Foldable daypack or bag: what is it, and should you take it with you on trips or while backpacking?

What is a foldable daypack or bag?

• A foldable daypack is a small backpack made of very lightweight material that you can store so compactly that it takes up hardly any space when you are not using it.
• A foldable bag is a lightweight bag that you can fold up small or put into an integrated pouch, so that it takes up little space in your luggage.
• Most models are made of thin nylon or polyester and often weigh much less than a regular backpack or shopping bag.

What types of foldable backpacks and bags are available?

• Ultralight daypacks for hiking or city trips.
• Simple foldable shopping bags.
• Water-repellent models for the beach or rain.
• Larger variants suitable as extra carry-on luggage.
• Sporty drybag-style models for wet conditions.
• Some models are primarily intended as emergency bags or shopping bags, while others are sturdy enough to be used daily as a daypack.

What can you use a foldable backpack or bag for when traveling and backpacking?

• You can use a foldable bag, for example, for last-minute groceries, snacks, or souvenirs.
• A foldable daypack is handy for short adventures, such as going to the beach, hiking, or visiting the city.
• A foldable daypack or bag is also useful as a laundry bag for dirty and wet clothes.
• During a multi-day hike, a foldable backpack is handy for extra adventures, such as climbing a peak that is an hour's round trip off the trail.
• A foldable backpack can also be useful when your large backpack is safely left behind in a hostel, bus, or accommodation and you only want to take the essentials with you.

When should you take a foldable backpack or bag with you when traveling or backpacking?

• When you are traveling without a regular daypack or handbag.
• If you want to take more items with you on the way there or back.
• When your daypack is too big to keep on your lap on a plane or bus. When you want to travel light, but still find a spare bag handy.
• When you regularly go grocery shopping while traveling.
• If you are going on a multi-day hiking trip.

Where can you buy a foldable backpack or bag locally when you are traveling?

• Foldable bags and backpacks are easily available in many places around the world in:
  • outdoor stores, sports shops, or travel goods stores, for lightweight, comfortable hiking backpacks.
  • markets or souvenir shops for bags with nice designs.
  • supermarkets, reusable, foldable bags can often be found in the supermarket.
  • airports, in case you have forgotten yours.