Hip packs, belt bags, fanny packs… No matter what you like to call them, they’re the bag of the moment. Lululemon’s everywhere belt bag sells out every time and can be tough to score. Whether you’re frustrated trying to score during lulu’s restocks, or just want something different and less hyped, here are 6 belt bags with a similar sporty vibe like lululemon’s that you might like instead.
1 | Best for: bright colors + budget conscious
Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack
At 1.5 L, the capacity of the Kapai is just slightly larger than lululemon’s 1 L capacity, but still quite compact. The Kapai is made from repurposed fabric, which means each color combination is one-of-a-kind. This is the most affordable style on the list, coming in at just $25. Between the sustainable design, one-of-a-kind color options, and affordable price, this one gets my vote as the best buy of the list.
If you want more space, Cotopaxi offers quite a few colorful styles in 2 L, 3 L, and 4L capacities.
2 | Best for: modern-meets-vintage styling
Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack
With a structured, casual look, this Topo Designs bag works well in all kinds of settings. I like the straps on the bottom for extra storage in a pinch. It also has nice top handles for both carrying options and stylistic flair. This bag’s capacity is 1.7 L, which is slightly roomier, but still firmly in mini bag territory.
3 | Best for: larger capacity
Athleta Excursion Waistbag
Athleta’s take on the hip bag strikes a balance between urban, sporty, and sleek. The bag’s capacity is not listed, but it looks to be one of the larger options on this list. It features lots of pockets on both the inside and outside, and spacer mesh for comfort against the body. Right now, it’s only available in neutral colors. At $88, it’s another higher-priced buy.
4 | Best for: the 90s dad look + miniature size
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
Patagonia’s mini hip pack has a similar vibe to Cotopaxi’s. Available in several colorblock options or more understated solids, all of them are giving me 90s energy. This is the smallest style on the list at just 1 L capacity, the same size as lululemon’s belt bag. Priced at $35, this is another budget-friendly option.
As of this writing, most colors are backordered on Patagonia’s website, but are expected in stock in the next few weeks. If you don’t want to wait, REI has a couple of colors in stock now.
5 | Best for: the outdoorsy look
The North Face Mountain Lumbar Pack
At 2.3 L, this option is more of a medium-sized pack. Most of the colors available are muted, earthy tones. The bag has several cool design features like a topo map printed liner, contrasting zipper on most colors, and plenty of pocket options inside. This one is slightly more expensive than Cotopaxi’s and Patagonia’s, priced at $45, but with its larger capacity, the price difference isn’t surprising.
For larger capacity and a more casual look, check out their Berkeley Lumbar Pack.
6 | Best for: city girl style
Caraa Sling Small
Caraa’s sling is one of the largest bags on the list, boasting 2.8 L of space. It’s stacked with features, like 6 pockets, a key clip, and spacer mesh. It’s also the most expensive on the list at $118. It features puffy, cloud-like nylon for a unique look and comes in both subtle neutral tones as well as bold fluorescents. Personally, I’m partial to neon fuchsia and neon yellow.
P.S. Decide you want to score a restocked lululemon belt bag after all? New stuff is uploaded to lulu’s site every Tuesday afternoon. That’s your best bet for scoring one before they sell out.
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