13 Best Belt Bags and Fanny Packs of 2023

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We found top picks for every budget, too.

It's no secret that '90s fashion trends are seeing a major revival right now. While many garments and accessories have popped back into the picture in recent years, few items are as ubiquitous as fanny packs (now often referred to as belt bags). Once upon a time, the best belt bags were those that had dual compartments — a main large one with a smaller pouch on the front. Nowadays, belt bags are sold in so many colors, prints, sizes, and textiles — not to mention modernized silhouettes — that it can be difficult to know which are well-made and well-equipped to carry everyday essentials.

If you're looking for a convenient hands-free bag for running errands, a smaller silhouette (like the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag) will work well; if you need something heavy-duty to wear on a hike, you'll want to look for something made with water-repellent fabric. The point is: No matter the activity, there's a belt bag fit for the job. It's also worth mentioning that belt bags make great gifts for globetrotters, so even if you don't see yourself welcoming the accessory into your wardrobe, you may want to buy it for a loved one.

Keep reading to uncover the best belt bag for you (or whoever you're shopping for), as well as tips for how to wear and style belt bags.

The Calpak Luka Belt Bag is beloved for its chic-yet-casual silhouette, which measures 11" W x 5 ½" H x 3 ½" D. The spacious belt bag, which has two internal zip pockets, is the perfect everyday accessory for casual activities, such as running errands, going to the gym, and heading to brunch. It's also a great option for travel, as it has a hidden back-zip pocket where you can stow your passport, wallet, and/or phone.

If you're worried that the size is a bit bigger than you'd like, know that the brand just released its Luka Mini Belt Bag, as well as the Luka Key Pouch, which is designed to loop or hook onto the strap of the belt bag, and is the perfect size for keys, AirPods, lip balm, or doggie bags. One more thing: It's part of the overall Luka collection, so if you like to match your bags for travel, it pairs perfectly with the Luka Duffel, Luka Laptop Backpack, and Luka Toiletry Bag.

Not looking to spend almost $40 on a belt bag? The ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag is considered to be the ultimate Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag dupe. It has the same interior pockets and hidden back zip pocket, only it's half the price and sold in almost three times as many colors.

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is one of the most popular fanny packs on the market, but it's a bit smaller in size. Measuring just 7.5" W x 5" H x 2" D, the compact belt bag is perfect for running errands. The interior has two slip pockets, while the back exterior has a hidden zip pocket large enough to hold an iPhone 14. As such, it's a great little belt bag for travel, as well.

If you're looking to splurge, the MZ Wallace Metro Sling Bag is a fantastic choice for a luxury belt bag. The quilted nylon belt bag is larger in size and features a front zip compartment, a double-zip main compartment complete with four interior pockets, and a hidden back zip pocket. While it's only available in one color at Nordstrom, it's sold in six colors on the brand's site.

If you're packing for an upcoming trip or heading out on a thrifting adventure but don't want to bring a bulky bag with you, pack the Away Packable Sling Bag in your pocket. The lightweight, water-resistant belt bag, which measures 12.6" W x 5.9" H x 2.4" D, folds into a compact zip pouch small enough to fit into a jacket or pants pocket.

The Dagne Dover Ace Water Resistant Belt Bag stands apart with its unique neoprene fabric. It's adored for its organized design, which features an exterior front zip pocket, exterior back slip pocket (ideal for holding cards), and interior card pocket, lipgloss loop, and key ring. Measuring 9" W x 5" H x 2" D, it's a small but mighty tidy belt bag.

Topo Designs is an outdoor clothing and accessories brand based in Denver, Colorado. Designed with the mountains in mind, the brand's Mini Quick Water Repellent Belt Bag is the ultimate hiking accessory. On the more compact side at 9.5" W x 5.5" H x 2" D, the rectangular belt bag has a front zip compartment with a key leash inside. The interior of the bag is accessible via a 2-way zip and features a single slip pocket.

Looking for something larger? The Baggu Fanny Pack is 8'' W × 6.5'' H x 2'' D, but it has an additional full-width front compartment for extra storage potential. Made of recycled ripstop nylon, it's a simple-yet-durable belt bag that's great for folks who like to carry a bit more along for the ride.

The Herschel Seventeen Waist Pack, which is 13" W x 6.5" H x 3.5" D, is the classic fanny pack silhouette. It has one large main compartment with a small zip compartment on the front. The inside is completely empty, so you'll need to organize your belongings within little pouches or let them fill the space freely.

If you're going to a festival or simply like funky prints over plain colors, the Kavu Spectator Belt Bag, which is 9" W by 5" H, is your best bet. The small ovular fanny pack has a 2-way zip pain compartment and single zip, full-width front compartment. The interior doesn't have any pockets, so your items will nestle freely unless you put them in small pouches.

Belt bags are great for parents, too! In addition to being a hands-free accessory, the Kibou Faux Leather Diaper Belt Bag is equipped with a waterproof back pocket that can hold 20+ wet wipes, along with a back zip pocket with a removable fold-out changing mat. Meanwhile, the main compartment of the bag has a key leash and plenty of space to stow a phone, wallet, keys, and pacifier, while the front zip compartment works well for storing cards and lip balm.

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While many belt bags are made of polyester, the Zorfin Fashion Waist Pack is made of waterproof nylon that almost looks like faux leather. The more elevated appearance of the fabric makes this belt bag ideal for dressier situations, like brunch, dinner, or going out. It has two main zip compartments, as well as a front zip compartment and hidden back zip compartment, and measures 8" W x 5.5" H x 2.5" D.

Belt bags are especially great for bringing the essentials to the gym. If, however, you need one that can be worn comfortably while running, the AiRun Tech No Bounce Hydration Belt is the way to go. The uniquely designed belt has two zip pockets for cards, keys, and your phone, along with a mesh water bottle pouch. No wonder over 2,600 Amazon shoppers have awarded the belt bag a 5-star rating.

✔️ Size: Depending on when and where you plan to wear your belt bag, you may want a smaller or larger size. Where compact belt bags are great for daily errands and going out, larger silhouettes are ideal for travel, hiking, and heading to the gym.

✔️ Colors: If you fall in love with your belt bag, will you want to buy it in more colors? If so, make sure to start with a bag that's sold in various shades. Take the Calpak Luka Belt Bag, for example. The popular silhouette comes out in new hues each and every season.

✔️ Material: If you plan to wear your belt bag on outdoor adventures, you'll want to opt for water-repellent, water-resistant, or waterproof styles. If you're looking for a dressier option, consider nylon or leather styles.

Rebecca Ravee Norris is a full-time freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University. There, she earned her B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not working, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, adventuring with family and friends, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows.

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