The bumbag has had a major rebrand.
We may think of it as a throwback from the late 80s, but the pouch-like bag has actually been around for a lot longer than that.
The world has one Melba Stone to thank for the accessory; an Australian woman who could have been inspired by kangaroo pouches when she developed the design way back in the early 60s.
The handy bag, which sits on the hips and keeps your essentials to hand - without actually being in your hands - took the world by storm and has returned for another moment in the spotlight in 2024.
As well as sleeker and chicer options, the way we wear it has changed too. Instead of neatly and obediently clipped in around the waist, Gen Z wears it crossbody, slung around a shoulder with access to the pocket up by the chest.
It’s destined to be this year’s top festival accessory, freeing hands to clap along to acts, navigate the loos, and take fresh pints of cider back to your mates.
But it has uses beyond the festival field; a bumbag is a great way to store essential things like bank cards and house keys when you’re going for a jog or on the slopes.
Some are more form than function, while others are all about looks. Every one of them offers storage; how much depends on your needs.
Whatever your style or budget, our edit has the best bags to suit.
Shop now
Best festival wellies for men 2024: From Crocs, Hunter, Bottega and more
Best festival outfits of 2024 from crochet to sequins
12 best denim jumpsuit for women that are on trend right now
Best phone holders for running: Comfortable armbands, vests and belts
Best sunglasses for men to buy for summer 2024
Best lightweight tents to take to festivals, hiking and camping
Uniqlo Marimekko Round Mini Shoulder Bag
This Uniqlo shoulder bag fits everything but the kitchen sink. We’ve long waxed lyrical over at ES Best on the miraculous powers of this accessory that really does fit everything you need for a day fest and beyond. It comes in an endless array of colourways, but the latest rendition is part of a collaboration with Marimekko that’s suitably fun and playful for a festival.
Buy now £14.90, Uniqlo
Adidas By Stella McCartney Bum Bag
As part of Adidas’ enduring collaboration with fashion designer Stella McCartney, this bum bag is available in a neutral black hue, however, the unmissable orange shade has caught our attention so you will always be able to locate it.
Buy now £70.00, Adidas
AWAY The Sling Bag by Ashish
Better known for smart, hard-wearing travel luggage, AWAY has three styles of bumbag to swoon over. Our pick is the graphic floral one made in collaboration with lauded fashion designer Ashish. Printed on 100 per cent recycled polyester, it also has plenty of pockets and clips to keep your most precious things close. A limited edition, this design won’t stick around for long, so if you want one - well, you know what to do.
Buy now £135.00, AWAY
Alo Explorer Fanny Pack
Alo is one of the leaders in the athleisure community and this bum bag was designed for the style-conscious. It has a minimal all-black colourway and has two handy pockets. It also comes in white and a limited-edition and on-trend chocolate hue.
Buy now £75.00, Alo
Ugg Women's Gibbs Puff Belt Bag
A bag made to be seen, Ugg's design comes with an adjustable strap so you can wear it how you like. It’s made from puffy quilted nylon and comes in a striking cornflower blue hue.
Buy now £34.99, Ugg
TINYAT Insulated Fanny Pack Cooler
Whether you're off on a hike, having a picnic or want to keep chilled bevs to hand without lugging around a great big cooler, this genius bumbag raises the stakes for a must-have summer accessory. The larger of the two compartments is insulated, which means you can sneak in a few cans for drinks on the go.
Buy now £28.62, Amazon
Polo Ralph Lauren bum bag in tie dye with pony logo
Go full retro with a bumbag sporting an acid tie-dye wash pattern. Ralph Lauren's large capacity design closes with a zip for quick and easy access and is spacious enough for the day's essentials.
Buy now £70.00, Jacamo
Damson Madder printed spot frill front cross body bag
An eye-catching unisex design from Damson Madder, there's no losing this bag in a crowd. The compartment closes securely with a zip fastening.
Buy now £48.00, Damson Madder
Tommy Jeans Archive Colour-Blocked Crossover Bum Bag
The fresh prep of Tommy Hilfiger but in a belt bag, this colour-block design has twin compartments to keep your valuables.
Buy now £95.00, Tommy Hilfiger
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
While the brand is typically devoted to performance wear for hikers, we think this bum bag will look equally at home on the festival field with its vibrant clash of colours. It’s a lightweight hip pack, made from a hard-wearing and weather-repellent fabric so it should see you through all your adventures no matter the time of year.
Buy now, END
Eastpak Bumbag Double Calm Green
A bumper bumbag with a separate compartment not only makes organisation a breeze but means it has space for practically anything you might need for a full day out and about. Eastpak's design is available in a range of colours to coordinate with your style and is made from hard-wearing, easy-clean polyester.
Buy now £35.00, The Hut
The North Face Jester bum bag in orange and black
This rugged, hard-wearing design comes from none other than The North Face - so you know it can join you on any adventure. As well as a large compartment, there's elastic lacing on the front to hold water bottles or hang sunglasses.
Buy now £28.00, The North Face
Seletti wears TOILETPAPER Snakes faux-leather belt bag
The Italian design house is famous for making fun prints, and this bumbag is no exception. Decorated with coloured snakes, the oval-shaped purse sits on a slim buckled belt that needs to be worn around the waist.
Buy now £86.00, Selfridges
Lululemon All Night Festival Bag Micro 2L
Available in three neutral shades so as to go with everything, this streamlined bumbag offers all of the storage without the bulk.
Buy now £58.00, Lululemon
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Intrecciato green leather belt bag
While bumbags are largely affordable things, there are a few elite options out there - with RRPs to match. Bottega Veneta's bottle green version is made with premium leather and comes with an internal slip pocket that you'll find under the magnetic closure.
Buy now £1970.00, SSENSE
Herschel Supply Co Fifteen Bumbag
Playground favourite Herschel does a nifty line of robust bumbags. Set on an adjustable belt and with one roomy pocket, the bag is easy to clean and will go the distance. Perfect for outdoor adventures and day trips.
Buy now £22.00, Sports Direct
