Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 08:09 am
Hiking can require a lot of concentration and dexterity. Whether dodging tree roots or navigating slippery terrain, you’ll want your hands free and your valuables secured. Fanny packs, or waist packs, are the perfect lightweight solution to keep your necessities safe and close at hand. To help you comfortably take on your next trek, check out our top choices for the best lightweight fanny packs for hiking.
What Makes a Great Lightweight Fanny Pack for Hiking?
A quick internet search will show that fanny packs are back in a big way! However, many options are geared toward style over function and durability. We’ve narrowed the selections using key qualities we believe elevate a fanny pack to being trail-worthy. A great lightweight fanny pack will standout in these ways:
- Comfortable waist strap: A long, adjustable and thick waist band will help keep your pack secured and comfortable.
- Lightweight Material: Materials that breathe will reduce bulk and keep you cool. True waterproof fabrics like vinyl will be too burdensome on long hikes.
- Reasonable Pouch Volume: You’ll need enough space to hold the essentials; additional organization is a bonus.
Our Favorite Lightweight Fanny Packs for Hiking Are...
All packs are not created equal. With the above criteria in mind, we chose options that offered waist comfort, lightweight materials and reasonable space for belongings. While all of the packs on our list are great, these two stood out above the rest:
Best Overall: JanSport Fifth Ave. Fanny Pack
Our Second Favorite: Waterfly Slim Fanny Pack
Several fanny packs rose above the rest for their comfort, lightweight materials and pouch volume. Packs that made it onto our list also offer additional touches for functionality or an unbeatable warranty.
While we love the packs mentioned above, there are enough options to customize to your needs. What works for one may not work for all, we encourage you to find the one that suits your personal hiking style.
Comparison Table of Best Lightweight Fanny Packs for Hiking
Our top six candidates for fanny packs all look great as you can see from the vast array of styles. Below we created a side by side comparison of each option. You can view more information on each below by following their links.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
JanSport Fifth Ave. Fanny Pack | $ |
 
|
Waterfly Slim Fanny Pack | $ |
 
|
Maleroads Fanny Pack | $ |
 
|
Entchin Fanny Pack | $ |
 
|
Naturehike Lightweight Fanny Pack | $ |
 
|
Van Beeken Fanny Pack | $ |
As you can see, fanny packs are versatile in style and function, and most are very affordable. Read on to see why each made it on our list.
1. JanSport Fifth Ave. Fanny Pack
First up, the JanSport Fifth Ave. Fanny Pack is our favorite for it’s quality and durability.
With an unbeatable limited lifetime warranty and quality materials, other pouches just won’t stand up to this one.
While other fanny packs boast additional organization and pockets, we like the JanSport’s simplicity. Because these bags are relatively small, finding your belongings shouldn’t be too difficult.
The JanSport Fifth Ave. gives you plenty of room for most phones and much more with 2.5 litres of space. A double-zipper opening allows secure access to belongings from multiple angles.
Tough Materials
While still remaining lightweight, this fanny pack is made of 100% 600D Polyester.
In short, 600D polyester is favored for its strength and durability in high-end bags and pouches.
Because of its tensile strength, it’s less likely to break at seems or corners with repeated abrasion.
Unbeatable Limited Lifetime Warranty
For a such a small investment in this bag, it carries the weight of the JanSport name.
JanSport products come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on material defects.
You can rest easy with this pouch, if any materials break or tear from defect, you have an option of repairing or replacing it under warranty.
JanSport Fifth Ave. Fanny Pack Pros and Cons
Fifth Ave. PROS
- Good capacity
- Durable materials
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Fifth Ave. CONS
- Lacks organization
Who Is the JanSport Fifth Ave. Fanny Pack Perfect For?
While many pouches go for flashy colors and additional organization, most lack quality and durability. For hikers looking to carry a few essentials in a sturdy, water-resistant pack, the JanSport Fifth Ave is perfect. See more specifications, colors and current pricing for this model here: JanSport Fifth Ave. Fanny Pack
2. Waterfly Slim Fanny Pack
The Waterfly Slim Fanny Pack comes in at a close second with it’s additional features for organization and high marks for customer satisfaction.
Additionally, this pack offers ergonomic zipper pulls you’d find on some of the best quality hiking gear. We find these attractive for their comfort, but also they jingle less than full metal options.
Slim Profile
Overall, the Waterfly fanny pack offers a lot for it’s smaller dimensions. In fact, this pack still grants 2.2 litres of capacity while maintaining its slim profile.
Many hikers may enjoy the slim profile for comfort during long travels.
It should be noted, as phones continue to get larger it’s always good to check the dimension of a pack.
The Waterfly fanny pack comfortably fits an iPhone 8 (5.44″ tall). However, it can accommodate phones up to 7.2″ while slightly reducing the overall capacity of the pack.
Loads of Organization
Overall, this pack has all the pockets you need to hike with piece of mind.
In addition to being slim, the Waterfly fanny pack boasts 4 pockets for organization.
Two front pockets hold small items like chapstick, earbuds and tissues for easy access. A large main enclosure can hold your phone, bug spray and keys while a secure hidden pocket holds money and cards.
Pros and Cons of the Waterfly Fanny Pack
Waterfly PROS
- Lots of color choices
- Ample organization
- Hidden security pocket
- Minimal bulk
Waterfly CONS
- Smaller capacity
- Slim dimensions may not fit larger phones
Who Will Love the Waterfly Fanny Pack?
This Waterfly pack is perfect for hikers looking for loads of organization and a sleek profile for long jaunts. With the additional purchase of a Waterfly extender belt, this pack is great for wider waists. View more specifications, dimensions, styles, and current pricing for the Waterfly pack here: Waterfly Fanny Pack
3. Maleroads Fanny Pack
Another amazing option for hikers is the Maleroads Fanny Pack.
With features like breathable mesh, water-resistant fabric, high quality materials and reinforced stitching this pack is ready for the trails.
Hikers also love the snug waistband that doesn’t slip through the buckle while running.
Furthermore, sturdy polyester zipper pulls are an added benefit. Not only is this pack great for long hikes, its sleek and attractive design can easily transition off-trail.
Lots of Organization
The Maleroads fanny pack offers ample storage with 2.7 litres of space.
Three zipper enclosures provide plenty of room for hiking essentials.
The hidden security pocket in back keeps valuables close to your waist. In addition, this pack features a nylon divider pocket inside to keep screens protected.
Breathable Materials for Added Comfort
Made from tough 600D polyester, the Maleroads fanny pack is sturdy and well made.
Not only is this pack made well, there’s also a layer of breathable mesh in the back for airflow.
As an added bonus, by nature 600D polyester easily deflects moisture droplets for water-resistance.
Maleroads Fanny Pack Pros and Cons
Maleroads Fanny Pack PROS
- Ample Storage
- Durable Materials
- Sleek Versatile Design
- Snug Waistband
Maleroads Fanny Pack CONS
- Lack of Style Choices
Who Does This Fanny Pack Work Well For?
This Maleroads fanny pack is the perfect option for hikers looking for a budget friendly pack with a sleek look. For more specifications, pictures, and current pricing can view them here: Maleroads Fanny Pack
4. Entchin Fanny Pack
The Entchin Fanny Pack is a fantastic lightweight option for the trails.
Entchin has encorporated a lot into a small pack. With ample space to store items in a comfortable pouch, we like the Entchin fanny Pack for many reasons.
The Entchin Fanny Pack is a lightweight and slim design that’s great for long hikes. Boasting a main zipper enclosure of almost 10 inches wide, we think this pack offers ample space.
Simple Lightweight Design
Being that you’ll be on the trail, you may enjoy more zippers for added assurance.
This pack features 4 zipper enclosures including an internal zipper pocket for money.
With a Secure back zipper and two large main pockets, hikers will like this bag’s versatile organization.
Large Pack Width for Hip Comfort
For added stability while walking or hiking, we like the Entchin’s overall width from seem to seem.
This additional bag dimension tapers nicely around the waist and over the hips for a snug and comfortable fit.
Pros and Cons for the Entchin Fanny Pack
Entchin Fanny Pack PROS
- Snug Fit
- Lots of Secure Pockets
- Spacious
Entchin Fanny Pack CONS
- Metal zippers
- Lack of style choices
Who Is the Entchin Fanny Pack Perfect For?
This Entchin Fanny Pack is great for those looking for lots of storage and a snug fit. Check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing here: Entchin Fanny Pack
5. Naturehike Lightweight Fanny Pack
The Naturehike Lightweight Fanny Pack is a practical and comfortable opion for hitting trails in wet conditions.
Along with 2 litres of space, this fanny pack offers exterior compartments and one interior zippered money pocket.
Hikers love this pack for it’s comfort and ease of use. Additionally, Naturehike offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their products.
Ultra-lightweight Materials
Naturehike has made their fanny pack out of lightweight 30D Nylon. Because of its construction, this tough and thin material creates a pouch weighing only 2.4 ounces.
Not only is this pack super light, it folds into a tiny nylon pouch for easy storage when not in use.
Waterproof Construction
Most packs are water-resistant based on their polyester construction, but most won’t stand up to this pack. While the materials look lightweight, Naturehike’s lightweight fanny pack claims to be waterproof.
From our experience, this claim should mean no water getting reaching your belongings and no long-term saturation of the outer material.
However, hikers have stated that while this bag is the best at repelling lots of water, submersion is not recommended.
Pros and Cons of the Naturehike Lightweight Fanny Pack
Naturehike Fanny Pack PROS
- Lightest option
- Durable materials
- Packs away for storage
- Highly water-resistant
Naturehike Fanny Pack CONS
- Lacks structure
- Lower capacity
Who Will Love This Fanny Pack?
Naturehike has made a great option for hikers heading onto wet paths and those looking for a lightweight and stow-able pack. Take a look at more detailed specifications, pictures, and current pricing here: Naturehike Fanny Pack
6. Van Beeken Fanny Pack
Finally, the Van Beeken Fanny Pack is another great option for traversing nature.
With its high-end materials and 840D polyester material, this fanny pack will stick around for a while.
In short, bigger may be better if you’re heading out for a long trail or carrying items for your family. With this pack you can easily carry emergency snacks and items for all scenerios and for the whole troop.
Premium Hardware
Van Beeken addresses all of the weaknesses of typical run-of-the-mill bags in their Unisex Fanny Pack.
For example, buckles on many hip bags can unbuckle under the weight of belongings while you walk.
The Van Beeken includes premium security buckles provide strength that can carry up to 60lb, eliminating clip malfunction.
The Van Beeken pack also has highly tested and durable zippers, waist straps and reinforced seems.
The Most Spacious Fanny Pack
While this space comes at the cost of added bulk, the Van Beeken claims victory in terms of volume.
With approximately 2.9 litres of interior, this pack is the largest on our list.
Included are 5 separate, zippered compartments where all of your belongings can be stored safely.
Pros and Cons of the Van Beeken Fanny Pack
Van Beeken PROS
- Durable Fabrics
- Largest Capacity
- Premium Hardware
- Extenders for waists up to 53″ included
Van Beeken CONS
- Bulky
Who Is This Fanny Pack Perfect For?
The Van Beeken pack is the best option for trail hikers looking to bring everything they need to prepare for a long day outside. Because this fanny pack is large, organized and high quality we think many people will love it. If this pack sounds like it might be right for you, check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing here: Van Beeken Fanny Pack
Before Picking Your Lightweight Hiking Fanny Pack
Whether just starting out or an avid hiker, you likely have an idea of what you want your pack to hold. Based on that knowledge and what key attributes you’re most interested in, it should be simple to choose the right fanny pack.
Remember to choose a fanny pack that:
- Has a comfortable waist band that won’t budge while hiking
- Is made from lightweight materials for long hikes
- Has a reasonable pouch volume for your needs
Feel the Freedom of a Lightweight Fanny Pack
If you’re accustomed to hiking with a backpack, be prepared for that weight to be lifted. Whichever fanny pack you end up bringing on your trip, you’ll be grateful for cool air hitting your back. Not only that, you won’t be tempted to over-pack or carry all of your troops belongings. The freedom from back strain and low-laying branches will be incredible with your new lightweight pack. Above all, get ready to enjoy the rush of nature while stowing your belongings safely and securely at your waist.
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Image Credit: Brendan Atkins | (https://www.flickr.com/photos/brendanadkins/) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
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