Fanny packs (or waist packs or hip packs – call it what you will) have made a huge comeback, and honestly, I’m here for it. They’ve transformed from the so-called “tourist look” to a practical piece of gear for hikers, available in all sorts of styles and colors.
I absolutely love my fanny pack for shorter hikes or those days when I know I won’t need to lug around too much gear. There’s something incredibly freeing about having everything you need right there at your hips – snacks, wallet, hand sanitizer, phone, lighter, whistle… you name it, it fits.
For quick hikes that last just a few hours, I lean towards a fanny pack with a capacity of less than 2 liters, maybe even as small as 0.5 liters. It’s the perfect size to carry the essentials without feeling weighed down.
But when it comes to longer treks, where a bit more gear might be needed, I opt for something with a capacity of 2 liters or more, ensuring I’ve got everything I might need within arm’s reach.
In this guide, I’ll share with you my best fanny packs for hiking. These packs are durable, comfortable, and designed specifically for outdoor activities.
What Are the Best Hiking Fanny Packs?
Best Overall: Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack – Cada Dia | Check Price
Best Capacity: MYSTERY RANCH Hip Monkey Waist Pack | Check Price
Best Lightweight: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack | Check Price
Best on Budget: KAVU Spectator Waist Pack | Check Price
Best Versatility: Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack | Check Price
Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack – Cada Dia
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Priced at a decent $60, the Cotopaxi’s Coso Cada Día is designed for everyday adventurers (which is pretty much all of us!), hence its name, “Cada Día,” meaning “every day” in Spanish.
The Cotopaxi Coso shines with its spacious 2-liter capacity – enough to easily fit even a larger bottle like the YETI Rambler with 18 fl. oz. capacity.
The Coso’s interior is mostly open space, striking a nice balance between being spacious yet somewhat organized. The lack of liner or mesh pockets might be a downside for some, but the sheer volume makes up for it.
Directly in front, there is a stash pocket. It’s big and open, making it a less-than-ideal spot for tinier accessories that might tumble out. But for quickly slipping in your phone when you’re juggling gear, it’s nearly perfect.
For smaller items like a lipbalm, there’s also a little zippered pocket on the front.
Inside the main compartment, it’s fairly straightforward – not too many nooks and crannies. There’s a cozy phone pouch at the back and, quite cleverly, a short key leash at the front that keeps your keys from playing hide-and-seek among your other items.
The back pocket is designed for flat items and doubles as a secret spot for your must-not-lose valuables, like travel docs and money.
The strap is as straightforward as they come – nylon, non-removable, with a sizable buckle smack dab in the middle. It’s wide enough to spread the load evenly, avoiding any digging into your hips.
You can also adjust the length from both sides, offering a bit of customization on how you wear it.
Verdict
The Cotopaxi Coso is a stellar companion for my hikes. Its thoughtful design, coupled with the right blend of space and security, makes it a top pick in my book.
And look at all those color combinations Cotopaxi offers. I’m absolutely in love with this pack!
MYSTERY RANCH Hip Monkey Waist Pack
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Priced at a reasonable $59, the MYSTERY RANCH Hip Monkey is a durable and spacious option, especially for those of us who love hitting the trails without carrying a bulky backpack.
In the main compartment of the Hip Monkey, you can easily fit an 18 fl. oz. water bottle, your smartphone, a jacket, some snacks, a tube of sunscreen, and there’s still room to spare!
That’s the beauty of this pack – it swallows gear and makes it easy to access.
What about the stuff you absolutely cannot afford to lose? The inner security pocket is the answer. Tucked away at the back of the main compartment, this flat pocket is perfect for important documents or anything else you want to keep safe.
For the items you need quick access to, the outer pocket is your go-to. It’s ideal for smaller, flat items like keys, which can attach to the built-in clip.
Talking about the build, the Hip Monkey is extremely durable. Made from tough 500D Cordura fabric, this pack laughs in the face of rough rocks and rogue branches. After months of use, mine still looks pretty fresh.
The fabric is water repellent but it’s not waterproof, so for torrential downpours, you might want to think twice or pack your gear in protective bags.
The straps are another win for me. You can wear this pack in any way you want – low on your hips or slung across your chest. I went for the chest option almost straight away. It’s just so convenient for grabbing what I need.
Alright, so many kind words about the Hip Monkey, but what are its downsides?
First off, at 14.1 oz, the Hip Monkey isn’t the lightest pack out there. If you’re a hardcore ultralight hiker, this might not be the best choice for you.
Moreover, as with the Cotopaxi Coso, organization is not where this fanny pack shines the most as you don’t have too many pockets or compartments to work with.
I also miss having ways to attach things like a trekking pole or an extra water bottle to the outside. But no pack is perfect, and the Hip Monkey comes pretty darn close!
Verdict
The Hip Monkey by MYSTERY RANCH is a versatile, durable, and convenient fanny pack that will serve you well on your hikes, especially when you need to fit more gear without carrying a full backpack.
It may not be the lightest or most organized pack out there, but its durability and versatility make it a great choice for hiking.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
We’ve discussed the heaviest fanny pack with the largest capacity, so now it would be fair to talk about the lightest option with the smallest capacity.
Priced at just $35, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini can carry up to 1 liter. It’s not much, but that’s the whole point – this hip pack is perfect for short hikes where you want to keep things ultra-light.
Don’t expect a ton of compartments either. This fanny pack keeps it straightforward with two external pockets and one zippered security pocket inside the main compartment. This setup strikes a nice balance, giving you enough organization without overdoing it.
In the main pocket, you have room for the essentials. Think about packing a lightweight jacket, a small baggie with cash and first-aid basics like alcohol pads, and perhaps a mini Ferro rod and striker for emergency fire-starting.
The front pocket is your go-to for quick access items like your phone, while the main pocket holds everything else. There’s also a plastic key leash in there, though I’ll admit, I didn’t find myself using it much.
At a featherlight 3.2 ounces, it’s so light you’ll hardly notice it’s there. You can easily tuck it into your backpack on longer trips, and it won’t add any noticeable weight.
But probably what I like the most about this pack is that it can fold into its own pocket. Super convenient for travel, this feature makes the hip pack an absolute dream for those who value simplicity and efficiency.
Now, about security. With the Patagonia pack snug against your body, it’s easy to keep an eye on your things. However, the buckle is at the back, which might make it a bit easier for someone with sticky fingers to take a run at it.
For those of you who put security at the top of your list, you might want to look into options with a more secure buckle system.
Verdict
In a nutshell, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is a minimalist hiker’s dream. Light, simple, and made from quality materials, it’s ideal for those times when you want to hit the trail with just the bare essentials.
Perfect for short hikes, travel, or just running around town, this pack proves that sometimes, less really is more.
KAVU Spectator Waist Pack
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Maybe the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini is still a bit too much and pricey, and you’d like something even smaller while saving those 10 bucks.
Then, the KAVU Spectator is for you. Priced at a super affordable $25, it’s quite possibly the most charming little companion for your short, brisk hikes where you only need to bring the essentials.
The Spectator is about as simple as they come with a two-compartment layout, an adjustable strap, and some really eye-catching colors. It’s not trying to be the biggest among waist packs, but its simplicity is exactly why it shines.
With a capacity of just 0.5-liters, it’s clear the Spectator isn’t vying for the title of “most spacious.” But it’s still got enough room for the absolute essentials.
The front pocket is for the small stuff like cards, your earphones, some cash, or a lip balm. Anything bigger, though, and you’ll need to head straight to the main compartment.
Now, about that main compartment – it’s where you’ll stash your wallet, phone, and keys. There’s a bit of extra space, but it’s best not to cram smaller items in there willy-nilly.
One thing I appreciate about the Spectator is how its design maximizes what space it does have. Once it’s all packed up, it forms a snug, secure unit that feels just right. It’s straightforward, no muss, no fuss, and has an aesthetic that definitely stands out from the crowd.
Speaking of standing out, the Spectator isn’t shy about its looks. With its vibrant colors and bold patterns, this pack isn’t just a bystander – it’s meant to be seen and admired. In a sea of stealthy black packs, the Spectator is for those of you who love a pop of color and aren’t afraid to turn heads!
And here’s a nice surprise – despite its size, the Spectator comes with a padded back panel, something often missing from smaller packs.
This makes it super comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded. It hugs your body closely and securely, adding to that feeling of not being weighed down as you explore.
Verdict
If you’re after a lightweight, budget-friendly waist pack that’s perfect for those days when you only need a few items, the KAVU Spectator could be your ideal match.
Its simplicity, combined with a fun and funky design, makes it a great pick for anyone looking to add a little flair to their hiking gear.
Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
If you’re looking for a bit more room and better organization than what the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini or KAVU Spectator offers, then the Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack could very well be the fanny pack of your dreams.
With a 1.5 liters capacity and weighing in at just 4.4 ounces, this pack is ultra-light but with just enough space to make it insanely versatile.
The main compartment is simply amazing, featuring a key clip and an inside mesh pocket. I mean, this thing has got room! Despite its compact size, it can carry a thick wallet, keys, phone, pepper spray, mask, and AirPods – without looking or feeling bulky.
And yes, there’s still a bit of room to spare for just-in-case items. It’s pretty impressive how much this little pack can hold.
For those bits and pieces you need quick access to, the front and back pockets are perfect. I’m talking about your driver’s license, a couple of credit cards, and some cash. Everything stays neat and organized.
The material of this pack is advertised as waterproof. And in my experience, it does a bang-up job keeping things dry compared to other fanny packs I’ve tried. But, because of the non-sealed zippers, I’d recommend tucking it under your raincoat in a downpour, just to be safe.
There’s one tiny hiccup I’ve noticed – it does tend to get dirty a bit easier than some of its counterparts. But is that a reason not to buy this otherwise nearly perfect fanny pack? In my opinion, not at all.
Verdict
Priced at $45, the Fjallraven High Coast surprised me with its versatility, and I think it should be on your list if you are looking for a fanny pack that offers just enough room for essentials and more, all while being lightweight and made of quality, durable, and even waterproof materials.
Are Fanny Packs Good for Hiking?
Fanny packs are good for hiking because they are super convenient. Let’s say you want to quickly snap a photo. With a fanny pack, your phone is right there at your fingertips. No need to take off a backpack just to dig through it for one thing.
Another big plus is how light they feel. Carrying a heavy backpack for hours can really wear you down, but with a fanny pack, you hardly notice it’s there. It lets you move more freely, which is just fantastic on longer hikes or even short, steep ones where balance and agility are important.
But what I like probably the most in fanny packs is that they keep my valuables secure and within sight. When you’re in busy areas or travelling to your hike spot, having your important items in front of you where you can see them gives you peace of mind.
And if you’re concerned about looking a bit, well, dated with a fanny pack, don’t be! They’ve made a huge comeback, and now you can find them in all sorts of styles and colors that are as stylish as they are practical.
What to Pack in Fanny Pack for Hiking?
The goal with a fanny pack is to keep it light and manageable. You’re bringing along the essentials to enhance your hike, not prepare for a multi-day expedition. Every item should earn its spot in your pack.
- First up, your phone. It’s your camera, map, and emergency contact all rolled into one. Make sure it’s charged. Even better, bring a portable charger if you have space.
- Next, don’t forget your keys. Clip them inside your fanny pack if there’s a clip, or tuck them in a secure pocket.
- Cash and an ID come in handy more often than you’d think. Whether it’s buying a treat from a trailside stand or you need identification for any reason, having these is important.
- Your favorite snacks are a must. Hiking burns energy, and keeping a snack or two within easy reach means you can refuel without breaking stride.
- While small fanny packs probably won’t fit a water bottle, consider carrying a small collapsible one if it fits. If not, make sure you hydrate well before you hit the trail and plan for water stops along the way.
- For those just-in-case moments, a mini first-aid kit can be a real hike saver. Things such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, and maybe some ibuprofen. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just enough to tackle minor scrapes or headaches.
- Lip balm and sunscreen are non-negotiable. The sun and wind don’t mess around, and neither should you when it comes to protecting your skin and lips.
How Do You Wear a Hip Pack for Hiking?
The classic waist setup is probably what pops into your head when you think of a hip pack. You simply strap it around your waist, buckle it up, and adjust until it’s snug but comfy. Easy!
The beauty of this method is that everything you need is within arm’s reach, right in front of you. It also distributes weight evenly across your hips, which can really make a difference on longer hikes.
But did you know you can also wear it across your chest? Just lengthen the strap and sling it over one shoulder so it rests diagonally across your body.
This style has become super popular lately because it gives you easy access to your stuff without having to reach around to your back.
What About When I’m Wearing a Backpack?
Good question! If you’re carrying a backpack for a longer hike but still want the convenience of a hip pack, try the over-the-shoulder method. Just like the chest cross, but a bit more to the side, so it doesn’t interfere with your backpack straps.
Conclusion
Fanny packs might not suit everyone’s style. But if you’ve already experienced how comfortable they are, or you’re just plain tired of lugging around heavy backpacks or swingy sling bags on your short day hikes, and you’re itching to try something new, lighter and capable of carrying your essentials, then fanny packs are definitely up to the task.
They also tend to be more affordable than many backpacks or some sling bags, which is always a nice bonus!
If you do decide to join the fanny pack family, the options listed in our guide have got you covered. They’re practical, they’ve got flair, and they’ll serve you well on your hikes. Who knows, you might just find yourself wondering how you ever hiked without one.
Lukas Heller
Hey there! I’m Lukas, co-founder of BigfootHiking.com, alongside my adventurous wife Martha. Originally from Germany, I landed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2015, where I’ve been scouting out new trails ever since (though they’re getting scarce!). By day, I’m a software developer, but my heart belongs to hiking – I’m always plotting our next trip. When I’m not coding or on the trails, you’ll find me hanging out with our Pit Bull, Zeus.
