With eco-friendly, reusable shopping bags all the rage these days, I’ve seen loads of different styles at my local grocery store — from heavy L.L. Bean-like canvas, to 100 percent cotton in flowery motifs, to  stiff, who-knows-what-the-plastic-like-material-is bags. I’m not that picky when I’m making a grocery run (that is, when I remember to bring the darn things with me), but for travel, I like a lightweight-yet-sturdy, compact bag. That’s where the Flip & Tumble comes in.

Made of durable ripstop nylon (similar to parachute material), each brightly colored (or black, if you must) Flip & Tumble bag comes with an attached stretchy pouch, so you can roll the bag into a ball that’s 3 inches in diameter — small enough to throw in a purse or carry-on bag without having it take up much space. The bag holds a surpising amount — up to 25 lbs. I padded the bag with a bath towel and carted around a 20-lb dumbbell to test the weight limit. Though the shoulder strap dug into my shoulder, the nylon didn’t rip. (There is a felt pad on the single shoulder strap for comfort and to help the strap from twisting, which does come in handy when carrying lighter loads.)

I took my bag on a quick trip to Vail and Beaver Creek earlier this week and used it for toting a change of clothes, toiletries and a book to the hotel spa and pool. I  anticipate bringing it to my local farmer’s market, on my lake vacation and on a family houseboating trip later this summer. (The quick-dry nylon material is a bonus for use around water, for sure.)

On the Flip & Tumble website bags retail for $9 each; buy 3 to 6 for $8, 7 or more for $7.