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Waist bags might have a bad reputation because of their overuse as a style item in the ’90s, but as tactical gear, they can be very useful. Because they are so versatile, they can be used for different kinds of gear, necessities, or documents. Their strategic and tactical use is slightly different, but they can always pull double duty. For most situations, a waist bag will be used as a smaller version of a crossbody bag. Most of the versatility will still be there, but with extra mobility and considerably less weight. There are several things that might not be common for civilian fanny packs, but needs to exist on a tactical waist bag:

Sturdy top handle
Adaptable shoulder or chest straps
MOLLE or similar webbing

In tactical situations, situations where you want a fanny pack on your waist are somewhat few. In most cases, this position will be used to carry documents and or similar items. Basically, it would serve as a back pocket and keep most of the same things. But, those who want to buy a waist bag that would keep in something firmer, like a sidearm, will need to find a model for sale that would allow this bag to go over the chest. In this position, it becomes a good compromise if you need a covert place for your concealed carry, and a usable pouch.

What Makes the Best Tactical Waist Bag?

The biggest advantage of a tactical waist bag is its small size, combined with the multiple positions in which it can be worn. If the bag is too large or flaps around due to bad attachments, it won’t be able to serve its tactical purpose correctly. In that case, it would be better to simply go with a full-size crossbody bag. Sturdy and secure connectors are the most important part of a tactical waist bag. All positions need to be equally as secure, regardless if you are wearing it on your waist, over your shoulder, or across your chest. Additionally, you don’t want the unused attachments to flap around and annoy you. Both the PALS straps, side attachments, and the shoulder strap must fit tightly inside the pouch when it is not in use. Finally, having a good modular webbing option can both increase the carrying space of your battle belt, or can serve as an additional pouch on your backpack. When combining your gear, you would be more likely to buy only a waist bag that is modular, than a simple tactical pouch with less variability.

Waist Bags vs. Tactical Pouches

All good waist bags can serve as tactical pouches, but tactical pouches can’t serve as waist bags. A miscellaneous pouch can be added to your battle belt or backpack, but it can’t be worn on its own. Also, most unspecialized tactical pouches have a far lesser organizational capacity than waist bags and are much less versatile. They are strictly focused on situations where you already have all of your equipment with you. Waist bags must serve equally good when they are part of a larger layout, and when they are worn on their own, in civilian situations.

What to Look for in Tactical Waist Bags?

The easiest thing to sport right away is the attachments. If the bag doesn’t have a handle on the top and detachable clips on the side it won’t serve as a tactical waist bag. Even in civilian situations, you will have a better time wearing the bag over your chest than on your side. Additionally, wearing sharp or pointy objects in your waist pack when it is on the side can be dangerous. If you are trained to fall correctly, your pelvis will usually roll over the ground; this is good when there is nothing there, but you don’t want to stab yourself with your own tools. The second thing to look for is the materials. Ideally, they would be water-resistant or at least dry quickly. Also, they must be durable and have sturdy sewing between the pack and the attachment points. Finally, the price will inform you a lot about the quality. Tactical waist bags are usually under $100. If you are only giving a few bucks you are probably buying suboptimal products, and if you are overpaying you might simply be paying for the brand.