Best Hiking Fanny Pack

10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

(Last Updated On: February 2, 2023)

You wake up and you unexpectedly found yourself in the mood to schedule a quick hiking trip. You continue to worry about the personal items you ought to carry with you, and that is when the idea shows up: you have no intention of getting weighed down by your massive, hiking backpack. Due to a lack of size and durability, opting for the day pack is also out of the question. So, what are you going to do in this situation? It sounds like hunting for the best fanny packs for hiking is the way to go.

On shorter hikes with good weather, you may feel a little silly taking in a big backpack which has to be loaded sufficiently to provide stability just to take some water and a snack inside. On the other side, you’ll just like your hands-free instead of holding bottles of drinks, accessories, etc. This is where you would be supported superbly by a lumbar waist pack. If you have trouble with your back or neck, it might be advisable to use a lumbar waist pack because the load weight and its material will be borne by the hips rather than the shoulders. Thus you will have a better balance, and walking with a healthy straight posture will be easier.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research

WATERFLY Fanny Pack for Hiking

WATERFLY Fanny Pack for Hiking – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • Has three zipped compartments
  • Two water bottle holders
  • Very roomy, but not obscenely large to be wearing
  • Pretty comfortable around the waist

Osprey Talon 6 Men's Lumbar Hiking Pack

Osprey Talon 6 Men’s Lumbar Hiking Pack – Premium Pick

Why is it better?

  • The lumbar does a nice job of allowing some air to flow through
  • Water bottles are pretty easily accessible
  • A zipper side pocket on each waist strap
  • This pack is versatile and well worth the money

Best Hiking Fanny Packs – Overview

For many hikers, fanny packs are a perfect choice allowing all the ease of keeping a hydration system on hand while removing the extra weight or size. Your sporting activity or outdoor event may require you to carry as little as possible, or you may not need all the additional features that hydration packs provide. You can enjoy the same comfort of hydration as larger packs with a fanny pack. They ‘re more compact in size, however, and less obtrusive towards your body.

Hiking Fanny Packs Reviews

1. WATERFLY Fanny Pack for Hiking – Best Value

WATERFLY Fanny Pack for Hiking

The WATERFLY Fanny Pack for Hiking is made of nylon, high-grade PV valentine breathable pads, high quality, and durable, better ventilation not easy to deformation. This is a super versatile and multi-functional pack that has a main compartment and outer pockets.

The water bottle holders are durable and stable enough to hold 2 water bottles with a diameter of 2.7”. An adjustable waist belt can be hidden in the back pad and makes it a sling bag or shoulder bag, while a removable shoulder strap allows it to be a waist bag easily. With a comfortable back pad and special design, the waist belt is effectively pressured with relief and breathable for hiking.

Key Features:

  • Wear-resistant nylon material
  • 2 stable water bottle holders
  • Breathable back pad
  • Adjustable waist belt
  • Removable shoulder strap

Specifications:

  • Brand: WATERFLY
  • Dimensions: 7.9″ H x 3.3″ W x 11.7″ D
  • Weight: 0.48 lbs
Pros
  • Has three zipped compartments
  • Two water bottle holders
  • Very roomy, but not obscenely large to be wearing
  • Pretty comfortable around the waist
Cons
  • Straps around the waist loosen easily

2. Osprey Talon 6 Men’s Lumbar Hiking Pack – Premium Pick

Osprey Talon 6 Men's Lumbar Hiking Pack

Heading out for a day hike where all you need is water to quench your thirst and room for a few essentials? Say hello to the Osprey Talon 6 Men’s Lumbar Hiking Pack. Seen at not just the start, but more importantly the finishes of 50k trail races, mountain bikers, and on bird-watching trekkers alike, it’s the perfect solution for keeping your urban or wild journey simple so that your focus remains on the important things.

The experience itself. Body-hugging BioStretch hipbelt keeps the load stable two included 570 ml BPA-free PackBottles ensure that the last thing you’ll be is thirsty on the trail. Carry an extra layer with the external StraightJacket compression straps, fill your bottles, and hit the trail, path, and beyond. Make sure you also check our selection of the best fanny packs for men.

Key Features:

  • Lumbar pack with dual-zippered panel access to main compartment
  • Front panel zippered slash pocket
  • Padded bottle sleeves with bungee retention straps
  • Horizontal StraightJacket compression straps

Specifications:

  • Brand: Osprey
  • Capacity: 6L
  • Dimensions: 8″ H x 8″ W x 12″ D
  • Weight: 0.73 lbs
Pros
  • The lumbar does a nice job of allowing some air to flow through
  • Water bottles are pretty easily accessible
  • A zipper side pocket on each waist strap
  • This pack is versatile and well worth the money
Cons
  • The strap that goes around you is a little wider

3. Bp Vision Outdoor Fanny Pack for Hiking

Bp Vision Outdoor Fanny Pack for Hiking

Bp Vision Outdoor Fanny Pack for Hiking can be used for traveling, hiking, outdoor & sports. perfect for carrying your water bottle, food, mobile phones, small first aid kit, high-quality breathable mesh lumbar padding makes you comfort against your waist, 2 extra shoulders straps, 3 ways to carry (hip back style, using the shoulder strap, using the backpack straps).

Dual water bottle holders, three exterior front zipper pockets, two exterior side zipper pockets to keep your stuff separate and organized. The water bottle holder can accommodate a diameter of 3″(about 25 oz bottles), and the waist strap can adjust range 26 to 50 Inch.

Key Features:

  • 2 extra shoulders strap
  • Wear-resistant nylon
  • Breathable mesh lumbar
  • Dual water bottle holders

Specifications:

  • Brand: Bp Vision
  • Dimensions: 6″ H x 5″ W x 11″ D
  • Weight: 1.25 lbs
Pros
  • Holds 2 standard bike bottles very snugly
  • Hip belt is very well padded as is the main bag to provide lumbar comfort
  • Appears to be well-made with no obvious flaws in the fabric or workmanship
  • Shoulder straps add stability and keep the pack from sliding down or sagging
Cons
  • Bottle holders are shallow

4. Mountainsmith Day Fanny Pack for Hiking

Mountainsmith Day Fanny Pack for Hiking

Built with ultra-durable CORDURA fabric, the Mountainsmith Day Fanny Pack for Hiking will become your outdoor security blanket as it logs hundreds of thousands of miles adventuring with you around the world. Though the design honors the 35+ year history of this waist pack and has not changed much in shape, modern features make this version of the Day the best yet.

Features now include a tuck-away waist belt for messenger-style carry, removable shoulder strap, traditional front panel bungee, Strapette compatibility (sold separately), interior tablet sleeve, smartphone-compatible waist belt pocket, ridged EVA back panel padding with stash pocket, side water bottle holders, hanging inner sanctum pocket, zippered front panel pocket with key clip, bottom compression straps, and a headphone port.

Key Features:

  • Tuck-away waist belt with forward pull adjustment webbing
  • Front panel bungee attachment system
  • Strapette compatible (sold separately)
  • Interior foam padded sleeve for tablet carry

Specifications:

  • Brand: Mountainsmith
  • Dimensions: 12″ H x 6″ W x 13″ D
  • Weight: 1 lbs
Pros
  • The cord keeps a jacket or sweater attached
  • Very good quality material
  • Side water bottle pockets
  • Very comfortable on the waist
Cons
  • Can have more pockets inside

5. Evoc Hip Pack Race 3L with 1.5L Bladder

Evoc Hip Pack Race 3L with 1.5L Bladder

Free yourself and take a load off your shoulders with the Evoc Hip Pack Race 3L with 1.5L Bladder. The Hip Pack Race is the perfect companion for long summer trail rides, with plenty of storage for hydration, tools, and nutrition.

Features lightweight nylon with a protective coating, 3D Air Mesh, and a comfortable EVA back padding. Also includes a 1.5-liter reservoir and extra bottle holder to carry plenty of hydration. The material includes a PU coated nylon w/ 3D Air Mesh EVA Back Padding. This pack also includes 1.5 L reservoir bottle holder adjustable nylon strap & buckle tool & food storage compartments. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best hydration running packs.

Key Features:

  • PU Coated Nylon 210 D ripstop
  • 3d air mesh
  • EVA back padding
  • Includes a 1.5-liter reservoir

Specifications:

  • Brand: Evoc
  • Capacity: 3L
  • Dimensions: 7″ H x 3″ W x 11″ D
  • Weight: 0.66 lbs
Pros
  • Detachable hose/wide mouth bladder
  • Well constructed
  • Lots of room in the page for other storage
  • Sits pretty high on the back and had a pad between the bladder
Cons
  • Magnetic hose clip slides along the waist belt when hose is removed

6. Mountainsmith Knockabout Lumbar Pack

Mountainsmith Knockabout Lumbar Pack

The Mountainsmith Knockabout Lumbar Pack is part shoulder sling and part fanny pack to give you options for carrying your essentials easily and securely. The inside of the Knockabout Lumbar Pack is a bright yellow to make it easier to find things inside, so wherever you are on your journey, your stuff is safe and secure with you.

Featuring plenty of places to stash items, the Knockabout Lumbar Pack has a zippered main compartment with dedicated organization, a secure stash pocket hidden on the back panel, and smaller front pocket for quick access with a key clip, and a port for your headphones so you can keep your tunes playing.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable webbing sling converts to waist or shoulder carry
  • Zippered main compartment with organizer sleeve
  • Back panel hidden stash pocket
  • Front panel accessory pocket
  • Headphone port

Specifications:

  • Brand: Mountainsmith
  • Capacity: 4L
  • Dimensions: 7″ H x 2″ W x 10.5″ D
  • Weight: 0.45 lbs
Pros
  • The strap is solid yet flexible and doesn’t have any flapping ends
  • The inside lining is bright yellow
  • The interior phone pouch is big enough for any phone
  • The zips are solid and open easily despite the protective lip that shields from rain
Cons
  • This bag hangs on the body well but it’s small

7. Genius Earth Hiking Fanny Pack

Genius Earth Hiking Fanny Pack

The Genius Earth Hiking Fanny Pack is one awesome gear for all your travel and adventure. With its 2 multifunctional zippered pockets, 2 bottle holder pouches including 2 Genius Earth BPA free 20oz plastic bottles this waist-pack sure does not lack great selling features. But there is more to a Fanny Pack than you may think.

This unisex pack comes in 2 fun and stylish colors, Whether you are wearing it at the back, front, on the hip, over the shoulder. This ultra-light and compact day pack is so comfy you will forget you are wearing. Premium & comfy lumbar padding with sturdy zippers make this versatile waist belt – pouch bag a lasting travel companion.

Key Features:

  • Durable nylon fabric with 2-bottle holders
  • Lumbar padding
  • 2 multifunctional zippered pockets
  • Extra pocket at the front for added storage capacity

Specifications:

  • Brand: Genius Earth
  • Dimensions: 6″ H x 5″ W x 8″ D
  • Weight: 0.45 lbs
Pros
  • The water bottle pockets are a neoprene – like material and are nice and tall
  • The bag itself is large and the belt is comfortable
  • The pockets are a really good size
  • The price is reasonable for what you get as well
Cons
  • When running it’s nice to have the water bottles not bounce if possible

8. NZII Sports Fanny Pack for Hiking

NZII Sports Fanny Pack for Hiking

The NZII Sports Fanny Pack for Hiking is made of strong polyester, exquisite overall craftsmanship with cleanly finished seams, this waist bag is scratch-resistant, sturdy, built to last and pliable. The main large pocket is roomy enough to hold a cellphone, passport, small purse, or other valuable items. With the two small pockets in the front and two sides and a pocket in the back, you could put your keys, coins, cashes in it to protect your phone from scratch.

The widened and thickened waist belt and plastic buckle are more wear-resistant and durable. The two-way flexible and adjustable waist belt fits waist sizes from 25 to 51 inches. The headphone port makes it easy for you to enjoy music while on the move. The good-sized zippers are sturdy, easy to slide, and work smoothly. The quality metal hanging clasps for convenient hanging.

Key Features:

  • Nylon fabric
  • Electroplated metal zippers
  • Widened and thickened waist belt 
  • 6 separate zippered compartments

Specifications:

  • Brand: NZII
  • Dimensions: 7″ H x 6″ W x 13.5″ D
  • Weight: 1 lbs
Pros
  • Adjustable straps are nicely thick and wide
  • There’s a non-gusseted zippered pocket with three pockets on the outside of it
  • Pliable yet sturdy bag
  • The main compartment can swallow quite a bit of stuff and it does this despite its low-profile height
Cons
  • The side pockets while each fully accommodating a 12 oz can, cannot do so with the can in an upright position and the zipper shut

9. FREETOO Waist Pack for Hiking

FREETOO Waist Pack for Hiking

The FREETOO Waist Pack for Hiking is a great way to go hands-free. This nylon hip bag is perfect for biking around town, festivals, fairs, concerts, and farmer’s markets. Created with a simple design that blends with any style closed with a sturdy zipper. ​​The bag can carry a phone, cash, cards plus a few other essentials and can be worn on your hip, over the shoulder, or tight under your arm.

Well constructed with 5 separate zippered pockets of different sizes for all your needs. The largest pocket can easily hold a standard water bottle (16oz).A small hidden zipper compartment inside the main pocket perfect for your valuables for extra security. A flat zippered exterior pocket located behind the waistband, against your body. Provides spacious storage and helps keep you organized while maintaining a slim profile.

Key Features:

  • 5 multiple zipped pockets
  • Durable plug buckle
  • Durable and water-resistant
  • High-Abrasive Material

Specifications:

  • Brand: FREETOO
  • Dimensions: 5.11″ H x 3.94″ W x 7.87″ D
  • Weight: 0.43 lbs
Pros
  • Stylish
  • The zippers are secure
  • All the pockets are easily accessible
  • Waist strap allows for many different sizes or wearing styles
Cons
  • Because this fanny pack is big, if you really stuff it, it could get heavy

10. Nabob Leather Fanny Pack

Nabob Leather Fanny Pack

Expertly handmade using 100% durable cowhide leather, this Nabob Leather Fanny Pack offers fashion and function when traveling, engaged in outdoor activities, or for everyday use. Its sturdy leather construction and roomy pockets will serve you well throughout the years. This convenient pack features an adjustable belt to make it suitable for most waist sizes.

Keep all of your essentials organized and secure inside six convenient pockets. There’s a main spacious compartment and backside pocket, along with two front pockets and two side pockets. Outfitted with sturdy zipper closures, you can rest assured that your belongings are safe and secure inside. These zippers will operate smoothly for a long time, ensuring continual use and secure storage for years to come.

Key Features:

  • 100% durable cowhide leather
  • Sturdy zipper closures
  • Adjustable belt
  • Smooth zippers

Specifications:

  • Brand: Nabob Leather
  • Dimensions: 3″ H x 4.5″ W x 12″ D
  • Weight: 0.7 lbs
Pros
  • The zippers are amazingly smooth
  • Durable
  • Plenty of pockets
  • It hugs your body, looking fairly slim on your waist
Cons
  • Front pocket is too small for a phone, so you have to put it in the main pocket

Buying Guide

Materials

The materials are an essential factor since they are what give a fanny pack longevity. Because the environment is unpredictable, and the weather can often get tough, you need to go for a strong, durable fabric. Typically nylon or polyester are the best options, so they’ll even withstand water. Look at the denier number to check the durability. This is a meaningful indicator of a given textile ‘s density and sturdiness. The higher that number is, the better. We selected some very sturdy fanny packs for hiking in our selection process because when you hike this is a major bonus.

Gender

Both genders will comfortably carry lumbar waist packs-irrespective of the model. A few companies, such as Osprey, have rendered somewhat differing styles for men and women alike, but we can not dare to say that a man and vice versa should wear any women’s style. This is not to undermine Osprey’s and others’ contributions, but merely because lumbar waist packs are designed to hold fairly limited loads, unlike backpacks where it may be wise to pick a variant that better fits the body type.

Pockets

Even though waist packs will probably hold just a few items and a snack in addition to a water bottle, they should have strategically positioned pockets to allow you to organize your required stuff. Some fanny packs for hiking also has a dedicated water bottle.

Adjustability

Waist adjustability for the hiking fanny pack allows the bag to be an incredibly flexible piece of trail equipment. It is easy to have the fanny packs by adjusting the waist strap, which provides a comfortable fit (for both small and large hikers). Many of the fanny packs are constructed in addition to the waist strap such that the band will pass over the shoulder to allow the body a more option of securing. The fanny pack will hug the body to provide extra support and comfort for your body.

Water Capacity

For longer-lasting hiking trips, the most essential item to bring is water. When you know you’re going to travel across drinking water streams on your journey, you don’t have to hold anything more than a half-liter container, but then it’s important to have enough water to remain hydrated sufficiently. This is especially relevant on warm summer days, where when dehydrated, you can quickly get dizzy or disoriented. How much water you need depends on the weather, velocity, and body weight.

Frequently Ask Questions

Can fanny packs be used for other activities?

Yes, they can be used for travel, as an everyday carry, to a festival, to the gym and other activities that don’t require you to carry large objects.

How is a normal fanny pack different from a hiking fanny pack?

A hiking fanny pack would usually be larger than the regular ones and would sometimes include its own water bottle holders externally. In addition, the materials will also be more water-resistant on hiking waist packs.

How do I clean my hiking fanny pack?

This will vary from brand to brand but they can usually be washed by hand. Just make sure to use a soft detergent in washing them. If the instructions say you can machine wash them, then do so.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best hiking backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a hiking backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.