The fanny pack life: Wall pumps are not going anywhere.
Why would I bother with a fanny pack if I have a wearable? Great question! Wearables (all pumps really) on the market continuously drop in quality, and all have a set failure rate. This leaves you in a frustrating situation while waiting for a replacement or, in some cases, having to scramble to buy a whole new pump. Wearables also cannot maximize milk supply, nor can they empty you 100% of the time. Many moms rely on every drop of milk, and leaving milk behind isn't an option. This leaves them hooked up to either their portable pump or a wall pump, depending on their needs. Wouldn't it be great to have the best of both worlds: the convenience of a wearable and the efficiency of a wall pump?
Wall pumps aren't going anywhere. While quality is dropping for all pumps in the market, wall pumps are still the proven method for bringing in a stable milk supply. Some moms find it is far faster and more efficient to use their wall pump over portable or wearable pumps and choose to stick to them through their journey as long as they are mobile.
Portable pumps have come a long way, and most have a lanyard or belt clip to help with carrying them. However, depending on clothing style, pump sensitivity (touchscreens, rollerballs, etc.), or personal preference, that simply isn't optimal enough for pumping. Fanny packs are a great way to store your pump and wearable cups (or flanges) and get fully mobile and hands-free while pumping.
With all that said, what fanny packs do I recommend? Honestly, any of the brands below have great customer service and care for their parents. Each brand has its own niche, and it's genuinely about what works best for you and your pumping needs. Ready to take control of your pumping journey? Invest in a fanny pack today!
Brand Breakdown: Finding Your Perfect Match
One Pumped Mama (OPM) - The Versatile Choice
The Harvest Belt Bag - Use Code: Lioness10 Shop Here
One Pumped Mama has established itself as a go-to brand for pumping accessories, and their Harvest Belt Bag showcases their understanding of real-world pumping needs. This bag strikes an excellent balance between functionality and style, making it perfect for moms who want something that works as hard as they do.
What Makes It Special: The Harvest Belt Bag features thoughtful design elements that show OPM truly understands the pumping journey. The bag offers secure storage while maintaining easy access to your pump controls, and the quality construction means it can handle daily use without showing wear. What sets this bag apart is its incredible lightweight design and flexibility - it adapts beautifully to different pump shapes and sizes without adding bulk.
My Personal Go-To: Out of all the options on the market, the One Pumped Mama Harvest bag is my absolute favorite for portable and wearable pumps. The lightweight construction and flexible design make it unbeatable for everyday pumping needs.
Best For: Moms who want a reliable, well-designed option that won't break the bank while still offering premium features. Perfect for portable and wearable pump users who prioritize comfort and versatility.
The Judah Pump Bag - Use Code: Lioness10 Shop Here
One Pumped Mama's newer addition to their lineup, the Judah Pump Bag, represents their continued innovation in the pumping accessory space. Before their Judah bag there was only one true larger pump fanny pack on the market, and another brand had barely stepped into the market with a structured option for larger pumps. This bag offers a fresh take on portable pumping storage with updated features based on customer feedback. They maintained their lighter weight and high quality reputation with their newest product as well.
What Sets It Apart: The Judah bag incorporates lessons learned from the Harvest Belt Bag, offering enhanced organization and improved accessibility for larger pumps like the Spectra S1/S2. It's designed for moms who have specific needs that weren't quite met by the smaller fanny pack designs.
Best For: Moms looking for a larger pumping fanny pack for their traditional pumps with the proven OPM quality and customer service.
Mimi and Pal - The Size Specialist
Mimi and Pal recognized early on that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to pumping bags. Their Harper Pump Bag line comes in two distinct sizes, allowing you to choose based on your specific pump and storage needs.
Harper Pump Bag (Regular) - Use Code: Lioness Shop Here
The regular Harper bag is perfect for compact and many wearable pumps. It's designed with style in mind, providing a fashionable structured fanny pack for pumping moms. The grommets are placed on the lower sides of the bags which could be challenging for pump tubing depending on the pump used and tubing length, but usually there are solutions to those challenges. This being a more stylish bag means that it was designed to be used beyond pumping with many parents re-purposing it to a nice carrying bag. The streamlined design makes it ideal for moms who prefer a stylish approach to their pumping setup.
Perfect For: Compact pumps like the Baby Buddha, Pumpables Genie Advanced, or similar-sized devices like Momcozy wearable pumps. Moms who prefer a sleeker profile and don't need extensive or flexible storage.
Harper Pump Bag (Large) - Use Code: Lioness Shop Here
The large Harper bag accommodates bigger pumps like the Unimom Opera or Motif Luna. Another option for the larger Harper would be for portable pump users looking for additional storage for accessories or personal items. This option is ideal for moms who need more space or use larger portable pumps but love all of the features of the original Harper.
Perfect For: Larger pumps like the Unimom Opera, Motif Luna, Cimilre S6+, or when you need extra storage for bottles, flanges, or pump accessories.
Why Choose Mimi and Pal: Their commitment to offering two sizes shows they understand that pumping needs vary significantly between individuals. The ability to choose your size means you're not paying for features you don't need or settling for insufficient space. The company also offers the largest color variety in their product than anyone else on the market.
Limerick - The Pump-Specific Solution
Limerick Fanny Pack - Pump Code: LIONESS | Hand Pump Code: LGs10% Shop Here
Limerick takes a different approach to pumping bags by designing specifically for their own pump ecosystem. This fanny pack is engineered to perfectly accommodate Limerick's unique boxy pump design, creating a seamless integration between pump and carrier. There’s no extra space or storage for more than the pump and the battery pack the pump requires at this time, but hopefully in the future this will change.
What Makes It Unique: The Limerick fanny pack is purpose-built for Limerick pumps, which have a distinctive boxy shape that doesn't always fit well in generic pumping bags. This specialized design ensures your Limerick pump fits like a glove, with no wasted space or awkward positioning. The material keeps it light weight and maintains a very utilitarian look.
Considerations: It's important to note that this bag is optimized for Limerick's pump dimensions and will not accommodate larger pumps like the Spectra or other bulkier pump models. However, for Limerick pump users, this specialized fit is actually a major advantage.
Best For: Limerick pump owners who want the perfect fit and integration between their pump and carrying solution. Ideal for moms who prioritize a custom-designed experience over universal compatibility. If you're already invested in the Limerick pump ecosystem, their fanny pack offers unmatched compatibility and fit. The brand understands their own products better than anyone, and this specialized approach shows in the thoughtful design details.
Idaho Jones - The Practical Companion
Idaho Jones brings a unique perspective to pumping bags with their designs that don't sacrifice functionality for durability. If you're an active mom or work in demanding environments, Idaho Jones might be your perfect match as they are easy to clean and lightweight.
Mini Pump-A-Porter Belt Bag - Use Code: Lioness10 Shop Here
The Mini Pump-A-Porter is built for moms with smaller pumps who need maximum durability with little accessory storage. This bag can handle whatever your day throws at it while keeping your pump and wearable cups secure and accessible.
Built For: Compact pumps and active lifestyles. Whether you're hiking, working , or just need something that can withstand daily wear and tear this bag can take it. This is a great mini fanny pack for moms who pack just what they need and nothing more.
Pump-A-Porter Belt Bag (Large) - Use Code: Lioness10 Shop Here
The large Pump-A-Porter design accommodates bigger pumps and more storage needs unlike any other option on the market. It maintains the brand's focus on durability while providing the space needed for comprehensive pumping setups and is mindfully designed for comfort for C-section moms needing to pump soon after delivery. The additional storage capacity and lightweight construction make it exceptionally practical for extended pumping sessions.
My Personal Go-To: The Idaho Jones Pump-A-Porter is my top choice for Limerick and larger pumps like the Spectra S1/S2 or Spectra Gold. The combination of additional storage space and surprisingly lightweight with padding design makes it perfect when you need to carry more gear without the extra weight.
Ideal For: Larger pumps and moms who need extra storage capacity without compromising on durability. What sets Idaho Jones apart is their focus on real-world durability. These bags are built to last through multiple children and daily use while maintaining their functionality and appearance.
How to Choose Your Perfect Pumping Fanny Pack
Consider Your Pump Size
The most important factor is ensuring your chosen bag accommodates your specific pump. Measure your pump's dimensions and compare them to the bag specifications. Remember to account for any accessories you'll need to store alongside your pump.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Are you primarily pumping at home and need something for occasional outings? Or are you pumping at work, while traveling, or during active pursuits? Your lifestyle should heavily influence your choice between brands and sizes.
Storage Needs Assessment
Consider what else you need to carry: extra bottles, backup flanges, phone, keys, or snacks? If you need minimal storage, a compact option might be perfect. If you're carrying supplies for extended periods away from home, larger options make more sense.
Comfort and Wearability
Since you'll be wearing this bag for extended periods, comfort matters. Consider the strap design, weight distribution, and how the bag sits on your body. Some moms prefer bags that sit higher on the waist, while others like them lower on the hips.
The Bottom Line
Each brand offers something unique, and the best choice depends entirely on your individual needs:
Choose One Pumped Mama if you want proven quality that is lightweight and more with excellent customer service and a balance of features and affordability.
Choose Mimi and Pal if pump size compatibility is your top priority and you want to select the perfect size for your specific setup.
Choose Idaho Jones if durability is paramount and you need a bag that can handle challenging conditions while maintaining functionality.
Choose Limerick if you own a Limerick pump and want the perfect custom fit that's specifically engineered for your pump's unique dimensions.
Remember, the perfect pumping fanny pack is the one that fits seamlessly into your life and makes your pumping journey easier. Each of these brands offers excellent customer service and understands the unique challenges of pumping moms.
Ready to take control of your pumping journey? Use the codes provided for exclusive savings and invest in the bag that will support you through this important chapter of motherhood. If you’d rather chat with me about the pumps you have and which bag and set up is best for you, book a pumping consultation with me HERE.
Affiliate Links and Discount Codes:
OPM Harvest Belt Bag (Code: Lioness10): Shop Now
Mimi and Pal Regular Harper (Code: Lioness): Shop Now
Idaho Jones Mini Pump-A-Porter (Code: Lioness10): Shop Now
One Pumped Mama Judah Bag (Code: Lioness10): Shop Now
Mimi and Pal Large Harper (Code: Lioness): Shop Now
Idaho Jones Large Pump-A-Porter (Code: Lioness10): Shop Now
Limerick Fanny Pack (Pump Code: LIONESS | Hand Pump Code: LGs10%): Shop Now