It’s finally Bag Week again! The most wonderful week of the year at TechCrunch. Just in time for back to school, we’re bringing you reviews of bags of all varieties: from backpacks to rollers to messengers to…
The fanny pack. Or hip pack, waist bag, belt bag, sling, crossbody and sometimes bum bag, because where you’re from, a fanny means lady parts. Whatever it’s called, I’ve been searching for an all-around go-to alternative for purses. (I don’t care much for them since they don’t match my tee-shirt and holes-in-jeans aesthetic.)
For the past two months, I’ve been trying out fanny packs (and trying to shove various objects into them) for different daily routines.
I haven’t found one that gets the job done for everything, but here are a variety of great fannies.
Herschel Eighteen Hip Pack – $49.99
I own three Herschel backpacks, all of which have served me well for the past two years, so I was pretty stoked about this one. The only problem though, with my 5’4” wimpy frame, I should have opted for a smaller bag in their hip pack line. Although it’s smaller than Peak Design’s Everyday Sling, the side support makes it uncomfortable to wear across the chest and only works as a back sling or fanny pack.
Pros:
- Solid construction
- Huge main compartment large enough to hold a water bottle, book, camera and knick-knacks
- Comfortable air mesh padding on the back
Cons:
- Opening for the two front storage pockets is too small, which makes it cumbersome to put things in, pull things out
- Missing inner pocket inside the main compartment for keys and wallet so there’s a lot of digging involved
Dimensions: 7″ (H) x 11″ (W) x 3″ (D)
More details and specs here.
Moment Fanny Sling – $69.99
The fine people at Moment, known for their mobile phone lenses, recently launched a series of bags and cases. Although this bag was designed with the intention of storing their lenses and gear, it has become my boyfriend’s everyday bag since I received it back in June. It withstood a grimy Budapest rainstorm, a grimy music festival and a grimy New York summer.
Pros:
- Pockets for days (including one on the back that fits your wallet or phone)
- Weatherproof shell and zippers
- Comfortable for everyday use
- Flexible, expandable — can be worn across the chest, as a traditional fanny pack or sling
Con:
- The Velcro loop that keeps excess straps in place wore down after a month and tends to slip off
Dimensions: 5.1″ (H) x 8.25” (W) x 3.75” (D)
More details and specs here.
Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L – $99.95
This was my go-to photography bag for the summer. It’s been perfect for organizing all the essentials: DSLR, two lenses, SD cards, notebook (or iPad), batteries, etc. I love everything about this bag. That’s it. That’s the review. There’s nothing else I can say.
Pros:
- Tons of pockets, dividers of sorts and padding for all of your accessories
- Tuck-away system to hide excess straps and front zipper
- Quick adjusting straps for when you need to grab your camera or to switch configurations
- Weatherproof nylon canvas shell
Cons:
- So far, nothing
Dimensions: 7.48″ (H) x 12.2″ (W) x 4.33″ (D)
More details and specs here.
State Bags Crosby Fanny Pack – $150
From the smooth leather body to the gold foil embossed logo, this is the classiest one of the bunch, and has been my date night go-to for the past month. It’s casual enough to accessorize with jeans and tee-shirt, but stylish enough to make it look like you put in the effort.
The best part, though, is that there are good people behind the products. For every bag you purchase, they donate fully packed backpacks to kids throughout America.
Pros:
- Mesh inside pocket to separate smaller items
- Well-made and designed
- Slip pocket on the back for quick access to iPhone X
Cons:
- The straps started to pill a little after a month of use
Dimensions: 5.00″ (H) x 7.09″ (W) x 1.97″ (D)
More details and specs here.
Patagonia Lightweight Travel Mini Hip Pack – $29.00
This is the fun-sized candy bar of fanny packs. It’s adorable, has an 80s throwback colorblock design and folds into its own pocket when not in use. It’s quite small and only holds the essentials (wallet, phones, keys, and in my case, an inhaler), but it’s ideal for running errands.
Pros:
- Sturdy and small
- Mesh back padding for comfort and breathability
- Soft adjustable strap
Cons:
- Nylon construction — it sometimes feels like a toiletries bag
Dimensions: 7” (W) x 4.5”(H) x 2” (D)
More details and specs here.
Timbuk2 Slacker Chest Pack – $49.00
This is the most basic, yet comfortable fanny pack. It was my everyday dog-walking bag. It held a water bottle, doggie treats and a collapsible dog bowl, while my wallet was tucked into the inside mesh pocket. There’s even an in-pocket strap to hold your keys.
Pros:
- Air mesh back panel for breathability and comfort
- Uncomplicated design
Cons:
- The zipper doesn’t open the entire width of the bag
- Straps won’t adjust small enough for skinny people with narrow hips — it’ll fall right off your booty
Dimensions: 3.94” (H) x 11.2” (W) x 2.48” (D)
More details and specs here.
Generic fanny pack – free
This is not a great fanny pack. I’m including this bottom of the barrel bag I received as Google schwag during CES earlier this year as a control. It’s made in China with visible threads, sloppily sewn together. Ugly, yet surprisingly comfortable. It gets the job done and you don’t have to worry about losing it. You can get a similar one on Amazon for eight bucks.
