Travel-friendly belt bags: Take your stowaway cues from the kangaroos

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Who could’ve guessed that fanny packs, with their once-contentious cool factor, would become an enduring trend? Today’s belt bags are not only fashionable but functional, making for an excellent travel companion. Here are five that make life on the move easier.

The all-weather pick One of the smaller offerings from the Scandinavian brand Rains, this sleek bag comes in their signature waterproof material, plus weather-resistant stainless-steel hardware, to keep all your essentials safe, rain or shine. Rains Bum Bag Mini, $80, ca.rains.com

The ultra-organizer

If you hate digging through a single-pocket bag looking for that one elusive item, your problem’s solved with Away’s sling style. A collaboration with Serena Williams, the slim water-resistant nylon pack has front and back pockets for the easiest access to must-haves, as well as card slots, elastic straps to secure smaller objects, and even more pockets in the main compartment.

Away The Front Pocket Sling Bag, $165, awaytravel.com

The dressy accessory Made from Italian leather, Senreve’s chic bag, which comes with three interior pockets, is an elevated take on the fanny pack. Wear it as a belt or across your body for on-the-go days, then convert it into a shoulder bag or clutch for fancier evenings out. Senreve Aria Belt Bag, $563, senreve.com

The roomy option

Thinking about ditching your cumbersome backpack? Made from water-repellent quilted fabric, this Lululemon belt bag has room to spare (three litres of volume, in fact). That’s large enough to ensure you can bring what you need, but small enough to discourage an overly heavy haul.

Lululemon Quilted Embrace Belt Bag, $88, shop.lululemon.com

The sporty standout

Made from 100 percent recycled polyester in bold neon yellow, Adidas’ latest collab with designer Stella McCartney is perfect for active, constantly-on-the-move types. The lightweight, ’90s-inspired bum bag can be worn around your waist or slung from your shoulder depending on your mood.

Adidas by Stella McCartney Bum Bag, $95, adidas.ca

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.