For hiking, it’s best to be prepared and pack everything you need. Nonetheless, there are types of hiking that do not involve packing many things in your backpack, and then, all you need is a fanny pack. This is the case of short hikes, for instance.
You should first consider where you are going to use it, the ways to wear it, the reasons why you’re choosing a fanny pack, and the packing methods. Fanny packs from different brands sometimes have a standard size that may not fit your waist or hip sizes, even if you adjust it.
Whether you’re going for a quick day hike, or planning a long trip with your friends, using a fanny pack can ease your troubles of reaching for your backpack, and securing your valuable items. If you’re planning on getting one for yourself, check out our recommendations of the best fanny packs for hiking.
Different ways to wear a fanny pack
The different ways to wear a fanny pack are around your waist with the compartment at the back, facing forward, and hanging it crossing your body with the use of shoulder straps.
There are even more ways to wear a fanny pack, but we will focus on the way hikers wear them. It’s a benefit to packing and accessing your stuff.
Under the waist
For hiking, the common way to use a fanny pack is to place it at the bottom of your waist. On the other hand, large and medium sizes allow you to carry water bottles, so we recommend you to wear those the same way you’d wear them for hiking.
If you are going to use packs that are small and medium-sized without packing water bottles, you can place the compartment in front. This is where you are packing the essential things. Wearing the fanny pack in front allows you to easily reach for the things you are most likely to use. We suggest you avoid putting a lot of items that your pack can’t carry.
Across the body
Another way to wear fanny packs is across your body. Large packs have shoulder straps that you can use in different styles. It’s an advantage for hikers who put many items in their fanny pack, as it allows them to switch position over time, and because carrying heavier gear around your waist can be inconvenient.
How to tighten a fanny pack?
Some fanny packs feature a strap that is too long for your waist or hip sizes. It will make the pack saggy if it does not properly fit or if it’s not tightened around the said area. Now, how can you fix this if there are no available packs with shorter straps?
To tighten the strap of your fanny pack, you just need to spread the strap and remove it from the buckle, adjust the long parts to the desired length, then cut. The final step is to make the cut area firm by slightly burning it with a lighter or candle. You can easily do this on your own.
Step-by-step guide:
First of all, you will need to prepare your fanny pack, a pair of scissors, and a lighter or candles.
- Remove the strap from the buckle, then spread it. You should be able to see the short part of the strap, and the longer area where you can see the buckle and the hoops. Adjust the long strap to your desired size. Try it around your hips, so that it will fit perfectly when you use it.
- Once you’ve adjusted it, you will see the excess strap at the end of the buckle. You should cut that excess. However, when cutting the extra part, make sure to leave a few inches.
- The last step is to make the cut ends firm. This is where you’ll need the help of heat. If you have a long lighter, it is better, but if you don’t, then you can use a regular lighter, or even candles. Burn the ends until the material looks stiff, but don’t overburn it. Just heat the edge, then, there you have it!
Reasons to wear a fanny pack when hiking
You should wear a fanny pack because:
- it allows you to go hands-free;
- you’ll have a pouch if you are wearing shorts or leggings with no pocket;
- you’ll be able to carry your essentials when hiking;
- it has a lot of pockets where you can hide your important stuff;
- it prevents you from carrying heavy backpacks on your shoulder, and from hitting someone with your backpack;
- it halts you from putting your packs anywhere when you want to rest.
These reasons are even applicable if you are not hiking. Without carrying a purse, you can do anything you want, since your things are already in your fanny pack.
Carrying a heavy and bulky pack on your back during a hike is inconvenient and exhausting, especially if you’re only going on a short trip. To remedy this problem, you can use a fanny pack instead. It’s small, but it can still carry your essentials. To help you maximize this small storage, read our article to know what you should keep in your fanny pack.
Perfect time to wear a fanny pack
This type of gear is recommended to utilize on some occasions, but if you’d like to use it casually, of course, you can. Mostly, this is created for easily packing portable items or just your essentials. Indeed, in some cases, you don’t want to bring huge packs because it will be a hassle when engaging in strenuous activities.
Fanny packs are perfect to use when hiking, running, biking, traveling, or going to festivals and sports events.
-
Hiking
Fanny packs allow hikers easy access to the essential things they need. That will prevent you from stopping in places because you need to get important things out of your backpack. So, wearing a fanny pack is really recommended for this activity.
-
Running
Since fanny packs are commonly worn around the waist, it won’t bother you when running. Smaller sizes are a perfect fit, as larger ones are still considered bulky.
-
Biking
Just like running, the best option for this activity is a small fanny pack. Not all bike shorts come with pockets, so having this gear is an advantage to pack your stuff without slowing you down.
-
Traveling
This is similar to hiking. It’s a benefit to have a pack in this case, because it is lightweight and small compared to backpacks. But, that depends on what you need to pack. A short trip does not require you to bring many things, for example.
-
Festivals
These are exhausting events, so it’s better to use fanny packs there. It’s inconvenient to bring huge backpacks at festivals, so it’s great to use this gear.
-
Sports events
Some events forbid people to bring bags, and among those are sports events. Therefore, a small pack is the best option.
No pockets nor bag? No worries!
Another reason to use a fanny pack is when you are wearing pants or shorts that don’t have pockets, like cycling shorts or leggings, for example. A fanny pack will then serve as a substitute pocket.
Plus, you will not be struggling to carry your bag. Traveling with your backpack for an extended period will sometimes result in some pain, and honestly, it is exhausting to go around with it.
The build and design of a fanny pack allow you to only bring the essential things. If you are lazy and find it inconvenient to carry a backpack, then this can solve your problem. Plus, you don’t need to wear heavy bags when going for a short hike.
Additional compartments
Another positive feature of such a pack is the compartments. There are hidden pockets that permit you to store the significant items you want to bring with you.
Sometimes, you accidentally hit a person with your backpack, especially if it’s overly packed. Fanny packs will stop that from happening again. Lastly, it will prevent you from putting down your bag if you are in a rest mode, as it will just be hanging around your hips, even if you are sitting.
Conclusion
How you wear a fanny pack will depend on the type of activities you will be engaged in. If you will be carrying a lot of materials or water bottles, go for a large-sized pack, and wear it around your waist, with the compartments facing the back.
As for smaller and middle-sized packs, you can wear them in front of your waist. We advise you to adjust the strap of your fanny pack to fit it appropriately on your waist, so that it won’t be a hassle for you to tighten it when you are already hiking.
