LIVE IN STYLE Foldable Backpack

This post contains affiliate links. 

Back in the early days of this site, we bought a couple of different foldable backpacks from Aldi to try out. They both had the same flaw: they were large, floppy, and unmanageable unless we stuffed them to the max. You can read our review of the 2017 version here, and our review of the 2018 version is here.

We soon gave up using the old folding backpacks from Aldi. We found other backpacks that worked better for day trips and hikes.

Fast forward to 2026, and Aldi is selling foldable backpacks again for a limited time. I decided to give it one more go, and I bought one of the backpacks to try once again. The backpacks come in black or blue, and I bought the blue.

The LIVE IN STYLE Foldable Backpack is an Aldi Find. That means it’s in stores only for a short time. Each store should receive one shipment, and after that sells out, it’s gone unless Aldi decides to sell it again in the future. Aldi does not offer online ordering if this is out of stock at your local store.

This was advertised to be in stores the week of April 8th, 2026.

The foldable backpack cost $4.99 in 2026. That’s less than a lot of other folding backpacks on Amazon.

Here’s more info, according to the tag on the backpack:

• Ideal for travel
• Outer material: polyester ripstop
• Reverse and fold to a compact size
• Features front zipper pocket
• Includes adjustable shoulder straps
• Features mesh side pockets for water bottle and umbrella
• Dimensions according to the label: 11″ x 14.6″ x 4.7″
• Lightweight
• Features “large” carry capacity
• Made in Vietnam

This is sold under the LIVE IN STYLE brand, which is not a manufacturer. Rather, it’s the name Aldi puts on various bags it sells, which it sources from different suppliers.

Using the Foldable Backpack:

The entire backpack fits into what is actually the small front storage pocket when the backpack is unfolded. The front storage pocket should fit most phones.

Once I got the backpack unfolded, my first impression is that it’s a lot smaller than previous foldable backpacks Aldi has sold. The main body is floppy, so exact measurements were hard to take, but when the backpack is pressed down flat, it’s around 17 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

This backpack has enough space to carry what you might need for an outing: wallet, keys, phone, glasses case, a snack, a water bottle and umbrella, and maybe a light sweater. It’s not an overnight backpack. I’d say it’s larger than a mini backpack, but it’s not a full-sized backpack.

With that said, there are several other components of the backpack when it’s unfolded besides the main compartment. There’s also a smaller zippered storage pouch at the top inside the main compartment. It’s about the right size to hold a set of keys.

There are also two sturdy-feeling water bottle pouches on either side of the backpack’s exterior. (Or, the tag says you can also put small umbrellas in these pockets.) I tried putting a medium-sized metal water bottle in, and it fits fine.

Because the whole bag is thin and doesn’t have much structure, you’ll probably want to load the backpack at least half full of whatever other items you’re carrying with you. Loading the bag up may help to secure the water bottle and keep it from jostling around as much while you walk.

The backpack features adjustable straps. The straps have minimal to no padding, but they’re comfortable enough if you’re only carrying a light load.

Overall, this backpack looks promising for outings to the zoo or a local hiking trail. It’s foldable nature makes it easy to stow away, so we might pack it in our luggage on overnight trips when we need a small day bag. I’ll update this post with any new developments as I continue to use the bag.

The Verdict:

The LIVE IN STYLE Foldable Backpack stands roughly a little more than a foot tall and about a foot wide. It’s a thin bag that packs in on itself so it can be easily stored when not in use, and it’s easy to tuck it into luggage on a larger trip. It has a few small zippered storage pouches in addition to the main storage compartment, and it has a slot on either side for a water bottle. It’s not a full-sized backpack, but it’s a good-sized backpack for a day trip or short outing when you want to bring along a few essentials.

We’ve only just purchased it, so we’ll update this post later after we’ve used it some more, but so far it looks like a good bag.