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If you’re hitting the trails, you’re going to need a trusty pack to carry your essentials and gear for the day. Read on to discover the top-recommended hiking waist packs below!
Best Waist Pack for Women
Table Of Contents
Waist packs are a perfect option for carrying your belongings while hiking. They’re much smaller and lighter to carry than a big ole’ backpack, yet they’re super functional and still allow you to bring your essentials. Generally, a waist pack is best suited for shorter hikes, or those days when you don’t need a ton of stuff when venturing from your camping site.
TFG readers tend to opt for lumbar waist packs when hiking because they offer more support and functionality than a traditional fanny pack. While a fanny pack buckles at the back and offers you a single, easy storage pocket, the waist packs discussed below are a bit bigger, hold more gear, and are more practical for a longer outdoor trek. Though, sometimes a trusty fanny pack does the job, too!
For the best in lumbar packs, as well as some great hiking fanny pack options, check out these top picks below!
What’s the Best Lumbar Pack for Hiking?
Shop: Amazon | Osprey | Backcountry
Osprey Tempest 6 Women’s Hiking Waist Pack With Water Bottle Holder
I’ve been wanting the Tempest 6 Osprey waist pack since last year when I went hiking at Red River Gorge. It was hot and having a daypack felt a little uncomfortable on my back, so I wanted something smaller and lighter to carry a few of my essentials.
I was so glad when I found The Tempest 6 on the Osprey website. It was exactly what I needed! This 6-liter pack has two water bottle holders, two decent-sized pockets on the hip belt, and two interior pockets that are spacious enough to hold my sunglasses, my Eddie Bauer long sleeve, and a couple of snacks.
Enjoying Capitol Reef in Old Navy Tank Top (similar), Patagonia Tights, Osprey Tempest 6 Waist Pack, and holding Trail Buddy Hiking Poles
I didn’t fill it all the way as I still wanted to keep the weight down, and it was perfect. It was so great to have this as an alternate option to a backpack. I could feel the breeze on my back which was so nice, especially while hiking in super hot temps.
I was a little skeptical about the look at first, but the comfort and convenience definitely made up for it. Overall, I’m so happy with this new addition to my hiking gear!
If you missed everything I packed for my two-week Utah hiking and camping trip, find my national park packing list here. And also read about my journey and first impressions by heading to my trip diary!
Here are more top selections of waist packs for walking and hiking. And while function and comfort are the utmost priority, there are definitely some fashionable waist packs and fanny packs in the mix here, too!
Best Hiking Waist Pack
A lumbar waist pack is larger and more solidly built, perfect for a longer or more intense adventure as they tend to be equipped with some back padding, several organizational pockets, and water bottle pockets. Check out these durable, robust options!
Mountainsmith Tour Women Waist Pack
The Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack is perfectly designed for any and every hike. It’s really spacious, with multiple outer pockets that give easy access to essentials and interior pockets that keep valuables really secure. There’s a side pocket to store your water bottle, as well. The adjustable (and super comfy) waistbelt keeps it all snug against your waist.
Hikers absolutely love how comfortable this waist pack is to wear, especially with the back-panel padding which adds extra comfort. Many have noted that this makes a great MTB waist pack, too for avid mountain bikers!
One hiker shares, “Fits everything you might need for a day hike and more. I’m still discovering new ways to adjust the bag to make it super comfortable on my lower back. I love this as an alternative to a backpack. Absolutely no rubbing or chafing issues. I just used this to hike all through southern Utah and California and could not have been happier with it.”
Shop: REI
REI Co-op Trail 5 Unisex Waterproof Waist Pack
This top brand certainly knows what they’re doing when it comes to outdoor adventuring. Case in point: the REI Co-op Trail 5 water bottle waist pack has a simple, sleek look, but there’s no shortage of functionality. The top-loading main compartment makes it easy to grab your belongings inside, and there’s a secret back pocket to keep your valuables tucked away safe. There are two water bottle pockets on the sides, as well.
In addition to the great organizational features, this pack is also really comfortable. The mesh back panel will keep things fresh and comfortable, even after long, vigorous hours of hiking. The nylon fabric has a durable water repellent finish to repel rain and stains, which is crucial when adventuring in the great outdoors.
As an amazing bonus, both the body and lining fabric are made from recycled material! One regular user shares, “I love this bag. Bought it 8 months or so ago and use it as my regular day hike bag. Carries ‘10 essentials’ and more easily. I put a 500 ml ‘Hydrapack’ bladder in each mesh pocket, they fit perfectly and don’t slip out.”
Shop: Osprey
Heritage Unisex Osprey Lumbar Pack
The Osprey Heritage waist pack is a classic! It’s the ultimate packable hiking bag, designed to withstand the most rigorous of hikes and the harshest of elements.
The main compartment is super roomy and can fit all your gear, effortlessly. (Note, the Heritage doesn’t feature water-bottle pockets, so your bottle would have to go inside this main compartment, which shouldn’t be a problem given the space.) The side compression straps keeps everything super secure.
You can choose between royal blue and dark green, two really pretty colors that would perfectly complement the beautiful wilderness around you. This pack is also made of recycled materials, a big plus for nature enthusiasts!
A user shares, “Side straps are great to be able to snug things up tight and prevent the contents from flopping around. Back pad and waist belt provide a comfortable fit and I was pleased that the waist belt stayed tight. A well made waist pack. Pleased with my purchase.”
Take a look at our top picks for the best day hiking backpacks!
Osprey Talon 6 Hiking and Running Waist Pack
Though marketed as a men’s pack, the Osprey Talon 6 hydration waist pack has been used by anyone. It’s a lightweight bag that can fit quite a bit of hiking essentials, and the zippered pockets keep everything easy to reach yet extremely secure. The easy access water bottle pockets ensure you’ll stay hydrated while on-the-go. It’s a great choice for super active days.
One fan of the Talon 6 shares, “It has more room than I need and is very comfortable. And it sure is nice to allow your back to breath because I am not wearing a full backpack. What I really like are the little side zip pockets….big enough for my iPhone plus and you can easily get to it to snap a few pictures with ease.” Great for hiking, cycling, or trail running!
Shop: L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean Stowaway Unisex Large Waist Pack
The L.L.Bean Stowaway hiking lumbar pack is a larger option for those days when you need to bring along a jacket, food, or any other gear. The Stowaway is made from polyester shell material, so it’s really durable and easy to clean. The design is simple, with a cool, modern look.
There’s plenty of storage, with a roomy zippered pocket along with an interior one, perfect for storing all your valuables. The adjustable hip straps ensure a snug and comfy fit.
Shop: Amazon | Backcountry
Topo Designs Mountain Unisex Small Waist Pack
As far as lumbar packs go, this Topo Designs waist pack with shoulder straps is on the smaller side, so for those shorter hikes or day trips, this is the perfect pack!
It’s sustainably made with 100% recycled nylon, which is lightweight yet really durable. There are endless storage and organizational capabilities. With D-ring attachments, a bungee cord system, and adjustable compression straps, the Mountain waist pack can hold more than you might think! The waist pack army green color is really nice, too.
“Simply one of the best bags I’ve ever purchased,” says one happy hiker, “low profile yet shockingly roomy. The straps on the bottom are great to hold a water bottle or small towel, a separate pouch for wallet and phone is very handy, and an internal clip for keys is a clutch feature. I have traveled a lot with this, and it’s plenty big for a day bag around the city or for a day hike.”
Read this post to discover the best ultralight backpacks!
Shop: Backcountry
Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey Unisex 8L Lumbar Pack with Shoulder Straps
The Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey travel waist pack is a spacious lumbar pack that can be comfortably worn around the waist or over the shoulder. The fabric is extremely durable, so no matter how hard you go on your hiking trip, this bag will endure!
The Hip Monkey has one outer pocket with a convenient key clip, and the roomy interior can stash a good amount of gear. The compression straps keep everything nice and tight so you can hike with ease.
One backpacker says they “use it for side trips from basecamp, leaving all my heavy/unwanted gear back at basecamp. I take a first aid kit, a poncho, snacks, camera. It’s the perfect companion for any side trip from camp or day hikes. It has also made itself useful as a pillow on those nice summer days lazy in the shade during a break. It can also work fairly well as a sling.”
Best Hiking Fanny Pack
A more traditional fanny pack is a good accompaniment to a hiking backpack in case you want to access some items frontside. Though these may have less storage and not always be a waist pack with bottle holder, they can still hold smaller essentials. These also make excellent travel hip bags, but when putting in items like phones or cash, just make sure the zippers are securely fastened. Listed below are some fanny packs to suit a more laid-back outdoor excursion.
Osprey Daylite Waist Pack (Unisex)
The Osprey Daylite waist pack hiking accessory is such an easy choice! While this is definitely a small size, it’s super practical for quick hikes or walks. It’s lightweight and easily stores your must-haves. Users rave about how comfortable it is to wear due to the breathable, foam lumbar panel.
One wearer reports, “The clasp is on the side, not on the very back of the belt like other waist packs I’ve had. This makes the Daylite comfortable when sitting down, and I always worry about theft so I like that the buckle is tucked away. The back is nicely padded and the shape of the pack distributes weight well. This is a very thoughtfully designed and durable pack, as expected from Osprey.”
Shop: Backcountry | REI
Patagonia Black Hole Unisex Hiking Waist Pack With Shoulder Straps
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole is a really popular hiking or walking waist pack. It’s quite small but can comfortably hold all you need for a short hike. And speaking of comfort, the pack’s adjustable webbing strap feels really lightweight, comfy, and snug whether you’re wearing it around your waist or over your shoulders.
The ripstop fabric is strong, durable, and water-resistant. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it’s now made entirely of recycled materials! One reviewer says, “It looks tiny when you first open it up, but it fits so much inside I was surprised. It’s great for essentials- phone, wallet, chapstick, and a snack bar.”
These are the most recommended womens hiking boots according to our readers!
Shop: The North Face
The North Face Women’s Lumbar Slim Waist Pack
This North Face waist pack bag is really lightweight and easy to wear for a short hike or nature walk. This option can be comfortably worn around your waist or over your shoulders, too, and the adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit. It has two zippered compartments to hold small essentials.
The material is water-resistant too, so there’s nothing to worry about if some unexpected weather hits. One user shares, “Loving the fabric and quality! I’m liking the adjustable straps too. Great for outdoors and goes well with a sporty outfit.”
Shop: Amazon
Carhartt Adjustable Waist Pack (Unisex)
The Carhartt waterproof lumbar pack hiking is very highly rated and useful for other activities such as running or outdoor festivals, not to mention travel. You can adjustable straps can be worn three ways: on the waist, over the shoulder, or as a crossbody. It’s functional, comfortable, and cute!
The interior compartment is spacious and features a small pocket for valuables, like cards and cash, and the front zipper allows for quick access and has a handy key attachment. This waist pack is made from heavy-duty, water-repellent polyester, so your belongings will be safely stored away, rain or shine.
One wearer says, “Since the day I got this, I have worn it every day. It has exceeded my expectations, which were high. It is sturdy, holds a lot, and looks cool. You will not regret this purchase.”
Shop: Eddie Bauer
Stowaway Women’s Eddie Bauer Waist Pack
Eddie Bauer definitely knows what they’re doing when it comes to travel and the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that they’ve made the Stowaway the best travel waist pack for hiking trips–or any other adventures you may have planned!
The Stowaway waist pack is super simple yet functional. The adjustable strap can be worn in various ways, and the size is spacious for a fanny pack but small enough to keep things light and easy. It’s made of sturdy polyester, and comes in multiple colors!
One reviewer says, “I am a waist pack/fanny pack fan! I have two EB waist packs to date. Love them both.”
Shop: Amazon
Waterfly Unisex Hiking Fanny Pack With Water Bottle Holder
Waterfly’s water bottle waist packs are a great budget option that’s water-resistant, has multiple interior and exterior pockets, AND features a handy water bottle holder which many other smaller outdoor fanny packs don’t offer!
It has an adjustable buckle belt and the back panel is made from a breathable mesh to keep things dry and cool as you heat up on the trail. It comes in a wide range of colors, and each one has reflective strips so you’ll be seen in the dark.
One traveler says, “I had this pack for 5 years now and it has lasted through regular shorter hikes and several vacations with lots of hiking in hot weather. I love how it holds all the essentials in roomy compartments, it’s lightweight, and all of our stainless steel water bottles fit perfectly with the strap holding it securely in place. It still looks great, and I just wipe it with a microfiber cloth if it gets dirty. Highly recommend.”
Find out our suggested clothes for camping and supplies list!
Outdoor Waist Pack Product Comparison Chart
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What’s your favorite lumbar waist pack or fanny pack for hiking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more women’s hiking gear, please read:
- 10 Best Daypacks for Hiking That Are Lightweight and Easy to Carry
- 9 Best Women’s Hiking Boots
- Feel Dry and Comfy In the Best Hiking Shirts for Women
- Best Hiking Poles to Tackle Any Terrain Near or Far
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Why do you say not to put valuables in your Fanny pack? It feels like the safest spot for phone and cash when I’m traveling!
Thanks for your comment Gabby! So great that works for you! Fanny packs are useful to store things for sure… we’ve had readers still be surprised by sneaky fingers that can unzip a hip pack in a crowd, especially in Europe. Readers have reported taking a specific anti-theft purse is ideal because many of them have locking zippers, and a money wallet is great for cash because it can be hidden from prying eyes, for example. Another thing readers share is to only keep a small amount of cash in a fanny, and the majority of it in a bra wallet or hidden money wallet