Five Best Fanny Packs for Mountain Biking

Fanny Packs

If you are going to ride your mountain bike and head out to the outdoors without your main backpack then it is better if you take with you your fanny pack. Fanny packs or as they are sometimes called, belt bags or waist bags are very convenient to take along when mountain biking, hiking, jogging or just going shopping and you want your hands free to carry other items. They are also very handy and usable when you take them on your cycling/ biking trips. You can carry all your essential bike tools, a small bottle of water, your first aid kit, even your tire levers and cycle pump incase you get a puncture.

So how would you choose the best fanny pack for your mountain biking outing. Just figure it out how much stuff you need to carry and how often you will be using it. If you want to take a change of clothes, food, and other things other than the basic mountain biking essentials then go for a bigger fanny pack. If your like me then go for a light weight small bag that is comfortable to wear. Also consider the best one that can withstand different types of weather. Constantly going out in wet weather requires you to have a waterproof or water resistant fanny pack that doesn't not have mesh pockets only internal pockets.

Choose the one that has an easy access to its openings, easy to handle zippers and extra pockets for your items. The belt and fabrics of the pack should also be tough enough to handle the pressure of the jumps and bumps your bike will likely be going over. All in all, the function of the fanny pack will be just like your mountain bike backpack but more compact and minus the hydration system. If you are already a professional mountain biker, you know what tools to take and put in your waist pack already.

But if you are an occasional cyclist and not into extreme mountain biking, you can take with you the larger type fanny pack so that you can take along all the important things you will need when your biking . Don’t forget your first aid kit, some food or snacks and water, repair or puncture kit, suntan lotion and anything you will need based on your travel necessities.

The following are five of the best fanny packs that are suitable for all mountain bikers and I have deliberately chosen different sizes because riders have different requirements for there biking needs.

High Sierra Passport Lumbar Pack

This small fanny pack has low-profile main compartment for your keys, first aid kit, puncture kit, an extra shirt and a small bottle of water. You can also include your CD/MP3 player as it has a plastic headphone eyelet on the top. Its front accessory pockets can contain any smaller items you want to bring along. It is very basic in its design so it could be the best choice for those who are frequently doing light mountain biking as a form of exercise and not as a sport. It also has impact and freeze-resistant hardware so you can expose it to many different extreme conditions and it won’t break that easy. Its belt is very durable, have webbing keepers and fit a waist size from 16 to 55 inches. So if you are looking for a very compact, light and usable small belt bag this one from High Sierra is just perfect. Available in 4 colors.

High Sierra Ridgeline Lumbar Pack

This is another High Sierra lumbar pack and made from 600-Denier Duraliter grid-weave fabric. It has a large top zippered front main compartment , which you can lodge your CD player, your pocketbook, extra clothes, puncture repair kit and first aid kit so you can be fully equipped and never have to worry for your biking needs. Compared to its more compact High Sierra counterparts, this one is unique because it has a dual side mesh pockets and comes with 2 500 ml GE Lexan shatter resistant bottles so you will be packed with enough water while using the main compartment for all for your biking essentials. It also has a compression strap for more secured hold on your waist and will not break that easy even you bike on all kinds of terrain. This is also great for training walks, strolling in the woods or park and during your fishing and camping trips.

Mountainsmith Dart II Recycled Lumbar Pack

If what you want a waist belt iwhich is the sleek and the lightest type, then you will be glad to have this Mountainsmith fanny pack with you and you won’t even feel you are wearing it. For a more comfortable waist grip, this Mountainsmith fanny pack has a padded pocket belt just enough for your small items like your puncture kit and portable medical kit. The plus side of this pack is its removable shoulder strap, air mesh foam back panel and its water holder despite its small and thin features. It also has a bright yellow lining that can help you keep visible at night and 3M reflective highlights. Its zipper is in the front panel for easy access and you can keep this small fannypack even on your front close to your belly when biking. This is very ideal when going on a short biking trip or jogging and the fact that it is made from recycled material, you are also promoting a healthy environment with it. It's available in 7 wonderful colors.

Leather Rectangular Waist Pack with Cell Phone Pocket

Some people prefer the sophisticated leather type for their waist pack because actually leather is  tougher, more waterproof, can breath and is stylish.  In terms of a biking waist pack, this rectangular leather waist pack can have all the things you will need because it is roomy and perfect for all your biking essentials.  It has its cell phone pocket and a extra large pocket for keys, cards, money or wallet. It is made with soft genuine leather by patented Leather Impressions and available in three colors. With its dimensions of 9 x 6 x 3 inches, this is one of the perfect fanny pack you can bring along if you plan to have a whole day’s mountain biking trip. You can also take it during a simple stroll in the woods or when you travel abroad as it will look very elegant on you.

JanSport Adventure Series Fifth Ave Waist Pack

This is another small but functional fanny pack suitable for light mountain biking trips. It is made of 600 Denier polyester and 420 Denier nylon, has an adjustable waist belt, one main compartment and a handy zippered front pocket. It also has a headphone eyelet so you can also use it on city tours. So whether you are strolling in the town, in the woods or biking on short distances, it size will be just right for that purpose. However, it may appear small to the eye but it actually has a roomy main compartment that can even hold light snacks, your cell phone, wallet, keys, kits and MP3 player. Because its from Jansport, it can really take up the beating even when used by extreme mountain bikers. This fanny pack is available in 5 different styles and colors.