Backside Line
The Cotopaxi Bataan is a light-weight, no-frills fanny pack that provides 3L of storage at simply 4 ounces—a formidable weight-to-capacity ratio. Good for individuals who worth simplicity, this pack is designed to maximise area with out including pointless weight. Its lengthy zipper grants full entry to the inside, making it straightforward to see and seize your gadgets on the go. The Bataan’s unstructured design makes it extremely packable, permitting it to evolve comfortably to your physique or seamlessly into a bigger bag.
Every Bataan is exclusive, with quirky, one-of-a-kind colorways, so that you’ll by no means confuse yours with anybody else’s. Whereas it lacks superior options or waterproofing, its reasonably priced value, versatility, and daring type make it an important worth for informal outings, hikes, or on a regular basis use. The Bataan excels as a easy, grab-and-go resolution for these searching for useful design with a splash of persona.
For a lot of seasons, the Cotopaxi Bataan has been ranked #1 in our information to one of the best fanny packs. Whereas others this yr deserved some limelight, we actually can’t complain about this hard-to-lose companion.
How We Examined
We’ve used the Cotopaxi Bataan fanny pack for a number of seasons and examined a brand new one for this evaluate, because the deadstock material choice adjustments over time. It served effectively for journey, day hikes in Idaho, and sturdiness testing with 160-grit sandpaper. Simulated rain and submersion assessed its waterproofing efficiency, and zippers have been stress examined by overpacking and opening in fast succession.
Fast Specs

Cotopaxi Bataan
Finest Funds Mid-Dimension Fanny Pack
CleverHiker Score:
4.4/5.0
Value:
$33
Measured Weight:
4 oz.
Capability:
3 L
Execs
- Glorious weight-to-capacity ratio
- Spacious
- Glorious worth
- Packable
- Water resistant
Cons
- Can’t choose your colorway
- Much less sturdy
Consolation
The Cotopaxi Bataan is flexible and comfy, whether or not worn as a fanny pack or a sling bag. Its adjustable waist strap permits for a variety of suits, accommodating waists as much as 56 inches—the most important in its class.
Nevertheless, with a minimal measurement of 28 inches, these with smaller waists might have to look elsewhere. The strap itself is skinny and may dig in when the pack is overloaded, although aspect webbing anchors assist distribute the load for added consolation.
The Bataan’s unstructured design has benefits and downsides. Whereas its flexibility makes it straightforward to pack and conform to your physique, its lack of padding and rigidity could make it seem cumbersome when totally loaded or slouchy when under-packed.
General, the Bataan is a useful and classy choice for these searching for a light-weight and adaptable pack for on a regular basis use, on the path, or touring.
Sturdiness
Cotopaxi’s Del Día assortment options repurposed supplies, typically sourced as material offcuts from different firms’ manufacturing runs. Whereas the colours fluctuate, the materials typically keep constant denier scores for uniform sturdiness and efficiency.
We all know the Bataan’s base materials is nylon, however the actual denier stays unspecified. Regardless of its light-weight design, the material carried out effectively in abrasion assessments, exhibiting minor pilling however no damaged threads.
The Del Dia material tends to carry stains; over time, dust and dirt may cause it to stiffen or alter its texture, even after washing. One other potential sturdiness challenge is the emblem peels off with prolonged use.
Regardless of these minute drawbacks, the Bataan presents strong sturdiness for its low value, making it worth for informal use, particularly when factoring in its eco-friendly repurposed supplies and distinctive type.
Options
A minimalist design that prioritizes simplicity and spaciousness makes the Bataan splendid for carrying bigger gadgets like cameras, an emergency UL layer, you identify it.
The pack’s squared form maximizes storage, however it lacks inside dividers, so organizing gear may be difficult. The weatherproof materials holds up effectively in rain, protecting the contents dry throughout a simulation, although it doesn’t fare as effectively below submersion, requiring over two days to totally dry.
The middle buckle is straightforward to regulate, offering a safe match, whereas strap keepers on both aspect assist hold the waist belt tidy and out of the way in which when not in use.
Although it lacks a few of the bells and whistles of extra feature-packed packs, the Bataan 3L is a strong selection for these searching for a streamlined, spacious bag that gives ample storage with out pointless complexity. It’s excellent for individuals who worth simplicity with useful storage.
Group
The Bataan presents restricted choices for organizing your gear. It incorporates a single giant foremost compartment with two small open-mesh pockets. This open design makes it straightforward to pack bigger gadgets and retains the load low.
The curved prime zipper wraps across the entrance and sides of the pack, offering vast entry and making it straightforward to search out what you want. A possible draw back of the spacious, open-top design is that gadgets can simply fall out whereas looking out, particularly in the event you open it carelessly.
Moreover, heavier gadgets like a small water bottle or bear spray might slip out if not dealt with with warning. Whereas the open format presents comfort and suppleness, customers should take care when accessing their belongings to keep away from spills or disorganization.
General, the design supplies strong performance for these searching for quick access and the power to hold bigger gadgets.
Ought to You Purchase the Cotopaxi Bataan Del Dia 3L?
The Cotopaxi Bataan Del Dia 3L is a flexible, useful pack that excels as an all-around choice for informal use. Whether or not you’re touring, heading to a pageant, or having fun with fair-weather hikes, the Bataan presents dependable efficiency and a novel, colourful design.
Its affordability makes it a sexy selection for these searching for a easy, reliable pack with out breaking the financial institution. Nevertheless, as with many “all-around” merchandise, it presents strong common efficiency however doesn’t concentrate on anyone space.
If you happen to want extra superior options like elevated group, weatherproofing, or sturdiness for actions like thru-hiking or bike commuting, different packs available on the market might higher go well with these particular wants.
For on a regular basis informal use or lighter adventures, although, the Bataan 3L presents nice worth and a trendy, useful choice.
What Different Fanny Packs Ought to You Contemplate?
Try our fanny pack gear information to see which different fanny packs have been prime selections.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Overview: If you happen to’re drawn to a bigger capability however want one thing extra sturdy for harsh situations, the Versa is a superb various. Designed for lengthy hikes and inclement climate, it presents loads of area whereas making certain consolation and climate resistance. The Versa excels in sturdiness, making it splendid for powerful outside adventures.
Gossamer Gear Bumster Overview: The Bumster by Gossamer Gear is a pack with an identical, open design however a 1L capability. It’s equally weatherproof however not waterproof and has one foremost compartment with an open mesh pouch. If you happen to don’t like surprises, one other upside of the Bumster is with the ability to select your colorway.
ThruPacks Eco Summit Bum Overview: The Summit Bum has rather less capability however is a brilliant selection for buyers searching for a hiking-focused fanny pack. It simply connects into bigger backpack programs and sports activities a big foremost compartment with two mesh pockets and a key clip. If you happen to just like the enjoyable colours of the Bataan – ThruPacks presents a Thrupack™ Builder to customise your pack precisely the way you need.