8 Best Cheap Travel Bags to Buy in 2025

The Carbrea Personal Item Bag punches well above its budget price, delivering a no-nonsense solution for travelers dodging Spirit and Frontier carry-on fees. With exact-fit dimensions of 17.7×12.4×7 inches, it slips neatly under airline seats while offering a 25L capacity—just enough for a weekend’s essentials. The ultra-lightweight 5.3-ounce build and foldable design make it a stealthy backup option, perfect for return trips when you’ve picked up souvenirs. Its smooth trolley sleeve and mesh side pockets add subtle but meaningful touches that elevate it beyond a basic duffel.

In real-world use, this bag shines for short trips and minimalist travelers. It handled a full gym-to-gate loadout with ease—shoes, toiletry kit, change of clothes, and even a folded blazer—all without bulging. The polyester fabric resists light moisture and held up after multiple airport tumbles, though it lacks structural rigidity when empty. On cobblestone streets or rainy terminals, the thin material won’t fully shield contents from dampness, and the shoulder strap isn’t padded—minor gripes for the price, but noticeable on longer hauls. Still, it never failed to collapse into a palm-sized bundle for storage.

Compared to pricier foldable duffels, the Carbrea model stands out by balancing airline compliance, portability, and versatility without costing more than a fast-food meal. It’s not built for extreme durability like the C&F BOGMOST or feature-rich like the Fmeida, but it’s the most reliable budget pick for occasional flyers. For those who need one dependable personal item bag that won’t break the bank, this outperforms expectations—especially when stacked against similarly priced but less refined alternatives.

ELONGRIVER’s foldable duffel bag makes a strong case as the best budget-friendly hybrid between durability and functionality, especially for travelers who want more than just a flimsy packable bag. With premium waterproof fabric and reinforced stitching, it withstands repeated use without fraying—a rare find under $6. The smooth-gliding zippers and cushioned shoulder straps add a level of comfort usually reserved for pricier models, making it a standout for gate-to-destination hauling. It’s built to last, not just fold.

During testing, the bag handled a packed weekend trip with ease—laptop, toiletries, two days’ worth of clothes, and even a pair of sneakers—all while staying within Spirit Airlines’ personal item limits. The 17.5×6.25×12.25-inch footprint fits snugly under seats, and the zippered front pocket proved invaluable for quick passport and phone access. However, the narrow profile limits bulky items, and the lack of side pockets means water bottles must go inside. While the water-resistant build fared well in drizzle, prolonged rain exposed minor seam weaknesses.

When stacked against the Carbrea model, this bag trades a bit of foldability for noticeably better durability and comfort. It’s ideal for travelers who fly frequently but refuse to pay extra for luggage—especially those who value long-term use over ultra-compact storage. Though slightly heavier at nearly 1 pound, it offers better ergonomics and weather protection, making it a smarter investment for regular short-trip flyers who want one bag to do it all.

For under $8, the C&F BOGMOST duffel delivers surprising toughness in a minimalist package, making it the best choice for durability on a dime. Crafted from 500D polyester Oxford cloth, this bag laughs off scrapes, drops, and damp locker rooms—far outlasting typical packable duffels. The smooth metal two-way zipper operates effortlessly, and the tear-resistant, waterproof fabric ensures your gear stays dry even in sudden downpours. It’s the kind of bag that looks more expensive than it is.

In practice, it handled gym sessions, weekend trips, and even beach outings with zero signs of wear. It comfortably fits a towel, swimsuit, flip-flops, and toiletries, and the simple shoulder strap stays secure under load. While it lacks pockets or padding, its rugged build compensates for the barebones design. The bag folds flat but retains slight stiffness—helpful for maintaining shape, though it takes up a bit more storage space than ultra-thin competitors. It doesn’t stretch, so overpacking risks zipper strain.

Compared to the ELONGRIVER model, this one prioritizes ruggedness over comfort—no padded back panel or straps, but unmatched fabric strength. It’s perfect for travelers who abuse their gear or need a no-frills workhorse for gym, hospital visits, or outdoor trips. While not as feature-rich as the Fmeida or ZALALAS, it offers the best material quality under $8, making it a wise pick for value-focused buyers who want a bag that won’t rip after three uses.

The ZALALAS 96L duffel is a game-changer for travelers needing serious capacity without the weight, offering a cavernous interior in a featherlight, foldable shell. With unfolded dimensions of 31.5x10x19 inches, it’s large enough to replace a checked bag for long trips—ideal for backpackers, campers, or anyone hauling gear. Made from 210D nylon with metal 2-way zippers, it’s both tear-proof and weather-resistant, standing up to rough handling and outdoor exposure. This is maximum utility in a packable form.

Real-world testing showed it could swallow a week’s worth of clothes, a sleeping bag, and hiking boots with room to spare. It folded down to a compact disc, taking up less space than a water bottle in a suitcase. The lack of internal organization is a drawback—everything jumbles together—but the external trolley sleeve and durable carry handles make transport easy. It’s not airline personal item size, so it’s best as a primary travel duffel or camping companion, not a Spirit Airlines underseat bag.

Against the Fmeida 65L model, this one wins on raw space and foldability, though it sacrifices shoe separation and internal pockets. It’s the best large-capacity pick for adventurers who prioritize volume and durability over organization. For travelers who need one versatile, rugged, and collapsible bag for trips where space matters most, this outshines pricier alternatives with its sheer utility and resilience.

The Fmeida 65L duffel earns its title as the best option for travelers who hate dirty clothes, thanks to its built-in shoe compartment—a rare and brilliant feature at any price. With 24.5×11.5×14 inches of space, it’s spacious enough for a week-long trip, yet folds down small for storage. The water-repellent polyester and reinforced stress points ensure longevity, while the adjustable shoulder strap and luggage sleeve make hauling effortless. This is smart design meeting real-world needs.

In testing, the separate end-pouch shoe compartment kept soles isolated from clean clothes—a lifesaver for gym-goers and hikers. The multiple internal and external pockets helped organize essentials, and the comfortable handles didn’t dig into hands under load. It handled airport transit, car trips, and hotel stays with ease. While it’s not fully waterproof, the fabric repelled light rain well. Its only real flaw? The folded size is bulkier than competitors, taking up more suitcase space.

Compared to the ZALALAS 96L, the Fmeida trades some capacity for superior organization and hygiene. It’s the ideal pick for business travelers, athletes, or anyone who values cleanliness and structure. For those willing to spend a bit more for thoughtful features and long-term usability, this bag delivers unmatched functionality—especially when shoe separation is a must-have, not a luxury.

This 2-pack from an unnamed brand redefines value—offering two airline-compliant duffels for less than ten bucks, making it the best choice for couples, families, or frequent flyers who need backups. Each bag measures 18x13x6.3 inches, fitting Spirit and Frontier personal item limits perfectly, and offers a 25L capacity in a 7.2-ounce ultra-light shell. The trolley sleeve and external pocket add convenience, while the pink and blue colorway gives a fun, gender-inclusive twist.

In real use, both bags survived multiple round-trips with zero issues—ideal for packing separately (clean vs. dirty clothes) or sharing with a partner. They fold nearly flat and weigh next to nothing, making them perfect impulse backups in a suitcase. The material is thin but held up to moderate use, though sharp objects risk punctures. Neither bag has a shoulder strap, so carrying is limited to hand or luggage sleeve. They’re not for heavy loads or rugged use, but for lightweight, disposable-style travel, they’re unbeatable.

Versus the 2-pack from Sirline (B0BMQCBW6S), this one offers similar specs and price, but slightly better color options. It’s the ultimate budget multipack for travelers who want two functional, foldable duffels without duplication anxiety. If you fly often and hate surprise baggage fees, this 2-for-1 deal delivers unmatched practicality—especially when you need one bag for gear and another for souvenirs.

The Thick Series 1112 duffel justifies its slightly higher cost with noticeably sturdier construction, earning its title as the best pick for travelers who hate flimsy bags. Unlike ultra-thin packables, this one uses upgraded, thick material that holds its shape when empty—a small but crucial detail that makes packing and carrying feel more professional. At 18x13x6.3 inches, it’s perfectly sized for Spirit and Frontier underseat storage, and the external pocket and trolley sleeve enhance usability.

Testing revealed it handled heavier loads—books, toiletry kits, even a small tablet—without sagging or straining seams. The dense fabric resists punctures and light moisture better than most budget duffels, and the zipper operates smoothly under tension. However, no shoulder strap is included, limiting carry options to hand or luggage sleeve. It folds compactly but retains some rigidity, taking up slightly more storage space than thinner models.

Compared to the Carbrea, this bag trades foldability for structure and durability. It’s ideal for travelers who want a semi-permanent personal item bag that doesn’t collapse like a grocery sack. For those who value long-term use and a polished look, this thick-material duffel outclasses flimsier rivals—especially when you’re tired of replacing bags every few trips.

The Sirline 2-pack is the lightest and most compact multipack on the list, with each bag weighing just 0.35 lbs (5.6 oz)—lighter than most smartphones. At 17×12.6×6.3 inches, they fit Spirit Airlines’ personal item rules and fold down to 8x7x1 inches, making them the best choice for minimalists who want two ultra-packable bags. Made from waterproof nylon-polyester blend, they protect contents from spills and rain, and the luggage sleeve ensures hands-free rolling through terminals.

In practice, they worked perfectly as clean/dirty laundry separators, gym-to-travel hybrids, or couple’s matching set. The smooth zippers and wipeable interior made maintenance easy, and they survived repeated folding without wear. However, the lack of padding and shoulder straps limits comfort on long walks, and the thin fabric feels fragile compared to C&F BOGMOST. They’re not for heavy loads, but for light, temporary use, they’re unbeatable.

Against the B0BJB6PCGF 2-pack, this one wins on weight and foldability, though both offer similar capacity and price. It’s the best lightweight duo for travelers who value portability and redundancy—ideal for digital nomads, college students, or anyone who hates showing up empty-handed. When you need two reliable, featherlight duffels that vanish when not in use, this pack delivers where it counts.