Travel Duffel Bags

From gear-intensive day trips to week-long expeditions, this durable bag holds it all. It features clever organizational features and premium construction.

It balances large storage volume with convenient carrying options, durable materials and a low price tag. It also has a sleek and stylish design that looks better than most competitors.

Stylish

Few bags are as simple, utilitarian and satisfying to use as a duffel. Its oblong design, soft sides, and multiple carrying options make it suitable for everything from a weekend trip to a gym bag. And its utilitarian aesthetic is a refreshing alternative to the excessive straps, clips and loops found on some of the other luggage we test.

In addition to looking good, a travel duffel bag should be durable. Since it will get tossed around in a trunk, car, or plane, it should be able to handle a beating. The best ones use high-density nylon and a water-repellent finish. They also have mens luggage a metal frame to support their shape and a telescoping handle that hides underneath the end for easy access when you’re hauling it along the ground or over your shoulder.

The most durable duffels also have a zipped exterior accessory pocket, a padded laptop sleeve, and removable dividers to keep dirty gear away from clean clothes. Some, like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, fold down into a stuff sack that doubles as a storage pocket. They also offer a highly regarded replacement and repair guarantee.

Some duffel bags, such as the Eagle Creek Migrate 60L, are designed to be carried as carry-on luggage. It’s lightweight enough for most airlines to allow it as a personal item, and it’s equipped with a comfortable backpack harness and a zippered external accessory pocket. Its huge opening and wide array of organization pockets are designed to make it as versatile as possible for travelers.

Durable

One of the most important aspects of a travel duffel bag is its durability. It must be able to withstand repeated tossing into the back of a car and rough treatment from airline baggage handlers. The duffel bags that scored well in our durability tests, including the expandable and sturdy Samsonite Elevation Plus Duffel, feature a rugged recycled polyester fabric that holds up to repeated beatings. The durable material also doesn’t get too droopy when packed and stays upright on its own for easy maneuvering as you roll it to your destination.

Another of the best travel duffel bags is the lightweight and spacious Dagne Dover Landon Carryall, which comes in multiple colorways. This premium duffel bag packs to the brim for long weekends and features an expandable corner that creates more of a tote bag look. It also has a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve and a water bottle pocket. Its zippered exterior accessory pockets are perfect for keeping small items handy.

The Gregory Alpaca duffel has all the features you’d expect from a high-end outdoor/travel bag, but with a much more reasonable price tag. This durable duffel bag is built for rigorous outdoor use with a large U-shaped opening, a smart dirty-laundry compartment and a pair of exterior accessory pockets. Its burly 900-denier recycled material is weather-resistant, and the bag’s bottom panel is reinforced for durability against wear.

Convenient

Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or simply traveling to a new city, a duffel bag is a convenient way to store your belongings. Modern models come in a variety of materials, sizes and aesthetics. Many are carry-on-compatible and offer a convenient mix of storage capacity, carrying options and durable construction. Some even include a trolley sleeve and expandable corners, making them more comfortable for long trips.

Most travel duffel bags are relatively inexpensive and available in a wide range of capacities. For solo travelers on overnight and weekend trips, a smaller duffel in the 25- to 40-liter range is usually sufficient. For those planning expedition-style trips, a larger private label handbag manufacturers duffel in the 40- to 150-liter range is typically more suitable. Some models, like Thule’s Aion Duffel Bag, offer multiple carrying options including a backpack harness and full-length daisy chain attachment points.

Some models are designed to pack down to a more compact size, which can be a useful feature for stowing in a locker or overhead compartment. Examples include the REI Co-op Roadtripper 100 and Patagonia Black Hole 55, but these duffels are fairly bulky when fully packed. For a more streamlined design, try a model with a stuff pocket or packing cubes like the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Duffel. This premium bag is made from sleek neoprene fabric and offers plenty of storage space for a weeklong trip.

Affordable

A travel duffel bag can help you pack more clothes and gear for a trip. They are usually round and have a zipper that opens wide. Some also have padded pockets for shoes and a compartment for a laptop. They can also have different carrying strap styles, such as shoulder straps or hand straps. They are ideal for long trips, as they can fit in overhead bins. They can also be fitted with compression straps, which can help keep items in place and prevent them from moving around inside the bag.

A great travel duffel bag should be easy to use and durable. The Gregory Alpaca fits this bill, offering a sleek and classy look while also providing plenty of storage space for clothes and gear. The Alpaca is available in a range of sizes and features several storage pockets, full-length daisy chain attachment points on both sides, comfortable backpack straps, and water-resistant 900-denier fabric. It also weighs less than many other high-end duffel bags.

A good weekend duffel bag should have a volume of up to 70 liters and can easily meet carry-on airline weight restrictions. This size should be able to accommodate a weekend’s worth of clothing and supplies without overstuffing the bag or putting too much weight on the shoulders. It should also be able to hold enough gear for a couple of day hikes or short camping trips.