Best Tactical Fanny Packs of 2023

For this article, we focused on the best tactical fanny pack for things like concealed carry, everyday carry, short adventures, and medical.

Tactical Fanny Packs That We Approve Of

1. Vertx SOCP Tactical Fanny Pack
2. SOG Surrept/04 Waistpack
3. Helicon-Tex Possum
4. Helicon-Tex Bandicoot
5. JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

Vertx SOCP Tactical Fanny Pack

We spoke with Vertx about the issues of availability and they reassured us that they will be back in stock everywhere in early January. Vertx does make the smaller version called the SOCP Sling Bag if you don’t plan on concealing a handgun inside it.

The SOCP Tactical Fanny pack though is on a different level than the original sling bag. That is one of the reasons Vertx cannot keep it in stock. Every time they become available somewhere, they sell out.

This tactical Fanny Pack is large enough to conceal your everyday carry while still maintaining its low-profile functionality. Whether you’re on duty or off, this pack is ready for whatever you have in store. Some of the unique features include a Loop-lined back CCW compartment with lockable zippers, an External cellphone pocket with touch screen window that can be folded down to use as a NAV board and adjusts to fit most cellphones, and Exterior flaps on cellphone pocket tuck-in for photo or video surveillance.

Specs

• Total length (wing to wing): 17"
• Wing length: 3.25"
• Height: 7.75"
• Front compartment opening (total): 17"
• Back/main compartment opening (total): 17.5"
• Strap length (max each side): 19"

Main compartment interior height:

• Center (straight up): 7"
• Diagonal (corner to corner): 11"
• Width: 10.25"
• Front cell phone compartment: 7" W x 4" H

SOG Surrept/04 Waistpack

A daily carry storage option for the on-the-go lifestyle, Surrept/04 CS provides ample space for discreetly carrying a wide variety of accessories that assure confidence and preparedness.

The SOG Surrept/04 Waistpack features a variety of organization features, providing quick access to all the essentials.

Across your waist, over your shoulder, or inside one of the larger packs, Surrept/04 CS fits however you choose to carry it.

Also available direct from the SOG website.

Specs

• Volume – 4 liters
• Material – 4200 Ripstop Nylon
• Length – 7.0"
• Width – 9.5"
• Thickness – 4.5" (when fully packed out)

Helicon-Tex Possum

The Possum is considered Bandicoot’s little brother, but more streamlined and compact.

It still has two zippered pockets (one on the blind side), a Velcro ID panel, the same detachable hip belt/bandoleer, as well as MOLLE/PAS ribbons and an internal zippered mesh pocket. Only the internal organizer is non-removable which cuts the weight down but all the key features are there.

Smaller size, full functionality, and over a dozen colors make the Possum fanny pack one of the most indispensable urban fanny packs on the market.

Specs

• Capacity – 1.5 liters
• Dimensions – 8.66" x 5.12" x 2.76"
• Waist Min/Max – 31.89"/46.06"
• Material – Nylon
• YKK Zippers

Helicon-Tex Bandicoot

The Bandicoot fanny pack is a medium-size waist pack that offers a number of unique features in a low-profile look.

It will hold all of your everyday essentials like a wallet, smartphone, first aid kit, snacks, or gloves. With the right holster and lanyard attachment, you could conceal carry a Glock 19 or smaller.

The spacious main chamber has got a detachable organizer with three flat pockets and five elastic bands. Two outer zippered pockets allow you to space the load evenly. A two-way zipper allows easy access to the main chamber from either side. Several elastic bands allow the pack to be quickly integrated into any MOLLE/PALS system.

Just as with the Possum fanny pack, the Bandicoot is available in a variety of colors depending on how tactical or grey man you want to be.

Specs

• Capacity – 2.7 liters
• Dimensions – 10.2" x 5.5" x 3.5"
• Waist Min/Max – 33.86"/45.67"
• Material – Nylon
• YKK Zippers

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

When you think of a fanny pack from the 80s and 90s, a JanSport fanny pack probably comes to mind. It can almost be considered the OG of fanny packs.

The JanSport fanny pack is designed with two pockets; the main compartment and a front-facing zippered pocket. These two pockets deliver 2.5 liters of storage, so you can fit pretty much all the EDC essentials you need for the day. It’s also constructed from a fairly durable 600D polyester material.

While the JanSport Fifth Ave fanny pack may be everything you need for travel or a trip to the gym, it’s far from tactical. That is good and bad. The good is that it naturally blends in and doesn’t scream that you have a gun or other weapon. The bad is that it’s not made to the level of some other ‘tactical’ brands, but it wasn’t intended to either.

For roughly $20, you really cannot go wrong.

Specs

• Capacity – 2.5 liters
• Dimensions – 6" x 12.5" x 4"
• Material – Recycled 600D Polyester

Conclusion

If I had to pick one fanny pack out of this bunch, I would more than likely roll with the SOG Surrept Waistpack. Why?

It’s got a dedicated firearm compartment with velcro-backed walls on both sides. Most tactical fanny packs only have velcro on the back side closest to your body. In order to make my Neomag ALIAS hook & loop receiver work, I needed the wall facing me to be velcro backed.

The front pocket has a simple yet effective layout of pockets for organization and even a hidden pocket to hold some spare cash and a passport.

If I wasn’t planning on carrying my Glock 43X off-body, then I would probably go with the JanSport fanny pack due to its capacity, simplicity, and ability to naturally blend into almost any environment.

Read Next -> Best Concealed Carry Backpack For Urban Environments

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