Looking for a personal item bag that fits under an airline seat but still gives you flexible extra capacity on the road? The Foldie is designed for travelers who want one bag that can work as an underseat personal item, a lightweight tote, and a foldable backup bag when extra layers or souvenirs start piling up.
In this Foldie review, I focus on the details that matter most for flights and short trips: underseat fit, pocket layout, packability, and whether the expandable design makes it a stronger option than a standard tote from the travel luggage and bags category.
The Foldie Travel Bag
In a sense the bag does double duty. Use it as your personal item, and you get 40L of personal item space that’s designed to fit under the seat on a majority of flights. Underseat dimensions are anything but uniform, but because the bag isn’t rigid, I haven’t had any trouble storing the bag at my feet.
The Foldie has internal and external pockets, dedicated space for water bottles, a pouch for wet items, detachable crossbody strap, and an easy to use trolley sleeve. It also boasts a clever expandable bottom; just unzip at the base and the bag gains 25 percent more packing capacity.
The bonus room is helpful to hold any extras you acquire on the road, but keep in mind as the bag gets bigger, squeezing it under the seat can get trickier.
The Foldie, however, does not have a laptop pouch or compartment. So, it’s important to know your needs. If you frequently travel with a laptop or tablet, this bag is likely not for you.
If you’re the type of traveler that tends to bring home more than you left home with, The Foldie is an option to bring along as an overflow bag. Weighing about a pound and measuring 11” x 7” x 3” when folded, (These are my measurements, based on how well I was able to refold the bag into its pouch form.) it takes up a relatively small amount of suitcase space, making it somewhat easy to throw in a bag and pull out only if needed.
The Foldie Folding Instructions
There are folding instructions on the website and a link to a YouTube video; I found the folding is a skill that takes a bit of practice.
The Foldie 4.0 is available in a variety of colors ranging from basic black and beige to a vibrant teal and yellow. Cost is $99.95 on The Foldie’s website, though at review time the bag was on sale for $79.95. Buy one, get one free sales are not unheard of, so it’s worth keeping an eye for limited time offers. The Foldie offers a 60-day money back guarantee and a two-year warranty. If you’re a fan of fanny packs, The Foldie Crossbody bags are available in matching colors.
Who The Foldie Works Best For
The Foldie makes the most sense for travelers who want one bag to cover short flights, overnight trips, and flexible overflow duty once a trip is underway. If you like soft-sided bags that can squeeze into tighter spaces and still handle a jacket, charger pouch, and essentials, it is a more useful option than a basic tote.
Foldie Vs. A Standard Tote Or Duffel
Compared with a plain tote, the Foldie is more travel-specific because the zip closure, expandable structure, and luggage sleeve make it easier to use as an actual airport bag. If you are comparing this style of bag more broadly, see our best personal item bag page, best carry-on luggage page, and the wider travel luggage and bags archive.