Best Belt Bags for Travel in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
Belt bags, often called fanny packs, are having a resurgence right now. Despite falling out of favor in the early 2000s, the demand for hands-free travel accessories has brought them right back into the limelight. Research shows that the global market for belt bags is rising in value and that trend is expected to continue.
What's driving that demand? A small back that's attached around your waist offers security, convenience, and organizational efficiency. What's more, many of these bags are now super stylish, eschewing the "belly bag" looks of the past. Finally, many travelers have realized that belt bags are the perfect travel accessory, keeping passports, cards, and a phone close to hand. No more digging in huge carry-on bags to find the essentials.
So, what's the best belt bag for travel purposes? We've brought together some of the best belt bags that offer a multifunctional, stylish option for travelers. You'll also learn how to shop for your perfect travel belt bag.
Our Favorites
Here are our top five best belt bags for traveling. Read on to learn more about each one.
- Best Overall: Canvelle Traveler Belt Bag
- Best Budget Option: Herschel Fourteen Hip Pack
- Best for Security: Pacsafe Metrosafe LS120 Anti-Theft Hip Pack
- Best for Outdoor Adventures: Osprey Daylite Waist Pack
- Most Stylish: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Best Belt Bags for Travel
Each of these bags is a versatile accessory that impressed our reviewers in different ways. Take a look at the product features of each popular accessory below.
Canvelle Traveler Belt Bag
The overall best belt bag for travel is the Canvelle Traveler Belt Bag. It's crafted from premium, water-resistant materials similar to vegan leather, and is the perfect size for travel thanks to its 1.5-liter capacity. It's the perfect accessory for eco-conscious travelers as it uses recycled plastic bottles in its construction.
The Canvelle Traveler Belt Bag is also cushioned at the back, combining a stylish design with comfort. You can opt for a black belt bag that goes with any outfit or brighter colors like cornflower blue.
Features:
- Capacity: 1.5L – Compact but spacious enough for essentials like your phone, passport, and small personal items.
- Versatile Wear Styles: Features an adjustable strap so you can wear it around the waist, as a crossbody, or on the shoulder. You can pair this bag with a variety of outfits.
- Material: Premium recycled material, offering a stylish, durable bag that’s easy to clean.
Price Range: $65-$85
Pros:
- Fashion-forward, versatile design suitable for both travel and daily wear.
- Utilizes high-quality, water-resistant recycled materials making it suitable for various climates.
- Adjustable strap for multiple styling options from casual wear to fancier outfits.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point for a smaller capacity bag.
- No specialized security features like RFID-blocking pockets.
Additional Note:
The Canvelle Traveler Belt Bag is available directly on Canvelle, a top choice for chic, travel-ready accessories that don’t compromise on quality or style.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag has a 1-liter capacity and is made from partially recycled nylon and polyester, creating a water-repellent fabric. The adjustable strap means you can wear it over the shoulder or across your body as well as around your waist. There's also a wide range of color options. This is definitely the best belt bag for travel when you expect rainy weather.
Pros:
- Durable
- Stylish
- Available in various colors
Cons:
- Known to sell out quickly due to popularity.
This bag is ideal for urban sightseeing, bike rides, or day trips where a small, hands-free option is needed. Keep lip gloss, credit cards, and your phone on hand and secure.
Price Range: $38-$48
Herschel Fourteen Hip Pack
The Herschel Fourteen Hip Pack echoes the shape of the classic, nylon fanny pack but with much sleeker lines. It's made of a proprietary recycled called EcoSystem™ 600D fabric and offers an internal mesh storage sleeve.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Limited organization options
The Fourteen Hip Pack is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who need a simple, easy-to-carry bag for quick access to their essentials.
Price Range: $35-$40
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS120 Anti-Theft Hip Pack
If security is your priority, the Pacsafe LS120 Anti-Theft Hip Pack is a must-have belt pack. With bold fanny pack styling, this bag includes lockable zips, an RFID-blocking pocket, and cut-proof modern material for the straps. The bag also offers a larger 3-liter capacity.
Pros:
- Excellent security features
- Spacious compartments
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than some other options
This bag is great for international travel, especially in high-traffic areas where security is a concern.
Price Range: $79-$90
Osprey Daylite Waist Pack
The Osprey Daylite Waist Pack is built for durability with recycled bluesign®-approved nylon. It offers a 2L capacity as well as extra like a key clip.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Comfortable for long-term wear
Cons:
- Less fashionable for everyday or urban use
The Daylite Waist Pack is perfect for hikers or adventurers who need a sturdy, functional pack for long days outdoors.
Price Range: $35-$45
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Belt Bag for Travel
Each of the above bags has its own features and versatility. What should you be looking out for when shopping for the perfect belt pack?
Size and Capacity
While a minimalist design is stylish, you need to consider whether your bag will hold everything you need. A 1-liter capacity bag holds a few essentials and is okay for a day trip or getting around on public transport. For longer trips, consider a 2-to-2.5-liter capacity bag.
Remember, the larger your bag, the less likely you can class it as an additional personal item on an airplane. Check bag/item size restrictions with your airline if you're traveling by air.
Material and Durability
Your material choice will determine how durable and secure your bag is. Options like the Pacsafe bag mentioned above have cut-resistant straps. Manufacturers like Dagne Dover offer belt bags in neoprene material for flexibility and durability.
However, these tougher materials can increase the weight of your belt bag. Weigh up the pros and cons and consider factors like flexibility, weather resistance, and reinforced stitching.
Comfort and Fit
The best belt bag for travel should be comfortable and fit well. Look for adjustable straps, ideally between 25 and 50 inches, so you can have your bag as snug or relaxed as needed. Some bags, like the Canvelle Traveler Belt Bag, have cushioning making them comfortable to wear for prolonged periods. Breathable materials like cotton are more comfortable in warmer climates than alternatives like neoprene.
Security Features
Look for belt bags with additional security features, such as hidden compartments, lockable fasteners, and RFID-blocking pockets. You can add small locks for extra security on bags with compatible zippers. A black or grey belt bag attracts less attention from thieves than a brightly colored one.
Organization and Accessibility
Ideally, your belt bag should have more than one, large compartment. Three or more compartments aid in organization and help you access your belongings with ease. Consider adding an internal key clip or pouches to make your essentials even more accessible.
How to Use a Belt Bag Effectively While Traveling
Pack your belt bag so that heavier items are closer to you. That stops the bag from pulling away from you. Use the zipper pocket, if you have one, for small change or other loose items. If there's an additional pocket, use that for organization. Get your items where you can easily reach them instead of hidden in your pants pocket.
For security, use the adjustable belt or waist strap to ensure the bag is tightly cinched to you without being uncomfortable. The classic fanny pack tends to stick out from the body, but a sleeker belt bag can be hidden under your clothes in high-risk areas.
If your belt bag doesn't have additional exterior pockets, use small pouches or even packing cubes to organize your belongings.
Belt Bags vs. Other Travel Bags
How does the best belt bag for travel compare with other bag types like crossbodies and backpacks? The belt bag is certainly the lighter option. A backpack, for example, might be three times heavier than your belt bag, even if you choose an ultra-lightweight option. Backpacks do offer more space and a hands-free experience. However, in a busy airport or train station, you can't monitor what's happening on your back making them less secure.
A crossbody bag is also spacious and easier to keep an eye on. However, prolonged use can cause shoulder strain. Crossbody tote bags are a popular choice right now but they're not always small enough for travel purposes. A sling bag is another alternative. Just always check that you can fit it under an airplane seat.
The belt bag's compact size plus the added security of having it in sight at all times help make it a winner for travel.
Which Belt Bag Will You Pick?
Now you've seen how to pick the best belt bag for travel purposes, which will you go for? We love the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag for its versatility, color choices, and all-weather practicality. But for all-round style, it's got to be the Canvelle Traveler Belt Bag. This is a functional yet fashion-forward choice for travelers who want to combine looks and usefulness.
Your belt bag should offer hands-free convenience and security. Remember to consider color — do you want something brash and bold or a stylish black or olive belt bag? Make sure your belt bag is the right size for your credit card, lip balm, or phone. Look for bags with multiple zippered pockets or convenient, internal separators. With the right belt bag, you can go on more adventures than ever.
FAQs
Can you wear a belt bag on a plane?
For most airlines, the answer is "yes," although you need to check before you travel. Many airlines class your belt bag as a "personal item" meaning you can wear the belt bag and take a larger carry-on bag. Just make sure both items will fit under your seat for take-off and landing.
Are waist bags good for travel?
Waist bags and belt bags are ideal for travel as they keep items secure and close to hand. The best belt bag for travel is one that you can easily open while carrying other items and that holds the right amount of essentials.
What is the difference between a belt bag and a fanny pack?
Both fanny packs and belt bags fasten around the waist. However, fanny packs have a specific pouch shape whereas belt bags come in all shapes and sizes.
What bags are not allowed in the airport?
Before traveling, check with your airline what size bag you're allowed on the airplane and what you can carry in it. Sharp objects like tweezers or scissors and liquids should go in your checked luggage, not in your carry-on bags.