Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009

Courtesy of Alphanet

The combined efforts of portly German tourists and Weird “Al” Yankovic may have confined the fanny pack/bum bag to the dustbin of fashion history, but we still occasionally find ourselves (guiltily) hankering for their convenience. And wouldn’t you know it: the fanny pack is back, albeit in a form so sleek and chic, you’d barely recognize it. The Spibelt, described euphemistically as a “small personal item belt,” is the perfect size to hold your cellphone, MP3 player and other gubbins while you’re off jogging, cycling, or engaged in run-of-the-mill superhero activities. It comes in 22 colors, ranging from a blindingly neon yellow to a muted gray with a slightly less blindingly neon yellow zipper.

Spibelt, ¥2,940. Available from Oshmans and other sports/outdoor goods stores.