#6 on this list
Bataan Del Día
Cotopaxi
The Cotopaxi Bataan Del Día is an approachable, high-volume fanny pack geared toward casual day hikers, car campers, and travel enthusiasts. Its signature appeal lies in its one-of-a-kind color blocking, constructed from leftover fabric scraps from larger manufacturing runs to reduce industrial waste. At 3 liters of storage and roughly 3 ounces in weight, the Bataan provides one of the best space-to-weight ratios on the market. It easily swallows a phone, a compact windbreaker, a beanie, sunglasses, and several snack bars. Inside, two interior mesh organization sleeves keep small valuables from pooling in the bottom of the main cavity, while a wide, durable webbing belt distributes the weight comfortably across the waist or torso. Because the Bataan uses lightweight repurposed ripstop nylon without rigid backing or foam padding, it is completely unstructured. If packed unevenly with hard, angular items like keys or multitools, those objects can poke through the back panel. Additionally, the nylon offers minimal water resistance, so items inside will require a waterproof zip-top bag during serious rainstorms. **Highlights** - High volume-to-weight ratio (3 L capacity at approximately 3 oz) - Eco-conscious construction using 100% repurposed remnant fabrics - Every pack features a unique, one-of-a-kind color scheme - Two interior mesh dividers for sorting smaller essentials - Budget-friendly price point accessible to casual trail users **Watch-outs** - Totally unstructured design allows sharp objects to poke through the back - Online ordering does not allow you to pick your colorway
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#7 on this list
Front Utility Pack Accessory
Zpacks
The Zpacks Front Utility Pack Accessory is an ultralight piece of kit built directly for long-distance thru-hikers who want quick-access gear security without sacrificing weight. Weighing under 3 ounces, it functions seamlessly as an independent fanny pack or integrates onto the front harness of a larger backpack. Constructed from ultra-durable composite fabric (Ultra or DCF) with fully taped seams and a water-resistant zipper, the Front Utility Pack excels in sustained wet weather. Hikers can keep phones, cameras, paper permits, and headlamps completely shielded from continuous downpours without adding supplemental dry bags. Its 1.7-liter capacity is precisely measured to carry dense everyday carry items without protruding too far forward. Mounting versatility is a major asset: it comes with hardware that clips directly into the sternum straps or load lifters of a main pack, balancing your overall pack weight by placing dense items on your chest. The primary limitation is the strap design. The minimalist 3/4-inch webbing belt keeps weight down but will dig into the waist if the pack is overloaded with heavy gear. **Highlights** - Fully taped seams and waterproof composite fabric construction - Extremely light 2.9 oz trail weight - Modular hardware clips directly to backpack sternum straps or hipbelts - Interior mesh pocket keeps cards and trail IDs separated - Excellent durability against abrasive brush and rock friction **Watch-outs** - Narrow webbing waist belt provides zero padding for heavy loads - High price relative to its compact 1.7-liter volume
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Bataan Del Día | Front Utility Pack Accessory |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 3 L | — |
| Weight | 3.0 oz (85 g) | 2.9 oz (82 g) |
| Fabric | Repurposed ripstop nylon | — |
| Pockets | 1 main compartment, 2 interior mesh sleeves | — |
| MSRP | $33 | Around $75 |
| Belt Style | Adjustable nylon webbing with side-release buckle | — |
| Capacity | — | 1.7 L |
| Primary Material | — | Waterproof composite laminate |
| Seams | — | Fully taped |
| Carry Options | — | Standalone waist pack or chest harness mount |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Bataan Del Día
- Outstanding volume-to-weight ratio with 3 liters of space at only 3 ounces
- Eco-friendly design utilizing 100% repurposed remnant fabric scraps
- Budget-friendly price point provides strong value for casual day hikes
- Dual internal mesh organizer sleeves keep smaller trail items accessible
- Unpadded, unstructured back panel allows sharp or hard gear to poke the body
- Online orders assign random color combinations without customization
- Lacks weatherproofing and external water bottle pockets
Front Utility Pack Accessory
- Barely-there 2.9-ounce weight saves crucial pack grams
- Highly water-resistant build with taped seams protects electronics
- Clips securely to backpack shoulder straps as a chest rig
- Ultra-durable composite fabric withstands aggressive abrasion
- Narrow 3/4-inch unpadded belt can bite under dense loads
- Steep price tag relative to its compact 1.7-liter capacity
- Minimal interior organization for small items
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