The Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack is a compact, stylish, and incredibly versatile minimalist bag designed to bridge the gap between outdoor performance and everyday travel. This lightweight and practical pack punches well above its weight class thanks to its thoughtful design, weather-resistant materials, and useful features.
Today, there is massive competition for hip packs, belt bags, bum bags, and fanny packs on the market—all driven by the unmatched convenience of keeping your valuables secure and accessible across your chest or waist. (Don’t ask why there are so many names for the exact same style of bag!). The main competition for this Fjällräven hip pack includes urban favourites like the popular Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag and technical outdoor options from Patagonia and Arc’teryx.
In this comprehensive Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack review, we will dive into why it might just be the best waist bag for hiking and international travel currently available. Read on to discover its key selling points, field-tested durability, technical specifications, and our final kit ratings to see if this lightweight hiking fanny pack deserves a spot in your gear closet.
Field Note: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase gear through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend equipment I have personally mountain-tested and trust.
Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack
Overview
The Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack is a lightweight, compact, and durable waist/hip pack. It’s designed for travel, short hikes or everyday use with a range of colours available. It seamlessly blends Scandinavian design with practicality into a desirable pack. It’s targeted at minimalists who want to carry the essentials and do not need the extra bulk of something bigger. For me, the 1.5L volume is perfect for around town or to fit my Fujifilm X-T30 with some accessories.
I initially was looking for a dedicated camera bag, but the Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack served perfectly as my new camera storage. The Green colour I picked is distinctive and adds to the overall clean, stylish look. This light hip bag is water-resistant and made from recycled Polyamide, a good combination for a durable pack designed for versatile travel. There are 3 separate compartments for different items, along with a security pocket and ventilated mesh (minimal padding) on the back. The main compartment has an open mesh pocket and a key clip as well.
Overall, this bag is better used as a shoulder slung pack, but that’s my preference over a hip/waist pack. I was initially researching the smaller Patagonia Black Hole, but chose the Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack for the additional 0.5L volume. In hindsight, I am happy as it fits my camera perfectly and other personal items. So now this compact bag has made my Trekking Kit List to help protect my Mirrorless Camera.
Technical Specs
- Volume 1.5 Litres
- Weight 125g (4.4 oz)
- Dimensions 21 cm (W) x 12 cm (H) x 6 cm (D)
- Pockets & Storage 3 (Main compartment, internal drop, front zip)
- Price £55 / $45
Fjallravem High Coast Hip Pack: Key Features
- Compartments:
- Main compartment with internal mesh pocket and key clip
- Front zippered pocket
- Hidden security pocket (against the body)
- Carry Options: Hip pack or crossbody
- Extras: Adjustable hip strap, packs into its own pocket for storage
- Weather Resistance: Water-resistant (not fully waterproof)
- Material: 100% recycled polyamide (210D) with PU coating
Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack- Strengths
- Ultra-lightweight & Packable – At just 125g, it’s easy to throw in a backpack as a secondary carry. Even when carrying my camera, the pack sits securely and is comfortable. And the ability to pack into itself helps for storage while travelling.
- Weather-Resistant Material – Durable recycled nylon with PU coating protects against light rain and splashes. It’s not fully waterproof, but it keeps my Camera protected in an emergency.
- Multiple Compartments – Despite its size, you get three compartments for organisation and a key clip. There is a Discreet Security Pocket against the body to hide passports, wallets or valuables.
- Stylish – The Scandinavian minimalist Design makes this bag versatile with different outfits and clothes. I prefer it over the more bold Patagonia styles and colours.
- Versatile Carry – Can be worn around the waist or as a sling/crossbody pack. I prefer to use the cross-body option instead of as a belt bag.
- Fjällräven Build Quality – Sturdy zips, reinforced seams, and a premium feel. The High Coast Bag has 210D material, so it is built to endure tough conditions and for longevity.
Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack- Strengths- Weaknesses
- Small Capacity – 1.5L means it’s strictly for essentials (wallet, phone, keys, snacks) — too small for a water bottle unless it’s very compact or a flexible flask like the running vests (Salomon ADV Skin 4)
- Not Fully Waterproof – Will handle drizzle but not sustained rain without a dry bag inside. The zips are not tapered, so be careful with electronics.
- Minimal Padding – There is light mesh cushioning on the back panel, so hard items inside can press against your body. I only notice it with my hard Camera if the adjustable strap is not done right to sit on my back. The strap is 25mm webbing, which doesn’t offer much comfort for long use.
- Price – Slightly higher priced than similar minimalist hip packs from other brands. But less than Lululemon or Arc’teryx for similar products.
Best Uses for the Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack
While it is undeniably a piece of outdoor gear, the true brilliance of the Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack is its crossover appeal. Here is exactly where this 1.5L minimalist bag earns its keep.
- Minimalist Day Trips and City Walks. When you are simply popping out for lunch, grabbing a coffee, or doing some light shopping around town, carrying a traditional 20L daypack is massive overkill. This pack truly shines on minimalist day outings. Whether you are navigating the busy streets of Vancouver or joining a crowded Free Walking Tour in a new European city, wearing this bag cross-body keeps your hands completely free. More importantly, it keeps your valuables safely secured against your chest—safe from pickpockets and instantly accessible when you need to grab your wallet or check Google Maps.
- Travel and Sightseeing. If you are navigating airports, train stations, or exploring a new destination on a sweltering summer day, the last thing you want is the dreaded “sweaty back” caused by wearing a backpack. The High Coast is the perfect travel companion for hot-weather sightseeing. The 1.5L capacity is the exact sweet spot to securely hold a compact point-and-shoot camera, your smartphone, a passport, and a pair of wireless headphones. You get all of your travel essentials in one organised, water-resistant pouch without the bulk and heat of a traditional bag.
- Quick Hikes and Trail Runs (Essentials Only). While the Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack looks great as an urban cross-body sling, it is built for the trail. When you are heading out for a short, fast-paced hike where you don’t need to carry extra layers, snacks, or water bottles, the High Coast works brilliantly. For the most secure fit on the trail, simply adjust the 25mm webbing strap and wear it securely around your waist as a traditional hip pack. It is worth noting that it won’t perform quite as well as a dedicated, elasticised running belt for intense trail running (it may bounce slightly if over-packed), but for quick, one-hour local hikes where you only need to carry your car keys and phone, it is flawless.
- Everyday Carry (EDC) Without the Backpack. There is a reason this style of bag has absolutely exploded in popularity over the last few years: it is the ultimate solution for people who despise carrying a backpack. My partner has used the wildly popular Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag religiously for this exact reason. It all comes down to quick, convenient access to your daily items without the tedious on-and-off routine of swinging a heavy backpack off your shoulders every time you need your keys. The Fjällräven takes that same beloved, hands-free everyday convenience but wraps it in a significantly more durable, trail-ready, and water-resistant package.
Where this pack earned its keep
I don’t review gear out of a box. From airport security to day hikes in the Rockies, read the full destination guides where the High Coast Hip Pack proved its worth.
Alternatives
- Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag (1L) – The wildly popular Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is what originally inspired me to switch to a versatile hip pack for keeping valuables secure and accessible. While the Lululemon bag reigns supreme in urban fashion and everyday carry, it lacks the technical, water-resistant 210D nylon and outdoor durability of the Fjällräven. The High Coast effectively takes the convenient form factor of the Everywhere Belt Bag and upgrades it with trail-ready performance. (See a side-by-side comparison picture below).
- Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack (1L) – The Patagonia Mini offers a 1L capacity, making it even lighter and slightly cheaper than the Fjällräven. However, its completely unstructured design means it can feel floppy and saggy when not fully packed, whereas the High Coast maintains its shape much better. While the Patagonia comes in a fantastic array of bright colours, the smaller volume makes it strictly for absolute minimalists who only need to carry a phone, keys, and a chapstick.
- Osprey Daylite Waist Pack (2L) – Stepping up to a 2L capacity, the Osprey Daylite provides slightly more storage, thicker padding, and a breathable mesh back panel that excels on sweaty summer hikes. The trade-off is its aesthetic; it looks very much like traditional hiking gear, lacking the sleek, crossover style of the High Coast. If you value a discreet, modern look that seamlessly transitions from the trail to a city cafe, the Osprey might feel a bit too technical.
- Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack (2L) – As the bigger sibling in the lineup, the Ulvö offers a roomier 2L capacity and is constructed from Fjällräven’s highly water-resistant Bergshell fabric, making it slightly more robust in heavy rain. However, the Ulvö has a significantly bulkier design and heavier weight, which sacrifices the ultra-packable, lightweight appeal of the High Coast. The High Coast remains the better option for tossing into a travel duffel “just in case.”
- Arc’teryx Mantis 2 Waistpack (2L) – The Arc’teryx Mantis 2 is a premium alternative that features exceptional internal organisation, including a highly sought-after hidden smartphone pocket on the back panel. It feels incredibly refined and structured, but this comes at the cost of being noticeably heavier and bulkier than the Fjällräven. If you need robust organisation for travel documents and electronics, the Mantis is superb, but the High Coast is superior for ultralight, active use.
- Deuter Belt II (2.5L) – The Deuter Belt II provides a generous 2.5L capacity and a heavily padded waist strap, offering vastly superior comfort if you plan on carrying heavier items on long-distance walks. It functions as a highly traditional hiking waist pack, prioritising trail performance and load-bearing over modern aesthetics. Compared to the versatile Fjällräven, the Deuter is strictly a trail companion and won’t blend in as well in urban environments.
Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack- Kit Rating
Should you buy the Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack?
Ultimately, the Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack is a beautifully made, highly functional, and versatile piece of gear. It truly excels for light, everyday carry or international travel, combining impressive trail durability with an attractive, low-profile style.
While not many hip packs (or belt bags, fanny packs, and bum bags) are fully waterproof, the highly water-resistant 210D recycled nylon on this Fjallraven hip pack offers more than enough protection for sudden drizzles and alpine mist. Choosing the right pack often comes down to exactly what capacity you need; for my specific setup, the 1.5L volume was the perfect sweet spot for securing my point-and-shoot camera, passport, and phone in a sleek, compact package.
If you are looking for the best waist bag for hiking that doesn’t look out of place when you return to the city, this is it. It is frequently possible to find seasonal discounts on the High Coast, making this lightweight hiking fanny pack an incredibly tempting investment for a wide range of outdoor and urban adventures.
FAQs
Is the Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack waterproof?
It is highly water-resistant, but not 100% waterproof. The 210D recycled nylon main fabric is fully waterproof and will easily shed light rain and splashes. However, the zippers and seams are not seam-taped, meaning water can eventually seep in during heavy, prolonged downpours.
Can the High Coast Hip Pack fit a water bottle?
Because it is designed for minimalist, low-profile carry with a 1.5-liter capacity, it is not built to hold large, rigid Nalgene bottles. However, you can easily squeeze in a small 500ml flexible soft flask alongside your phone, wallet, and keys.
Can you wear the Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack as a sling?
Yes. The adjustable 25mm webbing strap extends long enough for most people to comfortably wear it cross-body as a sling bag across the chest or back. This makes it incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily switch from a waist pack on the trail to a secure chest sling in busy airports or cities.
