Nanobag Folding Travel Bags Review

In everyday life, and especially when traveling, you often face the problem of having to transport unexpected additional items, whether it’s a spontaneous purchase or some local specialties from your vacation.

For exactly these moments, the foldable bags from Nanobag offer a straightforward solution, as they take up hardly any space and can be stowed away in any luggage.

In this review, I take a look at four different models from a photographer’s perspective and show how they prove themselves in daily use beyond pure photography. In doing so, I share my personal experiences with the individual versions and highlight their respective strengths on the go.

Nanobag Standard

I’ll start with the Nanobag Standard. This bag has proven useful when I stop by the local supermarket after a long day of traveling to pick up supplies for the evening. Often, my backpack is already filled with a camera and a water bottle, leaving no room for groceries.

This is where the standard version comes into play. It is very small when packed and takes up virtually no noticeable space in my already well-filled bag. However, as soon as you unfold it, it offers plenty of volume for such a compact bag. The volume is specified as 19 liters.

A key aspect is the design of the carrying handles. The bags have wide straps, making them comfortable to carry. Since the weight is distributed well even with a bit more load, the straps do not cut uncomfortably into your hands or shoulders when transporting heavy objects.

Weighing only 25 grams, the bag can carry up to 30 kilograms of content according to the manufacturer. This is made possible by the diamond ripstop fabric, which is thin and lightweight, yet very sturdy. Whether you actually want to carry 30 kg in a single bag is, of course, a different question.

Another point that stood out to me in everyday use is putting it away. Even after use, they can be quickly packed back into the small pouch. You don’t have to fold the fabric meticulously; instead, you can just stuff it into the sewn-on pouch, which is very convenient when you want to move on quickly.

For most Nanobag sizes, there are various designs, making it easy to find a pattern or color that personally appeals to you.

The overall workmanship feels solid, and the thin material has so far withstood all everyday stresses without showing signs of wear. When you hold the bag, you can feel that the material is thin, but it still feels tear-resistant and reliable. Especially when transporting boxy packaging or an extra lens, this is a reassuring feeling.

Nanobag Micro

The Nanobag Micro is the even more compact version, aimed at users who want to reduce space requirements to an absolute minimum. In my travel jacket, I used it for a while as a constant companion for small items. It is great for carrying a few exposed films, a light scarf for the evening hours, or a small snack. Here again, the advantage is that it is very small when packed and quickly disappears back into its own pouch.

The wide straps are also present, which noticeably increases carrying comfort. However, in a direct comparison, I ended up with a clear preference. If I had to choose between the Standard and Micro, I would go for the Standard version, simply because it offers slightly more space (19 instead of 12 liters), and the difference in size when packed is not really significant.

In practice, it doesn’t make a noticeable difference to me whether the packed bundle in my pocket is a few millimeters thicker or thinner. In return, the extra storage space of the Standard version offers a significant added value if you spontaneously need to transport a bit more.

Nevertheless, the Micro has its justification. Especially when you are traveling really light and just need an emergency option to carry lightweight items, it serves its purpose well.

Nanobag Sling

Another model in the lineup is the Nanobag Sling. This bag differs in having a longer strap designed for diagonal wear across the shoulder.

The Sling is a good choice, for instance when traveling to the beach and wanting to bring towels, sunscreen, and something to drink. Because of the carrying style, your hands remain completely free, which is a noticeable advantage when strolling through a local market or taking photos. You can easily operate the camera without a bag constantly slipping off your shoulder.

Personally, I don’t find it as suitable for grocery shopping, because I don’t think the diagonal carrying style works well when you have heavy and bulky items in the bag. A rectangular milk carton or hard cans easily press against your hip or stomach while walking. Naturally, there is no padding whatsoever, which can feel fatiguing over time if the weight is high.

However, for light and soft items, the Sling is a functional addition, especially on vacation or during relaxed walks where you only carry the essentials.

Nanobag Daypack

The Nanobag Daypack is the backpack version and brings a different dynamic. When you are on a city trip and leave your heavy luggage at the hotel, a small backpack is often enough for a compact camera, a travel guide, and a water bottle. This backpack is also very small when packed and is easy to take along anywhere.

Despite its compact size, the Daypack is also comfortable to carry, partly because the straps are very wide. Of course, because there is no back padding, the backpack does not lie flat against your back if you are carrying something angular. You can immediately feel a sharp camera or a rectangular book through the thin fabric.

So you have to pack somewhat strategically and place soft items, like a sweater, toward your back. If you keep that in mind, the Daypack is great for longer day trips at your holiday destination.

As with all models, packing it away is very simple. Even after use, it can be quickly packed back into the small pouch. For me, the Daypack is a welcome alternative when I need symmetrical weight distribution and want my hands completely free for other things.

Conclusion

Would I recommend the foldable bags from Nanobag? Yes! They have proven to be very useful, whether for shopping or as a lightweight companion on vacation when you don’t want to carry heavy luggage.

In conclusion, anyone looking for a compact additional bag for their camera bag or daily life will find what they need with Nanobag. The bags are solid and, above all, practical to use in daily life. They serve their purpose directly and stand out for their thoughtful simplicity.

The wide straps are a consistently positive feature across all models, and the small footprint when folded is a real benefit for anyone who has to manage with limited storage space.

Of course, you have to be aware that these lightweight bags cannot replace proper, structured backpacks, nor are they intended to. However, if you are looking for an emergency bag that you hardly notice in everyday life, you will find a suitable tool here.

The build quality, combined with the small packed size, makes them a permanent part of my gear. Whether Standard, Micro, Sling, or Daypack, each model has its specific purpose, even if the Standard version remains my personal preference.

Where to Buy

If you are interested in these foldable bags, you can view and purchase them directly on the manufacturer’s website. There, you will find a detailed overview of all models, capacities, and available designs to suit your style. Ordering is straightforward. You can also find them on Amazon.