As fashion editor, I’ve all the time leaned extra in the direction of trend over operate on the subject of journey clothes and niknaks. So when the satirical fanny pack was rebranded as a classy belt bag, I used to be past skeptical. Two years in the past, I attempted Dagne Dover’s Ace Fanny Pack for T+L’s fanny pack test, and I used to be pleasantly shocked by how a lot I wore it throughout a four-week journey.

In a real enemies-to-lovers storyline, I left my journey a large fan of the neoprene fanny pack, and acquired myself a one-way ticket on the belt bag bandwagon. Over a dozen journeys later, I nonetheless attain for this fanny pack because it’s impeccably simple to pair with all my journey outfits and it will possibly maintain greater than sufficient journey necessities that this over-packer can’t depart house with out. Testing the fanny pack additionally launched me to Dagne Dover as a model, and now I personal seven of their luggage and equipment that I usually use and love.

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Key Options

A Spacious and Organized Inside

I’m an overpacker once I journey, but additionally once I depart a lodge room, too. Because of this my purse has to have room to carry my necessities, which incorporates my pockets, passport, sun shades, lip balm, sunscreen, and a conveyable telephone charger. I like that the principle compartment of the Ace Fanny Pack can retailer all of this stuff, plus it gives a bit of additional room for miscellaneous gadgets like a packable bag or a snack. Inside the principle compartment, there are a number of slip pockets for my lip balm, ID or bank cards, and a key leash, which make it handy for grabbing this stuff rapidly. The entrance of the pouch has a mini zippered pocket, which I’ve actually solely used for cash because it’s not large enough for a lot else. I’ve additionally positioned my ID within the hidden again slip pocket for going via the TSA safety line—it actually reduces the frenzied stress of getting to find my move and ID when the road strikes a bit of faster than anticipated.

It’s Snug to Carry

The most important deterrent for me for any fanny pack is styling it. I’ve a petite-ish body, so a pouch can look enormous on me. Nevertheless, the Ace Fanny Pack is the right measurement that sits throughout my chest or on my waist with out dragging me down with it. The strap may be adjusted to so long as 36 inches and it’s simple to modify up the size whereas strolling (I’ve finished it whereas carrying the pack and speeding to catch the subway). I like that I can shorten the strap and put on it as extra of a shoulder bag once I need to costume it up for a pleasant dinner. Through the day, I can put on it with denims and a T-shirt, and it completes an off-the-cuff outfit with out trying overly sporty or touristy. 

The Cloth Is Straightforward to Clear and Protecting

In my view, right here’s the place Dagne Dover luggage really shine: the signature neoprene materials is so travel-friendly. I’m a infamous spiller of issues—lip gloss, espresso, sunscreen…you title it, I’ve spilled it in and on this bag. I’ve even transferred glitter eyeshadow throughout this bag after a live performance; all I needed to do was dunk it in a chilly, soapy bathtub, and it got here out nearly as good as new. The neoprene can also be water resistant, so it protects gadgets packed away like wi-fi earbuds and telephones. The fabric is thick and smooth inside out, so I additionally toss my costly sun shades in there (I do know, I do know, I shouldn’t do this) trusting that they’re protected against once I inevitably sit on the pack on accident. 

The Verdict

I personal greater than 10 fanny packs and sling luggage now, however this one from Dagne Dover will all the time be my first and favourite one. It’s much less sporty than different kinds in the marketplace, which units it aside from the standard fanny packs which will deter vacationers (like, ahem, me). The pack is no matter you need it to be; whether or not mountain climbing within the mountains or sightseeing within the metropolis, it’s a real chameleon, which makes it value each penny. 

Why Belief Journey + Leisure

Anna Popp is an affiliate editor at Journey + Leisure, the place she covers attire, luggage, sneakers, and extra. She owns seven Dagne Dover journey luggage and equipment, however the Ace Fanny Pack is her favourite one to make use of in her day by day life and whereas touring. She has introduced it along with her on home journeys to the west coast and all through Asia and Europe. 

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