I’m only going to say this once….
Fanny packs are cool.
There are times when bikers need to carry a small amount of items, but do not want the bulk of wearing a backpack. These times are well suited for waist packs, biking belts, bum bags, fanny packs, or whatever else you’d like to call them because they have the ability to provide a small carrying capacity in a simple belt-like design.
Dakine Hot Laps 5 Liter Bike Waist Bag
Below, this article breaks down 10 of the best fanny packs for biking. In addition, for each different pack we have written what it is optimized/designed to carry.
I know that many of you are here just to see what the best pack is, so I’ve put the table of best packs directly below. However, if you’re looking for more of a guide then keep reading below the table and I’ll talk about what features to look for as well as a review of each of the top biking fanny packs.
Contents
Top 9 Fanny Packs for Biking
| Rank | Picture | Name | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | Dakine Hot Laps 5 Liter Bike Waist Bag | Check Price |
| 2 |  | Osprey Talon 6 | Check Price |
| 3 |  | Camelbak Palos 4 LR | Check Price |
| 4 |  | Dakine Men's Sweeper Waist Hydration Pack | Check Price |
| 5 |  | Porcelain Rocket Tootsie | Check Price |
| 6 |  | Osprey Rev Solo Bottle Pack | Check Price |
| 7 |  | Evoc Hip Pack Race 3L | Check Price |
| 8 |  | Cascadia Hip Pack | Check Price |
| 9 |  | Ortlieb HIP-PACK2 | Check Price |
Biking Fanny Pack Reviews
If you’re looking for a little more information than was provided in the table above, we’ve gone over the main features of each of the packs below.
1. DAKINE Hot Laps 2L Bike Waist Bag
This simple fanny pack stays in place well when biking and is designed to hold a water bottle, tube, tire irons and phone.
The Dakine Hot Laps 1.5L features a breathable air mesh backpanel which will help cyclists stay sweat free and comfortable. On the side you will find a deployable water bottle pocket that should fit most water bottles. Dakine did a very good job designing a system so that the bottle is held securely in place.
There is even a safety light attachment which will allow you to clip a rear bike light on, to keep you seen in low light conditions. Inside this little back you will find a fleece lined pocket which is ready to hold your smartphone and keep it from getting scratched. This fanny packs is made mainly of 200D rip-stop nylon and as a result can take some serious abuse.
Just in case that was not enough assurance, Dakine backs this pack with their limited lifetime warrantee.
2. Osprey Talon 6
If you are looking for a fanny pack that is capable of getting you through a full days’ cycle, this is one of your best options. This massive (as far as fanny packs go) 6 liter bag can comfortably hold two water bottles, tools, tubes, food, and extra layers.
The Talen 6 comes with two 570 ml BPA free bottles designed for use with this pack. They slot nicely into padded bottles sleeves and have bungee straps to keep them retained. There is a front panel with a zippered stash pocket for wherever you need.
Osprey’s horizontal Straightjacket straps are fully adjustable and make this large pack hardly noticeable when worn. There are also zippered pockets on each side which are easy to access while wearing the pack.
Above all, the Talon 6 by Osprey is comfortable to wear, making it a great purchase for any rider considering a fanny pack.
3. CamelBak Repack LR 4 Hydration Pack
Specifically designed for mountain biking, the Palos 4 LR is another pack capable of bringing plenty of items along for the ride. This pack can easily carry its 1.5 liter bladder, keys, a phone, tools, snacks, and an extra layer.
To hold the bag close and stop it from moving around while riding, Camelbak included a lumbar compression strap that works very well.
Inside the pack you will find an integrated tool organizer. There is a tab for a bike light on the back and all pockets are secured with sturdy feeling zippers.
There is an overflow storage area and a high quality camelback hydration system. The hydration hose is held on using a magnetic tube trap which makes it the easiest hydration fanny pack to use.
The Palos 4 is a great pack from an awesome brand.
4. Dakine Sweeper Waist Hydration Pack
If you go on rides with the intention of physically exerting yourself, it is a good idea to always have water on you. The Sweeper Waist hydration pack will have you covered. This pack is designed to carry a 1.4 liter hydration bladder and an external water bottle as well.
The hydration system features a quick disconnect hose, which is perfect for easy cleaning. Clips hold the hose in place until you need it, where they easily release once the hose is pulled.
Also included on this pack is a gel side pocket which can hold small items such as bank cards or change. Dakine manufacures this bag out of a lightweight mesh and nylon fabrics which are comfortable to cycle with. There are molded tooth, corrosion resistant zippers ready for years of abuse.
Dakine includes a limited lifetime warranty on this pack.
5. Porcelain Rocket Tootsie
The Tootsie by Porcelain Rocket is a unique roll-top fanny pack. Its large 4 liters of carrying capacity can hold a full 6-pack, or equivalent in gear (phone, tube, tire irons, snack, and small layer), but weighs only 180 grams empty making it a great choice for weight weenies.
It is made up of tough 500D Cordura nylon and features a closed-cell foam back padding. The roll-top design helps to keep water out while compressing items together to stop unnecessary movement. This fanny pack fits anyone with an up to 42” waist.
To ensure durability, the pack is bartacked at stress points. There are also Duraflex acetyl buckles throughout the bag. The Tootsie also comes in a variety of colours.
If you are looking for a simple fanny pack, with plenty of space, which holds well to your body, this is the one for you.
6. Osprey Rev Solo Bottle Pack
The Osprey Rev is an essentials only fanny pack designed to be light weight and minimalistic. It can hold a water bottle, your smartphone, and a small item such as an energy bar.
A stand out feature of the Osprey Rev Solo is the zippered phone pocket. It allows you to use your touchscreen phone through a TPU window. On the very back of the pack is a water bottle holder which is intended for the included 600ml BPA Rev sports bottle. There is also a small zippered stash pocket.
The pack has reflective graphics to make sure the wearer is seen. This pack features a lot for its size and is virtually bounce free. Perfect for wearing while out on a bike ride.
7. Evoc Hip Pack Race 3L
Perfect for people who want an extremely adjustable fanny pack is the Hip Pack Race 3L. This pack by Evoc can hold a 1.5 liter hydration bladder, tools, water bottle and your phone.
The Venti Flap system that Evoc has created allows the wearer to individually adjust the distance between the pack and their back. The Air Flow Contact System allows for some of the best breathability available in fanny pack. When purchasing this pack, you are given the option to buy with or without the hydration bladder. It is always recommended to buy it, as it is removable.
In case you do not want the bladder, Evoc has still included a pocket for a water bottle and an adjustable strap to hold it tight.
Another great feature for the pack is the tool compartment which has separate access for quick trail side fixes. This pack is ready for any rough mountain bike ride, or city use.
8. Cascadia Hip Pack
The Cascadia fanny pack is a simple USA made design. It is ready to hold a few tools, snacks and a small layer.
Inside the pack is an organizational system to keep items where you want them (two pockets). To keep the pack comfortable, stable and breathable, there is a mesh backpanel.
The feature that made this pack qualify for this article is the fact that it is 100% waterproof. This is thanks to the VX41 material and YKK #8 zippers.
Cascadia did a good job in designing a simple, light fanny pack that can be worn on rides in any weather.
9. Ortlieb HIP-PACK2
The Hip-Pack2 by Ortlieb is a fully waterproof fanny pack for those who spend a lot of time cycling in wet environments. It easily has enough room for a water bottle, tools, keys, a phone, and extra layer.
Ortlieb included a roll-top close, compression straps, a carrying handle and even an area to clip your bike light. An interesting feature is the removable valuables pocket, it is hard to find a practical use for this but it is still an extra. The Hip-Pack2 is PVC free.
It also stays in place amazingly well, even when full. If you need a waterproof fanny pack, this is the one to choose. Just remember that only the main compartment is waterproof, but the two zippered side pockets are not.
Features to Consider
By now you’ve been able to look through the table and read some more detailed information about a couple of the packs you’re considering. But, before buying be sure to also look over the following functions and features to be sure you get the pack suited for you.
Activity. Will you be mountain biking? Just cruising downtown to a concert or the library? Commuting to work? Regardless, identify first how you’re going to use the pack.
Hydration. A general rule of thumb for cyclists is 1 ounce per mile. So, 20 miles = 20 ounces of water needed. If you don’t have a bottle holder on your down tube (aka frame), then consider a pack like the Osprey Talon or Rev that has built in bottle carrier.
Safety. If you’re going to be riding at night, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra reflective strip on your waist belt.
Storage. Besides water, what else will you be carrying? I personally have a Samsung Galaxy S7 in a wallet style case, keys, and Chapstik on me at all times. If I’m mountain biking or just hitting some trails, then I’ll also have a gel or granola bar or something for some energy as well.
Style. Last, but certainly not least, you may consider grabbing a pack that matches your bike. You’ll notice the Dakine belts are a bit more simple, while the Osprey are a bit more flashy.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with any of the packs listed above.
However, we wanted to mention one more option. Cycling jerseys often have a rear pocket built in. Even if you’re just a casual biker this may be a decent option, or something to consider.
Either way be sure to leave us a comment below and let us know which cool fanny pack you’re now sporting!
Great article! I am currently on the lookout for a very small waist bag that can carry a small 500 ml water bottle and a phone. I might consider Osprey Rev Solo Bottle Pack, according to your list, along with my own choices after I browse a little more. Thank you for filling me in. This waist-bag newbie appreciates your article.