stretchy compartment. It is extremely lightweight, which is perfect for my runs!”

MaterialNylon, spandex
Strap length47 inches
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11
Most Spacious

BAGGU Fanny Pack

Fanny Pack
11
Most Spacious

BAGGU Fanny Pack

Credit: Baggu

The Baggu marries fashion and practicality. Its outer nylon fabric safely stashed belongings for our staffers. One GH editor was equally impressed by its roomy compartments. She even fit a book and snacks, with room to spare. “I appreciate the zippered interior pocket for storing more precious items you don't want to lose (i.e. your ID card),” our staffer says. “It is a little bulky compared to other fanny pack styles, but you'll still be able to squish it down to pack away in your suitcase.”

MaterialNylon
Strap length48 inches

Fanny packs continue to impress style experts, but they also serve a functional purpose for outdoor adventures. Staying properly hydrated is a must when hitting the trails, and this pick from Waterfly has two compartments to hold water bottles. The large interior can hold an impressive amount of items, according to Amazon reviewers. GH pros cannot wait to put this style to the test!

MaterialNylon
Strap length14.2 inches
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Some concert venues and festivals only allow clear bags, so this clear fanny pack from Wododo on Amazon is ideal as it'll hold necessities for the event while keeping you hands-free. The water-resistant PU material will also keep your items protected from splashes at the beach or pool. One tester loved that this fanny pack was a "music festival game-changer," as it made check-in through security super easy.

MaterialPolyurethane
Strap length52 inches
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