I have a black Dagne Dover fannie pack that I’d like to review today.
Description
It’s a black neoprene fanny pack with a small zippered compartment in front, a zippered main compartment, and a smaller pocket in back. It has a plastic clip and an adjustable length strap.
Narrative
Apparently Dagne Dover is an expensive designer. This was another Wirecutter recommendation. It looks like I can get the exact same thing here as a knock-off. That’s the thing about fashion: you can practically duplicate the thing as long as you don’t label it as an original.
This sure comes in handy when I don’t have any pockets. I can squeeze my wallet, keys, phone, AirPods, and ham radio in here. I’d probably make it about 20% bigger – for me.
The strap can get long enough to wear over a shoulder, or I can cinch it across my waste. But it doesn’t seem to stay cinched and I’m always re-tightening it after a little while lest it slip off my fanny and onto the ground.
Functionality
Some would say it’s more functional than fashionable, but it is trying hard to do both. The main area has a zipper that holds your stuff in. What more could you want?
Quality
It is high quality and I notice no rips, tears, or pulled stitches.
Reliability
It is perfectly 100% reliable to hold my things and about 75% reliable in staying where I put it around my waist. The strap slips and loosens a bit over time. Just don’t move or walk and it will stay put. But seriously it’s not that bad.
Durability
Being of neoprene and large, durable zippers, it is sufficiently durable for my uses, which include walking, sitting, driving, and that’s about it.
Conclusion
It was a gift that I asked for. Would I buy one for myself? Yes, but I’d buy the knockoff. There may be a better design out there that doesn’t slip, or I may be able to engineer a solution. I like it and I don’t care if it’s not cool. It’s the coolest looking uncool accessory I’ve ever had.