When you’re on the move, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip, having the right travel bag can make all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve gone through countless bags, and it feels like I’m always on the hunt for the perfect one. Recently, I decided to try out the Foldie travel bag, and let me tell you, it’s been quite an experience.
In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on the Foldie travel bag, along with its pros, cons, and how it compares to other travel bags I’ve used. Plus, I’ll cover maintenance tips and answer some frequently asked questions at the end.
So, if you’re thinking about picking up the Foldie travel bag, this review will hopefully help you decide if it’s right for you. You can purchase this travel bag on their official website or from popular online retailers like Amazon, making it convenient for most of us.
My Experience With Foldie Travel Bag
The first thing that struck me when I received my Foldie bag was how lightweight it was.
For a travel bag with a capacity of 40 liters, it’s surprisingly easy to handle, weighing only 1.1 lbs when empty.
I immediately appreciated its versatility – not just for air travel, but also for road trips and even everyday use.
When unfolded, the bag is spacious enough to pack for a short trip.
What really stood out to me was the expandable bottom, which gave me that extra space I needed for those last-minute items or souvenirs from my trip.
On the flip side, when not in use, it folds up compactly, making it easy to store. This compact feature is probably one of my favorite things about it.
The exterior felt sturdy, and I could tell the materials were made to last. However, I did notice that folding it back up was a little tricky the first time I tried, but it got easier with practice.
What I Loved About the Foldie Travel Bag?
- Versatility
The Foldie bag really shines when it comes to versatility.
Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or even heading to the gym, this bag works in nearly every situation.
It’s large enough to pack for a quick weekend getaway, and small enough to be used as a carry-on for flights.
The cross-body strap adds another layer of convenience when you need to be hands-free.
I’ve used it for everything from a weekend visit with family to a quick shopping trip, and it has held up beautifully each time.
- Expandable Bottom for More Space
One of the most useful features is the expandable bottom. This simple addition can be a lifesaver when you’re running out of space. On one trip, I used it to stow away some extra clothes and a few souvenirs I picked up.
It gave me just enough extra room without making the bag bulky or cumbersome. It’s these small details that make a big difference.
- Fits Under the Airplane Seat
As someone who frequently flies on budget airlines, I’m always concerned about fitting my personal item under the seat.
The Foldie bag easily meets the personal item size requirements for airlines like Spirit and Frontier, which means I didn’t have to pay extra for carry-on luggage. It slid under the seat without a problem, even when it was fully packed.
- Lightweight and Easy to Carry
Even when packed to the brim, the Foldie bag doesn’t feel heavy. The cross-body strap is comfortable, and I’ve used the handle sleeve to secure it on top of my rolling luggage for easy transport. The shoulder strap can also be removed, which makes folding the bag up much easier.
- Lots of Pockets for Organization
I’m a sucker for good organization, and the Foldie delivers in this department. With several pockets, both inside and out, it’s easy to keep everything in its place.
I love being able to access my passport, phone, or water bottle quickly without having to dig through the main compartment. The side pockets are especially convenient for smaller items like chargers or snacks.
Areas That Could Use Improvement
While I love most things about the Foldie, there are a few areas where it could be improved.
- Folding It Back Up Can Be Tricky: As I mentioned earlier, folding the bag back into its compact form can be a bit challenging, especially the first few times. After some practice, I got the hang of it, but it’s not as intuitive as I would have liked. I found that removing the shoulder strap before folding helps it fit more easily into its storage pouch.
- Not Heavy-Duty: While the bag feels sturdy and well-made, I wouldn’t consider it heavy-duty. It’s perfect for light to moderate use, but if you’re planning on carrying particularly heavy items or using it for rugged travel, it might not hold up as well as some more rugged travel bags. For occasional flights or weekend trips, though, it works just fine.
- Shipping Times Could Be Faster: One small issue I encountered was the shipping time. The Foldie bag is shipped from China, and it took about 10 days to arrive, which was fine because I had ordered it well ahead of my trip. But if you’re in a time crunch, this could be a potential downside. That being said, the wait was worth it in the end!
Maintenance Tips For Foldie Travel Bag
Taking care of your Foldie bag is pretty straightforward. Here are a few tips to keep it in good shape for your travels:
- Spot Clean Regularly: The bag is made from a durable fabric that can be spot cleaned with mild soap and water. After a trip, I usually wipe down the exterior to remove any dirt or stains that might have accumulated.
- Let It Air Dry: If the bag gets wet, make sure to let it air dry completely before folding it back up. This prevents any moisture from being trapped inside, which could lead to mildew or a musty smell.
- Store It Folded Up: When you’re not using the bag, fold it back up and store it in a cool, dry place. This not only saves space but also helps maintain the bag’s shape.
- Avoid Overloading: While the Foldie is spacious and can carry a lot, avoid overstuffing it with heavy items, as this could put strain on the seams over time.
Comparison With Other Travel Bags
Having used various travel bags over the years, I can confidently say that the Foldie holds its own against the competition. Let’s take a look at how it compares to some other popular travel bags.
- Foldie Vs. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is a fantastic bag for rugged adventures, but it’s much bulkier and heavier than the Foldie.
While the Black Hole Duffel is more durable and can carry heavier loads, it doesn’t have the same compact folding ability or light weight that makes the Foldie so convenient for shorter trips or light packing.
If you’re looking for something compact and easy to carry, the Foldie is the better choice.
- Foldie Vs. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
The Longchamp Le Pliage Tote is often seen as the gold standard for stylish travel totes. While it’s definitely a classy option, the Foldie offers more in terms of functionality.
With its expandable bottom, larger capacity, and multiple pockets, the Foldie is a more practical choice for travel. The Le Pliage might look more elegant, but if you’re all about utility and space, the Foldie wins hands down.
- Foldie Vs. Herschel Supply Co. Duffel
Herschel bags are known for their trendy designs and durability, but again, the Foldie’s foldable design gives it an edge. Herschel’s duffels are great for weekend trips but lack the versatility of the Foldie, which can be folded and stored when not in use.
If you’re short on storage space or need something lightweight, the Foldie is a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the Foldie travel bag is TSA-approved for carry-on luggage. It meets the personal item size requirements for most airlines, including Spirit and Frontier, which means you won’t have to worry about paying extra fees for carry-on luggage.
Absolutely! One of the best features of the Foldie is its ability to fit perfectly under an airplane seat, even when fully packed. This makes it an excellent choice for budget travelers who want to avoid overhead bin space or additional baggage fees.
Foldie bags are shipped from China. While this means shipping times can be a bit longer, the quality of the product makes the wait worthwhile. I recommend ordering well in advance if you have an upcoming trip to avoid any timing issues.
The side snaps on the Foldie bag are designed to help maintain its shape when the bag is not fully expanded. They allow you to compress the bag slightly, making it more compact and easier to carry. When you need more space, simply unsnap the sides and expand the bottom for additional packing room.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy The Foldie Travel Bag?
In my opinion, the Foldie travel bag is an excellent choice for travelers who value versatility, convenience, and space-saving features. Its ability to fold up compactly when not in use, combined with its large capacity and lightweight design, makes it ideal for a variety of travel situations.
Sure, it’s not the most heavy-duty option out there, but for the occasional traveler or weekend warrior, it’s hard to beat the value and functionality it offers. The expandable bottom and multiple pockets are huge bonuses, making packing and organizing a breeze.
If you’re considering purchasing the Foldie, you can find it on popular online retailers or the Foldie website. Just make sure to give yourself some extra time for shipping!
Overall, I’ve enjoyed using the Foldie travel bag, and I think you will too.
