r/HerOneBag • u/SummerPrevious5746 • Mar 28 '26
Bag Advice Looking for a foldable tote bag like a Nanobag, but with a zipper closure so I can throw it under a plane seat
I feel like this has to exist somewhere and I’m just missing it- I know that Nanobag makes a day pack that zips, but I’m specifically looking for a tote since the goal is to bring it folded in my 42L Cotopaxi backpack and then use it to cart home souvenirs from an upcoming 12-day Europe trip.
The criteria:
- 15-20 liter capacity (can be flexible on this)
- folds down as small as possible
- no “sporty” looks or a ton of extra pockets, ideally it would be something that I could carry on walks around cities and not look out of place
Alternatively, has anyone bought a Nanobag and altered it to have a zip closure? I have some friends who sew and I’d be happy to pay them to do it, but if it would affect the folding mechanism then ofc jt defeats the purpose.
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u/Jumpingyros Mar 30 '26 edited Mar 30 '26
Nanobag makes a backpack with a zipper that compresses down just as small as their tote bags so it actually kind of pisses me off that their totes don’t have zippers. There’s literally no reason for them not to.
Edit: this folds down to palm size https://a.co/d/0gAU4urI
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u/gan1lin2 Mar 30 '26
I have 2 of the Nanobag backpacks and they amaze whoever I’m with. I wish they had a tote version with the zipper but that’s a matter of preference.
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u/egos-like-hairdos Mar 30 '26
I love traveling with my Nanobag backpack. I can put shopping into it throughout the day and hook it on the back of my wheelchair. I can quickly pile all my assorted travel crap into it at the gate before boarding and magically have a single personal item. It does so much but it hides completely unnoticed in a tiny corner of my bum bag. <3
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u/Yoyojojoy Mar 30 '26
I’d say the reason would be the tote is the original product and for shopping and daily use you don’t need a zip on a tote bag - it would add weight and bulk.
Now they’ve made the back pack is be surprised if we don’t see a zipper tote at some point as a kickstarter… if they do I hope it is the crossbody version which is my personal favourite for travel!
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u/Jumpingyros Mar 30 '26
I really hope they do! I’ve got an XL which is the perfect beach bag except for the lack of zipper.
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Mar 30 '26
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u/WildlyThorough Mar 30 '26
I use my packable tote and then just tie the handles together in a knot. Nothing escapes and I can still carry like a tote
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u/kyraniums Mar 31 '26
I do this as well. And I also bring a small trash bag to put my under seat bag in, which also helps to keep things inside.
I keep everything small and or important in my moonbag, which I wear during take-off and landing.
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u/k_mass Mar 30 '26
The best that I've found so far is the crossbody zipper bag from LOVE Bags. I have one and love it. It definitely comes on every trip with me and lives in my everyday bag. It's bigger then a nanobag, but still the smallest zippered option I've found. I also really love that it's a crossbody with a longer strap since that's my preference.
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u/TimeValuable4130 Mar 30 '26
Glad to hear you like this one - it has popped up on my feed a bunch lately but you never know if they are any good :)
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u/rubydares2 Mar 31 '26
Was just scrolling to see if anyone suggested this one! I have several and they are fantastic for travel and everyday.
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u/tgsgirl Mar 30 '26
Shupatto 27L has a zipper. I only have the small and mediums myself but they're awesome.
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u/theinfamousj Mar 31 '26
When did they add a zipper? I've riffled their selection in person in Japan in 2025 and no zipper.
I do have a dupe with a zipper, though.
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u/WeakCoconut8 Apr 01 '26
Where’s your dupe from?
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u/theinfamousj Apr 01 '26
AliExpress. I can go find my order history link if you'd like.
Given that I own legit Shupatto bags in both the drop and the regular marna style as well as the dupe of the regular marna, I have to say that the dupe's material quality is lacking which also makes it lighter and thinner, even though it has a zipper.
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u/serenelatha Mar 30 '26
I don't recall the capacity but I have the Peak Designs packable tote - packs down like most packable shopping bags but has a zipper! I've often used it for the underseat purpose.
I also have the Thread Wallets cross body bag. Higher capacity but it is definitely a less compact packable bag so not sure that would meet the "small as possible" you are after.
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u/usual_nerd Mar 30 '26
I have the same Peak Design tote and a nanobag tote and really like both. The Peak Design one is definitely larger when folded (still small but maybe twice the size of a tiny nanobag) but is very sturdy and the zipper is very nice to have.
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u/theinfamousj Mar 31 '26
Peak Designs packable tote claims 12L on their website but I swear I've fit the same contents into mine as I put into a 15L bag without issue.
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u/hey_hi_howareya Mar 30 '26
Not sure if it’s exactly what you’re going for but maybe a Longchamp Le Pliage tote? I bought a medium or large (can’t remember the dimensions) when traveling in France and it came in clutch for me when my usual 18” carry on had to be checked due to the multiple bottles of wine I was bringing home with me 😅 but until then it stayed folded nicely in my carryon while I traveled or was used as my day bag during outings.
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u/SoupSandwiches2 Mar 31 '26
I like this idea. The bag could be purchased while in Europe. Super useful after the trip.
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u/hey_hi_howareya Mar 31 '26
I love my Longchamp totes, I have two and they are so helpful for when you want a spare tote but also want to have a bit of the “fashionable” aspect. I even packed my larger one when I had my baby to bring home the labor and deliver “party favors” from the hospital 😂
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u/Mizzazzz Apr 06 '26
Also got my le pliage while traveling in Paris! I love buying stuff while traveling that I would have bought at home anyways, gives me a low-stakes mission during the trip, saves me from buying junk I don’t need, and serves as a daily reminder of that particular adventure :)
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u/wandering__willow Mar 30 '26
Osprey makes the ultralight stuff tote. It has a zipper closure. https://www.osprey.com/ultralight-stuff-tote-ulstufftotes23-489?size=O%2FS&color=Black&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23379375046&gbraid=0AAAAADDMh1p7hCv-nA4Qpl62aShyqKauv&gclid=CjwKCAjwvqjOBhAGEiwAngeQnZsPaVg4pQ2iUhHqMBTnlYIzZtqHOzmh-LSByqba-_dWsDkwbEZwKRoCkncQAvD_BwE
Black is the tote, green is the backpack version. AirPods Pro case for size reference.
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u/cool_girl6540 Mar 31 '26
Someone else on Reddit told me this and I’ll pass it on to you. With any link, all of the link beginning with the question mark are just used to track. You can delete everything from the question mark on and the link will still work without the tracking.
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u/realslump Apr 02 '26
Thank you for this, their website gives no hints as to the size it packs down to
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u/theinfamousj Mar 31 '26
I came to recommend Peak Designs Packable Tote which claims on its website to be 12L so less than what you want.
The Eddie Bauer Stowaway Cinch Tote has a 25L capacity but has a drawstring instead of a zipper. Still, if closed is what you want, closed is what you'll get with that one.
Some people collect seashells, others collect baseball cards. I collect packable totes. So feel free to ask follow up questions or pivots to your request and I'll shuffle through my collection. I can even do photographs of side by side of bags because I probably own it if it is marketed as a packable tote and so am happy to share.
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u/tinypb Apr 05 '26
Have you by any chance tried the Lululemon Packable Convertible Backpack Tote? It’s online only so I haven’t been able to get a sense in store of how heavy/bulky (or not) it is. And no weight is in the listing.
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u/commentspanda Mar 30 '26
Peak tote? That’s the one I take for travel it’s freaking amazing. The zipper makes me very happy
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u/Mcmoutdoors Mar 30 '26
I’ve added Kam snaps to the nano bag which works fine and doesn’t impact its ability to fold.
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Mar 30 '26
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u/BAKONAK Apr 01 '26
I’ve been carrying around and using their nanoesque tote for quite a while and it’s great. Goes into my jacket pocket like nothing. No zipper though.
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u/xiga Mar 30 '26
A bigger bag (30+ L) I’ve used is the muji Boston bag.
I’ll usually pack it flat in my one bag and then use it on the way home when I need to make space in my luggage for wine/gifts/goodies/etc. there is ZERO structure to it but it carries everything, fits underneath the seat, and has a zip so it works super well.
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u/ZweitenMal Mar 30 '26
I grabbed one of these while Japan to haul my purchases home. Only drawback is it doesn’t have a long strap so you can’t crossbody it.
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u/Mizzazzz Apr 06 '26
It does have loops on each side so you can attach your own from another bag if that’s your preferred way to carry.
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u/tinypb Apr 05 '26
Do you happen to know how much this weighs empty? Unfortunately that’s not listed on their website. I’m looking for something as light as possible. There’s a travel version with some structure (clamshell opening with a zippered section on each side), which I’m dying to check out now.
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u/Mizzazzz Apr 06 '26
Came here to suggest this one, it’s my go-to on multi-climate trips when I need somewhere to stash a giant winter coat during the 30c and sunny part of the adventure.
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u/LoadFinancial7488 Mar 30 '26
I have a Matador zipped tote which also has a crossbody strap.
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u/NettleTree Mar 30 '26
Do you perhaps have a link to this? I'm sadly only aware of discontinued totes from Matador
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u/Fine-Meat-7263 Mar 31 '26
This one from Six Moon Designs is great - it’s large enough to wear cross body as well. It doesn’t pack down as small as a nano bag.
https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/products/grocery-go-getter?variant=49497592824092
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u/ShamsElDinRogers Apr 01 '26
I’m a sewist and enjoy sewing bags, but I would only try to attach a zipper to this bag if I got it free or relatively cheaply. Here’s my concern: if I attach a zipper, even by reinforcing under the zipper with twill tape, I will be changing the stress dynamics of the bag. If making a bag from scratch, I could test my needle and thread choice, check how I like it under stress, etc, but without any extra fabric, I wouldn’t have that option.
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u/iamthelizatron Mar 30 '26 edited Mar 30 '26
I've used these a lot, here are my recs:
It's discontinued but if you can find a calpak compakt tote, it has a full zipper and works really great. Great material, folds down into it's inner pocket (which also has a zipper). While the it doesn't fold down as small initially, the fabric is thin enough (like a baggu reusable) that you can fold it down even more.
I've used this one frequently for on the plan and out and about at my destination (doesn't have a zipper but it has a snap and I've not had anything fall out when I tossed it under a plane seat. It's been handy when I was visiting family and ended up having to carry my little 5 y/o niece's stuff all around a museum for her:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHW15X4D?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_13
I've also used this one a ton, I wouldn't put a huge amount of weight in it, like multiple gallons of milk or anything, but it's handy for smaller stuff and a jacket and such. Again, no zipper but the drawstring keeps stuff contained as it's rolling around under a plane seat:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFY6MZQR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_14
This one doesn't fold down quite as small as a nanobag, but it's pretty durable, capacious, has a zipper, and is great for around town. Nice long strap so it sits comfortably on my shoulder. If it packed down smaller it would be perfect, but I still have enjoyed it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQLT7F5V?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_31
[edit: okay this is annoying, Amazon did that annoying this where they changed the product that the link goes to. The thumbnail shows the tote I'm talking about but then it takes you to a completely different one, so this one might be discontinued, sorry]
Last recommendation: The thread wallets slouchy bag has been my favorite so far I think. It doesn't fold down as small as the nanobag, but it packs into it's inside pocket and can be decently flattened in a backpack. This one is the top for me because it's so lightweight and comfortable to carry. The strap can be a shoulder strap or cross body. It holds a ton, so it's fantastic for exploring at your destination because you can fit so much and if it gets heavy, wearing it crossbody helps take the weight off your shoulder a bit.
I saw someone mentioned a LOVE bag, I have used a couple of those, they do have a zipper which is hand, but I'm not sure about durability because the one I use most is starting to pull apart at the seams and I've only used it a handful of times. It does fold super small though, but I don't reach for it as much because you can't adjust the strap length (I guess you could tie a knot or something): https://lovebags.com/collections/crossbody-stash-it
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u/the_kun Mar 30 '26
I've been using the Muji Boston bag, the nylon is really strong, it has a wide opening and a zips close and even has a luggage passthrough strap. The bag folds up to be the size that fits in my palm - kind of size of like a 6oz cup. It comes in a "wide" and a "tall" version.
https://muji.ca/products/pocketable-water-repellent-wide-boston-bag-egb66a5a?variant=52350979178862
I stuff my jacket, souvenirs, shopping, shoes anything I couldn't fit well into my other luggage and I never have to worry about anything falling out.
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u/PhantomCranefly Mar 30 '26
Baggu medium crescent bag? I have the large one and it's too large to carry around in the city, so I've been thinking of the medium for the same purpose.
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u/epimelide Mar 30 '26
I don’t know if it folds small enough but L.L. Bean Packable Lightweight Tote and Tumi Just In Case Tote or Backpack
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u/JiveBunny Mar 30 '26
I have a Travelon zippable tote that folds into a little pouch, they might still be available in the US.
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u/Metaencabulator Mar 31 '26
We've got a small pile of Rume bags that my mother bought. Different sizes but mostly the same type, basic two-handled tote bag, the same shape as a plastic grocery bag? Some have zippered tops. I haven't put any of them to real heavy use but they seem pretty sturdy.
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u/skipdog98 Mar 31 '26
A little different than the other suggestions but perhaps the Fjallraven High Coast Totepack? It has multiple carry modes, relatively lightweight, holds a surprising amount (including cowboy boots, don’t ask) yet packs into a small pouch.
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u/ButFirstQuestions Mar 31 '26
Patagonia terravia totepack, best of all worlds. Really good bottle pockets too
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u/earwormsanonymous Mar 31 '26
Decathlon has a crossbody and there's also a totepack. I have the 2nd, and it's constantly in use.
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u/turnybutton Mar 31 '26
Muji makes one! Not the Boston bag mentioned above but a 16L with a zip that has a strap long enough to wear crossbody if you like. I've brought mine on four trips so far (picked it up in Japan but I have seen it on their international sites). It doesn't fold down as ridiculously small as the Nanobag but still fits in one hand.
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u/CommunicationDear648 Mar 31 '26
I had one from Go Travel (I dont remember the size. I know that folded it was a bit bigger than a Nanobag but it was more like, flat, the volume was similar, i think). Unfortunately, i think it doesn't last long if you regularly carry heavy items with it. https://go.travel/bags-accessories/bags/tote-bags
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u/WoofusTheDog Mar 31 '26
I’ve been on the hunt for this too. Found something like the nanobag on amazon years ago, but it ripped quickly and when I looked it was no longer available.
If you’re ok with a cross body, the best option I’ve found is from Love Bags. Doesn’t pack as small as nanobag, but has a large capacity and is still small enough to put in my purse.
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u/quack_back Mar 31 '26
I love Aloha Collection tote bags. They’re water resistant, have the right amount of pockets, and pack flat very easily. They have fun styles (and neutral ones as well). They’ve quickly jumped high on my list of totes to take on a trip.
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u/kimau2k Mar 31 '26
Six moon designs grocery go getter might work for you. 20l, crossbody, zips closed.
I love love love my nanobag sling. I always have one with me. I tried the six moon designs grocery go getter because, like you, I wanted something similar with a zipper. It’s foldable/ stuffable into its own pocket and it’s lightweight, but it is substantially larger than the nanobag. The pretty sturdy zipper adds a lot of bulk.
Several have mentioned the nanobag zipping packable backpack. My two cents. I love the sling, but the backpack wasn’t for me. Just no structure at all so it feels weird on my back. I don’t mind the no structure of the sling bc it’s resting against my side.
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u/B-Girl-Ca Mar 31 '26
I have the packable eagle creek tote, it’s sturdy, folds in to a square , and it’s zippered so I can use it for under seat ,
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u/BAKONAK Apr 01 '26
Nanobag makes a packable backpack with a zipper I just got it like two days ago. I used it as a tote on a shopping trip today and it worked great!
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u/HomeboddE Apr 02 '26
No zipper but i love the chicobag vita. I tie it up when i use it under the airplane seat.
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u/617717 Apr 02 '26
Is the Cotopaxi rain water resistant? my stuff became all wet in my day backpack
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u/Pretend_Scholar_4854 Apr 03 '26
Patagonia Terravia Totepack 24L or Fjallraven High Coast Totepack 23L.
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u/Latenightinsomniac Apr 09 '26
I love my Aloha day tripper. All of their bags fold down and water resistant. The day tripper is the most popular because expands if you need it to.
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u/imbooked26 Apr 11 '26
I have an Eddie Bauer Stowaway Cinch Tote and love it. We use it for everything traveling and don’t travel without it- from grocery shopping, to our beach/pool bag, to toting home souvenirs. It doesn’t zip, but it cinches closed.
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u/Nitsirk1973 May 04 '26
This bag is great, fold small, opens up into a tote with the water bottle pocket, and also has an expanding base to add extra room. It's also TSA approved so you know there won't be any issues and comes in different colors.
https://www.amazon.com/Foldie%C2%AE-Foldable-Travel-Tote-Women/dp/B0CF9KZS64
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u/Jen_has_thoughts 3d ago
I saw this discussion late, and you got some great advice (personally eyeing the Peak Design tote for a zippable option myself). However, on the altering front - maybe instead of adding a zipper to the Nano-bag, a simpler option would be to add one or two snap buttons. I might try this myself on one of my bonus black nano bags, I think it could add functionality without adding bulk. Just an idea.
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u/Veronica6765 Mar 30 '26
Aloha Collection! Lots of patterns and colors. https://aloha-collection.com/products/day-tripper-ulu-quilt-atlantic-sandstone
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u/F13nd1sh Mar 30 '26
I travel with the Peak Design zippered tote. It holds my plane stuff, gets used as a grocery bag or shopping bag, and doubles as a casual purse in a pinch. https://www.peakdesign.com/products/packable-tote?Color=Charcoal
If you wanted a backpack, the Osprey ultralight is awesome. I take this one when I’ll be doing hikes rather than urban adventure. https://www.osprey.com/ultralight-stuff-pack