5 Stylish Fanny Packs that Can Help Lessen Back Pain and Improve Posture
Updated: Oct. 26, 2021
This convenient, and sometimes controversial, bag has stood the test of time. Here are five of our favourite hands-free fanny packs.
The best fanny packs in Canada
Rumours of the fanny pack’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. The convenient pouch, often fastened around the hips or, more recently, worn diagonally across the torso, is one of the oldest fashion accessories. And the fanny pack has gone in and out of fashion, a practical bag will always be in style.
Not only are fanny packs a great hands-free option for carrying your essentials, but these tried-and-true bags may also be better for your back. Carrying a heavy shoulder bag or purse, where weight is disproportionately distributed onto one side of the body, has been associated with increased back, neck and shoulder pain. Fanny packs offer a helpful alternative. When worn around your hips, fanny packs take the load off your spine and shoulders and improve posture. Plus, thanks to the fanny pack’s compact size, you’re forced to take only the essentials (phone, wallet, keys, mask). So, even if you’re wearing a fanny pack as a cross-body bag, you’re most likely still travelling lighter than if you were carrying a purse or tote bag, taking that weight off your shoulders and back.
Below are five fanny packs available in Canada that we love.
ai Toronto Seoul Walker
The Walker, from Toronto-based sustainable fashion brand ai, is the perfect on-the-go belt bag—it comes with an adjustable and detachable belt strap and a crossbody canvas strap so you can go hands-free in more than one way. The bag is made from vegan leather and the lining is constructed using recycled water bottles. And, as a bonus, you can buy a leash set to attach to the Walker, transforming it into the ultimate stylish option for walking your furry friend.
$140, aitorontoseoul.ca.
(Related: Meet Lyocell, a Potentially Sustainable Fabric That Could Become Your New Favourite Textile)
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Lululemon’s fanny pack is called the “Everywhere bag,” and is perfect for exactly that: the perfect accessory for everywhere and anywhere. This 1-litre bag comes in a variety of colours and is made of polyester and nylon, so your essentials will stay dry while you’re making your way around town. Plus, the strap is adjustable so you can wear the Everywhere as a cross-body bag or around your hips.
$38, lululemon.com.
Herschel Fifteen Hip Pack
With the ability to hold 2 litres-worth of keys, wallets and other goodies, plus an adjustable strap for different wear styles, this Herschel fanny pack is the perfect companion for any journey, whether it’s to the grocery store, a walk around the block or keeping your documents close and accessible at the airport (remember travelling?!). Herschel also makes the Fourteen, Sixteen and Seventeen hip packs, all of which have different carrying capacities.
$38, Herschel.com.
(Related: 6 Canadian Sports Bras for Bigger Busts)
Matt & Nat Paris Vegan Belt Bag Loom
Anyone who still believes that fanny packs are strictly utilitarian has yet to meet this stylish fanny pack from Canadian brand Matt & Nat. The Paris Belt Bag features a metal zipper, four interior credit card slots and a 100 percent recycled nylon lining. While the strap can’t be adjusted for the bag to be worn cross-body, you can remove the belt and use the Paris as a clutch whenever you need.
$85, mattandnat.com.
(Related: The Best Loungewear to Cozy Up In at Home)
FWD On-The-Go Hip Pack
Forward With Design’s On-The-Go bag is perfect for carrying your necessities. Unlike a lot of other fanny packs, FWD’s has multiple zippered compartments meaning you can store everything you’d need for a day trip. The rectangular shape of the bag also means that it’ll lay flat against your body even if you’ve stuffed it to the brim.
$40, forwardwithdesign.com.
Now that you know the best fanny packs in Canada, check out the stretches that’ll help improve your posture.
With files from Danielle Groen.
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