15 Best Hiking Fanny Packs to Stay Hands-Free on the Trail

Short on time? Our pick for the best hiking fanny pack is the Osprey Savu 5 Lumbar Pack.

Keep your belongings close and your hands-free with one of these best hiking fanny packs.

Fanny packs, also called hip packs, waist packs, or–in England–bum bags had their heyday in the 90s. 

I can recall my parents sporting turquoise nylon fanny packs on hikes and camping trips throughout my childhood. 

Since then, they fell sharply out of vogue, but today they’re very much experiencing a comeback. And it makes sense why they were popular and why they’re becoming popular again.

A fanny pack keeps snacks and essentials super accessible without putting any weight or strain on your shoulders or back. 

That’s especially handy for outdoor activities such as hiking, where you want to keep your load light and your supplies easy to access.

In this article, I’ve found the top fanny packs for various hiking needs and outdoor situations. 

So, if you’re ready to upgrade your hiking gear and are in the market for a quality hiking fanny pack, read on for my comprehensive list!

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

#1 Amphipod Airflow Endurance Waistpack

Most Comfortable Hiking Fanny Pack

Volume: 0.49 liter
Weight: 0.22 pounds
Star rating: 4.6/5
Best for: People who like to pack light and don’t want anything weighing them down.

What is the definition of comfort? In my opinion, it’s feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all. That’s what you’ll get with the Amphipod Airflow Endurance Waistpack.

The Amphipod Airflow is primarily a running fanny pack, but the same qualities that make it ideal for trail running also make it great for hiking. Most notably, it’s extremely small and lightweight. 

This ultralight fanny pack is only for carrying essentials such as keys, a phone, some small snacks, and a billfold. It has two side pockets and a main zippered compartment.

Because of that, you’ll barely feel it around your waist as you hike. The waist belt won’t weigh you down, and it also has a fully adjustable strap to ensure you’ll be able to find the perfect fit.

But furthermore, the Amphipod uses neoprene and nylon AirFlow™ hybrid mesh technology to wick away sweat and keep the air circulating for extra comfort.

#2 Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack

Best Large Fanny Pack

Volume: 9 liters
Weight: 1.56 pounds
Star rating: 4.3/5
Best for: Hikers who like to come prepared.

Just because you’re opting for a fanny pack doesn’t mean you have to pare down your hiking supplies to next-to-nothing. 

After all, there are a lot of essentials you need to take with you (water is a big one!), and there are some extras you might like to have, such as camera gear.

The Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack has a nine-liter capacity, which is considerably bigger than your average fanny pack. 

Lumbar packs are fanny packs that you wear on your lower back rather than in front, which is a better part of your body to accommodate the extra bulk of a larger pack. Wearing this pack brings new meaning to the phrase “junk in the trunk.”

The Mountainsmith has multiple pockets to stash various supplies. The main compartment even includes a padded sleeve that can fit a tablet, and there are two places on the sides to stow water bottles. 

The back panel has padding for comfort, and a zippered pocket provides a safe place for valuables like cash or a thin wallet.

It uses sturdy Oxford and ripstop nylon and fits hip circumferences from 28″-48″.

#3 Outdoor Products H2O Mojave Waist Pack

Best Fanny Pack With a Water Bottle Holder

Volume: 2.9 liters
Weight: 0.55 pounds
Star rating: 4.5/5
Best for: Staying hydrated out on the trail.

It’s crucial to stay hydrated on hikes. Being dehydrated will make you feel sluggish and cranky, and on long excursions in hot weather, water will save your life. 

But the typical fanny pack is somewhat tiny and might not fit a bottle. That’s why a hiking waist pack with water bottle holders is a wise idea for safety and staying happy and alert.

The Outdoor Products h20 Mojave Waist Pack doesn’t just come with bottle holders; it actually includes two water bottles. Each bottle fits 600 ml, and the pouches are insulated to keep your water cool and refreshing. 

Some people did have problems with the bottle lids’ functionality and experienced leaking. 

But if you find this to be the case, the two side pockets will hold replacement bottles of your choice and keep them cold with their insulation.

The pack itself has a storage capacity of 2.9 liters and features a main compartment, plus a smaller, front zippered pocket. 

On top of everything, this bag is a very reasonable price, making it a clear choice as one of the best fanny packs with water bottle holders.

#4 Mountainsmith Drift Waistpack

Best Backpacking Fanny Pack

Volume: 5 liters
Weight: 0.8 pounds
Star rating: 4.4/5
Best for: Packing a lot of essentials while traveling light.

The Mountainsmith Drift Waistpack is a pastel turquoise color with yellow accents, very reminiscent of the 90s fanny packs of my childhood. But this classic fanny pack has more than what meets the eye. 

The Drift Waistpack offers a generous five liters of storage space but weighs less than a pound. 

This makes it great for backpackers who need to come prepared for a long and arduous journey and thus need a lighter pack. 

This pack also includes zippered pockets with an organizer sleeve and a gigantic water bottle pocket that can fit 24 ounces. 

And it has some handy special features, including a headphone port to listen to tunes while you hike and a strap to convert it into a shoulder bag if you’d like.

#5 Herschel Fourteen Waist Pack

Best Stylish Fanny Pack for Hiking

Volume: 1 liter
Weight: 0.3 pounds
Star rating: 4.7/5
Best for: Fashion-conscious hikers

I’m a visual person, so for me, style is often just as important as functionality whenever I shop for apparel or gear. So if you’re like me, you might be looking for cute fanny packs for hiking. 

The Herschel Fourteen Waist Pack is a simple and fashionable fanny pack that will suit your needs if you’re looking for a small pack to carry essentials and you want to look cute doing it. 

Herschel products are fashionable but have a slightly outdoorsy aesthetic reminiscent of Carhartt with a softer edge. So, a Herschel fanny pack won’t look out of place on the trail.

The Fourteen Waist Pack comes in seventeen colors, including Ash Rose and Denim. It’s not particularly big, with just one liter of space, but it provides enough for the essentials such as your phone and a few snacks. 

With a long adjustable strap, you have the option to wear it around your waist or as a crossbody bag. It has a durable outer fabric, a pebbled leather zipper pull, and Herschel’s signature striped fabric liner.

#6 JanSport Fifth Avenue

Best Budget Fanny Pack

Volume: 2.5 liters
Weight: 0.25 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Young hikers with limited funds.

Having spent my 20s as a “starving artist” living in Brooklyn, I’m always on the lookout for a bargain.

Typically, budget options come from brands you’ve never heard of and have suspicious manufacturing origins. 

While these products can still be great, it’s nice when a low-budget option comes from a recognizable and trusted brand.

The JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack comes from the classic backpack brand. 

Growing up, nearly everyone I knew carried a Jansport as their school bag. If you were a Jansport kid, you’ll be happy to know you can now be a Jansport adult without breaking the bank.

This fanny pack has two zippered pockets, it can fit 2.5 liters, and it’s super lightweight. And, similar to the Herschel, you can wear it as either a crossbody sling or a classic fanny pack. 

Plus, it offers a couple of fun colors to choose from, including Army Green and Bright Beet (a hot pink).

And since you’re choosing a trusted brand, you’ll get the advantage of JanSport’s lifetime warranty, making your (minimal) investment even more economical. 

The Fifth Avenue pack is easily the best overall budget fanny pack!

#7 SealLine Seal Pak Hip Pack

Best Waterproof Hiking Fanny Pack

Volume: 4 liters
Weight: 0.44 pounds
Star rating: 4.5/5
Best for: Adventurous hikes that cross rivers and streams.

There are a lot of good reasons to opt for a water-resistant bag. And for adventurous hikers and explorers, a waterproof fanny pack is an excellent idea. 

You might find yourself crossing a stream, have a day of hiking and exploring that includes some kayaking, or find yourself caught in the rain.

Whatever your reason is for using a water repellent pack, the SealLine Seal Pak Hip Pack is one of the best hiking waist packs for damp conditions. 

This roomy pack can fit up to four liters of cargo and weighs less than half a pound. It uses water-resistant, PVC-free fabric and RF-welded seams, and the fold-down closure provides a watertight seal. 

With this water-resistant waist belt, you’ll be ready for anything your outdoor excursion throws at you.

#8 Osprey Savu 5 Lumbar Pack

Best Hiking Lumbar Pack

Volume: ​​5 liters
Weight: 0.81 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Experienced hikers looking to streamline their experience.

The issue with hiking fanny packs is that they become cumbersome when they’re too bulky–sticking out too far from your body and making you feel like a donkey with a saddlebag. 

And when they’re too small, they hardly fit more than a few sparse essentials.

The Osprey Savu 5 Lumbar Pack hits the right balance between these two extremes–this Osprey waist pack has a five-liter capacity without all the bulk. 

Plus, Osprey is a leading brand for hiking and outdoor packs, so you can count on them to produce some of the best fanny packs. 

This bag is a lumbar pack. Lumbar packs are a type of fanny pack that sits on your lower back instead of your lower belly–a perfect set-up for mountain bikers, too.  

What’s unique about this pack is that it has a design that distributes its bulk to lie flatter against your body. 

Side hip pockets and a water bottle holder flank the main compartment, and compression straps help to hug and flatten the pack.

The Savu Pack also offers a ton of organization and uses water-resistant, durable materials.

Not only that, but the outer polyester uses recycled materials for added environmental friendliness, and a padded back panel contours to your back for the utmost comfort.

#9 Osprey Ultralight Stuff Waist Pack

Best Lightweight Hiking Fanny Pack

Volume: 2 liters
Weight: 0.12 pounds
Star rating: 4.5/5
Best for: Trail runners and people who like to hike light.

If you’re a trail runner or don’t want to weigh yourself down while trekking or mountain biking, then ultralight packs for hiking are the way to go.

At just 3 ounces with 2 liters of space, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Waist Pack is the lightest pack offering the most capacity. 

It uses ripstop nylon fabric made from recycled materials and it has a main compartment and a front zippered pocket to help keep your belongings organized. 

And, when you’re not using it, it folds up super small into its own pocket for easy storage.

The Osprey Ultralight Fanny Pack is a reasonably-priced budget fanny pack. It’s lightweight but offers enough space to keep all of your essentials handy. 

Its design is simple enough for everyday carry, and it also comes in some fun retro colors such as Lime and Turquoise for a bit of a 90s throwback.

#10 Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack

Best Fanny Pack for Thru-Hiking

Volume: 3 liters
Weight: 0.25 pounds
Star rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Creative color-loving thru-hikers.

A thru-hike is a long-distance backpacking trip that follows an established trail like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Coast Trail. For a trip like this, you’ll need more gear than just a fanny pack, of course!

The best thru-hike fanny pack is a solid daypack with enough space for a decent amount of snacks, good organization, and lightweight construction.

The Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack hits all those marks. It has two internal mesh pockets, three liters of space, and weighs just four ounces. Plus, it’s reasonably priced.

What’s unique about the Cotopaxi Bataan waist belt is that it uses repurposed nylon scraps–a sustainable manufacturing practice. Because of that, each one is an entirely unique patchwork of bright colors. 

Although this also means you have no choice in what color combination you receive, it’s nice to have a product that’s individually designed and unique in a world of mass production. 

Looking for more backpacking gear? Read our guide to the best backpacking rain ponchos.

#11 VISCNE Outdoor Fanny Pack

Best Hiking Waist Pack With Shoulder Straps

Volume: 5.4 liters
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Star rating: 4.6/5
Best for: Frequent outdoor adventurers who like a variety.

As convenient as hiking fanny packs are, you may prefer to have other options for how to wear your hiking waist packs, especially if you hike and camp frequently. 

Plus, switching up what part of your body supports the most weight can prevent injury.

The VISCNE Outdoor Fanny Pack has three different ways to carry it and comes with two removable shoulder straps. You can wear it as a waist pack, as a crossbody bag, or as a backpack. 

This pack comes with a ton of pockets and two mesh bottle holders. It also has a padded, breathable mesh backing for comfortable wear and multiple hip belt pockets on the sides. 

As a bonus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 12-month warranty, and five bright colors to choose from. 

And with a very affordable price, this is one of the most versatile and best budget fanny packs available.

#12 Dakine Classic Hip Pack

Most Durable Hiking Fanny Pack

Volume: 2.2 liters
Weight: 0.33 pounds
Star rating: 4.6/5
Best for: Hiking over rough terrain frequently.

It can be challenging to predict how durable a product will be, but a good place to start is with a trusted and well-known brand. Dakine is a leading company for outdoor apparel and gear. 

The Dakine Classic Hip Pack uses recycled, 600-denier polyester with a water-repellent finish, so it’s sure to last you a long time.

It’s a modestly sized, lightweight, waterproof fanny pack that won’t break the bank. It has a zippered main compartment and a smaller, zippered front pocket to help you stay organized.

Dakine Classic Hip Packs come in 29 different colors and prints. From a floral Orchid print to a bright Dusty Mint, there will surely be something to fit your fashion sense and budget. 

#13 Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole® Mini Hip Pack 

Best Mini Hiking Fanny Pack

Volume: 1 liter
Weight: 0.22 pounds
Star rating: 4.7/5
Best for: Keeping your essential items close at hand.

The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is a solid choice for a super tiny hip belt that will carry just your most valuable essentials. 

This mini waist pack is relatively tiny, with just one liter of capacity. However, it includes two separate pockets, one of which doubles as a stuff sack to fold it up even smaller when you’re not using it.

It’s always good to feel confident about your purchase’s social and environmental impact. The Patagonia mini waist pack uses 100% recycled ripstop nylon, and their manufacturing process is certified fair trade.

This hip belt is also super versatile. The waist strap is adjustable and doubles as a shoulder strap so that you can wear it in the front, the back, or as a crossbody bag. 

And with eight bright color combinations to choose from, there’s no shortage of options for personalization and personal flair. 

#14 Evoc Hip Pack Pro Hydration Waist Pack

Best Fanny Pack with Hydration Bladder

Volume: 3 liters (plus 1.5-liter bladder)
Weight: 1.23 pounds
Star rating: 4.7/5
Best for: Long hikes in warm weather.

Staying hydrated is so important when you’re hiking. Some fanny packs include a pocket for a bottle of water, but bottles can add a lot of bulk. 

The Evoc Hip Pack Pro Hydration Waist Pack consists of a 1.5-liter hydration bladder inside the bag, with room to spare for your belongings.

On top of that, there are two bottle holders on either side of the main compartment, so you can add up to two bottles in addition to the hydration bladder, making this the ultimate hydration pack. 

The padded 3d air mesh backing provides ample ventilation to keep you from getting hot and sweaty where the waist pack presses against your body. 

There’s also a zippered waist belt pocket on either side for stashing some extra snacks. 

You won’t need to carry anything else with the Evoc Pro Hydration pack, making this one of the best hiking waist packs for hot weather or strenuous activities such as mountain biking. 

Plus, Evoc offers a 24-month warranty, so you can purchase with confidence.

#15 REI Co-op Trail 5 Waistpack

Best Hiking Fanny Pack for Travel

Volume: 5.25 liters
Weight: 0.56 pounds
Star rating: 4.4/5
Best for: People who love to adventure both near and far.

Whether on a weekend walk on a local trail or an international adventure, the REI Co-Op Trail 5 Waist Pack will have your back (and your front). 

This pack holds quite a lot but only weighs about half a pound. Its outer shell is durable recycled nylon and polyester with a water-resistant coating. 

Finding your belongings won’t be a problem with this pack’s large-capacity main compartment and multiple organization pockets. 

This waist pack also has two water bottle pockets to ensure you’ll stay hydrated wherever you’re wandering.

This REI fanny pack with a water holder is one of the best hiking waist packs for travel because it has a secret passport pocket that sits up against your body. 

And breathable mesh backing will help you stay cool and comfortable throughout all of your adventures.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fanny Pack

What to Look for in a Fanny Pack for Hiking

Weight

As with any piece of baggage, the item’s weight is crucial. 

If a fanny pack weighs two pounds, it will weigh a lot more when you’ve filled it with your stuff, and you’ve already wasted the first two pounds on the pack alone. 

Your waist is less prone to strain and muscle aches than your shoulders or neck, but there’s also a lot less real estate in that area of your body. So a big, heavy pack will feel noticeable. 

Volume

The bag’s volume in liters tells you how big a bag is. Fanny packs are usually relatively small, but they can range between one and 10 liters, and the difference between those volumes will be very noticeable. 

For classic fanny packs, I’d generally aim for between two and four liters–not too big and not too small. 

You could go a bit higher for lumbar packs, especially if you’re more used to carrying larger waist packs. 

It’s also crucial to look at the pack’s volume compared to its weight–a higher volume with a lower weight is ideal. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a higher volume pack, the weight will naturally be a bit higher.

Fit

Some waist packs stick out more than others. Some include hip belt pockets on the sides to add more volume without getting too bulky. 

Consider how a fanny pack will fit on your body type, and be sure to read customer reviews. An ill-fitting fanny pack will cause you headaches. 

If your hip circumference falls outside the normal range, check how many inches the waist belt can adjust to. Different brands cover different size ranges.

Versatility 

Versatility can mean different things, but the more settings in which you can use a pack, the better the purchase. 

Some waist packs are very utilitarian-looking, and some are stylish and might work for everyday carry in addition to hiking. If you only hike occasionally, you might want a pack that you can use at other times.

Maybe you’re a super avid hiker and you’re only interested in hiking fanny packs. 

If that’s the case, you might want to opt for a fanny pack that comes with removable backpack straps or that can convert to other shapes to give you more versatility. 

Water 

What’s the number one most important thing to take on a hike? That’s right–water. Dehydration can turn a walk into a dangerous situation. 

Many waist packs are too small to fit a water bottle. That’s alright if you plan to have a supplementary backpack or don’t mind carrying a water bottle in your hand the whole time.

But if neither of those options suits you, and you want to make your fanny pack the only thing you’re carrying, look for waist packs that include pockets for bottles of water or that have hydration bladders.

Types of Fanny Packs

There’s a range of variations when it comes to waist packs. While there’s some crossover between the different varieties, these are the basic categories for fanny packs.

Classic Fanny Packs

Classic fanny packs are small pouches that sit at your lower belly with a strap around your waist. 

They may have multiple pockets or they may have a single zippered compartment. They might be hiking fanny packs or they may be for everyday and general use. 

This type of fanny pack is usually on the smaller side, accommodating one to three liters of storage space. 

Lumbar Packs

Lumbar packs sit at your lower back instead of in the front. The line between lumbar packs and classic waist packs can be blurry, as it’s certainly possible to wear a fanny pack on your lower back or vice versa. 

But designated lumbar packs have designs that cater to the contours of your lower back. 

They’re generally higher capacity because they’re less likely to get in your way if you’re wearing them on your lower back.

Hydration Packs

Hydration fanny packs prioritize carrying water. They’ll usually feature a bladder for water with a tube you can drink out of. 

Or, they might include pockets for water bottles. In some cases, they’ll have both options to ensure you stay ultra-hydrated on your hike.

FAQs About Fanny Packs for Hiking

Are fanny packs good for hiking?

Carrying around extra weight will slow you down and tire you out more quickly when hiking. 

Waist packs help you travel more lightly and they take the strain off your shoulders. Another advantage of fanny packs is that your belongings stay easily accessible. 

Even if you’re carrying a second pack on your back, hiking waist packs are great for holding snacks or your phone to quickly whip things out when you get hungry or want to snap a photo.

How do you use a fanny pack to hike?

There are a few different ways to use waist packs for walking.

 With a hydration pack or a higher-volume lumbar pack, you can completely replace your backpack and carry everything you need around your waist. 

Alternatively, you can still carry a pack, but keep your essentials in a fanny pack for quick and easy access.

What’s the difference between a fanny and a lumbar pack?

In general, a fanny pack refers to smaller waist packs that sit at your lower belly while you wear lumbar packs at your lower back. 

Lumbar packs tend to be slightly larger than classic fanny packs because there’s more room for bulk at your lower back.

What do you carry in a fanny pack for hiking?

What you put in your fanny pack depends on whether you’re using your fanny pack as your only bag or as a supplementary bag. It also depends on whether you’re going for a hardcore, all-day hike or a light stroll in nature.

In any case, you’ll definitely have your essentials like your phone, your keys, and some money.

You’ll probably also stash some snacks in your fanny pack. Some trail mix or a protein bar will be a good choice for shorter hikes. For longer treks with bigger waist packs, you’ll want to have some lunch, like a sandwich.

If your fanny pack has the capacity for it, you should also stash plenty of water. 

Sunscreen, bug spray, or even a small first aid kit would also not be a bad idea to carry in your fanny pack while hiking.

Is a fanny pack worth it? Is it comfortable while hiking?

There’s a wide price range for fanny packs because they come in many shapes and sizes. So whether or not they’re worth it will depend on how much you paid and how often you hike.

Comfort is subjective and different people find different types of bags more comfortable. Small fanny packs are super comfortable to wear while hiking, especially if they fit snugly and securely. 

Your waist is your center of gravity. It’s the widest part of your body, supporting your whole top half. 

Therefore, unless you have problems with your lower back, your waist and hips can carry a good amount of weight without feeling any strain at all.

Fanny packs can get uncomfortable if they’re too large or overloaded or the waist strap sags. If it starts to sag down and get in the way of your legs, that’s when a waist pack stops being the best choice. 

But you can avoid this by making sure you choose one that fits properly and is in proportion with your body size.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Hiking Fanny Pack

Overall, our pick for the best fanny pack for hiking is the Osprey Savu 5 Lumbar Pack.

This pack wins out in a lot of different categories. It has ample pockets, so it’s easy to stay organized. The pockets also allow for a higher capacity without getting too bulky or sticking out too far from your body. 

The Savu is also reasonably lightweight. It clocks in at under a pound, which is quite good for a pack with five liters of space, giving it an excellent volume-to-weight ratio.

While there are other packs that I like more aesthetically, looks are not as crucial for hiking gear. Water, however, is essential, and the Savu Pack comes with water bottle pockets. 

If you’re going to spring for a hiking waist pack, you might as well get one that you can use alone without supplementary bags to get the most out of your purchase. So, the ability to carry water is essential in that case.

Osprey is a leading brand for outdoor gear and packs, so you know you’ll be getting high-quality, durable materials. 

Beyond that, the Osprey Savu uses recycled materials, so you know you’re making a better choice for the environment.

Plus, the Osprey Savu has a water-repellent coating. Opting for a water-repellent or waterproof fanny pack is a good idea to ensure you’ll be ready for whatever happens on your adventure. 

And while this isn’t exactly a low-budget option, the price falls decidedly in the mid-range. So, even though it’s a high-quality pack from a leading brand, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

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