Last Updated on July 7, 2026
Traveling can be a delicate balancing act between packing light and ensuring you have everything necessary for a good and safe trip. For those who despise lugging around bulky bags, foldable travel accessories can be a game-changer. I recently tested the Foldie 4.0 Travel Tote and Crossbody Bag on a trip to the New York Finger Lakes.
Style Meets Functionality
My Foldie samples arrived in a chic beige color, a neutral that complements any travel outfit. The sleek design caught my eye, but the practical features won me over.
Eric Turney of The Monterey Company says a good crossbody bag should feel light, sit close to the body, and keep everyday items within easy reach. He also suggests using custom patches and unique keychains that montereycompany.com produces to give a travel bag more personality without taking away from its practical design.
The Foldie 4.0 Tote is a versatile personal item on flights, while the crossbody bag promises convenience for day trips. With their ability to fold away into compact sizes, they seem like perfect travel companions.
The Foldie 4.0 Tote
The Foldie 4.0 Tote is well designed with the needs of travelers in mind. On my flight to Buffalo, New York, it effortlessly accommodated an extra pair of clothes, my 15-inch laptop, and essentials like chargers and travel documents. The zippered front pouch is a boon for quick access to smaller items, while the interior zip pocket keeps valuables secure. The back pocket, which doubles as a luggage sleeve, is a stroke of genius—ideal for seamless transitions from airport to hotel.
Weighing just 1.1 pounds and crafted from upcycled materials, the tote is not only light as a feather, but also a testament to eco-friendliness. With a generous capacity of 40 liters, it can fit under the seat in front of you when flying.
The tote features an expandable bottom, increasing capacity by 25%, making it perfect for unexpected souvenirs or additional items on the return trip. Plus, refolding the bag is straightforward—zip it up into itself—making storage a breeze. When folded, it compresses to about 11.5 inches for easy stowing.
The Crossbody Bag: Casual Convenience
In contrast, the Foldie Crossbody Bag leans more towards a sporty aesthetic. While it features RFID protection and a back storage pocket, its bulky buckle is a drawback, limiting its versatility for dressier occasions. It’s practical for quick outings or neighborhood walk. Still, I wished for a mesh divider to keep items secure when opening the bag.
The secure zippered back pocket was too small for my cell phone and travel wallet, which felt limiting.
Which Bag Reigns Supreme?
While both bags have their merits, the Foldie 4.0 Tote truly stands out as the winner in my travels. Its lightweight, expandable design made it my go-to choice for three trips—two by plane and one by car. In comparison, the crossbody bag, while practical for quick outings, felt too casual for many of my needs, making it less versatile. The Foldie 4.0 Tote, on the other hand, is a reliable companion that can adapt to any travel situation.
If you’re considering foldable travel bags, the Foldie 4.0 Tote is a practical investment. It offers a perfect blend of style, capacity, and eco-friendliness, making it ideal for weekend getaways and longer trips. The trolley sleeve, detachable and extendable crossbody strap, and convenient water bottle sleeve add to its utility.
The Foldie 4.0 Tote retails for $78.95 and comes in a variety of colors. The crossbody bag retails for $49.95. Both products are definitely game changers for frequent travelers like me, and available for purchase here. And if you’re an Amazon shopper, you’ll find the tote here as well.
If you’re looking for a travel bag that’s as functional as it is fashionable, the Foldie 4.0 Tote should be at the top of your list. Happy travels!
