Bum bags

The bum bag is worn around the waist, across the chest or over the shoulder, keeping the essential in front of you, visible and accessible without putting down the bag. A flat format is enough for a phone, cards and keys, while a larger model can hold a water bottle, a notebook and a pouch for cables.

Wearing a bum bag around the waist or across

When worn around the waist, the strap is adjusted short and the bag stays stable while walking, making it ideal for cycling and queuing. Worn across the chest, the strap is longer and the bulk sits on your chest or back, making it less obtrusive in a crowded area. Bum bags with quick-release buckles can be removed with one hand, while those with metal buckles can be adjusted more finely but take longer. Check the maximum length of the strap if you are wearing the bag over a coat.

Capacity and pockets of a daily bum bag

A zipped main pocket, a flat pocket against the body for papers, and sometimes an interior pouch, is the most common layout. A bag bum bag of a small size fits under a jacket without adding bulk, while a messenger-style model can accommodate a compact tablet. Measure the depth of the gusset, as it is this and not the width that determines if a water bottle can stand upright.

Leather, nylon or canvas bum bags

Ballistic nylon withstands handlebar friction and dries quickly, cotton canvas creases and is washable, while leather retains its shape better and ages well. A smooth leather bag can get scratched by keys, whereas textured leather shows much less wear. Finally, check the back of the bag, a flat and padded side is more comfortable against the ribs than one with visible seams. Bum bags with wide straps are generally the most comfortable for prolonged wear across the body.