This versatile crossbody bag was a lifesaver on my last vacation — and it's only $17 on Amazon
Amazon reviewers call this "spacious" crossbody bag their "go-to" accessory for travelling and working out.
If you were to peruse photos of me in the late '80s, chances are you might spot a fluorescent pink fanny pack resting around my waist (my Michael Jackson pins and a very robust collection of Bonne Bell Lip Smackers stored securely inside). Unfortunately, the wearable waist pouch was soon deemed passé, so I retired it to the attic along with my discarded dance costumes and Cabbage Patch Kids.
Never in my wildest dreams could I've imagined the convenient carryall would come so enthusiastically back into style. I may have a designer bag or two, but it's always one of my crossbody fanny packs that I take with me when I travel, including a trip earlier this year to Disney World.
For that magical experience, I wanted a lightweight pack with multiple zippered compartments, so I brought along the MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack Belt Bag. This water-resistant pouch held my phone, lots of snacks and my wallet without weighing me down—and it's under $20 (prices vary by colour).
Available in 16 different colourways, this crossbody fanny pack is great for running errands or hiking.
- Lightweight
- Lots of zippered compartments
- Long adjustable strap
- Water resistant but not waterproof
The details
This lightweight pack, made of durable, water-resistant material, measures 12.2"x 4.5" x 3.2" and has four zippered compartments.
The strap can be adjusted to accommodate various body types, whether you want to wear the pack around your waist or crossbody style.
The back hidden pocket is ideal for safely storing your travel documents and credit cards.
Like to run at night? The reflective loop on the belt will help drivers spot you. The pack also has a built-in hole for wired headphones, so you can keep your device in the bag while rocking out on your daily power walk.
Available in dozens of colourways, including a few fun holiday designs, this versatile pouch makes a great gift for all the women and men in your life.
Amazon shoppers have given the bag an average 4.4-star rating from more than 45,000 reviews.
What I love about it
Multiple zippered compartments: With four separate areas to store stuff, it's so much easier to find what you are looking for. When I needed to reapply the sunblock stick to my son's face in Disney, I knew exactly where in my pack I would find it.
Long strap: The long adjustable strap provides many carrying options. Whether worn crossbody, around your waist or even on your shoulder, the strap makes it easy to quickly modify how you want to carry it.
Crossbody comfort: I'm a breast cancer survivor who had a double mastectomy and comfort is key when wearing a crossbody pouch. This one knocks it out of the park, resting gently across my chest.
Spot cleans like a dream: I got the pouch in black so stains are hidden but when I got some of my white sunblock on the pack, a quick wipe with water and I was all set.
Super affordable: Lululemon's crossbody bags are awesome, but for under $20, this one is a steal.
Maxtop Large Crossbody Fanny Pack
Tried & Tested by Yahoo Canada
Room for improvement
It's definitely not waterproof: A few weeks ago, I came out of the grocery store to a huge downpour and ran as fast as I could to my car but my pouch still got soaked. On the plus side, it dried quickly, and nothing inside was damaged.
It could be a little wider: I have another pack from Hershel that's smaller but has a bit of a wider base, which I really like. By extending the bottom of this particular pack you would increase the storage capacity so much.
What shoppers are saying
With over 33,500 five-star reviews, customers are huge fans of this fabulous fanny pack.
One shopper raved that the bag offers "unbeatable convenience at an affordable price." They were impressed with the pack's "spacious design," which allows them to carry all of their essentials without feeling "weighed down." This pack, which they dubbed a "winner," has become their "go-to accessory."
Another reviewer called the bag "perfect" for wearing under their sweatshirt or jacket when skiing or snowboarding, while another thought the "slim and sleek" design was great for the gym.
Maxtop Large Crossbody Fanny Pack
Tried & Tested by Yahoo Canada
One person bought it for their husband, who wanted a more "stylish" bag to carry when walking the dog. The bag provides easy access to baggies and bones.
One reviewer said the strap was large enough to fit their 42" waist, with room to spare.
Some people had one concern with the bag: the belt strap, which they mentioned "loosens very easily." It can be very annoying when it suddenly "starts slipping."
Another user commented that the strap repeatedly fell off when using it while jogging. They do love the bag, though, and how "good-looking it is," but they just wouldn't recommend it for running.
The verdict
Cute and convenient, it's easy to see why this fanny pack is a bestseller on Amazon Canada. Thanks to its many pockets and compartments, the versatile pouch kept my essentials safe and readily available during my recent Disney vacation. Keep in mind that this bag is not waterproof, so I would avoid wearing it during your summer runs in the rain. Also, some reviewers mentioned the strap loosened easily while wearing it around their waists when exercising.
On the fence about purchasing? Fanny packs and crossbody bags are practical wardrobe staples, and for less than $20, this multipurpose pouch is certainly worth adding to your casual carryall collection.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
