I’ve been wanting to invest in a foldable backpack and was considering Osprey and some other brands, but wasn’t ready to spend $30 dollars or more.
Instead, I got a Foldable Backpack from Daiso for only $4. I needed something to carry a water bottle and some snacks while out and about; this bag was perfect!
But for $4 understand you are getting an ultralight bag with very thin material and weak zippers. Treat it gently and it’ll work fine. The instruction tag also warns to avoid moisture so it’s probably not water resistant and could get soaked.
Plenty of Pockets
This thing comes with a main compartment, a smaller compartment (where it also reverses and folds back into) as well as two side mesh pouches that can fit a small bottle of water. There is also a small hanging pocket within the main compartment.
I found the pockets quite useful, although I wouldn’t put anything expensive or valuable in the side mesh pockets, I just stowed cheap water bottles.
Watch the Straps
CAUTION on the shoulder straps, they don’t have a thicker end cap and will skip right off the buckles if tugged hard enough. I’m probably going to heat treat the ends on mine to make an end cap and help prevent the straps from coming undone. I didn’t have an issue while hiking with this bag, but at certain angles I could easily yank them free.
Folds Big but limited capacity (13 Liter)
It folds down to about the size of an iPad Mini so it’s too big to fit in a regular pant pocket and when unfolded into a backpack it can carry a few items, maybe a sweater and some other gear, but it doesn’t compare to the capacity of one of my basic Jansports, which have been my go to bag for trips even with the added weight and size.
By the specs it appears to measure 13 Liters (42 cm x 31 cm x 10 cm). In contrast my Jansport Superbreak is 26 Liters (42 cm x 33 cm x 21 cm). About half the capacity but similar height and width.
Closing...for $4 it’s worth it as a temporary bag
For $4 you can’t go wrong with this bag. Just pack it light. I’m on the fence if I’d rely on this exclusively while on trips as I prefer and am happy with my Jansport bags, but I can see this chilling in my car and when I need a backpack.
I’ll field test this for a while and use it while outdoors and to the gym. Normally, my Jansport would handle those chores.
Update - 5/16/21 - One Week Review
The bag is holding up okay and I'm comparing it with my standard Jansport, which of course is superior in every way except portability. For quick trips outdoors, I'm finding the Daiso bag is more than adequate.
The drawbacks remain the weak zippers and lack of length on the shoulder straps. So long as you take your time and remain mindful you won't have fear of snagging a zipper or fumbling with the shoulder straps.
It fits nicely in the side compartment of my car and I'm finding its more useful than my spare Jansport in the trunk. One obvious advantage is its very slim profile and its paper thin where you barely feel like you are carrying a backpack, unlike the thicker and padded Jansport.
Update - 6/5/21 - Bag Broke - 3 Weeks and Done
Don't buy this bag, unless you are okay with using it only a few times. The seams are weak and after putting in a small lunchbox and water bottle a hole appeared on one of the upper seams.
These paper-thin packable bags are not worth it and meant for single use. A terrible proposition considering these bags are made of plastic and polyester.
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