JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack Review

Bottom Line

The JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack is the most wallet-friendly option (well, all fanny packs can hold a wallet, but this one won’t burn a hole in it) on our guide to the best fanny packs, offering simplicity and reliability for everyday use.

While it lacks advanced features or weather-resistant materials, its straightforward design is versatile and perfect for errands, park strolls, or urban exploring. The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit, whether worn around the waist or as a crossbody. The 2.5L capacity is spacious but is bulky when fully packed. This pack was tested during travel, several day hikes around the Boise area, and as a purse alternative for running errands around the city. 

Ideal for those who value function over flair, the Fifth Avenue delivers dependable performance without unnecessary extras. With JanSport’s trusted reputation for quality, this pack is a durable and budget-friendly choice for casual, everyday adventures.

How We Tested

Over two months, this fanny pack was tested during day hikes, dog walks, urban crawls, and cross-country road trips. We evaluated zipper performance under stress by overpacking and rapid use, while fabric tests assessed weather resistance and durability against abrasion with 160-grit sandpaper.

Comfort

The slightly contoured shape of the JanSport Fifth Avenue gives it a comfortable, body-hugging fit that stays securely in place once adjusted. While it’s designed to function as a classic fanny pack, we found wearing it as a sling was equally, if not more, comfortable. Despite lacking padding, the pack’s durable 600D fabric provides some cushioning for hard-sided items, enhancing overall comfort during use.

The pack features a 1-inch adjustable strap that extends from 17 to 50 inches, accommodating a range of sizes. However, the strap is better suited for lighter loads, as it can dig into the shoulders or waist when heavily packed. Note that JanSport does not offer strap extenders, which may limit its versatility for some users.

With a 2.5L capacity, the bag offers ample space for essentials, but fully loading it can compromise its sleek design. When overpacked, the bag’s shape becomes bulky, sticking out awkwardly from the body. While the Fifth Avenue excels in simplicity and reliability, these limitations may make it better suited for lightweight, casual use rather than heavier-duty adventures.

Durability

JanSport is known for crafting durable packs built to last, and the Fifth Avenue fanny pack lives up to that reputation. You should ask your mom if she still has yours from way back when before dropping in on a snazzy new one.

Made from tough 600D polyester, it resists abrasion and offers excellent strength, making it a reliable choice for everyday use. The stitching is clean, and the heavy-duty zippers reflect the quality expected from a brand with over 60 years of experience.In testing, the pack showed minor wear during a 160-grit sandpaper abrasion test, resulting in some fuzz and pilling but no material thinning or broken threads.

For cleaning, JanSport recommends handwashing with cool water and a rag, which worked well for maintaining the black version. However, lighter colors may be more prone to staining. For tougher messes, JanSport offers a specialized Backpack Stain Remover.

Overall, this pack balances durability and ease of care, making it a dependable companion for everyday adventures.

Features

Not every pack needs a ton of features, and the JanSport Fifth Avenue keeps it sleek and straightforward with a single main compartment and a front zippered pocket. Its minimalist design makes it a go-to for those who prefer simplicity without sacrificing utility.

The waist belt buckle, attached at one end of the pack, allows for easy tightening but requires holding the bag steady when putting it on. An elastic stash loop helps manage excess strap length, keeping things tidy during wear.

However, the Fifth Avenue falls short in weatherproofing. During testing, it failed both a rain simulation and a brief submersion test. Water quickly soaked through the material and interior, saturating paper towels placed inside. Even two days later, the pack remained damp.

While the Fifth Avenue excels in lightweight functionality, it’s best suited for dry conditions, as its fabric doesn’t provide the weather resistance found in other options.

Organization

The JanSport Fifth Avenue Waist Pack offers simple yet effective organization with two zippered compartments. The long, curved zipper on the main compartment provides easy access to its surprisingly roomy interior, accommodating essentials like a phone, wallet, keys, and snacks. A smaller zippered front pocket helps keep small items separate and easy to find. 

However, with a 2.5L capacity, overpacking is possible and can make the pack bulky, causing it to protrude noticeably from the body. Its relatively unstructured shape and expandability can affect comfort and aesthetics when fully loaded.

This waist pack is perfect for casual outings and carrying essentials, but a more structured pack may be a better choice for heavier loads or longer hikes.

Should You Buy the Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack?

For those in need of a reliable everyday carry for urban commutes, school, short hikes, or travel, the Jansport Fifth Avenue is an affordable and durable choice. Its understated design offers a more muted appearance compared to sportier packs, allowing it to blend seamlessly into city life without screaming “outdoorsy.” This makes it ideal for keeping essentials close at hand without sacrificing style.

However, the Fifth Avenue is less suited for rugged trails or harsh weather. Its lack of waterproofing, slow drying time, and relatively high weight-to-capacity ratio make it less practical for extended hikes or rainy conditions. That said, it excels as a lightweight, budget-friendly option for casual use.

For quick trips, everyday errands, or as a convenient travel companion, the Jansport Fifth Avenue delivers solid performance at a low price point, making it a great choice for those who value function and affordability over advanced features.

What Other Fanny Packs Should You Consider?

If you’re not quite sold on the JanSport Fifth Avenue and want to explore other options, check out our best fanny packs gear guide. Here’s some great not too sporty options much like the JanSport:

KAVU Spectator Review: Like the Fifth Avenue, the KAVU Spectator uses durable 600D nylon but opts for a more playful design over a classic aesthetic. This pack is a great choice for everyday carry, especially if you prefer a compact option. With a capacity of just 0.5L, it’s designed to hold only the essentials, making it perfect for minimalist users. Additionally, KAVU offers a strap extender for those who prioritize adjustability over storage space. 

Gossamer Gear Bumster Review: For those planning long hikes or simply wanting the look of a trail-ready pack, the Gossamer Gear Bumster delivers a sleek, techy design at a price comparable to the Fifth Avenue. With a 1.4L capacity at 2.2oz, it boasts an excellent weight-to-capacity ratio, and offers more organization options and enhanced weatherproofing for outdoor adventures.

Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack Review: Similar to the Fifth Avenue, the Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack provides no-frills storage for essentials but stands out with its packable design. The price tag is a bit higher, but if your budget allows, it’s an excellent choice for travel, easily folding into its own pocket for convenient storage.