Nine Falf-Packs
The over-one-shoulder, day-tripping bag
When all you want to carry is a camera and pair of sunglasses, how do you port it? The solution, a hybrid with the shape of a slightly larger fanny pack but worn over the shoulder like a backpack, makes the perfect choice for a summer bike ride or any other casual day trip. While sportswear stores often call it a waistpack, it’s all about how you wear it so we’re dubbing the “falf-pack.” Options tend to the ultra-outdoorsy, but with fashion labels increasingly taking the concept on, we dug up worthy entries from Patagonia to rare one-offs for the Japanese market. The nine bags below excel at introducing aesthetic appeal to the sporty idea with durable materials, portability, performance and style.
Tony Bag
With zipper, drawstring and velcro enclosures, the Tony Bag from Know1edge is outfitted for functionality. Available in beige or olive nylon from Karmaloop ($52), the gridded print keeps things clean and graphic.
3 Layer Waist Shoulder Bag
From Japanese cult streetwear fave Hobo, this falf-pack made in three-layered ripstop nylon has separate large and small compartments as well as tonal zippers and leather accents. Get it in red from Oki-ni for around $290.
Porter Levi’s Edition Waist Bag
Equally renowned in quality and heritage, San Francisco’s Levi’s and Tokyo’s Porter continue their accessories collaboration. The bag’s large main compartment can hold its own against a traditional rucksack, with camo panels and strap adding to its rugged looks. Purchase it from Levi’s Japanese e-shop for $212.
RNR Hip Pack
The RNR Hip Pack from Mt. Rainer Design Works is built for the outdoors, incorporating the Japanese outerwear brand’s technically superior 60/40 blend of cotton and nylon. Also padded for comfort, this falf-pack is in for the long haul. Get it from Ark Standard for $103.
Hip Pack
Patagonia’s Hip Pack will also weather inclement conditions on the trails, with each bag guaranteed to last. Made of recycled materials too, it helps protect the environments it is designed to withstand. Pick it up from Altrec for $40.
Kanga
The North Face Purple Label is on winning streak this season, and the utilitarian design of the Kanga becomes a starkly minimal accessory in monochromatic white. Buy it from Nanamica for about $133.
Trail-Waist Bag
Offered in vivid colorways and tough leather, the Trail-Waist Bag by Japan’s Master-Piece is tailored for hikes in the wilderness and city streets. Opening Ceremony carries the specialty packs for $195 each.
Billy Crown
The transit-friendly Billy Crown by Bruxe is luxe with a premium mix of textiles—felt and leather—and hardware that shines like chrome. It sells for $75 from Bruxe’s e-shop.
Madras Patch Fanny Pack
From Greenville, NC-based Parrott Canvas Company, this pack comes in a laid-back patchwork madras that hits the mark for those more idle days at the beach or park. In stock at Ark Standard
for around $115.
