Look, we know the connotations that come with the term “fanny pack.” (Tourist dads, neon ’80s Halloween costumes.) We know the connotations that come with “crossbody bag.” (European teen selling MDMA at a music festival.) In both scenarios, the key is practicality. The crossbody bag serves a purpose neither backpack nor tote bag can serve. If you’re leaving the house and only need to take your phone, keys, AirPods, and small bags of snacks or coke, it’s the best option. Whether you’re jogging, hiking, or standing in a crowd, it’s the best option.
The good news is, you don’t need to call it a fanny pack. And you don’t need to be beholden to the 2010s, crossbody thing we’re talking about. Wear them around your waist or across your chest, we don’t care. Buy the Gucci and Ferragamo luxury ones, or buy the Arc’teryx and Nike ACG outdoorsy ones started showing upscale, designer versions at runway shows, solidifying the crossbody-belt-bag’s place in high fashion.
| Colors | 4 |
| Dimensions | 5.5″L x 10.5″W x 2.5″H |
| Volume | 1L |
| Materials | Recycled polyester |
Herschel does the whole fundamental bags and accessories thing really well. Most well-known for its functional, vintage-inspired backpacks, the brand also makes a great hip pack from recycled polyester. It has the two most basic things you need in a fanny pack: a zipper pocket for all your stuff, and an adjustable strap. No bells and whistles here, just good old durability.
| Colors | 10 |
| Dimensions | 5″L x 7.5″W x 2″H |
| Volume | 1L |
| Materials | Recycled polyester and nylon |
I wear my Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag every time I go to the gym, and, at least here in NYC, the crossbody Lululemon bag is a staple athleisure accessory, showing everyone you walk by that you’re stylish and athletic. (Or at least that you go to the gym once a week.) It’s got a thick adjustable strap; a main compartment with interior mesh pockets where I put my gym lock, keys, and AirPods; a hidden zipper pocket on the back—and, the most fun part is that it comes in a variety of colors. I love my sky blue one, but this new yellow one sure has caught my eye.
| Colors | 3 |
| Dimensions | 9″L x 2″W x 7″H |
| Volume | 3L |
| Materials | Polyester |
We all know Nike for its ubiquitous sneakers with the iconic Swoosh logo—Nike is literally the largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel in the whole damn world. So it only makes sense that it also makes a pretty great multi-use crossbody bag. Part of Nike’s All Conditions Gear, a sub-brand focused on outdoor performance apparel and accessories, the Daymax Crossbody Bag is a great place to keep all the small things you need on an adventure. It has a front zipper pocket large enough for an iPhone Pro Max, a front mesh pocket, and an interior mesh slip pocket for everything else.
| Colors | 6 |
| Dimensions | 5.9″L x 8.3″W x 3.1″H |
| Volume | 1.5L |
| Materials | Recycled polyester |
Honestly, we would trust Arc’teryx gear (especially this rain jacket) to get us through any weather. So when you’re out in a storm or any kind of harsh weather and need a place to put your small necessities, this versatile 1.5-liter waist bag will do. You can wear it like a waist pack, but it works just as well as a crossbody bag or a sling bag.
| Colors | 8 |
| Dimensions | 5.5″L x 9″W x 2.5″H |
| Volume | 1L |
| Materials | Nylon |
Looking for something truly Gorpcore? Topo Designs makes just the thing. This earth-toned waist pack has heavy-duty YKK zippers with oversized pulls and paracord security loops for that extra sturdy feel. The smaller front zippered pocket has an internal key clip, and the strap has attachment loops for hooking on additional gear, too.
| Colors | 5 |
| Dimensions | 6.25″L x 10.5″W x 3.5″H |
| Volume | 5L |
| Materials | Organic cotton canvas |
If you want something a little larger, Patagonia makes a 5-liter waist bag that has internal mesh pockets and a small external zippered pocket so you can organize all your small items. It’s water resistant, so you can even wear it in the rain, and the breathable mesh back panel makes it comfortable for all-day wear (you won’t get a huge sweat stain on your midriff).
| Colors | Light gray, red, black |
| Dimensions | 5.1″L x 9.8″W x 2″H |
| Volume | 2L |
| Materials | Recycled nylon |
Another great option on the smaller side is the new Motion Waist Pack from Stubble & Co. It’s modern and minimalist, coming in monochrome light gray, red, or black. Like the Patagonia waist bag, this one has ventilated mesh side paneling as well as an airflow back panel that stays breathable throughout the day. The main compartment is divided into two sections, and there’s also a zippered front pocket and an easy-access side pocket—it even has a bike light loop if you want to add some extra visibility.
| Colors | Black |
| Dimensions | 5.8″L x 10.0″W x 1.4″H |
| Volume | 1.3L |
| Materials | HTLS fabric |
Moving into the higher end of waist bags, this one from Tumi shows that yes, crossbody belt bags can be fashionable. The high performance HTLS fabric is designed for high-tenacity durability as well as low shrinkage so it maintains shape even in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. You can even add an embossed monogram for free or pay a little extra for a premium metal monogram for something extra special.
| Colors | Black, silver |
| Dimensions | 7.4″L x 10.3″W x 3.5″H |
| Volume | 4.4L |
| Materials | Aluminum, full-grain leather, nylon |
Listen, we know you’re probably not planning on spending $2,000 on a crossbody bag, but if you were to do that…we’d recommend going for a Rimowa. You just can’t beat that cool aluminum look, easy locking system, and the feeling that you’ve got your own mini suitcase you can take with you everywhere. Oh, and did we mention that Lewis Hamilton has worn it?
