Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Travel&Dining > Travel Products
Reload this Page >

Foldable but comfortable backpack

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Foldable but comfortable backpack

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 22, 2024 | 7:08 am
  #1  
Original Poster
All eyes on you!
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 36
Foldable but comfortable backpack

Can anyone recommend a backpack that folds up fairly small (large pocket sized) but which is also comfortable for moderately heavy loads (say 5-7kg)?

Or alternatively one that is very flat when there is nothing in it.

I want to take it shopping with me. I use a lot of public transport so being compact when not in use is ideal. I have some shoulder and back issues so need well padded straps and decent comfort for a 180cm guy.
rigolith is offline  
Old Nov 23, 2024 | 5:47 pm
  #2  
10 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: AA, UA, Marriott
Posts: 2,417
This is the best I've seen in the last 1-2 years: https://www.matadorequipment.com/pro...kable-backpack
I don't have direct experience, but have been on the lookout for viable replacements for my excellent foldable backpack that will eventually give out after 10+ years of hard service.

If you're in the NYC area, I saw it at the MoMA store in soho some months ago. I am not sure how well it will work for you. The material felt a little flimsy but will probably carry 5-7kg, and the straps had some padding although I wouldn't call it well-padded. Both are tradeoffs to get it collapse compactly.

rigolith and ZenFlyer like this.
lrdpenn is offline  
Old Nov 24, 2024 | 3:13 am
  #3  
Original Poster
All eyes on you!
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 36
Thanks. That "ReFraction" one is available in the UK, if a bit overpriced here. I like that it folds up. Not sure about the straps though, they don't look like they have a lot of padding. That's the usual issue with foldable ones.
rigolith is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2024 | 11:56 am
  #4  
50 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,516
This is the one we travel with mostly and use it for groceries, but it probably doesn't have the padding you're looking for. Also it doesn't appear to be available right now. We have a 2nd MUCH more minimal option at home but rarely use it because this one folds up just a little bit larger but is MUCH more comfy to use.

20L foldable day pack 20L foldable day pack
rigolith likes this.
Hoyaheel is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2024 | 1:11 pm
  #5  
Original Poster
All eyes on you!
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 36
Thanks. I'm starting to think that the fold up ones are all with very thin straps.

I have a Samsonite one that doesn't fold. It mostly goes quite flat, but the bottom part sticks out. The straps are really good though.
rigolith is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2024 | 6:48 pm
  #6  
All eyes on you!
10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NorCal
Posts: 220
I don't know if this will work, but my son had an Under Armor drawstring backpack a couple of years ago. The strings usually suck on this type of bag, but this one had padded strings that were surprisingly comfortable. Maybe similar to this one:

Amazon Amazon

rigolith likes this.
Rusearch is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2024 | 3:02 am
  #7  
Original Poster
All eyes on you!
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 36
Thanks, I would never have expected such tiny strings to be comfortable, but I will see if I can try one out locally.

I think I have found a couple that fold but have decent straps, at least according to reviews:

Amazon Amazon
Amazon Amazon

It's those two specifically, other Zomake ones may have issues. I'll probably order both and keep one if they are any good.
Hoyaheel and Rusearch like this.
rigolith is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2024 | 9:52 am
  #8  
30 Countries Visited
1M
All eyes on you!
5 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,232
I use this one. Been all over the world.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Ultralight Day Pack, 20-Liter, Atoll Blue https://a.co/d/4oj2l1D
rigolith and Rusearch like this.
Global Adventurer is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2024 | 3:38 pm
  #9  
Original Poster
All eyes on you!
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 36
Thanks. I ordered both the 20L and 30L to compare. It's so hard to say which size I need. How do you find the 20L your pack has?
rigolith is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.