Fanny Pack or Backpack for Festivals: Do You Really Need Both?

Planning your gear for a music festival is part of the excitement. But a common dilemma arises: Should you bring a fanny pack, a backpack, or both? You don’t want to overpack, but at the same time, you don’t want to be unprepared for long festival days. Let’s dive into whether you really need both, or if one will do the trick.

The Case for Fanny Packs: Simple & Convenient

Fanny packs—also called waist or belt bags—have become super popular at festivals. They’re lightweight, compact, and perfect for keeping your hands free. But will a fanny pack alone be enough for a full festival day?

 

When a Fanny Pack Works:

• Minimalist Essentials: If you only need to carry the basics—your phone, wallet, keys, and maybe a chapstick—a fanny pack is your best option. It’s compact and helps you avoid overpacking.
• Hands-Free & Secure: A fanny pack stays strapped to your waist, so you won’t need to worry about losing items or constantly adjusting your bag like with a crossbody or school backpacks. Plus, you can wear it in front for extra security in crowded areas.
• Freedom to Move: With a snug, well-fitted fanny pack (especially one that’s specially designed to prevent bouncing), you’ll be free to dance or walk around without it flapping or shifting. We’ve got a guide on how to keep a fanny pack from bouncing if you need one!

Downsides:

• Limited Space: Fanny packs are small. If you need to carry extras like a water bottle or a jacket, you’ll quickly run out of space.
• Not Ideal for Long Days: Festivals that stretch from day to night might require more than just a fanny pack. You’ll likely need room for sunscreen, a portable charger, or extra layers.

The Backpack: Room for Everything

On the other hand, a backpack offers more storage space and is great for carrying festival essentials. But do you really want to carry all that around?

When a Backpack Is Best:

• Extra Gear: Need to carry a water bottle, snacks, or a hoodie for cooler nights? A backpack gives you the space to bring everything you need.
• Multi-Day Festivals: For festivals that last more than a day, you may need extra room for essentials like a power bank, toiletries, or a camera. A fanny pack might not cut it here.
• Comfortable to Carry: While fanny packs are great for light essentials, a backpack with padded shoulder straps can make carrying heavier items much more comfortable throughout the day.

Downsides:

• Bulky & Less Convenient: Backpacks can be bulky, making it harder to move freely through a crowd. Plus, you’ll have to take it off whenever you need something.
• Harder to Secure: Unlike a fanny pack, which is always in front of you, a backpack can be tougher to keep an eye on—especially in crowded festival environments.

Do You Really Need Both?

The short answer: Probably not. For most one-day festivals, a fanny pack is enough if you’re a light packer. But if you’re someone who likes to have a little extra, or you’re attending a multi-day festival, a backpack might be a better option.

When Both Might Be Handy:

• Day-to-Night Transitions: If your festival day starts in the heat and ends in the cool evening, having a backpack for extra layers and a fanny pack for easy access to your essentials could be the perfect combo.
• Group Packing: If you’re attending with friends, split the load! One person can carry a small backpack for group items (water bottle, snacks), while the rest stick to fanny packs for personal essentials.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re packing light for a one-day festival, a fanny pack should be enough to get you through. For longer events, or if you want to be prepared for anything, consider adding a backpack to the mix. Or, switch it up—carry the essentials in a fanny pack and keep extra items in a small backpack, which you can leave at camp or in your car when you don’t need it.

Whatever you choose, find the perfect balance between what you need and how much you want to carry, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable festival experience!