If you are headed on an adventure of any kind and want to keep your hands free as you carry your necessities, a Cotopaxi fanny pack is a fantastic solution.
The best one fits you like a glove, has enough space for your essentials and boasts a design that complements your style. One that has all that — and boasts extra room for more items, such as your travel documents — is the Cotopaxi Allpa X 4L Hip Pack.
Cotopaxi was launched in 2014 after its founder, Davis Smith, exited his highly successful businesses when they failed to meet his burning need to serve others. After careful consideration, he made a New Year's resolution to build another company that could change someone's life forever.
Specifically, he wanted to use his passion for the outdoors to build a brand that could sustainably address poverty with its profits. He aptly named the new brand after a volcano near his childhood home in Ecuador and affixed the slogan Gear for Good to prioritize his vision.
A fanny pack, also known as a waist bag or hip pack, is a bag with a zipper closure that features an attached belt you clip around your waist. While these bags typically sport a common design, they each boast different features and come in various sizes.
You can wear yours around your waist or across your chest with the bag in the front, especially if you're in a crowd and want to ensure that your items are safe. You can also shift the bag to your side hip for a more relaxed aesthetic. While you can also place the bag at your backside, it is less common — that might make your valuables vulnerable to pickpockets and thieves.
Cotopaxi fanny packs boast features that set them apart from other brands. These high-quality components include a butterfly zipper enclosure for the main compartment, padded sleeves, multi-sport designs and side release buckles for compression.
Some Cotopaxi waist bags also pack away easily inside the company's backpacks and travel bags. Investing in a matching set ensures that all your pieces work together when space is critical.
Pockets prevent your valuables from smashing into other items, such as your keys or loose change, which could cause avoidable damage. At a minimum, ensure that things such as your sunglasses, phone and camera have their own dedicated compartments.
Cotopaxi fanny packs come in several sizes to ensure the one you select fits your needs. Three common Cotopaxi hip pack capacities are:
While Cotopaxi fanny packs are celebrated for their bright color-blocked patterns, consider starting your collection with the waist pack that best complements your current wardrobe.
Even Cotopaxi's most neutral designs feature its signature bright accent colors, so you can still sport the brand's distinctive look while ensuring you get a bag that goes with everything you own.
They typically range between $30-$75, depending on their size and material.
A. Visit the brand's website. The company lets you trade your old Cotopaxi items in for a credit toward something new.
A. Yes. Try to find a lightweight clip-on water bottle that lays flat against your body, so it does not bounce around as you walk, jog or hike.
What you need to know: This large bag comes in five beautiful colors that feature Cotopaxi's bright signature accents at each zipper.
What you’ll love: It has a large main compartment you can access with a smooth double zipper. Inside the main section, it boasts a padded sleeve to secure your fragile items and a zippered inner pocket to secure your valuables.
What you should consider: This waist pack might be a little too large for some.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Backcountry
Cotopaxi Del Dia Kapai 3L Hip Pack
What you need to know: Each is sustainably made and boasts a one-of-a-kind colorway, so no two packs boast the same color palettes.
What you’ll love: This pack comes with a padded sleeve to protect your sunglasses or phone. Its hip belt is wide for added comfort, and its back panel is ergonomically made and contours to your body. It also has a zippered front accessory pocket with a key clip to secure your valuables.
What you should consider: Those who prefer a more neutral color palette might find this pack a bit too vibrant.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Backcountry
What you need to know: This small pack can easily fit into anyone's wardrobe.
What you’ll love: This bag has a main compartment that closes with a convenient butterfly zipper, an interior hanging phone pocket and a zippered back pocket to keep your valuables safe. It is also sustainably made from recycled polyester.
What you should consider: It might be a bit too small for some.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Backcountry
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Ella Scott writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.