The classic fanny pack often provoked derision and ridicule, but its inevitable comeback (‘everything old is new again’) is the stuff of designer dreams. Every handbag or travel brand now has its own version. There is a reason the fanny pack – now fashionably called a ‘belt bag’ – was once so popular. As current generations are finding, it’s all about convenience. Strap it around the waist, or hang it over a shoulder, and all of life’s necessities are conveniently at your hands-free fingertips. From the everyday workhorse, to a classic that will surely increase in value, here, from lo to hi, are some of our current favorites:
Everlane ReNew Transit Bag
San Francisco-based Everlane is committed to transparent pricing and sustainable design. Their ReNew Transit Bag is made from recycled plastic water bottles and dyed with bluesign®-approved dyes, which are safer for dyehouse workers and better for the environment. This bag can be worn both as a crossbody or at your waist, fanny-pack style. Features two external zip pockets, a main compartment with an internal divider (for added organization), and an adjustable strap with metal buckles. Clean with light soap and water. Three colors: black, taupe, and peat (pictured.) $35
LOJEL Hip/Shoulder Pack
LOJEL stands for ‘Let Our Journeys Enrich Life,’ and their hip travel products aim to do just so. Founded in 1989 in Japan, the global brand blends innovation, design, and exceptional craftsmanship while always adapting to traveler needs. Their Hip/Shoulder Pack, part of the new Slash/Series, provides ergonomic design in durable Tyvek. Water, moisture, and tear resistant, this incredibly lightweight and durable pack comes in black and matte white. Sling it over your shoulder, or adjust to waist or hip. Other Tyvek items in the series include the Foldable Travel/Day Pack and a Laptop/A4 Sleeve, and Packing/Storage Kits. $45
Rothy’s The Belt Bag
Known for their classic yet eye-catching, wear-all-day footwear silhouettes, Rothy’s has entered the handbag game and the newly released The Belt Bag (currently in four color combos) is sure to be as popular as the sustainable company’s crisply names flats (i.e. The Point, The Loafer, The Square). Both shoes and bags are knitted-to-shape with Rothy’s exclusive, soft, durable, and washable signature thread made of ocean-bound marine plastic. Frequent introduction of new product is central to Rothy’s popularity; with more than 200 design-patent applications granted or pending, the Rothy’s design team creates with purpose and intention, and they're skilled in the art of balancing forward-looking trends with sustainable solutions and real-time customer insights. $165
TUMI Dante Utility Pouch, Leather
Founded in 1975, TUMI has long been a leader in travel and utility bags, and the company’s fans are passionate and loyal. Quality and customer service are hallmarks of the brand. This sleek, pebbled leather Dante Utility Pouch can be clipped around the waist or worn across the body. Thoughtfully placed pockets and a key leash ensure on-the-go organization. A TUMI feature that keeps fans coming back for more is TUMI Tracer, a program allowing customers to register their bags with a central database in the event of luggage mix-ups or loss. $350
SENREVE Aria Belt Bag
Yet another San Francisco based company, SENREVE products are handmade in Italy and Spain for those with busy and active lifestyles. Owner Coral Chung founded her company based on five brand pillars that underscore everything that they do from a design and product perspective: wit, innovation, freedom, empowerment, and elegance. This streamlined and statement-making Italian leather Aria Belt Bag comes in a kaleidoscope of color options. Versatile and convertible, it can be worn in a variety of ways: as a belt bag, a sling bag, a crossbody, or a clutch. Swap in a metal chain strap for an elegant upgrade. The bag features three interior pockets and can fit up to an iPhone 8. Starting at $445
