Fannypack

My wife gave up wearing a fanny pack some years ago. But you can do it because lots of other folks will be going it also. It does scream tourist but so do a number of other things. I don't think that they are any more safe than a small daybag. We use a small over the shoulder messenger type bag. And when we have to carry a lot of stuff like rain jackets, water bottles, snacks, go to a normal day bag.

Maybe I'm uneducated about fannypacks, but can you really fit a water bottle, a book, and a camera into one of those things?? That sounds like having a messenger bag strapped to your waist!

I use the PacSafe StashSafe 200. I don't think it will hold a water bottle. But it will hold alot. Love mine...I am hands free.

JB- Watched the video for the PacSafe StashSafe 200 and it is very similar to my Travelsmith but a little more hi-tech. I think I will go with what I have. I also like the idea of being hands free and not overloading myself(maybe only a small water bottle will fit in mine). Thanks for the feedback.

Gail,

As the others have mentioned, it's best not to use the term "Fanny Pack", especially in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand as it has somewhat different meaning.

If the Waist Pack you're planning on using is large enough to hold the items you usually tour with, then it should work well. However, I wonder how convenient it's going to be to unlock the pack each time you want to take a picture or get a drink of water. Travelling with it unlocked somewhat negates the security features.

I often use a Travel Vest to store water, maps, etc. when out day touring, rather than Daypack. I only use the Daypack when touring farther afield from the "home base" as I like to have a bit more gear (rain poncho, snacks, etc.).

Happy travels!

A little tip, do call them "hip packs" as opposed to fanny packs as in the UK, fanny has a completely different meaning. Traveling in Spain, you will run into a lot of people from the UK, and you don't want them bursting into giggles if you mention your "fanny pack".

My own personal opinion is that a small messenger bag works better and looks better than a hip pack.

I saw a display at Boots in London calling them "waist packs."

My husband and I have both used waist pouches for many, many years. I have what I call the world's biggest "fanny pack". It is the size of a purse! In fact, it has a strap that can convert it to a purse. It is perfect for me on many trips. Hubby's is flatter and looks more like his belt- it also has the metal mesh, uncuttable strap. I usually use my pouch and a day bag. The pouch carries tissues, wipes, chap stick (I'm an addict- lol), etc- ie more "personal" items. The smallish day bag holds our jackets, umbrellas, etc. On some trips I only need one of them, on some both. People will know I'm a tourist no matter what, so I don't worry about tipping them off with my choice of bags.

In Australia and New Zealand, they call them "bum bags" since "fanny" refers to something a little more intimate. I learned this from a native of NZ.

Thanks for all the cultural insights! I'll practice calling it a waist pack( especially since my "waist" is smaller than my "fanny" :) In the past I have only locked the zippers when I was going to be in crowded area(Tube or heavy tourist areas in Rome). In Rome a gypsy tried to put a map over the top of the waist pack(see I am changing already) and I pushed her away and shouted "NO". Of course I got cursed at in Italian but, because I had read Rick Steve's guide, I knew what she was trying to do. Rather than "locking" the zippers I may just use a small clip to keep them hooked together when I'm not on the Metro or on Las Ramblas or anytime I have my hands full. Thanks again and watching the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and dreaming of Barecelona( the rest of Spain)!

That Messi is some player.

especially since my "waist" is smaller than my "fanny"

Gail, I think you misunderstood what part of the body people have been referencing regarding its meaning in the UK. You need to do a "180."

That being said, Pacsafe has just come out with a new style waist pack--the Venturesafe 100. Much easier to use the security features than before.

Any topic with that word in the subject line is going to get a lot of attention.

And Frank II is being oh so tactful (it's a compliment!).

Anyone in doubt about the meaning of the word in question can look it up by clicking here.

This whole thread reminds me of the BBC America's editing of The Inbetweeners.

I find it hilarious which words make it through the censors.

I was using the American meanings since I assumed it was an "unmentionable" and my southern sensiblities wouldn't let me go "there". :)

gulp ......I will never 'click here' again

I'm glad Rick doesn't tiptoe around using the word "vagina". It's a perfectly normal anotomical term.

That said, yes, do refrain from calling it a "fannypack" outside of the US. Although there was a European pop group by that name some years ago.

This discussion has now brought us right into the language understanding thread. I was an exchange teacher in London some years ago, and I had lots of difficulties understanding British English. First, there are many words that are just don't exist in American English. Think "lorry" for example. Then there are the words like the above-mentioned "fanny,"
Which have a different meaning. In our orientation we were warned to say trousers, not pants, because the latter means underwear to Brits; and we'd have the kids in fits of giggles. You might get some funny looks from adults, as well, if you talk about wearing pants. The English also create and use tons of slang. I know what a nosh is, but what is dosh? Finally, there are scads of accents, even within London. My south-of-the-river students referred to their midday meal as "di'uh (dinner) and what they swam in as "wah'uh." Even while watching BBC programs, my husband and I felt we progressed from understanding 50% of the words at the start of the year, to 75% by the end. Of course the reverse is true for people trying to understand us. They were usually very nice about our mutual incomprehension, and I was often told how much they loved my accent.

It is usually called a bum bag in the U.K.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTxD49qBDvs

Fanny packs.. in 2012... just.. don't..

Fanny packs.. in 2012... just.. don't..

This thread is over two years od, Tami. No one was suggesting them in 2012.