9 Ingenious Collapsible Luggage Options for Space-Conscious Travelers

That impromptu shopping spree on vacation has added some great pieces to your wardrobe, but it's also left you with less suitcase space. To avoid carrying your new finds in a flimsy paper bag, prepare in advance by packing a foldable travel bag.

Here are our nine top picks for collapsible luggage, featuring packable backpacks, totes, duffles, and even rolling suitcases that expand to provide extra space. Plus, many can serve as daypacks for your souvenir-hunting adventures.

1. The Navy Away Packable Backpack

Launched in 2021, Away introduced its first collection of packable bags, featuring a spacious carry-all, a compact sling bag, and our favorite: the Packable Backpack. Made from 100% recycled, water-resistant nylon, this backpack includes lightly cushioned shoulder straps for comfort, a zippered interior pocket for easy organization, and buckle closures to secure your items. When not in use, it conveniently folds into a detachable zip pouch for effortless storage.

2. Matador ReFraction Packable Duffle

Crafted from a robust, water-resistant recycled nylon, the Matador ReFraction packable duffle offers 25 liters of space while compressing down to the size of a paperback book and weighing just 7.9 ounces—about the same as a few Snickers bars. Despite its streamlined look, it features two external stretch pockets on the front for easy organization and includes a built-in shoulder strap.

If you're in search of lightweight day bags with a similar sleek aesthetic, the ReFraction collection also offers a 16-liter packable backpack and a 2-liter packable sling bag.

3. Matador Freefly16 Packable Backpack

For outdoor adventures, the Matador Freefly16 Packable Backpack is an excellent choice. As one of the latest additions to Matador’s travel line, it's designed to excel in damp conditions (it’s water-resistant, not waterproof) and is lighter than previous models like those in the ReFraction series. Unusually for backpacks of this size and weight, it features a thin hip strap for better weight distribution, two water bottle pockets (one on each side), and a large external pocket for easy access to essentials. It folds into its own dedicated stuff sack, making it easy to pack in your luggage for a reliable hiking or sightseeing daypack upon arrival. “Overall, I appreciate this bag’s packability, lightweight design, and features like the hip strap,” shares Jessie Beck, Dinogo’s associate director of SEO & Video. “I’ve taken it on at least a dozen trips, and it’s proven to be both durable and reliable.”

4. Paravel Fold-Up Bag

Paravel’s ultralight duffle is perfect for stashing in your larger luggage for those must-have souvenir moments. The tear- and water-resistant duffle is incredibly lightweight and zips neatly into a small pouch when not in use. It’s also the preferred weekend bag of Dinogo's digital content director, Laura Dannen Redman, who refers to it as the “Trojan horse of weekend bags” for its surprising capacity. She can easily pack two pairs of shoes, two toiletry bags, and three days’ worth of winter clothes inside. Plus, the eco-friendly nylon is made from 22 recycled plastic water bottles.

Paravel’s Negative Nylon Collection features packable backpacks and belt bags that fold up just like this duffle.

5. Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L

Weighing just under a pound, this tote pack features both tote straps for shoulder carrying and backpack straps. It conveniently packs into its own pocket for easy storage. The wide zipper opening ensures quick access to your items, while exterior and interior zippered pockets provide ample space for valuables. Made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop fabric, this bag is tear-resistant and has a special finish that makes it water-repellent as well.

6. Baggu Cloud Bag

This ultra-lightweight packable tote, available in playful limited edition prints or classic black, folds into an included pouch and expands into a spacious carry-all. It’s perfect as an overnight bag, a beach tote, or in situations where your clothes just won’t fit back into your carry-on like they did on arrival.

Baggu has also expanded its Cloud Bag collection with the same foldable concept to include a mini version ideal for everyday use as a purse, a carry-on duffle that fits in overhead bins, and an extra-large version for when you need to pack everything.

7. Eagle Creek Packable Backpack 20L

Eagle Creek’s Packable Backpack is perfect for casual day hikes and features a side pocket for your water bottle. When not in use, it conveniently packs into its side zipper pocket. When folded, it occupies less space than a Nalgene water bottle, making it easy to stow in your carry-on or checked luggage. Constructed from 100% recycled ripstop polyester, this backpack is incredibly durable yet weighs less than half a pound.

8. Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Tote

A timeless packable option, all of Longchamp’s lightweight nylon totes can be folded down to the size of a paperback book when not in use. (Pliage translates to “folding” in French.) This expandable version features a zip inset, allowing the bag to transform from a standard tote to an extra-large carryall, perfect for bringing home all your souvenirs.

9. Biaggi Zipsak Boost Max Luggage

Constructed from water- and tear-resistant nylon fabric, the Biaggi Zipsak Boost Max wheeled suitcase effortlessly expands from a carry-on size to checked baggage capacity with a simple zipper that raises the bag's height from 17 to 28 inches. It's an excellent solution for avoiding checked bag fees on the return trip when you want to pack in those souvenirs. When fully zipped, the suitcase can be conveniently stored under your bed or in your closet.

Jessie Beck contributed reporting for this article. It originally appeared online in 2018 and was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information.