“Traveling always elicits a sort of ‘oh my god, where did I put that’ sort of feeling, which can be all the more stressful when ‘that’ might be a passport or credit card,” says Nicole Kliest, a freelance travel and fashion writer who has visited Ireland, Costa Rica, Bali, and France in the last year alone. “Having a fanny pack strapped to your body removes the anxiety of wondering if you left your iPhone on the airport Starbucks counter and ensures all your most important belongings are safely stashed close to your body.”
En route, a fanny pack can be a game-changing travel bag for your necessities. But spending all day on your feet exploring a new city, a stylish fanny pack can also add a stylish touch to a casual outfit. One tip from Kliest: Since the bag is worn fitted to the body, keep an eye out for wearing your bag with fabrics that may cause staining or fabric to pull. To find the best travel fanny packs, Bazaar tapped expert advice in addition to user reviews to find the best styles marrying form and function. Find the 8 best options below.
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Christian Vierig
The Designer Pick
Prada Re-Nylon and Saffiano Leather Belt Bag
“If you’re traipsing around Europe, Prada’s nylon style is cute,” recommends Kliest. This durable nylon bag looks cool while also being practical. You can comfortably fit a passport, wallet, and phone inside.
Dimensions: 7″ L x 6″ W
Materials: Re-Nylon and Saffiano leather
The Commuter Pick
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
If you’re traveling via airplane, having your essentials stashed on your person makes getting through security a breeze—no digging around in a huge carry-on for your passport or ID. Lululemon’s belt bag features pockets along the exterior and interior, making it simple to place things safely until the moment you need them.
Dimensions: 7.5″ L x 2″ W x 5″ D
Materials: 100% recycled polyester
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The Minimalist Pick
Rains Belt Bag
Rain’s sleek, water-resistant belt bag features a coated zip closure to make sure you can always have the essentials on hand, rain or shine.
Dimensions: 16.1″ W x 3.1″ D x 7.1″ H
Materials: Polyester
The Boho-Chic Pick
Isabel Marant Black Skano Belt Bag
Boho chic is back. This studded leather belt bag from Isabel Marant—arguably the engineer behind the perfectly undone aesthetic that defined the 2000s—is an easy way to lean back into the trend, while still making sure you have the functionality you need on the go.
Dimensions: 6.5″ H x 10″ W x 2.5″ D
Materials: Calfskin, gold-tone hardware
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The Retro Pick
YSL Cassandre Textured-Leather Belt Bag
If you’re looking for a luxury travel bag that you can wear while vacationing in Paris or Rome, but will also find lots of opportunities to style at home, this sleek black style from YSL is just the thing.
Dimensions: 9.8″ L x 5.1″ W x 3.1″ D
Materials: Leather
The Trendy Pick
Gucci Ophidia Small Belt Bag
If you’re packing light, a trendy fanny pack can be an adaptable piece that you can easily dress up or down—perfect for saving space in your suitcase. Since my travel outfits tend to be more neutral, I love the idea of a bold bag to make a look pop.
Dimensions: 11.8″ L x 5.5″ W x 1.7″ D
Materials: GG Supreme canvas with brown leather trim
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The Outdoor Pick
Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L
If you like to carry your valuables close to your body, but need to store more than just the essentials, this larger-size fanny pack can hold a guidebook, a water bottle, or snacks for later. When I’m spending all day out and about, I prefer this style to a large shoulder bag or tote, since it distributes weight more evenly.
Dimensions: 16.5″ L x 6″ W x 4″ D Materials: Recycled polyester ripstop fabric
The Under-$100 Pick
Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack
For a more budget-friendly option, Dagne Dover’s under-$100 fanny pack is soft for easy packing, but also durable and easy to clean, ideal for the wear and tear of travel.
Dimensions: 9″ L x 5″ W x 3.25″ D
Materials: Neoprene
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What should you look for in a travel fanny pack?
When shopping for a travel fanny pack, you want to make sure it can fit your necessities and pack easily for storage on the go.
Shop more bags for travel
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Meet the expert
Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer who focuses on fashion and travel. She has contributed to Elle, Coveteur, Vogue, Condé Nast Traveler, and more.
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