EberlestockBando Bag - Tactical Men's Fanny Pack w/Adjustable Waist Belt, Zippered Pockets, Compact Lightweight Belt Bag

I don't do reviews very often but this one is worthy.Background: Former Mil and full time LEO; NREMT-P, TEMS, vol FireMedic and all the other dang things. 20+ years up in it.I will without fail ALWAYS prefer on body carry. But along with a multitude of other reasons/situations, it can't always happen. Top of the list, I live at the beach and it's also hotter then the devils breath 9 months out of the year. I don't even want to talk about the humidity. Every environment is different, but lightweight shorts, t shirts and sun hoodies are the standard UOTD around here.While I'm all about a sling bag....for reasons (it's always in the truck) the advent (or resurgence if you're a 90s kid like me) of the waist packs was a solution for places like here.I've been through several different waist packs and stayed on the fence about them. I regularly used them as an adjunct for over stuffed pockets. Enter the bando bag.FOREWARNING: The one issue you may have is the holster pocket footprint. If you carry a full size or even mid-size with optics, you're gonna want a bando XL. When I waist bag carry, it's either a comped and optics G43x or a non optics G26. Fits perfect.With that out of the way, the holster pocket layout and methodology fits my liking to a T. No flop, solid mount up and purchase point with any number of velcro backed holsters. Is the draw as fast as a good AIWB setup? Maybe not quite, but spend some time on it. It's fast enough for the compromise it is. Move up to the "main" pocket, wallet, spare mags, mini ingress/egress kit, keys, mini trauma kit, 1 cell light and ETK tourniquet drop in with room to spare. Good organizational setup inside, zippered pouch, two pockets in rear and elastic band in roof for your TQ or mag or a candy bar. Front small zipper pocket for small whatevers. I keep skittles and a couple pairs of nitrile gloves in there. With all that, not only is there room to spare if you need to flex, it does NOT look full, let alone overstuffed. With all that, I'm a tall lanky dude, 6'2" and change and 180lbs. It's easy for some waist packs to look oversized and too "obvious". (Think the vertx Soc-P). Too much for my taste. The bando bag is a perfect size and low profile. If you think a man purse might be an option for you, don't end up here like I did. Just start here. It's as popular as it is for a reason. Oh, and the zipper pulls kick ass too.

Gotta comment on shipping time first: Ord'd yesterday, and delivered today! I originally bought the Standard size Bando, but after using it for awhile, I came to the realization that I needed just a slight bit more room. The XL also came with the extension strap people keep talking about. The Standard size did not have the additional strap for using it as a sling pack. Anyway, transfered my small bit of gear to the XL and now have that slight bit of room I needed. I ord'd the XL in black, and the rubberized finger zipper pulls are black also. The black pull ring blends in too easily with the bag's color, so I easily removed one of the zipper pulls on the rear pocket, and replaced it with a gray finger pull (different brand) to more easily locate it. Still haven't found a use for the narrow, elastic velcro-backed loop that comes with the Bandos. Have found a Viktos Hookie Holster (hook&looped-backed) works well in the rear pocket.

The Eberlestock Bando Bag redefines the humble fanny pack as a rugged, purpose-driven everyday carry (EDC) solution for those who prioritize function and durability. Designed with tactical sensibilities but versatile enough for urban use, this pack strikes a balance between military-grade toughness and practical organization. Here’s how it holds up as a daily essential carrier:Build Quality & DesignCrafted from 420D Cordura nylon, the Bando Bag is built to withstand abuse. The fabric resists tears, scuffs, and light rain, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or city commutes. Reinforced stitching and robust zippers inspire confidence, ensuring gear stays secure even during rigorous activity. The low-profile design keeps it from looking overly bulky.Storage & OrganizationThis isn’t your average fanny pack. The main compartment is surprisingly spacious, easily swallowing a large smartphone, wallet, keys, multitool, flashlight, and even a compact water bottle. Interior mesh pockets and external zippered organizers keep smaller items like ear buds, pens, or ChapStick neatly sorted. A hidden rear pocket sits snugly against the body, perfect for a CCW.Comfort & WearabilityThe adjustable, waistbelt distributes weight evenly even when the pack is fully loaded. Wear it around the waist, sling it crossbody, or clip it to a larger pack—the Bando Bag adapts effortlessly. That said, the tactical belt buckle, while durable, can feel over-engineered for casual use and may dig into the hip if overtightened.VersatilityEberlestock’s design shines in its adaptability. Beyond EDC, it’s equally at home on hiking trails, range days, or travel excursions. Its muted color options cater to tactical enthusiasts but remain subtle enough to avoid shouting "militarized" in public settings.Potential DrawbacksThe tactical vibe won’t appeal to everyone. If you prefer sleek, minimalist designs, this might feel too rugged.While not oversized, the structured design adds slight bulk compared to ultralight packs.It’s pricier than basic fanny packs but justifies the cost with premium materials.VerdictThe Eberlestock Bando Bag is a stellar choice for EDC enthusiasts who value durability, organization, and versatility. It’s ideal for outdoorsy types, tactical gear fans, or anyone tired of flimsy packs that fail under pressure. While the militarized styling and modular features might be overkill for purely urban use, its practicality and bombproof construction make it a worthy investment. If you’re ready to embrace the fanny pack renaissance with a no-nonsense attitude, the Bando Bag delivers.Best For: Hikers, travelers, tactical gear users, and EDCers who want a pack that works as hard as they do.