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The Best Duffle Bags

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

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.

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.

May be out of stock

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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Best Travel Duffel Bags – Discover the Art of the Duffel 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. Having said that, it is one of the best travel items from Gregory in my opinion.

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

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

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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9 Best Duffel Bags for Your Next Vacation, According to Testing

These versatile bags are ideal for road trips and air travel alike.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests all types of travel bags, including travel backpacks , underseat luggage and suitcases . We test their durability by assessing abrasion resistance, drop testing, water resistance and more. Lab analysts also pack each bag to see how much it can hold and rate the ease of packing. We also consider the weight and strap padding to find the most comfortable bags. Whether you prefer a small weekender style or a rolling duffel, GH experts tested a variety of styles in the Lab and reviewed hundreds more online to make these selections. These duffel bag picks include top-tested styles as well as picks from brands that have previously impressed us in Lab testing.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Duffel Bag

Patagonia black hole duffel bag 55l.

Best Value Duffel Bag

Herschel novel duffel bag.

Best Duffel Bag for Road Trips

Vera bradley cotton large travel duffel bag.

Best Weekender Duffel Bag

Lo & sons the catalina deluxe.

Best Versatile Duffel Bag

Away f.a.r duffle 55l.

Best Adventure Duffel Bag

Eagle creek migrate duffel bag.

Best Duffel Bag with Wheels

L.l.bean large adventure rolling duffle bag.

Best Duffel Bag for Kids

Pottery barn kids mackenzie rainbow heart duffel.

Best Gym Duffel Bag

Puma evercat candidate duffel.

After shopping our top duffel bag picks for your trip, keep reading to learn more about our testing protocols and shopping tips from fiber science experts.

Patagonia has been a top-performing brand in the Textiles Lab for many years with its durable bags and winter coats . The Black Hole Duffel is a popular bag with its sturdy top straps, side handles, a longer shoulder strap and the option to wear it as a backpack for easy toting. With reinforced exposed daisy chains on the side, you can hook on all types of gear. GH analysts especially love that t his whole duffel can actually compress into a small bag , taking up very little space when not in use. Note that the Black Hole duffel is water-resistant, but not entirely waterproof. This pick also comes in a wheeled version , too. Patagonia also has a renowned commitment to sustainability , offering a trade-in program and a shopping interface for used items.

Herschel bags and backpacks have impressed GH analysts by featuring durable materials with simple designs, making them versatile enough to take to the gym or use as a weekender. This duffel bag aced Lab testing. The bottom kept its shape as we packed it making it easy to load and unload, and it showed no signs of wear after abrasion testing. The separate shoe compartment held two pairs of shoes in testing or it could be used to keep dirty clothes separate. GH analysts found the synthetic leather handles comfortable to grip and appreciated the padding on the shoulder strap. However, the plastic hooks for the shoulder straps were not so sturdy. One tester said a hook broke after extensive use.

Vera Bradley duffels come in the brand's classic paisley designs as well as other bright colors and bold patterns. In our tests, we appreciated just how spacious this duffel is. It was able to hold every item in our packing test plus more. Testers liked the flexible fabric that made it easy to shove in the trunk of a car but did note that items shifted around inside the duffel. To keep things where you want them, there are multiple zippered pockets that keep items easily accessible . Reviewers rave that they've had these bags for years and they've stayed in pristine condition long-term. The side handles are long enough that you can also wear them over the shoulder. This pick is made with 100% cotton fabric, and while it's not as durable and nylon or polyester, it didn't show any changes in appearance during our abrasion testing. We do wish that it had a trolley strap so it could easily sit on top of a suitcase.

Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe

This classic duffel from Lo & Sons is perfect for a weekend trip as it has a separate shoe compartment and a spacious interior to hold everything you'll need. This bag is available in both canvas and 600D recycled polyester, depending on which style you prefer. With two sizes available, the site has excellent reference images to show what the bags look like when people of different heights and shapes wear them . For a more luxurious option, one GH analyst especially loves the brand's O.G. 2 Bag for being extremely easy to clean by just using a wet wipe.

Away recently launched new adventure travel products with its F.A.R. line. GH analysts especially liked the F.A.R Convertible Backpack and this duffel. Both styles have the option to carry it like a duffel or wear it as a backpack with comfortable padded straps . The large interior held everything in our packing tests and built-in compression straps kept items in place. There are two small zippered pockets — one on the outside and the other inside. We like that it has both top handles and smaller side handles, making it easier to put in a car or the overhead bin. (The smaller 40L version is carry-on compliant!) There are also exterior daisy chains to easily attach extra gear and a side trolley strap to help it sit on top of a suitcase. Analysts did note that the zippers are quite noisy when opening and closing.

Eagle Creek continues to impress us by offering durable travel items that last year after year, including the brand's signature packing cubes . One GH analyst especially loves Eagle Creek duffels for how well the material holds up even after being tossed around. Most duffels are prone to their contents shifting, but the outside compression straps on the Migrate help keep all your items perfectly in place . It features a more sustainable bottom material coating that was developed by harvesting windshield plastics from landfills, though we found it felt a bit waxy and did show some marks. It is a very structured bag and keeps its shape for easy packing. The larger tabs on the zippers are convenient for comfortable opening/closing. There are large top handles as well as smaller handles on all sides, so it's easy to maneuver.

If you prefer to roll your bag but still want the option to pick it up and carry it over your shoulder, a rolling duffel is perfect. This pick from L.L.Bean is available in eight colors with options for monograms, making this a great gift too. It has top handles and smaller side handles for easy lifting. The shoulder strap can be attached when you want to carry it but should be removed when rolling. GH analysts like the less structured fabric that's ideal for overpackers to fit as much as possible . The straps attach together to tighten it, so items don't shift around inside. With all the ways to carry it and the massive interior, this is a great pick for family travel.

This Pottery Barn Kids duffel makes a great gift with monogram options and fun designs , including this rainbow design and a dinosaur print. Not only do they feature fun, playful patterns, but these duffels also hold up to heavy use. GH analysts have tested all types of luggage from PBK and continue to be impressed by the durable materials. Lexie Sachs , Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, uses these duffels with her kids and especially loves how easy they are to pack. The brand offers a ton of pieces to complete the set including packing cubes , backpacks , lunch boxes , toiletry bags , rolling suitcases and more.

A gym bag has to hold everything you need without being too bulky — this PUMA bag is up to the challenge. Its amazing organizational design features zippered pockets and a separate shoe compartment to keep smelly sneakers and dirty gym clothes separate. Available in 18 styles, it's made with polyester and is machine washable . While we haven't yet tested this style in Lab, we have tested a variety of products from PUMA and found they are a great value for the affordable price. This bag has over 30,000 rave Amazon reviews and costs less than $30!

How we test duffel bags

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing travel products (including duffel bags) for decades. GH analysts tested duffels using standardized test methods and state-of-the-art lab equipment. We also sent duffel bags to testers to use when traveling. Here is how we evaluate duffels:

✔️ Size and weight: Each duffel bag is weighed when empty since online specs aren't always accurate or listed. GH analysts assess the bag's size and construction to determine what it's best suited for. If it's designed to be a personal item or a carry-on, we measure it to ensure it complies with the dimension restrictions of common airlines.

✔️ Abrasion resistance: Swatches of fabric are cut from the luggage and loaded into our abrasion machine, which rubs the fabric over an abrasive material 15,000 times before being graded for signs of wear. A GH analyst is seen here setting up abrasion resistance testing.

✔️ Packing capabilities: Our analysts pack each piece of luggage using a standard load with real items like clothing, shoes, toiletries and more. In this process, we rate the ease of opening and closing the zippers, ease of accessing the compartments and how much of our load actually fits inside.

✔️ Comfort: When the bag is fully packed, we carry it to rate the comfort of the handles and straps. GH analysts also test each bag's features like convertible backpack straps as seen here to rate the ease of use and comfort.

✔️ Consumer testing: Testers use each duffel on vacations and trips to give feedback on the comfort of the straps and handles, ease of packing and more. Testers have brought these duffels on road trips, cruises, international flights and more!

What to look for when shopping for the best duffel bag

✔️ Material: Most duffels are made with either nylon or polyester. Nylon is a very popular synthetic fiber for softside luggage as it's durable and can withstand abrasion. Polyester is a more affordable synthetic option that's lighter in weight than nylon but is generally slightly less durable.

✔️ Denier: Oftentimes, the denier of the fabric may be listed, which is a unit of measurement used to determine the fiber thickness of individual threads or filaments used in the fabric. The higher the denier, the stronger the fabric tends to be.

✔️ Wheels: If you struggle carrying heavy loads, opt for a duffel with wheels. Because of the bulky wheels, rolled duffels cannot be as easily stored as ones without wheels.

✔️ Capacity: When shopping for a duffel, look for the capacity of the bag, which is usually listed in liters. The larger the capacity, the bigger the bag. Compare the dimensions to the airline restrictions for personal items and carry-ons to ensure a smooth boarding experience. Around 30 L is great for weekend trips while 50-70 L is better suited for a week-long trip.

✔️ Carrying options: Some duffels feature convertible options, so you can carry it with a crossbody strap or wear it as a backpack. Many testers especially appreciated the backpack carrying option!

✔️ Pockets and organization: Most duffels feature one main top zipper with a large internal compartment for packing. Testers especially liked when duffels had a separate zippered compartment for shoes and an easily accessible front pocket for must-have travel items.

Should I use a duffel as a carry-on or a personal item when flying?

Duffels can make a great personal item or carry-on when flying. However, it's important to note the duffel's dimensions to ensure that it complies with the airline's listed size restrictions. If you plan on using a duffel as a personal item, we recommend ensuring that it has a back luggage strap and pairing it with a rolling suitcase for easy toting in the airport. Because duffels feature fabric on all sides, they can be squished more easily in overhead bins and underneath the seat in front of you — this also makes duffels super popular for road trips too!

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over three years, testing all types of travel products including suitcases, packing cubes and backpacks. She tested a variety of duffels for this story in Lab. She has a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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The 16 Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market in 2024

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

779 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Things To Consider With Travel Duffel Bags

1. bargain duffel bag for long weekends and short trips , 2. the classic adventure duffel, 3. spacious and capable duffel bag from osprey, 4. the truly waterproof duffel bag , 5. perfect for long-term traveling, 6. the business travel duffel, 7. the ultra lightweight duffel bag, 8. lightweight duffel that’s roomy enough for any traveler, 9. a large duffel perfect for expeditions, 11. bargain bag for those who want something a little different, 12. this vintage leather duffel shouts sophistication, 1. a rolling duffel that can handle anything you throw at it, 2. affordable wheeled duffel from amazon basics, 3. a capable rolling duffel that expands for more space, 4. top of the range rolling duffel with high-end extras, final thoughts.

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Duffel bags are a great alternative to suitcases or backpacks and are designed to fit as much as you can comfortably carry.

Whether you’re looking for something small to carry on the plane, or a massive beast of a bag with wheels to pull behind you, there are plenty of great duffel bags to choose from.

A great duffel bag is one that has enough room for your clothing, enough extra pockets for your bits and pieces, and one that you’ll be able to carry, wear, or pull along with ease.

There are a number of qualities to consider before you buy your duffel bag.

Size and Capacity

If you’re planning on being airborne with your duffel, it’s pretty important that it meets the carry-on requirements of your airline . This way, you no longer have to worry about checking your bag into the hold, and you’ll always have your personal belongings within easy reach in the cabin.

Small duffel bags will offer between 25 to 50 liters of usable space, and most of them will meet the 22 x 14 x 9-inch specification for most major U.S. airlines. These smaller duffel bags are pretty useful for weekends away, solo travelers, and those who only like to pack the bare minimum.

If you think you need a little more space to carry your gear with you, consider a 50- to 75-liter capacity bag. Perfect for those who need more space for extra layers, but aren’t worried about carrying bulky equipment, most of these medium-sized duffel bags will need to be checked in when you fly.

For those who do need to take the kitchen sink with them, large duffel bags with a 75-liter or higher capacity are an excellent choice for adventurers who need to haul heavy loads as they go.

From tents to fishing gear, and everything in between, you can fit everything into these oversized duffel bags, but watch your weight as bags over 50 pounds may incur excess baggage fees .

Because not all duffel bags are equal, it means that some can weigh significantly more when empty than others. If weight is an issue for you when you travel, consider the following before you buy:

• Wheeled models will be heavier than non-wheeled duffels, with some weighing as much as 20% of your total 50-pound luggage allowance — even before you’ve started to fill it.
• Heavy duffel bags are exhausting to carry long distances or up and downstairs, so think about how easy it will be to walk with your duffel when you need to.

Wheels vs. No Wheels 

Wheeled duffel bags are much easier to lug around airports, and sling in and out of cars, boats, and trains. They usually have 1 main compartment that will hold your belongings with ease, making them the best-loved choice for those who need to take some serious sporting or camping equipment with them.

Duffel bags without wheels are also a strong contender for those looking to explore distant shores as they tend to be lighter to carry. Wheeled or rolling duffel bags can become unstable on rugged ground, causing your belongings to fall or spill. If you’re carrying it close to your person, this won’t happen.

Carry Options

The size of your duffel bag, how much it weighs, and how long you intend to be carrying it are all important considerations when it comes to choosing your new duffel bag.

Wear it like a backpack or carry it like a tote — there are options out there, and you should choose the one that best suits you.

• Backpack-style Straps — If you like to throw your bag on your back and do not need to access it regularly, many of the premium duffel bags on the market offer removable backpack straps that have some light padding to make them more comfortable than regular straps.
• Shoulder-style Straps — If you want easy access to your bag while you travel, and are only covering short distances, carry it using a shoulder strap. Lots of duffel bags come with shoulder straps that are removable.

Whether you choose a wheeled duffel, or one without, at some point, you’ll need to rely on a handle to make simple maneuvers with your bag.

Every type of duffel bag will come complete with a handle of one sort or another. Your duffel could come complete with either or both of the following:

• Carry Handles — This could be a simple padded handle that connects the backpack straps, a pair of dedicated handles like a handbag, or just a single carry handle. Any of these are useful for picking up your luggage and moving it from one place to another, as you’ll often need to do when you’re hot-footing it around the globe.
• Grab Handles — Located at either end of the bag, or somewhere on the sides, these handles sit loose to the surface and can be used to “grab” your bag quickly or slide it along. These are very useful if you’re loading your duffel in an overhead bin, or putting it in a taxi.

Access, Pockets, and Organization

Duffel bags are designed for adventures, and with that in mind, you’ll no doubt want to make sure that you can carry everything with you when you go.

Most duffel bags will offer plenty of useful internal storage pockets to keep smaller items safe in transit and make it easy to find them when you need to.

External pockets are useful for items that you’ll need while you travel, such as your passport, your cell phone, or your noise-canceling headphones . Different brands of duffel bags will have different sizes and types of internal compartments.

If you’re paying bigger bucks for your bag, you may even find that it comes with expandable external pockets that work well for keeping dirty clothing or footwear away from the rest of your luggage.

Alternatively, they may have separate compartments inside the bag itself.

While we’re on the subject, we should also talk about daisy chains, also called lash points.

If you’re planning on traveling via plane, train, or automobile, you might be wondering why on earth you would need to worry about such things, but stick your duffel on a roof rack, saddle it to a donkey, or take it just about anywhere else when you get there and you’ll see how vital they are.

Bottom Line: If you’re planning on taking your bag with you on exotic adventures, you’ll want a duffel with plenty of reinforced lash points to keep your luggage safe and secure.

Water Resistance

Being water-resistant doesn’t always mean waterproof , and you’ll do well to remember this while you travel. Duffel bags that are advertised as “water-resistant” are purely designed to keep your bag, and your belongings, protected from light rain and damp ground. If you throw your bag in the ocean, it won’t work miracles.

Usually made from durable, ripstop fabric, water-resistant duffel bags are treated with a DWR solution that will help to prevent the moisture from soaking in.

You should also be wary of zipper openings as these may be the weakest point on your duffel, and the place where the wet gets in if the weather is bad.

If you’re keen on water sports, you may want to seek out a top-of-the-range duffel that is made from fabric that offers better protection against actual torrents of water, but if you’re planning on sticking to dry land, water-resistant should be good enough for you.

Material and Durability

If you want a duffel, you’re no longer tied to stuffy old canvas ones.

Duffel bags are available in a wide range of materials, including ripstop nylon, leather , laminated nylon skins, and other water-resistant and durable materials that should stay in good shape, wherever you take them.

The 12 Best Non-wheeled Travel Duffel Bags

Canway 65 Liter Weekender Bag

Weight: 1.74 pounds

Dimensions: 26.3 x 13.7 x 12.2 inches

Rocking in at under $30, this is one of the most popular and capable duffel bags on the market today. Made from water- and tear-resistant 600D polyester, this duffel will take you anywhere you want to go.

You’ll have no trouble stashing all your gear in here as there’s plenty of space. The main compartment is great for all your usual clothing and gear, but there are hidden extras that will make you grin with delight.

The shoe pouch, for example, is perfect for keeping smelly sneakers or wet flip-flops away from the rest of your gear, while the multiple pockets will keep your passport , travel documents, and anything else you hold dear, safe and sound on the go.

For easy transportation, the bag can be slipped over the luggage handle of a suitcase and a TSA lock can be used with the double zippers, keeping your gear safe.

What We Like

• Can be folded up and zipped away for storage

What We Don’t Like

• No solid base to give the bag structure

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 40 Liter

Weight: 2.8 pounds

Dimensions: 21 x 13.7 x 10.6 inches

Made from a burly polyester ripstop material and covered with a highly weather-resistant TPU laminate and DWR finish , this is one heck of a duffel that will stand up to almost anything. A “black hole” of a bag, you’ll easily be able to fit everything you need in there for a long weekend, and is the perfect size for a carry-on.

The main compartment has a large opening that makes for easy packing, while the zippered side pocket is perfect for super-fast access to essential items like your phone, wallet , or boarding pass.

The 40-liter capacity is big enough for a fun-filled weekend or a longer adventure, and when it’s empty, it simply folds into its own pocket for easy storage.

Lightweight and incredibly durable, the Black Hole Duffel has removable, padded shoulder straps that keep it comfortable while you walk with it, and the reinforced haul handles make it super easy to grab quickly. Internal compression straps ensure that your luggage stays in one place during transit.

A black hole worthy of exploring, this duffel is an all-weather vessel for every type of travel.

• Made from 100% recycled fabric
• Not particularly heavy duty

• Osprey Packs Transporter 40 Expedition Duffel

Weight: 2.5 pounds

Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.57 x 1 inches

The Transporter from Osprey is available in 4 different sizes: 40L, 65L, 95L, and 120L. In this article, we’re concentrating on the 40L version.

Compact on the outside, but incredibly roomy on the inside, this Tardis-like duffel bag doubles as a backpack with its yoked shoulder harness.

Sling it over your back for long walks and adventures, then tuck that strap back in its very own storage pocket when you no longer need it. It’s clever additions like this that are synonymous with the Osprey brand and ones that many travelers love and actively look for.

Made from tough 0.2-millimeter, TPU-laminated, 800D nylon, this beauty is weather-resistant and incredibly capable of withstanding the roughest of journeys.

The zippers have easy-to-grab zip pulls for fast access on the go, and the main compartment has a smooth, lockable U-zip to keep your belongings safe. For those little extras that you need in transit, there are dual-zippered, 3D end pockets with overlapping rain flaps — perfect for stashing your phone, passport, or wallet.

Made by one of the best in the business, the Transporter is well worth its top price tag and is the kind of duffel bag that will last through many adventures.

• Can be carried like a backpack or messenger bag
• No compression straps

YETI Panga Airtight, Waterproof, and Submersible Bag

Weight: 5.14 pounds

Dimensions: 23.5 x 14 x 10 inches

From the makers of possibly the very best coolers ever made comes this supercool duffel bag that’s designed to protect your belongings from virtually anything.

The Panga comes in 50-, 75-, and 100-liter versions, but in this article, we’ll be looking at the smallest of the bunch — the 50L. Claiming to be a “100% dry duffel,” your gear should remain bone-dry no matter how wet the weather gets.

Made with a unique Hydrolock zipper and a U-dock terminal to create an airtight seal, you should never have to worry about getting wet with this beauty — perfect for adventurers who love water sports.

The thick-skin shell is made from high-density, high-quality nylon and thick TPU laminate, making it both puncture and abrasion resistant and perfectly able to withstand the bumps and knocks of international travel.

The 50-liter volume means you have plenty of space to pack everything you need for your next adventure, and there are 2 side pockets that are great for easy access to everyday essentials like your cell phone, passport, or wallet.

While designed to fit in an overhead airplane bin, we would stress that the rigid design of this duffel is both its saving grace and the biggest downside. You may struggle to squeeze it in if it’s fully loaded.

If you’re happy to take the risk of a potential baggage check situation, this is indeed one of the most awesome duffel bags on the market today. Waterproof, resilient, and a great investment that should last you forever.

• Waterproof material and zippers
• Not enough pockets to easily locate smaller items

The North Face Base Camp Duffel 95L

Weight: 4.05 pounds

Dimensions: 15.8 x 27.6 x 15.8 inches

This behemoth of a duffel from the big brand The North Face is plenty big enough to fit everything you need on your next adventure, and then some!

Available in a variety of sizes including 31L, 50L, 71L, 95L, 132L, and 150L, we’re focusing on the massive 95-liter model. Made from highly durable 1000D, phthalate-free, TPE fabric laminate and 840D junior ballistic nylon, this bag should last you for many years to come.

The main compartment is sizable and easy to secure using the D-zip opening with its weather-resistant zipper flap, while the internal mesh pocket will keep small things safe from sliding around during transit.

Full of useful additions that you’d expect from a brand that knows its globetrotting audience, there’s an end-cap zippered compartment that allows you to separate wet clothes or dirty shoes. There’s also a zip mesh storage bag that acts as a packing cube .

When it comes to carrying your life on your back, the detachable and adjustable, alpine-cut shoulder straps offer a perfect fit and allow you to carry your duffel backpack-style. The 4 compression straps will keep it tightly packed, and the water-resistant material should mean you’re good to go, no matter the weather.

Too big for overhead bins, this is one duffel that will have to be checked in. But, its size is great for anyone planning on long-term travel.

• D-opening for easy access to the main compartment
• Backpack straps could be more padded

NEWHEY Garment Duffel Bag, 55L

Weight: 3.2 pounds

Dimensions: 22 x 12.2 x 12.6 inches

If you’re a high-powered professional who needs to travel a lot with your work, this duffel bag could be just the ticket. That said, you could also use it for weekend breaks, family vacations, and a whole host of other adventures.

Made from rugged, high-quality polyester and featuring strong, YKK zippers, this is a bargain of a bag that will suit many applications. A heady blend of form and function, this garment duffel bag will keep your suit crease-free while looking every bit as stylish as you do.

The design of this duffel enables you to pack your clothes flat, using the fixed hanger and tie pockets, before rolling it up to become a compact bag that should fit in most overhead cabin lockers. There’s also a handy compartment for keeping your phone, wallet, and passport safe, and a separate pouch for shoes and dirty clothing.

The interior buckle system holds your clothes in place while you travel, helping to keep them in tip-top condition for when you arrive at your destination.

• Fits a lot of clothing
• Quite heavy for a garment bag

• Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel, 60L

Weight: 2.25 pounds

Dimensions: 26.75 x 10.25 x 13.5 inches

Another big bag from one of the bigger brands in adventure travel, this Eagle Creek ultralight duffel weighs a mere 2 pound 4 ounces but can hold a whopping 60 liters of gear. If that’s not the right size for you, the Cargo duffel also comes in 40-, and 90-liter versions.

Made from water-repellent Bi-Tech Armor Lite fabric, this duffel is designed for (nearly) all-weather, and the bartack reinforcements on the stress points ensure it keeps its strength no matter how full you fill it.

If you can’t decide how to carry your bag, this one gives you 3 different options. Either carry it using the removable backpack straps, padded top haul handles, or the side grab handle. There are also 6 incredibly useful lash points that can be used to secure the bag to a car’s roof rack, a camel, or any other unusual modes of transport.

Made up of 1 large compartment and 2 easily accessible end pouches, the U-shaped lid is easy to open, and when you’re not using it, the smart pack can compress into itself for easy carrying!

Perfect for camping trips, plane journeys, and even road trips , this is a little (big) bag that weighs next to nothing.

• Can be carried 3 different ways
• Backpack straps could be more durable

Marmot Long Hauler Travel Duffel Bag

Weight: 2.4 pounds

Dimensions: 60 x 33 x 30.5 inches

Available in a choice of 4 sizes (S, M, L, and XL), it’s the medium bag we’re reviewing in this article. This duffel bag is made from 1000D 100% polyester with TPE laminate, making it superstrong and able to withstand the bumps and knocks of domestic or international adventures.

The lining is wipeable nylon, which is great for internal leaks , while the bag is reinforced with 100% ballistic nylon for extra strength wherever you’re headed.

Ideal for an overnight bag, a checked bag, or even for the gym, this duffel has a D-shaped main zipper opening for easy access and haul loops on both ends to make it easy to lift. The double bottom ensures its durability, and the tough YKK zippers will hold their own after many, many uses.

The main compartment is plenty big enough to carry your clothes and belongings for big trips, and the zippered end pockets are easily accessible, making them perfect for stowing your passport, keys, cell phone, and wallet.

There’s also a removable shoulder strap that converts to carrying handles, giving you multiple carrying options when you need them.

This bag may not set the world of luggage alight, but it’s a nicely-priced, secure, and durable duffel bag made by a brand that’s synonymous with high-quality travel bags and accessories. An investment well made, the Marmot medium duffel bag is a good-size bag for most occasions.

• Has a mesh pocket for dirty clothing
• Handles get in the way of the main compartment opening

Thule Chasm Duffel Bag

Weight: 2.86 pounds

Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 10 inches

The Thule Chasm Duffel bag comes in a choice of 2 different sizes (40 and 70 liters), but in this article, we’re looking at the sizable yet easy-to-carry 70-liter option.

Made from phthalate-free TPE laminate with a 1000D nylon base, this duffel is durable, water-resistant, and offers exceptional tear resistance. The bag also comes in an array of attractive colors. The Bluegrass option is perfect for sticking out in a crowd.

Because carrying your luggage is important, Thule has included removable backpack straps that make lugging your bag over long distances as easy as pie. When you get there, remove the backpack straps, and revert to using the duffel strap as usual.

The oversized, wide mouth opening is perfect for easy access to your belongings, and the external compression straps are designed to prevent your belongings from getting squashed up at the bottom when you carry it in backpack mode.

On the inside, there are also internal mesh pockets for keeping smaller items safe and a lockable, zippered side pocket for keeping small items secure and within reach while you travel.

• Removable shoulder straps
• Not overly comfortable carrying as a heavy backpack

• Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag for Travel

Dimensions: 20.8 x 9.8 x 11.8 inches

This is a stylish and almost retro-looking duffel bag that’s well-suited to the traveler about town. Made from high-density, 16-ounce, 100% cotton canvas, and featuring classical bronze-tone hardware, this bag is as stylish as it is practical.

With a 50-liter capacity, the large main compartment can easily hold your clothes, shoes, and toiletries, as well as a 15-inch laptop or large iPad. The inner zipper pocket is perfect for smaller items, and the 2 side and front pockets, as well as 1 on the back, means you have plenty of space for everything you need speedy access to.

If you need even more space, there are 2 zippers on each side of this little duffel that will expand the capacity of the bag  and give you more room to carry your gear. The bottom of the bag is well cushioned and has a hard film protector to help keep your belongings dry and safe on dirty or damp floors.

Compact and easy to carry, this is a great overnight or weekend bag that has nicely padded handles and an adjustable and removable shoulder strap. Probably not ideal for around-the-world adventures, this is a capable duffel designed with style and practicality in mind.

• Lots of pockets to stay organized
• Zippers can get stuck

KPL 21 Inch Vintage Leather Duffel

Weight: 4.2 pounds

Dimensions: 21 x 9 x 11 inches

This vintage-style leather duffel bag is a real classic. Made from genuine, full-grain leather, the rich natural patina of this bag will change over time, ensuring that it always stands out from the crowd.

This beautiful bag will be just as home in a first class cabin as it would be out in the wild. Carrying a bag like this makes a real statement.

With 1 large compartment that will hold your clothes, shoes, and toiletries, you can keep the remaining 2 side zipper pockets free for items you need instant access to, such as your passport, cell phone, or wallet. The interior is also fully lined with canvas, giving more practicality and a high-end feel.

The front, satchel-style pocket adds interest and is in keeping with the vintage look of the bag, while the adjustable carry strap is well-padded and can be removed when not in use.

Want to carry it instead? This bag also comes with 2 sturdy, leather handles that will feel awesome in your hands as you carry your gear from plane to hotel and back again.

• Has a detachable shoulder strap
• The top compartment opening is quite restrictive

The 4 Best Wheeled Duffel Bags

Eagle Creek Travel Gear No Matter What Flashpoint Rolling Duffel XL

Weight: 4.19 pounds

Dimensions: 35.8 x 15 x 14.2 inches

Really, “no matter what” your adventures throw at it, this bag can handle almost everything! With a capacity of 128 liters, this duffel is big enough to cope with all of your gear while you travel.

Made from tough Bi-Tech fabric, it offers abrasion resistance and weatherproof capabilities, while the super-tough webbing and seam reinforcements mean your bag won’t fall apart when you fill it up.

If you find it too big to carry comfortably for more than a moment, you’ll be delighted to hear that this beauty comes with oversized, heavy-duty, treaded wheels for smooth mobility and maximum durability .

You’ll be able to easily maneuver it through airports, hotels, and business centers, while it will still be able to handle rough terrain like a boss.

If you need to carry it for longer distances, the adjustable and removable shoulder straps allow you to use it as a backpack. Or, you can use the center haul handle for rolling long distances and the side grab handles when loading it onto transportation.

The main compartment is easily accessible and plenty big enough to carry your clothing and equipment, while the front zipper pocket is ideal for storing quick-access items like your headphones , cell phone, and book.  

• Bright and easy to spot on the carousel
• Can be difficult to roll when heavy

Amazon Basics Ripstop Wheeled Duffel

Weight: 11.9 pounds

Dimensions: 37.5 x 18.25 x 16 inches

Another great bag from the Amazon Basics luggage range , this ripstop wheeled duffel comes in 26-, 30-, and 35-inch variations. They’re also available in multiple colors, such as black, blue, or red. Here we’ll look at the larger 35-inch version.

Its durable design makes this an affordable, yet practical option for anyone heading off on a vacation or adventure. With a 100% polyester top to protect against moisture in the air, and sides and a base made from 1680D ripstop nylon and 210D lining, this bag is strong and well-made for the price.

Because Amazon Basics understand that you want to take as much away with you as you possibly can, it has incorporated zippered front and main compartments for easy organizing and secure storage on the go.

The top portion is deep, and the opening is wide, making it easy to pack while the end pockets are perfect for stowing your passport, cell phone, wallet, keys, or anything else you need easy access to.

When it comes to moving your gear around, the upright, telescopic handle and inline wheels ensure easy mobility over smoother terrain and will cope (just about) with more rough roads on location.

Perhaps not as good as some of the more expensive rolled duffel bags, this is a good bet for the budget-conscious traveler.

• Comes with a 1-year warranty
• Can topple over if front-heavy

Travelpro Bold 30″ Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel

Weight: 10.9 pounds

Dimensions: 30 x 17 x 16.5 inches

The largest rolling duffel bag in the Travelpro range , this drop-bottom bag is big enough to carry tons of stuff and easy enough to roll around the globe.

Made from rugged, high-density 100% polyester fabric, this duffel has a water-resistant coating to keep your belongings safe and dry wherever you may be. This duffel also comes with a “Built For A Lifetime Limited Warranty.”

Inside, the zippered divider panel allows for 2 separate packing spaces or 1 large packing compartment, depending on your needs, and the adjustable, hold-down straps will keep everything in place while you’re on the move.

Need more space? No problem. This duffel comes with a 2-inch expansion capability for additional packing capacity and a large zippered wet pocket for damp or dirty items.

The high-performance ball-bearing wheels are built for high-mileage travel, and the silky-smooth, ball-bearing, inline skate wheels make this duffel a pleasure to pull along with you.

The aircraft-grade aluminum handle system makes it incredibly comfortable to find the right height for your needs, and the compression straps will keep the duffel neatly pulled together.

• Can be packed as 1 large compartment or as 2 separate spaces
• Very easy to exceed airline baggage weight limits

Thule Crossover Rolling Duffel Pack

Weight: 9.47 pounds

Dimensions: 17.3 x 16.5 x 31.1 inches

This top-of-the-range Thule duffel bag is an all-singing, all-dancing kind of bag that will accommodate everything you need and more on your next adventure. With an 87-liter capacity and a wide, unobstructed mouth for easy loading, this is one of the best, wheeled duffel bags your money can buy!

The durable exoskeleton and the molded polypropylene back panel are designed to withstand rough terrain and absorb the impact of rugged travel. The durable, oversized wheels make for smooth rolling, and the patented Thule V-Tubing telescoping handles guarantee a steady and straight pull that’s a pleasure to roll along behind you.

The main compartment is as big as they come and can comfortably house all of your clothing and travel gear, while the divider allows you to keep your dirty gear separate from your clean stuff.

The heat-molded, crush-proof SafeZone is a revelation that allows you to protect your eyewear, portable electronics, and other fragile gear on the go. This is a handy feature for anyone who wants to take expensive gear with them while they travel. This compartment can also be locked and removed to keep your stuff safe.

A very impressive duffel bag, with a price tag to match, this is an investment item for those who want to up their duffel bag game.

• Durable and smooth-rolling wheels
• The telescopic handle is a bit short for taller people

For every journey, there’s the perfect duffel. While wheels or no wheels will always be a great debate, whatever camp you’re in, you’ll find something to suit your travel needs. With so many great duffel bag manufacturers out there, such as The North Face, Patagonia, Marmot, Osprey, and Eagle Creek, you’re spoiled for choice!

Like this review? We’ve got more! Check out these other articles on the best-of-the-best travel products on the market:

• The Best Checked Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Laptop Backpacks To Buy for Travel
• The Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Men and Women
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

What size duffel bag can i carry on a plane.

Duffel bags, like any type of carry-on luggage, will have to meet the luggage size restrictions set out by the airline you are flying with. These can differ from each airline, but 22 x 14 x 9-inch luggage is a fairly common restriction. Please check with your airline before you fly.

What are the best duffel bags?

Whether you’re looking for something small to carry on the plane, or a massive beast of a bag with wheels to pull behind you, there are plenty of great duffel bags to choose from. These are some of our top picks:

• Patagonia Black Hole 40 Liter Duffel
• The North Face Base Camp Duffel

Are duffel bags good for traveling?

Duffel bags are a great alternative to suitcases or backpacks and are designed to fit as much as you can comfortably carry. A great duffel bag is one that has enough room for your clothing, enough extra pockets for your bits and pieces, and one that you’ll be able to carry, wear, or pull along with ease.

How do I choose a duffel bag?

There are a number of qualities to consider before you buy your duffel bag:

• Size and capacity
• Wheels vs. no wheels
• Carry options
• Access, pockets, and organization
• Water resistance
• Material and durability

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Best Duffel Bags of 2024

For casual international jaunts or full-blown assaults on Denali, you'll need a solid duffel to safely transport your precious cargo. Here are the best duffel bags for any trip on your bucket list.

They’re at the start of every expedition documentary. Explorers in a conga line, chucking bulging bags loaded with ropes, food, and tents into the back of a seaplane or weathered Land Rover. You see them piled on docks, in airports, or swaying back and forth on pack mules as they wind their way to basecamp — duffel bags are the storage backbone of any long adventure.

Any duffel bag worth its salt needs to meet certain metrics. They must be sturdy enough to protect and transport hefty loads of technical gear, yet light enough to merit use on an expedition. They should exhibit thoughtful organizational features, and have to be packed and unpacked with ease.

Senior Editor Chris Carter took over 25 of the finest duffel bags money can buy, and pitted them against each other for over six months on dusty overland trips in Africa, climbing expeditions through Mexico, and weekend cabin getaways, to bring you the crème de la crème of these brawny bags. He tested each duffel with a mind for a variety of different performance metrics, including durability, ease of transport, organizational features, and weather resistance.

A seasoned globe trotter, Chris has been hopping around the world from a young age. His parents worked with an NGO in East Africa, and travel was — and still is — a way of life. He’s been zipping up duffels, carry-ons, and all manner of luggage and schlepping them through international airports for just about as long as he can remember. He knows what makes a duffel bag worth its mettle, and allows only the best into this guide.

Check out our top picks below, and be sure to browse our comprehensive buyer’s guide at the end for help in choosing the perfect duffel. Use our comparison chart for a quick overview, or have your burning questions hashed out in the FAQ .

Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on March 27, 2024, by adding the NEMO Double Haul 70L Convertible Duffel & Tote and adding new details about the 2024 update received by our Overall Best pick, the Patagonia Black Hole 70L .

• Best Overall Duffel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L
• Best Budget Duffel Bag: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60L
• Best Expedition Duffel Bag: Black Diamond StoneHauler 120L
• Best Duffel Bag for Casual Use: Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L
• Best Ultralight Duffel Bag: Matador FreeFly 30L
• Best Rolling Duffel Bag: The North Face Voyager 40L
• Best Waterproof Duffel Bag: YETI Panga 75L

Patagonia Black Hole 70L

• Weight 3 lbs.
• Volume Options 40, 55, 70, & 100 L
• Face Fabric 14.1-oz 900-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop & recycled TPU-film laminate
• Straps Removable backpack straps, top carry handles, 2 side handles

• Versatile, stylish design
• Durable yet lightweight
• Comfortable carry system
• Flimsy material doesn’t stay open when packing
• No zippered pockets at either end
• We kinda miss the old look

When we think of duffel bags — this is what comes to mind. The Patagonia Black Hole ($199) has become almost synonymous with long road trips, climbing excursions in the desert, and well … adventure. But, does it live up to the hype?

After extensively testing the 55 and 70L models over many years, we feel that the 70L Black Hole is just about the perfect duffel for any travel scenario you could cook up. Rugged enough for brutal adventures, with a sleek and stylish finish for around town, its versatility is truly where it shines.

2024 saw a nice new update to the Black Hole. Taking a leap towards greater sustainability, the bag is now made with a 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing — and has a new recycled TPU film laminate with a subtle matte finish. Aside from its appearance, the design and function of the duffel remain essentially the same, though it is a tad lighter. We do miss that classic shiny silhouette a bit, but the environmentally friendly shift makes up for it.

Stellar carrying comfort is one of our litmus tests of a solid duffel, and the Black Hole scores big in this department. Toting it through the airport, or schlepping it to the base of a remote crag, the cozy ergonomic shoulder straps and simple top haul handle design make this a breeze. The straps quickly deploy or detach from the bag entirely. We feel that this system hugs our body and carries better over the long run than others we tested, and we like the snap coupling on the haul handles.

One of our favorite touches? An outside zippered pocket that can be accessed from the inside or outside of the bag. We didn’t expect to love it as much as we do — but dang, we use it a lot. This pocket also doubles as its stuff sack. A mesh interior lid pocket stashes small items, and the huge U-shaped opening for the main compartment is by far our top pick for zipper configurations on duffels. Internal compression straps help snug down the load.

Despite its burly 900-denier ripstop face fabric, with a shiny weather-resistant TPU laminate coating, the 70 L clocks in at just over a respectable 3 pounds, and packs down small. For fast and light missions, it doesn’t add much to your overall base weight.

A lightly padded bottom protects gear from rocky terrain, and reinforced daisy chains won’t pop off when lashed to roof racks or mule backs. However, we do feel the vertical daisy chain configuration is limiting in some cases.

If we had to knock the Black Hole at all (which is hard), it would be its comparatively flimsy material. It doesn’t hold its shape well when packing it up. Other duffels, such as The North Face Base Camp below, have super rigid side walls that stay open even when empty, whereas the Black Hole easily folds over on itself unless held open. We also find ourselves wishing for zippered pockets at either end of the bag on occasion.

Backpack through Europe, dirtbag it up in the desert, or visit grandma for Thanksgiving with about as much storage comfort and style as you could ask for. The Black Hole 70L is the duffel for the job.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60L

• Weight 2 lbs., 3 oz.
• Volume Options 40, 60, & 90 L
• Face Fabric 1000D Helix Poly & 600D Poly TPU
• Straps Removable backpack straps, 4 side handles

• Great value for the price
• Solid organization features
• Sturdy, weather-resistant construction
• No top carry handles
• Fabric doesn’t hold shape while packing
• Not the highest quality zippers

While Eagle Creek’s Cargo Hauler ($129) isn’t technically the cheapest on this list, we feel that it is absolutely the best bang for your buck of any duffel we reviewed. For under $130, you get similar durability, carrying comfort, and thoughtful organization as the best of the best.

We used this stout little bag much more than we anticipated during our testing period. It was loaded with climbing and camping gear for weekend jaunts, crammed with clothes for holiday getaways, and even packed as our primary piece of luggage for a trip to Morocco, North Africa. This is a great steal.

Ticking several of our favorite duffel bag boxes, it boasts stellar carrying and organizational features, but maintains a competitively light weight at just over 2 pounds. Our favorite U-shaped opening provides access to a generous main compartment, with detachable interior mesh dividers.

For even more organization, there are two zippered pockets on either end — which we think every duffel should have. One of these doubles as the bag’s stuff sack.

Cozy shoulder straps quickly slide out of a zippered pouch in the lid, and hook into loops at the base. The straps also couple together with a buckled wrap to be used as a haul handle. This isn’t our favorite design, as we prefer to have top haul handles be separate from the shoulder straps (like the Black Hole above), but this does shave some weight. Additional handles on the side, top and bottom mean you can grab it from any angle with ease.

The materials used in th is duffel are undeniably robust, without adding too much bulk. A 1,000- and 600-denier poly TPU face fabric guards your gear, which is waterproof with storm flaps, but not seam sealed, so the bag isn’t entirely waterproof.

We have similar gripes as the Black Hole with the loose fabric of the Cargo Hauler, and wish it stayed open better as we load it up. The extra pockets, buckles and straps are all handy, but kind of get in the way when you’re in a hurry.

We’re big fans of this affordable powerhouse, and feel confident recommending it for both casual trips and tough adventures.

Black Diamond StoneHauler 120L

• Weight 3 lbs., 13 oz.
• Volume Options 45, 60, 90, & 120 L
• Face Fabric 600D & 1500D SuperGrid ripstop & 1640D polyester

• Extremely durable materials
• Bomber tubular webbing loop around entire bag
• Foam-reinforced fabric in high-use areas
• Non-laminated fabric absorbs water faster than TPU-coated duffels
• Backpack straps aren’t the most comfortable

If you ever have to carry a duffel into battle, this is the one you want. With a bomb-proof blend of 600-, 1,500-, and 1,640-denier fabric, burly haul-loop carry system, and reinforced end caps, this blurs the line between duffel and big wall haul bag. If it wasn’t for its specialized, beefed-up design, this would probably be our top pick. It’s just so good.

We jammed the StoneHauler 120L ($230) full of spiky cams and chunky ropes on climbing expeditions in Mexico, strapped it to Land Cruisers on the muddy backroads of Kenya, and lived out of it during road trips through Appalachia. It swiftly became our favorite duffel for taxing adventures where top-notch gear protection and rugged durability are paramount.

This beast of a bag is advertised for far-flung missions to extreme environments, and it has the design to back it. The ripstop SuperGrid body material sandwiches padding on the bottom, top, and side panels for stronger durability and structure, and the end caps are reinforced with 1640-denier polyester to fight abrasion. Chunky #10 YKK reversed coil zippers on a huge U-shaped lid inspire some of the most faith in any closure system we tested.

The Haul-loop carry design, a continuous thick tubular webbing loop that wraps entirely around the duffel, is a unique adventure-specific innovation on this bag. From any angle, there’s a loop to strap something to.

Black Diamond puts its lash loops through the same load tests as their carabiners and cams, rating each one to a hefty 2kN. Strap it to a mule or drag it up a cliff by the daisy chain — those things aren’t popping off.

The organizational design is basic and streamlined, with two internal mesh pockets on the lid, and a large zippered pocket on both end caps. Internal compression straps help manage bulky loads, and removable backpack straps quickly attach to the top of the bag, and clip into the side for prolonged carry.

When our 120L model is fully loaded, however, we definitely wish for wider shoulder straps with more foam. You don’t want to be carrying it for too long.

For burly expeditions to remote corners of the world, count on the StoneHauler to get you there with about as much storage confidence as you could ask for.

Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L

• Weight 2 lbs.
• Volume Options 35 & 65 L
• Face Fabric 100% recycled 600D nylon canvas & 900D waterproof base
• Straps Single shoulder strap, top carry handles (can be backpack straps), 2 side handles

• Sleek, stylish look
• Thoughtful design
• Comfortable, versatile carrying options
• Cord hooks difficult to pull out of strap loops
• Not the best for long adventures in rough conditions

Can a duffel bag be called a piece of fine art? Well, we’re dubbing Peak Design’s Travel Duffel ($140) a masterpiece. The level of craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering put into this bag nudges it head and shoulders above any other casual travel duffel we’ve carried.

Technical specs aside, just the look of it inspires admiration. Subtle leather accents and anodized aluminum clasps complement a textured, canvas body with poly-coated zippered pockets to deliver a retro, utilitarian vibe. This is a beautiful bag.

We found the carry-on sized 35L version to be perfect for short flights, weekend trips to visit friends, or video projects on the road. One of the many brilliant touches in most Peak Design products is their seamless compatibility with their packing and camera cubes (sold separately). We loved clipping the small or medium camera cubes into our Travel Duffel, and hauling our sensitive film gear across the country with confidence.

For such a small bag, the modularity it boasts is shocking. It can be carted by hand with two carry handles, or slung over your shoulder with a single shoulder strap. Each strap can be configured in a number of different ways by clipping the cord hooks into any two of the 12 loops located all around the bag.

The hand carry was the most natural configuration for us, but the webbing of these handles is long enough to be clipped such that you can wear it as a backpack — though not super comfortably if the bag is fully loaded. This is a great design, but the cord hooks inspire a bit too much confidence. We feel like we are going to rip the loops off the bag every time we adjust the strap position.

Durable fabric and padding on the bottom and sides boost gear protection, and internal rods provide some structure as you pack the bag. The center zip opening isn’t our favorite design but works well with the way this duffel is laid out, and the bars hold the bag from folding in as it’s loaded up. A grand total of four low-profile external zippered pockets, and two internal mesh pockets round out this duffel’s stellar organization options.

Peak Design’s Travel Duffel isn’t the best choice for rugged expeditions to the backcountry, but for frontcountry style and functional storage on the road, it’s hard to beat this sleek, charming bag.

Matador Freefly 30L

• Weight 8.5 oz.
• Volume Options 30 L
• Face Fabric 70D Robic nylon UHMWPE ripstop, with PU waterproofing & 50D mini ripstop nylon
• Straps Top carry handles, front and back grab handles, single shoulder strap that splits into backpack straps

• Extremely packable
• Waterproof materials (not submersible)
• Lower durability than other duffels
• Thin, basic carry straps aren’t the most comfortable

A duffel bag that fits in the palm of your hand? We were skeptical as well. But give Matador’s Freefly 30L Packable Duffel ($85) a chance and you’ll be throwing it in your suitcase for every long trip.

We struggled to imagine which scenarios we would use this for when ordering it for testing. But, after packing it as our personal item for multiple flights, and as a secondary bag for day trips on a multitude of extended adventures, we’ve given it more love than we ever would have expected.

First things first — the packed size. Though it boasts a variety of extras you see on fully-featured travel duffels, like multiple external zippered pockets, compression straps, top, and side carry handles, and a shoulder strap that splits into backpack straps, it barely registers on the scale at 8.5 ounces and crams down to about the size of a softball.

It is a bit hard to get it into the mesh stuff sack at first, but we figured out the trick after a few tries. One of the side pockets also doubles as a stuff sack.

We didn’t expect our lightest duffel to also be one of our most waterproof, but aside from YETI’s Panga, this thwarted moisture more than most. Fully taped seams, sealed YKK zippers, and PU-coated 70-denier ripstop nylon combine forces to form an essentially waterproof vessel (though it’s not intended for submersion).

So, what’s the rub? With 50- and 70-denier fabric, this also registers as our least durable model, and the low weight means no padding and thin webbing on the straps. This won’t hold up to the same torture as the mighty StoneHauler above, or carry as comfortably, but at this weight and size, it is hard to quibble about its flimsy nature.

We love the Freefly for quick day trips to swimming holes in the summer, as a carry-on while flying, or as a backup duffel to throw into larger luggage. Its tiny pack size makes this great for setting out on side quests in the midst of long road trips or international excursions.

With a spec’ed-out design at an approachable price point, we think this is a fantastic little duffel to snag for those just-in-case moments during your travels, or as a standalone pack for ultralight missions on the road.

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller Duffel 21”

• Weight 6 lbs., 13 oz.
• Volume Options 40 & 94 L
• Face Fabric 840D recycled ballistic nylon with DWR finish
• Straps Three side carry handles, telescoping top handle

• Durable, weather-resistant fabric
• Sturdy wheels and chassis
• Carry-on compatible
• Pricey compared to duffels of similar volume
• Wheeled duffels aren’t as versatile

As duffel bags explode in the travel scene, many manufacturers have realized the value of crossing the convenience of a duffel, with the ease of standard wheeled suitcases. While they don’t work for every travel scenario, wheeled duffels like the Base Camp Voyager ($240) can alleviate a lot of stress on your body, and carry heavy loads much better.

We narrowed in on the 21-inch Base Camp Voyager as our top pick for this category. Its durable design, water-resistant materials, and carry-on compatible size make it a prime duffel for domestic and international adventures alike. The large rugged wheels and sturdy chassis accommodate tougher terrain than other rolling bags, and we feel comfortable lugging it over dirt roads and uneven ground while traveling overseas.

Constructed with the same 840-denier ballistic DWR nylon as their wildly popular regular Base Camp Duffel , this wheeled iteration provides greater structure and overall gear protection than its traditional cousin. While we wouldn’t recommend using it for the same sort of expeditions, the wheeled version does have reinforced lash points on three sides of the duffel, so could be strapped to a roof rack or motorcycle if need be.

The design is minimal but functional, without the bells and whistles of common rolling suitcases. You won’t get the same level of organization, but an internal mesh zippered pocket, a top external zippered pouch for small essentials, and a laptop sleeve on the outside of the lid give you enough to get by.

The Base Camp Voyager epitomizes the outdoor travel aesthetic in a bomb-proof, adventure-ready design. It runs a bit on the pricey side and is significantly heavier than regular duffels, but the durability, weather protection, and ease of transport you get with this bag make it a worthy investment.

YETI Panga 75L

• Weight 6 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Volume Options 50, 75, & 100 L
• Face Fabric EVA molded bottom & ThickSkin waterproof nylon shell

• Fully waterproof
• Extremely durable material
• Simple, easily attachable backpack straps
• Minimal feature set

For most of your travel needs, a bomb-proof, fully submersible, waterproof travel duffel isn’t on the shortlist. But some adventures — like snowy winter expeditions, multi-day rafting trips, or tours through wet climates — may require such a burly bag.

If wet climates or river trips are in your future, YETI’s Panga 75L ($350) stands out as one of the best waterproof duffels on the market. Tipping the scales at over 6 pounds, it is undeniably a chunker but kept our sensitive gear bone dry on long paddling trips and torrential downpours around camp. For such peace of mind, the high price tag and hefty weight make it worth the cost.

A fully submersible zippered bag? These are rare finds. YETI’s unique Hydrolok zipper is entirely waterproof, and features a rubber “U-dock” at the end, which ensures a completely airtight seal. The zipper takes a bit of a yank to open, but is consequently incredibly sturdy and durable. The bag actually boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means its contents will stay dry for roughly 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.

An EVA molded bottom provides a tough landing pad, and the welded TPU panels with ThickSkin waterproof nylon serve as an impenetrable barrier against moisture. To reduce the amount of stitching that needs to be reinforced, the bag is quite minimally featured, with one big main compartment and two small internal zippered mesh pockets. Simple, vertically oriented daisy chains on the sides provide adequate lashing options to boat decks or pulk sleds.

Two handles on either end of the Panga allow you to hoist it around from different angles, and removable shoulder straps quickly clip onto the bag with sturdy aluminum clasps. These are minimally padded, so beware when hauling seriously heavy loads. The straps can also be used as top carry handles.

While this isn’t the best duffel to pick up for everyday casual use, if long days on the river or cold, wet winter trips are on the docket, this would be a great companion. 

Osprey Transporter 95L

• Weight 3 lbs., 6.4 oz.
• Volume Options 40, 65, 95, & 120 L
• Face Fabric 900D & 600D TPU-coated DWR recycled polyester
• Straps Stowable backpack straps, 4 side handles

• Uber comfortable backpack carry straps
• Durable, quality materials
• Minimal extra pockets
• Not many lashing points

Widely considered one of the most comfortable duffel bags to carry long distances, Osprey’s Transporter ($200) is a popular, durable shoo-in for this guide. Osprey is perhaps best known for its cushy backpacking backpacks that are ubiquitous on trails around the world — and the Transporter reflects that.

A full yoke backpack harness that deploys from a pouch in the lid, with a vertically adjustable sternum strap, and plush ventilated shoulder straps lend credence to Osprey’s reputation for a comfortable carry over the long haul. Of all the duffels we tested, this wore us down the least while carting it like a backpack through a village, or waiting in line for hours at passport control.

We took the 95L model on demanding overland missions in Africa, rainy road trips through Appalachia, and international climbing excursions to test its durability, weather resistance, and carrying comfort. This was a definite contender for our top pick, but a few design choices of other duffels bumped them just ahead.

The bag carries incredibly well, but we wish there were top carry handles in addition to the backpack straps, similar to Patagonia’s Black Hole design. Having the lid hinge from the top of the bag, instead of the side, isn’t our favorite layout either, as it makes the lid narrow and flimsy which can be a frustration while packing.

These are small nitpicks for an otherwise brilliantly designed, tough-as-nails bag. The 900-denier polyester shell with a smooth TPU coating is a formidable barrier between your gear and the elements and stood up to some serious torture during our testing period.

Massive padded haul handles on each side of the bag are some of the largest we’ve seen, and a few sturdy lash points allow you to strap it down with confidence. We wish there was a longer daisy chain for a more even tie-down, but we made do just fine.

A single large internal mesh pocket and an external zippered pocket on one side constitute its simple organizational features. Still, we quite enjoyed the stripped-down, sleek feel of the bag while charging around bustling markets overseas or navigating busy airports. This is a stylish but effective duffel.

For travelers who can’t quite decide between a traditional backpack and a duffel bag, the Transporter would be the perfect crossover piece for stellar storage, and world-class comfort on long trips.

REI Co-op Roadtripper 100L

• Weight 1 lb., 6 oz.
• Volume Options 40, 60, 100, & 140 L
• Face Fabric Recycled polyester
• Straps Single shoulder strap, top carry handles, 2 side handles

• Simple, sleek design
• Lightweight and packable
• Simple straps are uncomfortable during long carries
• Fabric isn’t as durable or water-resistant as other models

While most of the models on this list offer complicated handle layouts, bleeding-edge fabric technology, and pockets galore, REI’s Roadtripper ($65) harkens back to the duffel bag’s roots. What you get with this bag — a simple polyester tube with a few straps — may be just the minimalist, retro design you’re after.

If you seek something quick and easy to get the job done, you’ve found it. But don’t let the basic structure and rudimentary design of the Roadtripper fool you. This duffel holds its own on demanding trips when you need it to, then packs down to almost nothing when you’re ready to stow it.

We particularly appreciated it on a recent extended climbing trip, where it housed our random excess gear and camping equipment that didn’t necessarily need top-notch protection from the elements. Its lightweight design meant we could easily pack it away in our larger luggage when we didn’t have a use for it anymore.

Its recycled polyester shell fabric doesn’t have the same weatherproof durability as other fancy TPU-coated duffels, but it is still abrasion-resistant and somewhat water-resistant — and boasts greater sustainability than many in this list.

We do like the strap layout of this bag, but the lack of padding and backpack straps makes it less than optimal for long carries. With two haul handles on the top and bottom, two top carry handles that Velcro together, and a single shoulder strap, you can easily grab the bag from any angle. Simple, vertical daisy chains allow you to strap it to vehicles if the need arises.

While this wouldn’t be our top pick for technical assaults on alpine peaks, the Roadtripper 100L delivers surprisingly solid performance considering its simple, compressible profile. This is a great bag for impromptu road trips, or as additional lightweight storage on gear-intensive journeys. And at $65, it’s a darn good steal.

NEMO Double Haul 70L Convertible Duffel & Tote

• Volume Options 70 L
• Face Fabric Bluesign-approved 420D recycled nylon
• Straps Padded backpack straps, top carrying handles, deployable tote handles

• Versatile design for long trips or use around town
• Large opening
• Extra pockets for organization
• A bit floppy when first loading it up

NEMO rang in the new year with a bang — unveiling a lineup of new innovative products, including its modular and beautifully designed Double Haul Duffel & Tote ($200). This has one of the more interesting layouts of the duffel bags we’ve tested (and we’ve looked at just about everything). We feel like we still discover new features and ways to pack it each time we load it up.

With a versatile design and a slew of straps, cinches, and pouches, this could be the perfect tote/duffel combo for the constantly moving globetrotter. It serves as a streamlined bag for long road trips or air travel but quickly converts to a wide-open tote with extra capacity and a stylish aesthetic for bopping around town. That’s something not a lot of other duffels can boast.

We appreciate the massive opening that easily swallows gear and the fact that the “tote” configuration of the bag affords even more storage. When the bag is empty the larger volume options tend to fold in easily until you get a few pieces of gear on the bottom, but in general, this is a super easy duffel to load up.

Two padded backpack straps are on the side of the bag but can be easily cinched out of the way when you wish to simply carry it as a tote. Tote bag handles deploy from either side of the opening — making this transition extremely easy. Side-release buckles also help the bag fold down into more of a duffel shape when needed. Internal and external mesh pockets help with organization.

For the seasoned traveler looking for a stellar duffel/tote hybrid for long trips, the Double Haul would be hard to beat.

The North Face Base Camp Medium

• Weight 3 lbs., 9.1 oz.
• Volume Options 31, 50, 71, 95, 132, & 150 L
• Face Fabric 1000D polyester with PVC coating & 840D DWR ballistic nylon

• Durable, time-tested design
• Zipper can be difficult to open and close
• On the heavier side

This iconic duffel has developed something of a cult following during its 40+ years of service to the outdoor community. The Base Camp Duffel ($149) has become the poster child of remote alpine expeditions and wild forays to the far-flung places of the world — but does it hold up to the competition today?

Pop into the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and you’re likely to still see a procession of these bright yellow sacks parade in front of you on the luggage carousel as climbers arrive. The Base Camp’s layout has remained quite similar during its history across four decades, and this timeless, trustworthy design is largely what keeps explorers hooked on it.

So why isn’t it our top pick? With so many quality bags out there, the decision was admittedly difficult. But in the end, a few key design decisions bumped other duffels a smidge above the Basecamp in our opinion.

This bag sports our favorite strap and main opening configurations: two top carry handles, two side haul handles on the top and bottom, and removable padded backpack straps with a large U-shaped lid. For us, this is hands down the most comfortable, versatile setup for packing, grabbing, and transporting a duffel with ease. Compression straps on the side allow for a tight, manageable package.

Drumming up any qualms for this duffel is hard, but our main frustration has to do with the zipper. It is quite stiff, and is difficult for us to close quickly and smoothly (at least on the medium size). It also clocks in a tad heavier than other models of similar volume, but the durability you get makes up for it.

The 1,000- and 840-denier polyester and ballistic nylon combo with PVC and DWR coatings is about as bomber and weatherproof as it gets, and horizontal daisy chains allow for an even tie-down. Drag it through thorny underbrush, strap it to a yak, or throw it into the dusty bed of a truck — your gear will stay protected.

This legacy bag has helped countless mountaineers and adventurers achieve their dreams in wild environments, and remains a solid choice today despite fierce competition. For whatever mission you can conjure up, the Base Camp Duffel will tackle the job.

Cotopaxi Allpa 50L

• Weight 2 lb., 10 oz.
• Volume Options 50 & 70 L
• Face Fabric 840D ballistic nylon & TPU coated 1000D polyester

• Stylish design with lots of fun color schemes
• Durable materials
• Fantastic organization
• Backpack straps attachment design isn’t our favorite
• No internal compression straps

Style meets function with this nifty little duffel, and we keep discovering things we love about it each time we pack it up for an adventure. The Allpa 50L ($140) was a strong contender for our best casual use duffel award, but its beefed-up fabric and outdoor-oriented design make it a bit more of a niche bag than Peak Design’s Travel Duffel. 

This has one of the more clever solutions for dirty laundry we’ve seen on a duffel, which is a constant conundrum for our author on long trips. As filthy clothes amass mid-trip, a dedicated discrete zippered pocket underneath the main compartment swallows them up, and a gusseted pouch slowly expands into the main storage as dirty gear replaces clean. Pretty smart. 

Our favored layout for carrying comfort is featured here: top carry straps coupled together with a Velcro handle, cozy removable backpack straps, and haul handles on the top and bottom. The backpack straps attach to the bag by feeding the webbing through buckles, which takes some time and isn’t our favorite design choice. 

There are pockets galore on this bag , and we never have trouble keeping our gear organized. In addition to the dirty laundry compartment in the base, a zippered mesh pouch on the lid, large external zippered pockets on one end and one side, and two Velcro pouches on either side provide more storage than most. The Velcro pouches also conveniently stow the top carry handles for a more streamlined feel.

Cotopaxi is known for its wild color schemes and fun, funky designs — which translates beautifully with this bag. Muted and flashy color schemes abound for whatever your vibe might be.

While the Allpa looks great around bustling towns or quaint remote villages, it’s built like a workhorse and won’t shy away from an adventure. Hefty TPU-coated 1,000- and 840-denier polyester and ballistic nylon protect your gear, and can hold up to some serious abuse on outdoor missions. Reinforced horizontal daisy chains round out its rugged aesthetic.

This is without a doubt one of the better duffels for gear organization on long trips, and we love its style and functionality. For overseas jaunts to distant European cities, or technical adventures through unpredictable terrain, the Allpa holds its own through it all.

Gregory Alpaca 60L

• Weight 3 lbs., 6 oz.
• Volume Options 40, 60, 80, & 100 L
• Face Fabric 900D polyester polyester ripstop with TPU coating

• Durable design
• Expedition-oriented features
• Packing cube included
• Easier to remove backpack straps than previous iteration
• Update removes external compression straps

This unassuming, simple duffel is understandably one of the more popular models for tough adventures in unpredictable climates. A number of our author’s mountaineering friends recommended the Gregory Alpaca ($160) for this guide, as it delivers no-frills, reliable durability, and weather resistance for high-altitude alpine excursions or burly winter expeditions.

While we weren’t able to test it in the most extreme conditions, we found it to be a sturdy, functional duffel on our tamer travel tests. It follows a similar strap configuration as our favorite Patagonia Black Hole and has a much better daisy chain design, with reinforced loops that run horizontally along the bag’s length. Unfortunately, there are no external or internal compression straps.

The 900-denier ripstop fabric with a TPU coating shrugs off any torture you send its way, and holds up to significant exposure to rain or snow. The massive U-shaped lid has two mesh pockets with two mesh zippered pockets in the lid. The Alpaca’s storage pouch doubles as a sleek, see-through packing cube.

One side of the duffel has a large zippered pocket, but we wish there was one on both ends. The end pocket is expandable, easily accommodating dirty gear as they accrue mid-trip. The removable straps are quite comfortable and thankfully are now much easier to remove than the previous iteration.

The Alpaca delivers just what you need and nothing more. We find we gravitate to this streamlined reliable model for long international forays and local road trips alike, and truly appreciate its simple functionality.

Rab Expedition II Kitbag 120L

• Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
• Volume Options 30, 50, 80, & 120 L
• Face Fabric 600D polyester with TPU film

• Comfortable carrying options
• Functional adventure-ready design
• Not as durable as other expedition duffels
• Minimal extra zippered pockets

This bag was made for one thing — carrying tons of gear to far-off lands — and we’d say it does that pretty darn well. The burly Expedition II Kitbag ($155) was on the shortlist for our best expedition duffel award, but we feel that the StoneHauler ekes in just above it in some key areas. 

Regardless, this incredibly durable and reliable bag delivers expedition-ready quality at a surprisingly affordable price point. Its tough shell fabric, thoughtful features, and top-shelf carrying comfort make it a phenomenal choice for any adventure you could cook up. 

The 600-denier TPU-coated polyester shell with a reinforced base provides great weather resistance and durability, but is a bit thinner than other battle-ready duffels on our list, and showed more signs of wear after similar tests. This does help cut down on weight though, particularly with the massive 120L version. 

Top carry handles, two side haul handles on the top and bottom, and removable thickly-padded backpack straps decorate the Kitbag, but the main opening isn’t our favorite, especially with larger volumes. Though it is a U-shaped lid, it hinges from the top instead of the sides, making it thin and flimsy — a frustration while packing or trying to grab something from the mesh pockets in the lid. Aside from these pockets in the lid, the only other pockets are two internal mesh pouches.

The backpack straps are some of the more comfy ones we tested, with thick breathable mesh and daisy chains that run the strap’s length. They aren’t the quickest to attach to the bag, but the adjustability they offer is nice. Swiveling clips on the bottom of the straps ensure they don’t get twisted while pulling it on and off. This is actually a super helpful touch.

All in all, this rugged duffel is a great option for demanding adventures on a budget. The $155 price tag makes this an approachable piece of high-tech expedition gear that won’t let you down in extreme conditions.

Mountain Hardwear Camp 4 95L

• Weight 2 lbs., 9.5 oz.
• Volume Options 45, 65, 95, & 135 L
• Face Fabric 420D carbonate-coated ripstop nylon
• Straps Removable backpack straps, 2 side handles, single 25 mm webbing shoulder strap

• Sleek, haul bag inspired design
• Comfortable backpack straps
• Lightweight
• Effective dirty laundry system
• Minimal lashing points
• Few additional pockets
• Lower durability materials

The Camp 4 Duffel ($160) from Mountain Hardwear is another staple in the outdoor community, and has accompanied many an adventurer to exotic locales. Its newest iteration offers a unique flair to the classic duffel design, with a haul bag-inspired layout and simple, rugged aesthetic.

While we like several elements of this update, we wish they had retained some key features of previous models — namely the lid and daisy chain setup. The large U-shaped opening of old has been replaced with a single center zipper. This shaves some weight and simplifies the opening, but we just can’t get over the ease of accessing tons of gear at once that the old lid offered.

Additionally, while previous Camp 4s had nice horizontal daisy chains running the entire length of the bag, this update eliminates lash loops entirely, leaving only the haul handles and shoulder straps as tie-down options for transport. Internal compression straps are a huge bonus though, and help keep everything cinched up tight.

Those gripes aside, this bag still deserves a spot on our round-up for its time-tested durability and thoughtful features. 420-denier carbonate-coated ripstop nylon is used on the face fabric, which keeps this light and packable, but ready to handle some brutality. 

This wouldn’t be suited for the same level of abuse as other bags like the StoneHauler, though, and it is better used on more casual adventures where keeping weight down is of chief importance.

Aside from a large external zippered pocket on one end, the organization of this bag is quite minimal. One extremely useful touch is an internal cinch-closure pocket for dirty clothes or muggy boots. This easily tucks out of the way when everything is clean, and slowly expands with dirty laundry as your trip progresses. 

Another unique feature of this bag is the internal grab handles that allow you to easily move the duffel around without zipping it up. We can’t say we’ve seen this on any other duffel and found ourselves using it way more than we thought we would. 

We were quite attached to our previous Camp 4 model, so the overhaul in this new iteration has taken some getting used to. But, we still feel it is objectively one of the better duffels on the market from an extremely reputable brand. We don’t have any qualms about bringing it on rigorous romps in the mountains, or international outings alike.  

Sea to Summit Duffel Bag 90L

• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Volume Options 45, 65, 90, & 130 L
• Face Fabric 1000D nylon with waterproof tarpaulin laminate

• Impenetrable fabric
• Modular strap configurations
• Minimal organizational features

If simple durability with a few unique flairs is your cup of tea, this is the duffel for you. Despite having one of the most rudimentary organizational designs of any bag on this list — one large main pocket with a single additional internal pocket — Sea to Summit’s 90L Duffel Bag ($200) came on way more technical trips than we expected during our testing period. 

Outdoor-oriented specs like reinforced lash points, impenetrable 1,000-denier nylon with waterproof tarpaulin laminate, compression straps, and a multitude of carry options make this a battle-ready model for the toughest of trips.

We immediately appreciated how stiff the fabric is on the first outing we took this on, as it stands up even while empty, making packing it up a breeze. You do pay for this a bit with a 4.5-pound reading on the scale, however. 

Though this doesn’t have center carry handles, thick haul handles on each side of the bag and modular backpack straps give you solid carrying options. These multifunction straps quickly clip onto the bag and can be configured in three different ways: hand grip, backpack, or single shoulder strap mode. 

Magnets in the straps snap together and hold them in the hand grip position, though we wish they were a bit stronger, as they come apart easily. 

The cons of this bag lie in its lack of extra pockets, which is a bit of a drawback for us on serious expeditions. With only one extra internal mesh pouch, you are essentially limited to the large main compartment for storage. 

While it’s not our top pick for stellar organization, if you need a bag that will get the job done without the bells and whistles of more complicated bags, this would be a great option. It has a minimalist layout, but proved to be a hardworking technical duffel for long arduous adventures.

Duffel Bags Comparison Chart

How We Tested Duffel Bags

Author and Senior Editor Chris Carter led the charge with this guide, whittling the selection down to the 16 deserving duffels you see today. He tested over 25 duffel bags’ durability, weather resistance, and overall useability over a 6-month testing period on remote climbing expeditions in Mexico, international overland adventures in Africa, and long road trips around the States. Each model was put through the wringer over thousands of miles of real-world travel tests in a variety of different climates and environments. Rest assured, only the best ended up on this guide.

If Chris isn’t navigating international airports or security checkpoints, he can usually be found traveling the U.S. and scheming his next road trip. In short — he’s practically always on the go. He knows the importance of a reliable piece of luggage on any excursion, and won’t cram his travel belongings in any ol’ vessel.

We know everyone’s travel plans differ, and no two trips are alike. We selected a broad array of duffel designs for each traveler’s budget, style, and adventure needs. Slung over our shoulders, strapped to roof racks on wild backroads, or thrown into the belly of planes, these bags were put through their paces and all performed with flying colors.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Duffel Bag

What Is a Duffel Bag?

The line between travel backpacks , standard suitcases, and duffel bags can often be blurred. So what are these rugged malleable sacks, and what makes them special? The origin of the duffel bag is somewhat disputed, but most trace it to the actual town of Duffel in Belgium, where they employed “duffel cloth” to make thick, cylindrical bags with zippered or drawstring closures on top. The burly material was also used as a covering for ships.

Used widely by the military in WWI and WWII, the durable, flexible nature of these souped-up knapsacks made them perfect for chucking haphazardly into the back of transport vehicles or bunkers. They were more durable and voluminous than backpacks, and easier to carry than a solid crate. But they weren’t very comfortable to tote around.

News of these nifty packs seeped into the public, and the design evolved. Longer, wider bags with various sturdy straps for throwing over the shoulder or lashing to animals emerged. The likes of arctic explorers, mountaineers, and international travelers began seeing the value in these versatile wonders, and big-name brands picked up the scent.

From fully waterproof models to technical bags with more pockets and straps than you can count, duffels have come a long way from their humble roots. For weekend getaways to visit the parents or gear-intensive climbing trips, they now offer state-of-the-art storage for wherever the road takes you.

Categories of Duffel Bags

The type of duffel bag you decide to go with depends on your unique travel plans. If you need a general all-around workhorse, something like the simple REI Roadtripper or versatile Patagonia Black Hole would be a solid choice.

If you’re looking for a sleek companion on international flights, The North Face Voyager Roller may be the move, whereas the spec’d-out Black Diamond StoneHauler is catered for dedicated expeditions in rough environments. Duffels can be expensive, so consider what you’ll be primarily using your duffels for before making your final decision.

Expedition Duffel Bags

The last thing you want to worry about on an expedition or long adventure is your precious cargo. Expedition duffels are the more burly, specialized bags of the bunch, and are often decorated with fancy technology and features for specific outdoor pursuits. They are designed to be light enough for fast missions while withstanding abuse from the elements, and must be easily carried, packed, and unloaded — all while protecting important technical gear.

Bags like the Rab Expedition II Kitbag , Black Diamond StoneHauler , and Gregory Alpaca fit this bill. They prioritize durability, weather resistance, and useability, featuring elements like TPU-coated waterproof fabrics, and reinforced lashing points.

Expedition duffels will often be hauled to basecamp on pulk sleds, strapped to the backs of pack mules, or thrown on top of janky overland trucks as they bump along remote dirt tracks. They need to be malleable to fit these various modes of transportation, durable enough to fight abrasion, and fitted with attachment points that are rated to hold heavy loads.

The Black Diamond StoneHauler , for instance, is lined with thick tubular webbing loops that are each rated to 2kN, and sports a bombproof 1,500-denier outer shell. This allows it to be easily affixed to anything and instills confidence that your only tent and cooking kit won’t slide off into a couloir whenever your mule stumbles.

You can expect to find thoughtful additions, like waterproof zippers and storm flaps, unique storage compartments, cushy backpack straps, and compression straps, on expedition duffels. The amount of fancy add-ons makes these bags a bit overkill for a simple weekend getaway, and their durability will often add some significant weight.

Travel/Casual Use Duffel Bags

If you’re scoping out a bag for shorter trips, lugging around the gym, or flying home for Christmas, these are the duffels you want. While not as stalwart as their battle-ready cousins above, these often still boast excellent storage, weather resistance, and carrying capabilities. Travel and casual duffels focus on comfort and useability over rugged durability.

You probably won’t find many adventure-specific features of technical expedition duffels on these, such as DWR-treated fabrics, storm flaps, and stout daisy chains. This means they are generally lighter, easier to handle, and may be more stylish for use around town. We found the biggest difference between casual-use duffels and more outdoor-oriented models to be the denier and durability of the fabric they use.

We narrowed in on the sleek Peak Design Travel Duffel as our top pick for casual use. It is loaded with features that make life on the road a cinch and doesn’t feel nearly as bulky or unwieldy as other models in this roundup.

Many duffels on our list function as solid crossover pieces, and their versatile nature makes them good for casual trips, with enough gumption for demanding adventures. The Patagonia Black Hole and Cotopaxi Allpa fit this description. They’ll look great while tramping between gates in the airport, but boy will they perform when you need them to.

While some designs may be better suited for casual trips, most of the bags on this list would be fine in just about any scenario. You don’t need to be trekking to a far-off base camp to merit the use of Black Diamond’s StoneHauler on your travels.

Waterproof Duffel Bags

Long paddling expeditions, snowy winter excursions, or a family fun day at the lake — these are the bags for the job. Though the selection is sparse, some brands have developed entirely waterproof duffels for trips where keeping your gear dry is paramount. Their higher weight, minimal features, and hefty price tag make them a pretty niche bag, so we wouldn’t recommend snagging one for everyday use.

It’s important to note that most duffel bags, including casual-use models, are already crafted with a high degree of water resistance. Some face fabrics may even be waterproof, but water will still be able to get through the unsealed seams or zippers.

It takes a good deal of prolonged rain to breach the beefy TPU-coated fabric of Gregory’s Alpaca or Osprey’s Transporter . For most of what you’ll encounter on your travels, this will suffice.

But if you really plan on getting wet, models like YETI’s Panga will fend off a downpour, with technical Hyrdolok zippers, minimal stitching, and impenetrable fabric. Waterproof duffels are great for keeping sensitive gear or technology dry on long outdoor trips through wet climates, or anything involving extended time on a boat.

Rolling Duffel Bags

Rolling duffels merge the convenience of a duffel, with the ease of standard wheeled suitcases, and are great for carrying heavy loads over smooth surfaces. These designs caught on quickly, and you will often see wheeled versions of popular models, like the wheeled Patagonia Black Hole or Osprey Transporter .

Rolling duffels are good choices for trips where you won’t be navigating a variety of different environments, as their designs are restricting in many travel scenarios. You’ll rarely see backpack or shoulder straps on rolling duffels, limiting how easy it is to carry them yourself.

If you’re touring around South America and will be shouldering your baggage onto busses, or hiking through small towns to your next hostel, it may be best to go with a traditional duffel. Trust us — trying to roll a wheeled bag down a rocky dirt road is less than optimal.

However, if you’ll be keeping to controlled environments with a lot of pavement and nice walkways, these can alleviate a lot of stress on your body. Many brands also offer rolling duffels that hover around 40 L, making them suitable as carry-ons.

We found the North Face Voyager Roller to be one of our favorite rolling duffels for a diversity of environments and surfaces. Its sturdy wheels and chassis instill confidence over bumpy cobblestone or broken-up sidewalks, and the burly materials and lash points make it somewhat adventure-ready.

Volume Selection

Duffel bag models are frequently available in a variety of volume options, usually on a spectrum of 40 to 120 L. And 40L duffels will often be carry-on compatible, which is perfect for weekend trips where you don’t want to check a bag. At the higher end, 100L or 120L bags are for seriously long trips or gear-intensive expeditions.

The volume you decide to go with will obviously depends on the length and intensity of the trip you plan to bring it on. A 90L model is probably overkill for weekend getaways, and will be uncomfortably floppy with a few changes of clothes and an overnight kit inside.

We’ve seen duffels with volumes of up to 150 L (like the gigantic XXL North Face Base Camp Duffel ), which are great for clunky outdoor gear on long trips like tents, ropes, crampons, or backpacks. It’s easy to bump the weight of these duffels above what is allowed for checked baggage on a plane, so pack with care. Black Diamond’s 120L StoneHauler has been one of our favorite hardworking large-volume duffels for serious missions with technical gear.

Medium-sized duffels in the 50L to 70L range are our favorite versatile volume, as they work for long weekend adventures, or international trips that last for months. Patagonia’s 70L Black Hole and Osprey’s 65L Transporter are some of our top picks in this range. They swallow enough gear to travel comfortably, but aren’t overly bulky and unwieldy.

Smaller duffels can dip as low as 25 L, and can be solid day packs or weekend carry-ons. We love the North Face Base Camp Voyager 40L rolling duffel as a carry-on for short flights, or the stylish Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L for spontaneous overnight trips.

Weight and Packed Size

Most people don’t plan to haul duffel bags on their person for very long like they would a traditional backpack, so weight isn’t a huge concern for many travelers. Sure, you may have to carry your duffel like a backpack from the airport to your hotel across town, but you won’t be trekking up a mountain with it on your back.

You want your gear to be protected by thick, durable materials, with hefty zippers and straps. That said, most duffel bags maintain a relatively low weight and are often surprisingly packable. Many of the duffels on this list come with their own stuff sacks, and cram down to the size of a small throw pillow.

Nothing holds a candle to the packed size of Matador’s Freefly 30L duffel though, which fits in the palm of your hand when shoved into its tiny stuff sack, and weighs a scant 8.5 ounces. Duffels like this are great solutions for throwing into larger suitcases to be used on shorter missions during your trip, or as backup luggage.

While a duffel bag’s weight doesn’t matter as much as that of an ultralight backpack , it is still an important consideration when planning your trip. Rolling duffels, for instance, can have dry weights north of 8 pounds (like the Patagonia Black Hole wheeled duffel), which is a significant chunk out of the 50-pound weight limit of checked baggage on most airlines.

Straps and Carrying Comfort

This is where duffel bag manufacturers truly flex their creative muscles. Simple side handles with a shoulder strap, removable backpack harness that stows into a pocket, or handles that transform into backpack straps and snap together with a magnet — this feature can get complicated. It is an admittedly difficult conundrum for these brands. How do they keep the bag streamlined and easy to throw around, while making it comfortable enough to carry long distances?

Versatility is key when handling duffel bags, and different situations require you to carry them in different ways. You may just need a small handle on the side to transport your bag into another room or pull it from the bed of a truck. A single shoulder strap while lugging it between airport gates may suffice, while it makes sense to use a full backpack harness when walking across town. A good duffel bag can be grabbed from any angle and carried with ease.

You’ll see a lot of variety in the strap designs of duffel bags. Most will have some way of either carrying the bag slung over your shoulder with a single padded strap, or as a traditional backpack with two shoulder straps (generally found on models with larger volumes). 

Our favorite layout for easy handling is two top carry handles, two haul handles on the top and bottom, and removable padded backpack straps. For us, this allows for maximum carrying comfort and quick organization during the duffel shuffle.

These bags get chucked around a lot, so the fewer loops and straps that could get snagged on things the better. For that reason, shoulder straps will usually be fully removable, or able to be tucked away in a pouch on the lid or side.

The Sea to Summit Duffel features one of the more unique carrying designs we’ve seen. Cozy, contoured harness straps easily clip to the top and bottom of the pack, and have above-average padding for heavy loads. When you want to pick the bag up without wearing it on your back, magnets in the shoulder straps quickly snap together to form an effective carrying handle.

Peak Design’s Travel Duffel also has a good deal of modularity and allows you to configure its straps in different ways depending on how you want to carry it throughout your trip.

No matter how fancy the strap system is on a duffel, they will almost never be as comfortable as an actual backpacking backpack , so don’t plan on clocking serious miles with them. Though some will have hipbelts, without a backpack frame, beefy foam shoulder straps, or ventilation systems, they tend to wear you down pretty fast.

Materials and Weather Resistance

If duffels need to be one thing — it’s durable. These bags often find themselves being tossed about, drug through the dirt, or strapped to the outside of trucks, and they need to keep expensive gear safe through it all.

The denier of a duffel’s material (often written as a number followed by “D”), is a good general way to determine the durability and weather resistance of a bag. Denier is a unit of measurement that indicates the thickness of the yarns that are used to construct a fabric. The number represents the actual amount of yarn within each thread. So the durable 900-denier polyester shell of Patagonia’s Black Hole contains 900 yarns within each of its threads, plus a TPU-film laminate for water resistance.

Most of the brands in our lineup employ some combination of tough ballistic nylon, polyester, or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) laminate for their duffel’s face fabrics. TPU is a plastic-like film used to laminate and waterproof fabric — it is not a fabric itself. These materials will often be ripstop to help fend off large tears, and many duffels have reinforced areas that get particularly abused, like the bottom.

Vinyl or laminate finishes are common on outdoor duffels and will keep the bag’s contents dry in light to moderate rain, but water will eventually leak through zippers and seams that aren’t taped. Fully waterproof models obviously don’t have this weakness.

From hard-working expedition bags with face fabrics boasting 1,000-denier or more, to ultralight casual duffels with flimsy 70-denier nylon shells, we cover a wide range of options on this list. While denier and fabric choice aren’t the only determining factors in a bag’s durability over long trips, it’s a good, quick way to compare different models and narrow in on the best pick for your travel needs.

Ease of Use and Packing

A variety of features contribute to a duffel bag’s ease of use while packing and unpacking your gear. Below we’ve outlined some extra features that boost a bag’s useability.

Main Compartment

In case you haven’t caught it by now, our favorite lid design for duffels is definitely a large U-shaped opening. Nothing beats it for quickly accessing everything in the bag’s main compartment while maintaining structure and weather resistance. It is easier to add storm flaps to this design than it is on a single center zipper, as the lid flap naturally overlaps the zipper, protecting the zipper from moisture.

The Sea to Summit Duffle Bag has one of the larger, easier-to-open U-shaped lids we tried. We love being able to quickly see and rummage through piles of climbing and camping gear immediately after pulling it open.

Center zippers make it more difficult to pack things in an orderly fashion and access that gear when the bag is filled to the max. They do tend to be shorter than U-shaped zippers though, so can save some overall weight.

Some U-shaped openings hinge from the sides of the duffel, while others, like Osprey’s Transporter or Rab’s Expedition KitBag , hinge from the top. This means the lid is longer and thinner when opened, which isn’t our favorite design, particularly if there are mesh pockets on the lid. They tend to be harder to hold open, and feel a bit floppy while accessing the pockets.

The main compartments of duffels will often have a couple of mesh zippered pockets inside or on the lid (like on Gregory’s Alpaca ), or removable dividers to boost internal organization (like on Eagle Creek’s Cargo Hauler ), but they are generally quite basic.

The fabric and design of a duffel help dictate how easy it is to pack with clothes and gear. Duffels that have stiffer sides and thicker fabrics are much easier to load up, as they stay firm even when empty, and don’t fold over on themselves while holding them open with one hand and packing with the other.

Our main complaint with our top pick, Patagonia’s Black Hole , lies in its flimsy fabric. Models like The North Face Base Camp Duffel or Black Diamond’s StoneHauler , on the other hand, boast solid structure with stiff materials and padding to hold the bag open. However, this can come at the cost of a higher weight.

Extra Internal and External Pockets

With your bulky gear and clothing items inhabiting the main compartment, you’ll want some smaller pockets for loose items like toiletries, passports, and electronics. Internal pockets help with organization, and external ones provide quick access to essentials while on the go.

We found that the vast majority of duffels have a couple of zippered mesh pockets on the inside of their lids. This isn’t our favorite design, as we prefer to have pockets in the main compartment itself, since heavy items in the lid make it unwieldy when opening and closing the bag. This does make it so that you can grab those items without having to shove other gear aside, but those pockets generally go unused by us.

Patagonia’s Black Hole features one of our favorite pocket designs, with the ability to access one of its extra pockets from both outside or inside the bag.

Many duffels will have one or two zippered compartments on either end of the bag, which are often big enough for larger items like rain jackets or hiking shoes . These are great for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones as the days go on, or for stashing gear you need to easily access.

Lashing Points

You may never have to tether your duffel to a muggy jeep bouncing down a dirt road, or a smelly yak teetering over a mountain pass — but you definitely want it to be secure if you do. Bags for light travel and casual use might never see these conditions, but expedition duffels will often be put to the test atop a variety of different modes of transportation. These can be some of the most important elements of a duffel bag.

Most bags designed for outdoor use feature some layout of daisy chains or nylon straps along the sides of the bag. Our favorite daisy chain design is a horizontal configuration that runs the length of the bag, allowing for a more even tie-down of the load. Gregory’s Alpaca , The North Face’s Base Camp , and Black Diamond’s StoneHauler sport this setup.

Sea to Summit’s Duffle Bag only has a couple of small lash points on each side, and Patagonia’s Black Hole has two daisy chains that run vertically up the side, limiting your tie-down options. These aren’t our favorite configurations, but still get the job done.

No matter the layout, lashing points need to be robust enough to hold serious weight while tied to unstable vehicles and animals. You don’t want your gear tumbling down a slope mid-adventure because the stitching popped out.

Black Diamond nudges the bar high with the StoneHauler . They put its tie-down loops through the same load tests as their carabiners and cams, and rated each one to 2kN. The daisy chains on Gregory’s Alpaca also inspire lots of confidence, and are great for strapping to pulk sleds or roof racks.

Waterproof duffels often forgo lashing points to reduce the amount of stitching on the bag, and casual-use duffels may leave them off, opting for a simpler, lighter design. If you plan on tying your bag down during your travels, make sure it’s ready for the job.

Internal and External Compression Straps

These are some of our favorite features of duffels, and we bemoan the design of a bag if it doesn’t have them. Aside from rolling duffels, most models on this list don’t have a lot of internal structure to speak of. For that reason, loads that don’t entirely fill the bag jostle and shift around a good deal during travel and can make the duffel unwieldy and floppy — particularly when carrying it like a backpack.

Both internal and external compression straps help snug down the load, making it a tighter, easier-to-transport package. External compression straps are rarer, but can be found on bags like Rab’s Kitbag , or The North Face Base Camp .

Internal straps help keep things organized and compact while on the road. This means clothes stay folded, shoes stay together, and you won’t find a tossed salad of gear when you zip open your bag at the end of the day.  

Flying With Duffel Bags

Duffel bags can be great flying companions, and many brands offer 30L to 40L models that are carry-on compatible if you’re looking to dodge checked baggage fees. Patagonia’s Black Hole, for instance, comes in the popular 40L option that meets most airline and train carry-on requirements.

Bag dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches are standard for carry-ons on many common airlines such as United, American, and Delta. Some airlines, like Delta, do not have weight limits for carry-ons to most destinations. Others, such as Frontier, put a cap at 35 pounds. Keep this in mind as you are loading up your bag. We found the 21” The North Face Voyager wheeled duffel to be our go-to carry-on model for domestic and international flights alike.

Duffels make great checked bags as well. Since they weigh less themselves, you can often fill them with more heavy gear than regular suitcases, and they are built to be thrown around and handled roughly.

United, American, and Delta have weight limits of 50 pounds for checked bags, with common international airlines like Qatar, Turkish, and British Airways enforcing similar restrictions in the 51-55-pound range.

Airlines generally have checked bag size limits of around 35 x 30 x 17 inches, which is plenty big enough for most duffels you’ll throw in the belly of a plane. Rolling duffels obviously provide some of the greatest ease of transport while navigating airports on a long trip.

If the entirety of your trip will accommodate a bag with wheels, we’d definitely recommend them. But be careful — these are heavier duffels and you won’t be able to pack quite as much before hitting 50 pounds.

Be sure to always check the baggage regulations of your airline before packing for your flight, as the above figures could change over time. Interested in how we pack our duffels, backpacks, and suitcases for various trips? Check out our tips and tricks for both domestic   and  international travel .

While there are some great budget options out there, you do get what you pay for with duffel bags. In the midst of an adventure, duffel bags serve as the barrier between your valuable cargo and the unforgiving elements. Make sure you can travel with confidence.

Expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $300 for a quality duffel bag. Additional features and bleeding-edge technology boost the value and useability of a duffel bag — along with its price tag.

Simple cheaper models like REI’s Roadtripper will get you a basic polyester tube with webbing for $65, which may be just what you need for occasional weekend jaunts. Staring down the barrel of a full-on expedition up Denali? You’ll need to shell out a bit more cash.

Duffel bags at the higher echelon of quality, functionality, and durability — like Black Diamond’s StoneHauler — will run up your tab ($230). If you’re seeking total confidence when toting your gear on truly rugged missions, the price tag may be justified. Burly SuperGrid ripstop fabric ain’t cheap, but it won’t break under pressure, preventing your cargo from spilling across the mountainside.

Down the middle of the road, you have casual-use models like Peak Design’s Travel Duffel , which aren’t crafted for wild expeditions but will still hold up to moderate abuse. These duffel bags will run you anywhere from $100 to $200 and are great versatile options for a variety of different travel scenarios.

No matter which duffel you go with, every bag on this list has proven to be dependable on far-flung overseas tours, and short overnight excursions alike. We feel confident recommending each of them for any journey you’ve penned down on your bucket list.

After years of stuffing climbing, camping, and expedition gear into the Patagonia Black Hole and hauling it to far-off places, we feel that it is the best all-around duffel bag on the market right now. While different models may serve you better for more niche needs, the Black Hole is one of the more versatile bags we tested, and performs incredibly on both tough outdoor missions and casual trips. It features our favorite strap layout, main opening, and fabric choice, and is just fantastic to travel with.

Duffels are flexible, light, extremely durable pieces of luggage that offer greater versatility than traditional suitcases. They are often cylindrical tube-like bags made with tough ballistic nylon or polyester and are quite weather-resistant, with zippered or drawstring openings at the top. 

Suitcases, on the other hand, are usually rectangular rigid cases with a large hinged lid to access your possessions. They may not offer as much weather resistance, but will have more structure and often have wheels to help roll them long distances. 

Duffels are the better option for outdoor and expedition use, as they are much easier to transport through difficult terrain, or to lash onto various vehicles or animals.

Travelers use duffel bags for various reasons, and the type of trips you have on the docket will help dictate the duffel you decide to buy. Some use them for simple weekend travel, while others depend on them to protect sensitive gear in harsh landscapes on wild adventures. Regardless of where you intend to bring your duffel, you want it to be reliable and durable enough to keep your gear protected from the elements.

Duffel bags make great travel luggage because of their malleable, versatile nature, and ability to be easily strapped to different modes of transportation. This makes them perfect for trips that go through a wide variety of landscapes and environments.

We highlight a number of different categories of duffels in this guide, and each one is catered to different types of trips. All of the duffels we tested fall into the following designations: expedition duffel bags, travel/casual use duffel bags, waterproof duffel bags, and rolling duffel bags.

Many of the bags above fit into a couple of different categories. The Cotopaxi Allpa , for instance, could easily be used for both casual use and expeditions in harsh settings.

Many models of duffel bags come in carry-on sizes, and can be used to cut down on the cost of checked baggage. Most airlines enforce dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry-on bags. Usually, a duffel bag in the 30-40L range will fall within these restrictions.

Most duffels with volumes of 50 L or more will have either removable or stowable backpack straps to help with carrying your bag long distances. Not all backpack straps are created equal, though, and some are much more comfortable than others.

The Osprey Transporter has the most cozy backpack system of any of the duffels we tried, and we had no problem carting it across town to a bus stop or standing in line for hours in the airport with it on our backs.

No matter how fancy the backpack straps are on a duffel bag, they will almost never be as comfortable to carry as backpacking backpacks. You shouldn’t plan on having to trek for long periods of time with your duffel, as it could wear you down fast.

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

We found the best travel backpacks of 2024, including top picks from Peak Design, Osprey, Patagonia, and more.

The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Head into the backcountry with the best backpacking backpacks of 2024. From budget-friendly options to ultra-comfortable picks, we’ve got you covered.

Based in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Carter is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, while squeezing in side gigs as an adventure filmmaker and content creator in the outdoor industry. Drawing from his childhood in Africa, experience as a rock climbing and backpacking guide, ultra-marathon running, and years of extensive thru-hiking, he’s passionate about journalism that gets people into the wild. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. He hopes to spread his love of adventure and travel through his writing, art, and videography.

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The 8 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Versatile luggage pieces you can take to any destination

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For weekends away and other short trips, duffel bags are an ideal pick for your luggage. They’re lightweight, so they won’t dent your airline allowance, and they can be as bare bones or as feature-packed as you’d like. Plus, they can easily fold down for storage or travel flat in your checked bag as a backup carry-on if you do a little shopping on your vacation. And they look cool, whether you go for a classic take on the duffel or a more modern design.

There are a ton of duffel bags out there to choose from, including classic designs, affordable-but-durable canvas bags, and convertible wheeled options. We tested two dozen duffel bag options in our Brooklyn testing lab.

Final Verdict

Other products we tested, product selection, how we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, kipling bori duffle bag.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Very durable

Spacious with extra smaller pockets

Great all-rounder

Style is a bit outdated

Kipling’s famous duffels are incredibly well made—one reason why our testers liked the Bori Duffle Bag most. Testers loved how spacious the bag was and how that size could be increased or decreased using the side buckles. We also enjoyed the exterior and interior zip pockets and sheath pockets for storing smaller items. It was one of the lightest bags we tested, weighing less than 2 pounds. It also passed our durability tests without a noticeable mark, scuff, or scratch.

Said one tester: "This is a great duffel, although there isn't a separate compartment or bag for shoes or anything else that you want to separate, which some may prefer. The design isn't particularly sophisticated either, but as a duffel, it is really great, with a large capacity, very smooth zippers, and a lightweight feel."

Another of our testers has owned a Kipling duffel for the past 10 years, and despite using it for long-term travel, there’s barely a stitch out of place. Plus, soft sides keep the bag shape flexible, so packing is a breeze—and you have a bit of wiggle room for any souvenirs you pick up along the way.

Weight: 1.6 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 10.5 x 14 inches | Volume: 49 liters | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

Best Budget

Gonex canvas duffel bag.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

Easy to maintain

Spacious external pockets

Comfortable handles and detachable shoulder straps

Nothing yet

Gonex's Canvas Duffel Bag is a classic-looking duffel with handles, a shoulder strap, ample interior space, and many smaller exterior pockets. While our testers could not fit all items into the main center pocket, they were able to utilize the side pockets to complete packing. They also liked that the handles connected via Velcro and found that the extra removable shoulder strap boosted comfort and maneuverability.

The bag's material held up during durability tests, and our testers were impressed that the cloth stayed clean throughout. Our conclusion? "This is a solid choice for someone looking for a duffel on a budget," one tester surmised.

Weight: 2.76 pounds | Dimensions: 20.8 x 9.8 x 11.8 inches | Volume: 40 liters (50-liter expanded option available) | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

Best Weekender

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Dagne Dover

Attractive and functional

Excellent organization

Easy to pack

Some creasing in material during durability tests

Dagne Dover is known for stylish, well-thought-out, minimalist bags, and its carryall duffel is no different. With long straps and a tapered shape that hugs close to the body (rather than, like some duffels, uncomfortably bouncing against it), this bag is a faithful companion for long weekends and shorter trips. It’s full of the thoughtful details the brand is known for, too, and we mean full: Think a padded laptop sleeve for laptops up to 16 inches, a shoe duster, key leash, water bottle pocket, and a mesh pouch to keep hand sanitizer and lip balm on hand. Made from super-durable neoprene, which is excellent for travel, the bag is water-resistant and can be hand-cleaned.

"This bag is made for travel," one tester reported. Our testers loved all the pockets and accessories. They also loved the included zip bag for shoes and how wide the top zip opened for packing accessibility. "I loved this bag, and while the price is steep, it does seem like the type of item that will last a long time and can be used for various types of travel," one tester concluded.

Weight: 2.82 pounds | Dimensions: 15 x 9.5 x 12 inches | Volume: 5 to 42 liters (XS, S, M, L, XL sizes) | Planet and Social Impact: Lining made with recycled materials, like recycled bottles

Best Rolling

Eagle creek no matter what rolling duffel.

• Portability 4 /5

One of the most durable bags tested

Comfortable hand straps

Loads of storage space

Shoulder strap could be more comfortable

Eagle Creek's No Matter What duffel basically says it all in the name. With sizes up to 133 liters, this super durable and water-resistant bag comes with wheels, making it ideal for pretty much any trip or adventure. Our testers were impressed by the large capacity. They loved the broader straps, which felt very comfortable. "The handle straps were very nice in preventing the bag from swaying when maneuvering, and it feels comfortable in the hand," one tester noted. "For shorter people, the bag allows the wide handle straps to double as shoulder straps, which feels more comfortable than the adjustable shoulder strap."

The No Matter What passed all of our durability tests without any scratches or scuffs, and testers noted it felt tougher than most other bags tested. "We would recommend this bag, especially for the traveler looking for a duffel with wheels," our testers concluded. "It holds a lot and is also soft enough that it can squeeze tightly into an overhead bin."

Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 33 x 15 x 16 inches | Volume: 39 to 133 liters (S, M, L, XL sizes) | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

Best for Durability

Yeti crossroads duffel bag.

• Portability 3.5 /5

Inside partitions aid organization

Can carry a lot of stuff

Rugged Yeti build

Pockets could be deeper

Yeti's name has become synonymous with toughness, whether you're buying mugs, tumblers, coolers, or carry-on luggage for men and women. The Crossroads duffel is no different. This large-capacity bag is constructed with Yeti's proprietary TuffSkin nylon and comes with sturdy, rigid partitions on the inside to separate compartments. "The hardshell bottom makes the entire product feel durable and worth the price," one tester noted.

The bag comes in 40- and 60-liter sizes and features side pockets, a water bottle or tumbler holder, and a padded laptop "vault." While our testers did appreciate the bag's durability, they noted that it also added some weight and a level of rigidity that prevents the bag from being packed down small. Still, if your travel involves outdoor adventures where amped durability and strength are luggage necessities, the Yeti is worth the extra spend and weight.

Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Volume: 60 liters (40-liter version also available) | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

Best Eco-Friendly

Lo & sons the catalina deluxe weekender.

Lo & Sons

• Design 3.9 /5
• Durability 4.1 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Separate bottom compartment

Very planet-focused

Comfortable to carry

Zipper can be problematic

Eco-friendliness aside, the Catalina Deluxe is simply an excellent travel bag. But we also love that it's gentle on resources. The bag comes in recycled polyester or organic canvas and doesn't use harsh chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers in its production. Bonus: The brand claims the sourcing and production of the bag encourage species diversity.

But beyond the feel-good environmentally conscious production, our testers loved how easy the bag was to carry using the shoulder straps and top handles. In particular, our testers enjoyed the bottom layer for packing shoes and sneakers. If you're looking for a highly functional bag that's also good for the planet, this is it.

Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 15 inches | Volume: Not listed | Planet and Social Impact: Made with recycled poly and organic cotton, claims to reduce carbon emissions and keep 24+ bottles from landfills per each bag

Best Packable

Patagonia duffel bag.

Deceptively spacious

Comfortable ways to carry it

Convenient self storage

Patagonia calls its duffel line the Black Hole series because of the seemingly endless amount of space these bags offer. Indeed, our testers noticed and enjoyed the vast amount of space this bag—which comes in 40-, 55-, 70-, and 100-liter sizes—truly has. But perhaps the best part about this bag is its ability to collapse in on itself and be stored in a smaller inner pocket.

Beyond its packability, this solid bag scored well throughout our testing. Its ultra-durable ripstop fabric is highly water resistant. Attachable backpack straps give you different ways to haul it around, while zippered side pockets and daisy chain loops help boost the storage and carrying capacity. "This is a very good quality bag with a nice design and great features," one tester concluded. "It can also fit more contents than its appearance suggests." Hence, the Black Hole.

Weight: 2.19 pounds | Dimensions: 22.5 x 13 x 8 inches | Volume: 40 liters (55, 70, and 100 liters also available) | Planet and Social Impact: Made with recycled fabric, materials, and webbing

Most Rugged

Thule chasm sport duffel bag.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 4 /5

Good organization

Very comfortable straps

Included packing cube

No pockets on the outside

Our testers were thoroughly impressed with Thule's Chasm Duffel Bag. From its organizational capability to the comfort of its backpack straps, its solid materials, and its waterproof zippers, testers raved about this bag. Thule uses tarpaulin fabric, which is durable and weather resistant. It also features a padded bottom for extra protection of packed items. Its 2-in-1 design makes it easy to convert from a traditional duffel to a backpack. And there are multiple grab handles around the bag for moving it quickly.

"The bag, when fully packed, is a lot to carry without the backpack straps," one tester commented. "But it's easy enough to hold and carry with the straps." Said another: "I like the size, durability, zippers, and backpack straps of this bag. It also comes with a packing cube that can be used for clothing, toiletries, or even a small pair of shoes."

Weight: 4.22 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 10.5 inches | Volume: 40 liters (70, 90, and 130 liters also available) | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

For the best overall duffel bag, we like Kipling's Bori Duffle Bag . It struck the best balance of functionality, carrying capability, and durability. If you're looking for a budget option, you can't go wrong with the Gonex Canvas Duffel .

Herschel Sutton Duffel Bag ( view at Amazon ): This bag is reasonably priced for what it is. It isn't flashy and won't hold a tremendous amount of clothing, but our testers thought the price makes it a good gift option for a weekend warrior or college student.

Samsonite Tote-A-Ton Duffel Bag ( view at Amazon ): This is a solid choice for anyone wanting an inexpensive bag that holds a lot. Our testers saw this bag as better for a road trip than carrying it through an airport or train station.

Leatherology Kessler Duffle ( view at Leatherology ): Our testers thought this was a good option for a high-end leather bag. But for the casual traveler or someone looking for a decent weekender, it's a bit much in price. We envision this being a solid hop-off-the-plane-and-go-to-work bag.

L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag ( view at L.L.Bean ): Our testers thought this was a solid bag. They enjoyed how it rolled and, despite a rather narrow opening, were impressed by how much it could hold. Testers definitely recommend it.

Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffel ( view at Amazon ): This bag is another good pick for anyone looking for a solid weekender bag. This is a good option for a small bag that's meant to look worn.

Cuyana Leather Triple Zipper Weekender ( view at Cuyana ): This would make a chic weekender bag, but the overall functionality and practicality were lacking. If style is what you're going for, this bag will work. If your goal is getting the most function and storage out of a bag, we suggest others on the list.

Rains Duffel Bag ( view at Rains ): Our testers liked this bag, and while they said they'd like to see the cross strap be more padded, they would recommend it for anyone looking for a durable waterproof weekend bag.

Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Big ( view at Baboon to the Moon ): This bag will hold a lot and is durable. Our testers recommend it for anyone road-tripping or car camping. However, with backpack straps only, it's not a true duffel.

Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel ( view at Tumi ): Our testers were not impressed with this bag, especially considering its price. "This feels like a common bag," one tester concluded. "Most of the cheaper bags performed comparably, and some even out-performed this bag by a lot." Overall, the bag felt slightly flimsy and didn't hold as much as our testers saw in other bags.

Olympia 8-Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag ( view at Amazon ): The Olympia 8-Pocket is a good option for anyone looking for a simple bag to make it from point A to B. But for anyone looking for a tougher bag able to hold up to more rugged travel, other options on the list are better. And while our testers loved the rolling feature, they did find it annoying to carry.

Yeti Panga Duffel ( view at Amazon ): This bag is probably overkill for the average traveler. But for the adventure traveler or anyone looking to have a duffel that can double as a rafting, camping, or overlanding bag, Yeti's Panga is a solid choice. It's basically a Yeti soft backpack cooler in duffel form.

The North Face Base Camp Medium Duffel Bag ( view at Nordstrom ): This is an adventurer or gearhead duffel similar to the Yeti bag directly above. It's got excellent organization, great space, and is super durable. It might be a bit much for the casual traveler taking a few trips a year.

Paravel Foldable Bag ( view at Amazon ): While this bag had a few things we liked (it's foldable and lightweight), we can't advocate it for extended or airplane travel. After a few drops from the ladder, the test coffee mug shattered, making us unwilling to recommend it for checked luggage.

Modoker Garment Duffel Bag ( view at Amazon ): Less of a travel duffel and more of a gym or day bag, our testers did like the Garment Duffel Bag. Overall, testers reported wanting more space and pockets, but its durability and versatility rated well.

Away The Everywhere Bag ( view at Away Travel ): Our testers thought this bag was OK but not great. It looks chic but doesn't have the functionality or practicality our testers were looking for in a proper travel bag. "I like the style of the bag, and it would make a good complement as a carry-on, but I think travelers would need a larger size for more than an overnight," one tester concluded.

Products were selected based on our editors' prior knowledge and experience with luggage brands and products. We also based selections on highly reviewed and rated duffel bags on Amazon and other e-commerce sites. A finalized list of 25 duffel bags was created to meet a wide range of budgets and intended uses.

TripSavvy editors tested all 25 bags mentioned in this roundup in our lab in Brooklyn, New York. Attributes like organization, maneuverability, durability, and value were all considered. After weighing and measuring each bag, we packed it with five shirts, five pairs of pants, two jackets, two pairs of shoes, one toiletry bag, and one coffee mug. We then rated each bag's organizational features based on that list.

With the bags fully packed, we carried them around the testing lab to assess their maneuverability. We carried each bag with handles, shoulder straps, and cross straps when available. Lastly, with the bags still packed, we pushed each one off the top of a ladder three to five times, making sure the bag landed at a different angle each time. We checked how well the coffee mug fared and if there were any visible scuffs, scratches, or marks on the bag's exterior.

What to Look For in a Duffel Bag

Duffels come in all sizes, from an overnight carry-on to bags that can hold a week’s worth of gear. Envision your likely load, and think about sizing up a bit to give you some additional space. If you want an easy-to-carry bag to bring souvenirs home from a trip, look for ones that collapse into themselves so you can stash it in your other luggage and pull it out for the trip home.

Organization

If you’re in the market for one big bag to carry everything, models with a big main pocket will suffice, though they typically come with a few additional zippered pockets for smaller items. Other designs distribute their storage into a handful of different sections, which helps you keep things more organized.

Every duffel bag comes with a shoulder strap. Look for an adjustable, padded, and removable one for optimum comfort. Bags with wheels often include telescoping handles, which allow you to roll through airports and across pavement with ease, then lift the pack to carry it with the shoulder strap when the terrain gets rough.

Sometimes it can be challenging to pack a duffel bag because of the lack of interior pockets and organization. It is best to put large, bulky items like shoes and things you won’t need access to so often on the bottom. Fold your clothes and place them on top along with essentials like your phone charger. The outer pockets can be used for small items like travel documents and toiletries. If you prefer more structure, packing cubes help make the most of your bag’s space. For added security, consider tossing in a luggage tracking device .

A heavy duffel bag can cause muscle strain, so be sure to alternate which shoulder you carry it on. Pay attention to the strap when choosing a bag to purchase, because some offer more cushioning than others. Also, try to carry the bag close to your body as this can reduce the stress put on spinal muscles.

Depending on the size of your duffel bag and how much you pack into it, a duffel bag can be a personal item. Most airlines consider a personal item to be anything that can fit in the space under the seat in front of you. If you plan to pack more in your duffel bag, it may be considered a carry-on and can be stowed in the overhead compartment. Extra large ones will need to be checked.

Amber Nolan  has been working in the travel industry for over 10 years. She has written for TripSavvy since 2016, and her work has appeared in USA Today, Jetsetter, Cruise Critic, and several other travel publications.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He's used duffel bags made by Yeti, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, The North Face, and Outdoor Research. Durability and water resistance or waterproofing are the essential features he considers when picking a duffel bag.

Jamie Aranoff , an associate editor at Travel + Leisure, helped lead testing in our Brooklyn testing lab.

While researching duffel bags, we spoke with grooming and travel journalist Adam Hurly .

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The 11 Best Duffel Bags for Your Next Adventure

Making packing for your next trip a breeze with one of these top-rated options.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

The Best Duffel Bags

Best Overall

Gonex canvas duffel bag.

Our Budget Pick

Amazon basics large duffel.

Herschel Novel Duffel Bag

Our Premium Pick

Patagonia black hole duffel.

Best Wheeled Duffel

Olympia 8-pocket rolling duffel bag.

Best Weekend Bag

Away the everywhere bag.

Best Lightweight

Carhartt trade series 2-in-1 duffel bag.

Best Sustainably Made

Paravel grand tour duffel.

Best All-Leather

Kenneth cole reaction leather duffel.

Best for Camping

Yeti panga 50, what to consider.

You’ll first want to decide how large a duffel you'll need, so think about whether you’ll want a weekender that can double as a gym bag or something larger to use primarily for longer trips. Anyone who’d rather skip hauling the duffel in hand or on their shoulder should opt for a wheeled duffel, which can offer substantial capacity and still work as a carry-on if it meets your airline’s requirements. Duffels are generally made of polyester or nylon, with more durable options laminated with water- and scratch-resistant coating—something you’ll want if you’re tough on your bag or plan to take it camping. Of course, weight is another important factor to consider. Beyond that, it’s all about features, like organizational pockets, padded shoulder straps, comfort grips, and bags that covert to backpacks.

How We Selected

Every duffel we cover below has an average user rating of 4.5 stars or higher. We combed through customer reviews, weighed value-added features against cost, and factored in quality of materials when compiling our list. We cover a range of styles, sizes, and options across price points, from a $20 no-frills budget duffel that offers solid quality to ultra-tough bags on the higher end that can withstand the elements.

For more great travel essentials, check out our picks for the best rolling suitcases , travel pillows , and carry-on luggage .

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H): 20.8 x 9.8 x 11.8 inches
• Capacity: 50 liters
• Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Main Material: Canvas

Your next trip won’t be complete without this canvas duffel bag. It’s available in three sizes, a variety of colors, and is listed for just under $60—which is a total steal for a bag as versatile as this one. The large bag has two side zippers that can extend its size, as well as a large main compartment with a zipper pocket that can hold a 15-inch laptop, two front zipper pockets, and a back zipper pocket. Its padded handles make it easy to carry around, but if you need some relief, the adjustable, removable shoulder strap is another option.

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 32.5 x 17 x 11.5 inches
• Capacity : 98 liters
• Weight : 1.7 pounds
• Main Material : Nylon

If you want a basic, no-frills travel duffel that costs way less than filling your car’s gas tank, this $20 option is a solid choice. It gets high marks from more than 13,000 customers, too, with an average user rating of 4.7 stars.

The bag is said to have a whopping 98-liter capacity and is made of lightweight nylon. It can hold up to 50 pounds of your stuff and features zippered pockets inside and out, plus an adjustable, removable carrying strap. The bag comes in navy blue and red in addition to the black shown here.

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 20.5 x 11.75 x 11 inches
• Capacity : 42.5 liters
• Weight : 2.2 pounds
• Main Material : Polyester

The Herschel Novel duffel is another customer favorite, with an average 4.8-star user rating from more than 3,700 reviewers. It offers a ton of space—more than it may appear to at first glance—with a 42.5-liter capacity, and features a two-way waterproof zipper, a separate shoe compartment, plus a storage sleeve inside.

The the top handles have reinforced stitching, attached to metal D-rings for comfortable carrying, and there's also a removable shoulder strap with padded webbing underneath to cushion your shoulder. In addition to the camo shown, it's available in several colors and hues, all of which feature the brand's eye-catching striped liner.

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 26.7 x 15.7 x 11.8 inches
• Capacity : 55 liters
• Weight : 2.6 pounds
• Main Material : Ripstop polyester

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel is an exceptionally rugged bag that’s as roomy as its name suggests, with a 55-liter capacity. It's also fairly lightweight and stuffs into its own zippered pocket for compact storage.

The duffel is made of 900-denier post-consumer ripstop polyester, laminated to be water-repellent and scratch-resistant. It features a mesh pocket under the lid and an outer pocket that can be accessed from the inside, along with two padded removable straps to haul it as a backpack. There’s also a padded base so you don’t have to worry if it hits the ground too hard. The duffel also comes in five classic colors.

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 22 x 12 x 12 inches
• Capacity : 52.5 liters
• Weight : 5.1 pounds

This eye-catching wheeled duffel bag has an excellent lineup of features and is a steal, priced at around $50 at the time of this writing. Among its highlights are a large 52.5-liter main compartment, recessed inline skate wheels, and a long telescoping handle, plus a convenient U-shaped top, an impressive eight pockets, and allegedly snag-free zippers that won’t come off their track.

While it may appear slightly bulky, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a heavyweight: It comes in at a reasonable 5.1 pounds. The duffel is also available in a dozen colors and four sizes.

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches
• Capacity : 20 liters
• Weight : 2.75 pounds (with shoulder strap)
• Main Material : Nylon, leather

Away’s attractive Everywhere duffel has all the thoughtful extras you’d expect from a bag made by the brand. It’s made of nylon with leather details on the handles and straps and it features two large outer pockets.

Inside, it’s just as well-organized, with a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a host of zippered and slip pockets to hold everything from a paperback to your mobile phone. The duffel also comes with a removable shoulder strap and is available in a range of attractive neutral colors.

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 21.5 x 11 x 11 inches
• Capacity : 42.6 liters
• Weight : 1.56 pounds

This rugged Carhartt duffel, made of water-resistant polyester, is surprisingly lightweight at about a pound and a half and comes with a nifty drawstring pouch that you use for everything from laundry to toiletries.

The bag features a zippered outer pocket and a generously-sized main compartment, with YKK zippers and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap that has a wide shoulder pad. The handles are also comfortable to carry, thanks to their stitched grips. If the basic black model shown here isn't your style, the bag also comes in both gray and brown.

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 20 x 10 x 11 inches
• Capacity : 36 liters
• Weight : 3.7 pounds
• Main Material : Canvas

Founded in 2016, Pavavel is a sustainable and socially responsible travel brand that turns out on-trend luggage and accessories using recycled materials like water bottles. The lightweight Grand Tour’s canvas is made by mixing recycled bottles with natural cotton fiber and a silicone coating is added for durability and stain-resistance.

The bag features either black or tan leather trim, protective feet on the bottom, and two exterior pockets, plus another two pockets inside the spacious main compartment. It also comes with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap.

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 20 x 12 x 10 inches
• Interior Dimensions : 18 x 9.5 x 11.5 inches
• Weight : 4.35 pounds
• Main Material : Leather

This all-leather bag is crafted from full-grain Colombian cowhide. It features an outer side pocket for shoes that’s separate from the lined main compartment, which has a U-shaped zippered top. There’s a buttoned leather comfort grip on the handles, metal feet to protect the bottom, and inside, you’ll find two open pockets for things like chargers and backup batteries.

The duffel comes with a removable, adjustable shoulder strap that can extend up to 5 feet in length, which is handy if you want to carry the bag as a crossbody. In addition to the black shown here, it's available in cognac and dark brown.

• Dimensions (L x W x H) : 23.5 x 14 x 10 inches
• Capacity : 50 liters
• Weight : 5.2 pounds

If you've got a camping trip on the horizon and want a duffel as tough as they come, look no further than the YETI Panga.

Your clothes won’t get wet, even if it pours while you’re hiking to camp or if the duffel accidentally slips into the lake, as the bag is waterproof and airtight, made of high-density nylon laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Two adjustable shoulder straps give you the option to carry it as a backpack—and inside there’s a sleeve and mesh pocket to organize small items you don’t want falling to the bottom of the bag.

The Panga comes in 75- and 100-liter sizes in addition to the 50-liter model shown here.

Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag

• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) : 29 x 13 x 17 inches
• Capacity: 90 liters
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Main Material: Tarpaulin fabric

If you’re packing for a camping trip or another type of outdoor adventure, then this durable bag is your best option. It’s made of a rugged, weather-resistant material and is available in four sizes; this one can fit 90 liters in its oversized main opening and internal mesh pockets. The bag has handles for carrying it around, but if you want to transport it with greater ease, it can also be turned into a backpack.

Kylee McGuigan is an associate commerce editor for Hearst Magazines’s Enthusiast Group. She works with content for brands such as Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Bicycling, and Runner’s World. Kylee graduated from Penn State in May 2020 with a degree in journalism and a minor in French. During her undergraduate career, she spent a majority of her time writing for, and eventually editing, VALLEY Magazine: Penn State’s only student-run fashion and lifestyle magazine. She has produced content ranging from beauty and health, to lifestyle and self-improvement. After spending four years in the happiest of valleys (State College, PA), she moved back home to South Jersey—otherwise known as the famous “outside of Philly” area. Kylee can be found working out of her local Starbucks with her best friend, an iced chai in hand, and endless hours of music playlists to get her through the day. When she’s not working, she is more than likely on her daily walk in her neighborhood, at Orangetheory, binging Sex and the City or Gossip Girl, checking out local coffee shops, or trying new bars and restaurants in the city with friends and family. 

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics , where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend. 

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The 11 Best Rolling Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 30 bags to find the best rolling duffel for every trip.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Other Bags We've Written About
• Why Trust T+L

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Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

New travel gear can quickly add up, so it’s important to invest in the right pieces that will last a long time, especially for luggage and other bags. To help you in this journey, we set out to find the best of the best when it comes to rolling duffels, combing the market before ultimately putting 30 products through a battery of tests.

We packed them to the brim to test their capacity. We went over them with a fine-tooth comb to consider design features big and small. We pushed them, pulled them, and steered them every which way to test their maneuverability. We then took a baseball bat to them to test durability (seriously). And, above all else, we considered all of these tests, and their respective price tags, to consider what total value these bags offer.

It was tough work, but somebody had to do it — and that’s how we landed on these final 11 rolling duffels. We found the perfect pick for anyone traveling light, a standout for camping trips and other outdoor adventures, and so forth.

Best Overall

Patagonia wheeled duffel bag.

Backcountry

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

It’s incredibly spacious and durable.

Because it’s so large, some may struggle with maneuvering it.

Get on board with the bag that travelers around the world swear by: Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel, which comes in a 40-liter, a 70-liter, and an unbelievably spacious 100-liter version. We tested the largest size which features a large main compartment that makes it a cinch to pack whatever gear you throw its way, as well as a zippered side pocket and mesh pockets for smaller items you want to keep separate. Packing quickly, we found that we had so much room to spare during tests. If we were to roll the clothes or even use packing cubes, we could fit double or triple the number of items.

The bag is also highly weather-resistant, crafted from a coated ripstop material made from 100 percent recycled fabric, lining, and webbing — exactly what you want to pack for a trip to Antarctica . The durable, oversized wheels performed well during our maneuverability tests, but we did dock half a point because this is a very, very large bag that smaller individuals may have difficulty moving around, especially in crowded spaces. We also noticed, after regularly using the bag for two months, that it sometimes falls over when fully packed because it is front-heavy.

The Details: 9.3 pounds | 32.6 x 16 x 13.7 inches | 100 liters

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Best Weekender

Samsonite weekend wheeled duffel.

Samsonite 

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

Easily carry this bag with its top handles or crossbody strap when it’s not possible to roll it along.

It’s a smaller bag that’s likely best for shorter trips.

Not every rolling duffel needs to be an enormous 100-liter behemoth for carrying the bulkiest, heaviest gear — sometimes it just needs to be big enough for a weekend getaway or a quick business trip. This reliable Samsonite falls solidly into the latter category. It has so many things that business travelers in particular will enjoy, including a front zippered pocket with an integrated USB charging port, a front pocket with a tech organization panel to keep your things in order on the fly, a padded tablet sleeve, and even a removable wristlet. After six months of regularly using this bag, we loved that you can carry it with the handles, shoulder straps, or by rolling it, so you can stay comfortable and mobile throughout the day. The bag is hassle-free due to a retractable push-button handle and sturdy wheels that moved easily over a variety of surfaces. When you’re ready to go at a moment’s notice, this weekender is, too.

The Details: 4.8 pounds | 21.8 x 12 x 12.5 inches

Best Checked

Ebags mother lode checked rolling duffel.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

It has two compartments that are both very deep.

The top compartment’s opening is slightly small relative to its size so you may need to stuff items in fully.

We were pleasantly surprised by just how spacious this 29-inch rolling duffel is, easily able to fit clothing for a weeklong trip with room left over. It’s complete with two large open compartments that are deep enough for packing large loads, two compression straps, and several internal and external pockets for stowing smaller goods including shoes. There is even an expansion zipper to add a few more inches of space. It may not have eye-catching style, but it’s all-in-all a simple, solid bag that (more than) gets the job done. We especially appreciated the large, substantial wheels, durable material, and sturdy handle which makes this duffel a solid choice for a checked bag that makes it to baggage claim and beyond.

The Details: 12 pounds | 29 x 17 x 15 inches

Best Organization

Ogio terminal travel bag.

• Design 4 /5

There’s tons of room thanks to internal and external compartments.

It’s on the heavier side when empty.

If you love built-in organization, this bag has multiple compartments ideal for two weeks’ worth of clothing, shoes, accessories, toiletries, and more that can fit far more than needed. We also appreciated the variety of external handles which make loading this bag into a car or onto a luggage rack a cinch. After six months of use, we think it's the perfect size — large, but not bulky. It gives off major “campfire couture vibes” so we love the idea of taking this bag on an outdoor adventure or road trip, which could call for a wide range of gear, and a need to lug it beyond just using the smooth-rolling wheels.

The Details: 10.6 pounds | 16 x 13 x 29 inches | 95 liters

Best Budget

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

• Portability 3.8 /5
• Durability 4.7 /5

It has very sturdy handles, especially considering the affordable price tag.

It's too big to fit in the overhead bin.

When we packed this duffel with two weeks’ worth of winter gear, there was plenty of room left over. The main compartment was much more spacious than we originally thought, and we especially loved the variety of exterior pockets which made staying organized a breeze. The handle, while sturdy, is on the thinner side and the wheels are smaller than some others on this list, which made maneuvering this bag over carpet, cement, and through tight turns marginally more challenging. After traveling with this bag regularly for six months, we love like how it rolls, but found that it's too big to be used as a carry-on item and must be checked. But, for under $50, you’ll have a hard time finding a better rolling duffel, and it comes in a wide range of colors for an option that will stick out at baggage claim, too.

The Details: 8 pounds | 30 x 12 x 13 inches | 77 liter

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Splurge

Tumi large split 2-wheeled duffel.

• Value 4.5 /5
• Durability 4 /5

It maneuvers very well across different environments.

The exterior picks up dust easily.

They say that travel is about the journey, not (necessarily) the destination, and packing a Tumi bag is always an enjoyable part of any journey. In fact, after regularly using the bag for six months, we found that it can fit many weeks' worth of clothing while keeping gear and accessories organized in individual pockets. The fabric and the zippers are substantial and luxurious, and the bag easily held up for multiple bat whacks and drops from a high table. We were especially impressed by how easily it maneuvered over a variety of different surfaces, and noted how smoothly the oversized wheels worked on uneven carpeting, too. This rolling duffel also has enough compartments to satisfy any organization enthusiast, with two sides including one with added compression straps to hold clothing securely. The price tag may be steep, but this bag’s looks and performance make it a worthy investment.

The Details: 11 pounds | 16 x 30.3 x 14 inches | 98 liters

Best Water-resistant

Osprey transporter wheeled duffel 90.

• Design 3.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5

It’s an ideal bag for inclement weather and rough handling conditions.

There is no handle to carry the bag horizontally.

Torrential downpours and even the errant sidewalk puddle don’t stand a chance with this water-resistant rolling duffel that even has rainflaps for added protection against the elements. It’s made of extremely durable TPU fabric with a DWR coating to shed water, snow, and other moisture away. It has a large capacity with compression straps to easily fit more than a week’s worth of clothing as well. After using the bag regularly for six months, we found that it also rolls so easily, whether traveling over carpet, sidewalks, or any other surface and is a perfect simple bag for any trip.

The bag did lose points for its exterior handles — there are only short handles on the sides (along with the rolling handle) which would make it easy to pull a bag off the conveyer belt but awkward to lift it high when fully packed. Still, after taking a bat to it, there was zero visible damage to the wheels, frame, or fabric when finished. Overall, it’s an excellent, durable option for protecting your gear during the most intense of adventures.

The Details: 7.5 pounds | 31.5 x 17.3 x 13.8 inches | 90 liters

Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag With Wheels

The bag is like a half-suitcase, half-duffel with a structured bottom and flexible top half.

The bag itself is on the stiffer side.

There’s a fine line between budget and value options — and we feel like this Gonex rolling duffel bag delivered quality at a very competitive price point, stacking up to many of the more expensive bags at a fraction of the cost. It’s a long, stiff bag but we had no issues going through our obstacle course and over rougher surfaces. Even after six months of frequent use, the wheels move with élan and the handle was easy to hold. We loved the design, too — it’s like a half-suitcase, half-duffel with a structured bottom half and a fabric upper flap, plus easy-to-adjust straps on the sides to secure the contents even more. We were also impressed with the sturdiness of this bag, including the structured bottom half, which makes the bag extra durable.

The Details: 10.5 pounds | 16 x 15 x 33.4 inches | 100 liters

Best for Gear

Thule chasm wheeled duffel.

• Portability 4 /5

The main compartment is basically just one giant, super-deep pocket that's perfect for large items.

The bag is so large it can be difficult to roll.

For anyone who wants a large-capacity bag with a simple design, the Thule Chasm wheeled duffel is the perfect choice. If you're packing for a long trip or one that involves bringing a lot of bulky items, this is a great option thanks to its large compartment that is easy to pack. There's also an additional pocket on the top with a mesh opening between it and the main compartment, as well as two mesh zipper pockets on the lid to keep smaller items organized and secure.

The handle works well, but the bag is so bulky, the best way to transport this bag is by rolling. We found that the wheels glide quite smoothly, but the bag can be unwieldy due to its size, so it may not be best for those who know they're likely to move in a hurry. Throughout our tests, we found the bag to be extremely durable with no damage to the bag after we hit it with a bat. The outer seems exceptionally tear-resistant and thick, so great for anyone looking to get the most out of their luggage.

The Details: 10.2 pounds | 15.4 x 16.9 x 32 inches | 110 liters

Best Lightweight

Eagle creek cargo hauler.

• Maneuverability 3 /5

It’s the lightest bag we tested and it even includes a packing cube and convertible backpack straps.

After using this bag for six months, we felt it can be cumbersome and isn't suitable for light packers.

This bag is proof that when it comes to luggage, bigger can, in fact, be better. It packs an astonishing 130 liters of volume (which is rare to find, even in bags two or three times its weight), yet manages to clock in at a positively featherweight four pounds, seven ounces—making it one of our favorite lightweight luggage options. But just because it’s big doesn’t mean it doesn’t pull its own weight — it’s constructed from an abrasion-resistant material that’s designed to last, and is water-repellant for anything from rain to sleet and snow.

Our favorite thing about this bag was that it also converts to a backpack, which can justify the fact that it won’t stand upright (as you wouldn’t want a hard frame pushing into your back if carrying that way). We can see this bag being an excellent choice for a safari bush plane with weight limits, or any instance when you wanted to start off with a featherweight bag before loading up your gear into the bag and the included packing cube.

The Details: 4.4 pounds | 34 x 13.75 x 15 inches | 130 liters

Best Carry-on

Vera bradley foldable rolling duffel bag.

 Amazon

• Value 4.6 /5
• Durability 4.6 /5

After six months of regularly using this bag, we're in love with the hefty bottom compartment that’s great for packing shoes.

We docked half a point for capacity because the bag is a little small.

The ideal carry-on is one that not only performs well, but looks good doing it, too. This bag manages to do both. It’s made from ReActive, a lightweight, durable, water-repellent material made from recycled water bottles, and folds down neatly for storage when not in use. There’s an interior curtain that can be zippered to separate the top and bottom compartments to keep you organized, and the main compartment also features one mesh slip pocket for smaller items. In fact, we packed enough items for a several-day trip in the top before realizing there was room at the bottom for at least four more pairs of shoes. Plus, this being Vera Bradley, the bag also comes in a few stunning patterns as well — so in a sea of black carry-on bags, you’ll be sure to stand out.

The Details: 10 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches | 5.6 pounds

Other Rolling Duffels We Liked

Some rolling duffels we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list, but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-wheel Duffel : This luxury rolling duffel definitely delivers on the style front. We especially liked that it had both a large duffel section and a flat packing section, but it is on the more expensive side and only had one exterior pocket.

Travelpro Bold by Travelpro Check-in Drop-Bottom Expandable Rolling Duffel : This rolling duffel is made from a rugged, water-repellant and stain-resistant polyester fabric and comes with a reinforced telescoping handle, but it’s incredibly bulky and may be difficult to store.

In our quest to find the best-of-the-best wheeled bags, we combed the marketplace and narrowed our top selections down to 30 rolling duffels that then underwent a vigorous luggage testing process over a six-month period. We weighed them with luggage scales while empty before filling carry-on-sized duffels with a week’s worth of clothes and checked-size duffels with closer to two week’s worth of clothes (and used the same items for each sample bag, to compare how the exact clothes fit bag to bag). We considered organizational and storage features such as padded sleeves, compression straps, pockets, and external daisy chains. We obsessed over how every single zipper opened and closed, too.

The tests continued with how these bags might perform in the real world. We rolled the duffels back and forth across a range of surfaces to test them for maneuverability, on everything from smooth lab floors to high-pile carpets. We even set up an obstacle course to make sure these bags can turn on a dime. We examined how much the external handles helped us move the bag from car to curb and back again. And, perhaps most fun of all, we took a baseball bat to each bag to test them for durability. Ultimately, we rated each bag on a five-point scale in a number of categories and the top performers are the ones you see on this list.

Tips for Buying a Rolling Duffel Bag

Check your airline’s size requirements.

Even the perfect rolling duffel won’t be much use to you if it doesn’t meet your airline’s size requirements for carry-on or checked bags, so be sure to check online before committing to a new bag. This is especially important when it comes to carry-on duffel bags . It’s also worth mentioning that since duffel bags lend themselves to being stuffed to the brim, you may want to consider how much your bag weighs, especially if it’s on the larger side.

Consider pockets, compartments, and other organizational features

With a roomy duffel bag, you may be tempted to go with a “more-is-more” mentality when it comes to packing, especially with the higher-volume duffels that have truly enormous main compartments. But it’s worth considering the smaller stuff, too. Different models of bags come with different varieties of internal and external organizational features such as zippered compartments, padded laptop or tablet sleeves, or even included packing cubes. It all depends on how organized you’d like to be, and how much you’ll depend on your bag itself to keep you organized.

Look for multiple carrying options

A duffel, once packed, can vary widely in terms of bulk and weight, and a good bag will keep up with you in a variety of environments. You’ll want to make sure your bag can be carried in multiple ways, whether that’s by hand via a top handle, by its telescoping handle as it’s rolled down long airport hallways, or perhaps by convertible backpack or crossbody straps for other alternatives.

Look for durable materials

The right duffel bag can last a lifetime, especially if you buy one made from the right materials. This is the kind of bag you’ll probably be checking at airports, throwing under buses, and really putting through the ringer in terms of durability, so look for materials that are up for the challenge. Ripstop fabrics in particular are extremely durable but also lightweight, and products coated with DWR or other weather-resistant coatings are an added bonus.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. But for shorter business trips or weekend getaways, something carry-on sized with a maximum of 40 liters in volume, such as a weekender bag , is probably enough. If you’re packing for a week or more, or looking to pack bulky camera equipment or the like, look at bags upwards of 100 liters in size.

Duffel bags are spacious, flexible, lightweight, and easy to carry. They don’t always have the same structural support or protective elements of a suitcase, making them best for things that can’t necessarily break in transit. So, if you’re just traveling with clothes and soft goods, a duffel bag is a good choice for you.

The first step is always to read the manufacturer’s instructions — but most duffel bags can be cleaned with a damp rag, perhaps with a little soap or white vinegar, and then allowed to air dry fully before being packed again or stowed away.

Other Bags We've Written About

We've given plenty of other impressive rolling duffel bags a whirl — some of which we've covered in the past . These picks stood out because of their durability, quality materials, and impressive capacity, and we think they're worth considering,

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.

Rains' Texel Check-in Bag : 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.

Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel Bag XL : 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.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, contributor Todd Plummer used the T+L team’s testing insights as well as his own research to compile a list of the best rolling duffel bags for travel.

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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.

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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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15 Best High-Quality Duffel Bags for Travel in 2024

Written by Becca

Updated on April 26th, 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 .

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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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Zdravstvuyte ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

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I Ditched My Designer Carry-On for a Roomy Bag That Holds 5 Days' Worth of Stuff and Fits Under a Plane Seat

And it's on sale for $34.

Real Simple / Tyler Roeland

Even though I'm a homebody at heart, I travel a fair amount throughout the year, whether visiting family and friends scattered around the country or taking a much-needed vacation. Over the years, I've gradually learned to minimize my overpacking and have finally achieved the eternal quest of maximizing my luggage with only the true essentials. Instead of cramming my travel gear into an enormous designer tote bag, I've upgraded to Bagsmart's sleek and spacious Zoraesque Duffel .

The brand's pink medium size, which measures 18.5 inches long, 8.7 inches wide, and 11 inches tall, is the perfect size for me to use as a personal item on flights or as a weekender bag for road trips. However, you can also grab the larger version with dimensions of 21.3 inches long, 8.7 inches wide, and 12.6 inches. It's slightly smaller than a standard duffle, which is precisely what I like about it; it's surprisingly spacious yet compact enough to fit comfortably under an airplane seat with some room to spare. Plus, you can switch between carrying it by the handles or the removable shoulder strap.

Bagsmart Zoraesque Duffel

Recently, I packed a dress, two jeans, a skirt, a pair of leggings, four tops, one pair of sandals, a small makeup bag, and enough socks and underwear to get me through a five-day trip. Unlike my former carry-all, this nylon duffle offers plenty of purposeful storage, like three external pockets and a trolley sleeve so I could go hands-free, which I like to use for important documents, my wallet, and a refillable water bottle. Additionally, it features a cushioned laptop compartment for a 15.6-inch computer, a small internal zip pocket, a side elastic pocket, and two A4-sized pouches that are convenient for storing my iPad and Kindle.

Keeping safety in mind, Bagsmart also designed the duffel with a strap hook located in one of the side pockets to fasten the zippers together and prevent the bag from opening. Moreover, the removable elastic external strap, typically used to secure a yoga mat, is ideal for holding my jacket.

The Bagsmart Zoraesque Duffel was one of my smartest purchases yet, and it's currently on sale at Amazon for $34. Keep scrolling through to see five more customer-loved travel essentials to snap up before your next vacation. 

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Caoodkdk electronic cable accessories bag, eachy open flat makeup bag, bagsmart toiletry bag, anker 10,000 mah portable power bank, more must-shop products.

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Choosing The Perfect Leather Duffle Bag

Factors to consider for travel and everyday use .

N othing beats the classic elegance and practicality of the leather duffle bag among the must-haves for commuting. The luggage bag combines function and form while being a reliable mate for the whim of the spur-of-the-moment trip . 

Yet, the choice of the definitive leather duffle bag needs to be done with an expert eye and a sober mind while considering several factors to let it critically fit your own personality and taste. 

The most appropriate duffel bag will make it effortless to move through busy airport terminals and help you put your classy statement on without breaking a sweat, whether you are in the office or gym. 

This article will discuss the intricate art of selecting the right leather duffle bag, giving you indispensable cues to help you make a wise decision. 

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1. Size Matters 

Sizing your leather duffle bag is critical to ensure that it completely fulfills your expectations. When it comes to daily use like gym classes or commuting, a smaller size is the right thing as you need only necessary things without carrying a burden. 

On the other hand, the bigger duffle will provide you with extra space for clothing and all the necessary things for long trips or weekend escapes. A duffle bag is highly versatile, and the balance of size and portability guarantees its ability to serve you on different occasions and fit in your belongings comfortably. 

2. Material Quality 

As far as leather duffle bags are concerned, material quality is the main one. Purchasing genuine leather guarantees you durability and everlasting sophistication. Without a doubt, full-grain leather is the best out there, impressing the world with its unmatched strength and aesthetic beauty that gets even better with time. 

Meanwhile, top-grain leather is another choice for those looking for leather that is of good quality but not that expensive. It is advisable to inspect the leather thoroughly for suppleness and durability. 

This ensures that you buy a duffle bag that not only serves your purpose for years but is also a sign of class in every travel experience. 

3. Craftsmanship and Durability 

It is essential to pay close attention to the details of the leather duffle bag construction if you want to understand its craftsmanship and durability. Strong stitching and heavy hardware are essential characteristics of a good backpack that can withstand the demands of both transit and daily use. 

Each part, from the zippers to the handles, is essential to the bag's longevity. Investing in quality design means your leather duffle bag reverts to asset status rather than liability. The high quality means that you own a bag that will stand the test of time. 

4. Comfort and Convenience 

If you are picking a leather duffle bag, comfort and comfort should set your priorities straight. Look for features such as padded shoulder straps and adjustable handles to ensure the best comfort while wearing for long periods. 

Furthermore, carrying choices like shoulder straps or handles ensure versatility for different occasions. Be it airports or city streets, these ergonomic designs bring you comfortable and hassle-free experiences, allowing you to travel with ease and confidence. 

5. Organization and Accessibility 

Regardless of size and capacity, you must organize your duffle bag efficiently. Select a design with multiple compartments, pockets, and organizers to ensure that all your belongings are arranged neatly and ready to be accessed at any time. 

This functionality works in daily routine and plays an important role in providing quick and convenient access to essentials that are needed before searching the bag. These can be keys, wallets, or electronics.

An organized duffle bag can help you simplify routines and focus on your daily activities without any fuss because all that you need is within your reach. 

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6. Style and Design 

Choosing a leather duffle bag is more of a personal style statement that will fit and blend in with your collection. First, start with the essentials of a classic design with less embellishment for unmatched versatility. 

It doesn't matter whether you pick a classic black duffle or a vintage brown leather one. Choose the design that you are most comfortable with. 

This means that your duffel matches your style and blends with all occasions to add lasting style without switching your attire. 

7. Price and Value Proposition 

Establish a budget and strive to find a leather duffle bag of the best value, given your price range. Although the price tag of premium leather handbags may seem high, they typically offer unrivaled quality and durability, meaning that they are often a useful investment in the long term. 

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8. Brand Reputation and Reviews 

Look up to well-established brands with a reputation for their top-notch leather products and their user reviews to get an insight into their performance, durability, and customer satisfaction. 

A brand that boasts superior craftsmanship and excellent customer service would most likely make you a leather duffle bag that satisfies your requirements. 

9. Maintenance 

Maintenance is the main thing in prolonging the neat look of your leather bag for a long time. Regular cleaning, as well as conditioning, are the basic measures for ensuring its look and durability, which will lead to the prolongation of its lifespan for decades to come. 

Through regular, timely maintenance, your bag will remain a classic essential, retaining its looks and performance for a long time. 

Choosing the most suitable leather duffle bag is an artistic activity in which one has to combine style, functionality, and quality. By assessing factors like size, material quality, craftsmanship, comfort, and brand, you can select the product that adheres to your lifestyle and tastes. 

The bag combines style and reliability. Be mindful of comfort, convenience, and the right style when selecting the leather duffle bag that suits you. Maintain the bag in good condition to get the most out of it.

The post Choosing The Perfect Leather Duffle Bag appeared first on Literally, Darling .

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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AllOutdoor Review – 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag

Whether you are a seasoned elk hunter and need to engage in long, cross-country drives to the best  elk hunting spot you know of (complete secret, obviously), or are simply someone who has a bit of that “travel bug” in them, you understand the value of having a good set of luggage. Something to get your gear, clothes, and/or valuables from Point A to Point B in one piece. A good set of luggage – regardless if you’re an outdoors person or not – needs to have ample space, be versatile in its design, and thoughtful as well when it comes to storage compartments. With all of that being said, I have been simply getting by for many years with a sports duffle bag as my pseudo luggage bag. Has it worked? Yes. Has it worked well? No. So, when I was presented with the opportunity to test out and review the new  5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag , I jumped at the chance! So, today we are going to take a look at the 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag to see if it can survive TSA, baggage handlers at the airport, and whatever else you might want to throw at it. Let’s dive in!

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Specifications – 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag

The 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag  is currently being offered in one colorway option of Old Gold (541) that is seen throughout the photos of this review. The AllHaula Duffel is actually a series of luggage bags with the other one being a 45L option if you would want to step down in size (also available in the Old Gold colorway option). All of the specs for the  AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag  can be read below as presented by 5.11 Tactical:

• Weather-resistant TPU Coated durable 840D Nylon
• Wide mouth opening for easy access
• Storm flap on main compartment zipper
• Stowable shoulder straps with laser-cut laminate MOLLE for  pouches and accessories
• Adjustable internal compression panel with zippered mesh pocket; Vertical and horizontal orientation
• Padded bottom
• External zippered side pocket
• Side and end grab handles
• External gear loops
• Compatible with  Skyweight Hip Belt  (sold separately)

The 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag  is offered in an Old Gold colorway (Style # 56816-WS), but there are some photos on 5.11’s website of a black version (maybe that is coming in the future). Right now, it has an MSRP of $160, and it is currently ON SALE for $127.49. With any product you receive from 5.11 off of their website, there is always Free Returns – in the rare event something is not to your liking – and Free Shipping on orders over $99. A final word from 5.11 Tactical can be read in their press release statement below further elaborating upon the 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag :

• Measurements: 11.5″H x 25″L x 13″D
• Weight: 3.1 Lb | 1.38 kg
• Capacity: 3,996 Cubic Inch | 65 Liter

Anyone lucky enough to wind up in Valhalla will probably be issued our AllHaula Duffel 65L to haul their gear. It’s designed with the heavenly comfort warriors deserve, featuring stowable shoulder straps with laser-cut laminate MOLLE and padding at the bottom, and if that haul’s a long one, it’s fully compatible with our Skyweight Hip Belt (sold separately). The wide-mouth opening, which features a storm flap, makes packing a breeze. Compression straps keep the load balanced and critical items can stow in the zippered mesh pocket. Built from tough weather-resistant TPU coated 840D Nylon, the AllHaula Duffel 65L handles the load.

Field Use – 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag

I have had this duffel in my possession for roughly 3 months now, and have gone on 3 long flights or work trips across the country using it. Twice to Florida and once to West Virginia, all departing from my home state of Minnesota. Throughout these 3 separate trips, the duffel bag has held up well (TSA hasn’t destroyed it yet) and I have been able to gather some thoughts about the  AllHaula Duffel  as a whole.

For one, I appreciate how spacious the 65 Liter version is. After using this size for several months now, I wouldn’t entertain the smaller version (45 Liter). If you’re on the fence between one versus the other, simply go for the bigger one. You’ll appreciate all of the space for boots, shoes, copious clothing, coats, and much more. Plus, almost every trip I go on, I always come home with more than I left with. So, this bag has extra room to bring home travel souvenirs.

I also liked the Old Gold colorway the longer I have owned this duffel because it is authentically unique and when you are waiting for your luggage to pop out at Baggage Claim, you can differentiate your luggage from all of the other bags spinning around on the carousel (no flamboyant, tied-on bandana required). Additionally, this color doesn’t scream “gun owner” or anything like that. So, you can still maintain your  Gray Man status as a gun owner while you travel.

Next, I like the removable, mesh zippered pouch inside of the  AllHaula Duffel . If you have smaller items that you don’t want swimming with the rest of your clothing like toiletries, personal items, and/or souvenirs, this is a perfect place to hide/store them. Moreover, you can remove it from the bag to get your toiletries out when you’re at the hotel of your destination.

Another neat feature is that you can treat this duffel like a backpack with the shoulder straps that are already on it, too. I didn’t have many opportunities to do that because I always carry another 5.11 backpack with me when I travel as my “carry-on” or “personal item,” but the few occasions I did carry the duffel on my shoulders, I found the shoulder straps to be very comfortable and you could even weave in additional items with the webbing present as well.

Since the bulk of my travel with this bag has been carrying it with one hand, I would highly recommend getting the compatible  Skyweight Hip Belt  (sold separately) to make it easier to tote this travel bag through the airport. Then, you can place all of the weight of the duffel on your hips and have a more pleasant time shuffling through the rat race of the airport.

Final Thoughts – 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag

So, what are my final thoughts on the  5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag  offered in an Old Gold colorway?… Overall, it does a lot of things well. It is very spacious, survived the abuse of the baggage handlers at the airport, has a nice color, and a clever removable pouch. The only point of criticism I have is that people should definitely entertain the  Skyweight Hip Belt  (sold separately) if this’ll be your mainstay luggage bag.

In closing, I want to say thank you to 5.11 Tactical for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag  offered in an Old Gold colorway. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag  offered in an Old Gold colorway is something worth spending your money on? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about 5.11 and the AllHaula Duffel in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

5.11 Tactical Social Media Channels

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Adam Scepaniak

Editor - AllOutdoor.com | Writer - TheFirearmBlog.com | Writer - OutdoorHub.com | Writer - TheArmoryLife.com | Writer - Tyrant Designs CNC Blog | Guest Writer - Boyds Gunstocks Blog | Guest Writer - NRA "Shooting Sports USA" | Guest Writer - Sierra Bullets Blog | Smith & Wesson Certified Armorer | Glock Certified Armorer | Firefighter/EMS | Instagram: strength_in_arms

12 Travel Garment Bags to Look Good Everywhere

Be wrinkle-free everywhere you go

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

But choosing the best travel garment bag for your needs can be a challenge. There are a lot of options on the market, so we asked an expert about how to find the right one. According to Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, “Your garment bag should be sturdy, functional, and sleek. If you’re frequently traveling by plane, a garment bag that folds to fit carry-on requirements is essential.” He adds, “You want to find the size that will fit all your clothes without having to overfold them and will allow you to reach your destination in style.”

Best Quilted Garment Bag

Mz wallace michael garment bag.

Best Luxury Garment Bag

Tumi alpha garment bag trifold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Timeless Garment Bag

Longchamp boxford garment bag.

Best Packable Garment Bag

Calpak packable garment bag.

Best Affordable Garment Bag

Amazon basics premium garment bag.

Best Durable Garment Bag

Hartmann metropolitan two-garment sleeve.

Best Personalized Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Best Expandable Garment Bag

Samsonite ascella 3.0 softside expandable luggage.

Best Water-Resistant Garment Bag

Stitch ultimate garment bag.

It’s also important to consider bonus features, like pockets and organizational compartments, and, as Sanz notes, “A crucial function is to ensure that you’re able to hang your garment bag when you arrive at your destination, so that you can prepare your outfits as easily as possible and to ensure that all your clothes are crisp.” Keeping all this in mind, we found the 12 best travel garment bags out there today. Once you start using one of these, you’re never going to go back.

MZ Wallace’s signature quilting isn’t limited to the brand’s totes, appearing here in garment bag form. The thin design is extremely lightweight, ideal for quick trips when you need to bring one to three outfits. There is even an exterior pocket for bonus storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 3" × 39"

Materials: Oxford, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I have been interested in a MZ Wallace garment bag for a while. It is perfect! Just right proportions and size. Thoughtful design and construction details.”

Tumi always delivers premium luggage that will last you over a decade, and this garment bag is no exception. Sanz says: “It’s foldable, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying, making it convenient and compact for every type of travel. I also love that it has several zipper pockets, so I can pack my toiletries and other travel essentials all in one bag. When I arrive at my destination, I hang it in the closet and I know that I will be ready to go.”

Dimensions: 15" x 22" x 6"

Materials: Ballistic nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This bag stores so much for a carry on. I was able to comfortably fit 2 suits and more for a destination wedding!”

This duffel has been receiving high praise ever since its release. A few of the reasons it’s so popular: The duffel is carry-on friendly, water-resistant, and has interior and exterior pockets. And those are only a few of its distinguishing features. Choose an original or compact size for the style that suits your needs.

Dimensions: 22" x 12" x 12"

Materials: Polyester

What reviewers are saying: “The Garment Duffel is a great purchase, especially for anyone in an industry that takes short frequent trips. I was actually able fit quite a bit more clothes than I had anticipated. Took the bag to work and my company bought 20 of them to give to customers. Great purchase.”

Longchamp’s iconic nylon and leather trim takes on a garment bag silhouette. The two-tone design exudes sophistication, with practical touches like a top carry handle, built-in hanger, and front zip pocket.

Dimensions: 23.25" x 41.25"

Materials: Nylon, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who travels a lot and needed a nice garment bag particularly for his suits. This bag is perfect! It fits his suit as well as a few extra shirts. The fabric is an amazing, durable quality, and the leather details make this product look incredible.”

This garment bag is actually designed to fit inside of your carry-on, rather than serving as a stand-alone piece. The water-resistant exterior protects against spills, and exterior zip pockets hold small accessories. It gets the job done, while taking up the least possible amount of space.

Dimensions: 40" x 19"

What reviewers are saying: “I use this bag when I need to workout at work. I go from a suit to athleticwear in minutes.”

Looking for an affordable option that is available ASAP? Amazon’s garment bag holds up to three suits or dresses and boasts multiple zipper compartments.

Dimensions: 40" x 4" x 20.5"

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this bag in 2019 and it has held up incredibly well since then, performs all functions advertised at a great price value. I have taken it on many flights, buses and train rides and have never had an issue with fitting it in the overhead bin on both longer-haul flights and short budget-airline carriers.”

Hartmann’s garment bag adds contemporary touches to an otherwise traditional design. The result? A chic, useful travel accessory that will stand the test of time. The padded shoulder strap and multiple interior pockets enhance the convenience of this style.

Materials: Nylon

What reviewers are saying: “Hartmann was an anniversary gift from my work place, and I am still proud to own it 35 years later.”

Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Another convertible duffel, but this time with a personalized touch. That’s right—Mark & Graham lets you monogram your duffel. With a plethora of zippered and snap interior and exterior pockets, this bag gets creative with its storage solutions.

Dimensions: 22" x 10" x 10"

This spinner-style garment bag makes navigating a chaotic airport easy. The ergonomic design has expandable capabilities, as well as various compartments, a hanger bracket, and a pocket for liquids.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 24" x 9.5"

What reviewers are saying: “It’s easy to maneuver and overall great quality and very neat design (many compartments and zippered areas).”

For golfers and non-golfers alike, Stitch makes a duffel that is water- and stain-resistant, and includes a hanger hook, shoulder strap, elastic shoe pockets, and webbed handles. You can even get it customized with your initials.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 11.5" x 12"

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits into the airplane overhead bin, no trouble bringing it along as a carry-on bag. Very sturdy, zippers are tough enough. Shoulder strap is removable. My suit arrived in top shape using this garment bag. Highly recommended.”

Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Hybrid Garment Duffel

Ralph Lauren’s duffel design is the epitome of understated elegance. An accompanying shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.5" x 9"

Materials: Polyester, leather

Gucci Savoy Garment Bag

Embrace the bold luxury aesthetic with a Gucci bag covered in the house’s monogram. Containing a big compartment with a hanger and two zip pockets, this garment bag will hold all your essentials.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.1" x 6.7"

Materials: Canvas, leather, cotton

.css-p3fpzg{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-p3fpzg b,.css-p3fpzg strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-p3fpzg em,.css-p3fpzg i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features.

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Best carry-on luggage for your next trip

As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below*

The best carry-on luggage can easily fit in an airplane's overhead compartment and hold all your travel essentials without giving way. I spoke to Briggs & Riley's CEO Richard Krulik about what makes a good carry-on and listed the best carry-on luggage to buy now. Krulik only provided general shopping guidance, he did not make any product recommendations.

Carry-on luggage buying guide

Spinner wheels: "You want smooth wheels since that makes a huge difference when you're rolling the bag through a very long terminal," says Krulik. 360-degree spinner wheels are the best as they can rotate in any direction and will glide smoothly at the airport or train station.

Additional pockets: "A front pocket is always a real plus on a carry-on because you may want quick access to a magazine or a light jacket," says Krulik. Some carry-ons also have extra back pockets.

Telescopic handle: "You also want a firm solid handle that's not flimsy or wobbly," says Krulik. An adjustable handle is also important as we're all different heights, he adds.

Locks: You must buy a carry-on with built-in locks or lockable ones. TSA-approved locks can help keep your bag safe on the off chance that you need to check it in at the gate. You can also use your carry-on to hold travel documents instead of using the safe in your hotel room.

Durability: Ballistic nylon is the strongest and most long-lasting durable material, according to Krulik. That said, reinforced polyester is also a great option if you're looking for hard-sided luggage says Krulik. Before you shop, also make sure to look at a brand's testing requirements. Brands will usually test the bag's wheels on uneven surfaces to see how they hold up, and check how strong the outer shell is by subjecting the bags to drop tests.

Style: This depends on personal preference. Maybe you want a monogrammed travel suitcase or a bag that stands out from the rest - maybe in a pastel color? You'll want to think of your bag as an accessory, says Krulik. Keep your personal style in mind when you shop.

Size: Every airplane has different carry-on requirements, that said most domestic airlines require that your carry-on be 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches in size. International airlines are a bit different, while many follow the same domestic rules, some airlines prefer carry-ons only to be under 22 inches tall. Either way, check your chosen airline's baggage size requirements before purchasing any of the below.

Best carry-ons

Best carry-on bag.

Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner

Samsonite is a brand I swear by, having owned their luggage pretty much my entire adult life. The Proxis is one of their newer collections and a great option if you prefer hard-sided luggage. It has dual spinner wheels for maneuverability, an adjustable aluminum handle and a rugged exterior that won't get bumped or bruised during your travels. It also has a USB port, in case you want to charge any devices and a TSA-approved lock for safety. The interior has mesh pockets for additional storage and cross straps to hold your garments. Since this is a smart suitcase, you may have to remove the installed battery during security check, so keep that extra step in mind.

Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Best splurge

Briggs & Riley Essential Expandable Carry-On

Briggs & Riley makes some of my favorite carry-ons and I love them for their lifetime warranty - if you break a zip or see a dent in your suitcase, you can send the suitcase to the brand to have it repaired for free. This particular option is available in three colors and can also be monogrammed, making it easy to identify in a sea of similar-looking luggage. It has a TSA-approved lock and features the brand's flagship expandable and compression technology which allows your suitcase to hold more, without increasing its dimensions. The handle is adjustable too, and there is a carry handle on top, on the bottom and on its sides. There is also a built-in garment folder to make packing easier and zipped pockets on the interior for any essentials.

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 - 11.5 in (includes wheels and handles)

Largest carry-on bag

The Carry-On Roller In Text Me Red

This aesthetic carry-on is one of my favorites as it stands out from the other options on this list. It has a durable polycarbonate hard shell build and is available in multiple colors. It has spinner wheels like our other options and also has top and side carry handles. It also has TSA locks and is expandable just in case you need to fit more in. The interior has compression straps to hold your clothes, and also a separate pocket where you can store dirty clothes or undergarments. While it doesn't have an exterior pocket, it does come with an additional small pocket on the interior that is designed to hold any small valuables.

Dimensions: 22.85" x 15.75" x 9.85" (including wheel & handle)

Best water resistant

Terra 45L Carry-On Luggage

This is the best combination of both soft-side and hard-side luggage. It's made from polyester and polycarbonate. It has 360-degree spinner wheels like the other options and also has multiple exterior pockets for any travel documents or essentials. It has a designated laptop compartment, is expandable and also has a water-resistant exterior - perfect for unpredictable weather. The inside has compression straps and mesh pockets for storage. Plus, the product is made from recycled bottles, making this one of the most sustainable items on this list.

Best budget

Wrangler Smart Luggage

This budget-friendly carry-on sets itself apart thanks to its convenient cup holder attached to the bag. It also has multidirectional spinner wheels, top and side handles and is expandable, if needed. It even features a phone holder and also has a USB port option for your devices. The interior has one large zipped pocket and a side with compression straps. It's the most basic interior layout compared to the other options, but at its price, it's still one of the best carry-ons you can buy.

Best carry-on duffel bag

Away The Weekender

Away is another great luggage brand and they make both carry-on suitcases and duffel bags. The Weekender is a great pick for short trips and can hold a 15-inch laptop plus multiple changes of clothes. It has a detachable shoulder strap for comfort and a water-resistant design that's built to last. The interior has mesh pockets and a detachable key clip to help keep your everyday essentials organized. Right now, you can shop it in four colors.

Dimensions: 20.9" x 11.8" x 9.4"

Is hard-side or soft-side luggage better?

Soft-side luggage is less susceptible to getting scratched up, according to Krulik. That said, one isn't really better than the other, it's more a matter of personal preference. Soft-side luggage also has tons of additional front and back pockets for storage, which is not common on hard-side luggage. If you're packing items that are fragile, a hard-side option is better, according to Krulik.

How can I efficiently pack my carry-on?

"One of the things that I think people don't realize is every time you make a fold in your clothes, it's adding bulk to what you're packing," says Krulik. Fold your shirts in half instead of threes, he adds. "Secondly, there's dead space inside those shoes that you're packing." Stuff them with travel shampoo bottles or anything else that fits says Krulik. Finally, if you have an expandable suitcase, make sure you avoid expanding it till the end of your trip. "If I go with a maximum bag that's stuffed to the limits, I have no place to put anything that I might want to buy on the trip."

Meet our expert:

Richard Krulik: Krulik is the CEO of the travel luggage brand Briggs & Riley. Krulik only provided guidance on how to shop for a carry-on, he did not make product recommendations. Products were individually selected by our editor.

* By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave Localish.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these products with you, Localish is not endorsing these products. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

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Travel Duffle Bag with Shoes Compartment, 2024 Gym Bag for Women Men, Duffel Bag for Travel Sports, Gyms and Weekend Getaway, Lightweight Dufflebag with Shoe and Wet Clothes Compartments (Brown)

Purchase options and add-ons

👜✅ LARGE CAPACITY: The gym bag measures 16.5x11.8x7 inch. It is your choice if you’re looking for a big, fashionable, no-nonsense bag that’ll hold all your essential items for sports.

• 👜✅ WITH EXTRA SHOE POCKET & WET POCKET - Equipped with an isolated waterproof wet pocket, it's great for storing swimwear or sweaty workout wear. The shoe compartment is ventilated, ensuring your sneakers are stored separately and orderly.
• 👜✅ HIGH QUALITY: Made of 600D polyester fabric, waterproof & tear-resistant. Premium metal SBS zippers and reinforced major stress points will never fail you. It comes with rounded stitched grip handles and padded, adjustable, removable shoulder strap buckle.

👜✅ WIDE APPLICATION DUFFEL BAG: Duffel bag is a perfect reliable companion for both indoor and outdoor sports.It is a great shoulder bag for travel, sports activity, tennis, basketball, yoga, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and many outdoor activities. Suitable for gym sport bag,duffle bag, travel duffel bag, travel holdall bag, gym holdall,etc.

👜✅ 100% CONFIDENCE: Your good companion for travel sports, could be served as a sports gym bag, basketball bag, dance bag, camp / airplane duffel, carry-on luggage, Just-In Case bag as well. We guarantee 1 years protection for free from the date of its original purchase.

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Product description.

Travel Duffle Bag with Shoes Compartment, 2024 Gym Bag for Women Men, Duffel Bag for Travel Sports, Gyms and Weekend Getaway, Lightweight Dufflebag with Shoe and Wet Clothes Compartments

👜✅ WITH EXTRA SHOE POCKET & WET POCKET - Equipped with an isolated waterproof wet pocket, it's great for storing swimwear or sweaty workout wear. The shoe compartment is ventilated, ensuring your sneakers are stored separately and orderly.

👜✅ HIGH QUALITY: Made of 600D polyester fabric, waterproof & tear-resistant. Premium metal SBS zippers and reinforced major stress points will never fail you. It comes with rounded stitched grip handles and padded, adjustable, removable shoulder strap buckle.

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

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