The 30 best fanny packs for carrying your essentials hands-free, according to stylists

Too good to skip, we have to mention the most-coveted Lululemon belt bag of all. It's one of our favorite travel products for keeping all of your must-haves handy, and we think the unisex style makes a great gift too.

Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman loves the limited-edition Deep Sea shade of this neoprene fanny pack. With convenient features like card slots and a key clip, it keeps her essentials organized.

This lightweight belt bag is made from 100% recycled water-repellent nylon with multiple interior and exterior pockets. “Caraa's Sling is a large belt bag that really can carry what you need to have while having that perfect slouch that lays nicely against you,” says Smith, “whether you're running errands or hanging out in the park for a few hours.” 

Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw has the small version of the bag, which she says has more than enough space for your phone, keys, wallet and other essentials.

Shaw loves how durable this fanny pack is and says it's a must-have for new dog parents, but it would make a great everyday belt bag too. She uses it specifically to keep treats and poop bags handy on walks with her puppy in training, and there's plenty of room to spare for her phone, keys and wallet.

“Basically an unbranded version of the Lululemon belt bag, this is a great option if you want the Lululemon look without the price or logo,” Miner says. Plus, the waterproof nylon material is made from four recycled plastic bottles. 

It’s no secret that Lululemon knows how to make a belt bag and this spacious option with interior and zippered exterior pockets is Kostis’ favorite style. “It’s a different take on the viral Lululemon, yet still beloved and utilitarian,” she says. “I love that it’s water-repellent and lightweight, and will fit all the essentials.”  

“If you’re in the market for a nylon fanny pack, I highly recommend one from Baggu,” says stylist Katie Miner. “They come in great colors and prints and are the cool cousin to the Lululemon version.” Plus, they are machine-washable, are made from recycled materials and have two main compartments. 

Along with Elisa Ellis, wardrobe stylist and founder of Turnkey Style, and celebrity stylist Kimmie Smith, Miner has fallen for this roomy leather piece that comes in 17 colors and textures. “This versatile bag can be worn as a crossbody, bum bag or shoulder bag, making it your go-to for summer and beyond,” Ellis says. “The detachable, adjustable and interchangeable straps add to its versatility. While it doesn't have interior or exterior pockets, it's a quality bag and comes with a two-year warranty.”  

If you’re looking for an affordable Lululemon lookalike, Kostis says that Amazon has the best options. This popular bag is one of her favorites and comes in 31 different options from water-resistant and fleece to quilted or embellished.  

“Modern with a vintage vibe to it, this bag is great when you're on the go and want a more sporty slant to your belt bag,” Miner says. “You can definitely take this bag from a hike to around town.”

“[This one] offers a sleek and stylish belt bag with a beachy summer vibe and a chic, functional design for those on the move,” Ellis says. “Its convertible design with a flap closure and detachable straps provides ample space for your essentials. For a different look, you can switch between the detachable webbing belt bag strap and a more polished gold metal chain crossbody strap.” 

With nearly 600 rave reviews and an adjustable strap that lets you wear it as a crossbody or around your waist, the Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag by Quince is a fan favorite, explains Ellis. “It's affordable, with a price tag under $100, made from high-quality Italian leather, durable and timeless,” she says. “It also features a back zipper pocket and an interior card slot, making it easy to organize your essentials. This versatile bag is perfect for any adventure or errand, proving that great style doesn't have to break the bank.” 

Available in 21 leather and hardware combinations, this versatile bag can be worn as a crossbody, wristlet, shoulder bag or belt bag “It’s one of the most convertible belt bags I’ve seen, and I love that it comes in multiple sizes,” Kostis says. “You can wear it four ways so you get a lot of mileage out of it, and it really takes you from day to night or place to place with ease.” 

“The Hall Belt Bag features the high-quality leather Coach is known for, and I love that they elevate the classic fanny pack shape by constructing it in this sleek lightweight leather,” says Rap Sarmiento, fashion stylist and editor. “It's not exactly cheap, but it is a great price for beautiful leather.” 

“I love this AllSaints piece for the size, adjustability and chic durable leather,” Kostis says. “It’s also small enough to wear crossbody on the waist without being too bulky or competing with your layers.” 

For a larger fanny pack, Smith is also all about Tushbaby's unisex The Pack style because “it’s meant for those that need a bag to carry items for their children when changing them or having snacks,” she says. “That means you'll be able to have a roomy bag that will carry you day-to-day with no issues.”

With 3 liters of space, the Terra Lumbar from The North Face is a bag you can pack up, Sarmiento says. “The zipper goes from end to end so there isn't one inaccessible square inch,” he adds. “I love that not only does it have interior capacity, it has exterior storage as well. You can secure a lightweight jacket by sliding it under the bungee across the top of the bag instead of tying it around your waist or onto the strap.”

“Sometimes you need an extra bag on hand, and I love The Foldie's Crossbody,” Smith says. "Although it’s roomy and can tote your items, the selling point is that it folds completely when you don't need it. This is such a great way to always have a bag [at] the ready as you can slip this into your luggage, a main bag, etc.”

Kostis praises this travel sling bag with an exterior phone or passport compartment and six additional pockets for being so well thought-out. “It’s an organizer’s dream,” she says. “For holding everything from your passport to keys to everything in between, it’s the mini purse of your dreams.” 

Smith describes this nylon and vegan leather bag as ideal for running errands from studio to street. “The Béis Sport Pack is a favorite of mine because it has the perfect slouch to it while also being snug to the body [and] so lightweight,” Smith says. “I love the organization in the bag and the extra strap, which gives it a bit of style.”

The nylon Calpak Terra bag has a mesh front pocket and compartments for all your essentials while traveling as well as a padded back layer for extra comfort. “I love that you literally have a place for everything,” Sarmiento says. “You can fit your passport, wallet, phone, keys, hand sanitizer and maybe even a couple of snacks. It also comes in a bunch of different fun colors.”

“Lululemon strikes again with this multipocket functional piece made for someone who wants to know exactly where everything is when they are on the go,” Kostis says. 

“Sometimes when you're traveling or running errands, you want a bag that can take on the elements while keeping it light,” Smith says. “Booe has a waterproof belt bag that literally can be worn when you're walking into the water on vacation and comes in a number of vibrant colors.”

Sarmiento appreciates the minimal design of this Arc'teryx Granville Crossbody Bag. "It's made of ripstop and is weatherproof, so it's perfect for hikes and unpredictable conditions," he says.

“This belt bag is water-repellent and fits most of your essentials,” Kostis says. “The best part about it is that the strap is both adjustable and removable, so it can be tossed into a bigger bag when you’re traveling or worn a number of ways.” 

“I love this Nike running bag for its contoured design to minimize movement and the breathable mesh backing so it won't stick to you while you work up a sweat,” Sarmiento says. 

Made out of recycled materials and available in two chic colors, this bag is “one of the prettiest and spacious unisex pieces on the market,” as described by Kostis. “The price is perfect and it’s durable enough to make it through your travel adventures and daily use.” 

For those looking for a versatile unisex option, fashion stylist Brooke Rounick picks this nylon fanny pack with zip pockets. “This bag combines athleisure-chic with functionality, featuring a sleek design, sporty look and practicality, making it the ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts with style,” she says.

When you're looking for a fanny pack that won't break the bank, Smith suggests Cotopaxi's Bataan Del Día for its great shape and vibrant colors. “You pick the primary color of choice and interestingly enough, no two bags ever look the same, so there’s a customized look and feel to having this bag,” she says. “It's also roomy, and if you like this particular bag, there are other sizes within this portion of the line.”

“This bag embodies rugged sophistication with its durable fabric, functional design and urban aesthetic,” Rounick says, “making it the top choice for the street-smart fashion-forward explorer.”