How to Choose a Lumbar Pack

If you need to carry a few small items with you when you walk or run and you like to go light, a lumbar pack--or fanny pack--may be for you. These low-volume packs sit on your waist and hips, secured by a waist belt, and leave your upper back open to the cooling air. They are usually worn with the pack body resting on the lumbar region. Unlike a regular backpack, lumbar packs generally do not have shoulder straps.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ask yourself what you will mainly be using the pack for, how much stuff you will be carrying and in what environments. Your answers will determine what sort of lumbar pack you choose, because they are available with many different features.

    • 2

      Choose a hydration fanny pack if you will be using it mainly for trail running or fast, light hiking. These hydration fanny packs are lightweight and are designed to hold one or two water bottles plus a light jacket and snack.

    • 3

      Choose a lumbar pack with an urban-cool design style if you will be using it mainly for carrying your books and gear to school or work. Make sure that is big enough to carry what you need. If you’ll be using it at night, get one with reflective fabric.

    • 4

      Choose a small lumbar pack made of leather or cordura to use as your main wallet for foreign travel. This is much safer than a wallet in your back pocket, which can be easily stolen, or a purse, which has straps that can be cut easily.

    • 5

      Choose a larger pack with the potential to add shoulder straps if you will be carrying large loads or hiking over rough terrain. Some extra-light hikers use the largest lumbar packs for backpacking. These packs can also double as travel or bike bags.

    • 6

      Choose a pack made of 100-percent recycled plastic materials if you are concerned about your impact on the environment. These are often waterproof as well.