Hiking or engaging in several outdoor activities is literally exhausting. That will be even worse if you bring your bags or backpack, even if you are just going out for a short moment. The best thing you can do if you only plan on bringing essential stuff is wear a fanny pack. Fanny packs are portable belt pouches that help you carry small items.
To know what you could keep in your fanny pack, you first need to examine its build, size, pockets, and straps. You should also pack the most essential things, and have a bit of an idea on the ideal uses of this kind of pack. We’ll be talking about these on the following topics.
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.
What to look for in a fanny pack to hold all your essentials
There are several designs and sizes that may suit your taste and needs. Some users are meticulous in terms of the pack’s features, which is indeed needed if you are planning to buy one.
But, what characteristics do you need to look for in a fanny pack? You should check its build, size, pockets, and straps. Keep reading to learn more about these.
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Build
It is a good practice to examine the materials used by the manufacturer to make the fanny pack. If you are going to use it for outdoor activities, especially hiking, then we recommend you to look for packs that are waterproof or water-resistant, since you may be traveling to places with unpredictable weather.
This also goes for biking. Having this kind of features for your pack is an advantage. For sports events, you can choose plastic-made packs, while for daily use, you can go for the commonly used fabrics for fanny packs — either silk or satin.
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Size
Of course, this is an important thing you should consider in choosing your fanny pack. You don’t need large packs if you are just going to bring small essentials. Think of the stuff you will pack, and for what occasion.
For activities that require you to carry many items, like hiking, camping, or trekking, you need a larger pack. However, if you are just going to casual travel or walk, then choose a smaller size.
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Pockets
More compartments mean better organization. When packing various things, it is advisable to select fanny packs with many pockets, because you can separate the most used things from the slightly less utilized stuff. This is best for hiking and camping. For casual occasions, you can choose packs with one or two compartments.
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Straps
Almost all fanny packs are designed with an adjustable strap, which is great because you can style it the way you want to. The usual way of wearing a fanny pack is to hang it around the waist or side. Some are also wearing it across their bodies, which makes the content easily accessible. In the end, it all depends on your approach and preferences.
What to put in my fanny pack?
Now that you are able to choose the perfect fit of fanny pack for you, let’s discuss the important things you should consider stuffing inside. The essential things to put in your fanny packs are snacks, your phone, camera, money, maps, medicine, a first aid kit, a knife, alcohol of sanitizers, earphones, a lighter, a flashlight, and keys.
Why do you need these items? We’ll elaborate below.
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Snacks
Food is important. When going on a trip, it is better to pack some easy snacks that you can eat on the way. That can boost your strength, without having to cook and prepare complicated equipment.
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Phone
This generation uses their phone as a primary mode of communication. So, the best way to bring your phone is by inserting it in your pack.
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Camera
Capture the moment while you are at it. This is the best way to preserve your memories.
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Chapstick
This is recommended when engaging in activities in the heat, as it will make your lips dry and will make them crack.
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Money
Another essential thing you should bring. You can’t buy your needs if you don’t have money.
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Maps
When camping or hiking, it is recommended to have a glimpse of the whole place in your hands. That will prevent you from getting lost.
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First aid kit or medicine
You don’t know what will happen in the midst of your walks or adventures. Therefore, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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Knife
For survival matters, a knife is the best tool. You can use it to protect yourself in the middle of the woods, or to hunt.
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Hand sanitizer or alcohol
Of course, it’s important to always practice proper hygiene. So, pack alcohol or hand sanitizer with you.
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Lighter
This can be used to easily create a fire when camping out.
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Sunscreen
UV rays have harmful effects, so you should always pack sunscreen when hiking.
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Flashlight
Pack a flashlight or a headlamp to be able to see in dark places or when traveling at night.
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Keys
You can carry your vehicle keys without worrying about losing them by inserting them into a fanny pack.
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Headphones
Although not really important for camping, you can put them in your pack, just to make sure that you won’t get bored.
For hiking, it’s best to be prepared and pack everything you need. In the case of short hikes, you’ll be good with a fanny pack instead of a big backpack. To be able to use this kind of pack comfortably, you should know how to wear and tighten a fanny pack.
Ideal uses of fanny packs when hiking
In terms of hiking, a fanny pack is a good option, as it will allow you to easily access essential stuff you are most likely to use while traveling. It’s hard to reach your backpack, especially in complicated surroundings and with intense weather. Therefore, wearing this gear is an advantage for every hiker looking to prioritize things.
The most ideal use of a fanny pack when hiking is to wear it around your waist. This is if you are going on a day hike or under steady weather. Another thing you can do is use your fanny pack to carry your water, but there are limits to this, as it depends on the amount of time you are hiking. You’ll be needing lots of water on longer adventures.
The downside of these packs is their capacity to carry water. If you know that you’ll hike for the whole day, then bring large-sized fanny packs instead of the smaller ones. Always consider the temperature, the place, and the time before considering to bring a fanny pack.
Conclusion
Fanny packs are the portable version of backpacks, in which you can pack smaller stuff and essentials. When hiking, this is a recommended equipment. You can wear if you want to have an accessible pocket for your needed materials, but we advise you to contemplate the salient things, whether to bring large or small sizes.
More compartments allow you to arrange your things, however, for casual occasions, you can just choose packs with two pockets. Also, prioritize the items you intend to put inside the pack, as it is compact.
