Trust Me—That Viral Belt Bag That Keeps Selling Out Has *Nothing* on This Version
Like cargo pants and maxi skirts, fanny packs are cool again. But not just any fanny pack—The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($38), which is apparently the "It Girl" of bags and often sells out online. (And don't get us wrong, we love it, too.) But if you're tired of waiting for Lululemon to restock their coveted packs, the mini version of the Calpak Luka Belt Bag ($58)—which I've sworn by for years—makes a fabulous alternative.
As much as I love Lululemon's apparel and accessories, I’ll pick the Calpak Luka Mini Belt Bag ($48) over the Everywhere Belt Bag every time, despite it being $10 more. Here’s why:
The size
For background, I almost never go anywhere without my original Calpak Luka Belt Bag. Ever since receiving the now-discontinued silver belt bag for Christmas in 2019, I’ve been nothing short of infatuated with the silhouette, to the point that I now own seven. Now, I've added The Mini version of it into my rotation which is just that—a mini version of the slightly larger original belt bag. Where the Calpak Luka Belt Bag is 11" x 5.5" x 3.5", the Calpak Luka Mini Belt Bag is just 8.5" x 5.25" x 1.5", making it right around the same size as the viral Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag.
Since it's slightly smaller, it's quickly become my new go-to for running errands, the gym, and on walks with my pup, Cash, as it fits all the essentials, including my phone, wallet, and keys, as well as a gym lock, AirPods, and lip balm. Since the interior of the belt bag features two zippered compartments (more on that below), everything stays neat and organized, all without weighing me down. Not that the original was heavy, by any means. But the Mini is just more streamlined, giving me a smidge more freedom and flexibility when it's on.
The storage
Simply put, the Calpak Luka Mini holds more and does so more securely. Where the Everywhere Belt Bag has a back zip pocket and two interior mesh slip pockets, both sizes of Calpak Luka Belt Bags have back zip pockets, interior mesh front zip pockets, and interior back zip pockets to keep personal items in place. Whether I'm using my OG or the Mini Belt Bag, I can ensure all my smaller items are secure, so if I have my bag open and accidentally flip it over, only my larger items will fall out (which can’t be said for belt bags designed solely with slip pockets.)
In addition to adopting a smaller size to compete with the Everywhere Belt Bag, Calpak also debuted the Luka Key Pouch ($28), which is essentially their take on the Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack Nano ($34). Like the adorable Lululemon pack, it has a carabiner, so it can hook onto belt loops, leashes, or other bag, only it also has an elastic loop on the backside, so that it can attach to the Luka Belt Bag strap (which is how I like to wear it.)
The look-and-feel
The most notable difference between the two bags is the puffy, cloud-like material the Luka collection is known for, which automatically stands out in a sea of fanny packs. The soft, quilted design is as light as it looks and is especially convenient to squish down into other, larger bags during travel (like the Calpak Luka Duffel ($128), aka, my favorite travel accessory of all time.)
While the Everywhere Belt Bag has branding on the front and sometimes on the strap, the Calpak Luka Belt Bags only say the brand on the strap. I personally also like the colors of Calpak better; Depending on the size, both the Mini and 2L Everywhere Belt Bags are sold primarily in boring neutrals, whereas the Calpak Luka Belt Bags are sold in four classic colors, as well as a variety of seasonal shades. Currently, they're available in a pretty baby blue, soft pink, and a pastel sage green.
Lululemon has my heart for most things, but in the case of the belt bag (and all bags) I’ll forever stan Calpak. Yes, both packs are slightly more expensive than the viral Lululemon version, but are well worth the extra $10, IMO—no waiting for around for a restock necessary.
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