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Once you decide to head outdoors for a short day hike, you probably grab your old college backpack out of the closet, load it with all of your gear, and hit the road without a second thought. But just an hour or two into your trek, that hefty bag — with its thick, non-breathable material — will likely make your back look and feel as sweat-soaked as if you had just raced a marathon. Not cute — nor comfortable.
The solution: Hiking fanny packs (aka hiking waist packs). Lightweight and compact, these bags rest comfortably on your waist and run across your hips (not your entire front or back), don't restrict your arm movement, and are still roomy enough to stash your day hike essentials, such as a map, a compass, a first aid kit, some snacks, your cellphone, and more. To keep you cool and dry, many hiking fanny packs are also equipped with a breathable mesh or honeycombed foam back panel, which promotes airflow and prevents the bag from feeling as if it's actually glued to your body. (
You can think of this bag as a tool belt for hikers: The water-resistant waist pack is equipped with two water bottle pockets; two tiny, zippered pockets on the sides of the waist to store lip balm, hair ties, a lighter, and other small essentials; a front zippered pocket to stash your phone; and finally, a roomy main compartment to hold your windbreaker, map, and plenty of snacks. Thankfully, the hiking fanny pack is designed with a moisture-wicking mesh back, so even if you’re traversing through the desert, the bottom half of your t-shirt won’t be soaked with sweat in just a few minutes. (Related: The Best Hiking Snacks to Pack No Matter What Distance You’re Trekking)
