The compact carrier is a compact, lightweight carrier for personal articles such as a child's book bag or backpack. The compact carrier comprises an open base cradle adapted for carrying heavy personal articles. A pair of wheels are disposed on opposing ends of the open base cradle, and a tether is coupled to the base cradle 20 for pulling the compact carrier. The base cradle is formed of two semi-cylindrical half members that are slidably joined together such that the base cradle bay be extended in width for use, or compacted in width for storage. In use, heavy personal articles such as a child's book bag or backpack are placed on or within the base cradle, and secured in place by straps disposed along the tether.