News — Cool fanny packs

We all try to pack light, but it’s easier said than done. And when on vacation, you want to look good and NOT stand out as a tourist. So how do you do it? With some simple planning and the right travel bags, that's how. Learn how to travel like a boss while saving money and time.

I’ve traveled South East Asia for 3 weeks, South America for a month (all climates!), and Europe for 3 weeks all with a carry-on bag.

So how can you pay less for flights and checked luggage, have the flexibility of low-cost transfers (easily hop on a bus, train, or low-cost flight), carry less weight (3 flights of stairs up to your AirBnb? No sweat!) and still look cool doing it? Read on below for my tips!

Packing light starts with the right carry-on travel bag. Standard Luggage’s Carry-On Travel Backpack is versatile, light, and sleek. It’s a great base because it is super light – 3.7 lbs – a benefit of its simple design and cloth construction. It doesn’t have wheels, but you don’t seem to miss them – instead you have carrying options. Wear it on your back like a backpack (that’s how I usually sport it), or use the side strap to sling it over your shoulder, messenger-bag style. It’s also sized perfectly to fit on international airline rules for carry-on size. So basically anywhere in the world you go, you know you’ll never have to check this bag. That is a HUGE time (and hassle) savings.

I like it because it’s loaded with features (expandable zip, rain cover, compression straps) & compartments (laptop sleeve, passport holder, extra zipped pockets) but it still looks super clean and simple. I’m just not into those oversized backpacker packs with a million zippers and stretchy things and attachments everywhere. These features are well thought out and help to maximize space and organization!

This is optional, but I also use Standard Luggage’s packing cubes when I’m going on longer flights and need to pack a lot in. For instance, when I went to South America last January, I used the packing cubes to separate out clothes for different climates and keep everything EXTRA compressed. I was visiting Buenos Aires and Santiago which are super hot and humid, trekking down south to Patagonia where it's MUCH milder, and then also hitting up the Atacama desert in northern Chile where it can go from-10 and +30 in one day! I put all my cold weather clothes in one packing cube, and all my hot weather clothes in a different one. #winning

For day-to-day activities, I swear by my fanny pack. When I'm on vacation, I don't need a purse full of stuff like I normally wear. I just need a small wallet with cash, ID and 1 credit card (not the zillions of gift cards, membership cards and business cards I normally carry around with me at home - ha ha) plus a few other key items like hand sanitizer, tissues, lipstick and of course my phone. Pairing down your regular purse to a fanny pack will help you save packing space, plus it's lighter and more convenient to carry around, especially in hot climates and when you're out and about for long periods of time. It's the perfect wandering bag. And you can still look cute and stylish thanks to the fab Fanny Factory designs!

Now that you have your carry-on bag, your packing cubes and your fanny pack, what are you going to fill them with? Good question. In part 2 of this blog post, I've cover some of the ways I cut down on space while still having a lot of variety and fun outfits that can work for day and night. Stay tuned!

You can't help but fall in love with all the cute and cool fanny pack patterns from Fanny Factory. But did you know they can be way more than a sweet fashion statement? There are tons of situations where a fanny pack should be your go-to accessory. A fanny pack can even save your life!

#1 Music Festival

If you've gone to a music festival once or a hundred times, you know why fanny packs are so clutch. Long days in the sun, in crowds, a fanny pack clips around your waist so you have your hands free for everything else. You can hold food and drink, dance freely, all the while being worry-free because your belongings are safe and secure in your pack. Even if it rains, Fanny Factory fanny packs are water resistant - we got you covered!

#2 Traveling

Whether you're backpacking, road-tripping or traveling in luxury, a fanny pack is your true companion. Pack just your essentials in your fanny pack for an easy day trip, or strap it tight while you mountain bike in the jungle. Wherever you wander, your fanny factory will keep your stuff safe and your hands free.

#3 Exercising

When you're working out, the last thing you need is a heavy backpack weighing you down. Just zip, clip and head out the door with only the things you need, tied lightly around your waist or across your back. Use a fanny pack on the hiking trails, the bike paths, while jogging or at your gym, and feel the sweet relief of freedom!

#4 At Work

Depending on your job, a fanny pack at work could change your life. Restaurant servers, personal trainers, bike couriers and teachers would all benefit from wearing a fanny pack. When you work on your feet for 6 hours + per day, anything you can do to make your life more comfortable is a plus. Store your phone in your fanny pack for quick access, and keep all your essentials close to your body even on the busiest days. It's one less thing to think about!

#5 Hold your EpiPen

Unless you have a serious allergy, you won't understand how inconvenient it can be to hold your EpiPen medication with you wherever you go. But in some cases, it's a matter of life and death. Keep your EpiPen or other important medications safe and near to you by using a fanny pack. Fanny Factory's fun and retro patterned fanny packs are especially great for kids or young people to bring with them to school. Try the pineapple or ice cream print!