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The Best Duffle Bags

Few bags are as simple, versatile, and satisfying to use as a duffle.

Its utilitarian design—a soft, oblong bag with one zippered opening plus two handles and/or a shoulder strap—suits anything from a daily commute to a weekend away to a fishing trip.

Though that basic form works in many situations, no single duffle bag (the word is also spelled duffel ) can fit everyone’s taste or needs.

A small, barrel-shaped duffle may be perfect for toting a couple of towels and lunch to the beach, for example, but it doesn’t offer the organization or space to pack for a three-day business trip.

The seven bags we recommend—plus three alternates—are well made, comfortable to carry, and intended to fill a range of roles, including as a versatile adventure bag , a weekend-away duffle , a daily-carry bag , a lightweight convertible backpack , an ultra-packable duffle , a rolling duffle for checking , and a waterproof gear hauler .

The research

Why you should trust me, most versatile duffle: patagonia black hole duffel 70l, also great: decathlon forclaz duffel 500 extend, best weekender: lands’ end waxed canvas travel duffle bag, best for daily carry: herschel supply co. sutton duffle mid-volume, also great: cotopaxi mariveles 32l duffel bag del día, for traveling on foot: cotopaxi chumpi 35l duffel del día, for when you need a spare bag: matador freefly packable duffle, also consider: waterfield packable duffel, best as checked luggage: dakine split roller 110l bag, best for keeping things dry: yeti panga 50l waterproof duffel, other good duffle bags, how we picked and tested, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve reviewed bags for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time, I’ve interviewed countless bag designers, brand executives, fabric specialists, zipper zealots, and a host of bag hobbyists and satchel obsessives. These interviews and my own years of research have earned me at least something of a journeyman’s understanding of how a good bag should feel and what makes it work in a given situation.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L

A rugged, versatile bag to hold your gear.

This bag is the most versatile gear duffle we’ve found. It’s tough, water resistant, and great for toting clothes and equipment in almost any travel or outdoor scenario.

Buying Options

Get this if: You need a sporty, water-resistant bag that can handle anything from toting sports gear to holding stuff for a two-day camping trip to going on a weeklong vacation.

Why it’s great: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L is a true jack-of-all-trades. The exterior is made of polyester ripstop that is laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to protect against abrasion and has a water-resistant coating. Over the years, I’ve dragged, thrown, kicked, and carried these Patagonia bags across most of the country, and they’ve never failed. You can carry the Black Hole at your side using the two handles or over your shoulder using the strap, or you can wear it as a backpack with its two padded straps. The Black Hole is available in three other sizes, too: 40 liters , 55 liters , and 100 liters . (We originally tested a now-discontinued 120-liter version.) For all practical purposes, the bags are identical except for their increasing size, though the two smaller sizes come in a wider range of colors than do the two larger sizes. The Black Hole folds down into its own stuff sack, which turns into a storage pocket when you unfold the duffle. Patagonia has a highly regarded replacement and repair guarantee that we’ve tested many times without complaint.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: There’s little about the Black Hole to critique. It does what it needs to, and Patagonia’s reputation for high-quality materials and craftsmanship has set the standard for this type of bag for years. One small detail: The shoulder straps can take a moment to situate because of their unusual eyelet attachment, but once you figure them out, adjusting them is easy to do with one hand.

Dimensions: 28 by 13 by 17.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 70 liters Other sizes: 40 liters , 55 liters , 100 liters

Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend

If you need a versatile bag that expands.

This expandable bag is an absolute bargain, considering the quality and strength of the materials. However, Decathlon is still a lesser-known brand in the US, and we haven’t tested this bag for as long as we have our other picks.

Get this if: You need a durable and water-resistant bag for travel, sports, or longer adventure trips. With its extra 20 liters of expandable space, it’s a particularly good pick if you tend to travel with a small load and return home with a larger one—so consider this bag if you anticipate receiving gifts or doing some shopping while you’re traveling.

Why it’s great: When we first compared the quality of the Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend against its listed price, we thought there must have been some kind of mistake. We rarely see a bag with coated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyester, both of which offer water resistance and durability, of this quality for less than a hundred dollars. In many respects, the Forclaz Duffel is similar in material quality to the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L , yet it’s less than half the price. That said, we have some small concerns that we can’t address without further testing, namely the stitching at critical points (more on that below).

Beyond the price, the standout feature of the Forclaz bag is its Transformer-like ability to expand from a 40-liter backpack to a 60-liter bag with the adjustment of a few zippers and clips. The expansion process is a bit fiddly at first, but it’s well worth the effort if you find yourself frequently packing more than you expect during your trips.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Upon close examination of the Forclaz bag, we found that our biggest concern involved the stitching at certain critical points, such as at the shoulder attachments and along key seams; we’d prefer to see more double stitching and bar tack reinforcements, as we found on the Patagonia Black Hole. This bag has notably high review scores on the Decathlon website, and its sturdy materials lead us to anticipate that it will wear well. That said, Decathlon’s limited warranty does not look as rock solid as Patagonia’s. There’s really no way for us to address this bag’s potential flaws without spending a lot more time with it, which we plan to do.

Dimensions: 21.5 by 15.5 by 12.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 40 liters (expands to 60 liters) Other sizes: none

Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag

A buy-it-for-life travel bag.

The more you use this rugged weekender, the better it will look. The canvas body, leather reinforcements, and brass hardware all promise durability, though we’d prefer more waxing in the canvas.

Get this if: You want a bag with a heritage look, to carry on quick trips, that can take a few knocks and age well with the wear.

Why it’s great: The Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag is the toughest bag we could find—it’s made of sturdy canvas, with leather trim and brass hardware—that is also consistently available. The shoulder strap comes off, which is useful if you prefer to carry your bags by their handles. A small internal pocket is convenient for tucking away, say, your wallet or your house keys. The waxed duffle fits a specific aesthetic: It’s maybe not the bag you’d take on a business trip but rather to a cabin in the mountains. That outdoorsy look, however, has practical benefits, as with a little care a duffle like this should last a long time. (We should note, however, that Lands’ End no longer offers a lifetime warranty—you now have recourse only within a 90-day return period.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Waxed canvas is heavier than most modern fabrics (such as nylon and polyester), and we noticed the extra heft of the Lands’ End bag in comparison with the weight of other duffles we tested. Although Lands’ End describes this duffle as waxed, we’d call it lightly waxed at best. The canvas is mildly water resistant, but liquids won’t roll off it in the way you might see with more heavily waxed items. If you do want more protection, you can add more wax to the canvas yourself . When we tested the bag, it came in brown and navy. Currently, it’s available only in navy.

Dimensions: 24 by 11 by 11 inches (LWH) Capacity: 40 liters Other sizes: none

Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume

An affordable bag for daily use.

This midsize bag is for anyone who wants a simple duffle to use during the day. It’s great for commuting, going to the gym, or toting supplies on a park or beach excursion.

Get this if: You need an inexpensive bag with a casual style for your day-to-day activities and hobbies.

Why it’s great: If you were to ask a random person on the street to picture a small, basic duffle, they’d probably imagine a bag like the Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume . It has the classic shape, look, and feel of a traditional barrel duffle. Like most of the duffles we looked at, it comes with a removable shoulder strap, but you can carry it comfortably by its top handles, too. This decently constructed polyester bag with a center zipper running down its length is small enough that you can’t really overpack it or make it too heavy; basically, it’s the perfect size for daily tasks. Herschel bags are backed by a limited lifetime warranty . One thing to note for anyone who likes internal organization: The Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume has no internal pockets. It comes in a range of colors and a couple of patterns—six in all.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This Herschel duffle is not the best-made bag we’ve encountered—the fabric feels thin, and the stitching is a bit slapdash. However, it is one of the better-made bags we’ve seen that cost less than $75. Even with light daily use, the Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume should last a good amount of time. Oddly, Herschel placed six small grommets on the bottom of the bag to (we assume) let out moisture. Unfortunately, that placement also lets plenty of moisture in if you accidentally put the bag down on a wet spot or coffee spill, which is not an inconceivable scenario in a gym or office.

Dimensions: 20.25 by 10.25 by 10.25 inches (LWH) Capacity : 28 liters Other sizes: none

Cotopaxi Mariveles 32L Duffel Bag Del Día

A daily-use bag made of upcycled material.

Similar in size to the Herschel bag, this duffle is strongly constructed out of upcycled materials. But it lacks a shoulder strap, and the color-block appearance may not be to everyone’s taste.

May be out of stock

Get this if: You need a durable but inexpensive bag for simple daily use, but you also want a duffle made of sustainable materials, from a B Corporation.

Why it’s great: This kind of barrel-shaped 30-liter bag is something of a platonic ideal among duffle designs. Like the Herschel bag, the Cotopaxi Mariveles 32L Duffel Bag Del Día has the classic shape and feel of a barrel duffle. In contrast, however, it’s made of repurposed ripstop nylon that’s of a higher quality than the Herschel’s polyester, and it’s available for a lower price (though it lacks the Herschel bag’s included shoulder strap). We also continue to be impressed by Cotopaxi’s overall transparency and social mission. It’s a listed B Corp , and it takes pains to be as sustainable in its bags’ construction as possible, with a particular focus on labor practices. Like many of the company’s bags (indicated by the Del Día name), the Mariveles duffle is made from discarded material otherwise destined for the cutting-room floor, left over from other companies’ larger production runs. This is why each run of the Mariveles is distinct—the precise colors vary depending on what’s available.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We’d love to see a shoulder strap included. Although the Mariveles does have loops so you can add your own shoulder strap, even a simple nylon one provided with the bag would go a long way toward making it one of our best overall picks. (There’s also a better likelihood that an included strap would coordinate with the motley colors of the bag.)

Dimensions: 17.5 by 10 by 10.5 inches (LWH) Capacity : 32 liters Other sizes: none

Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del Día

A duffle that’s also a backpack.

This bag can be a backpack or a duffle—and it works well as either. If you plan on walking long distances and want multiple ways to carry your gear comfortably, this is a great option.

Get this if: You expect to walk a lot on your trips—touring cities, say, or doing some light adventuring—and need a comfortable way to carry your stuff, but you don’t require an extra-tough gear bag. Also, this bag is a good choice if you want to support a B Corp and its social and sustainable missions .

Why it’s great: The Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del Día has dedicated backpack straps built into the top that hide away behind two flaps secured by metal clasps when not in use. Many combo backpack-and-duffle designs rely on the handles serving double duty as backpack straps, which usually means they aren’t very good as either. The Chumpi’s dedicated straps allow it to perform as an actually comfortable backpack. When you’re finished wearing it, converting it back into a duffle is simple: Just tuck the backpack straps away and grab the bag by its handles. Unlike several other backpack duffles we tested, this Cotopaxi bag positions its zipper against your back while you’re using it as a backpack. It’s a simple, seemingly obvious (but rare) design choice that lends more peace of mind when you’re walking down a busy street or absentmindedly taking in the sights.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Is a duffle with shoulder straps as good as a backpack? No. Like most backpack duffles, the Chumpi has a tendency to slouch a bit when it’s on the shoulders. That said, I carried the Chumpi fully packed for several miles while on a trip, and I found that using its backpack straps was a nice alternative to shifting a single shoulder strap from side to side. Note that when we tested the Chumpi, it was available in a range of solid colors. Since then, Cotopaxi has switched to making the duffle using a patchwork of remnant fabrics, which is what the Del Día name refers to. This means that each bag will be one of a kind—but also possibly more boldly colored than some people may like.

Dimensions: 20 by 10.5 by 10.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 35 liters Other sizes: none

Matador Freefly Packable Duffle

Lightweight and packable.

This ultralight duffle folds away into its own front pocket or compresses further into a cinch sack. The weatherproof material is paired with sealed zippers, which should keep everything inside dry in moderate rain.

Get this if: You want a lightweight alternative bag for emergencies, a day bag when you travel, or a last-second hauler for going around town.

Why it’s great: Unlike many packable or ultralight bags, which tend to behave like unruly sacks unless they’re filled to the hilt, the 30-liter Matador Freefly Packable Duffle manages to keep its shape whether it’s empty, partially packed, or stuffed like a sausage. It doesn’t pack down quite as small as some bags we’ve tested in the past, but it comes close enough—shrinking to about the size of a mango—and it’s much more pleasant to use as an actual bag once it’s on your shoulder. Where this Matador duffle truly excels, though, is in the high quality of its materials. With reinforced, treated nylon and sealed zippers, the Freefly is especially robust for a lightweight packable. Matador added a few compression straps on the side, too, though personally I find them more trouble than they’re worth on most bags.

If all that seems like too much for what you need, Matador also makes the 25-liter On-Grid Packable Duffle , which typically costs about $30 less. However, with unsealed zippers, it’s not as waterproof, and it doesn’t appear to be as durable. We’ve concluded that having something that should endure years of use and abuse is well worth spending a little more.

All Matador products are backed by a decently trustworthy three-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: One glaring flaw is the shoulder strap. Although the strap is adjustable, it’s nothing more than an inch-wide strip of nylon. Even for a pared-down packable bag, that’s pretty meager considering the bag’s 30-liter carrying capacity. For shorter-term carries, this bag does just fine, but if you need a duffle to constantly haul around town, one of our other picks is likely to keep you (and your shoulders) happier. However, if you need a spare bag to tuck into your suitcase, an extra gym bag while traveling, or a way to carry purchases you pick up on a trip, this bag is a great choice. This duffle comes in only one color, black.

Dimensions: 22 by 11 by 8 inches (LWH) Capacity: 30 liters Other sizes: none

WaterField Packable Duffel

A packable bag for travel.

Like the Matador, this packable duffle folds into its own pocket and is weatherproof. A few thoughtful details—including a luggage loop—make the WaterField more suitable for travel than other models we tested.

Get this if: You need a packable duffle that easily doubles as a carry-on item—it has a luggage handle slot—and provides extra weather protection.

Why it’s great: WaterField continues to make some of the best overall bags we’ve come across in the past few years, and the Packable Duffel is no exception. It’s more expensive than the Matador Freefly , but its upgraded materials and more-robust stitching and build may make the higher cost worth it for certain people. Travelers especially will welcome the luggage loop, which fits over suitcase handles. The exterior of the bag is made from Taslan—a lightweight but substantial woven fabric with an added water-resistant coating, which is complemented by self-sealing waterproof zippers similar to those on the Matador. The interior is lined with a ripstop nylon. Both fabrics are very high-quality materials, helping the bag stand out from the competition. How, exactly? You can scrunch this bag down to about the size of a couple of pairs of socks (it fits into a 9.5-by-8.5-inch pocket), store it for weeks, then open it up and shake it out, and the bag will look fresh and presentable without creases or stress lines. It doesn’t pack down quite as small as the Matador, but many people might prefer its more-structured design. The bag has no shoulder strap, but the handles are long enough to let you shoulder the bag and carry it under your arm.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We wish the nylon strap made for looping over your suitcase handle were more robust. Many companies making underseat bags have opted for an entire “slip-through” panel, which holds the bag securely against your luggage without letting it slouch over.

Dimensions : 8 by 18 by 10 inches (LWH) Capacity : 24 liters (expands to 30 liters) Other sizes : none

Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag

A rolling duffle to check.

This bag offers the space and easy-to-maneuver wheels of a good suitcase in the flexible shape of a duffle bag. Multiple interior and exterior compartments let you easily organize and separate all of your gear, too.

price may vary by color or style

Get this if: You want a rolling duffle that’s well organized. Also, this is a good choice if you need a bag that’s great for checked-luggage excursions and other types of long-distance travel but want something a little more pliable and easy to maneuver than a traditional wheeled suitcase .

Why it’s great: The Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag combines the best parts of checked luggage—internal organization, wheels, and a cavernous interior—with the soft, flexible frame of a duffle bag. The Split Roller opens like a clamshell; one side of the “shell” is divided into top and bottom compartments, and the other consists of one large main compartment. Mesh dividers separate all three compartments to keep everything in place. When you expand this duffle, it holds about 110 liters—nearly 20 liters more than our top pick for checked luggage . But the Split Roller can also adjust to carrying lighter loads, as it works similarly to an expansion case: The bag has a collapsible brace in the front section that can either fold out for extra space or fold back to let the top of the bag lie flat. Two external pockets let you easily access your everyday things and travel items without opening the bag itself. (The duffle also comes in an 85-liter version .)

Similar to many of the rolling duffle models we tested, the Split Roller has dependable #10 YKK zippers and 8 cm urethane wheels. Both features are good enough for a bag of this design and price. Dakine also uses a variety of polyester and Cordura nylon materials for various versions of the Split Roller, ranging from 600-denier polyester (good for most people) to 1,000-denier Cordura blend with DWR coating (useful if you abuse your gear or travel through tough or wet conditions). We tested the 600-denier polyester fabric in the black color, and it seemed plenty durable for a travel duffle. It’s also the least expensive fabric option that Dakine offers; if you instead opt for one of the tougher, water-resistant options, you pay a little more. Dakine covers its products with a limited lifetime warranty .

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If the Split Roller is not packed properly—with the heaviest items toward the wheels—the bag can lean and even tilt over when left upright. More often than not, the Split Roller stays upright, but it isn’t as stable as the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L . However, the bag’s well-thought-out organization and durable construction more than make up for this small frustration.

Dimensions: 32 by 17 by 13 inches (LWH) Capacity: 110 liters Other sizes: 85 liters

Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel

A tough bag for wet adventures.

If you want the toughest possible duffle, this is our choice. It’s comfortable to carry, waterproof, and close to indestructible. However, it typically costs nearly twice as much as the 55-liter version of the Patagonia Black Hole.

Get this if: You want the absolute toughest, most durable waterproof duffle for your adventures—particularly if those adventures leave you wading with your gear through streams or torrential rains.

Why it’s great: A waterproof nylon shell and zipper keep your stuff dry even if you submerge the Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel completely. I didn’t quite believe it until I tested the duffle several times, carrying it fully packed into the beach breaks of Oahu’s North Shore, where its impermeable barrier held in enough air to easily float my 220-pound frame and still kept the towels, clothes, and sneakers inside bone-dry. If you’re on a trip where your bag might end up in the water, you’re sure to appreciate this feature. Like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel , the Yeti Panga Waterproof Duffel comes with a plethora of lash points that you can use to secure your bag on your adventures. Thanks to its rigidity, the Panga is also surprisingly comfortable to use as a backpack. (Its handles serve as the backpack straps.) The Panga comes in two larger sizes, as well: 75 liters and 100 liters .

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The price of the Yeti Panga is nearly double what you pay for a similarly sized Patagonia Black Hole. All that weatherproofing isn’t light, either—the Panga is the heaviest bag we tested, weighing more than 5 pounds when empty. If you need a waterproof bag as tough as the Panga that also includes wheels for load assistance, the Ortlieb Duffle RS is a good option. However, wheels are just one more thing to break on a bag, and the necessary skid plates and axles tend to make rolling duffle bags like the Ortlieb a bit less flexible than the Panga. The Panga comes in two colors: gray and tan.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 10 by 14 inches (LWH) Capacity: 50 liters Other sizes: 75 liters , 100 liters

If you don’t mind a stylized look for your everyday-carry bag: Previously we listed the Topo Designs Classic Duffel 20″ in the Competition section, but we now believe that you should consider it if you like its look. This is a great 27.5-liter duffle with Cordura nylon and rucksack details, but it has a specific style that many people may not like. Topo has a reputation for making excellent gear, though, and if you find this bag appealing, you won’t go wrong with it.

If you transport heavy stuff that can’t get wet: Consider the 85-liter Ortlieb Duffle RS , which is a decent waterproof alternative to the Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel, especially if you prefer built-in wheels to assist with the load. The Ortlieb bag, which is made with PVC-coated polyester fabric, has a rigid aluminum floor plate; this piece protects the base of the bag without taking up a significant amount of space (an issue with other rolling duffle bags). Note that all the extra parts mean more complexity and more things to break. Our biggest complaint, though, is that when the bag is left upright, it has a tendency to tip over because of its narrow wheelbase. (The bag also comes in 110- and 140-liter sizes.)

We began our research by poring through brand websites, reading bag blogs, and surveying a multitude of review sites. We divided the field into several broad categories: duffles for everyday use plus weekend trips and longer travel, backpack duffles, packable duffles, and duffles meant to haul adventure gear. Working from an initial list of 88 possible contenders, we considered each duffle’s design, accessibility, size, features, organization, materials, price, and brand warranty. Using those criteria, we narrowed the list down to 33 bags that we called in for hands-on evaluation.

To test the duffles, I packed and unpacked each one and used them as much as possible in my day-to-day life. With every bag I tested, I asked myself, “Would I live with this bag? Could it replace something I already have?” Specifically, I looked at the following:

Ease of use and accessibility: How easy is the bag to pack, unpack, and otherwise use in everyday situations? Does it have enough pockets? Are they well organized and well placed? I also kept a close eye on zippers and how they acted, tugging them from different angles. It was especially important to me that the zippers on our picks were easy to open on the go, even when the bag was hanging from a shoulder.

Carrying comfort: A great bag is pretty useless if it isn’t comfortable to heft and cart around. After I loaded up each bag with as much gear, clothes, sneakers, books, and usual ephemera of life as I could, I carried it around. I spend a lot of my time on the move, so each of our potential picks became—at least for a short while—something of an everyday-carry companion in my life until I understood the bag’s character.

Quality of the materials: Most bags are made from one of a handful of fabrics (nylon, waxed canvas, polyester). I paid special attention to the material’s weight, heft, and weave, as well as any special tech like TPU coatings.

Weight: Duffles should be light enough to carry easily but not so light that they feel flimsy or about to tear. Most of our picks weigh less than 3.5 pounds.

Cost: We eliminated any duffles that we determined were overpriced for what they were. You do get what you pay for in this category, though, and better quality and materials are often worth spending just a little more.

Guarantee or warranty: Not all company policies are equal. We favored bags that came with a warranty of two years or more.

Versatile/adventure duffles

Sea to Summit Duffle Bag : Although this heavy, water-resistant adventure duffle is good for the price, we were more impressed by the consistent performance and simplicity of the Patagonia Black Hole (our pick among versatile duffles) and the sturdier construction of the Yeti Panga (our pick among waterproof duffles).

The North Face Base Camp Duffel L : This duffle is similar to the Sea to Summit Duffle Bag, except it lacks that bag’s rigidity and attention to detail.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe : We liked the separate compartment at the bottom of the bag that allows you to pack a few pairs of shoes, say, or to separate out dirty laundry as you travel. But the materials of this duffle weren’t as good as those of other picks, and it didn’t carry as comfortably.

Everyday duffles

Mission Workshop Transit Duffle : We aren’t sure who this laptop duffle is for. The bag was so divided up and over-organized that we had trouble carrying much of anything in it. In addition, the main zipper was too short, which made it hard for us to open the center of the bag all the way.

Bellroy Lite Duffel : We very nearly made this one of our picks except for the odd design of its top zipper closure. That zipper extends out past the edges of the bag’s main compartment, which makes it easier to access the interior but also leaves two large openings on either end of the bag when it’s closed. The extra length of zipper does fold down, but the bag doesn’t have buttons or clasps to keep it shut. The gap feels like a large oversight, especially given the duffle’s price.

Backpack duffles

Osprey Transporter Duffel 40 : This duffle bag wasn’t great to pack or carry in our tests. The materials felt thin, and the straps didn’t sit well on our shoulders when the duffle was fully packed.

Piorama A10 : An adjustable duffle bag that’s both a day bag and an extra-large backpack? Seems like it should be great, but in practice the design felt fiddly, and the cinched sphincter-like ends were unsettling.

Topo Designs Mountain Duffel : The one flaw of this Topo backpack duffle is that the shoulder straps are placed on the bottom of the bag, which means that as you wear it, the zipper is worryingly exposed to the world.

Rolling duffles

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L : The rolling Black Hole’s design is identical to that of the non-rolling version that we like, except for the addition of wheels, a reinforced base, and haul handles. Those additions do make it heavier and less flexible than the non-rolling bag. The best part of the design is that it stands upright unassisted, even when empty. But most travelers are better served by the organization and extra pockets in the Dakine Split Roller .

Amazon Basics Ripstop Wheeled Duffel 30″ : Inexpensive and well organized, this Amazon Basics duffle could almost qualify as a budget pick. However, you get what you pay for in this case, and we found that most of the internal materials, such as the pocket dividers, weren’t especially durable. Most people are better served spending a bit more for quality materials.

eBags Mother Lode 29″ Checked Rolling Duffel : The Mother Lode is more of a hybrid piece of checked luggage than a true rolling duffle. Most of the bag is shaped around a hard-shell bottom, which seems to take away from the flexibility of a rolling duffle. You’re likely to be happier choosing one of our other duffle picks or one of our checked-luggage picks.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 : This Osprey model is a large, cavernous bag on wheels similar to the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag. But the Patagonia duffle has a sturdier frame and tougher materials than the Osprey, which needs a bit more structural reinforcement to compete. Again, however, we ultimately preferred the organization and split interior of the Dakine Split Roller in this category.

We also tested duffles from American Apparel, Incase, Marmot, Osprey, Thule, and Tortuga that have since been discontinued.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

We’re testing Peak Design’s Travel Duffel in both the 35- and 65-liter sizes.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

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Shannon McMahon

Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning her next trip and often writing in her travel journal. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon .

Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Travel trends, news oddities, and her visits to up-and-coming destinations are some of her favorite things to write about.

Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Sun, Huffington Post, Business Insider, blog.TripAdvisor.com, Boston.com, and more. Her educational background is in journalism, art history, gender studies, Spanish, and film. She's been quoted as an expert travel source by CNBC, People.com, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Plenty of extra thick hair elastics. They tame my frizzy curls and come in handy in a surprising number of packing and hotel dilemmas."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "Climbing (yes, climbing, it's steep!) the Great Wall of China before it's gone."

Travel Motto : "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window, of course."

Email Shannon at [email protected] .

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For the ease of a backpack and the black-hole space of a gym bag, look to these hybrid duffel backpacks that are a utilitarian traveler’s best friend.

Best Duffel Backpacks

Whether you’re slinging it over your back to get through rough terrain or want a rolling version for easier transport, you may never go back to a clunky suitcase.

YETI Panga Duffel Bags

Available in a 50L , 75L , and 100L size, there’s a YETI duffel backpack for every type of trip. Comfortable DryHaul straps can be worn backpack-style, carried by hand, or lashed to your transportation mode with six different points. Speaking of dry, a tough Thickskin Shell exterior and Hydrolock Zipper makes the Panga completely waterproof—even if you’re rafting it down a river.

The EVA molded bottom makes this bag easy to load, and two easy-access mesh pockets help you stay organized.

Eagle Creek’s Cargo Hauler Duffel Backpacks

This roomy duffel backpack will fit all your stuff, whether you want to carry it like a duffel bag or attach its removable straps and throw it on your back. Its water-repellant fabric and padded base make it a durable option for every adventure, and it folds up into itself so it can be stashed away at home. Eagle Creek’s Cargo Hauler Duffel  comes in an array of sizes (45 to 120 liters) and colors.

The North Face Flyweight Duffel Backpack

Another way to ensure duffel backpacks won’t weigh you down is opting for a smaller ultralight duffel-bag backpack. The  North Face Flyweight Duffel  is a great choice for packing light on shorter trips, or for budget airlines that limit bag size. It can hold 32 liters and has external pockets for easy access to necessities. Its sleek unisex design blends in anywhere. Wear it on your back or sling its long carrying strap over your shoulder.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Backpack

Packing everything you need for an adventure means you’ll need a roomy duffel-bag backpack—but preferably one that folds away for easy storage.  Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel  does just that, as its name suggests, and comes in sizes ranging from 30 to 120 liters.

I relied on one to get around  Sri Lanka for two weeks  and loved its rip-stop waterproof material during the rainy season, plus its removable straps for when I wanted to quickly transition from a safari vehicle or train to walking on dirt roads. The Black Hole Duffel also comes in a  wheeled version  for those who won’t be encountering rough terrain.

Fjallraven Splitpack

Trendy Swedish bag maker Fjallraven offers the  Splitpack , a unique take on duffel backpacks that splits in half to become two roomy, easy-to-pack compartments rather than one gravity-sensitive backpack slot. Fill both compartments and zip them together for a densely packed duffel-bag backpack, and keep your accessories in the easy-access outer pockets. The inner walls include mesh compartments to organize smaller items, and the bag can hold about 35 liters.

Osprey Packs Transporter 65L Duffel

Another option perfect for a weekend getaway is this 65L duffel with deployable backpack straps. The roomy central compartment is accessible through a u-shaped zip front and an internal mesh pocket allow you to store your smaller gadgets without leaving them loose inside the pack. A standout feature of this bag are its multiple handles and lash points, making it easy to get a sturdy grip from any angle. This bag is made from abrasion-resistant nylon and comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know it will see you through any travel adventure.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 7 Ultra Useful Carry-On Bags
• This $800 Robot Suitcase Will Never Leave Your Side
• 10 Essential Multipurpose Tools for Travel

SmarterTravel’s Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter   and  Instagram .

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Home » Gear » best travel duffel bags

Best Travel Duffel Bags – Discover the Art of the Duffle Carry

Most people tend to travel with a suitcase or backpack, but we’re here to review the best duffel bags and highlight their many advantages.

Now that big outdoor brands like Marmot, The North Face, and Patagonia have put their know-how and years of experience into this marketplace, the duffel bag has been revolutionized, no longer just an oversized bag to get from point A to point B.

Even the simplest travel duffel, however, have their advantages. For one, they’re the best option if you are traveling with bulkier items such as snow boots, life jackets, or camping gear.

All of that being said, not all duffel bags are created equal. Whether you need a bag for your next adventure or simply a sleek bag to travel for work, we’ve reviewed dozens and dozens of duffels and compiled a list of the top ones on the market.

So if you think your luggage is due for an upgrade, check out our comprehensive reviews of the  best travel duffel bags around, and get yourself a duffel worthy of broke backpackers, adventurers, vacationers alike! We’ve got everything from duffel bags with compartments, those with backpack straps and weather resistant numbers too!

So, ya’ll want to find out what THE best travel duffel bag is, you’re in the right place! Let’s go!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market

Top picks of the best travel duffel bags, how to choose a travel duffel bag, how we tested these duffel bags, the best travel duffel bags – comparison table, faq about the best travel duffel bags, what is the best travel duffel bag – final thoughts.

• Osprey Transporter Expedition Duffel – The Overall Best Duffel Bag
• Black Diamond StoneHauler Pro 30 L Duffel – Overall Best Duffel Bag (Runner-up)
• Nomatic Travel Bag – High-Utility Backpack Meets Duffel Bag
• Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack – Best Eco Duffel/Backpack
• REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel – Best Travel Duffel Bag with Wheels
• Patagonia Black Hole – Best Carry on Travel Duffel Bag
• Kodiak Leather 60l Weekender – Best Men’s Leather Duffel Bag
• Under Armour Women’s UA Motivator Duffle Sport Bag – Best Women’s Travel Duffel Bag
• UNIQUEBELLA Suit Travel Duffel – Best Business Travel Duffel Bag
• The North Face Base Camp Duffel – Best Duffel Bag for Expeditions
• The Classic Duffle by Mahi Best Small Travel Duffel Bag
• Gregory Alpaca – Best Packable Duffel

Osprey Transporter Expedition Duffel

• Price: > $$
• > Stowable padded backpack straps
• > Rain flaps

Black Diamond StoneHauler Pro 30 L Duffel

• Price: > $$$
• > Wonderful design
• > Laptop compartment

Nomatic Travel Bag

• > Highly-functional backpack with a duffel mode
• > Durable and modern traveler equipped

Monarc Setra Duffel Backpack

• > Carry on Compliant
• > Made from recycled bottles

REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel – 30

• > Integrated wheels
• > Large for longer trips

Patagonia Black Hole Duffle

• > Backpack handles and grab handles
• > Nice and light

Kodiak 60l Weekender

• > High quality leather
• > Roomy and spacious

Under Armour Women’s UA Motivator Duffle Sport Bag

• > Lightweight
• > Water Resistant

UNIQUEBELLA Suit Travel Duffel

• > Rolls out flat to take suits
• > Wrinkle-free clothes storage

The North Face Base Camp Duffel

• > Just 4 lbs in weight
• > Come with backpack straps

MAHI Leather Duffle

• > Compact and 28L
• > Tons of organizational pockets

Gregory Alpaca Duffel

• > Comes with packing cube

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Overall Best Duffel Bag – Osprey Transporter Expedition Duffel

The Osprey Transporter Expedition Duffel offers its users the best of both worlds. It has all the features that drew you to a travel duffel bag in the first place, along with a comfortable set of stowable, padded shoulder straps if you have to carry it for a longer period.

This duffel’s zippers are lockable, giving added peace of mind if and when you need to let it out of your eye line – such as on an aircraft or in a hostel room – and also has the bonus of a padded internal compartment to keep your delicate tech safe while on the move.

What’s more, the quickest of touches will convince you of the long-lasting durability of the materials used, together with a rain flap to keep precipitation from ruining your time away!

• Stowable padded backpack straps
• Zips can be locked
• Padded compartment for tech
• Not fully waterproof
• 40 liter might be too small for some
• Not guaranteed to be carry-on compliant
• Rigid construction

How The Osprey Transporter Tested

I have personally tested dozens of Osprey travel packs now and its rare I encounter one that I don’t love. We took the transporter on a road trip across the Atlantique region of France and packed it full of enough gear for 2 people. It felt very strong, rigid and weatherproof and I have no doubt that it would withstand a goos few years of abuse. The organisational layout is highly intuitive and we found it easy to pack, and retrieve our gear when we needed it.

In terms of downsides, I am just not all that sure about how much I like backpack /duffel hybrids and this one does feel slightly awkward to me when I wore it as a backpack. Sure, the backpack straps do pack away but this adds to the weight and I did feel it.

Is the Osprey Transporter Expedition Duffel for me?

If you love the idea of a travel duffel bag but worry about how you’re going to transport it further distances, then the Osprey Transporter Expedition Duffel has it all figured out thanks to the incorporated backpack straps! It’s one of the reasons it stands out amongst the other duffel bags.

The padded tech compartment is a great addition, as is the ability to lock the zips!

Our team rated this as their “best travel duffel backpack”, which means kinda what it says, a duffel that works just as well as a backpack and they love that versatility. They felt it had most of the features of some of the best Osprey backpacks whilst having the ability to be used as a duffel.

They really love that it opens up more like a clamshell backpack into a super roomy interior. As an added bonus the skate rats on the team loved that it came in well as a travel skateboard bag even if it wasn’t explicitly designed that way.

Overall Best Duffel Bag (Runner-up) – Black Diamond StoneHauler Pro 30 L Duffel

Black Diamond backpacks are among the hardiest and most respected in the travel world. Their StoneHauler Duffel Bag is no less impressive! If you’re looking for a duffel bag with compartments then this is the perfect option.

This duffle bag was specifically designed for air travel, so it really shines when it comes to internal organisation in the main compartment with a dedicated area for your laptop and chargers. It includes a proper set of backpack straps that really do feel, well, like an actual backpack, which we found to be a great feature when we tested it! Its size makes it perfect for carry-on-only travel for week-long breaks.

• 3o L perfect carry on size
• Wonderful design
• Weather resistant material
• Fully padded exterior zippered laptop sleeve
• Backpack straps on the same side as main zipper
• Zips are a big fiddly
• No water bottle pocket

How The Black Diamond StoneHauler Tested

To put the Black Diamond StoneHauler through its paces we brought it along on a weekend escape. Firstly, it passed the “will Ryanair actually let me take this into the cabin test?” comfortably which is pretty much 101 for any would-be carry-on piece. Moving on, the Black Diamond StoneHauler feels nice to the touch and its suave, blue-grey shades suited our clothes wonderfully. Zips and fittings all work very well and show no sign of breakage and we found the extra pockets and pouches great for packing in chargers and snacks.

It didn’t rain during our trip so cannot comment on the weatherproofing but all things considered, we were very impressed by the StoneHauler.

Is the Black Diamond StoneHauler for me?

This is a well made and well thought out travel duffel bag. Its features, pouches and external pockets are perfect for a short trip. It’s very durable and aesthetically pleasing. This carry on duffel bag is great for business trips because it stores your tech with ease. The only thing we’re a bit disappointed about is that it doesn’t fit a 15″ laptop — you’ve got other packs for that .

Our team loved this bag and felt it was the best duffel bag with internal compartments. Our team tends to travel with quite a bit of tech gear so they really love how these pockets and compartments can be used to store things like cables, chargers and hard drives. They also thought it was a great size for carry on without becoming too heavy.

Duffel Bag Meets High-Utility Backpack – Nomatic Travel Bag

This duffel bag is not purely a duffel bag. In fact, it’s not even primarily a duffel bag. And that’s why we like it so damn much!

The Nomatic Travel Bag is a backpack for the modern-day traveller. It’s loaded on the organization without an excess of empty space for unnecessary packing. Tech gear gets sleeves, shoes and dirty laundry get dedicated compartments, and everything else gets a space too!

But the best part is that if you flip this bad boy over and modify the straps, you have a completely functional duffel bag! Could we say it’s like a transformer. Yes, it most certainly is.

It functions as a very structured duffel bag with a lot of interior organisation, however, to be totally honest, that’s kinda rad!

• 40 L of pure organizational storage
• Qualifies for carry-on luggage
• Incredibly durable design
• Doubles as a backpack!
• Not a traditional duffel bag
• Kind of cube-like in duffel-mode
• Premium pricing
• Not the right choice for everyone

How The Nomatic Travel Bag Tested

We’re pretty intimate with the Nomatic travel bag now and it has accompanied various team members all over the world. We love its high quality materials and the fact it looks and feels new even after a year of use. We always make the most of its packing and organisational capabilities where everything has its right place. In fact, the Nomatic travel bag performed so well during a recent trip to Barcelona that a street thug could not help but steal it from us…is there any higher accolade that can be bestowed upon a bag?!

Is the Nomatic Travel Bag for me?

For people seeking a traditional duffel bag, no. However, for those that dig the option to wear it as a backpack and travel for work and with a certain selection of gear they need to keep protected (eg. a laptop and tablet), it’s perfect.

Our team are really massive fans of this bag and for a few different reasons. Firstly, the actual functionality between using it as a duffel and a backpack is second to none and it really means this bag can be used in so many different situations. On top of that its organisational features were a real selling point for our team.

If you’re on the fence, we’d recommend checking out the Nomatic Travel Bag review .

Best Eco Duffel/Backpack – Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack

The realities of travel can really take their toll on the planet. It’s no surprise that Ecological and Sustainable travel initiatives are now really gaining momentum. The Monarc 2-in-1 Duffle-Backpack is the world’s first backpack made from 100% recycled bottles and the producers have been awarded a highly coveted “plastic negative” rating.

But here this, not only is this backpack totally eco-friendly but it’s also a bloody great pack. Firstly, its 2-1 concept design means it can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel using the comfortable handle/ shoulder strap. If you do wear it on your bag, there are adjustable straps to help carry the weight. I really love this pack, even though I am not a HUGE duffel fan I have now had this bag for years and tested it extensively.

• Made from recycled plastic bottles
• TSA Carry-on compliant
• 2 in 1 Duffel and Backpack!
• Kinda heavy
• No compression straps

How The Monarc Settra Tested

I have had this pack for over a year now and so Ive tested it extensively. It performs really well for weekend break type trips by public transport where you can need to pack a change of shoes. It slots into over-head compartments on planes/trains/buses nicely and the organisational layout makes it really easy to find your gear when you need it. I have been rained on quite heavily with this pack and it stayed perfectly dry.

In terms of downsides, it does feel quite heavy after carrying it for a while and I am not a fan of how it feels when worn as a backpack at all.

Is the Monarc Settra Duffel for me?

Then there are the organisational possibilities. Its’ 40L of storage can go pretty far and the pack offers a shoe compartment and a 17” laptop sleeve. Coming in at $149.00, it’s well worth the bucks although if you have the budget we also recommend picking up the full set including camera cube, compression cubes and laundry bags.

Anything else? Oh yeah, it’s also water-resistant, TSA Carry-on compliant and comes with a lifetime guarantee!

Our team are a real environmentally conscious lot and any product that offers features such as being made out of recycled ocean plastic is a winner for them! On top of the sustainable side of the bag, they feel it packs some great features too and they particularly love having the security of both the dedicated laptop pocket as well as the lockable zippered sections.

Best Duffel Bag with Wheels – REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel – 30″

While we love The North Face’s Maleta, we also tested the REI Co-op Big Haul and can confirm it is equally as great. This wheeled duffel provides traction in all conditions, but the Sherpa strap lets you carry your duffel when you need to.

Its handle and back-panel structure add durability to the rolling duffel bag. You also have internal compression straps, external zippered pockets, and a small zippered pocket on top for organisation.

• Integrated wheels
• Large for longer trips
• Good Capacity
• High quality
• Wheels can’t be hidden
• No added backpack straps
• Might be too big for some

How The REI Co-op Big Haul Tested

Ok, so we found the REI Co-op Big Haul was easy to neatly pack and unpack, and it slotted easily into the overhead compartments. However, the wheels do make it heavy to carry , (and you will have to carry some of the time) and my arm was aching by the end of the day.

In terms of the materials, the main materials feel strong and the weatherproofing stood up to a bit of rain very well. However, I have felt better quality zippers and wonder if the ones on the Big Haul may start to wear and break after a bit of abuse.

Is the REI Co-op Big Haul for me?

Perfect for a month abroad, The REI Co-op Big Haul wheeled duffel bag has 87 litres of interior space and ample organisation to take you (and your gear) around the world. However, there are no removable backpack straps so you’re stuck to wheeling it around!

For those of our team who need to travel with heavy gear, like the climbers and filmmakers in the gang, the REI Co-op Big Haul really works perfectly for their needs. They feel it offers them much more versatility and durability over a traditional wheeled suitcase with both the carry options and the additional compartments and pockets.

Best Carry on Travel Duffel Bag – Patagonia Black Hole 40

This mid-length machine can store everything you need for weekend trips or even entire vacations for light packers. We tested it out on a weekend trip across Europe that took in planes, buses and trains so the old Black Hole got a good and proper trial.

Store your goods in a bag that just barely sneaks under strict carry-on regulations while staying light as a feather. Once you’ve unpacked, you can neatly store this Patagonia bag inside of itself, using its own pockets to compact. 

If you are specifically looking for more carry-on options, check out our best carry on duffel bags post if this is what you’re specifically looking for.

Travelling in cattle class? Have a look at our Ryanair carry-on bags for more specific packs.

How The Patagonia Black Hole Tested

Firstly, even though I have said I am not a fan of wearing duffels as backpacks, this one actually feels ok so big hurrah! When we tested this out we were impressed by its versatility and it performed as well for business trips as it did for weekend expeditions. It isn’t a thick as some other duffels on this list which makes it lighter to carry but may mean it doesn’t last as long although we hasten to point out it felt solid and rugged enough to our testers touch.

Is the Patagonia for me?

Carry the Patagonia Black Hole pack as a duffel or a backpack. This all-purpose travel bag is made with lightweight, tear-resistant matte nylon and has protective padding so you can carry everything all day.

Our team have been big fans of this bag for a while and feel the Black Hole is a classic duffel that does what it sets out to do really well without any bells and whistles. Where the back is lacking slightly on organisational features it makes up for with its incredible durability, weather resistance and all-around versatility. The fact it can be folded down into it’s own little bag and thrown into larger packs as an overflow is also something our team is a big fan of.

Want something more? Well, check this out, Patagonia now also make a rolling duffel version of the Black Hole too!

Best Carry On Travel Duffel Bag (#2) –  BAOSHA Canvas Duffel

Although you could easily use the North Face Maleta as your carry on travel duffel bag, our top pick in this category is the BAOSHA Canvas Duffel! It’s one of the most stylish bags on the market .

So, why’s that? This bag belongs in the ‘weekend away in a fancy hotel’ class of duffel bags; this duffel oozes class with its classic look of canvas and faux leather. Durable thanks to its tough materials, it will survive the knocks, dust, and dirt of travel while weighing just 2.8 Pounds. This might just be the most stylish carry on duffel bag on the market!

It has the potential capacity of 55 litres while still being suitable as an airline carry on. Inside you’ll find two zip-close security pockets and a further two open pockets for smaller items, while the outside of the duffel has a further couple of small compartments and external pockets. It also features a removable shoulder strap for great wearability.

• Excellent style
• Durable canvas construction
• Weighs just 2.8 Pounds
• 55 liters may be a little large for some
• No dedicated laptop sleeve
• Faux rather than real leather
• Zips can’t be locked

How The Tileman Canvas Duffel Tested

So, this is not a duffel for serious travelers or outdoor heads. When we tested it we soon came to lament the lower quality material and its lack of special features. While it performed adequately for our testers weekend retreat, he commented that he felt like it may begin to fray in the face of heavier usage.

Is the Tileman Canvas Duffel for me?

If you’re looking for a travel duffel bag that will set the scene for a luxurious or romantic couple of days away, you’ve found it with the Tileman Canvas Duffel!

But more than simply a pretty face, its durability and relative lightness of weight make it a duffel bag you’ll want to reach for again and again!

For those on our team who aren’t always living the dirtbag lifestyle, this duffel finds the perfect balance between cost, functionality and business style. Here at TBB we feel it’s the perfect duffel for commuting with large amounts of gear or people who need space for their gym kid as well as business travellers wanting to look swish on the go.

Best Men’s Leather Duffel – Kodiak Leather 60L Weekender

If you need a bag for a weekend getaway, for everyday use, for business, the  Kodiak 60L is definitely the best all-around men’s leather duffel bag. This stylish choice won’t look out of place anywhere: on a high-end weekend getaway, or just running some errands around town.

Made from all thick  top-grain leather  by the folks at  Kodiak 60l Weekender which is sturdy hardwearing and bloody beautiful.

Not a typical chuck-it-all-in duffel, the Kodiak weekend bag has a few organisation options. The bag includes three exterior pockets that use YKK zips, as well as a zipped  shoe compartment and a  dedicated laptop sleeve  at the bottom of the bag. This external pocket means you can easily take your laptop out, and put it in again when it comes to airport security.

Looking specifically for a men’s bag for the weekend , check out our post for more option

How The Kodiak 60L Weekender Tested

When our tester got his hands on this duffel it wasn’t so much love at first sight as love at first scent – the finished leather smelt just lovely! Anyway the bag is not the lightest duffel on this list and our tester did feel the weight of the leather after long periods of carrying. The zips and fittings all felt solid and the pack generally feels built to last.

All in all this is a super simple, stylish pack well and truly earned its place on this list.

Is The Kodiak 60L Weekender For Me?

Speaking of which, this bag is  carry-on compliant,  so you’ll be able to throw it over your shoulder and breeze right past the luggage carousel on your next trip, which makes this high-quality bag all the more convenient.

This is a stylish, hardwearing and uber-masculine duffel option. Oh, and there’s also a removable shoulder strap for a variety of carrying options.

For the ultimate in style and durability, our team felt this Kodiak leather duffel was a real winner. In fact, they felt if you were looking for a bag you’d have for decades to some, this would be a real sound investment. They just loved how high quality the materials and construction felt alongside the sleek and timeless style.

Best 50 Litre Travel Duffel Bag – Kuhl Escape 50

The KUHL Eskape 50 is a high versatile and durable duffel, custom designed for outdoor travel, and everyday use. 

Here are key features of the KUHL Eskape:

The KUHL Eskape 50 offers litres of storage which provides enough space for a few works worth of travel gear. It has one large main compartment with a U-shaped opening, and then  several external pockets for easy access to essentials.

Its is made from tough and weather-resistant materials, including a 1680D ballistic nylon bottom and a 500D Poly-TPU coated body. This ensures that the Eskape can withstand a bit of battering and is suitable for outdoor use, protecting your gear from the elements.

• Stylish design – looks great in both urban and outdoor settings
• Quality materials that both durable yet comfy to wear
• Loads of storage space.
• Can be a tad heavy – especially when loaded
• Not be as breathable as some other packs and can get sweaty
• It ain’t cheap

Is The Kuhl Eskape 50 For Me?

The KUHL Eskape boasts padded, adjustable shoulder straps as well as a removable padded shoulder strap. This allows users to carry it comfortably as either a backpack or over a shoulder like a classic duffel. It also has reinforced grab handles on each end for easy lifting and carrying.

The KUHL Eskape  50 has several internal and external pockets. These include a zippered mesh pocket inside the lid, a side pocket with a water-resistant zipper, and a front pocket with a key clip and organizational compartments.

Best Women’s Travel Duffel Bag –  Under Armour Women’s UA Motivator Duffle Sport Bag

Its smaller size compared to some of the travel duffel bags on our list makes it great for throwing in some clothes for a last-minute night away from home, or as an everyday duffel for carrying your gym kit.

Its softshell construction means it also folds down incredibly small and can be used as a spare bag without adding much weight to your other luggage! This duffel has a good degree of water resistance, which will keep your kit safe from light rain showers, with other features including a hanging internal pocket to keep small items safe.

• Specifically designed for women
• Lightweight
• Water-resistant
• Hanging internal pocket
• Softshell construction
• No backpack straps
• Not suitable for business travel

How The Under Armour Tested

The tester brought this duffel bag along to a weekend athletic meet. She commented that the colour scheme was a bit too bland for taste, but did appreciate the way in which the bag can be packed down and minimised for day and gym use. In summary, we found this to be a perfectly serviceable day duffel but do question how well it would perform on longer trips in testing weather conditions.

Is the Under Armour Women’s UA Motivator Duffle Sport Bag for me?

Women looking for a simple, lightweight duffel to get their kit from A to B without spending hours packing to fill every nook and cranny of a backpack will be very happy to buy the Under Armour Women’s UA Motivator Duffle Sport Bag. A great everyday travel duffel bag, it also has a great price!

Our team felt this was the best small duffel bag because it just got the job done without being heavy or cumbersome. They felt it was a great affordable and lightweight duffel to use for everyday trips like heading to the beach or the gym and it’s light enough to fold up and throw into your backpack to use whenever you need on your trip.

Best Waterproof Duffel Bag –  YETI Panga 50 Dry Duffel

Considering YETI makes the most durable coolers, insulated tumblers, and packs, expect the same emphasis of quality and durability from their dry duffel. You could probably throw this duffel over a waterfall and your stuff would still stay dry!

This is the best travel duffel bag if you are doing any type of water activity – rafting down a river; living on a boat; travelling in monsoon season; you name it, YETI’s got you.

You could simply attach this to the side or a river tube and it would hold up! It has 6 lash points and 2 long straps so you can haul your bag in multiple ways. 2 easy-to-access mesh pockets keep your valuables safely tucked away. We think 50 litres is a perfect size, but if you need something bigger, this bag also comes in a 75 litre and 100-litre size.

• Most durable duffel bag ever
• Fully Waterproof
• Heavy (price you pay for durability)
• Might be overkill for basic trips

How The Yeti Panga Dry Duffel Tested

We’ll confess now, we did not test this duffel by taking it white river rafting. However, we did fill it up with clothes and drop it in a bath tub to test the water proofing and are pleased to report that the inside stayed perfectly dry.

Of course, the waterproofing may begin to wear off after extended periods of use but based on what we have seen the Yeti Panga feels pretty solid.

Is the YETI Panga 50 Dry Duffel for me?

Keep your gear dry on your next trip with the YETI Panga 50 dry duffel. This fully waterproof bag is designed to handle total water submersion while remaining 100% dry on the inside.

Need a seat? Grab your Panga. Need a backpack? Grab your Panga. Need a personal floatation device? Grab your Panga. This is the most durable travel duffel bag on this list. Use it for your craziest adventures!

Our team are big fans of how well-made this duffel is and how much confidence it gave them when it came to protecting their gear. They really put it to the test and our team were super impressed. In fact, one member ended up capsizing on a fishing trip and this bag held tight full of clothing, gear and phones for over an hour as well as keeping our team member afloat too. Pretty impressive!

Best Business Travel Duffel Bag –  UNIQUEBELLA Suit Travel Duffel

Thanks to the UNIQUEBELLA Suit Travel Duffel, you can still use a duffel bag and travel with the smarter clothes of a business trip. This duffel cleverly opens out flat to create a dedicated compartment for laying suits and shirts flat without folding them tightly; you’ll find them as wrinkle-free when you arrive at your destination as when you packed them away.

There’s also another dedicated compartment for your business shoes, and four internal zip pockets and a small zip-close external pocket. Lastly, at 55 litres, this duffel both has enough volume for a few days away, and is generally airline carry on compliant.

• Rolls out flat to take suits
• Wrinkle-free clothes storage
• Dedicated shoe compartment
• Internal zip-close pockets
• Made from synthetic materials
• No dedicated tech sleeve
• Not for adventure travel!

How The UNIQUEBELLA Suit Travel Duffel Tested

When we tested this duffel travel bag we were quite taken by the novel design and by the dedicated suit compartment. Whether it truly keeps clothes “wrinkle free” does seem like a bit of an exaggeration although none of us owns a business suit so we could not actually test this out.

Is the UNIQUEBELLA Suit Travel Duffel for me?

Need to keep a suit and shirt crease-free while travelling? Here’s the answer, the UNIQUEBELLA Suit Travel Duffel! Its fold-out design makes it super-easy to transport business wear without the need to iron at your destination and takes care of all those little extras with its shoe compartment and necktie pocket to name just two.

Even us vagabonds need to don a suit from time to time and though our team did feel this bag was a little niche, they felt it cornered position perfectly. They were unsure if the bag would be a little gimmicky but in practice they felt the design actually worked well in practical use and kept their gear wrinkle-free and ready to rock!

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Best Duffel Bag for Expedition –  The North Face Base Camp Duffel

When you are hitting the mountains for days on end, you’ll need a duffel bag that is up to the challenge. The North Face Base Camp duffel has been an essential piece of kit for explorers, mountaineers, and adventurers for decades.

• Comes in multiple sizes
• Just 4 lbs in weight
• Ultra Durable
• Come with backpack straps
• Lacks a little rigidity
• Not  fully  waterproof
• Not all versions carry on compliant
• The big sizes are awkward to carry when packed full

How Did the North Face Base Camp Duffel Test?

We tested this bag in the depths of the Karakoram range in Pakistan. It has been snagged against a barbed wire fence, stepped on by pack mules, dropped in the mud, and snowed on for hours. Whenever I head to the mountains for an extended adventure, you better believe that this bag is coming with. 10 stars.

Is the The North Face Base Camp duffel bag for me?

Are you going on a serious adventure and needing to haul all of your gear along for the ride? This is the bag for you. Our team really loved the simple but high-quality nature of this duffel and generally North Face bags as a whole. They liked that this duffel added a bit more in the way of organisational pockets than the Black Hole and also offered a matt style rather than the shiny exterior of the black hole, which some of the team really preferred.

Best Travel Duffel Bag for the Trails –  The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel

Well, never thought I would take a duffel bag on hikes and bike rides, but North Face has done it again! This is one of the best all-around travel bags, no question!

You can toss this on top of your car or stow it away on a flight. This bag can easily be used for ANY type of adventure.

The bag unzips for easy access to the main compartment. There is a top padded pocket for delicate items, side pockets for a water bottle and small items, and internal zipper pockets for organization.

The straps and back support are not as padded as The North Face’s hiking backpacks, but it will do the trick for shorter hikes and rides!

• Ripstop weather resistant Nylon material
• Versatile backpack/duffel
• Plenty of organizational compartments
• Not as comfortable as hiking backpacks
• 32 liters might be too small for some

How The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel Tested

To test this pack out we brought it along on a multi day camping trip into the wild mountains of Northern Spain. Of course, it did not feel quite as comfortable as a proper hiking backpack would and I did miss the additional support from a dedicated backpack. Still, the straps felt OK and the pack had plenty of room to fit our gear.

Is The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel for me?

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel is a mobile base camp for all your mountain-biking, trail-running and skiing escapades. It has all the organizational bells and whistles you need to organize your gear, and multiple uses mean it is a functional bag for a wide array of trips.

Our team felt this was the perfect duffel for those who love adventure travel and outdoor sports. They were particularly impressed by how comfortable it was to carry heavy gear like climbing equipment, especially when the hike in itself is pretty challenging. They also felt it offered a level of organisation for their gear that is pretty rare with these types of large gear bags.

  The Classic Duffle by Mahi  – Best Small Duffel Bag

Looking for the great men’s leather duffel bag days out and short trips? If so, the Classic Duffle by Mahi may be just for you.

Combining traditional elegance with rugged practicality, the MAHI Classic Duffle in Vintage Brown is a lovely luggage piece for those looking for a stylish gym bag , weekend or overnight bag.

It’s made with beautifully supple full-grain leather on the main body and complimented with a fawn cotton lining. Other features include four brass studs on the base, a front zipped pocket for easy access to your essential items, a smaller zipped pocket on the inside and a detachable and extendable shoulder strap with additional padding for comfort.

• Designed for low-cost carrier use
• Soft Leather
• Multiple zippered pockets
• Heavy for size
• Not big enough for many trips
• Not waterproof

How The MAHI Leather Duffel Tested

I’ve tested quite a few pieces from the MAHI leather range. The leather on all of them isn’t exactly high grade, but feels very good for the price point.

Is the MAHI Leather duffel for me?

Being a small bag, this one is approved for carry-on by most airlines either the super strict budget ones. When it comes to packing, this thing thankfully stands up on its own, not falling in on itself as some duffel bags tend to.

Our team felt this was a great compact duffel that still offered good space optimisation. They felt for the minimalist traveller or commuter that doesn’t need a whole heap of gear, it’s the perfect option. They also felt the bag offered decent quality in terms of materials for the money.

Best Large Travel Duffel –  REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Duffel

Looking to travel with a lot of kits? You’re going to need a large travel duffel! The REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Duffel comes in a variety of sizes, much like Patagonia’s Black Hole duffel series , and runs up to the 90-litre XL version. It is available at a very reasonable price tag for the volume size of the bag.

What else do you get for the price? You get a duffel specifically intended for rougher travel, made from 600 Dernier waterproof materials with a large D-zip opening for easy access. You also get two removable shoulder straps and a side zip-close pocket for smaller items.

• Made for tougher travel assignments
• 40-90 litres
• Large opening
• No major internal divisions
• Not for business travel
• Has to go in the aircraft hold
• Weight of 1.6kg

How The REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Duffel Tested

We tested this REI Co-op Big Haul Duffel by adding it to our Pakistan expedition arsenal which means that it gets used to carry packed tents and camping equipment up and down mountain sides. Of course, carting a duffel up a mountain side never easy but this one felt relatively light. It was able to withstand classes with jagged rocks and stayed dry despite drizzle. Result!

Is the REI Co-op Big Haul Duffel for me?

This unisex travel duffel bag by REI certainly fits the definition of a large travel duffel with a capacity of 90 litres. Is it the best? Well, we think it is! Tough and ready for anything, simply throw your kit in, and start your adventure!

Our team just loved how rugged this bag felt and many of them described it as pretty much bulletproof when it came to throwing anything at it! In fact, a few of the team have owned this bag for years on end and it’s been abused in all corners of the world and stood up admirably. They also loved the large zippered compartments that were big enough to use for their shoes or bigger items.

Best Large Travel Duffel (#2) –  Thule RoundTrip Snowsports Duffel

The Thule RoundTrip Snowsports Duffel is a travel duffel bag for anyone who needs to transport larger amounts of baggage since it has a volume capacity of 80 litres.

Rather than having an external compartment at one end of the bag, it has one at either end helping with the organization of large amounts of kit.

The main compartment has a wide D-shaped zip-close opening that makes it simple to load and unload, while the large tags on the zips make them easy to shift even with cold fingers! Water-resistant all around, it has a waterproof bottom so there are no worries about lowering the bag onto the wet ground.

• Large capacity
• The external compartment at both ends
• Wide D-shaped opening
• Large zip tags
• Water-resistant but not fully waterproof
• Too large a capacity for many
• Weight of 3 lbs. 5.9 oz
• Not ideal for business travel

How The Thule RoundTrip Snowsports Duffel Tested

When compared to other duffels on this list the 80-litre Thule RoundTrip Snowsports Duffel is a giant and our tested had no issues in fitting all of his camping gear in. Of course, big bags are heavier and bulkier and our tested did remark that a full packed 80-litre duffel isn’t the easiest carry. The waterproof base was kind of put to the test when the bag was laid on wet ground and we’re pleased to confirm that the pack remained nice and dry.

Is the Thule RoundTrip Snowsports Duffel for me?

If you need a travel duffel bag with a large capacity, the Thule RoundTrip Snowsports Duffel could well be the duffel bag for you! Its 80-litre capacity is divided between the main compartment at two end compartments, while the waterproof base is another fine addition.

Our team are big fans of the Thule brand and expected big things from these duffels. They were of course suitably impressed by the durability and high quality of the bag but mostly their feedback featured high praise for the larger end compartments as well as loving the range of sizes available.

Best Travel Duffel Bag for the Mountains (DURABLE) –  North Face Base Camp

The cylindrically-shaped Base Camp duffel by North Face is a 50-litre capacity bag with an empty weight of just over 1.23 kg. They do carry sizes up to 90-liters as well!

As you would expect from North Face, the Base Camp Duffel is made from durable materials of 80% polyester with 20% polyamide. There’s a separate compartment at one end, and a zipped mesh pocket within the main compartment for easy access to smaller items.

The duffel comes with wide, adjustable, shoulder straps designed to avoid twisting, and padded grab handles. External compression straps around the circumference of the main compartment and at either end of the bag help reduce down and secure your contents.

• Good empty weight
• Made from durable materials
• Pockets for smaller items
• Ergonomically-designed shoulder straps
• Softshell duffel
• Synthetic rather than natural materials

How The North Face Camp Tested

Our first impressions upon taking out the North Face camp were that it very much looks and feels like an expedition piece – as such we are not sure how well it would translate to more “normal” travel usage. As a heavy duty camping and expedition piece its certainly rugged although the fact that its not fully water proof does cost it some points.

Is the North Face Base Camp for me?

This is an iconic, super-tough expedition duffel from The North Face. The separate end compartment means you can keep clean and dirty items divided without endless periods of repacking, while the durable materials used will ensure the Base Camp can be used for more than just the one adventure!

Another fine North Face duffel! Our team once again had high expectations but also wanted to know what made this stand out against the brand’s other offerings. Firstly they felt the Base Camp offered the most durable and weather-resistant materials, meaning they could really push where they could take this thing. With it’s larger size they also appreciated the additional of compression straps to keep everything compact and maximise space.

Best Travel Duffel Bag on a Budget –  Sweetbriar Vintage Canvas Duffel

This stylish bag is one of the best travel duffel backpacks if you’re on a budget! The Sweetbriar Vintage Canvas Duffel is listed under $40 and is perfect for a weekend in the city versus a few days of camping in the wild.

It comes in a very attractive tan canvas and leather-coloured webbing styling. It incorporates zipped compartments on the front of the bag as well as plenty of internal zippers and organisational features. Expansion zips give a total overall volume of 39 litres, plenty for that weekend away, while there are also lock-together carry handles and an adjustable shoulder strap.

• Lovely design
• Comprises zipped compartments
• Expansion zips give 39-liter capacity
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Not very durable
• Capacity may be too small for some
• Hand wash only

How The Sweetbriar Vintage Canvas Duffel Tested

What we really loved about this travel duffel bag was that in the flesh, it looks and feels like it cost a lot more than $40. If you are looking for a hardcore travel duffel that will survive all weather and last for years then this may not be the one for you. However, if you are after a budget travel bag for an upcoming trip, then perhaps you have found what you need?

Is the Sweetbriar Vintage Canvas Duffel for me?

Any man or woman about town will readily fall in love with this unisex vintage canvas duffel. The ideal size for a weekend away, it consists of smaller compartments and pockets as well as the main compartment and also boasts an adjustable shoulder strap.

Our team felt that for a pretty run-of-the-mill duffel, this thing doesn’t look cheap and with the canvas material it’s also really durable too. They also loved that it was packed full of features like interior pockets, side shoe compartments and hidden valuable pockets.

Best Packable Duffel Pack – Gregory Alpaca Duffel

The Alpaca Duffel is versatile and resilient carry-all, skillfully merging practical travel functionalities into a robust duffel design. Encased in a water-shielding TPU layer and crafted from 40% recycled material, this duffel ensures solid protection for your belongings. The bottom is fortified against wear and tear, with an additional layer of foam for enhanced durability. Thoughtfully designed for the contemporary traveller, the bag features an expandable zippered end pocket to segregate your clean attire from the soiled, alongside an ingenious packing cube that serves both as a tool for packing and a storage solution.

The detachable shoulder straps deliver comfortable carry and the interior mesh compartments are great for organization of your travel gear. With a range of sizes available, spanning from 40 to 100 liters, there’s a perfect Alpaca Duffel for every adventure, big or small. The product is priced between $139.95 for the 40L version and $199.95 for the 100L.

• Trusted brand
• Comes with packing cube
• Shiny exterior
• Doesn’t have a rigid structure

How The Gregory Alpaca Duffel Tested

I absolutely love the Alpaca Duffel for its unmatched versatility and durability on all my travels. The thoughtful design details, such as the expandable pocket for separating dirty clothes, and the handy packing cube, truly make packing and organizing a breeze. However, I find the shiny finish a bit too ‘glarey’ for me and it’s not the lightest 60 liter duffel I have tried.

So first of all, Duffel Bags are awesome. They’re physically tough, your belongings are easy to access and kept safe by the waterproof fabric – even the worst baggage handler can’t do much harm! Below are the most important features to pay attention to when you are deciding on your purchase because there are so many bags on the market!

However, not all Duffels are the same. Choosing the right one requires looking at different factors. Our list of factors below will give you a rough idea of what you should be looking out for when being on the hunt for a new Duffel Bag.

From detachable backpack straps to a rolling duffel, there are more options than you might first think when it comes to the best travel duffel.

What do you plan to carry in your duffel bag? And where are you travelling to? You may need an ultra-durable duffel backpack that can handle the abuse of long-term and international travel, or you may only need a simple bag to get you to/from the airport.

Perhaps you’re going on a boat or river adventure or travelling around Europe in winter. Either way, a waterproof or weatherproof bag is the ticket! Pay attention to the bags’ materials because the best traveling duffel bags are tough enough to deal with your adventures!

When deciding which travel duffel bag for you, you need to first think about your style of packing. Are you looking for a duffel bag that consists of a single large main compartment, or one with several compartments and an internal mesh pocket in addition to the main one?

If you’re travelling for business, you should consider a bag that protects tech gear, such as a laptop, as well as allows you to pack your clothes without creases. You might also want to look at features such as compression straps that keep everything neat and in place.

If you’ve got heaps of gear to organise and need things easy to access you might also want to consider exterior pockets.

Ask yourself: what are you using your travel duffel bag for? There are some excellent duffel bags with incredible style if you’re looking for a bag to take your belonging to a hotel for a weekend of relaxation. Likewise, there are a great number of travel duffels more suited to the great outdoors – offering different levels of weather protection, and weighing more or less too.

Also, consider how comfortable the bag is going to be compared to other duffel bags. Does it offer a padded shoulder strap or even two removable backpack straps? If you’re going to be wearing it for a long time and it’s packed full of all your travel gear, padded straps are a lifesaver!

Finally, you may want the classic duffel bag functionality or one with wheels and/or backpack straps. Whether detachable or integrated, padded shoulder straps don’t add a lot of weight, but can make a bag a lot more comfortable in the long term.

If you’re planning to carry your travel duffel bag for long periods, such as on a camping trip or up and down cobblestone streets in search of your hotel room, weight is going to be a hugely important factor in your decision-making. The best travel duffel bags are those that maximise their space and minimise their weight.

Duffel bags with wheels can weigh significantly more, but if you’re planning to get a rolling duffel and use the wheels versus carrying it on your shoulder, this won’t be a major concern!

In order to compare these duffle bags against one another, we threw them into a gladiatorial pit and forced them to fight to the death…OK so no that did not happen. Instead, various members of Team Broke Backpacker tested these duffels over a period of a number of years taking them on trips. That means that some duffels got put through the gauntlet of a month long vacation whereas got off lightly with a weekend trips. As such, the science isn’t exactly exact here.

Still, we stand by our findings. With each duffel we paid close attention to capacity and packing functionality, we compared how comfortable each duffel felt to carry, assessed how rugged and resilient each one felt and awarded bonus points for style.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Still have some questions about the best travel duffels? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Why should you get a duffel bag?

Duffel bags might not be as handy as backpacks, but they’re just as spacious. If you’re not planning on backpacking, duffel bags are the next best option to store all of your gear safely.

Which duffel bag is the best?

We love the Osprey Transporter Expedition Duffel as it can be carried as a duffel bag and backpack at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds.

What’s a good size duffel bag?

A duffel bag can range from 35 to 65 liters. Most of them have an average of 40L which makes them perfect for carry-on.

What should I look for in a duffel bag?

Look for these key features: 1. Quality of the material and price 2. The design 3. Packability, size and weight

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In this guide, we’ve covered the 17 best travel duffel bags on the market. From the big players to smaller brands, we’ve reviewed the ones fit for the great outdoors, your next business meeting, or a short hotel stay.

Nowadays, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to travel gear. Do you want a duffel bag with wheels? One that is lightweight? How about a fully waterproof duffel backpack? All you need to do is pick out the best travel duffel bag for you!

• Should You Buy a Duffel or a Carry-On For Your Next Trip?
• Calling All Backpackers: Discover Your Perfect Carry-on backpacks with Us!
• Check out our rundown of the best travel bags and see what works best for you.
• Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Is it possible to travel with a duffle around the world, or you recommed a backpack fot that? Cheers

Sure, but if you travel long term consider that a duffel will mean carrying the weight of your bag with just one side of your body. It also means you won’t always have the option of two free hands, which you can get from a backpack.

where would u place the wandrd hexad all access?

Hi John, thanks for reaching out. The Wandrd Hexad All Access is a great pack, and one I will be adding to this list shortly. I have been traveling with a Wandrd PRVKE 31 for about a year as my primary daypack/camera bag and I absolutely love it – Wandrd makes great stuff. I have had a bit of first hand experience with the Hexad All Access as well – here are my first impressions: The Hexad All Access is a great pack/duffel for 4-5 days of travel, is tough as nails, and has plenty of interesting features and storage options whether you are a photographer or not. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Long story short – this duffle is solid and you can’t really go wrong.

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10 top-rated duffel bags in every style: rolling, backpack & more.

Find the best duffel bag for your travel style.

The 10 Best Travel Duffel Bags

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Duffel bags can be used for a wide variety of activities and trips, making them an ideal piece of luggage for travelers.

While duffel bags are convenient for quick travels such as overnight business trips and weekend getaways with your partner , many are big enough for a week or two away. Of course, duffel bags are also convenient for everyday use at the gym, kids' sporting events and the like.

U.S. News compiled this list of the best travel duffel bags based on consumer recommendations. Read on to find the best duffel bag for your travel needs as well as answers to common questions about this type of suitcase.

• Best Overall Travel Duffel Bag:  Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L
• Best Duffel Bag for Men:  Thule Chasm

Best Women's Duffel Bag: Vera Bradley Large Travel Duffel Bag

• Best Rolling Duffel Bag:  The North Face Rolling Thunder – 22" Roller
• Best Carry-on Duffel Bag:   Away The Everywhere Bag
• Best Waterproof Duffel Bag:  YETI Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel
• Best Duffel Bag Backpack:  REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel

Best Small Duffel Bag: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

Best large duffel bag: l.l. bean adventure duffle, extra-large.

• Best Packable Duffel Bag: Gonex Packable Travel Duffle Bag  

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues.)

Best Overall Travel Duffel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L

Courtesy of Patagonia

Highly rated by travelers, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L weighs less than 3 pounds, has a 55-liter capacity and is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop fabric. The weather-resistant bag has a convenient open main compartment with a top zipper and padded base; it features a zippered side pocket accessible from the inside or outside. This product also has padded, detachable shoulder straps that allow it to convert into a backpack .

Reviewers comment that the bag's size is perfect for weekend or weeklong trips, with many calling it the best travel bag on the market. Because it's so popular, this travel duffel bag tends to sell out, but Patagonia and other retailers typically restock it and allow interested buyers to sign up for waitlists. The Black Hole line also includes a smaller 40-liter size and two larger bags – with a capacity of 70 liters and 100 liters – for extended vacations or camping trips .

Price: $169 or less. Shop now: Patagonia | REI | Backcountry

Best Duffel Bag for Men: Thule Chasm

Courtesy of Thule

The Thule Chasm is rugged enough for the woods, yet sleek enough for the office. Available in four trendy colors (think olive green and burnt orange), the weather-resistant bag can be used as a duffel or carried as a backpack and features plenty of interior organization.

The Thule Chasm duffel is available in four sizes – 40, 70, 90 and 130 liters – to suit your travel needs and, regardless of size, can expand with the use of its external compression straps. Recent buyers say this travel duffel bag is good for everything from road trips to the overhead bin; they also appreciate how easy it is to store the bag (in an accompanying case) when not in use.

Price for 130L: $179.95 or less. Shop now: Thule

Courtesy of Vera Bradley

With thousands of five-star reviews, Vera Bradley's Large Travel Duffel Bag remains a tried-and-true duffel bag for women. The soft, 50-liter bag is available in black or navy microfiber (for those who aren't keen on the traditional paisley patterns ) and even more solid colors in recycled cotton . This women's duffel bag comes with a detachable padded shoulder strap, one zippered and three open side pockets, and a zippered closure. Inside, three mesh pockets keep small items like cosmetics and jewelry organized and easily accessible.

The bag is also machine-washable in cold water using a gentle cycle, and it conveniently folds flat for storage. What's more, you can personalize your duffel with a monogram or whimsical design.

Price: $140 or less. Shop now: Vera Bradley | Amazon

Read: The Top Weekender Bags for Women

Best Rolling Duffel Bag: The North Face Rolling Thunder – 22" Roller

Courtesy of The North Face

This 40-liter-capacity bag weighs less than 8 pounds and is the perfect rolling duffel bag for travelers who don't feel like lugging anything over their shoulder. Its design features larger wheels and wheel wells for better traction, as well as a strengthened handle and back panel. Reviews of this rolling duffel bag say it's sturdier than a traditional duffel and mention that the bag rolls smoothly.

The North Face's durable Base Camp material combined with nylon makes this product suitable for rougher wear and tear; plastic bumpers on the wear points also help protect the fabric. There's an interior mesh pocket, two zippered pockets outside, and an additional external compartment for wet or dirty items or clothes. It's available in black and military olive/black, as well as larger (30- or 36-liter) sizes .

Price: $270 or less. Shop now: The North Face

Read: The Top Rolling Duffel Bags

Best Carry-on Duffel Bag: Away The Everywhere Bag

Courtesy of Away

There couldn't be a more fitting name for this bag that is, indeed, perfect for going everywhere. With a 20-liter capacity and weighing less than 3 pounds, The Everywhere Bag by Away is ideal to use as a carry-on duffel bag or personal item (it fits under the seat) for air travel. This product is also convenient for overnight visits and weekend getaways – or longer, depending how you pack. Its sleek design makes it a nice bag to tote to the office, too.

This carry-on duffel bag can store all of your necessary in-flight items with a 15-inch laptop pocket, zippered and slip pockets inside, and an open interior that will accommodate a comfy wrap or travel pillow . It's designed with a trolley sleeve to fit over the handle of another carry-on bag or checked luggage, and it also has an adjustable and removable shoulder strap. The water-resistant nylon travel bag is available in several colors with leather trim. Fans of the bag remark that it's sleek, timeless and very spacious. If you're looking for more room, however, upgrade to The Medium Everywhere Bag or The Large Everywhere Bag .

Price: $195 or less. Shop now: Away

Read: The Top Carry-on Backpacks

Best Waterproof Duffel Bag: YETI Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel

Courtesy of YETI

This fully submersible duffel will be your go-to bag whether you're planning a big offshore fishing trip, heading to Antarctica or camping in a rainforest during your next adventure. No matter how wet you get – on the boat or on land – buyers say your gear will stay 100% dry thanks to the bag's waterproof molded landing pad, laminated high-density nylon and HydroLok Zipper. The 50-liter YETI bag, weighing in at about 5 pounds, also features lash points for carrying options. It's available in storm gray and tan, as well as larger sizes: 75-liter or 100-liter .

Price: $300 or less. Shop now: Amazon | YETI | DICK'S Sporting Goods

Best Duffel Bag Backpack: REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel

Courtesy of REI

This versatile bag is made of durable recycled ripstop nylon and features an even more rugged recycled ballistic nylon base. It's large enough to accommodate belongings for a trip of several days. Recent buyers mention that they like the classic design and use the REI Co-op Big Haul duffel as both a gym bag and a work tote. Carry this bag as a duffel or use the stowable back straps to convert it to a backpack. The lightweight travel duffel bag weighs approximately 2 pounds and comes in four colors.

Price: $109 or less. Shop now: REI

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

While this small duffel bag comes in a variety of sizes, the medium, large or extra-large sizes of the Landon Carryall Bag by Dagne Dover are most ideal for overnights and weekend escapes . The compact design makes it easy to store this 100% vegan bag in the overhead bin or even under the seat on the plane. The bag also features a neoprene trolley sleeve so you can easily plop it on top of other luggage.

Other features include a laptop sleeve (sizes vary by bag), interior and exterior pockets for essentials such as your passport holder and phone, a dust bag for shoes , and a leash for keys. Buyers appreciate all the features of this bag, especially its versatility for travel and everyday use.

Price for XL: $245 or less. Shop now: Dagne Dover

If you're looking for a big bag to hold a few weeks' worth of clothing (and then some), the L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle might be your newest travel companion. The extra-large size measures 17 x 34 x 15 inches and has a 139-liter capacity – versus the small, 19-liter version, which is 9 x 18 x 9 – and features comfortable hand and shoulder straps plus an exterior zippered pocket. It's also waterproof.

Reviewers say this travel duffel bag is so big that they've been able to pack their entire family's belongings in it and have also used it for monthlong trips; some even note that the bag has lasted decades. This duffel bag comes in a variety of colors, and monogramming is available for an additional fee. If you're looking for a large duffel bag with wheels, check out the Extra-Large Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag by L.L. Bean .

Price: $89.95 or less. Shop now: L.L. Bean

Best Packable Duffel Bag: Gonex Packable Travel Duffle Bag

If you're looking for a foldable duffel bag that you can put in your checked luggage and fill with souvenirs you acquire on your trip (or even just dirty laundry), check out the Gonex Packable Travel Duffle Bag. The duffel bag can be neatly folded and packed into an included pouch for easy storage on the go and at home. This thin yet tough bag features external zippered pockets, a detachable shoulder strap and a compartment for shoes, making it a good everyday duffel bag as well.

Reviewers agree you can't beat the value of this Gonex bag, which is available in 40-, 60- and 80-liter sizes.

Price for 80L: $44.99 or less. Shop now: Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

The duffel bag is a piece of oblong luggage typically carried over the shoulder and used for short trips. It's often used as a catchall for sports gear as well – think dance class, tennis practice, etc. Invented in the town of Duffel in Flanders, Belgium , in the 17th century and made of a woven cloth later known as canvas, duffel luggage has since evolved to incorporate a variety of materials and features including wheels and backpack straps. Duffel bags also come in many shapes and sizes, including small, stylish options known as weekender bags .

Yes, you can carry your duffel bag on to the plane provided it meets airline carry-on size restrictions and can fit in the overhead bin.

Yes, you can check a duffel bag as long as it meets weight restrictions for checked baggage . Check your airline's rules ahead of your trip.

Unless your duffel bag can meet airline size restrictions for personal items and fit under the seat, it will count toward your carry-on allowance and you'll need to store it in the overhead bin or check it (for free) at the gate. If you're looking for a duffel bag that fits under the seat, The Everywhere Bag by Away and Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag are both good options.

You can buy duffel bags through sporting outfitters (online or in store), luggage retailers and, of course, Amazon.

When choosing the best duffel bag for your needs, travel experts recommend taking these features into consideration:

• Ease of transport:  Some duffel bags can be clunky and heavy. That's why Andrew Zimmern, the host of Magnolia Network series "Family Dinner" and goodwill ambassador to the United Nations' World Food Programme, prefers a duffel bag with wheels . "I'm an adventure traveler and am often in several environments and ecosystems on just one trip," he says. "I like a rolling duffel bag to easily navigate airports, sidewalks and curbs."
• Organization:  Zimmern says it's also nice to have adjustable interior panels that keep gear organized. "I appreciate that once it's organized, it's secure, and it stays consolidated within the customized 'bins' inside my bag." And external compartments are just as important. "I also prefer a bag that has external pockets so I can easily access aspirin or headphones if I've packed just the one bag," he adds.
• Size:  Samantha Brown, host and creator of PBS series "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," has a list of features she looks for in the perfect duffel bag. "I prefer a duffel to be personal item-size so I can always pair it with my carry-on bag. I especially am looking for a trolley sleeve on the back to connect it to my luggage, which is a rare feature to find."
• Style:  "For me, a duffel needs to have handles as well as an adjustable luggage strap. It also needs to have some structure to it. My pet peeve is an amorphous bag that collapses as you are  trying to pack , unpack or find things," Brown says.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Soft-sided Luggage
• The Top Airline-Approved Pet Carriers
• The Top Camping Tents
• The Top Sleeping Bags
• The Top Packable Jackets

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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Best Duffel Bags of 2024

From proven outdoor models with backpack straps to rolling designs for travel, below are the year's top duffels.

Switchback Travel

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Whether you’re traveling by air, driving up to a cabin for the weekend, or venturing across the world on an expedition, you’ll likely be using a duffel bag to get your gear from one place to the next. Duffels are popular among all kinds of travelers for good reason: they’re easy to load and carry, and many are built to take a beating. Below we break down the best duffels of 2024, including top travel, outdoor, and waterproof bags of both the standard and rolling varieties. For more background information, see our duffel bag comparison table and buying advice below the picks.  

Our Team's Duffel Bag Picks

• Best Overall Duffel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole 55
• Best Budget Duffel Bag: REI Co-op Roadtripper 100L
• Best Carry-On Duffel Bag: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller 21”
• Best Weekender Duffel Bag: Thule Aion Duffel Bag
• Best High-Capacity Wheeled Duffel: Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L
• Best Ultralight/Packable Duffel Bag: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Duffel
• Best Waterproof Duffel Bag: Yeti Panga 75

Best Overall Duffel Bag

1. patagonia black hole 55 ($169).

Patagonia’s Black Hole line helped make duffels cool, and we think the 55-liter version is the best all-around bag on the market. In 2024, all Black Holes are made with 100%-recycled materials, along with the premium build quality and trendy colorways that Patagonia is known for. The duffel is beautifully constructed from end to end, and you get multiple color options from simple black to phosphorus green. It’s remarkably tough, too: The fabric is burly 900-denier ripstop nylon with a beefy TPU finish for water resistance (note: in the latest version, this laminate is now fully recycled and has a matte look). This duffel is not waterproof like the Yeti and SealLine models below, but it should keep your gear dry in light to moderate moisture just fine.

We've been using the same Black Hole Duffel for almost ten years now and it's still going strong, despite being packed with sharp climbing gear and shlepped to all corners of the world (by plane, train, horse, and snowmobile). In terms of features and carrying comfort, you get a multitude of ways to grab and carry the duffel: The removable backpack straps are more comfortable and functional than most, and the bag comes with reinforced haul handles and webbing loops for carrying by hand. Keep in mind that this duffel does not have a particularly rigid structure (only the base is lightly padded), so it doesn’t offer a ton in the way of protection for your fragile items. Finally, Patagonia’s Black Hole line also includes a variety of versions (we love the 70L for expedition use and the 40L as a carry-on), including smaller travel packs and wheeled duffels. See the Patagonia Black Hole 55

Best Budget Duffel Bag

2. rei co-op roadtripper 100l ($70).

If you’re in the market for basic storage and protection for your gear, the REI Co-op Roadtripper is one of the best values on this list. At just $70, this bag is made from burly recycled polyester and sports a large detachable shoulder strap and handles (no backpack-style straps here, which is notable for those who plan on carrying their bag long distances). We also love the minimal weight, which at just 1 pound 6 ounces is one of the lightest duffels here.

Who is the REI Roadtripper Duffel best for? It makes a great gear hauler for those who need space and protection without the bells and whistles. We’ve used the 100-liter version on a number of big trips including all the way down to Patagonia (four flights) and came away impressed. The bag is well-built, functional, and has withstood quite bit of use and abuse. At the same time, it’s not waterproof (or even highly water-resistant) and definitely not a fully featured bag for travel. If you want more protection and conveniences like internal storage, side compartments, and backpack straps, we’d recommend the Patagonia Black Hole above instead. See the REI Co-op Roadtripper 100L

Best Carry-On Duffel Bag

3. the north face base camp voyager roller 21” ($240).

For frequent travelers, there is a lot to be said for the convenience of a wheeled duffel, especially one that can be used as a carry-on. At 40 liters and with dimensions that meet size restrictions for most airlines, the TNF Base Camp Voyager Roller is a great option for air travelers who don’t pack the kitchen sink. The wheels are large yet smooth and functional over a variety of surfaces, and equally at home on the dirt roads of a far-flung village as in the airport. What’s more, the rigid internal frame and strong plastic handles (one telescoping) are durable enough to take a beating, whether you’re lifting the duffel, rolling it over cobblestones, or tossing it into the back of a truck. And with a PFC-free DWR finish, the Base Camp Voyager will keep your gear dry in the process.

What the Base Camp Voyager Roller is not, however, is a fully featured piece of luggage for business travelers. It lacks the sleek look and organizational compartments of more typical roller bags, with only one internal mesh pocket, a laptop sleeve, and a small external zip pocket. And at $240, you’ll pay a premium for the durable construction and wheeled design. For $40 less, the Osprey Daylite Carry-On 40 offers better organization, but its sophisticated appearance might not appeal to those looking for a true duffel design. In the end, the Base Camp Voyager Roller is a great combination of durability, functionality, and outdoor style. For those who want more space, TNF also makes a 29-inch version that can accommodate more than 90 liters' worth of gear. See The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller 21"

Best Weekender Duffel Bag

4. thule aion duffel bag ($190).

Many of the duffels here are designed for expedition use or toting a week’s worth of gear (or more), but the reality is that most travels take place over the weekend. A good weekender bag can hold around 35 liters’ worth of clothing and personal supplies, meets carry-on requirements, and features a range of internal and external pockets to help you stay organized. Within this category, the Thule Aion is our top pick and gets high marks for style too, with a classy aesthetic that looks the part in both urban and outdoor environments. The 35-liter bag is also decently durable, with a waxed 600-denier polyester canvas outer that’s abrasion-resistant and can fend off light moisture.

In addition to its good looks and build quality, the Thule Aion is high on organization with two separate internal compartments (great for separating clean and dirty clothes), a laptop sleeve and internal zippered pocket, and external stretch and zippered stashes beside the front zip. Portability is also good with two carry handles, a padded (and removable) shoulder strap, and a pass-through sleeve for securing to a roller bag. Added up, the Aion offers similar functionality as a travel backpack but in duffel bag form, which is great for those looking for a cleaner, more streamlined look. At $190, it’s more expensive than most bags here of similar size, but the added features and sleek appearance do help justify the added cost.  See the Thule Aion Duffel Bag

Best High-Capacity Wheeled Duffel

5. osprey sojourn shuttle 100l ($395).

For travelers torn between a standard duffel and traditional wheeled luggage, the recently updated Osprey Sojourn Shuttle (previously just the “Shuttle”) may be exactly what you’re looking for. This high-end duffel is extremely roomy, durable, and comes with tons of organization. Time and time again, we’ve loaded an entire vacation’s worth of clothing and gear into the Osprey with ease. Unlike cheaper wheeled duffels that have a tendency to fall over when full and upright, it maintains its stability nicely, and the larger-than-average wheels get the job done on uneven surfaces like cobblestones and gravel roads. And all of the other features are there, from external compression straps to tighten down your load to a separate lower compartment for wet gear.

The major shortcomings of the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle are simply trade-offs inherent to the roller design. First, you won’t be throwing this duffel over your shoulder and strolling through the airport or walking through a major city. It’s heavy at over 8 pounds empty and must be transported almost exclusively on wheels. In addition, when packed to the brim, you may find yourself pushing the standard 50-pound checked baggage limit—particularly if you go with the 130-liter version (we’ve cut it close with the 100L on occasion). Finally, at $395, the Sojourn is pricey—even within Osprey’s lineup, you can save with the simplified Daylite Wheeled Duffel 85 ($240) and more durable Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 ($340). But for a premium roller duffel from a brand known for its high-quality, durable offerings, look no further than the Sojourn Shuttle. See the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L

Best Ultralight/Packable Duffel Bag

6. osprey ultralight stuff duffel ($45).

Not everyone needs their duffel bag to pack down small, but in certain situations, it can be a really nice feature to have. Perhaps you’re low on storage space, headed out on an expedition where every inch and ounce count, or simply need to bring along an extra duffel for the souvenirs you plan to pick up during your travels. Regardless of the reason, it’s hard to beat the utility of an ultra-packable design, and Osprey’s 30-liter Ultralight Stuff Duffel is one of our favorite options. Clocking in at just 7.1 ounces and packing down smaller than a 1-liter water bottle in its integrated pocket, the aptly named Ultralight Stuff is far and away the most streamlined option here. For just $45, it’s almost a no-brainer whether you’re using it as your primary bag or a backup.

We love the versatility of the Osprey for space- and weight-conscious situations, but keep in mind that this isn’t your standard travel duffel. With a thin nylon construction and small 30-liter capacity, it won’t hold up to long-term abuse, keep your gear dry, or shuttle much more than a well-organized overnight kit. But it’s fully functional for the right application with a padded shoulder strap, accessory pocket, and smooth-running zippers.  See the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Duffel

Best Waterproof Duffel Bag

7. yeti panga 75 ($350).

Osprey is an industry leader in backpacking packs, so it should come as no surprise that their Transporter toes the line between backpack and duffel better than most. With padded straps and an adjustable sternum strap designed with carrying comfort in mind, the Transporter is a great option for travelers who need to cover distance with their duffel. In terms of features, a zippered pocket at one end is great for storing important items like travel documents and charging cables, and you get a wide U-shaped opening along with an interior mesh pocket, deployable rain flap, and straps to keep items in place as you walk. Added up, the Transporter is one of our favorite duffels for trips that start at the airport and take you to seriously adventurous locales.

Coming in at $180 for the 65-liter version, the Osprey Transporter is a similar bang for your buck as the Patagonia Black Hole above and a touch more expensive than The North Face's Base Camp below. Durability-wise, its 900-denier recycled polyester is on par with that of the Black Hole (the TNF is a bit more robust at 1000D), and our duffel shows no real signs of wear after being thrown around on a month-long trip to Nepal. The lack of an over-the-shoulder strap is a bit of an inconvenience, but you do get a functional carry handle along with Osprey’s best-in-class backpack carry. All told, if you’re looking for the carrying comfort of a premium pack alongside the convenience of a duffel, the Transporter should be near the top of your list. And for those who spend a lot of time around water, Osprey also makes the Transporter Waterproof Duffel , which is available in 40-, 70-, and 100-liter capacities and offers an impressive IPX7 rating. See the Osprey Transporter 65

9. Mountain Hardwear Expedition Duffel 100 ($280)

For climbers embarking on long journeys into the greater ranges, it doesn’t get much better than the Mountain Hardwear Expedition. This duffel is purpose built for hard work, with water-resistant 840-denier ballistic nylon in the body and a burly 1000-denier base lined with foam for both structure and protection. A wrap-around daisy chain allows you to lash it down in endless configurations, whether you’re headed to basecamp with the help of a mule, truck, or boat. And the Expedition’s most unique element is its massive D-zip opening, which extends via wings on each end and even folds all the way open for great basecamp organization (complete with internal tote bag-style handles). 

For such a utilitarian duffel, the Expedition packs in a surprising number of organizational features. You get a handy internal compression system that can secure all or some of your load, along with four small zip pockets (two internal, two external). And because we’re all familiar with wrestling the zipper closed on an over-full duffel, many will appreciate the integrated top compression strap that cinches the sides together and reduces zipper strain. Finally, like most designs here, the Expedition includes backpack straps, which also serve as a carry handle by way of integrated Velcro patches. The technical style, oversized capacities, and price tag will turn away most casual users, but for demanding expeditions, the Expedition is a great tool for the job. See the Mountain Hardwear Expedition Duffel 100

10. Gregory Supply 90 ($120)

We really like what Gregory has done with their Supply Duffel. Updated last year, this bag simply screams “function,” with a durable 600-denier polyester body and base, burly #10 YKK zipper and oversized T-Grip pull, and a price tag that beats out most duffels here. In fact, at just $120 for the 90-liter version, the Supply is still considerably cheaper than many 60-liter models on our list. For travel and outdoor applications like camping, ski trips, and even expeditions, this is a durable and high-capacity duffel that checks most of the boxes. 

But with its function-first attitude, the Gregory Supply isn’t for everyone. While you do get tuckaway backpack straps and one external pocket, it lacks the bells and whistles we see in much of the competition, including a U-shaped top zip and dirty-laundry compartment. We’ve come to value the large top access of a model like the Black Hole when we’re living out of a duffel, but the simple entry of the Gregory is sufficient for most uses. In the end, as long as you’re aware of the trade-offs, the Supply is a really nice option to have that will save you some money without making many compromises in terms of durability. See the Gregory Supply 90

11. The North Face Base Camp Medium ($149)

First released in 1986, the Base Camp is a classic offering from The North Face and a direct competitor to our top-ranked Patagonia Black Hole above. It’s similarly tough and water-resistant, offers easy access to the inside, and can be carried as a backpack, which we love. Both bags offer comparable organization pockets, but the Base Camp’s medium and large models add an exterior compartment on one end that allows you to separate dirty clothes and shoes. The Base Camp comes in more colors and designs than we can count, and is available in capacities ranging from 31 liters (XS) to a whopping 150 liters (XXL). For everything from a carry-on to an expedition workhorse, this is one of the most popular duffels on the market year after year.

Although we do like the Base Camp line and have used them for years, we prefer the Black Hole for a few reasons. First, the outer fabric on The North Face shows scuff marks more easily than its Patagonia counterpart. Second, at 3 pounds 8 ounces, the TNF is nearly a pound heavier. Finally, we found the backpack straps on the Base Camp to be slightly more difficult to detach than those on the Black Hole, making your airport check-in a bit more frantic. But for a reliable all-around duffel and more versatility in terms of size and colors, the Base Camp is a solid choice. And TNF also offers the Base Camp Voyager (in 32, 42, and 62L versions), which features a more modern design, lighter materials, and improved organization.  See the North Face Base Camp Medium

12. Black Diamond Stonehauler 60L ($190)

Relatively new to the scene is Black Diamond’s Stonehauler, which offers a climber’s take on the classic outdoor duffel. Building off popular designs like the Patagonia Black Hole and TNF Basecamp, Black Diamond placed 5-millimeter closed cell foam into the Stonehauler’s walls to guard against sharp gear like ice tools and climbing cams (a nice touch, as our cams have dug a hole in the base of our Black Hole). They also added on a 2-kilonewton haul loop for extra assurance when securing your gear to a mule or truck (heck, you could even haul the duffel up El Cap). Tack on a rugged 600- by 1500-denier body fabric and reinforced ends, and the Stonehauler is impressively durable and ready for all the rigors of your next expedition.

We’re impressed with Black Diamond’s design and think the Stonehauler makes a great fit for climbing, but the duffel risks being overkill for the majority of people and uses. Most travelers don’t need a haul loop or padded side walls, especially when the added tech results in a higher price (the 60L Stonehauler is $41 more than the TNF Base Camp 71L, for example). Further, we’re a bit miffed by the design, which places more durable fabric on the ends of the bag but not on the base. But BD does add some nice travel features with three zippered pockets, an internal laundry bag and compression straps, and removable shoulder straps. And you can upgrade to their Pro models (30 and 45L), which feature a padded laptop sleeve. See the Black Diamond Stonehauler 60L

13. Eagle Creek Migrate 60L ($129)

The Eagle Creek Migrate 60L is a nice option for travelers looking for a durable hauler with an assortment of carry options. It’s one of the more affordable duffels on the market at just $129 for the 60-liter version, and offers no shortage of bells and whistles with both tote and haul handles, glove-friendly zipper pulls, lockable main zips, an external zip pocket, and the option for both over-the-shoulder and backpack carry. What’s more, the main fabric is fairly robust (900D) and dirt-resistant, while the seamless bathtub base (1680D) will keep your gear dry even on wet ground. It all adds up to one of the best values out there and a great duffel from a respected travel luggage company.

All that said, the Migrate falls short of the more premium options above in one main way: access. Eagle Creek opted for a straight zip instead of the U-shaped lid of many duffels here (like the Black Hole above), meaning the Migrate is a lot harder to live out of and keep organized. But on the bright side, the simplified build does result in a lower price tag, and you get 5 extra liters of space if you leave the side buckles undone. And we’ve gotta give props to Eagle Creek for their efforts toward sustainability: The Migrate is made with bluesign-approved materials and recycled plastics. In addition to the standard version here, it also comes as a wheeled duffel in 110- and 130-liter capacities. See the Eagle Creek Migrate 60L

14. Gregory Alpaca 60 ($160)

Updated last year, the Gregory Alpaca is a durable and water-resistant duffel that checks all the boxes for rigorous outdoor use. Like the Black Hole above, it has a large U-shaped opening, boasts padded and removable backpack straps, and is made with a durable 900-denier ripstop polyester with a TPU coating for water resistance. Throw in storm flaps over the top zipper, an expandable end pocket for dirty laundry, internal mesh pockets, and an included packing cube that pulls double duty as a stuff sack, and the Alpaca strikes us as another thoughtfully built and well-equipped outdoor/travel duffel.

The Alpaca is a direct competitor to the Black Hole, and there’s certainly a lot to like about the design. The 60-liter version is about $10 cheaper than Patagonia’s 55-liter duffel, the packing cube is a nice addition (similar designs will run you $20 to $30), and the oversized end pocket has a lot of utility compared to the Black Hole’s smaller side pocket. But Gregory can’t quite match the brand cachet of Patagonia, and you only get a choice between three colors (compared to the Black Hole’s nine). In the end, both are high-quality outdoor duffels from trusted brands—built to withstand air travel, far-flung expeditions, and everything in between. See the Gregory Alpaca 60

15. Cotopaxi Allpa 70L ($200)

Cotopaxi has carved out a corner of the market with their spunky outdoor and travel gear, epitomized by fun colorblocking and sustainably sourced materials. The Allpa Duo 70L here is their largest and most functional duffel, great for international flights and road trips alike. Similar to the Black Hole, the Allpa features durable materials and large U-shaped access to the main compartment. But it tacks on a few more features, including a separate laundry compartment with mesh pocket (we’ve found this incredibly useful) and three zippered accessory pockets on the exterior (the Black Hole has just one). We also appreciate the Cotopaxi’s convenient carry-handle stash pockets, which get them out of the way when not in use.

At $200 for the 70-liter version, the Allpa is about the same price as the Black Hole 70, and offers an extra dose of convenience with its additional features. But we do have a major gripe with its design: The duffel does not include buckles on the backpack straps, meaning you’ll have to unthread the webbing for unhindered access to the main compartment. But there’s still a lot to like about the duffel, especially for fans of Cotopaxi’s design aesthetic. The Allpa duffel also comes in a 50-liter version, and the Allpa collection also features a full lineup of travel packs, hip packs, and gear hauler totes.  See the Cotopaxi Allpa 70L

16. REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Recycled ($139)

We know the competition is stiff in this category, including popular and proven bags like the Patagonia Black Hole and The North Face Base Camp above. But the second REI duffel to make our list wins out in one important category: price. For $139, the Big Haul 60 is another tough and versatile option with a healthy array of bells and whistles. You get solid weather resistance, comfortable backpack straps, a number of handles for easy grabbing, and decent organization on the inside in the form of mesh pockets. The 60-liter duffel included here likely can be used as a carry-on provided it’s not stuffed to the gills, or you can play it safe and opt for the 40-liter version for $119. 

Given that the REI Co-op Big Haul 60 is a strong value, why is it included toward the bottom of this list? From our experience, the build quality isn’t quite up to Patagonia standards, and the REI doesn’t have that sleek, high-end look either. On the other hand, the Big Haul has a thicker (1680D) fabric around the bottom to prevent wear and tear (and a thinner 400D nylon around the top), many of the same features, and should get the job done for most people and uses. What’s more, it's now made with recycled fabric, which is a big win for everyone. All in all, it’s another quality product from REI’s in-house line at an attractive price point. And the Co-op also makes the Big Haul Recycled in a rolling version, which comes in both 30 and 34-inch sizes ($279 and $299, respectively). See the REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Recycled

17. Mountain Hardwear Camp 4 65 ($140)

Mountain Hardwear offers some of the most serious outdoor duffels on the market, from the high-capacity Expedition above to the Camp 4 here. Riffing off the design of a haul bag, the Camp 4 has a cylindrical shape that lies on its side when open but can stand up on its own when full. In our opinion this is more of a stylistic feature than anything (climbers will love the vibe), but it might come in handy while staging duffels for transport—and we do love the large external zip pocket at the top for staying organized. Finally, one large grab handle on each side are great for the duffel shuffle, and the backpack straps remove when not in use.

But despite its haul-bag aesthetic, the Camp 4 is not particularly robust compared to most duffels here. The relatively thin 420-denier nylon will hold up to a lot of abuse, but we don’t recommend actually trying to haul the bag up an abrasive rock face (the similarly minded Black Diamond Stonehauler above features a much thicker 600x1500D shell). On the other hand, we do appreciate the Camp 4’s generous reinforcements around the edges, which is where duffels tend to collect wear, and its relatively compact packed size will come in handy for some. In the end, the Mountain Hardwear is a great combination of style and function for $50 less than the Stonehauler 60, making it another nice option for those packing for their next adventure. See the Mountain Hardwear Camp 4 65

18. Backcountry All Around 60L ($139)

The All Around is Backcountry’s addition to the outdoor duffel market and a continuation of their growing line of in-house gear. Similar to the Patagonia Black Hole and The North Face Base Camp above, it boasts a U-shaped zipper opening, several pockets for organization, and the option of being worn as a backpack. And like the Base Camp, an external zipper on one end opens to a large secondary compartment, great for separating dirty laundry or shoes. And with a recent redesign, the All Around now includes a padded base for added structure and protection.

Backcountry didn’t necessarily do anything new in the All Around, but they did make a quality bag at a respectable price point. Stacked up against our top-ranked Black Hole, it lags behind in durability (300D vs. 900D polyester) and capacity options, and you’ll either love or hate the bold goat logo on one end. And while some of Patagonia’s colorways are more subtle or sophisticated (call it what you will), Backcountry has taken a page out of Cotopaxi’s book with their loud, colorblocked designs. The All Around will save you $30 compared to the Black Hole 55 (and give you 5L more space), but we recommend that consistent travelers stick with the tried-and-true Patagonia. See the Backcountry All Around 60L

  19. SealLine WideMouth Duffel 70L ($165)

Along with the Yeti Panga, SealLine’s WideMouth is the only other fully waterproof duffel on this list. These two bags are quite different, however: With a much thinner nylon build, the SealLine has a significantly lower weight and profile than the Yeti, which is great when space is at a premium. Further, it features a roll-top design instead of the Panga’s burly waterproof zipper, which doesn’t offer quite the same level of protection, but it does pack down nicely. Perhaps most importantly, the WideMouth is roughly one-third the price of the Panga and more than enough duffel for most people. 

Why do we have the SealLine ranked here? The Yeti has more structure and is much easier to pack, not to mention the fully waterproof zipper system offers more assurance (and less room for user error) than the WideMouth’s roll-top seal. Moreover, the Yeti has backpack straps and therefore is easier to carry. The cherry on top: The extra thickness of the Yeti means that it’s much more durable and abrasion resistant in the long term. But for those looking for a waterproof duffel without breaking the bank, the WideMouth is a nice option. And SealLine also makes the Pro Zip Duffel , which features a waterproof main zipper and retails for $315 for the 70-liter capacity. See the SealLine WideMouth Duffel

Duffel Bag Comparison Table

Duffel bag buying advice, duffel bag categories: travel, outdoor, waterproof, duffel bag capacity, roller duffel bags.

• Main Compartment
• External Pockets
• Compression Straps
• Daisy Chains (Lash Points)
• Carrying Options
• Durability (Denier)

Water Resistance

• Packability  

Travel Duffels Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway, flying home for the holidays, or going to the gym, travel duffels offer a durable way to transport items from Point A to B. These bags range from minimally featured duffels—often just sporting hand carry straps and shoulder straps for short commutes—to roller bags (like the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L ) that are great for carting around heavy loads. Robust fabrics and rugged wheels set the travel bags in this article apart from the standard suitcases and rollers you often see at the airport. That said, these bags lack the focus on water-resistance that we see in outdoor duffels, usually forgoing storm flaps over the zippers and DWR coating. But for travelers who don’t plan on subjecting their bags to the elements, travel duffels are a nice mix of durability, convenience, and simplicity.

Outdoor Duffels Many duffels on this list are made by big outdoor brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Osprey, and Black Diamond. Outdoor use can vary substantially, from throwing your bag in the back of a truck to hardcore expeditions. In this category, look for robust fabrics with DWR coating, water-resistant zippers or storm-flaps, comfortable backpack carrying straps, lash points, and handles for grabbing the bag from multiple angles. And versatility is a notable upside of outdoor duffels: We’ll often use them for basic travel purposes as well, especially those with multiple carrying options and convenient organizational features like U-shaped openings and multiple pockets or compartments. For example, the Patagonia Black Hole , our top pick, can be used from anything from serious outdoor exploration to standard air travel (and it looks the part for both). 

Waterproof Duffels Most duffels here are highly water-resistant, meaning they're able to keep out light to moderate rain and snow. But a small percentage of users, including rafters, fishermen and women, and winter adventurers, need a fully waterproof duffel. The market is limited, but there are a few bags that offer a high level of waterproofing, including the Yeti Panga, SealLine WideMouth, Osprey Transporter Waterproof , and NRS High Roll Duffel Dry Bag. With the help of thick waterproof fabrics, watertight zippers, and roll tops, these bags are designed to keep your gear dry on wet boat decks, in inclement weather, and during quick dunks in the water (the Osprey even has an IPX7 rating, meaning it'll keep water out when submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes). Given their overbuilt nature, we wouldn’t want a waterproof duffel for anything but the harshest and wettest of environments: They’re simply too heavy, expensive, and technically oriented (minimal organization and straps) for everyday use. 

Large: 75+ liters Duffels that are 75 liters or larger are heavy haulers for longer trips, multiple people, and outdoor equipment (boots, backpacks, tents, etc.). When we fly to go backpacking, we love our 100-liter REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel : It can fit multiple empty backpacks, bulky footwear, and all of our extras. It’s worth noting that these bags can get heavy fast depending on what you stow inside of them, so keep an eye out for total weight as you’re packing. Clothing and most regular items should keep you below the 50-pound checked bag limit, but if you’re packing anything particularly heavy, it can be an issue. And for serious outdoor and expedition use, duffels like The North Face Base Camp are made all the way up to 150 liters.

The roller duffel is one of those “have your cake and eat it too” scenarios for travelers wanting the ease of wheeling their bag with the packing convenience of a duffel. We’ll start by noting that roller duffels are quite popular, and particularly for air travel. You simply take the bag out of your car, wheel it to check-in (or your gate if it’s a carry-on), and you’re off. Roller duffels are ideal for those who don’t want to carry their bag on their back or shoulder, and some of the smaller versions (in the 40-liter range and under) are carry-on compatible.

But roller duffels do have their limitations. First, rarely do roller duffels come with anything more than carry handles (read: no backpack straps), making them difficult to transport in areas without sufficient rolling surfaces. Second, cheaper or ultralight duffels have a tendency to fall over when full, which is something to be aware of when making a purchase (heavier models like the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle do not fall over, which makes them worth the extra cost in our opinion). Finally, roller duffels inherently have more breakable parts. Some duffels have replaceable wheels but many don’t, which is a quick way to lose all of that easy transport functionality.

For travel scenarios where you’ll be moving around a lot—think backpacking through Europe—we prefer non-roller duffels. They’re easy to grab and throw on your back, and you don’t have to worry about the surface (if you’ve ever tried taking a roller duffel down a cobblestone street, you know what we’re talking about). If you’re primarily an air traveler and moving your bag long distances by vehicle, a roller duffel is a fine option, and you do get the added benefit of one hard side for protecting your belongings. For the purposes of this article and the picks above, we’ve included a handful of our favorite roller models, and some of the standard designs have wheeled versions available.

  Pockets and Organization

Main Compartment Hands down, the easiest duffels to pack, unpack, and rummage around in are those with a large, U-shaped opening. Duffels such as the Osprey Transporter 65 feature this design: A zippered flap extends around three of the four sides of the top of the duffel and opens to reveal most of the contents. These bags provide easy access whether in a hotel, tent, or on the road. Other bags open in a more traditional style, with one zipper that extends across the top of the bag. With a smaller opening, access to the contents is more limited, and especially when full (this means more rummaging and disorganization). If you’re looking to prioritize convenience above all else, large roller duffels like the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle offer the most rigid structure and largest opening for packing and unpacking.

External Pockets When choosing a duffel, consider how much you’ll want access to your belongings as you travel. The most streamlined models feature one large compartment with no internal organization (the REI Co-op Roadtripper, for example), while more fully featured designs include handy external pockets for small items or padded compartments for a tablet or computer. Some duffel bags are even made with specific gear organization in mind, such as the Thule Bike Gear Locker Duffel (with dedicated pockets for shoes and a helmet) and the Thule RoundTrip Snowsports Duffel, which features a fleece-lined goggle pocket and boot compartments on each end. For travelers, we think that at least one external pocket is nice to separate out your smaller essentials. 

Compression Straps Compression straps, both internal and external, can help make a duffel’s load more compact. Internal straps remove strain from the zipper and compress your gear inside the duffel to keep it from shifting during transit. We see these on models like the Patagonia Black Hole and Mountain Hardwear Expedition Duffel . External compression straps can be on the ends or sides (such as with The North Face Base Camp) and tighten the duffel after the zipper has been shut. External straps are especially useful on large duffels that might not be stuffed to capacity, and they help make your bag less unruly for travel. Additionally, if you plan on frequently carrying your duffel as a backpack, we encourage you to consider a model with compression straps—it makes the whole operation a lot more comfortable.

Daisy Chains (Lash Points) If you’re using your duffel primarily to transport your belongings via plane, train, or automobile, you’re probably wondering why you might need the daisy chains lining the exterior. However, put your pack in a raft, saddle it to a mule, or strap it to the roof of your van, and you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them. Not all duffels come with daisy chains (a.k.a. lash points) and some have more than others. If you know that you’ll need to secure your duffel for a wild ride, definitely be on the lookout for a bag that sports plenty of reinforced lash points. The most outdoorsy the bag, the more likely it is to be lined with daisy chains.

Carrying Options: Backpack Straps, Shoulder Straps, Handles

We’ve all been there: clumsily dragging our bag across the airport lobby and cursing ourselves for not purchasing something with wheels (or a travel backpack ). And if you’re looking for a bag in the 60-liter range or larger, know that when it gets full, it’s going to be heavy . The good news is that duffel manufacturers have gotten creative with designing bags that can be carried in a multitude of ways. Below are the main carrying options, and some fully featured bags offer all four. Backpack Straps For those who are able to throw their bag over their back and walk with it, backpack straps are our preferred carrying method. Many of the high-end bags on this list have backpack straps that are lightly padded and often removable. One duffel in particular, the Osprey Transporter , has many similarities to an actual backpack and is great for those planning to cover longer distances. Keep in mind that carrying comfort does vary, which is one reason why some bags are ranked higher than others. When not in use, many backpack straps simply detach for storage in the main compartment (this keeps them out of airport conveyor belts). Sometimes, simply tightening down the straps flush to the bag can be enough.

Shoulder Straps Though less comfortable than backpack straps over extended periods, a single shoulder strap is a quick way to carry your duffel short distances. In particular, we like shoulder straps on smaller duffels that don’t weigh a ton (they can start to get uncomfortable around the popular 60-liter range). Not all duffel bags come with shoulder straps, but we see them frequently on smaller capacity, travel-specific bags. Shoulder straps usually are removable, allowing you to streamline your duffel for transport. Carry Handles Most duffels have carry handles of some sort, whether they’re dedicated straps or a simple padded handle connecting the backpack straps to each other. Carry handles are useful for picking up a bag and moving it a short distance, and they’re great for carrying small capacity bags in one hand. Some duffels like the Osprey Transporter omit carry handles altogether­ in favor of shoulder and backpack straps. This can make sense for big, heavy bags, but we still prefer having the option.

Grab Handles Grab handles often are located on the ends or sides of a bag and sit close to the surface. Similar to carry handles, they are used to quickly lift or slide a duffel. Having a grab handle on each side is convenient when moving the bag around (think about grabbing it from the overhead bin of an airplane or the storage compartment on the bottom of a bus). We love grab handles: They are one the reasons that duffels are so versatile and easy to move around.

  Durability (Denier)

We reference durability frequently in this article—everyone wants their investment to last. The most common way of measuring fabric strength is denier (D), and the higher the rating, the tougher the fabric will be. All deniers are not created equal, but this gives you a general idea of how two duffels stack up to each other in terms of toughness. When available, we’ve included the denier rating of each bag in our handy comparison table above, which range from 1000-denier for a bag like The North Face Base Camp down to 300-denier for the Backcountry All Around. It’s worth noting that the manufacturers sometimes provide two numbers, which refer to the different panels (usually the highest number is the bottom of the bag that is exposed to the ground, whereas the lower number are the sides and top). This number may not be the definitive factor in your buying decision, but it certainly can help tip the scales when choosing between two close competitors.  

Duffels advertised as “water-resistant” are designed to keep your belongings protected from light rain and soggy ground. These models often cover their durable ripstop fabric with a laminate that keeps moisture from soaking in (often a DWR treatment or something similar). A DWR treatment certainly is a nice feature for everyone using a duffel: The weather is unpredictable when traveling, you never know when your duffel might be sitting on the tarmac for a few extra minutes, and it’s super helpful for outdoor use. In addition, some bags have flaps covering the zippers, which can be a point of weakness. Water-resistant gear does have limitations: It should work well in light-to-moderate precipitation but eventually will soak through. 

As mentioned above, a few duffels on this list take it a step further. The Yeti Panga and SealLine WideMouth are both built with waterproof fabrics. With a fully waterproof zippered seal, the Yeti can even be submerged, and the SealLine's roll-top does a decent job as well (no guarantees, but your stuff should stay dry). On the other hand, most duffels with vinyl or laminate finishes (such as the Patagonia Black Hole) will keep your gear dry in a rainstorm, but their zippers and seams might leak with sustained exposure to moisture. All things considered, a waterproof duffel is essential for water sports but overkill for travelers who stick to land.  

Some travelers may not care about the weight of their duffel, but for others it’s a factor, and particularly with heavier rolling models. Most non-wheeled duffels weigh just a few pounds or less, which makes them easy to carry, throw in your car, and store when not in use. Rolling duffels, on the other hand, tend to get a bit heavy. For example, The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller weighs 9 pounds 7 ounces empty for the 94-liter version, which already accounts for almost 20% of the standard 50-pound limit for checked bags. And the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L weighs 8 pounds 9.6 ounces but has a larger capacity at 100 liters (and comes in a massive 130-liter version). We can tell you that a loaded Sojourn Shuttle with things like shoes can get awfully close to the 50 pounds—we’ve been in the high 40s on a number of occasions. It’s also worth noting that a 45-pound bag isn’t the easiest to get in and out of your car or up a flight of stairs.

Packability

Packability won't be high on the priority list for most travelers, but there are a few instances in which a streamlined duffel can come in handy. For those who anticipate coming home with more than they started—or vice versa—being able to stow an empty duffel in another bag is a great way to consolidate your load. A few of the picks above pack into a stuff pocket or included packing cube, including the REI Co-op Roadtripper 100 and Patagonia Black Hole 55. However, it's worth noting that these options are still quite bulky—if you need a more minimalist design, check out a model like the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Duffel . Ultra-packable duffels do come with their fair share of tradeoffs—including less durable fabrics, a floppy structure, and typically small capacities—so we only recommend them for those who specifically need the more streamlined design. Back to Our Top Duffel Bag Picks   Back to Our Duffel Bag Comparison Table

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What Are the Best Duffel Bags for Travel?

Smaller than a suitcase but bigger than a tote , the classic duffel is a perfectly sized carryall for a long weekend. Peer out at a train platform full of city dwellers fleeing town on a Friday afternoon and you’ll see all varieties of duffels, from waxed-canvas bags hearkening back to the style’s military roots to luxe versions in buttery leather. To find the best duffel bags out there for travel , we asked frequent travelers, including writers, photographers, and a hotel exec, to recommend their favorites. Read on for their picks, which include duffels that convert to backpacks , duffels on wheels, and fancier leather styles that will only look better the more miles you clock with them.

Best nylon duffel bags

While it’s on the smaller side, this compact duffel from Paravel was mentioned by two frequent travelers who love its versatility and lightweight material. “Because it folds up so small, I don’t have to think twice about packing it,” says photographer Alice Gao . “If I do end up bringing home wine , ceramics , [or] other food items and need the extra bag, I’m able to shift my belongings around and won’t be stuck buying extra luggage on the spot.” Fellow photographer Lucy Rose Laucht , who’s also a co-founder of hat brand Tio y Ti a, calls it “the Mary Poppins of duffels: It fits my camera gear , laptop , blanket , a change of clothes , and the kitchen sink.”

The Black Hole duffel lives up to its name, according to travel writer and photographer Michaela Trimble , who has toted it all over the world. “It fit everything I needed for a nearly two-month trip with room to spare,” she told us after traveling with the bag to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Madagascar. “And it barely came back with a scratch.” Laminated fabric and a water-repellent coating protect the duffel from the elements and any damage that may occur in transit, while keeping it lightweight (it’s under three pounds). Trimble also notes that it “comes with padded straps, so it can easily and comfortably be carried as a backpack .” Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens also likes the Black Hole duffel, which she says makes a great carry-on . “There are one zillion separate little pockets and perfectly sized compartments for things like chargers and night guards and passports and AirPods , as well as slim sleeves for a laptop and magazines ,” Kitchens says. “It opens at the top, which means things won’t come tumbling out when you need to grab something.”

Like the Black Hole bag, this duffel converts to a backpack but fits as much as a small suitcase. “The very considered design is ideal for someone who is most at home hopping on and off planes and trains,” says Andrew Barker, the chief content officer of the travelers club, PRIOR . He appreciates the bag’s multiple compartments, such as the “zip-up shoe pockets at each end,” and the “TSA-friendly slip pockets [for] easy access to laptop and passport.” In general, Timbuk2’s bags have been on our radar for a while now — we’ve written about their equally durable work backpacks , and contributor David Pogue loves his laptop-friendly Timbuk2 messenger bag (which he’s carried for going on six years).

Another sporty duffel bag, this one comes from the makers of our all-time favorite cooler , can also be worn as a backpack, and is made from thick, laminated nylon that’ll withstand any rough baggage handling. Strategist columnist Chris Black likes that it’s “a fully waterproof duffel bag” that will keep your clothes dry whether you’re tailgating or stuck in the rain.

“I look for a bag that can sit on top of my carry-on, fit a lot of items, and be easily stored when not in use,” says Daniela Velasco, the creative director of Drift and Ambrosia magazines. That bag, for her, is Longchamp’s Le Pilage tote because it carries her camera, laptop, chargers, and more and is water resistant, so she doesn’t have to worry about rain damaging her expensive gear. This duffel is basically a larger version of Velasco’s favorite tote: It’s made of the same durable nylon and fits everything you’ll need for a few days away.

Best canvas and twill duffel bags

Yolanda Edwards , founder of YOLO Journal travel magazine and the former creative director of Condé Nast Traveler , tells us people often stop to ask where her Paravel bag is from. While she has a (now out-of-stock) cherry-red weekender, we think this ivory one with black leather accents is equally striking. Plus, Edwards finds it very functional for flying. “It has a handy strap for slipping onto my suitcase handle, and if I’m lazy, even just the handles work for that.” She adds that “it stands up on its own, and I like how tall it is — although if you want to keep it under the seat in front of you on a flight, you do have to push it down.”

Another of Black’s favorites, this handsome duffel is water resistant and designed to fit in overhead compartments. As he says, “[It] will easily fit everything you need for a weekend of apple picking or skipping rocks on Long Island, without taking up too much space in a car or on a train.”

If you’re looking for a purchase you can feel good about, travel writer Jedidiah Jenkins recommends this weekender from Nisolo, which values fair trade and healthy working conditions for manufacturers. “They’re a really dope company that prioritizes ethical supply chains,” he says. In terms of functionality, Jenkins says the bag’s interior pockets help him keep his stuff organized, and its removable cross-body strap allows for hands-free carrying.

Best leather duffel bags

If you have the money to spare, this classy leather duffel also recommended by Black will probably last for a lifetime of traveling. “The bag is beautiful, functional (it’s carry-on appropriate and comes with a shoulder strap), lined with micro-suede, and has a U-shaped zippered entry to the main compartment for easy access,” he says. “You can get it monogrammed for an extra $10.”

Elyse Eisen, a travel blogger and the founder of the Chain Collective PR agency, loves this bright-blue bag that’s made in New York City by her friend and former client Alex Dabagh. “I really put all my bags to the test with the amount of travel I do, and I recently took this on a monthlong trip to Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Istanbul, and Amman,” she says. Eisen likes that this duffel can be used as a carry-on when she flies and that it has a waterproof nylon lining for easy cleanup in the event of an unfortunate toiletry spill.

[Editor’s note: This bag is sold out of in blue, but you can still get it in black .]

Given the price points of our cool people’s favorite leather duffels, we felt it worth including this affordably priced one — which looks way more expensive than it actually is — for anyone who isn’t ready to drop nearly $1,000 on a weekender. Because the leather is soft and slouchy, the already nice-looking duffel will probably look even better with age.

Best wheeled duffel bag

A fully loaded duffel bag can be a heavy burden to bear, but a bag with wheels takes the weight off your shoulders. Ben Pundole, the founder and editor-in-chief of hotel review site A Hotel Life and the vice-president of brand experience at Edition Hotels , trusts his wheeled North Face duffel because it has lasted through years of frequent travel. “It’s my favorite because it’s indestructible,” he said. “Waterproof, durable, and most of all, dustproof.” For a North Face duffel without wheels, Black recommends the brand’s Base Camp duffel , which he says is up for anything. As he writes , “Get in line to climb Mount Everest or head to Amagansett — either way, you’re covered.”

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15 Best High-Quality Duffel Bags for Travel in 2024

Written by Becca

Updated on March 13th, 2024

Is there a best duffel bag for travel? Check out my high-quality picks in outdoorsy travel duffels, classic carry-on duffels for flights and versatile weekender duffels.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Duffel Bags

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Peak Design Travel Duffel

• Troubadour Orbis Duffel (30L)

Quince Revive Nylon Duffle Bag

Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Duffle (42L)

Halfday Garment Duffel

The Outdoor Duffle 70L by AWAY (70L)

Bellroy Duffel (Patty Mills Edition)

Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle Bag

TOPO Designs Mountain Duffel

Tom Bihn Night Flight Travel Duffel

Halfday Travel Weekend Duffel

• AWAY Transit Leather Duffle

Public Rec Pro Weekender

• Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag (33L)

Gregory Alpaca Duffel 40

You’re here because you’re on the hunt for a great new duffel bag for your travels this season. We’ve got just the picks for you, from all our favorite brands.

A duffel bag is a traditional type of luggage that has been modernized through so many great companies and styles these days. What’s great about a duffel bag is that you can just sling it over your body with a crossbody strap, or carry it with both handles. This makes duffel bags a versatile piece of luggage, when compared to rolling suitcases or backpacks!

We look for a few key features in duffel bags for travel, and this list is going to focus on quality , as no one wants a cheap duffel bag for a vacation.

In this roundup, check out the duffel bags we think are fantastic, from how they look, to how they perform when they get thrown into a trunk on a road trip.

Browse our 5 favorite picks

• Peak Design Travel Duffel Check Availability
• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L Check Availability
• Troubadour Orbis Duffel Bag Check Availability
• Quince Revive Nylon Duffle Bag Check Availability
• Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Duffle (42L) Check Availability

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel was the first bag that I took with me to travel for a year in 2016. I got it based on the recommendation from a friend and, wow: he was absolutely right.

This travel duffel bag is great. In fact, read my Black Hole Duffel review to see more photos about how it folds up.

The best feature is the durability. This bag has been tossed around in more luggage racks, hostels and trunks of a tuk-tuk than I can remember. Even after all of that, you can barely see any scratches or wear. All of the stitches around the seams and straps are still very well intact.

Get the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel if durability is your #1 goal. A feature that I didn’t know I wanted was its ability to fold up into a compact cube. So, you can pack the Black Hole Duffel and take it out when you have spillover from your main luggage, or when you plan to bring back more than you came with.

There are backpack straps, but don’t expect much support because it’s a duffel, after all (not a backpack). It also comes in a 40L size , a 70L size and a 100L size .

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

With incredible durability, this unbreakable duffel packs into itself, too.

Peak Design Travel Duffel

Peak Design’s Travel Duffel is top-notch. If you’ve seen our Peak Design Travel Backpack review , you’ll see that the two are made from the same materials like a weatherproof 100% recycled nylon shell, a waterproof bottom liner and leather accents.

And gosh, what a bag. Every product I’ve used from Peak Design has reigned supreme for its durability, minimalist look, overall functionality and attention to detail. The duffel comes with two hand straps, one shoulder strap and a “handle wrap” for carrying heavier loads. It also can be worn as a backpack (although it is mainly a duffel).

The PD Travel Duffel comes in two sizes ( 35L and 65L ), with the 35L being ideal for weekend trips or for a gym bag, and the 65L being useful for when you have heavy stuff, or when you plan to check luggage for a flight.

You can learn more about Peak Design at our Peak Design brand page where we go in-depth about the different products for travel.

This minimalist and functional duffel has exceptional quality and features.

Troubadour Orbis Duffel (30L)

This beautifully-crafted duffel from Troubadour is an award-winning travel bag made from durable recycled polyester with a vegan leather handle. It lives many lives, from being an attractive gym bag, a weekender or a longer-travels bag. At a total 28L of capacity, it fits a 16” laptop and weighs about 3 lbs.

The commendable features of the Orbis Duffel are its 12 pockets and dedicated laptop pocket that fits a computer up to 16.” To find all the pockets, you have to take a good look: there’s a zipper side pocket, a hidden front “slip” pocket, and phone and pen pockets, among others. Best of all, it’s got a trolley sleeve for getting that good stacking effect on top of your suitcase.

Troubadour has become one of our favorite brands for travel because of the exquisite designs of all the products. I’d recommend checking out our Bivy Tote Backpack review , Momentum Backpack review and Ki Backpack review for some more travel inspiration.

Troubadour Orbis Duffel

An award-winning duffel bag with clean lines and 12 pockets.

Quince Revive Nylon Duffle Bag

If you’ve seen our Quince hard shell suitcase review , you know how serious we are about quality luggage that comes at an affordable price. The Quince Revive Nylon Duffle Bag is no different: it’s a chic duffel made from recycled materials that looks good and feels right.

A few of this duffel’s best features are its waterproof material and Nappa leather trims, along with two zippered front pockets and an included dust bag! It looks good carried by its top handles, or the longer shoulder strap. I don’t see this one going out of style anytime soon. The final plus is that it’s totally unisex and comes in four strong color choices.

Unisex and chic, this duffel bag is waterproof and affordable.

Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Duffle (42L)

This 42-liter duffel from one of our favorite travel brands Nomatic zips itself into a tiny little carrying case. It’s an impressive product that can be packed into a suitcase or a backpack when you’re not using it for hauling your stuff during a trip.

We like that, at 42L, it has an internal zipper pocket, can be carried as a backpack or a duffel, weighs less than 1 pound and even has a sternum strap for use during carrying. The Navigator Duffel comes at a competitive price and has a lifetime warranty. What’s not to like about this one?

This smart duffel packs down and compresses into a carrying bag.

Halfday Garment Duffel

We became introduced to this luggage brand via my old friend Michelle, and when we found out that Halfday Travel (their name sounds like Half Half Travel, so we liked it immediately) makes a garmet duffel, we had to see it.

Halfday’s smart product, The Garment Duffel, is carry-on friendly and folds flat when you need it to. Made of water-resistant polyester material, it’s ready to carry a full suit or a dress (useful for traveling to weddings around the country), as well as three sets of clothes or outfits. Want to see more? Check out the Halfday Garment Duffel product page .

Halfday's brilliant garmet duffel is a garment bag and duffel bag, all in one, for convenient travels.

The Outdoor Duffle 70L by AWAY (70L)

From the company that made the first viral hard shell suitcase, as well as one of my original favorite daypacks (which I review at my Away Daypack review ), AWAY has come out with a big outdoor duffel .

At 70 liters, it is a heavy-duty size for carrying lots of stuff. The Outdoor Duffle is meant to fit enough packing for a week-long adventure, and is durable enough to take camping or into the outdoors. The highlight is the material, which is a recycled abrasion-resistant and weather-resistant polyester that creates a simple design and high functionality.

AWAY's high-strength 70-liter duffel is sturdy and durable enough to take camping.

Bellroy Duffel (Patty Mills Edition)

This unique duffel from Bellroy , the company behind one of my favorites in the best backpacks for woman travelers , is traditional and rugged, ready for travel or just everyday use.

Highlights are its wide-mouth opening, good for being able to see everything inside, and easy organization, which is an important feature for me. The Bellroy Duffel has a detachable shoulder strap so that it can be used by its grab handles, and fits 30L of your travel things, in total.

By getting a Bellroy travel product, your purchase comes with a three-year warranty, so make use of it if anything should go awry with your Bellroy gear.

Bellroy's answer to a travel duffel is classic and cool, with travel-friendly features.

Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle Bag

Quince’s All-Day Neoprene Duffle Bag has everything you could ask for in a travel duffel that also looks like an oversized purse or day bag. It comes in fun yet muted color choices, and looks good whether you’re wearing it with the crossbody strap or holding it by its elongated double grab handles. I was originally introduced to the brand via ttsheir luggage, which you can see in my Quince hard shell suitcase review .

Get free shipping, plus 365-day returns now!

Shop the deal

What is neoprene, exactly? You may have heard of the term from Quince’s neoprene belt bag in my list of the best fanny packs for travel . The neoprene from Quince is made of recycled water bottles, so it’s a good choice for an eco-conscious traveler. Inside the Quince Neoprene Duffle are multiple compartments and pockets, and the sides have snap-down flaps for a classic luggage look.

Quince's All-Day Neoprene Duffle has a cute and chic look, and is an eco-friendly choice.

TOPO Designs Mountain Duffel

This fun and funky duffel from colorful brand TOPO Designs keeps everything protected with padding, and is big on pockets. It’s big enough to hold ski boots, in the main compartment!

The Mountain Duffel easily convertible into a backpack, so you can hike and camp with it and there’s no problem. Of course, it’s great for travel, with those heavy-duty YKK zippers that I really enjoy about all TOPO products I’ve tried.

Easily convertible into a backpack, this durable duffel has strong zippers and lots of compartments.

Tom Bihn Night Flight Travel Duffel

The Night Flight Travel Duffel from the Tom Bihn brand is a top-notch piece of travel luggage that is sized to fit carry-on requirements for flights, so it’s ideal for a flying trip. It also fits under a seat as a personal item based on its dimensions.

Expertly designed with side compartments so that you can even take things out in-flight, this travel duffel has a handy pass-through strap, multiple grab and carry options, a squishy handle and eight “O-rings” for attaching anything you need.

With the strength and quality of Tom Bihn goods, this duffel will last a lifetime.

Halfday Travel Weekend Duffel

As one of the more competitively-priced duffels in this list, the Halfday Weekend Duffel is an easy choice for its versatility and features. The top has a U-shape zipper opening flap, and at the side, you’ll see a shoe compartment! We have it in Marine blue.

For travel, it has a luggage pass-through trolley sleeve, a spacious main compartment that will hold all your packing cubes , mesh interior organization pockets and a zipper side pocket on the outside. I like that it folds flat for storage, so it fits it in our closet with all my other duffels, backpacks and suitcases (yes, it’s true!).

Moderately priced and perfect for a short trip, this duffel folds up flat for storage.

AWAY Transit Leather Duffle

The AWAY Transit Leather Duffle is timeless, professional, classic and chic. It’s the duffel that you could step off a plane with, and head right to a business meeting with it, like for a one-day business trip .

AWAY’s leather duffel is made from ECCO DriTan™ leather and 100% recycled polyester canvas, fits 26L of packed items and weighs 4 lbs when empty. It fits a 13” laptop, has a Trolley sleeve to attach to a suitcase and clocks in perfectly at carry-on size for your flight.

The Transit Leather Duffle by AWAY

The most classic and chic leather duffle for elegant travel days.

Public Rec Pro Weekender

Hey wow, our favorite apparel brand Public Rec came out with a travel duffel ! Public Rec is an athleisure brand that we like for when we’re working remotely or traveling. The Pro Weekender is meant for traveling professionals and is a lightweight duffel with some structure.

The Pro Weekender Duffel has a side shoe compartment, a 30-liter capacity, external and internal pockets, water-resistant fabric and three ways to wear it.

Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag (33L)

Filson products will be with you for life, and that’s how I feel about my Filson products. The Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag has a 33-liter capacity and is made of high-quality waxed cotton. It’s ideal for overnight trips, as it expertly protects your stuff and has a removable strap.

The leather grip and strong YKK zippers, along with the 100% cotton oil finish Tin Cloth are what makes this duffel bag one that you’ll have for decades. Filson doesn’t come cheap, and the brand’s quality stands the test of time.

Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag

Made to have for life, Filson's duffel is of supreme quality materials.

Gregory Alpaca Duffel 40

Gregory products are made for mountains and the outdoors, and the Gregory Alpaca Duffel 40 is one of the more outdoorsy duffels in this list. It’s made from recycled polyester, so it’s water-resistant (hikes can get rainy!) and even comes with its own packing cube for organization.

One highlight I have to mention is the “dirty gear compartment,” which helps keep soiled clothes and shoes separate from clean items in the rest of the duffel. Smart!

The 40L Gregory Alpaca Duffel is meant to be an outdoorsy travel companion, with several hike-friendly features.

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Best Duffle Bags for Every Journey in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

Welcome to the ultimate showdown of durability, style, and convenience! If you’re on a quest for the best duffle bag , look no further. As your trusty guide , Kevin Erickson, I’m here to navigate you through the bustling market of duffle bags, ensuring your next pick is nothing short of perfect. Let’s face it, choosing the right duffle bag can be as tricky as picking a travel destination. But worry not! Whether you’re jet-setting across continents or heading to the gym, I’ve got the insider scoop on the crème de la crème of duffle bags . So, buckle up and prepare for a journey into the world of high-quality, versatile duffle bags that promise to be your loyal companions , no matter where life takes you!

TL;DR: Why Trust Our Duffle Bag Picks?

• Extensive Research: We’ve scoured the market, analyzing hundreds of bags for quality, style, and functionality.
• Real User Feedback: Our selections are influenced by countless reviews and real-life experiences.
• Versatility: We understand everyone’s journey is unique, so we’ve included a bag for every type of traveler.
• Insider Knowledge: With years of travel and product testing under my belt, I bring you only the best.

Best Duffle Bags in 2024

Embark on your 2024 adventures with the perfect companion by your side! Our guide to the best duffle bags explores top picks renowned for durability, style, and functionality. Whether you’re jetting off to exotic locales or hitting the gym, discover the ideal duffle to suit every journey. Dive into our comprehensive review and make your travels or daily excursions more convenient and stylish than ever before!

Versatile Elegance: Lucky Travel Duffel Bags 65L Review | Place 1

The Lucky Travel Duffel Bags 65L is a quintessential travel companion, embodying versatility and style. As a seasoned product tester, I’ve found this bag to be a standout in its category. Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend getaway or heading to the gym, this duffle serves every purpose with ease.

Weekender Bag

The spacious 65L capacity ensures you have ample room for all your essentials. Its robust construction and stylish navy color make it a top choice for any traveler. The adjustable shoulder strap adds to the convenience, making it a breeze to carry around.

Sports Gym Bag

For fitness enthusiasts, this duffle doubles as an efficient gym bag. Its durable material withstands the rigors of daily use, and the tactical placement of pockets allows for organized storage of gym gear.

Carry-On Luggage for Airplane

The compact design qualifies it as carry-on luggage, saving you time and hassle at the airport. It’s the perfect size to fit overhead or under the seat, keeping your belongings close during flights.

Customer Insights

Users like Bonnie Stokes and Danman0614 rave about its perfect size and superior build quality. However, some, like Cecilia Bolanos, note that while it’s great for a week-long trip, it might not match up to some other brands in terms of quality.

Available in various colors and sizes, the Lucky Travel Duffel Bags 65L offers something for everyone. Its standout features include handle straps, an adjustable shoulder strap, and front zipper pockets for easy access.

Call to Action

Are you a weekend warrior or a gym enthusiast looking for the perfect bag? Look no further. The Lucky Travel Duffel Bags 65L offers style, functionality, and durability. Click to purchase and elevate your travel and fitness game!

Rugged Elegance: S-ZONE Duffle Bag for Travel 60L Review | Place 2

The S-ZONE Duffle Bag for Travel 60L is a testament to timeless style and practical design. As an experienced duffle bag tester, I’ve seen many, but few strike the balance between aesthetics and functionality as well as this one. Its canvas body, accented with genuine leather, gives it a distinguished vintage look, while the spacious 60L interior ensures you travel without leaving essentials behind.

Best Travel Companion

This bag is not just about looks; it’s about making travel easy. The removable shoulder strap offers versatile carrying options, making it suitable for any journey. Whether you’re jetting off for a business trip or escaping for a weekend retreat, this bag adapts to your needs.

Why Choose S-ZONE Duffel Bag?

It’s the attention to detail that sets the S-ZONE Duffel Bag apart. The durable canvas paired with top-quality genuine leather trim promises a bag that not only looks good but lasts long. The large capacity and upgraded zipper make it a reliable choice for any traveler.

Users praise its roomy interior and secret zippered pockets, perfect for a weekend away. The retro look and sturdy build have garnered positive feedback, making it a favorite among travelers looking for style and substance.

The S-ZONE Duffle Bag is available in various colors, e ach featuring quality solid zine-alloy hardware and bottom rivets for added durability. Its dimensions make it an ideal carry-on, while the leather surface develops a unique patina over time, enhancing its vintage appeal.

For the discerning traveler with an eye for style and a need for practicality, the S-ZONE Duffle Bag for Travel 60L is your go-to choice. Embrace the journey with a bag that complements every adventure. Click to purchase and embark on your next trip with confidence!

Durable and Dynamic: adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag Review | Place 3

The adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag is more than just a bag; it’s a dependable partner for those with an active lifestyle. As a journalist with extensive experience in testing duffel bags, I’ve found the Defender 4 to stand out for its robust construction and thoughtful design. It’s a versatile choice for gym-goers, travelers, and anyone in between.

DEFENDER 4 DUFFELS

This updated duffel features zip end pockets, a water-resistant base, and a roomy interior for your gear and essentials. Its durable polyester material and lifetime warranty promise long-lasting performance. The bag’s medium size is perfect for daily use or short trips, providing ample space without being cumbersome.

Primary Function

The adidas Defender 4 is designed to keep your belongings organized and accessible . Multiple zippered pockets and a spacious main compartment ensure that everything from gym clothes to travel necessities has its place. The adjustable shoulder strap and padded handles offer comfort and versatility in carrying.

Users like Dan Richter and Rachael Liming praise the bag’s perfect size and quality. Its ample space, durability, and stylish design make it a popular choice among those who lead an active lifestyle. Whether for sports, travel, or daily use, the Defender 4 has received accolades for its performance and value.

Available in a variety of colors, the adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag is as stylish as it is functional. It features a 100% polyester fabric, hand wash care instructions, and is imported with a country of origin in Indonesia. The bag’s lifetime warranty and water-resistant base material are testaments to its quality and durability.

For the active individual seeking a reliable, stylish, and functional duffel bag, the adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag is the ideal choice. Embrace your dynamic lifestyle with a bag that keeps up with you. Click to purchase and make the Defender 4 your trusted companion for every adventure!

Smooth Travels: Pacific Gear Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel Bag Review | Place 4

The Pacific Gear Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel Bag by Traveler’s Choice is a game-changer for frequent travelers. As a journalist with a knack for testing travel gear, I’ve found this duffel bag to be a blend of durability, convenience, and style. It’s designed to cater to the needs of modern travelers, offering a seamless travel experience.

Elevate Your Travel Experience

Crafted from robust polyester with a mesh lining, this bag ensures durability and breathability. The U-shaped zipper allows easy access to a spacious main compartment, making packing and unpacking a breeze. Its in-line skate wheels glide smoothly, ensuring effortless mobility, while the telescoping handle and additional carrying handles offer versatile transport options.

Designed for the Modern Traveler

With thoughtful exterior pockets, this luggage bag keeps essentials at your fingertips. Its 30-inch size provides ample storage for all travel necessities. Whether navigating busy airports or city streets, this duffel bag is equipped to handle the demands of any journey.

Travelers are thrilled with its spaciousness, ease of rolling, and sturdy handles. Its flexibility in packing and lightweight fabric make it a great value for those seeking a reliable travel companion. The olive color adds a touch of elegance to its functional design.

Available in various colors, the Pacific Gear Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel Bag is made for those who value reliability and style. It features durable polyester material, mesh lining, smooth in-line skate wheels, and a telescoping handle. The bag’s dimensions and exterior pockets are thoughtfully designed for ease of travel.

For those who value smooth travels and efficient packing, the Pacific Gear Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel Bag is your ideal travel companion. Upgrade your travel gear and experience the difference in your next journey. Click to purchase and embark on your travels with confidence!

Streamlined Travel: Felipe Varela Duffle Bag Review | Place 5

The Felipe Varela Duffle Bag with Shoes Compartment and Adjustable Strap is a travel essential that combines functionality with elegance. As a journalist dedicated to testing travel gear, I’ve found this duffle bag to be a top choice for those seeking a blend of style, space, and organization.

Felipe Varela emphasizes simplicity, safety, lightness, and practicality in its design. This duffle bag is not just a storage solution; it’s a statement of efficient travel. The water-resistant and wear-resistant fabric ensures durability, while the foldable design makes it a breeze to store when not in use.

Versatile and Spacious

Choose from four sizes to fit your travel needs, each offering ample space and a separate shoe compartment to keep your footwear isolated from other belongings. The main compartment is roomy and organized, perfect for clothes, gadgets, and travel essentials. The bag’s versatility makes it suitable for business trips, leisure escapes, or sports outings.

Travelers appreciate the bag’s spaciousness, durability, and the convenience of the shoe compartment. Its ability to fold flat for storage has made it a favorite for those with limited space. The variety of trendy colors ensures that there’s a Felipe Varela Duffle Bag to match every style.

The Felipe Varela Duffle Bag is available in various colors and sizes, made of durable and lightweight fabric. It features a versatile main compartment, separate pockets, and a bonus toiletry bag for additional organization. The padded handles and removable shoulder strap offer comfortable carrying options.

Elevate your travel experience with the Felipe Varela Duffle Bag, the perfect blend of style, space, and functionality. Choose your size, pack more, and travel with ease. Click to purchase and embark on your next adventure with confidence!

What is a Duffle Bag?

Historical Roots and Modern Evolution

The duffle bag’s journey began in the Belgian town of Duffel, where the original, strong cloth material was first manufactured. Initially adopted by soldiers and mariners for its ease of transport and storage, the duffle bag has evolved into a fashionable and functional item for travelers, athletes, and professionals alike. Today, it comes in various forms, incorporating features like wheels, padded straps, and multiple compartments to suit different lifestyles and needs.

Diverse Materials and Designs

Modern duffle bags are a far cry from their humble beginnings. They now boast a range of materials, each offering unique benefits. Traditional canvas is prized for its rugged durability and classic aesthetic, while leather exudes luxury and longevity. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester offer water resistance and lightweight properties, making them suitable for a variety of conditions. The design of duffle bags has also expanded, including options like wheeled duffle bags for effortless travel and gym-specific designs with ventilated compartments.

The Enduring Appeal of Duffle Bags

Choosing a duffle bag is opting for a blend of tradition and innovation. Its enduring design, characterized by a large, flexible storage space, makes it an ideal choice for almost any occasion. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway, storing your sports gear, or looking for an all-purpose travel bag, the duffle bag’s adaptability makes it an enduring favorite in the world of carryalls.

Top 8 Duffle Bag Brands and Their Standout Products

When it comes to finding the best duffle bag, brand reputation plays a crucial role. Here are eight renowned brands and their top duffle bags:

• Samsonite: Known for the Tote-A-Ton Duffle, offering immense space and durability.
• Tumi: The Alpha 3 is a sleek, business-class duffle with superior organizational features.
• Patagonia: The Black Hole Duffel is an adventurer’s dream with its weather-resistant material and versatile carrying options.
• The North Face: Base Camp Duffel is rugged and ready for the harshest conditions.
• Adidas: Defender III is a sporty, durable option perfect for gym-goers and athletes.
• Nike: The Brasilia Duffel offers a sleek design with ample storage and a ventilated compartment.
• Osprey: Transporter is known for its comfortable carrying system and tough build.
• Thule: Chasm Duffel is versatile, with a wide mouth opening and waterproof tarpaulin material.

7 Key Buying Criteria for Duffle Bags

Material Quality: Durability Meets Style

When it comes to duffle bags, the material isn’t just about looks; it’s about longevity and performance. Seek out high-quality fabrics like robust nylon or polyester known for their durability. Look for additional features like water-resistant or waterproof coatings to protect your belongings against the elements. A good material not only extends the life of your bag but also keeps your items safe and secure.

Size and Capacity: Your Space, Your Rules

Size matters when selecting the right duffle bag. Consider the length of your trips and the amount of gear you need to carry. From compact options ideal for the gym to expansive models designed for long journeys, ensure the bag’s size and capacity align with your specific needs. Remember, an overly large bag might be cumbersome, while too small could leave you lacking space.

Comfort: Carry with Ease

Never underestimate the importance of comfort, especially if you’re carrying your duffle bag over long distances. Look for features like padded straps, ergonomic handles, and adjustable shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain. A comfortable bag can make all the difference in your travel experience.

Compartments: Organize in Style

A well-designed duffle bag offers more than just a large storage area; it provides organization. Multiple pockets and compartments allow you to separate and easily access different items, from clothes and toiletries to gadgets and documents. Consider the internal and external compartment arrangement to ensure it suits your organizational style and needs.

Style: Reflect Your Personality

Your duffle bag is an extension of your personal style. Whether you prefer a sleek, professional look or a bold, adventurous design, choose a bag that reflects your personality and suits the occasion. With a variety of colors, patterns, and designs available, your duffle bag can be as unique as your journey.

Price: Investing Wisely

Price is a crucial consideration in any purchase. Determine your budget beforehand and seek the best value within that range. Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best, and affordability doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality. Balance cost with features, durability, and brand reputation to make a wise investment.

Brand Reputation: Trust in Quality

A brand’s reputation can speak volumes about the quality and reliability of its products. Research brands known for their craftsmanship, customer service, and warranty policies. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can provide insights into user experiences and help you make an informed decision.

Market Statistics and Duffle Bag Origins

The duffle bag market is a significant segment of the broader luggage industry, reflecting the evolving needs and preferences of travelers worldwide. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global luggage market, which includes duffle bags among other types of travel gear, was valued at USD 22.1 billion in 2020. It’s projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2021 to 2028, highlighting the increasing demand for quality travel solutions. This growth is driven by various factors, including rising tourism, growing global mobility, and a surge in adventure and sports activities.

The origin of the duffle bag is as intriguing as its design. Named after the town of Duffel in Belgium, the bag was initially made from a thick, durable cloth that was manufactured in the area. This sturdy material was ideal for creating a robust bag capable of withstanding the rigors of travel and military use. Over time, the duffle bag has evolved from a simple military sack to a fashionable and functional accessory, beloved by travelers for its spaciousness, durability, and versatility. Its long-standing popularity is a testament to its reliability and adaptability in various travel scenarios.

In the words of Samsonite CEO Kyle Gendreau, “ A good duffle bag should be versatile enough for any adventure – it’s more than just storage; it’s your travel companion.” This statement encapsulates the essence of what makes a duffle bag invaluable to travelers. Its versatility lies in its simple yet effective design, allowing for everything from a weekend getaway to an extended expedition. The duffle bag’s ability to adapt to various needs and environments, coupled with its enduring design, makes it more than just a place to store your belongings; it becomes a reliable partner in every journey, embodying the spirit of adventure and preparedness. Whether you’re navigating urban landscapes or exploring remote corners of the globe, a good duffle bag ensures that your essentials are secure and accessible, making every trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Potential Weaknesses and Issues in Duffle Bags

• Wear and Tear: The very nature of travel means duffle bags are often put through rigorous conditions. Frequent use can lead to fabric tears, especially if the material isn’t of high quality. Zipper malfunctions are another common issue, rendering the bag nearly useless if it cannot be securely closed. To mitigate these risks, inspect the bag’s construction, material quality, and hardware durability carefully before purchase. Look for reinforced stitching, high-grade fabrics like ballistic nylon, and sturdy zippers that promise longevity.
• Limited Organization: The traditional duffle bag design is a large, open space, which, while spacious, can lead to disorganization. Without compartments or pockets, finding smaller items can become a frustrating dig through a bottomless pit. This lack of organization can be particularly challenging for those who need to separate items like clean and dirty clothes, electronics, or toiletries. Opt for models that include multiple pockets, dividers, or removable pouches to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
• Comfort: Carrying any load over a distance can become uncomfortable, and duffle bags are no exception, especially when overpacked or designed without ergonomic features. A heavy duffle bag can strain your shoulders, back, and arms. Look for bags with padded straps, adjustable shoulder slings, or even wheeled options to alleviate the burden. Some duffle bags also offer back panel padding or allow for even weight distribution, enhancing comfort during longer treks or waits at transit stations.

Understanding these potential weaknesses and issues is crucial in selecting a duffle bag that won’t let you down. By prioritizing durability, organization, and comfort, you can choose a bag that not only meets your travel needs but also stands the test of time and use. Remember, a little bit of research and attention to detail can go a long way in ensuring your travel companion is as ready for adventure as you are.

5 Tests to Evaluate a Duffle Bag’s Quality

1. The Zipper Test

A malfunctioning zipper can turn a reliable bag into a frustrating burden. Test the zippers by opening and closing them multiple times, ensuring they glide smoothly without catching or separating. Check for sturdy zipper pulls and tracks, as well as the presence of protective flaps that can shield your belongings from rain or spills. A strong, reliable zipper is a sign of a well-made bag that’s built to last.

2. The Fabric Pull Test

The durability of your duffle bag heavily relies on the quality of its fabric. Perform a gentle pull test on different areas of the bag, especially at seams and stress points, to check for strength and resistance to tearing. High-quality materials like ballistic nylon or heavy-duty polyester should feel robust and show no signs of fraying or weakness under stress.

3. The Water Resistance Test

Whether you’re caught in a downpour or accidentally spill a drink, your duffle bag should offer some level of protection against moisture. Splash water on the bag’s surface to observe how well it repels moisture. Look for bags with a water-resistant coating or consider a fully waterproof duffle if you frequently travel in wet conditions.

4. The Strap Strength Test

Straps are often the first to give out under heavy use. Fill the bag with weight and lift it by its straps, paying attention to how they handle the load. Quality bags will have reinforced stitching and robust attachment points that don’t show signs of strain or tearing. Padded straps are a bonus for added comfort during transport.

5. The Overall Craftsmanship Test

Inspect the bag’s overall construction, focusing on stitching, buckles, and hardware. Stitching should be even and tight without loose threads, while buckles and hardware should feel solid and function smoothly. Pay attention to the bag’s symmetry and the alignment of its components, as these are indicators of careful craftsmanship and attention to detail.

3 Buyer Avatars for Duffle Bags

Understanding your specific needs and preferences can significantly narrow down your choices and lead you to the perfect duffle bag. Here are three buyer avatars to consider for a tailored buying experience:

• The Weekend Warrior: If quick getaways and short trips are your styles, you’re a Weekend Warrior. You need a compact, stylish bag that’s easy to carry and fits overhead compartments or the backseat of your car. Prioritize style, size, and ease of carrying. Look for duffle bags with a sleek design, lightweight construction, and just enough space for your essentials.
• The Avid Adventurer: For those who are always on the move, exploring new terrains and embracing the outdoors, durability and capacity are key. As an Avid Adventurer, you require a bag that can withstand the elements and carry all your gear. Seek out duffle bags with robust materials, weather resistance, and comfortable carrying options like padded straps or even a convertible backpack design.
• The Gym Enthusiast: If the gym is your second home, you need a functional, accessible bag that can keep up with your active lifestyle. As a Gym Enthusiast, focus on compartments for organization, durability for daily use, and hygiene features like ventilated sections for sweaty clothes or shoes. A good gym duffle will have a mix of compartments for gear, personal items, and electronics, all while being easy to clean and maintain.

Personal Conclusion

In the quest for the perfect duffle bag , it’s clear that one size does not fit all. The ideal choice varies as widely as the individuals who carry them. Whether you’re an intrepid traveler, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who seeks a blend of style and functionality, the right duffle bag can significantly enhance your experience. Reflect on your habits, preferences, and the typical contents of your bag. Do you value organization, or is capacity your top priority? Perhaps durability trumps all other features for your adventurous lifestyle.

Whatever your criteria may be, let this guide serve as a compass to navigate the vast market of duffle bags. With the right information and a clear understanding of your needs, you’re well-equipped to select a travel companion that won’t just carry your belongings but will also complement your journey. Safe travels and happy packing!

What is the best duffle bag for international travel?

For international travel, prioritize durability, space, and comfort. The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is renowned for its rugged build and spaciousness, while the Samsonite Tote-A-Ton offers a balance of durability and lightweight convenience. Both provide ample space and are designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel.

Can duffle bags be used as carry-ons?

Yes, many duffle bags are specifically designed to adhere to carry-on size restrictions. However, sizes can vary between airlines, so it’s crucial to check with your airline for their specific dimensions and weight limits before flying. Compact and flexible, duffle bags are often a preferred choice for carry-on luggage.

How do I clean my duffle bag?

Cleaning your duffle bag usually involves spot cleaning with mild soap and water. However, for specific care instructions, always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines . Some bags may be machine washable, while others require hand washing or special treatment due to their material.

Are there eco-friendly duffle bags available?

Yes, as sustainability becomes a priority for many, brands like Patagonia and Osprey are leading the way with duffle bags made from recycled materials and designed with sustainable practices. These eco-friendly options do not compromise on quality or durability.

What is the average price range for a high-quality duffle bag?

The price for a high-quality duffle bag can vary significantly based on brand, material, and features. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $300 . Investing in a higher-priced bag often means better materials, construction, and longevity, but there are also mid-range options that offer great value.

How much weight can a typical duffle bag hold?

The weight capacity of a duffle bag depends on its size, material, and construction. Generally, a standard-sized duffle can hold between 15 to 50 pounds. However, always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the maximum weight recommendation to ensure longevity and avoid damage.

Is it better to choose a duffle with wheels or without?

Choosing between a wheeled duffle bag and one without depends on your travel style and needs. Wheeled duffles are convenient for smooth surfaces and reducing carry load, ideal for airports and city travel. Non-wheeled duffles are more lightweight and versatile, better suited for varied terrains or when storage space is a premium.

Can I lock my duffle bag?

Many duffle bags come with lockable zippers or designated locking points. If security is a concern, look for bags that offer these features and consider purchasing a TSA-approved lock. Remember, while locks can deter theft, they are not foolproof, especially with fabric bags.

Are duffle bags waterproof?

While not all duffle bags are waterproof, many are made with water-resistant materials or coatings that offer protection against light rain and spills. For full waterproof protection, look for duffles specifically labeled as waterproof, often made with PVC or other impermeable materials and featuring sealed seams.

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Should You Take a Backpack or Duffel on Your Next Trip?

 TripSavvy /  Ellen Lindner

Looking for some new luggage , but not sure which kind to go for? With so many different varieties available, it's not always easy to figure out which works best for a particular trip.

Backpacks and duffel bags are both popular choices, but there are some big differences between them. For many types of vacation, making the wrong choice could end up being physically painful and frustrating.

Here's what you need to know about backpacks and duffels, and how to choose between them.

Pros and Cons of Backpacks

Security: Depending on the model and type of backpack, your ability to secure it varies between "somewhat" and "none." Having lockable zips for the main compartment really should be a requirement, and external pockets should also be lockable if possible.

Obviously you don't want thieves stealing anything from inside your bag, but equally, you don't want anyone slipping unwanted items inside either. 

Locked zips won't stop thieves getting into your bag if they really want to, since a sharp knife or even a pen can get into most backpacks, but they are a deterrent. When there are half a dozen other bags to choose from nearby, that deterrent may be all you need.

You've also got the option of using a flexible metal cage-like those from Pacsafe for extra security, but they're relatively expensive, heavy, and bulky to carry around.

Transport: When it comes to versatility, it's hard to beat a backpack. Stairs and rough surfaces aren't a problem, and as long as your body is up to it and you haven't over-packed , you should be able to easily carry a good backpack for a mile or two.

If your trip will never take you away from smooth pavements and willing valets, a rolling suitcase is more convenient. For other types of travel, however, a backpack gives you more flexibility and less hassle. A good travel backpack will include a cover or zip-away case for the straps and harness, preventing damage in transit.

Capacity and Packing: Backpacks can be found in almost any size, but you're limited by what you can actually carry. This does help you stick to the essentials, however, which isn't a bad thing. Due to their shape and restricted openings, backpacks are harder to pack and unpack than duffels.

Like a duffel, a backpack is at least somewhat "squashable." This makes it easier to fit in lockers, under beds, and on luggage shelves in buses and trains.

Durability: A well-made backpack will survive most things that travel throws at it. Dirt, dust, and careless baggage handlers pose little problem. As long as you buy a bag made from a water-resistant, heavy-duty fabric, the contents should remain dry during even relatively heavy downpours.

If the backpack itself isn't waterproof , many backpacks also come with a rain cover, or it's possible to buy one that will fit. These stretch over everything except the harness, keeping the bad weather out while still letting you carry the pack easily.

Other than the zip, there's little to break on most backpacks. Look for high-quality YKK brand zippers and thick nylon or canvas outer material, though, to ensure it lasts the distance.

Flexibility: It's great to be able to use one item of luggage for multiple purposes. Being able to tackle a multi-day trek with the same piece of luggage you loaded into the taxi back home is very handy.

Pros and Cons of Duffels

Security:  Like backpacks, many duffels aren't particularly secure. Again, when shopping for a duffel bag , look for models with proper lockable zips. If you can't find one, thread a padlock or cable tie between the zipper holes as a half-hearted alternative. Watch out for those external pockets as well.

Transport:  If you need to throw a lot of gear into a weatherproof bag, and carry it relatively short distances, a duffel is perfect. For sports or diving trips, for instance, there really isn't a better option.

For more general travel, however, they aren't such a great choice. Most duffels become painful to carry within a few minutes, whether you're using the handles or shoulder straps. That's an even bigger problem when you've loaded forty pounds of gear into them.

In recent years, manufacturers have introduced "travel duffels" into the mix. These are essentially a duffel bag with wheels and a handle grafted onto the back. While this makes the bag easier to transport, it's still heavier and less practical than a backpack on most trips, unless you're carrying a lot of bulky equipment.

Capacity and Packing:  There's almost no limit on the size and shape of duffel bags, it's easy to find anything from carry-on to 200+ liters (12,000+ cubic inches). The equipment you're carrying will help determine the capacity you need.

While most duffel bags are cylindrical, a flat base and rectangular shape let you pack more gear into the same space. Soft-sided duffel bags will lose their shape when less than about two-thirds full, making them harder to carry.

Durability:  A well-made duffel is usually very durable, especially if it has a quality zip and lack of dangling straps or other accessories. Look for waterproof materials, and heavily-stitched handles and straps that can handle the weight of the bag even when full.

If you decide to opt for a duffel with wheels, be careful, they're the most likely thing to break on any piece of luggage, and often difficult to replace.

Other than for certain specialized types of travel where you absolutely need the extra capacity of a duffel, backpacks are a more versatile, comfortable and easily-transportable option, especially if you'll ever need to carry your luggage any distance.

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Why Is This Patagonia Travel Bag So Dang Popular?

Two decades after its release, the Black Hole remains one of the most recognizable, reliable and recommended bags in the outdoors and otherwise.

By Hayley Helms and Sean Tirman

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Among outdoors enthusiasts, Patagonia is a beloved company in its own right. But even within its own catalog, there are a few products that have achieved a cult status that transcends the brand. One standout example: the popular Black Hole Duffel Bag .

Shop at any mainstream outdoor retailer , and it will carry the Black Hole. Log onto any forum or Reddit thread discussing it, and users will rave about how they’ve owned their bag for years and how it’s the cream of the crop when it comes to rugged, durable duffels. Book an epic adventure, and there’s a good chance the person next to you on the plane, train or automobile taking you there will be toting one.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L

• $159 at Patagonia

No matter how you slice it, the Black Hole is one iconic product. Now, two decades after its inception, why is it still so dang popular?

The Backstory

Released in 2004, the Black Hole Duffel made waves thanks to the material used in its innovative, eye-catching outer fabric: TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane.

TPU gives the Black Hole Duffel the quintessential shiny, plasticky look and feel that serves as a tactile reminder of just how water-resistant, abrasion-resistant and tough these bags are.

Book an epic adventure and there’s a good chance the person next to you on the plane, train or automobile taking you there will be toting one.

TPU has been the not-so-secret sauce to the Black Hole Duffel for almost two decades, but like the styles of bags, the material hasn’t gone unchanged in that time. (More to come on that front.) And to be clear, the Black Hole wasn’t even the first rubbery, plasticky outdoor duffel — that would be The North Face’s Base Camp Duffel .

However, the Black Hole is the bag that made a TPU-coated duffel a downright status symbol in the outdoors. Everyday travelers and Patagonia’s own ambassadors alike speak with reverence about the Black Hole and its influence on adventures close to home and around the globe.

“Typically, the ‘event horizon’ of a celestial black hole prevents anything that enters it from returning,” says Timmy O’Neill , professional rock climber, first ascensionist and public speaker. “But fortunately for us, the copious amounts of gear packed into these expandable universes not only return for use but also arrive ready for action after being transported via plane, mule train or on your back again.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Negozio Outdoor • Montagna & Kayak (@centrocanoagenova)

The Black Hole Line, Today

If you’ve been recreating in the outdoors over the past 20 years, you’ve seen many a Black Hole Duffel in the wild. They’re everywhere, from the aprés parking lot hangs of ski slopes to campsites in the desert, mountains and seasides the world over.

Since its beginnings with the duffel form factor, the Black Hole has evolved from an easily recognizable bag into a full-blown collection featuring backpacks, totes, roller bags and more. While the line has seen new additions in styles of bag, the bags themselves also get continuous updates.

In 2019, Patagonia announced that all of its shells and Black Hole bags would be made using recycled fabric.

Recently, in a continuation of its move toward 100 percent recycled gear, Patagonia announced new updates to its Black Hole bags, which include a Gear Tote , 25L Pack and 32L Pack , as well as the use of recycled TPU laminate in all of its Black Hole products.

The brand also converted the coating on duffels and cubes; along with the body fabric, lining and webbing being made of 100 percent recycled materials, these new bags feature a weather-resistant recycled TPU-film laminate that’s 100 percent recycled.

With the bag celebrating its 20th birthday in 2024, we have no reason to believe it won’t be around for another 20 years — and possibly much longer.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

• $169 at Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L

• $199 at Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 100L

• $219 at Patagonia

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The 14 Best Rolling Backpacks, Duffels, and Weekenders

Take versatility to the next level with these stand-out wheeled luggage options.

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

No matter where your adventures bring you, it likely only takes one trek from gate 1 to gate 41 to convince you that a wheeled bag is better than anything you have to carry by hand. There are also times when a backpack or duffel slung over your shoulder makes more sense — such as on an African safari or other wilderness expedition where cement sidewalks are few and far between.

Can’t decide between these two options? There are convertible luggage choices that give you the best of both worlds, and we’ve searched high and low to find the best wheeled options around, including backpacks, duffels, and weekenders. Some picks were chosen according to extensive industry research and others came from products the Travel + Leisure team has tested in our lab and out in the real world. The top picks and performers for capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value are all highlighted below.

Best Overall

Patagonia wheeled duffel bag.

Backcountry

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

This is a good-looking duffel with plenty of packing space and quality construction that’s meant to last a lifetime.

Wheeling the 100-liter duffel through tight turns can feel a little cumbersome.

The Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag scored near perfect marks throughout our testing process. We loved the feel of the highly weather-resistant exterior, which is sustainably made from recycled polyester ripstop with a hardy TPU-film laminate. We felt that it looked both functional and sleek, and with zero marks or damage sustained during our durability tests, we would vouch for this bag as a once-in-a-lifetime investment. 

The main compartment is easily accessed via a large opening that makes packing easy. We found it incredibly spacious with plenty of room leftover even though we didn’t make any effort to pack strategically. If we used packing cubes or rolled our clothes properly, we felt we could double — or even triple — the amount that fits. We also liked that the duffel is unstructured on the sides, giving plenty of flexibility if you do happen to overpack. Internal organization includes two mesh pockets in the lid and a set of handy compression straps. 

There’s also a zippered pocket on the outside of the duffel for easy-access items. Sturdy, oversized wheels and a telescoping handle help it to roll smoothly over even and rough surfaces. Prefer the superior maneuverability of a smaller bag? The Black Hole comes in 40-liter and 70-liter versions as well (though those do not include wheels). Colorways range from tinamou tan to touring red. 

The Details: 33 x 16 x 14 inches | 9.3 pounds | 100 liters | Recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate | Water resistant

Best Backpack With Wheels

Osprey farpoint wheeled 65l pack.

With a stowable harness and heavy-duty wheels, you can transition seamlessly from city to backcountry.

The price is significant for an average-sized backpack. 

The Osprey Farpoint Wheeled Travel Pack offers the last word in flexibility for adventurous travelers. Use the oversized wheels and telescoping handle to navigate effortlessly through the airport; and the Airspeed Harness with its breathable mesh back panel, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and weight-distributing hipbelt to carry the bag whenever the going gets tough. The harness is fully stowable for protection when checking the bag in, while its frame offers lightweight structure and support. 

Packing and unpacking is easy thanks to the large front panel opening. Stash smaller items in the zippered top pocket or the internal mesh sleeves; then use the interior and exterior compression straps to keep everything securely in place. The backpack even offers attachment points for a compatible daypack , or larger items such as a sleeping bag or camping mattress. You can feel good about your purchase from a sustainability perspective too, since it’s made from recycled materials with a durable weather repellent (DWR) coating.  

The Details: 27 x 17 x 13 inches | 6.2 pounds | 65 liters | DWR-coated recycled fabrics | Water resistant

Best Duffel With Wheels

Thule chasm wheeled duffel.

• Design 4 /5
• Portability 4 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

Subjected to no fewer than 50 quality tests during production, this duffel is made to last from bluesign-approved materials.

With a largely unstructured main compartment, it may not suit packers who prioritize organization.

From a brand whose name is synonymous with long-lasting durability comes the Thule Chasm 32-inch Wheeled Duffel: a large, check-in-sized option perfect for those with lots to pack. It’s made from durable, weather-resistant tauplin fabric with a hardshell back panel to help it withstand rough handling. Use the sturdy top and side grab handles to haul it in and out of your trunk, and the oversized wheels and telescoping handle to take the weight off when traveling from one location to the next. 

The spacious main compartment features a wide opening for easy access, while zippered mesh compartments on the underside of the lid provide a way to separate smaller items, toiletries, or dirty laundry. Other than these pockets the duffel is largely unstructured, however, which some may find frustrating. Nevertheless, it’s great for bulky loads and there’s a zippered pocket on the exterior for stashing quick-access essentials. Choose yours in black or olive green. 

The Details: 32 x 17 x 15 inches | 10.2 pounds | 110 liters | TPE laminate, 50-percent recycled polycarbonate backshell | Water resistant    

Best Weekender With Wheels

Samsonite weekend wheeled duffel.

Samsonite 

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

A gorgeous, professional aesthetic, clever organization for all your tech, and a reasonable price tag — what’s not to love?

If you want to make use of the bag’s USB charge ports, you’ll need to buy a power bank separately.

We loved the thick, well-made fabric of the Samsonite Just Right Weekend Wheeled Duffel and felt that the matte black finish makes it especially stylish. It stood up well to our durability tests, too, with a much sturdier base than a typical weekender. This is a lightweight option, with multiple carrying methods including dual top grab handles and a removable, adjustable crossbody strap. It also wheels smoothly (even over carpet and gravel), and can be connected to your checked bag via the handy luggage sleeve. 

It’s the weekender’s organization features that make it stand out, though. These include a front zippered pocket with a USB charging port, an integrated tech organization panel, a side pocket with RFID lining, and padded compartments for your tablet and laptop (and that’s all on the outside). Inside, you’ll find three zippered pockets to organize your essentials and a removable wristlet. Wondering if you’ll have packing space for the whole weekend? We were able to fit enough for the week as well. 

The Details: 22 x 12 x 12 inches | 4.8 pounds | Nylon   

Best Organization

Ektronik rolling weekend duffel bag.

This weekender ticks all the boxes with great organization options, an attractive aesthetic, and a very reasonable price tag.

Designed to fit under an airplane seat, it’s not meant for trips longer than a couple of days.

If you’re looking for a new weekender and love having a designated place for all of your belongings, you’ll appreciate the smart design of the Ektronik Rolling Weekend Duffel Bag. Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, it fits under most airplane seats yet offers ample space for a one-to-three-day trip. The main compartment is roomy, with multiple slip pockets for securing your wallet, phone, and electric cables. For many, the highlight is the integrated wet compartment for keeping damp clothes and toiletries separate. 

The weekender comes with a matching cosmetics bag and features two exterior slip pockets perfect for your water bottle and umbrella. Best of all, the entire bottom section of the bag unzips to reveal a separate shoe compartment big enough for two standard-sized pairs. (It’s also vented to prevent odor.)

Carrying options include comfortable top handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. Alternatively, use the anti-skid wheels and telescoping handle to roll through the airport in style. Colors range from khaki to soft pink. 

The Details: 18.5 x 14 x 9 inches  | 4 pounds | Nylon | Water resistant

Best Waterproof

Rains texel check-in bag.

The duffel’s smooth, polyurethane-coated fabric is both fully waterproof and fashionable.

If you’re looking for a bag that’s easy to spot at the luggage carousel, you’re out of luck: This one only comes in black.

Those who frequent destinations with plenty of precipitation (whether that’s ski resort snow or tropical rain) would do well to invest in a fully waterproof duffel. The Texel Check-in Bag from Rains is a great option. It’s made from the brand’s signature PU material which not only keeps out the wet but scores points for its on-trend aesthetic. A half-silhouette hardshell gives the duffel an added layer of durability and helps it to stand upright unsupported; while exterior compression straps adjust its size to suit your load.  

Unzip the clamshell opening to divide the suitcase in half for easy packing. One side features elastic cross-straps to keep everything in place, while the two are kept separate by mesh divider panels. If you have items that you want to keep within easy reach, stash them in the zippered exterior pocket. Despite its large size the duffel is kept maneuverable by its smooth-rolling wheels, telescopic handle, and sturdy top and side grab handles. 

The Details: 25 x 14 x 11 inches | 8.6 pounds | 62 liters | Polyurethane-coated polyester | Waterproof

Best Splurge

Tumi large split 2-wheeled duffel.

• Durability 4 /5

With clamshell-style dual packing spaces, expansion options, and intuitive compartments, this duffel is a dream for the organized traveler. 

Although the duffel survived our durability tests without a scratch, we did find that the fabric attracted dust easily.

At roughly 2.5 times the price of our overall winner, the Tumi Alpha 3 Large Split 2-wheeled Duffel is certainly an investment. However, we feel that the quality and functionality of the bag represent great value for money. It’s made from ultra-durable FXT ballistic nylon with stylish cowhide leather accents. The duffel splits clamshell-style into two large compartments that can be kept separate by a zippered divider curtain or combined to create one oversized packing space. 

We loved that there’s also a zippered entry on top of the duffel and that the interior can be made even more spacious with a push-button expansion feature. We were able to fit a week's worth of gear with plenty of space left over, and felt that the clever interior and exterior compartments made packing joyful. One of the exterior pockets is even lined with water-resistant fabric for separating damp laundry. Finally, the duffel has top and side carry handles and a telescoping handle with two smooth-rolling recessed wheels. 

The Details: 30 x 16 x 14 inches | 10.9 pounds | FXT ballistic nylon

Best Budget

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 3.8 /5
• Durability 4.7 /5

This duffel offers plenty of packing space, abundant pockets, and an impressive level of durability given its lower price tag.

We felt the handle could extend more smoothly and wished that it had more than one height setting. 

The Travelers Club Xpedition 30-inch Rolling Duffel Bag costs roughly a tenth of the price of our overall winner yet fulfills the same role as a large-capacity gear hauler. It’s made from 600-denier polyester, which we found to be surprisingly durable (although we wouldn’t expect it to hold up to years of constant use). And, while we wish the telescopic handle extended further and more smoothly, it is easily strong enough to lift the loaded bag up onto the sidewalk. The bag rolls well across cement, with a little more effort required for carpet and tight turns. 

The bag doesn’t look particularly large from the outside, but we were able to fit enough clothing and accessories for a 10- to 14-day winter trip with space leftover. The main compartment is unstructured while multiple exterior pockets in varying sizes satisfy even the most organized packer. The duffel comes in an impressive range of colors from charcoal gray to hot pink. 

The Details: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | 6.6 pounds | 77 liters | Polyester

Best Large Capacity

Eagle creek rolling duffel bag xl.

Despite its large size, it’s relatively lightweight and comes with a stash sack for convenient storage.

This duffel has a linear measurement of 65 inches, which exceeds the 62-inch maximum imposed by some airlines for checked bags. 

When size matters, choose the Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel Bag XL. With a massive capacity of 130 liters, it pushes the boundaries for the maximum size allowable by most airlines but should offer enough room for just about anything you want to pack. Something so large needs to be sturdily built, and the duffel delivers on this front with bartack reinforcements on high stress points and water-resistant, extra tough Bi-tech fabric. As for the heavy-duty wheels, they’re deeply treaded for impressive traction and protected by a durable housing. 

The main compartment is designed according to the “chuck it all in and hope for the best” strategy, with little internal structure. But, there’s an exterior zippered pocket for keeping quick-access essentials separate, while external compression straps help to secure and stabilize your load. When wheeling the bag isn’t an option, you have a choice of carrying methods including a non-slip, top carry handle, end and center haul handles, and a removable padded shoulder strap. 

The Details: 36 x 15 x 14 inches | 4.5 pounds | 130 liters | Polyester Bi-tech | Water resistant

Best Carry-on

Eagle creek caldera convertible carry-on.

With multiple carrying options and a daypack that can be attached to the main duffel or used separately, this bag takes versatility to the next level.

It’s expensive, even if you consider that you’re effectively getting two bags in one.

Is it a duffel? Is it a backpack? No, it’s the Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible Carry-on, which fulfills both descriptions equally well depending on your needs. On even terrain, save your shoulders by using the wheels and adjustable handle to pull the duffel along behind you. But when the terrain gets rough or you need your hands free, deploy the zip-away backpack straps and wear the bag instead. It also boasts heavy-duty top and side grab handles for maximum maneuverability. 

You can even have a duffel and a backpack at the same time. The front of the bag unzips to become a separate daypack, leaving you with a smaller duffel that easily adheres to airline carry-on restrictions. Meanwhile, the daypack serves as your personal item or underseat bag. Other highlights include an internal zippered mesh pocket and compression panels within the main compartment; a zippered exterior pocket; and a protective laptop sleeve. The bag ticks sustainability boxes too, being made from extra-durable, fully recycled Cordura Eco ripstop. 

The Details: 22 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches (main), 33.5 x 20 x 13.5 (combined) | 6 pounds | 37 liters (main), 19 liters (daypack) | Recycled Cordura Eco ripstop | Water resistant

Best Underseat

Travelers club rolling backpack.

Compact yet beautifully organized, this backpack offers versatile maneuverability when a standard backpack won’t do.

If overstuffed, the bag may not fit under your airline seat.

While underseat dimensions differ slightly from one plane to the next, the Travelers Club 18-inch Rolling Backpack typically fits unless it is packed to the brim. Its softshell construction allows for some wiggle room in posted dimensions, although the base is made from molded plastic for added durability, water resistance, and stability. The fact that the backpack holds its shape even when empty is a bonus, making it that much easier to pack. It’s also small enough to wear comfortably with adjustable, padded shoulder straps. 

It comes with in-line skate wheels and a push-button handle for those that prefer to roll their luggage. To streamline the backpack when using it as a rollaboard or sliding it under the seat, simply tuck the straps into their integrated stash pocket. The main compartment is unstructured to maximize packing space but two zippered front pockets offer a padded laptop sleeve and an organizer panel for your pens and credit cards respectively. Colors range from camo to purple tie-dye. 

The Details: 18.5 x 13 x 9 inches | 5.2 pounds | 36 liters | Water resistant

Best for Kids

J world new york sunrise rolling backpack.

The fact that this backpack can be rolled to take the weight off little shoulders is a major plus, as is the water-resistant fabric and functional pocket design.

The backpack may be too heavy for toddlers and preschoolers to carry when fully loaded.

The J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack is ideal for school-age kids, although the fact that it can be rolled makes it suitable for smaller children, too. We found the S-shaped shoulder straps easy to adjust and liked that they tuck into a convenient pocket when not in use. The air mesh cushioned back panel helps to ensure a comfy carry, but when the backpack gets heavy, the telescoping handle and soft, noiseless rubber wheels come to the rescue. 

Our preschooler was able to move well with the backpack on, and could wheel it without tripping even when running. The main compartment is spacious with plenty of room for books, extra layers, and a packed lunch. We appreciated that even when it was fully stuffed, we could still fit a water bottle into the mesh side pockets. The backpack also features a front zippered pocket with an integrated organizer panel. Fun patterns include bags decorated with martians, pandas, and smiling eggplants. 

The Details: 18 x 13 x 9 inches | 4.5 pounds | 34.5 liters | Water resistant

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

A sleek silhouette and a wide range of colors and patterns makes this stylish duffel stand out from the crowd.

Unlike the majority of luggage pieces on this list, the Calpak Stevyn does not explicitly claim to be water-resistant.

The Calpak Stevyn Rolling Duffel suits the fashion-forward traveler, offering a rainbow of colorways that go far beyond the utilitarian black preferred by many luggage brands. Whether you like the idea of a subtle daisy pattern or statement-making cheetah, there’s an option to match your personal style. The duffel is as practical as it is pretty, too, with a spacious main compartment and several convenient pockets. On the outside, there’s a zippered pocket perfect for your wallet, passport, and travel documents. 

The bottom section unzips to reveal a separate shoe compartment; handy for keeping clothes clean and heels or sneakers unscuffed. Reviewers love the maneuverability offered by the in-line skate wheels and telescoping handle, while dual top-carry handles and a side grab handle make it easy to haul the duffel into the overhead compartment. Finally, a luggage sleeve allows for seamless integration with your checked bag. 

The Details: 22 x 12 x 11 inches | 5.8 pounds | 47.5 liters | Polyester

Best for Commuters

Everki atlas wheeled backpack.

This backpack offers a dedicated space for everything from your tablet to your keys, with a laptop sleeve that can be adjusted for a custom fit. 

While some may like the contrasting orange wheels and interior lining, others may find them a little bit garish for a professional setting.

If you travel frequently for work, functionality is top priority when choosing a laptop backpack. The Everki Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack offers just that, with smooth, silent wheels and a reliable pull handle. And when you can’t roll it? Use the padded, extra-wide backpack and chest straps to distribute weight evenly for a comfortable carry. An ingenious flap stows the harness system when it’s not in use and covers the wheels when it is so there’s no chance of dirt being transferred to your clothes. 

The laptop sleeve is fully adjustable, providing a custom fit for 13- to 17.3-inch laptops. When you’re able to leave your computer at home, you can even remove the sleeve to maximize packing space in the main compartment. Other clever features include a dedicated tablet sleeve lined with soft felt, a pocket lined with RFID-blocking material for safeguarding your valuables, and designated spaces for everything from your keys to your water bottle. Use the integrated sleeve to connect the backpack to your suitcase. 

The Details: 21 x 16 x 8 inches | 6.7 pounds | 30 liters

Tips for Buying a Rolling Bag

Decide which style you need.

Wheeled luggage comes in all shapes and sizes and fulfills a wide variety of functions. A rolling backpack is the ideal choice for frequent travelers or commuters who want to wear their pack when navigating subway stairs, busy streets, or uneven terrain while also being able to take the weight off and roll their load when the situation allows. A wheeled weekender serves a similar function but with a different crossbody aesthetic. Weekenders are, as the name suggests, the ideal carry-on companion for a weekend getaway or business trip. Finally, a full-size rolling duffel is the correct choice for longer trips when you need to utilize your checked luggage allowance. Having wheels makes transporting a bigger, heavier bag that much easier.

Check your airline's size requirements

Unfortunately, there’s no universal rule when it comes to size requirements for carry-on luggage . Restrictions vary depending on airline, aircraft size, and your chosen class of travel — but as a general guideline, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends ensuring that your carry-on does not exceed 22 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth, including all wheels and handles. Similarly, some airlines set exact dimensions for checked luggage but more frequently the rules state that bags must not exceed 62 inches when the height, width, and length are added together. Others are concerned only with weight, with 50 pounds being the most common maximum allowance. 

Look for alternative carrying options

The main reason to buy a wheeled backpack, duffel, or weekender is to make your life easier by providing a choice of transportation methods. For this versatility to be truly valuable, you need to make sure that the bag is as comfortable to carry as it is to roll along behind or beside you. Look for backpack or crossbody straps with plenty of padding that can be quickly and easily adjusted for a custom fit. You should also be able to remove these straps or tuck them discreetly away into a designated sleeve or pocket when not in use. If you plan on integrating your wheeled backpack or weekender with your checked bag, you should also look for a luggage sleeve that fits over the latter’s pull handle. 

Depending on their style, weekenders can look like large totes or small duffels, which sometimes leads to confusion about the difference between each category . The main answer is capacity: As their name suggests, weekenders are designed to fit two to three days’ worth of clothing and other accessories. They are often carry-on compatible, whereas duffels are usually designed to be checked with enough space for a much longer trip. 

Because a weekender is often the only bag you will pack for your getaway, organization is key. You will find designated pockets for shoes, dirty laundry, tech, and your passport or wallet; whereas duffels are meant as workhorse gear haulers and are usually less structured. Finally, although the best options in each category offer both style and durability, weekenders prioritize aesthetics with luxe fabrics and finishes while duffels are built for adventure travel from materials meant to withstand weather and rough handling. 

When choosing a wheeled bag, consider the kind of trip you’re most likely to use it for. If you’re an overnight business tripper or weekend city breaker, then an option that can qualify as a carry-on will provide sufficient packing space and save you the hassle and expense of checking a larger bag. But if you’re planning a month-long adventure or need maximum packing space for moving across the country, then a checked bag with more capacity is a better fit. 

As long as your wheeled luggage adheres to the size restrictions of your chosen airline, you should be able to use it as your carry-on. Although specific dimensions differ from one company to the next, a good guideline to bear in mind when shopping for carry-on luggage is a maximum of 22 (L) x 18 (W) x 10 (H) inches. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear for more than 10 years and has relied on a wheeled duffel for many of her adventures across six continents. For this article, products were chosen according to extensive online research and the results of real-world and lab-based testing carried out by T+L’s expert travel team. 

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17 Essential Travel Backpacks for Women

W armer weather is upon us which means later nights and longer PTO breaks (hopefully!) . Be prepared this summer season with a quality backpack whether you have travel plans booked or are hoping, praying, wishing that someone mentions a weekend girl's trip. Heck - even if you are traveling from home to the office you’ll want a secure accessory to take your laptop to and fro.

Knowing where to find the best of the best backpacks has never been easier. We’ve rounded up some top-rated options that are ideal for anyone female-identifying and ready to frolic from place to place. Skip out of town with weightless shoulders (figuratively, of course) with these 17 travel backpack options for women.

Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.

Best Travel Backpacks for Women

Terra 26l laptop backpack duffel, $175 at calpak.

Backpack or duffle, backpack or duffle…why not both? The Terra bag from Calpak can quite literally transform before your eyes from a flat-lying duffle into a backpack and back again. It weighs 2.7 pounds and has padded shoulder straps, a luggage trolley sleeve, a clamshell opening, a compression strap and much more. One reviewer is obsessed with it saying, “Used this as my only bag on a 5-6 day trip and it was perfect. Love that the material is so easy to wipe and obsessed with the color. There are so many good pockets. And a few that are super easily accessible to get to things quickly to go through security or for other items you want easy access to. Perfect carry-on bag.” Bonus: It’s made using 27 recycled plastic bottles!  Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel, $175.00 at Calpak

Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack, $200 at Macy’s

Travel in style with this minimalistic backpack from Samsonite. It has a water-resistant coating, a padded interior pocket that fits most laptops up to 15.6”, multiple exterior and interior pockets, a key leash and a SmartSleeve to slip over a luggage handle. One customer reviewed the 4.5-star product saying, “This backpack is stylish while being very functional. It has many compartments that allow for organization. I used it daily on my trip to Venice. The double zippers allow you to lock them together so no worries of someone getting into your pack when in a large crowd. It is not overly big, but big enough for most things when sightseeing.”  Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack, $200 at Macy’s

Osprey Fairview 55 Travel Pack, $220 at REI

Osprey knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to travel essentials. This 4.7 star-rated backpack is designed to be lightweight  and is ideal for women on the go. It features a torso and sternum strap, a mesh-covered back panel that is breathable, internal and external compression straps to keep the pack tight and a fully detachable daypack. This is perfect for longer trips when you need a full suitcase and carry-on in one.  Osprey Fairview 55 Travel Pack, $220 at REI

Command the Day Backpack 25L, $128 at Lululemon

If you’re on the hunt for a “quick flight” or a “commuting to work” backpack, this option from Lululemon has everything you need. It’s spacious, water repellent and features an interior padded pocket that fits a 16" laptop. It also has a trolley-pass pocket so you can easily stack it on top of your roller bag.  Command the Day Backpack 25L, $128 at Lululemon

Crossbody Sling Backpack, $33.99 on Amazon

Reaching new heights this summer? This backpack from Waterfly is ideal for anyone going on a long hike. With 31,000+ reviews and a 4.6 rating, there’s not much more we need to say. But you can take it directly from one customer, “I bought this for my week vacation touring California and it was absolutely perfect for theme parks and hiking in the national parks. It's super lightweight and holds a lot for its size. The pouch on the strap is perfect for a cell phone and sunglasses. It holds a very large-size water bottle and is still very comfortable on your back.”  Crossbody Sling Backpack, $33.99 on Amazon

LONGCHAMP Le Pliage Energy Travel Bag, $495 at Nordstrom

Turn to Longchamp for your next long journey. Their Le Pliage bag is ideal for a weekend adventure. It can be carried as a backpack or duffle with the hand straps and features a zip-around main compartment closure and front pocket. Inside it has a large zip pocket, compression strap, and smartphone pocket so you can keep everything in place despite any bumps in the road.  LONGCHAMP Le Pliage Energy Travel Bag, $495 at Nordstrom

The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack, $75 on Amazon

Posture approved backpack? Count us in. The Jester backpack from North Face has a 4.7-star rating with 3,000+ reviews and is crafted specifically for women. It is made with a FlexVent suspension system that is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. This system features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, a comfortable, padded back panel, and a breathable lumbar panel. The backpack itself features a 15” padded laptop sleeve, sternum strap, lots of storage and more.  The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack, $75 on Amazon

Beis The Expandable Backpack, $98 at Revolve

No one does travel accessories quite like Beis. This backpack is expandable (why aren’t they all!), made from recycled plastic water bottles, and features a padded laptop sleeve, key leash and more. One reviewer raved, “I love this backpack! Over the years, I've bought many backpacks and never found the right one. As a traveler, I usually get tote bags, but when I saw this Beis bag, I was sold! It's definitely something I'd recommend to friends and family. 1. The material is excellent (easy to clean) and the straps are very comfortable. 2. The different compartments are so convenient for carrying the basics and more. 3. The design of the bag (can be worn in two ways). 4. The price!”  Beis The Expandable Backpack, $98 at Revolve

Indi Diaper Backpack, $215 at Dagne Dover

This one goes out to the traveling mothers out there. First of all - you’re superwoman. Second of all - this diaper backpack will help carry all of your essentials. It looks like a regular, chic backpack but does much more. It has a front zip pocket for easy access to wipes, a luggage sleeve and a binky key ring. It also comes with a zippered pouch, stroller clips, a wipeable changing mat and more (if you can believe it). Just like one reviewer shared, “It's stylish, functional, and has all the pockets and compartments I need to keep all my baby's essentials organized. The material is durable and easy to clean, and the adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry. I also appreciate the insulated bottle pockets and the included changing pad. Overall, this diaper bag has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to any new parent!”  INDI DIAPER BACKPACK, $215 at Dagne Dover

Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack, $200 at REI

This option from Cotopaxi has everything you need for a long journey. It can hold 35 L and features a low-profile harness, zippered mesh interior pockets that act as built-in packing cubes, a full-wrap zipper, a 15” padded laptop sleeve and a rain cover. They have truly thought of everything with external zippers that feature theftproof webbing sewn across the openings and back panel opening to place the straps so all loose ends are tucked away. You really can’t go wrong with this 4.7-star-rated backpack.  Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack, $200 at REI

The Transport Rucksack, $215.50 at Madewell

Madewell went above and beyond their classic totes and thankfully brought us this leather carryall. It’s made from Italian vegetable-tanned leather and features four pockets and two closures - a drawstring and a collar stud. The backpack is a high-quality option perfect for quick trips or commuting, which is exactly how one reviewer has been using it, “I recently started a new job and I have to commute via bus to get there. Because I don’t like carrying multiple bags, I needed a backpack that could fit my needs. Thankfully this bag does just that. I’m able to fit a small laptop, shoes, my lunch, a book and a small umbrella. And I usually have some space to spare. It’s also worth noting that the bag looks very sophisticated.… All-in-all, this is the perfect bag. I’d definitely recommend purchasing it. You won’t be disappointed.”  The Transport Rucksack, $215.50 at Madewell

Coowoz Large Travel Backpack Women, $36.99 on Amazon

For a more affordable option, you can turn to this travel backpack from Coowoz. The suitcase-style backpack has over 5,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. It has a waterproof exterior, padded straps, a separate shoe compartment and wet bag, a USB charging port, a luggage strap, and more. It truly does it all, just like one reviewer shared, “This backpack somehow bends the rules of physics to fit several outfits, a pair of shoes, carry-on toiletries and a few personal items. All of the compartments are really well designed, including a pocket in the back cushion that is good for anti-theft. I’ve taken this on three trips so far and the zippers and stitching are holding fast despite pushing it to its limits on an international trip.”  Coowoz Large Travel Backpack Women, $36.99 on Amazon

Dakota Neoprene Backpack, $215 at Dagne Dover

We’re back with another backpack option from Dagne Dover. This one is their classic Dakota design that is simple yet effective. It is made from water-resistant Neoprene material and comes with a shoe bag and detachable neoprene pouch. Dagne Dover thought through every detail with a hidden phone pocket, padded laptop sleeve, a key clip, and five interior pockets.   Dakota Neoprene Backpack, $215 at Dagne Dover

Tumi Just in Case Nylon Travel Backpack, $150 at Nordstrom

This option from Tumi is sleek and spacious. It features a luggage sleeve, a large, two-way zippered main compartment opening and a removable pouch to add smaller belongings. It is lightweight and perfect for carrying your airplane essentials like a laptop, water bottle and snacks.  Tumi Just in Case Nylon Travel Backpack, $150 at Nordstrom

Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC Pack, $199 at REI

Nothing screams “I’m ready for the outdoors” more than Patagonia gear. This backpack can transform before your eyes into a duffle with a padded extension strap that acts as a hipbelt when you’re in backpack mode. That’s not all - it also has two packing compartments with a deeper pocket for clothing and shoes and a padded second layer for your electronics. One reviewer shared their affection saying, “Love this backpack for its multi-use capabilities, love all the pocket options, and its ability to be used as a weekend traveler.”  Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC Pack, $199 at REI

Cirrus, $218 at Caraa

This option from Caraa is unique in more ways than one. Its cloud-like, nylon material is not only different in texture but also made from 100% recycled material. The 4.9-rated rucksack backpack has 11 pockets, an interior power bank pocket, water-resistant and antimicrobial lining and a luggage sleeve. Not to mention it also comes with a shoe and wet pouch!  Cirrus, $218 at Caraa

The Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195 at Away

Away has entered the chat. The well-known travel brand does more than just rolling carry-ons. Their backpack is a perfect example of expertise shared cross-category. It is made from water-resistant nylon and features a deep, wraparound zipper opening that extends the main compartment forward. It has a classic padded laptop pocket that is elevated with a magnetic locking zipper, a key clip, padded shoulder straps and more than we can list. Take it from one buyer, “I love everything about this backpack. Lots of space, is lightweight, and is nice looking without all the straps hanging from it. Worked really well for me traveling in Italy.”  The Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195 at Away

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

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The 10 Best Diaper Bags For Dads Who Want To Be Stylish And Organized

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At baseline, a diaper bag is designed to schlep baby’s diapering gear around, but it’s natural to want to infuse style into the mix. The best diaper bags for dads provide utility without being cutesy, for a carrier you’ll feel good taking around with you. Our top pick is the Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack for its sleek look and thoughtful features, but there are plenty of other options on our list that are worth considering.

The best diaper bags for dads tend to prioritize simplicity and function over cutesy prints.

When shopping for a diaper bag, it’s important to consider style, durability and functionality, says digital creator and father of two Kirk Brown. “It’s very possible to have a diaper bag that is stylish—we just need intentionality in the design and function,” he says. Since this is the only bag you’ll be toting, it’s important to look for space to store things other than the standard diaper and wipes , says Dustin Patrick Smith, a digital creator and father of twins. “Your bag needs to go beyond just baby,” he says.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking to pick something up for the new father in your life, these diaper bags for dads are standouts.

• Best Diaper Bag For Dads Overall: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
• Best Budget Diaper Bag For Dads: Eddie Bauer Places & Spaces Diaper Bag Backpack
• Best Leather Diaper Bag For Dads: Storksak St. James Diaper Backpack
• Best Duffle Diaper Bag For Dads: Herschel Strand Duffle Bag
• Best Backpack Diaper Bag For Dads: State Lorimer Diaper Bag
• Best Lightweight Diaper Bag For Dads: Kibou Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
• Best Messenger Style Diaper Bag For Dads: Dagne Dover Wade Neoprene Diaper Tote
• Best Tactical Diaper Bag For Dads: High Speed Daddy Baby Diaper Backpack
• Best Diaper Bag For Active Dads: Nike Convertible Diaper Bag
• Best Diaper Bag For Busy Dads: Calpak Diaper Backpack With Laptop Sleeve

Best Diaper Bag For Dads Overall

A cool bag that's packed with features.

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

After extensively testing the best diaper bags , this is one of our favorites. Dagne Dover’s neoprene backpack has obvious style, but it’s also packed with thoughtful features to make your time on the go with baby as seamless as possible. This bag has 10 pockets for organization, with a roomy interior that’s large enough for several diapers, a changing pad and gear for you and baby. The bag has a magnetic-closure pocket on the front, along with a padded Velcro-closure section in back to hold a tablet or laptop.

The bag also comes with two zippered bags—one made of neoprene and another that’s waterproof. It also has several hooks and fobs to attach the bag to your stroller or baby gear to your backpack. If you need more room, this backpack expands with a release of the exterior side straps.

Best Budget Diaper Bag For Dads

Two main pockets help separate your stuff, eddie bauer places & spaces diaper bag backpack.

Having a kid is expensive in general, and not everyone wants to splash out on a diaper bag. Eddie Bauer’s Places & Spaces diaper bag delivers a convenient way to tote around baby gear without crushing your budget in the process. This bag has seven pockets—including three strategically positioned exterior zip pouches—to help with organization. Two of those pockets are insulated to transport bottles and other refrigerated items for when hunger strikes. An included removable changing pad helps with diapering on the move. The Places & Spaces bag has two main compartments, so you can separate your own essentials from those of your little one. Padded shoulder straps and a padded back keep you comfortable as you go.

Best Leather Diaper Bag For Dads

This option is deceptively simple, storksak st. james diaper backpack.

The Storksak St. James leather diaper backpack has a sleek silhouette that makes it easy to pass between partners. The bag boasts smart features, like a hidden insulated zip pocket to hold bottles in an upright position, along with an interior zip pocket for containing loose items. Pockets with elastic tops in the interior make it easy to grab diapers and wipes on demand. This bag provides plenty of ways to wear it, including backpack straps, a top carry handle and a messenger-style strap. When you need extra room, just adjust the side panels for added capacity. The included oval-shaped changing mat works as a mini diaper bag itself thanks to concealed pockets for diapers and wipes. That mat is also machine washable in case of accidents. Detachable stroller clips allow you to take a load off as needed.

Best Duffle Diaper Bag For Dads

A durable bag you can use beyond baby, herschel strand duffle bag.

I purchased this bag for my husband when our second child was born, and it’s still holding strong through two more kids. The bag features large internal organizer pockets with obvious sections for diapers, wipes and everything else, along with a smaller exterior zip pocket. The fabric liner has a simple and classic red stripe that won’t offend most dads. Herschel’s Strand Duffle Bag comes with a changing mat with its own interior pockets that my husband prefers to carry into restaurants or other areas when he doesn’t feel like lugging an entire bag around. The adjustable straps clip on and off to attach the bag to your stroller . This duffle can be worn messenger style or carried with the short handles on top, and is durable enough to be repeatedly tossed into the car and stepped on by older kids getting to their seats. My husband also uses it for himself for quick overnight trips without kids.

Best Backpack Diaper Bag For Dads

There's a hidden back pocket for dirty gear, state lorimer diaper bag.

State is known for creating quality luggage and bags with a simple design. That unfussy style extends to the brand’s Lorimer Diaper Bag, which has all of the thoughtful elements you need in a carry-all for your kid, without extras you don’t. This bag has an insulated bottle pocket and a back mesh pocket to hold dirty gear until you get home. The main compartment has several pockets for diapers, wipes, toys and more, along with four interior pockets to separate stuff. There are also features for yourself, including a slip pocket to hold your phone and a compartment that fits a 15-inch laptop. A luggage sleeve lets you effortlessly slide this over a suitcase handle when you’re on the road. There’s a washable changing pad in the mix, too.

Best Lightweight Diaper Bag For Dads

Secure it around your waist or shoulder, kibou fanny pack diaper bag.

Carrying a full diaper bag plus a child isn’t for everyone. For those who prefer to pack light, there’s the Kibou Fanny Pack Diaper Bag. This bag calls itself “deliberately minimal” thanks to its small size and smart use of space. The fanny pack has a detachable changing pad hidden inside the front zip pouch, with a main waterproof pocket that can hold up to 20 wipes at once. An interior ring keeps pacifiers and other essentials secure. The exterior is made of recycled vegan leather and easily wipes clean. Wear this messenger style or around your waist with pride.

Best Messenger Style Diaper Bag For Dads

Storage space for days, dagne dover wade neoprene diaper tote.

Much like the brand’s beloved Indi diaper backpack, Dagne Dover’s Wade tote is made of neoprene, with plenty of pockets for you and your little one. This roomy bag has interior sections for must-haves like diapers, bottles and lovies, along with space for your laptop. An exterior zip pouch is designed to dispense wipes, while two leashes hold your car keys and baby’s pacifier. An exterior phone pocket also provides a designated spot for your technology, so you won’t have to rummage through the bag to find it. Enjoy an included changing pad, along with a luggage sleeve for when you travel.

Best Tactical Diaper Bag For Dads

Military grade and water-resistant, high speed daddy baby diaper backpack.

Whether you’re rough on your gear or just like the look of a tactical bag, this High Speed Daddy bag is built tough enough to withstand the daily rigors of parenting. The military-grade diaper backpack is made from 600D polyester with PU coating to create water resistance in case you get caught in a pop-up storm. The bag has several pockets, including an exterior pouch that’s perfectly sized for wipes, and comes with an extra large, machine-washable changing pad. There’s also a larger zip pocket that folds flat to reveal interior sections for a slew of items, from pacifiers to pencils. A collapsible interior bottle pocket is insulated to keep bottles at the desired temperature. There’s even a felt-lined sunglasses pocket for you. Integrated stroller straps make it simple to attach this bag to your baby’s ride and go.

Best Diaper Bag For Active Dads

Doubles as a gym bag, nike convertible diaper bag.

Nike’s convertible diaper bag looks like a sporty backpack, with secret parent-friendly elements all around and inside. Two expandable pockets on the sides hold bottles or a water bottle for you, and there’s also an insulated pouch for snacks. An included detachable pacifier pouch can hang in front for easy access. Inside, there are ample storage pockets, while the outside features two zippers on the back panel to access the main compartment. There’s also a plush-lined front pocket for your devices and a zippered pocket for your laptop. This diaper bag can be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag. The exterior can be wiped down as needed.

Best Diaper Bag For Busy Dads

Laptop pocket and luggage sleeve included, calpak diaper backpack with laptop sleeve.

Calpak just launched a collection for parents, including this diaper backpack. It comes with features busy dads will appreciate, like a zippered pocket for a laptop up to 14 inches and a luggage sleeve to make travel a little easier. The bag is covered in water-resistant material to fend off rain storms and spit-up stains, with a slightly squishy feel to make it comfortable to wear. Calpak’s Diaper Backpack’s main section has an arsenal of pockets to keep you organized, and it’s all secured with a zipper and magnetic flap. Two insulated side pockets have space for a bottle and your own drink. Calpak sells matching stroller straps separately, too.

The Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 That Offer Style And Function

The 10 best down comforters for soft, cozy warmth all night long, why trust forbes vetted.

Our kids and baby gear team is made up of experts who specialize in products for children and parents. We’ve spent thousands of hours researching, testing and reporting on gear for families, including diaper bags . Korin Miller, the author of this article, is mom of four who has purchased and used several diaper bags. She’s also the author of Forbes Vetted’s diaper bag essentials guide .

For this story, we interviewed digital creator and father of two Kirk Brown ; Dustin Patrick Smith , a digital creator and father of twins; and digital creator and dad Burton B. Buffaloe .

How I Chose The Best Diaper Bags For Dads

To choose the best diaper bags for dads, I consulted with three style influencer fathers for their takes on what dads want most in these child gear carriers.

I then analyzed the market, looking at the most popular bags, and narrowed down the field based on attributes like durable construction, organization elements, thoughtful details and overall style. I pored over reviews, diving into the aspects of each of these bags that users liked and disliked. Only bags with reviews with an average of 4 or more stars out of 5 made the final list.

What To Look For In The Best Diaper Bags For Dads

There are a lot of different elements that come together to make a great diaper bag, but the most important might be having the right capacity for your needs. If you’re a heavy packer, it may be worth considering a tote or duffle bag with extra room for all of your baby gear. Those who have typical needs may benefit from a backpack style. But if you need only a few diapers and wipes, a fanny pack may be more your speed. Think in advance about what you realistically require and start your search from there.

Carrying Style

Backpacks are a popular style for diaper bags for dads, Brown points out, but there are plenty of other types out there. Duffles and totes can be slung over one shoulder, and a messenger bag can help distribute weight across your trunk if you’re not into the idea of a backpack.

Not every parent needs pockets in their diaper bag, but they can be a helpful tool in keeping you organized while you’re out with your child. At baseline, a section for diapers and wipes is important, along with a spot to put a bottle or two, if your child uses them. It’s also helpful to think of pockets to carry your own stuff, like a laptop and phone. “Pockets are everything,” Smith says. “Even if you are the most unorganized human alive, the beauty of pockets is they help group all the essentials. The more compartments, the better your life will be.”

Overall Style

If you don’t like the look of your diaper bag, you’re unlikely to use it. “It needs to be something you like being seen with,” Buffaloe says. “You want to carry a cool, sleek bag that fits your vibe. No guy wants to look like they just stole some poor lady’s purse and ran off.” The good news, he says, is that diaper bag companies have caught on that dads need these products, too.

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The rumored couple star in a new campaign from the Italian fashion house.

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Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny star in a new campaign for Gucci ‘s Valigeria travel line ahead of the busy summer season. The two were rumored to be dating before ending their relationship at the end of 2023, only for a new report that suggested they’d gotten back together at the start of January 2024. The photos are evocative of paparazzi images taken of celebrities at the airport.

In the campaign photos, Jenner and Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), pose separately with pieces from the Gucci Savoy collection, featuring fluorescent accents.

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Pieces from the collection also feature heritage-infused design elements. The campaign first launched last September , featuring images of the then-couple shot by Anthony Seklaoui. “The house’s latest campaign embraces the spirit of ‘Gucci Ancora’ as a celebration of the love that lies at the center of Gucci’s community,” the Italian house said in a statement at the time.

The September campaign photos, in which the “Tití Me Preguntó” and “The Kardashians” stars pose together for a number of snapshots, are in contrast with the latest images. In the new batch of campaign photos, the two are photographed separately.

Jenner and Bad Bunny aren’t the only stars to pose for the Gucci travel line. In January, global brand ambassador and actress Ni Ni and Taiwanese actor Chang Chen posed for a series of similarly styled images for Gucci . The campaign marked a reunion for the respective stars of the Chinese television series “Love and Destiny.”

The collection of photos showcases “a celebration of love and the broader concept of family,” the fashion house said in a statement at the time. The campaign, brought to fruition by the brand’s creative director Sabato De Sarno , also speaks to “the special kind of familiar beauty that travel brings, especially when you find yourself beside a friend that is like family.”

Gucci Savoy Medium Duffle Bag

Gucci jackie small shoulder bag, gucci valigeria’s 2024 campaign with kendall jenner & bad bunny, photos.

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BAGSMART Rolling Backpack for Women, Travel Carry on Backpack with Wheels for Adults, 17 Inch Large Roller Backpack, Wheeled Backpack with Two Packing Cube, Champagne

Purchase options and add-ons

• 2-in-1 Convertible Wheeled Backpack: The rolling backpack effortlessly adapts to different travel situations, serving as both a backpack with wheels on flat ground and a laptop backpack for navigating stairs or rough terrain. It is equipped with sturdy handles on the top and sides of the roller backpack for easy handling. The 2-in-1 design provides a casual experience for travel and outings.
• Large Capacity for Easy Carry-On: A super-sized rolling laptop backpack with a volume of 36L, equivalent to a 20-inch carry-on suitcase. It features 8 compartments and two packing cubes for convenient organization. The main compartment has dual metal zippers for easy access and smooth movement back and forth.
• Multiple Compartments: Our travel backpack with wheels is designed with various storage locations in mind. It includes a spacious main compartment with built-in adjustable cross straps, a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 17.3-inch laptop, and a mesh compartment for storing small items like chargers. The classic Bagsmart rolling backpack exterior design gives it a clean and efficient look, featuring 3 front compartments and 1 side pocket for easy access to travel essentials.
• Designed for Comfort: This rolling backpack for adults with wheels features a high-quality adjustable aluminum telescoping handle, smooth rolling wheels, and upgraded breathable padding for enhanced comfort during all types of journeys.
• Travel-Friendly: As an airline-approved carry-on size, this rolling backpack for women can easily fit in the overhead compartment of airplanes with dimensions of 19.5 x 8.4 x 12.5 inches. It can unfold 180 degrees, making it convenient for security checks. With anti-theft double zippers, your belongings are protected during travel.

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Moscow Metro – Part 2

Have you been to Moscow ? In all seriousness, they have the prettiest metro stations I have ever seen and I still can’t believe how immaculate and lovely every station was. There are several different stations pictured below and this is the second of several posts where I will show you the beauty of the Moscow Metro. Did you see part 1 ?  There really isn’t much to say because I think the pictures speak for themselves. I have so many more pictures to share with you!

Have you ever been to Moscow? Is it someplace you have thought about visiting?

She speaks fluent English, French and Spanish, and works for a major airline. And guess what? She’s also a licensed elementary teacher and has an MBA.

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This is the train STATION?? Oh my god… So gorgeous. Moscow has never even crossed my mind as a possible travel destination but this is gorgeous…Hmmm… LOL

I know, right? We spent several hours in the metro, just marveling at the beauty of each one. Thanks for stopping by!

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