Please Give Me Some Packable Tote Bag Recommendations

I swear by my Longchamp Pilage bags. I use them as my daily purse but also when traveling I often use it as my personal item. They hold up to most anything, do have been worth the cost. I have even spilled an entire bottle of wine on one and you can’t see it.

Have you considered something like this?

https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/82300168/stowaway-packable-20l-backpack?sp=1&color=Blue%20Fog&size=ONE%20SIZE&sizeType=

It goes on sale periodically.

It is my under seat bag on planes and general purpose toter at the destination.

joe32F has a great suggestion. I have used the Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable backpack, as well as the other items in the Stowaway line. The Stowaway Packable 25L Cinch Tote is the item I pack just in case I'm forced to gate check. They also have a Stowaway Packable 45L Duffel bag, which, like the others, folds into its own pocket. They are all very lightweight yet durable. I've had mine for years and can even wash them on a delicate cycle when I get home.

I have that EB backpack, too! Great choice to share. It's very old, and still looks like new, I gentle machine wash it after trips. It folds up into one of its smaller zippered pockets. Mine is black, but I think there's a range of colors.

I got this bagallini tote as a packable to bring home stuff from Portugal, but found it so useful that I used it as underseat bag as well. It is $60, but bagallini has lots of sales (might not work for your timeline). I’ve taken the bag on several trips and it’s held up well, and the fabric is easy clean and light. Only drawback is the handles are narrow, and uncomfortable to have on your shoulder if you have much in the bag. I got around that by putting one of those pads that cushion your shoulder seatbelts.

I am cheap.

I have been using this one for the last 5 weeks (wish I knew how to make the link shorter) and have used it on past trips.
https://www.amazon.com/4monster-Packable-Backpack-Lightweight-Resistant/dp/B07C3KNS5C/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=XQ9SSD3TKT9W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9EESkgqC7EK3CBCfocyUNA9kraHkqWbMiftx1JjE32pPxG2n7_66sF8N6cDafLwRWM_NYW1Sj3HiREE55zDUKbN8c4IXmCrJ2Tz3u0Thlik0OwSyUUHqJK_p1QZevotJTlfpdbPYecxCTWj3Ltos3exboDjQoFVzhmYv1yBTejidrdyOTUBI85vEiAOoclgFKn9hjFv_-jFoE5G5w-Qawlq8RXZiRrS0AJzF9yRycGBdW5LE16ynvhKeiyF4etsxTjj9XJeY5HHNHwGuNiJB5e8_8-quEZnqJlExtRQtf58.z_U3_zT5S7_bbMEC0og6eS1O-LC6v-UaQKVHuByLzic&dib_tag=se&keywords=packable+backpack&qid=1739165727&sprefix=Packable+bckpack%2Caps%2C327&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

It does NOT replace my regular backpack (personal item) but rather goes inside it and gives me an extra smaller bag option once I arrive - for groceries, the beach, hiking, and other sorts of packing when I have a car, etc. Hs held up well.

Check out the Gonex Packable Tote or the Paravel Fold-Up Bag—both are lightweight, durable, and budget-friendly alternatives to the Foldie. The Baggallini Avenue Tote is another great option with a trolley sleeve for easy travel. For a beach-friendly pick, the Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag folds small but holds a lot.

I use the same one TTM shows .... almost every day. Not Eddie Bauer, but not Eddie price either. Here grocery and shopping bags are not free so I stuff the back pack in my coat pocket before I go out each day. In the summer I hook it on a belt loop. The thing is almost weightless but so strong i can pack it to capacity with beer and it's never failed me.

https://sherpani.com/collections/weekender/products/eclipse-at

I have a similar Sherpani that I like.

I can second the recommendations for Eddie Bauer packable backpack. I got one for a bike trip because I needed something more lightweight than my Osprey pack that would still hold my "stuff". The pack is fairly durable and I got it at an Eddie Bauer store for $19 (on sale). It will be traveling to Italy with me in March.

I have a Delsey tote bag that is packable - https://us.delsey.com/products/401676402-chatelet-air-20-tote-bag?variant=43297495548127

It is seriously durable and has a trolley sleeve, which was a must. I think I spent $50 on it on sale, they also have a store on amazon.

Wow, so many responses so quickly. First of all I believe some of you have been going through my house while I’m not home. joe32F recommended the 20L Eddie Bauer packable backpack. We have the 20, 25 and 30L backpacks and my hubby usually uses the 30L one as his personal bag when we travel. We also have the Packable 25L Cinch tote that Sherry mentioned. I use that usually as a beach bag, but also some for some other uses. I’ve never flown with it because it doesn’t zip up. We have the Packable 45L Duffle bag as well. I think it’s too large to carry on. I took it on my Christmas Market trip in 2023 and put my dirty clothes and some other things in it and checked it on my way home. TTM AND Mr E mentioned the 4monster packable backpack. We both have been using the 24L size as day bags for the last few years. I love how light they are and how they pack up so small. The problem with these suggestions (except the Cinch tote and duffle bag) is they are backpacks, not totes. I use a backpack as my personal bag and don’t want to carry on 2 backpacks.

mikliz97, I’ve heard a lot about the Longchamps bags and I will check it out. It may be a bit more expensive than what I’m hoping to find.

Ualagirl, I like that Bagallini tote. I’ll see if I can find one on sale somewhere.

Jean, I will check out the Sherpani. Again, a bit more than I’d like to spend but maybe I can find one on sale.

policenbiclearance, have you used either of the totes you mentioned? Thank you for the suggestion of the mesh beach bag. I would like for the bag I’m looking for to double as a beach bag. I definitely don’t want to use mesh on the tote for the plane.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Unfortunately the backpacks won’t work for me this time, but I’m happy to see that so many people like the EB products like we do.

Please keep the tote bag options coming!

I am another one who uses the Eddie Bauer 20L stowaway backpack. and I also bought it on sale.

For something more like the Foldie though, the Longchamp Pliable is a fabulous bag. It is expensive, but I have had mine more than 20 years and have used it a zillion times. It is finally getting a little worse for the wear but it's earned it.

skunklet1771, I don’t see a photo of the Delsey folded up. Do you know the size when folded? My intention is to only use it on flights and for the beach. I don’t want a large extra bag to haul around every time we move.

I have an older style Sherpani convertible tote bag similar to this one, but the tote bag straps are also the backpack straps (not a separate clip on strap): https://a.co/d/5vkrcga Though not "packable" in the traditional sense (it doesn't fold into itself), it lays flat in my suitcase and weighs the same as my other packable duffle bag that folds up smaller. I like it because it can be a totebag with handles or a backpack if I need hands free. It's surprisingly roomy and the fabric is durable.

Andrea--They are not cheap, but they truly last forever. I have a handful that are over 25 years old and still look brand new. One thing I love about them is that they fold down into themselves, but also the fabric is incredibly durable so you cannot overstuff it, have it tear, etc. They are pretty much indestructible.

Andrea, I have seen some complaints on the Travel Fashion Girl FB page regarding the Foldie. I think it is hyped so much with FB ads that it's easy to get seduced. Take a look there (I think you are on that FB page???) before you buy it.

I like the Le Pliage as well...mostly because I got such a beautiful color. It folds down really well BUT I still have not figured out how to organize it. I've got THREE different organizers and finally have one that will work. I am currently using it for the repository for winter accessories and have it hanging from my stair rail with a carabiner. It is very lightweight, around 10 oz if I remember correctly. You can find them on sale at times. I paid under $100 for mine a couple of years ago. The large tote is normally $155 and that is consistent across stores.

You might also look at LeSportsac or Kipling brand totes. They are both very soft, without structure. They are both sometimes at TJ Maxx or Marshalls if you have either one near you. I've used both for previous trips to France where I wanted to be able to fold a bag up and pack it and it works well.

I wish you'd been at our meet up a couple of weeks ago..I am getting rid of an older Lesportsac tote and no one wanted it, lol! It does NOT have a shoulder strap though!

Andrea - this listing on ebay, last photo, has a photo of it folded. https://www.ebay.com/itm/205279653958?_skw=delsey+tote&itmmeta=01JKR937H1N3NRZ5PAVZM8THF9&hash=item2fcb9ef046:g:ThAAAOSwC~VnjyVV&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKnXx5%2BunNhLHHmOq%2F6QsqwYtc6HtWfUVDVM0oZkjpiVDnymBs65ni7x8AzzzoRWRJnjwl%2FYnO37LDFQnmbO6c5yfaPYrNrYfgVmGXhlnIgkBPUnsNCX8eo9eCwmleE4ppN7TJOenH7TtTdVLZwETx5nS%2BjXndopTqOjaYgrjT%2Fg6C00zoaP3cCD%2FpL9W22ucQSYDqIgLikcbLxDVmReclqHzqHIPzqUzV4lilpBBNUM1e5G2cQu%2BeFcdMP6FOmyw08%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9r4jImeZQ

There's another Delsey that is NOT foldable, fyi

I recently bought this one when it was on sale. Planning to take it on next month's trip. I like that it has a zipper and a shoulder strap.
https://www.rei.com/product/241404/peak-design-packable-tote

I've been eyeing this Land's End one currently on sale (I don't think anyone mentioned it, yet):

https://www.landsend.com/products/travel-nylon-expandable-packable-tote-bag/id_388428?attributes=11657&source=GS&currency=USD&geo=US&skumv=6257251&promotion-code=CUPCAKE&promotion-pin=0&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%23PLA%2F_(1)_GGL_(2)_US_(7)_DES_(9)_BC%7C&cm_mmc=139971612&SC=pla_non-brand&CMPGN=20131727717&ADGRP=164959727997&KYW=&MT=&DV=c&PID=6257251&TRGT=pla-980313998537&gclid=CjwKCAiA5Ka9BhB5EiwA1ZVtvCj6VyX437n88g_Y55E2EG9YVtp_mkm7o7Y6ff9ctZSZ8uSS0ojUjRoCMxYQAvD_BwE&CH=Google%20AdWords&gad_source=1

Perhaps it doesn't pack up small enough, and I just read that it is a little over 2 lbs. :(

Wow - lots of choices here. Packable can mean that it folds-up into itself. Also, can mean that it lays flat and/or can be rolled up into a little log. Some have backpack straps, others shoulder straps, others grab handles, or combo.. Do you need a trolley strap?
Patagonia.com has a lightweight 24 liter tote pack. I have an older version. The new version is smaller. Not cheap -but, click on the different colors. Some colors are cheaper. Osprey has the daylite tote pack. LLBean has a zip-top canvas, made in USA bag, Rick Steve has not just the Hideaway tote, but also a nice cylinder shaped packable duffel that I use for dirty laundry.
For Beach use: think about material and size and cost. How do you plan to carry it?
I don't recommend Vera Bradley bags for the beach. Unless you get the water resistant ones. The regular cotton ones soak up water like a sponge. (I learned from experience!)

And I neatly cut off the backpack straps of my Sherpani Camden because I only wanted to use it as a tote or occasionally with the shoulder strap. Yes, think about how you want to use your bag.

Thanks for the additional suggestions.

CanAmCherie, I like the Land’s End bag but the Packable pocket seems large when folded and it’s a bit heavy. I will be on 4 flights within Australia that weigh the bags so I have to be mindful of that.

Sun-Baked in Florida, you ask some good questions. I’ll try my best to be more specific about what I’m looking for.
* Ideally it would fold up into a pocket.

* Grab handles are a must. Bonus if there’s also a shoulder strap.
* A trolley strap would be nice, but not a deal breaker if it doesn’t have one.
* Water resistant. It will also be used as a beach bag, so no canvas or cotton. While using it that way I will carry it by the handles or shoulder strap if equipped with one.
* Light weight.
* Not expensive, ideally under $40. Less is better. This will not be something I would use on every trip.
* Edited to add it must have a zipper closure.

In addition to the Hideaway Tote I have the RS Duffle and have used it in the past in the same way I’m looking to use something now. It’s just too small for this trip for beach bag use, especially since it will be used for two people. We used the duffle when we went to the baths in Budapest in September and it worked great. This time there will be more things to transport. Maybe I’ll do a trial pack with it to see if I can make it work. And I do the the Hideaway tote to fall back on.

Wow, great ideas for some things I didn't know I needed... HA. Hey Cheap TTM, that lightweight Amazon backpack looks great when I need to lug more things home, thanks for the idea.

Since you're in or near Sacramento, now that you've thought about what you need, I bet TJ Max will have something that works. Or REI, they have a lot on sale now. Although I love LC, I would not want to leave it on the beach because it's such a recognizable brand so would err on the side of something that at least looks cheaper.

For under $40.00 ($30.00 actually) I have a Lovebag It folds into itself for about 3" X 3" X 2" package? Estimate only, Small. I have one of the zippered, crossbody totes. Strong material, but very light, and extremely washable overnight. Also, they have some fun fabrics. It also has a carabiner to clip onto a purse or whatever when not in use. I plan to use it for my purse backup on my next trip as I have a small purse just for money, phone and passport. I also plan to have my backup clothes in it in my suitcase, incase I need to pull it out if my bag is being checked...which is doubtful.

Go to Osprey.com. Type in tote. You will find an ultralight packable tote and a remnants tote. The ultralight would be the best, but only 18 liters.

Actually, skip Osprey.com. Go to Amazon. Check out Osprey ultralight packable totes there. Also, Samsonite packable totes. Lots of options.

Recommended by another Rick Steve poster: GOX packable travel duffel: 27 -28 liters: $22 -$25: trolley strap: Amazon.

The Tom Bihn shop bag (if still available).

Wray,
Thanks for the Lovebag link. I think I looked at those awhile back, but they didn't have the cross-body zippered model then.

I've been eyeing these 2 options on Amazon, but the Lovebag cross-body looks better.

SYZY
Cross-body and hand-carry straps, but no zipper. Packs up really small and lightweight.

Duffle
Adjustable straps, a trolley strap, zippered. Doesn't pack up as small, but looks like it is easy to pull straight so the pleats fold back up, then roll it up. One seller shows it being worn back-pack style. Not sure the adjustable straps would be long enough to go cross-body.

Thanks everyone. I decided to go with the Samsonite foldaway Duffle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBHRDRM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 It’s not too big and not too small, lightweight and I can easily stash it in my suitcase. I like that it has a shoulder strap in addition to the handles. I liked the price as well.

Years ago, we purchased two Orvis zip-top totes, and they have definitely been our go-to choices for our "personal items." I do not see the ones we purchased, but this seems as the most similar current-day choice via Orvis. Ours are solid green, without the Orvis name being so huge.

I like that we can slip so much into them...small PC, cameras, zip bags (from years ago that came with department store makeup), even shoes (in plastic bags). We also like that they fit over the handle for the Rick Steves rollaboard luggage. They can also be "slung" over our shoulders (which sort of hides them when presenting our boarding passes). They have held up beautifully and look as good as new, after many trips to many destinations.

https://www.orvis.com/product/orvis-adventure-tote-bag/7C822600.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq7WB4eK2iH-qXYEVrmiRgJ-Kg69SWKw2F1by7-TtbToKXmxQaluyg&gQT=1

Disclaimer: I did not pull out our Orvis bags to compare measurements with their current offering...they are tucked away INSIDE luggage that is carefully stacked in a very narrow closet (so please forgive my not going to that effort ;o )

Maggie,
The rainbow trout Orvis bag is cute. Looks like Orvis took a bill boarding lesson from patagonia - particularly on the brown/neon orange handle bag!

Andrea, I am on several travel subReddits and one bag I keep seeing pop up is the Peak Design packable tote. So many people rave about it and it looks very nice (I have not tried it). I'm not sure what capacity you are looking for, so it may not be big enough but here is a link: https://www.rei.com/product/241404/peak-design-packable-tote