“A good handbag is a lifelong friend.”
I've had my Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack for years now, and it's still one of the bags I reach for most often. Whether I'm heading into the city, traveling for the weekend, or just running errands, it's one of those bags that always seems to come in handy.
What I particularly love is how practical it is without looking overly sporty. It's lightweight, surprisingly spacious, and easy to fold away when I'm not using it. Plus, living in Amsterdam, where getting caught in the rain is practically inevitable, I appreciate having a bag that can handle a little unpredictable weather.
But while I can absolutely see why the Le Pliage Backpack has remained so popular, there are a few things I've noticed after using mine for so long that are worth knowing before you buy.
So, is it still a good investment? Let's get into it!
Quick Verdict: Is The Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack Worth it?
Short answer: yes—it’s one of those bags that actually lives up to its reputation. I’ve used mine for years and still reach for it all the time.
It’s lightweight, practical, and incredibly spacious, which makes it ideal for everyday use. It also handles a bit of rain without any issues and is easy to clean, something I didn’t fully realize until I started using it regularly. That said, all that space comes with one downside: organization. Because almost everything fits inside, it can quickly turn into a bottomless pit, and finding something at the bottom sometimes feels like one of those lucky dips at a carnival. You just stick your hand in and hope you pull out what you're looking for.
Pros – What it does well:
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Fits more than you’d expect (I call it my Mary Poppins bag for a reason)
• Water-resistant and low maintenance
Cons – What to keep in mind:
• Not very structured
• Limited internal organization
If you want a closer look, here are a few more details to help you decide:
Why the Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack Is So Popular
One thing I've always liked about Longchamp is that its bags are practical without looking like they've been designed purely for practicality. And that's particularly true of the Le Pliage. It's the kind of bag you can take to the office, bring along when traveling, or use for everyday errands without having to think too much about whether it works with what you're wearing.
I've never been particularly interested in buying a bag just because it's trendy. If I'm going to use something regularly, I want it to look good, but I also want to be able to throw my things inside without worrying about damaging it. That's one of the reasons the Le Pliage has appealed to me for so long. It's relatively affordable, lightweight, and doesn't feel like something you need to be overly careful with.
A Bit of Background on the Le Pliage
The Le Pliage was introduced in 1993 by French luxury brand Longchamp. Designed by Philippe Cassegrain and inspired by origami, its foldable design is probably one of the cleverest things about it. The combination of nylon, leather detailing, and a simple silhouette has barely changed over the years, which I think says quite a lot about how well the original design worked.
And while plenty of bags have come and gone since the '90s, the Le Pliage is still everywhere. You'll see it on the way to work, at airports, and out shopping. I think part of its appeal is that it doesn't try particularly hard to make a statement. It's recognizable without being covered in logos, and it works just as well today as it did years ago.
What Makes the Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack Work So Well
Now that we know the origin of the Le Pliage, let’s dive into why this simple nylon bag has stood the test of time. It really comes down to a few key things:
Design & Styles
When I first needed a backpack for work, I didn’t want to carry a massive, bulky bag around every day. My purse just wasn’t cutting it, especially since I carry a laptop daily. Before switching, I used a North Face backpack—but honestly, it made me feel like I was heading off to summer camp rather than the office. I wanted something that looked professional and polished, but was still practical.
The Le Pliage has a lightweight nylon body with leather trims and a simple flap closure. It's clean and minimal, so it goes with pretty much any outfit, whether I'm heading to the office or going somewhere a little more dressed up. And with so many colors to choose from, deciding which one to get is almost a challenge in itself. I went with navy, which I think looks particularly good with the signature brown leather straps and flap. The combination gives it that understated, quiet luxury look without screaming designer, but also without making me look like I'm heading to the market to buy a kilo of potatoes. Although, to be fair, they'd probably fit in there quite easily.
It's also slim enough that it doesn't take over your entire outfit, which was exactly what I wanted. And if backpacks aren't really your thing, Longchamp also makes the classic Le Pliage shoulder bags and totes, so you can get the same look in a style that works better for you.
Capacity and Dimensions
At first, I was skeptical. Could a bag this small actually fit a laptop? It turns out, the Original M fits a 13-inch MacBook perfectly, even with its protective sleeve. Along with my laptop, I tuck in a small water bottle, my card holder, charger, and a few other essentials. The bag closes without any trouble every time. I call it my little Mary Poppins bag because I’m still amazed at how much it fits.
Size-wise, the Original M is about 27 cm wide, 33 cm high, and 15 cm deep (roughly 10.5 x 13 x 6 inches). It’s compact, but it really makes the most of its shape. If you’re planning to carry heavier books or pack it for travel, you might want to size up or try one of the shoulder bag styles in the Le Pliage range.
Waterproof, Washable and Travel-Friendly
Living in Amsterdam has taught me a few things—always check the rain radar, never bike in a maxi skirt (I’ll spare you the story), and don’t bother with bags that can’t handle a downpour. The nylon on the Le Pliage does a great job keeping everything dry, and it dries quickly too, which is ideal when you’re outside and get caught in a shower.
And here’s another thing: if something spills inside (which, let’s be honest, happens more than we’d like to admit—open lip balm, leaky water bottle, mystery crumbs from a protein bar…), you can actually just pop the bag in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Lastly—and probably one of the most unique things about this bag—it folds completely flat. So if you’re packing light or want to bring two bags on a trip, you can just tuck it into your purse and go. It’s super easy to carry around, and once you’re at your destination, you’ve got a second bag ready to use. Two bags for the space of one.
Affordable Luxury
One of the things that surprised me most about the Le Pliage is how well it holds up. I’ve had mine for over five years now, and it’s been my constant companion on trips around the world—from Disneyland rides to hikes in the Swiss mountains, those long UAE layovers, and most recently, having its straps chewed on by the deer in Nara, Japan. Despite all that, it still looks great. The nylon hasn’t ripped, and the stitching hasn’t come loose.
Sure, it’s not a leather bag, and if you’re looking for something ultra-luxurious or delicate, that might be a dealbreaker. But if you want a bag that can handle everyday essentials, such as laptops, lunch boxes, water bottles, and keep up with your busy life, nylon makes a lot of sense.
It’s easier to clean, less likely to get damaged, and much simpler to repair if something does go wrong. For all that, the Le Pliage feels like a little luxury you can actually use, day in and day out, without the worry.
For something this durable and timeless, the price point feels very reasonable. It’s not cheap, but it’s also not in the same league as most designer bags—which makes it one of those rare finds that perfectly balances style, function, and quality. In other words: it’s a little luxury you can rely on, without the guilt.
The Verdict: Is The Longchamp Le Pliage Really Worth It?
I didn’t expect to love this bag as much as I do. Like I mentioned earlier—I’m definitely not a backpack girly. But somehow, I carry this one with me everywhere because everything always fits. Even when I’m running errands or doing small groceries, it just works. A few months ago, I added a couple of pins I picked up while traveling, and now it feels even more personal—like mine, not just a bag.
Honestly, getting the Le Pliage backpack has been one of my best everyday purchases. It’s stylish, sturdy, endlessly practical, and truly goes with everything. I’m even considering getting the travel bag version as a weekend bag, and I’ve been eyeing other colors too, especially the burgundy one for fall.
If you’re on the fence about it: just go for it. You won’t regret it.
I hope this post was helpful for making your decision. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out here or on Instagram!
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