They have suffered a less than fashionable reputation and are known by many names – bum bag, fanny pack, waist bag. No matter what you call them, fanny packs are back in fashion – in a big way, and they make great travel accessories.
Fanny packs for travel make great sense. They are lightweight, hands-free, and safe, and they look better now than ever before. It’s time to rid the humble travel bum bag of its former fashion shame and shed some light on the new wave of stylish fanny packs.
Best Travel Fanny Packs Quick Guide
| Product | Description | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Top | Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Crossbody. Treated with SILVADUR Antimicrobial Protection | Check Price |
Top | Travelon World Travel Essentials Convertible Sling bag/Waist Pack | Check Price |
Top | Sherpani Métro, Anti Theft Travel Fanny Pack/Crossbody Sling Bag for Women | Check Price |
Top | Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Waist Pack | Check Price |
Top | Travelon Urban Anti-Theft Waist Bag | Check Price |
Top | Travelon Anti-Theft Waist Pack | Check Price |
Top | Pacsafe Vibe 100 4 Liter Anti Theft Fanny Pack (Fits 7 inch Tablet) | Check Price |
Top | Travelon Anti-Theft Active Waist Bag | Check Price |
Top | PacSafe Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sports Fanny Pack (4 liters) | Check Price |
 | Travelon Addison Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag | Check Price |
 | Travelon Women's Classic Convertible Crossbody and Waist Pack | Check Price |
 | Baggallini Sightseer Waist Pack Bag with RFID | Check Price |
 | Travelon Metro Anti-Theft Convertible Small Crossbody Bag / Waist Bag | Check Price |
Anti Theft Fanny Packs and Waist Bags
We’ve looked at the practicalities of using a waist pack for travel and day to day use and taken it one step further. Yes, waist packs are safe, but an anti theft waist pack is a lot safer.
Here, you’ll find a fabulously modern assortment of travel fanny packs for women and men. Incredibly useful fanny packs that convert to a stylish sling bag or even an elegant crossbody bag. We’ve even got some waist bags that are so stylish; they’ll go from day to night in a wink.
Need a different type of bag for travel? We’ve reviewed the best anti-theft travel bags for every situation and style:
What to Look for in a Fanny Pack for Travel
Straps and Clips
One essential feature of a travel fanny pack is the straps and clips. After all, this is where you can be most vulnerable to grab and run theft, and clips are how you will keep your bag in place. Look for durable clips that will last. Hidden clips or ones with anti-theft quick-release locks are even better.
Anti Theft Features
If you are in the market for any type of anti-theft bag, you need to know what features the bag has and what you think you need. Some bags will advertise as anti-theft but only have RFID protection– this is the minimum. A good anti-theft bag, even a waist bag or fanny pack, will have locking compartments, anti slash panels and straps, lockdown mechanisms, and RFID. The best fanny pack will have quick-release locks on the clip and a slip pocket to slide the clip into. Look closely at what features each bag has to see if it fits your needs.
Size and Configuration
Look at the size in relation to what you need the bag for and your frame size. Some fanny packs can be pretty bulky, which is excellent for some travel situations but cumbersome in others. Conversely, we have listed some waist bags for women that might be too small for day to day but perfect for an evening out. Also, consider carefully the pocket configuration – hidden pockets and easy access pocket for frequently used items. Will it fit the things you need to carry, such as a phone?
Comfort and Fit
Again, look at the size of the bag and the size of the strap. If you want a fanny pack that converts to a crossbody bag, make sure the length of the strap will accommodate this. Think about how comfortable the bag will be to carry on the hip for long periods or how convenient it is as a sling bag.
Durability
Durability is always a consideration, as is easy care. You want a waist pack that will last and keep looking good. Bags with anti slash panels will be long-wearing, and many are easy to clean. Think about this, especially when choosing any light coloured fanny pack.
Anti Theft Fanny Pack Reviews
Convertible Sling Fanny Packs
This fanny pack/sling bag is from the new Origin line by Travelon. We like this line so much we featured the backpacks in both of our anti-theft backpack guides.
Besides the modern minimalist design, this waist pack/sling bag has all the anti-theft features you expect from Travelon, with a few more benefits.
The Origin line is constructed with recycled plastics from oceans and streams, reducing CO2 emissions and carbon footprint by 45-50%. The result is not just sustainable travel gear but also a lighter and more durable bag.
The recycled fabric is also infused with Silvadur antimicrobial technology by DuPont. This intelligent antimicrobial technology provides a wearable safeguard preventing the spread of microorganisms in the material.
A really versatile and stylish fanny pack, it comes in Driftwood with black accents and all black.
FEATURES
- Made with certified recycled RPET environmentally sustainable materials.
- Fabric is infused with intelligent Antimicrobial Protection – Silvadur by DuPont
- Features Travelons 5-Point Anti-Theft security system including: slash-resistant body, slash-resistant steel cable embedded strap, locking compartments, RFID identity theft protection, and lockdown hardware on strap.
- Wear it 2 ways – as a hip pack or crossbody as a sling bag
- Easy access front zippered pocket.
- Large main compartment with internal slip pocket, zippered pocket and a tethered key clip.
- Adjustable soft webbing waist strap fits most waist sizes up to 60”.
A popular all-around convertible waist pack/crossbody bag from Travelon, this lightweight bag packs in lots of great organisational spaces.
In addition to an internal zippered pocket, the roomy main compartment has slip pockets to help keep items separate, which is a big winner.
The external zip pocket can also hold a large smartphone for easy access.
The bag is also extremely lightweight, durable and versatile as you can wear it around the waist or crossbody. It comes in 3 colours – peacock, black and grey heather, which is a softer fabric.
CONS:
It doesn’t have the Travelon 5 point anti theft system, only RFID protection in the internal zippered pocket.
FEATURES
- Can be worn 2 ways - as a fanny pack or a crossbody sling bag.
- RFID protected zippered pocket in the main compartment.
- Roomy main compartment with organisational slip pockets.
- Easy access front zippered pocket.
- Adjustable strap fits waist sizes up to 52.
- Water resistant.
- Comes in 3 colours.
Sherpani is a design company that operates on the foundations of responsible manufacturing. They only use eco-sustainable materials and every step of the manufacturing and supply chain meets a strict code of conduct covering labour, social and environmental impact and compliance.
Their sustainable ethos is a breath of fresh air, as are their sleek urban designs. Sherpani is now breaking into the anti-theft market with gorgeous womens’ bags, including this very practical waist pack/sling bag.
This bag has anti-theft features – RFID, slash-proof and locking compartments. But it really wins on organisational spaces and ease of access. It has two main zippered compartments, and two-way zips make it easy to access. It is available in black on black, merlot and black and grey and black.
FEATURES
- Anti-theft features include RFID protection, a clip lock on the main compartment opening and anti-slash fabric on the bottom of the bag.
- Versatile design you can wear it two ways as a waist bag or cross body as a sling bag.
- Two roomy zippered main compartments with a two-way zipper on the main compartment for easy access and an exterior zipper pocket.
- Durable water resistant fabric.
- Adjustable webbing belt with a quick-release buckle for a comfortable fit.
- Attractive two-tone design comes in 3 colour combinations.
You Might Also Like: Must Have Travel Essentials for Women
If you want a really practical and attractive travel bum bag, the Metro Anti-theft Waist Pack by Travelon ticks a lot of boxes.
This fanny pack has lots of great storage and organisational pockets, including RFID pockets for cards and your passport.
It has a comfortable adjustable strap for wearing crossbody or on the hip. In addition to Travelon’s 5 point safety system, the strap clip slides into a secret pocket for added security. It’s got a modern urban look that works well for any casual or travel situation. Available in 3 colours – Navy Heather, Grey Heather and Black.
FEATURES
- 5 point Anti-Theft features including locking zippers, slash-resistant body panels, a slash-resistant waist strap with lockdown feature to attach to a stationary object to prevent a grab-n-go theft and RFID protection.
- 3 spacious easy access locking compartments with ample room for day to day essentials.
- The main locking zippered compartment features a zippered wall pocket, 4 RFID protected card slots, and a RFID protected passport pocket plus a tethered key clip with LED light,
- Two front zippered compartments; one locks for additional security. A rear slash pocket keeps your smartphone easily accessible.
- Adjustable strap that fits waists to 56” so can convert to a sling bag.
- Modern design with water and stain resistant material, accented with raw gun metal hardware.
- Comes with a 5 year guarantee.
This waist bag is on the larger side, making it a perfect convertible bag for wearing crossbody. It has loads of room with all of Travelon’s anti theft features, including a buckle pocket for extra protection.
A big win with this waist pack is the pull-out mesh water bottle holder – a convenient and welcome feature when worn on the waist.
FEATURES
- 5 Point Anti-theft security features including locking compartments, slash-resistant body construction, slash-resistant strap with lockdown mechanism, and RFID protection.
- Very large, roomy interior with organization panel with zippered pocket, pen loop, and tethered key clip with LED light.
- Accommodates a waist to 52. Large enough to convert to a sling bag.
- Pull out mesh water bottle holder. Easy access rear panel slip pocket for your phone. Holds large mobile device
Anti Theft Travel Waist Bags
Another practical travel waist bag, the Urban Anti-theft Waist Pack by Travelon, has a modern look and slim profile but with loads of space.
Key features are the front and rear zippered pockets for quick access items and the large main compartment with a zippered mesh pocket.
It also has the complete Travelon 5 point anti-theft system.
CONS:
This bag could make a good convertible sling bag, but the adjustable strap only extends to 48″, which could be a bit tight crossbody for larger frames.
FEATURES
- 5-Point Travelon Anti-Theft security system including: Slash-resistant mesh barrier in all 4 sides and bottom, slash-resistant strap with lockdown mechanism, locking compartments and RFID protected organiser.
- Easy access front and rear zippered pockets.
- Wide main compartment with internal mesh zippered pocket and organiser panel. Includes a tethered key leash with LED light.
- Comfortable adjustable waist strap fits waists up to 48”
- Durable water resistant fabric.
- Available in black and grey.
Pacsafe is the other leading producer of anti theft bags and this waist bag has all the best security features.
Other than safety, key features of this fanny pack are the size – it can fit a small tablet up to 7 inches such as an iPad mini. There are lots of organisational pockets and like the Travelon Origin waist bag, this bag is made from recycled plastics for a smaller environmental footprint and a lighter more durable bag.
FEATURES
- Pacsafe anti theft features include: slash resistant Exomesh throughout the body, lockable compartments, RFID blocking pocket, lockdown hardware to prevent grab and go theft.
- Large size with 2 lockable zipper compartments - large enough to hold a 7 tablet device.
- 2 Interior Pockets with RFID protected pocket. Includes internal attachment points for wallet and keys.
- Made from recycled plastic waste for the same quality as brand new Polyester with a smaller environmental footprint.
- Soft, durable, water resistant & easy to clean fabric.
- Adjustable hip belt length ranges 32.5 to 45.5 inch.
- 5 year Pacsafe guarantee.
A versatile anti theft waist pack for everyday activewear and travel. This bag has all the best safety features including a quick release lock on the buckle. It has lots of space and organisational pockets including RFID pockets for both your cards and passport which is great for travel.
CONS:
Some people complain that the strap is too long (fits up to 46″ waist). This could be advantageous if you are a small frame and want a versatile crossbody/ waist bag.
FEATURES
- 5 Point Travelon Anti-theft security features including locking compartments, slash-resistant body construction, slash-resistant strap with lockdown mechanism, and RFID protection.
- The main compartment is large enough for a large mobile device. It has an organiser with a zippered pocket and an RFID blocking pocket. An interior tethered key clip with LED light helps you find items in your bag.
- Front and rear zippered compartments provide extra storage.
- Adjustable waist strap fits waist to 46 inches so could convert to a sling bag for women or smaller frames.
- Air mesh padded back panel for comfort.
- Hidden locking quick release buckle.
Very similar in size to the Pacsafe Vibe 100 with all the same theft proof features. The Venturesafe is different in that it has more compartments including two top zippered main compartments and a rear zip pocket. Internally there is a divider pocket, a mesh zippered pocket and RFID pocket. The waistband on this bag is also marginally shorter so may not suit crossbody wearing on larger frames. Comes in black only.
FEATURES
- Anti theft features include exterior hidden pocket. eXomesh® slashguard panels, RFID protection, Smart zipper security™, Roobar™ anti-theft anchor lock, Lock your bag down with the PopNLock security clip.
- Interior features a large 7 inch tablet compartment, organizational pockets, and an attachment point for wallets and keys.
- 32 adjustable Clasp closure waist strap with Carrysafe® slashguard technology.
- Clasp closure waist strap with Carrysafe® slashguard technology.
- Comes in black and Blue
Stylish Fanny Packs for Women
Travelon Addison Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody/Waist Bag
Finally, some versatile anti-theft belt bags made specifically with women in mind. These gorgeous belt bags by Travelon are a great addition to your packing list when you need a lightweight purse that will work for day or evening.
The Addison bag by Travelon has a 5 point anti theft system built into an elegant slim profile bag. Wear it crossbody or on your waist, the bag will hold essentials such as cards, masks, sanitiser, phone, keys etc. Available in black, grey and floral.
FEATURES
- A stylish design that works for day and evening can be worn as a crossbody bag or an elegant waist bag.
- Straps thread through rear loop panels for a comfortable fit and slim profile. Fits waists up to 62.
- 5-Point Anti-Theft Security System including lockdown straps, locking compartments, slash-resistant body and straps and RFID protection.
- It has a flap covered main compartment and rear zippered pocket. The main compartment includes an interior wall wallet, so you dont have to carry the extra bulk of a wallet. It also has a Tethered key clip with LED light
- Comes in 3 colours including stylish floral print.
Travelon Women’s Classic Convertible Crossbody & Waist Pack
Another stylish, yet low key women’s versatile crossbody/hip bag. With a slightly larger design, the Classic Convertible bag will hold more than the Addison but without being cumbersome. Wear it comfortably two ways knowing you have all the theft proof features incorporated into the slim profile design.
FEATURES
- Full Anti-Theft features including locking compartments, slash-resistant body and strap and RFID protected pockets.
- Sleek stylish design you can wear 2 ways as a crossbody bag or a waist pack.
- Locking main compartment has an organizer with RFID blocking passport and card slots, zip wall pocket. A tethered key clip with LED Light helps you locate items quickly.
- Front zip pocket locks for security. The rear slash pocket has a snap closure for easy access.
- The front zipper pocket locks for security and the rear slash pocket with snap closure is convenient to access items quickly. The tethered key clip with LED light allows you to locate items quickly and easily.
- Adjustable straps thread through rear loop panels for a comfortable and secure fit.
- Available in 5 colours.
Baggallini Women’s Sightseer Waist Pack
I have a lot of experience with baggallini products, I have used their Getaway Travel System and Daypack for many years. They make great quality luggage designed with women in mind and this baggallini fanny pack is no exception. Unlike the other waist bags listed, this has a more traditional fanny pack design but does not lack a feminine finish. A great day to day or travel pack when you want to travel light. Available in 4 colours and a black onyx floral design.
CONS:
Lacks the safety features of the other bags and baggallini’s other products. It only has the RFID protected pocket.
FEATURES
- RFID protected interior with 6 card slots.
- Large internal compartment fits most plus sized cell phones.
- Easy access external zip pocket.
- Waist strap length is 31 - 44 so can be worn as a sling bag.
- Comes in 4 colours including floral design.
Travelon Metro Convertible Small Anti-Theft Waist Bag / Crossbody Bag
Another sleek and versatile design by Travelon, the Metro Convertible Small Waist Bag has a modern urban look that works for day or evening. Wear it comfortably crossbody or as a hip bag without any bulk. A fabulous bag for everyday or travel when you only need to carry a few essentials. A bag that suits all occasions. It also has the complete Travelon anti theft system and lots of organisational pockets for a small bag. Available in black, grey and navy.
FEATURES
- 5 Poin Anti theft system: Slash-resistant body panels adjustable shoulder strap. Lockdown hardware, locking zippers and RFID protection.
- Fashionable and elegant design can be worn two ways - crossbody or as a waist bag. Connect the adjustable strap to D-rings or loop through the back sleeve to wear as waist pack.
- The main locking zippered compartment features a zippered wall pocket, 4 RFID protected card slots, a RFID Passport pocket and a tethered key clip with LED light.
- Rear slash pocket for a smartphone or other quick grab items
- The strap adjusts to 52 inches