The Fanny Pack

The Fanny Packs have arrived.

Before introducing the products, I’d like to write a little about the history of fanny packs and their connection to bicycles.

The so-called fanny packs or hip packs first appeared in the 1950s as a leather bag designed for skiing.
By the 1970s, it had evolved into a nylon version and was conceived as a secondary bag to supplement the capacity of hiking backpacks.

Speaking of the ’70s, that was the dawn of the MTB era.

via:Marin Museum of Bicycling Copyright Wende Cragg

I love the vibes in this image.
The person straddling the bicycle in the photo is Charlie Cunningham in his younger days back in 1979. R.I.P.
While I’m grateful to the pioneers who shaped this era, I’m also thankful to the people and organizations that preserve these kinds of historical records.

Highly mobile fanny packs were probably ideal not just for hiking, but for cycling as well.
The half-barrel shape was the mainstream style of this era, with large, bulky designs being the norm, and every brand produced them in the same shape.

I myself occasionally enjoy using fanny packs with the same shape from this era.
It’s the “Hip Hagger” model from Rivendell Mountain Works.
(I heard that Grant from Rivendell was influenced by this outdoor gear manufacturer; he told me about it when he visited Japan.)
With its simple design, featuring a single horizontal zipper across the bag – it has a refreshingly straightforward feel, as if it’s telling you, “This is all you need.” It’s a bag that’s a pleasure to use.
I love its massive capacity, but it’s also true that it can be a bit cumbersome to handle. It feels like that aspect has been optimized over time.

The forest green and brick-red fabrics shown in the photos have that rustic charm that really captures the essence of 70s and 80s outdoor gear.

On a side note, it’s not just hip bags—you’re starting to see more and more people heading out into the mountains with daypacks on their backs. And it looks so sick…

If you’re interested, check out the BLUE LUG THE DAY PACK, which was inspired by daypacks from that era. The “Copper” color captures that vibe perfectly.

Getting back to the topic at hand, from the 1970s through the 1990s, the uses of fanny packs became more specialized, with dedicated gear, optimized in both size and function for activities like fishing and biking – making its debut.

Amidst this trend, however, fanny packs emerged in the 1980s not as outdoor gear but as everyday bags, and they reportedly became popular with many people. It’s easy to see why they’re perfect for travel and quick everyday outings.

Via:reddit

It seems that in the ’90s, this was the standard look for people heading to Disneyland or other tourist spots.

Via:X

And it’s a must-have for parenting, too. He looks like a great dad.

Almost, all of the older folks out for a walk use them, right? I see at least one person a day.

No matter the situation, it keeps both hands free and lets you grab or put away your stuff instantly, it’s just so convenient.

Of course, trends come and go with the times, but setting aside whether it’s “dorky” or “cool,” it’s simply “convenient.” It’s precisely because it has a history of spreading from outdoor gear into everyday life that there’s a steady number of people who keep using it. I think it’s a bag that’s the very embodiment of convenience.

Now, let’s finally get to the main topic. As the name suggests, THE FANNY PACK is a bag that embodies the “fanny pack” many people envision. It has a nostalgic feel to it, yet also a certain endearing, slightly goofy charm. We place great importance on striking that balance.

We’ve also incorporated modern essentials and solutions to the challenges of cycling life.

We placed just as much importance on preserving that old-school vibe while ensuring it fits seamlessly into today’s cycling lifestyle. We’ve covered the detailed product description in a previous blog post, so please check it out if you have a moment.

In addition to restocking, we’ve added new fabric options. Two types: floral print and mesh.

All of these fabrics were actually used in a certain brand’s fanny packs back in the day. Those in the know might recognize them.

If you’re familiar with this floral fabric, I think we can become good friends. The fabric is made in USA.

Most of the fabrics we use are durable and have a firm, stiff feel at first. We’d love it if you’d use them in until the fabric’s coating and threads have worn down and they’ve become nice and worn-in.