Our merchandisers keep their fingers on the pulse of trending promotional products, which are also a reflection of retail trends. This month we check in with Melanie, a 4imprint merchandiser who specializes in promo bags, to see what’s new and hot in totes, backpacks and more.
Throwback styles
“Fanny packs have officially made a comeback,” Melanie said. “Retailers call them many different names, but they all share the same portable, compact design. If you’re looking for a trendy giveaway, crossbody options are the most popular. They are designed to be worn in the front, but the classic around-the-waist fit is also back in style.” The exclusive Midvale Utility Waist Pack has more of a traditional fanny pack style, while the Kapston Jaxon Travel Pack has a more upscale look with faux leather accents. The Koozie® Rowdy Fanny Pack Kooler has an insulated main compartment to keep food and drinks cold. And the Clear Waist Pack is perfect for sporting events and festivals. This trending promotional product has a see-through design that makes going through security a little easier.
Unique carry options
“Your customers and prospects will love these trendy giveaway slingpacks that offer more storage room than a fanny pack but still have the same relaxed, minimalist travel vibe,” Melanie said. “Slingpacks have a single shoulder strap and can be worn on either arm, so essentials are always at hand.” The Fullerton Sling Bag is lightweight with athletic colorblocking. The Logan Mini Sling Bag (has a slim design and a thin overall profile. Commuters and tech-savvy students will appreciate the Whitby Sling, a retail-inspired, two-tone bag with a built-in USB port. Great for outdoor adventures, the Raindrop Rope Sling has a unique shape and a shoulder strap made of four ropes. What a fresh backdrop for your logo!
Help keep gear dry
Whether your employees and prospects are camping, hiking, kayaking, enjoying the beach or spending a day at the water park, they’ll appreciate a bag that helps keep their stuff safe. “Pick the right bag to protect items from water, sand and other elements,” Melanie said. “Dry bags, roll-top closures and water-resistant coated materials are designed to keep belongings dry and clean while outdoors.” The water-resistant Easy View 2.5 Liter Dry Bag has a handy roll top and a see-through panel. The Vertex Durango Weatherproof Waist Pack and the Basecamp Tahoe Dry Waist Pack are made of durable material and feature versatile wearing options. The Bimini Wet Bag can protect clothing in their luggage from damp swimsuits and other wet items, while the Call of the Wild Travel Case has welded seams to keep the elements out.
Create extra storage space
Packable bags are designed to take up minimal space when thrown into a backpack or suitcase. “These lightweight bags pack down easily and provide extra space when hauling items on the go,” she said. Check out the RuMe retail brand that offers a wide variety of packable totes in many patterns and colors. The Bungalow Foldaway Tote comes in several trendy colors, including bold neons and graphite. Packable backpacks are versatile and excellent for outdoor use. Choose a classic backpack, like the Ripstop Stow and Go Backpack, or a trendy two-tone Granite Foldable Backpack. For backpacks with unique styling, check out the cylindrical Jasper Packable Backpack or the EPEX Black Mountain Packable Day Pack—featuring a hiking bag design.
Fanny packs, slingpacks and packable bags—oh my! When you’re looking for a trending promotional product, we’ve got it in the bag.