Fanny Packs Are Back. These Are Our Favorites

If you told us there was a day fanny packs would make a ferocious and fashionable comeback, we’d have bet our lives against it. Many 90s trends have come back in style, but the compact, snap-enforced bag was harshly judged, and relegated to the backseat of the fashion world for far too long. Today, they’re back and better than ever with plentiful features and designer touches. The modern-day fanny pack takes on many names: sling bags, hip bags, belt bags, but let’s be real, they’re all fanny packs with a fresh face and radical redesign and we’re celebrating their comeback with a newfound appreciation. 

On the hunt for a hands-free life hack that brings sanity, security, organization, and style to the table no matter how you wear it, whether that’s across the chest, over the shoulder, or clipped across your waist? Look no further than these versatile, easy-to-transport bags that honor the enduring fanny pack legacy and elevate your everyday adventures with ease and flair.  

_{Prices are accurate as of October 24, 2024. Subject to change.}

Rothy’s The Belt Bag

Style meets sustainability in this easy-to-wear Rothy’s belt bag. Made from recycled ocean plastic that’s transformed into a soft, pliable knit, the eco-friendly bag can be worn in a variety of ways, including across the body, around the waist, or even as a clutch. This is my favorite among an embarrassingly extensive fanny pack collection. Don’t let its petite size fool you either; though the machine-washable, magnetic-enforced bag looks compact, there’s plenty of room for all those daily essentials like your wallet, cell, keys, and lipstick. Rothy’s also takes back its items once they’re thoroughly worn (which will take a while) to be recycled again and you get a $20 credit.

Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack

Rarely do we find a fanny pack we’d prefer to carry over a designer handbag, but Baboon to the Moon manages to curry our favor. The undeniably whimsical, wondrous bag is made with a water-repellent fabric that’s ideal for outdoor adventures, from concerts to long hikes, where you want to stow and protect your trusty treasures. The bag’s equal measure of organization and prismatic, punchy colors make it a gender-neutral accessory that’s designed to please — that means it also makes a great gift; who would hate a bag like this? 

Carhartt Hip Pack

Rugged meets reliability with this classic Carhartt fanny pack. The outdoorsy brand has an enduring fashion legacy beyond its signature jackets and warm-weather essentials, which is why we can’t pass up this pack. Made with weather-resistant polyester, this built-to-last accessory withstands the unpredictable, unrelenting elements carrying your everyday needs. Featuring plenty of compartments in the main body and front zippered pocket, you can keep your belongings organized and at the ready living life in classic Carhartt style. 

Everlane The Renew Transit Fanny Pack

When it comes to wearable accessories, sometimes less is more. That’s why a straightforward, monochromatic fanny pack is a go-to option for anyone looking for a frills-free way to keep their life organized and chaos-free. Everlane’s Renew Transit Fanny Pack is designed with two external zip pockets and a main compartment featuring an internal divider, making it easy to locate what you need in a flash so you don’t hold up the morning coffee line. The practical bag is also eco-friendly — made from 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles — so you can look good and feel good about reducing your environmental footprint. 

Quince Italian Suede Sling Bag

Quince is renowned for making coveted and affordable luxury accessories, which means you get more bang for your buck without sacrificing fashion along the way. The brand’s chic and compact Italian suede sling bag is undoubtedly one of their finest accessories, made with sumptuous 100% Italian calf suede that is less than half the cost of other brands. I shamelessly own this bag in three colors! The roomy interior is lined with an easy-to-clean cotton and the gold-hued hardware only adds to the bag’s elevated finish. Buy one for yourself and a friend this holiday season. 

Vera Bradley Recycled Mini Sling Backpack

If you’re concerned a fanny pack can’t handle your bulky belongings, all uncertainties will be alleviated with this Vera Bradley option. The easy-to-organize bag features ample space and abundant pockets, including two front zip pockets, pen slips, a phone slip, and a hidden zip pocket on the back; in other words, you can pack extra if you feel inclined. Made with a lightweight, water-repellent fabric that’s soft to the touch and easy to clean, you can wear the sling with confidence across the chest or the waist whether you’re heading to the office or exploring new experiences.

Sol and Selene Neoprene Sling Bag

Neoprene has cornered much of the market for fanny pack material, but this Sol and Selene bag puts a twist on the coveted, weather-resistant fabric using an eye-catching woven design. The hands-free bag features generous zip compartments and pockets a plenty to fit all your belongings with room to spare. Whether you want to use this travel-friendly companion for an upcoming flight or give your shoulder a rest from carrying a weighty handbag, you’ll find functionality and fashion whenever you wear this pretty piece.

Dagne Dover Jax Large Fanny Pack

Sol and Selene’s woven technique almost hides the neoprene, but Dagne Dover celebrates the classic fabric with the recently debuted Jax Large Fanny Pack. The wearable bag is a modern, gender-neutral belt bag that pairs with anything from athleisure wear to evening attire. Like the brand’s other neoprene bags, it’s lightweight, water-resistant, and ridiculously easy to clean. I spilled coffee on mine and couldn’t even locate a stain afterward. You won’t find a ton of bells and whistles in the overall presentation of the practical, everyday bag, and that’s perhaps why we like it so much. The minimalist design matched with high-quality materials and extra cargo room makes it a signature wardrobe staple you’ll struggle to surrender. It’s a piece that matches your evolving personal style — whatever that may be. 

Cass Leather Sling Bag

Elevate your style with this sleek and refined sling bag, perfect for those seeking a touch of sophistication with a dollop of eclectic. Made with buttery soft leather, antique brass hardware, and a two-tone cotton strap, the designer details are where this luxe, bohemian-style bag shines the most. You can fit your daily needs all within reach in the roomy pockets, making it the ideal accessory for your next adventure, whether that’s a night out on the town or a getaway to unexplored territories.

Igloo Retro Fanny Pack

The bags on this list are mostly modern and elevated, but what’s better than retro? Short of thrifting an actual old pack in great condition, Igloo’s fanny pack is the best option — and it’s only about $20. The two-compartment polyester bag is just what you need for those endless weekend errands, amusement park adventures, and much-needed vacation getaways, whether you want to transport basic necessities like keys and cash or tote frosty, fizzy beverages to keep the party going. No judgment here. Igloo’s retro fanny pack looks like a blast from the past with equal parts levity and functionality we simply can’t resist. 

Featured Image Credit: Lia Kos/ iStock