Fanny pack

For the hip-hop group, see FannyPack.

A woman sporting a red fanny pack on the streets of New York City.

A fanny pack (US, Canada), belt pack (US), belly bag (US), Buffalo pouch (US), hip sack (US), phany pack (US), waist bag (or waistpack) (US), hip pack (UK), bum bag (UK, Australia, Oceania, Ireland), or moon bag (South Africa), is a small fabric pouch secured with a zipper and worn by use of a strap around the hips or waist.

Overview

The name "fanny pack" is derived from the fact that they were traditionally worn facing the rear above the buttocks, for which "fanny" is a slang term in the United States. Despite the name, many do not wear fanny packs on their rear because they are easier to pick pocket and harder to access. In the United Kingdom and Anglophone Oceania, the term "bum bag" or "belt bag" is used, since the word "fanny" means vulva, rather than buttocks, in those countries. Fanny packs reached the peak of their popularity in the late 1980s and early-to-mid 90s.

Many consider the fanny pack a sure mark for an out-of-place tourist, evoking the traditional tourist stereotypes known around the world, or as an item worn by unfashionable or older people. Musician "Weird Al" Yankovic mocks the wearing of fanny packs in his song "White & Nerdy." The handiness and ease of opening of fanny packs has also resulted in them being used as holsters for handguns. Many manufacturers make fanny packs that are designed for concealed carry.^{[citation needed]}

Calling them "belted satchels" or "hands-free bags", several designer labels sought to bring the accessory back into vogue early 2011 by offering stylish and expensive designs selling for as much as $1995.

Gallery

• 

  Artificial leather fanny pack with side-release belt buckle, belt slide for adjustment and top-open zipper compartment.

• 

  A woman wearing a large black leather fanny pack.