What are the best ways to pack down the zip top bags?

[TorontoSS]

Hello! I received a zip top small shop bag today. What are your strategies in packing it in bags such as a DLBP? Do you just roll it up? Fold it? Fit it into its own pocket?

Would love to hear thoughts. Thanks!

[teresapoet]

Hello! I received a zip top small shop bag today. What are your strategies in packing it in bags such as a DLBP? Do you just roll it up? Fold it? Fit it into its own pocket?

I just received my long-awaited order of a Small ZTSB and a DLBP yesterday, and I've been testing out how I might use them together. I don't love either bag rolled up, as they seem to take up more space and I don't want to use an additional stuff sack or pouch to contain them. I found that the SZTSB folded roughly in thirds with the U-shaped piping sides lined up fits nicely in the larger interior pocket of the DLBP. If I were putting it somewhere loose, then I might fold it in its pocket. For the reverse, I like the DLBP folded in quarters (in half one way, then in half the other way) placed at the bottom or side of the main compartment of the SZTSB.

While playing around with the bags, I also discovered that a partially full SZTSB can slide easily into the DLBP with (almost) everything still inside! This may become my primary way to use the two bags since it's so versatile. I often prefer the tote format for better organization and visibility, but it can get tiring to carry everything on one shoulder. This is almost like having a tote bag that can convert into a backpack, just a little more bulk with the advantage of being able to use both bags simultaneously if my load grows. The SZTSB can't be packed to its full width in order to fit in the DLBP, but it isn't an issue since my planned packing involves a Travel Cubelet in one of the side pockets that I'd wear separately from the DLBP anyway.

Here are some pictures to illustrate...

Packed SZTSB:


SZTSB with DLBP and Travel Cubelet removed:


SZTSB inside the DLBP:


SZTSB inside the DLBP still has room for the TC and/or other items on top:


All the test contents (Size 2 Travel Stuff Sack, Travel Cubelet, two Cubelets, Mini Ghost Whale, umbrella, and small water bottle):


And while I'm at it, here's how I fold the SZTSB...

Step 1:


Step 1.5:


Step 2:

[BWeaves]

Yup. That's how I fold my shop bags. And then they all go in another shop bag, face down, so the handles don't tangle. And then I bring that shop bag to the grocery store.

If I need an emergency shop bag, I keep a Flip and Tumble 24X7 bag in my purse like objects (SK, etc.), because the F&T bags are designed to fold up to nothing. If I know I'm going shopping, I just carry and empty TB shop bag and fill it up.

[TorontoSS]

Thanks for you detailed response. It’s really good to know that you can pack a partly filled bag into the DLBP (it’s my favourite bag).

Your folding technique is simple but I hadn’t tried it for some reason. Thanks!

[experimentjon]

Thank you for those pictures! I also fold my LZTSB (not roll) in a very similar way and it packs into a small pocket in another bag as well.