We’ve picked some of the best waist packs, and laid out the need-to-knows about each. Yes, they might remind you of holidays at Disneyland, but on the camping trail, when you’ve still got lots of small things to carry, a waist pack is a great idea.
FREETOO Bumbag / Running Belt / Waist pack
‘Good for running and hiking, has earphones opening.’
The FREETOO bumbag has enough space for your phone, credit cards and money, all you really need for stop-offs along the hiking trail. It’s lightweight, simple and features and opening for earphones, so you can rock out while you walk out.
Size and fit
One of the smaller packs on our list, this is really more of a belt, with enough room for the essentials and not much else. Fits well on waists 30-43 inches, and comes with a fully adjustable strap.
Durability
Solid construction, heavy duty zipper and a simple plastic buckle. It’s not fancy, but it does the job, and it does it well.
Features
The FREETOO has two main compartments, the back one intended for phones up to 5.5 inches. The earphones opening is small and well-placed, so you won’t yank the cord out while you’re running or hiking.
Value for money
The cheapest quality bag out there, what more can we say? Great value for money.
Best for
Running and fast hiking, anytime a larger pack might slow you down.
Hopsooken Hiking Waterproof Backpack / Running Waist Pack 22L
‘Daypack with detachable waistpack for running and hiking.’
The best of both worlds in the Hopsooken — daypack small rucksack, with a detachable waist pack for running, cycling and hiking. We think it’s the most handsome pack on our list, and it certainly has enough features to keep us happy.
Size and fit
Ultra-simple design, 22L in total, most of it contained in the main backpack. Comfortable straps, fully adjustable, and enough room in the detachable waistpack for your phone, wallet, keys and money.
Durability
Hopsooken have done all they can in terms of quality, while keeping the price down. We’re super impressed with how well made this pack is, it’s a steal.
Features
The only one of our picks to feature an attached backpack, the Hopsooken is awesome for day trips. Pack it in your suitcase, and you’ve got enough carrying options to tackle any adventure. At 11 in x 7 in, the waistpack is roomy in its own right, and the zipper system is smooth and sturdy.
Value for money
Two quality packs for one great price? You can’t go far wrong for that price. We love the quality and versatility of the Hopsooken.
Best for
Day trips, or packing in your suitcase for longer camping trips.
PandaGearx Military Tactical Molle Pouch Belt Waist Pack
‘Military-inspired waist pouch with separate compartments.’
Here’s one for the technical pack-lovers. The PandaGearx is a military-inspired waist pouch with space for your phone, and two compartments for separating your belongings. This one clips onto your belt, so if that’s what you’re looking for, look no further.
Size and fit
17.5cm x 12cm x 6cm, the PandaGearx isn’t so big that it’s unwieldy on your belt. It clips on securely with two heavy duty poppers, and the canvas construction makes it tough enough to withstand whatever you’re going to throw at it.
Durability
It wouldn’t be a military-inspired pack without a bit of canvas. The PandaGearx is hardcore, constructed of heavy duty canvas, it’ll stand up to wear and tear, and still look respectable even after the longest hikes.
Features
The pack clips right onto your belt, so you’ve always got instant access to your stuff, and alongside the phone pouch at the front, there are two separate compartments, so you can arrange his and hers without causing fights.
Value for money
A solid canvas pouch with space for your phone and a good amount of other stuff, its awesome value for money. Well worth the investment.
Best for
Small amounts of stuff you need to keep with you on day hikes.
Trespass Waikaka Bumbag
‘Carry your stuff, two water bottles and more, all on your bum.’
A firm favourite for us in the bumbag waist packs category, the Waikaka has it all. Space enough for two water bottles, a main compartment at the back, and a velcro pouch at the front. There’s nothing the Trespass Waikaka can’t do.
Size and fit
You wouldn’t mind being the designated carrier if the Waikaka was what you were hauling around. The two water bottle pockets are located on the sides, evening out the weight, and in the back, the main compartment is big enough to store most of the fundamentals.
Durability
We’re big fans of Trespass and would recommend their products as quality ones any day of the week. Be aware, that the Waikaka is splash and rainproof, but it’s not waterproof (you can’t expose it to water for too long, or submerge it.)
Features
We love how well-thought out the design of the Waikaka is. Clearly built by people who have experience camping and hiking, the weight is evenly distributed (providing you both drink the same amount of water), and there’s enough room for stuff. Without the thing being too bulky.
Value for money
Trespass pride themselves on providing quality at a reasonable price, and their waist packs are no exception. Great quality, great price.
Best for
Day hiking trips.
Hugaily Fashion Waist packs
‘2.2L of bumbag freedom.’
For when you need space, but not too much space, and a place to keep your water bottle. The Hugaily comes with 2.2L of compartment space, into which you can put whatever you please. There’s a stretchy pouch on the side, too, to keep your water bottle in, and the whole thing clips securely right around your adventure-seeking waist.
Size and fit
One of the biggest standalone waistpacks featured on our Camping Things list, the Hugaily comes with 2.2L of space in the main compartment, and a small amount of room at the front for credits cards, or that Starbucks card you won’t need, because you’re out in the wilderness.
Durability
Excellent construction, feels a lot like a laptop bag in that its sturdy and tight. Sure to serve well for a long time.
Features
Available in a range of colours, the Hugaily has solid plastic tabs on the ends of the zippers, making them easy to open and close when you’re wearing gloves. There are two stretchy pouches on either side, and the waistband itself is thick, comfortable and sturdy, with plenty of lumbar support.
Value for money
Given the choice of colours and the solid construction, and the multiple pouches, in the world of waist packs we’d say that the Hugaily is great value for money.
Best for
Day tripping, weekend camping trips, easy hikes.
Best waist packs
Our Choice - Hopsooken Hiking Waterproof Backpack
-
Quality
-
Functionality
-
Value
Summary
Hopsooken have done all they can in terms of quality, while keeping the price down. We’re super impressed with how well made this pack is, it’s a steal. (Check out latest price and stock here)
The Hopsooken is a great little bag comfortable enough for a days trekking – mine is a bit battered now but still going strong.
Great backup rucksack for day adventures, used it sveral times now for just long dog walks