Where to Buy the Best Hands-Free Bags for Every Summer Activity
While we're the first to scoop up a trendy new purse to carry (and show off) on our arms, certain situations and occasions—such as traveling, attending a music festival, or running daily errands—are made much easier and less restricting when you have both arms and hands free. Enter the hands-free bag—an accessory that will revolutionize the way you carry your day-to-day essentials.
Among the most common and widely beloved hands-free bags are fanny packs (also known as belt bags), the always-classic backpack, and a crossbody. But depending on the event you're attending (or the number of things you need to carry with you), certain styles may be better suited for certain occasions. For example, if you're running to the store and only really need a phone and wallet, a belt bag should suffice. But if you plan on packing more, like a water bottle, a large notebook, or a laptop, a backpack may be the better choice.
Ahead, we've picked out the best hands-free bags that are as practical as they are stylish. Trust us—once you go hands-free, you may never go back.
Net-a-Porter
Nordstrom
Shopbop
Next up, shop some of our favorite beaded bags of the moment.

Eva Thomas is a senior editor at InStyle, with nearly 10 years of experience as a fashion journalist. She has worked in fast-paced newsrooms, covering everything from the latest fashion trends to notable beauty launches. When she's not experimenting with bold fashion trends, trying on clothes for her Nordstrom fitting room series, sharing style hacks, or testing new skin care devices, she’s busy tracking down the best celebrity looks, interviewing trend and beauty experts, or texting her mom about her favorite new products. Eva’s conversational writing style makes her a go-to for fun, informative advice—think of her as your in-the-know BFF who’s always ready to share her expertise on all things fashion, beauty, and celebrity.