When embarking on a vacation, the clever traveler knows the value of a backup Foldable Travel Bag. These ingenious carryalls occupy minimal space in your primary luggage, yet unfold to become incredibly useful throughout your journey. Whether you need a day bag for excursions, a shopping tote for market finds, or an extra personal item to accommodate souvenirs on your return trip, a foldable travel bag is a versatile solution.
Even as your main piece of luggage, a foldable travel bag offers significant advantages. Their lightweight construction reduces carrying strain, and their collapsibility makes storage effortless when not in use. To streamline your selection, the experts at Travel + Leisure have rigorously tested 12 foldable travel bags, and we’ve compiled our insights to bring you a curated list of the top nine. From compact belt bags to rolling suitcases, these foldable bags excelled in both lab and real-world trials. Explore our top picks to discover the perfect foldable companion for your next adventure.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Backpack: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack at Amazon $43
- Best Tote: Away The Packable Carryall at Away Travel $75
- Best Duffel: Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Duffel at Amazon $195
- Best Suitcase: Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin at Lipault-usa.com
- Best Sling Bag: Paravel Fold-Up Belt Bag at Amazon $35 $25
- Best Mini Backpack: Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack at Amazon $55 $39
- Best Expandable: Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag at Amazon
- Biggest Capacity: Caraa Baby Hospital Bag at Caraa.co
- Best Budget: Baggu Nylon Ripstop Tote at Amazon $36
Best Backpack
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
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PHOTO: Amazon
$43 at Amazon $45 at Backcountry View on Osprey.com
Why We Love It: Its incredibly lightweight design doesn’t compromise on capacity, offering a substantial 18 liters.
What to Consider: Padding is minimal, and organizational features are limited.
For travelers planning daytime excursions like hiking, a lightweight, packable backpack is an essential addition. The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack stands out as a budget-friendly and remarkably compressible option. Weighing a mere 5.3 ounces, its pliable nature, stemming from minimal pockets and light padding, makes it supremely packable. While not designed for heavy loads over extended periods, our tests revealed it to be an ideal day bag for essentials such as a light jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, wallet, and a small water bottle. “This backpack is unbelievably light – it practically disappears when you wear it,” remarked T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco. “It folds down into a tiny square, feeling as light as a feather. It occupies virtually no space, making it easy to pack anywhere, even in your pocket.”
Despite its seemingly thin nylon fabric, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack exhibits surprising durability, withstanding typical wear and tear. The main compartment, accessed by easy-pull zippers, reveals a small zippered pouch and a key clip inside. Two stretchy side slip pockets provide external storage for water bottles or even shoes.
The Details: 7.48 x 8.66 x 16.54 inches (unfolded) | 5.3 ounces | 40D high-tenacity nylon
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Best Tote
Away The Packable Carryall
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PHOTO: Away
Why We Love It: This water-resistant 43-liter tote excels for beach days or poolside outings.
What to Consider: Constructed from a thin, unstructured nylon material.
Whether you require a backup personal item, a water-resistant beach tote, or a spacious weekender bag, Away’s 43-liter Packable Carryall is remarkably versatile. Its generous capacity comfortably accommodates clothing, towels, books, and even a laptop, supported by robust carrying straps. However, the bag’s unstructured design means it won’t stand upright on its own. If you intend to utilize the trolley sleeve, strategic packing is key – place heavier items in the center to ensure it remains stable on your suitcase. It’s also advisable to protect sharp objects like pens or tweezers, as they could potentially damage the thin fabric.
When not in use, this nylon bag folds down to approximately the size of a photograph and weighs only 8.8 ounces, making it a convenient backup in your purse or car. The included pouch, used for folding the tote, can be repurposed to store small essentials like tissues, gum, or lip balm when you’re using the carryall.
The Details: 15 x 19.7 x 9 inches (unfolded), 6.3 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches (folded) | 8.8 ounces | Recycled nylon
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Best Duffel
Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Duffel
PHOTO: Tumi
$195 at Amazon View on Zappos View on Tumi.com
Why We Love It: The water and stain-resistant material is both lightweight and exceptionally durable.
What to Consider: It represents a higher price point compared to other options on this list.
The Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Duffel distinguishes itself even amongst non-packable bags with an impressive four carrying options: crossbody with a long strap, over-the-shoulder with medium straps, handheld with short straps, and hands-free via a suitcase handle sleeve. A particularly clever design element is the storage pouch, which snaps into the fully opened duffel, doubling as an interior pocket for keys, wallets, headphones, and other small items – preventing loss or wasted space. Two exterior side pockets add further storage versatility.
Despite its lightweight and compact foldable form, the nylon duffel proved surprisingly spacious in our tests. We packed four dresses, two pairs of shoes, pajamas, and a toiletry bag with room to spare. Ideal as a gym bag or personal item for flights, it’s also capable of handling overnight stays or concise weekend trips. While a splurge, the durable fabric and thoughtful design justify the investment. Personalization is also available with an embroidered monogram.
The Details: 10.3 x 18.9 x 10.3 inches (unfolded) | 1.1 pounds | Nylon
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The 8 Best Packable Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed
Best Suitcase
Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin
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PHOTO: Lipault
Why We Love It: This foldable carry-on suitcase can be conveniently packed inside a larger checked suitcase.
What to Consider: It features a two-wheel system, which may be less maneuverable for some users compared to four-wheel options.
Avid souvenir collectors will appreciate the Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin, an additional carry-on suitcase designed to securely transport travel finds. With a simple push of a button, this structured bag fully compresses, fitting neatly inside a checked suitcase. This feature also appeals to those with limited home storage space due to its minimal bulk when collapsed. Despite its packable nature, our tests showed it comfortably holds three sweaters, a dress, two pairs of jeans, a jacket, a toiletry bag, and loafers, while remaining lightweight enough to easily lift into overhead bins. Interior organization is provided by three zippered pockets and a large exterior pocket for undergarments, shoes, and quick-access items.
To facilitate its collapsibility, the bag utilizes a two-wheel system. However, our lab tests demonstrated that it still maneuvers well around obstacles, although some may prefer the enhanced control of four wheels. The softside coated fabric proved durable, and the sturdy plastic wheels and handles are built for longevity. Despite its robust construction, the Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin maintains a sophisticated aesthetic, setting it apart from more utilitarian bags.
The Details: 8.7 x 21.7 x 14.6 inches (unfolded) | 5.2 pounds | Nylon
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Best Sling Bag
Paravel Fold-Up Belt Bag
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PHOTO: Shopbop
$35 $25 at Amazon View on Shopbop.com View on Tourparavel.com
Why We Love It: Its design is both remarkably compact and surprisingly sturdy.
What to Consider: The bag’s sporty aesthetic may not be suitable for more formal occasions.
A belt bag is an excellent travel companion, offering a lightweight, hands-free way to keep essentials secure and accessible. The Paravel Fold-Up Belt Bag excels in this category, folding down to a remarkably small size, easily slipping into a backpack pocket. When folded, it becomes palm-sized and thinner than a notebook. Crafted from nylon made from seven recycled plastic bottles, the material holds its shape well and is durable enough for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Personalization with embroidery is also an option.
The Details: 8 x 5 x 2 inches (unfolded), 3.75 x 5 x 1 inches (folded) | 4.96 ounces | Nylon
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Best Mini Backpack
Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack
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PHOTO: Paravel
$55 $39 at Amazon View on Tourparavel.com View on Maisonette.com
Why We Love It: This lightweight, water-resistant bag is packed with thoughtful design features.
What to Consider: Adjusting the straps can be slightly challenging while wearing the backpack.
While some foldable bags can be puzzling to repack, the Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack simplifies the process with just two folds and a zip for easy stowing. This makes it an ideal just-in-case option for travel, errands, or hikes. Crafted from water-resistant nylon, this compact rucksack is both high-quality and lightweight. Impressively, it includes zippered pockets both inside and out – a rare find in foldable bags.
Another standout design element is the exceptionally soft straps. During our lab tests, we loaded it with two t-shirts, a water bottle, hand sanitizer, a wallet, and keys, and a phone. Even when fully packed, the wide straps remained comfortable, preventing chafing or rubbing. Available in six colors with contrasting straps and gold-tone hardware, this stylish carryall can also be personalized with a monogram, like most Paravel luggage items.
The Details: 10 x 12 x 6 inches (unfolded), 4.5 x 5 x 2 inches (folded) | 7.04 ounces | Recycled nylon
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The 12 Best Personal Item Bags, Tested and Reviewed
Best Expandable
Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag
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PHOTO: Longchamp
View on Amazon $285 at Nordstrom View on Longchamp.com
Why We Love It: This chic two-in-one bag offers multiple carrying styles and expansion capability.
What to Consider: Organizational features are limited to two small open-top pockets.
Longchamp’s iconic Le Pliage line is celebrated for its blend of simplicity, practicality, and elegance. This expandable version earned high marks in our tests for its ability to quickly transition from a compact 14-inch height to a spacious 20.5 inches. In its smaller form, it serves as a sophisticated handheld purse (with leather handles) or crossbody bag (with a robust, adjustable shoulder strap). Unzipping the central section transforms it into a stylish tote, instantly adding 20 liters of packing capacity. The fully expanded 50-liter bag is equipped for packing for up to four-day trips and beyond. The primary drawback is the limited interior organization, which can be easily addressed with packing cubes.
While Longchamp bags represent a premium investment, long-time T+L editors attest to their exceptional durability and longevity. The nylon material is easily wipeable for cleaning spills, and the leather trim is expertly crafted. The dual functionality of this design further enhances its value, making it a worthwhile investment in our view.
The Details: 17.75 x 9 x 14-20.5 inches (unfolded) | 1.56 pounds | Nylon with leather details
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Biggest Capacity
Caraa Baby Hospital Bag
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PHOTO: Caraa
View on Caraa.co View on Buybuy BABY
Why We Love It: This stylish duffel offers an impressive 66.6 liters of packing space.
What to Consider: The large main compartment lacks extensive organizational features.
Despite its name, the Caraa Baby Hospital Bag is far more versatile than solely for hospital use. This exceptionally spacious duffel is an excellent choice for weekend getaways and extended travel. T+L editorial director Jamie Hergenrader personally vouches for its versatility: “While I initially used it as my hospital bag, I’ve continued to use it for travel well beyond that time.” With over 66 liters of capacity, she effortlessly packed everything her baby needed for a weekend trip, including outfits, bibs, burp cloths, toiletries, medications, toys, books, a diaper pack, and two baby blankets. The clever tie straps allow for carrying as either a backpack or duffel.
The water-repellent organic cotton shell proves remarkably durable, withstanding multiple trips in a car trunk without scuffing. Conveniently, it’s also machine washable for easy cleaning. While additional interior compartments would be ideal, the bag folds down compactly to roughly the size of a travel pillow.
The Details: 12 x 24 x 14 inches (unfolded) | 2.2 pounds | Organic cotton with vegan leather detailing
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Best Budget
Baggu Nylon Ripstop Tote
PHOTO: Baggu
$36 at Amazon View on Baggu.com $14 at Urban Outfitters
Why We Love It: This durable tote is capable of carrying up to 50 pounds.
What to Consider: It tends to wrinkle when folded.
Baggu’s signature reusable tote is a favorite among T+L editors for both travel and everyday use. “I enjoy shopping when I travel, which often means accumulating items throughout the day that don’t fit in my regular purse,” explains associate editor Anna Popp. “This foldable tote bag from Baggu is always in my packable bag rotation because it fits into virtually any purse or luggage size without taking up much space.” The nylon material is remarkably durable, holding up well for over five years of consistent use – although it does wrinkle noticeably. Despite lacking a zipper, this bag is ideal as a just-in-case shopping tote to keep in a suitcase, car, or purse, folding down flat to the size of your hand.
The Details: 25.5 x 15.5 x 6 inches (unfolded), 5 x 5 inches (folded) | 1.9 ounces | Nylon
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The 10 Best Convertible Backpack Totes of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
Others We Liked
Three additional packable bags stood out during our testing, each possessing unique features that may cater to specific traveler needs, though they didn’t fully meet our top criteria.
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Our Testing Process
To ensure the most reliable foldable bag recommendations, T+L editors subjected each item to rigorous testing in both controlled lab environments and real-world travel scenarios. In our lab assessments, we evaluated each bag’s foldability, paying close attention to zipper smoothness and the propensity of the expanded bag to wrinkle. Durability tests included stuffing, pulling, and drop tests to gauge their resistance to wear and tear. We also packed each bag to its intended capacity, ensuring it could comfortably accommodate typical items, and then carried it to evaluate comfort and ease of use.
Beyond the lab, we utilized these bags on actual trips to gain deeper insights into their performance across diverse settings. Testers will continue to use these products and gather further feedback for at least six months post-initial testing to comprehensively assess their long-term durability.
Tips for Buying Foldable Travel Bags
Consider your capacity needs
Before selecting a foldable travel bag, determine the necessary capacity based on your planned activities. For everyday use, prioritize smaller styles that fold compactly for easy backup carry. Hiking or outdoor adventures demand more rugged, comfortable bags capable of withstanding moisture and abrasion from natural elements.
For weekend excursions, consider duffels or totes with ample space for clothing, shoes, and toiletries. For extended trips where you anticipate returning with more than you started with, a foldable rolling carry-on suitcase is a practical addition that can be packed within your checked luggage.
Look for easy folding and portability
Beyond packed capacity, a bag’s compactness when folded is equally crucial. For everyday just-in-case bags, ensure they are small and light enough to fit in a purse or coat pocket. Ease of expansion and contraction is also vital, avoiding frustrating fumbling when needed. Bulkier items, like rolling suitcases, should fold flat for simple storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the best way to fold a foldable travel bag?
Prior to folding, ensure your bag is completely empty. Close all zippers while expelling any trapped air, then lay the bag flat. Fold straps neatly against the bag’s surface for a smooth finish. Carefully fold according to manufacturer instructions, utilizing existing creases to minimize wrinkles. Avoid overstuffing and handle zippers gently.
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Can a foldable bag be used as a carry-on or personal item?
Foldable travel bags are available in various shapes and sizes, and can function as carry-ons or personal items if they adhere to airline size restrictions when expanded. Airline regulations differ, so always verify with your carrier prior to flying.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Talia Ergas, a seasoned style writer and passionate traveler, frequently travels with a foldable travel bag. Her personal favorite is Away’s Packable Carryall for beach trips and as a backup bag. For this article, she dedicated hours to researching each item and reviewing T+L editors’ testing notes to thoroughly understand lab and real-world performance.
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Edited by Jasmine Grant
Jasmine Grant
Jasmine is a Senior Editor at Travel + Leisure, specializing in luggage and travel accessories. Jasmine brings over a decade of experience as a writer and editor in lifestyle and travel media. In her spare time, she’s likely planning her next trip to a nearby Caribbean island.
