Best bum bags for running

Once mocked as an 80s fashion faux-pas or a tourist trope, the bum bag is now the must-have accessory. But for the sporting community, they’re an essential item to hold, well, all your essentials while you’re out on a run.

Because let’s face it, we can’t be without our phones for more than five minutes! (Jokes aside, running with your phone makes good sense just in case you have an accident, for example.) They’re also ideal containers for gels to make sure your energy levels are topped up.

So what else do you need to know before you purchase a run bum bag? Here’s our essential buyer’s guide…

What is a running bum bag?

First off, this item has many names – it could be a belt, a waist pack or a fanny pack (for our American audience), but they all do the same thing and that’s hold your essentials – keys, phone, nutrition etc – around your waist while you run.

What to look for in a running bum bag

With this in mind, comfort and fit is paramount as you’ll be moving around a lot. The last thing you want is an annoying, flappy thing attached to your waist that could also cause unpleasant chafing.

With the fit, you’re after a bum bag that you can pull tightly around your waist and that sits flat against your back/stomach (back is usually more comfortable as it won’t move around as much when running, but see what works for you).

Next, you want to consider overall size and compartments – how many are there and do they fit everything you’ll need to carry with you during a run session?

Most running bum bags are lightweight, but if you’re covering a long distance, such as a marathon, then the lighter the better.

You’ll also need to consider the fabric – it needs to be wick away moisture and be breathable, especially if you’re training in a hot climate.

How easy is the bum bag to access? The easier the better on the move. Extras like loops on the waistband for gels are a bonus.

Some running bum bags come with pockets for mini water bottles, which are very handy for longer sessions or a race where you need to carry fluid.

Best bum bags for runners

1000 Mile Titan Runners Pack

This bum bag, or runners pack, from 1000 Mile is designed to tick all the boxes for beginners on a budget.

Made from neoprene, the pack should be both water resistant and durable.

There are two zipped pockets – one large main one and a front pocket made from elasticated mesh for quick access – plus a rubber opening for headphone cables to slip through.

There’s reflective detailing on the front for nighttime sessions, and it comes in a choice of six colours – yellow, purple, pink, orange, red and blue.

It fits a 66-106cm waist.

Salomon Pulse Belt Hydration Belt

This could be a great choice for wider runners, as Salomon’s unisex belt is made from a breathable and stretchy fabric.

It features several ‘secret’ horizontal pockets to store kit and two diagonal straps on the back with a silicone grip to secure a jacket or walking poles.

Available in red, grey, blue or black and in sizes XS-XL. And the hydration in the name? The belt has space for a 500ml water bottle.

Proviz REFLECT360 Running Belt

This run belt has been designed with nighttime/dark run session in mind as it boasts reflective detailing all the way around.

It comes with three pockets and its fabric claims to be stretchy, breathable and sweat-wicking.

As well as black, the belt comes in fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow, and is available in one size only, adjustable up to a max of 46 inches.

Inov-8 Race Elite Waist

This one-size-fits-all adjustable run bum bag is designed for experienced runners.

There’s a very roomy three-litre central pocket, two side zip pockets and a decent sleeve designed to hold a 500ml soft flask.

Inov-8’s products are renowned for their durability – the brand is Cumbrian after all, so this will have been tested on the Lake District’s toughest fells.

Nike Slim Waist Pack 3.0

This simple, slimline design from run-brand behemoths brand Nike has been designed to sit close to the body and provide a barely-there feel.

It can also be expanded to fit a smartphone, plus keys and a gel or two, which should make it ideal for a shorter run session.

The Slim Waist Pack 3.0 is also available in Volt (bright yellow)/Black/Silver and comes in just one size with an adjustable clip-fastening belt.

Top image credit: Getty Images