Ikea’s Hackable Dirt-Cheap Gear Hauler Is Finally Back

The original Frakta bag is inseparable from Ikea’s identity. Its iconic blue color and crinkly texture are brand signatures on par with the retailer’s yellow logo block lettering and plates of Swedish meatballs.

But for many fans, an upgraded, more versatile version—the Frakta Storage Bag for Cart—is the true gem in Ikea’s budget bag lineup, thanks to the addition of a handful of useful features and loads of extracurricular user testing.

Yet strangely, Ikea mysteriously pulled the bag from its US store shelves.

Now, after an extended absence, it’s suddenly back, cutting third-party scalpers’ resale business of the bag off at the knees and restoring one of Ikea’s most versatile dirt-cheap bags to its rightful place on American store shelves.

Bigger and Easier to Carry

Ikea

At a glance, the Frakta Storage Bag for Cart is all about utility. It’s massive: 28 ¾ inches long, 13 ¾ inches wide, 11 ¾ inches high, with a 20-gallon capacity and a 55-pound max load.

The zippered top helps keep contents secure—a clear upgrade over the open-topped original Frakta.

Ikea

But the headline addition is a second set of longer straps, letting users carry the bag like a duffle, wear it backpack-style, or easily lash it to a hand trolley for a classic “cart” setup.

The bag’s lightweight build and compact fold-flat design make it easy to stash away when not needed. Cleaning is also simple—just a wipe with lukewarm water.

From Storage to Suitcase?

Ikea

Given its feature set, it’s not surprising that travelers, backpackers, and college students have used Frakta Storage Bag for Cart as a stealthy budget adventure duffle. Their experiments have inspired Reddit threads, YouTube reviews, and lists of shared fan hacks.

The hacks are necessary because testers are quick to acknowledge that the $5 bag is not indestructible. Accounts of zippers popping or fabric tearing after rough baggage handling are common.

Ikea

At least a few Redditors recommend double-bagging and zip-tying the zippers for anyone who wants to use the bag as luggage. “Otherwise, no issues—4 years in” Reddit user roguzebra shared.

Others mention adding a piece of cardboard as a bottom insert to increase stability and strapping on a suitcase belt for security.

“I have used two inside each other for extra protection and a suitcase belt around it for checked luggage, came back without any damage. Also have a bunch for storage purposes and they’re very handy when you move to a new house for things as clothes. Definitely recommend!” Reddit user juulps notes.

Ikea

Some have shared that they’ve seen versions secured using more common luggage protection methods.

“I’ve seen these on conveyor belts but wrapped tight in polystyrene and tape. Maybe that gives it some extra protection from tearing,” shared user sanyacid.

In other words, it’s no Patagonia Black Hole or The North Face Basecamp, but given that this bag costs $5 and not hundreds, what else would you expect?

Pricing and Availability

Ikea

The lore around its discontinuation in the US—“It’s been officially discontinued for at least a year, still available elsewhere,” wrote one commenter—now appears to be a problem of the past.

The Frakta Storage Bag for Cart is suddenly available again at IKEA stores and online for $5.

Given the bag’s history of disappearing from production, now’s the time to pick up a few if you have a reason to use them.

Ikea

Ikea Frakta Storage Bag for Cart

• $5 at Ikea