Want a travel bag that won’t hog all the room in your luggage? Check out our guide to the best foldable backpacks of 2025. They’re practical, strong, and look good too!
Why You Need a Foldable Backpack
Think about being in a busy market in Europe. Your hands are full of cool stuff, but your main bag is back at the hotel. That’s when a foldable backpack saves the day. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket when empty but big enough for all your stuff when you need it.
Foldable backpacks have changed how we pack. They fold into tiny bags when you’re not using them. That makes them great for people who pack light, travel with just one bag, or like things that save space.
What Makes a Good Foldable Backpack?
Before we share our top picks, here’s what to look for in a great foldable backpack:
Easy to Pack: The best ones fold up small, like a book.
Strong Stuff: Even though they’re light, good foldable backpacks are made of tough stuff that won’t rip easily. The parts that get the most stress should be extra strong.
Feels Good: Being able to carry things without discomfort is important. Look for shoulder straps and back that have some padding.
Space Inside: Most foldable backpacks can hold 15-35 liters. That’s enough for day trips or extra shopping.
Stays Dry: A special coating can keep your stuff dry in light rain.
The Best Foldable Backpacks of 2025
1. Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack – Top Quality
Space: 27 liters
Weight: 5.6 oz (160g)
Material: Recycled fabric
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is one of the best you can get. You can carry it like a tote bag, over your shoulder, or as a backpack. It works for all kinds of things.
Cool Things About It:
- Folds into its own pocket
- Water-resistant fabric
- Comfortable straps
- Can be carried in a few ways
- Patagonia will fix it if it breaks
Good For: People who care about the environment and want something that’s high-quality and can be used for many things.
Buy the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack at REI
2. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack – Super Light
Space: 20 liters
Weight: 2.4 oz (68g)
Material: Nylon
If you want something super light, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is perfect. It weighs less than most phones, but it’s still strong.
Cool Things About It:
- Very light and small
- Water-resistant
- Straps on the side
- Extra strong at stress points
- Comes with its own bag
Good For: People who are backpacking, running trails, or need to save every bit of weight.
3. Matador FreeRain24 2.0 – Stays Dry
Space: 24 liters
Weight: 5.3 oz (150g)
Material: Nylon with waterproof coating
The Matador FreeRain24 2.0 keeps your stuff dry with fabric that’s waterproof. It’s great for places where the weather changes a lot.
Cool Things About It:
- Waterproof
- Pocket on the outside
- Comfortable straps
- Closes tight at the top
- Reflective
Good For: People who like being outside and going to wet places.
4. REI Co-op Flash Pack 18 – Doesn’t Cost Much
Space: 18 liters
Weight: 6.4 oz (181g)
Material: Nylon
The REI Flash Pack 18 is a good deal. You get a pretty good backpack for a cheap price.
Cool Things About It:
- Cheap
- Folds into its side pocket
- Place for water bottles
- Straps outside for gear
- Mesh on the back
Good For: People who don’t want to spend a lot and want to see if they like foldable backpacks.
5. Eagle Creek Packable Daypack – Works Hard
Space: 23 liters
Weight: 7.2 oz (204g)
Material: Nylon
Eagle Creek makes travel gear that lasts. The Packable Daypack is well-made and works well.
Cool Things About It:
- Folds into itself
- Place for water bottles
- Pocket on the front
- Comfortable straps
- Eagle Creek will fix or replace it if something happens to it
Good For: People who travel a lot and want something they can rely on.
How to Pick the Right Foldable Backpack
What Will You Use It For?
Hiking: Get one that holds 20-25L, has comfortable straps, and is made of strong material.
City Trips: Look for pockets, a nice design, and space for 15-20L.
International Travel: Pick one that folds really small, has safety features, and is okay to bring on a plane.
Shopping: Look for a bigger one (25-35L) that’s easy to carry.
What’s It Made Of?
The material decides how strong it is, how much it weighs, and how well it protects from water.
- 15-30D Nylon: Super light, not as strong.
- 30-40D Nylon: Good balance.
- 40D+ Nylon: Stronger, heavier.
How Small Does It Fold?
Some fold smaller than others. If you don’t have much pocket space, get one that folds to the size of a phone.
How Does It Feel?
If you’re going to be carrying it, make sure it’s comfortable:
- Padded straps
- Back that lets air in
- Weight spread out
- Straps across your chest
Taking Care of Your Foldable Backpack
Folding It Right
Make sure it’s dry before you fold it so it doesn’t get moldy. Follow the instructions so you don’t break anything.
Cleaning It
Wash it by hand with soap and water. Don’t use a washing machine unless they say you can.
Storing It
Keep it out of the sun so it doesn’t wear out.
What’s Next for Foldable Backpacks?
Foldable backpacks keep getting better.
Better Materials: They’re using recycled materials.
Cool Stuff: They’re adding smart organizational things.
Stronger: They’re making them more resistant to rips.
More Uses: Some can be used for more than just a backpack.
What People Say About Them
People who use foldable backpacks say:
They Like:
- Having an extra bag
- Saving space
- Using them for shopping
- Feeling better about the weight of their luggage
They Worry About:
- Not enough padding
- Not enough pockets
- How long they’ll last
- Folding them up right
Are They Worth It?
Good foldable backpacks cost $25 to $150. Most are $40-80. Consider:
How Much You’ll Use It: If you travel a lot, get a good one.
Saving Weight: If you fly, it can save you money on baggage fees.
What It Can Do: A good foldable backpack can replace other bags, so it’s worth it.
If They’ll Fix It: Some brands will fix or replace it if it breaks.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Travel Bag
The best foldable backpack fits your travel style and works when you need it. Whether you pack light or need a bag for day trips, there’s one for you.
The best one depends on what you need. Someone who backpacks might want the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil, while someone who travels a lot might like the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack.
Foldable backpacks are simple. They’re there when you need them and gone when you don’t. They’re perfect for saving space and being sustainable.
Ready to make traveling easier? Pick a foldable backpack and enjoy the freedom.
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