Need to make a quick change at the airport to help handle shifting carryon/stowed luggage rules? Having a collapsible bag with you may save you time, frustration, lost goods, and even money. I never travel without a pair of folding backpacks with me, and usually I have another folding bag stuffed in the suitcase.
1. Eagle Creek Packable Tote
It's big, it packs flat, it's just about perfect for that horrible moment at the check-in desk when they tell you your luggage is overweight and you need to suddenly rearrange your supplies. And it's equally handy at the end of a trip when you discover that souvenirs have weight and bulk of their own.2. Eagle Creek Packable Duffel Bag
While not as convenient in my opinion as a folding backpack, this item is ideal for bringing back souvenirs.3. Eagle Creek Packable Daypack (Backpack)
True confession: I travel with two or three packable backpacks. One, usually the more expensive and/or durable one, like the one mentioned here, ends up being my outer video camera bag with enough room left over to stuff in a long-sleeved tee, a few snacks, and sunscreen. The second one is usually lent to a fellow traveler who wishes they'd brought one, and the third is just in case I permanently lose or generously give away Number One or Number Two.4. Kipling "Madhouse" Expandable Messenger Bag
While I love truly packable bags, this expandable messenger bag also has its uses and is a more stylish option than some of its collapsible kin.5. Expandable Backpack - Designer Leather Version
This is the pricy version of the folding backpack, though it won't get as small as the cheaper ones. Still, if one must have high style in all of one's accessories, this may be the way to go. Again, this is not as practical as the lightweight folding backpack, but if you tend to buy a lot of souvenirs, it can save you from buying an overpriced bag abroad. The secret is to pack your clothes in this lighter-walled bag, and your fragile souvenirs in your "real" suitcase.
6. Firm-Sided Folding Travel Satchel-Style Tote
Durable and roomy, this tote is still collapsible into a flat (though long) shape that will usually fit in the outside zippered compartment of your main bag.7. Folding Travel Duffel from Victorivox
This large duffel is the perfect thing to carry with you for serious souvenir shopping at your destination. Though it folds flat, it still is a fairly large square (9.75" by 12") better stowed in your "real" suitcase than in your carry-on.8. Samsonite Folding Suitcase/Convertible Travel Tote
This offering from Samsonite is actually an over-the-shoulder travel tote which almost magically can unzip into a large suitcase - perfect for those moments when a long layover results in an airport shopping spree gone mad. The downside? Its collapsed size is really too big to warrant that much space in your luggage if you're not using it also as your carryon bag. But for the maximum in ultimate space, this is the winner.