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The 12 Most Durable Duffel Bags for Rugged Travel

No matter where you’re traveling to, you’ll need a bag, and there’s nothing more functional than a cavernous, weatherproof, backpack strap-equipped duffel.

By Tanner Bowden and Hayley Helms

Features have gotten out of hand. No matter what the product is — be it as simple as a knife or as complex as a camera — we’ve come to expect that it’s jammed with as many bells and whistles (sometimes literally) as possible. Outdoor products are among the most egregious culprits here, fooling would-be adventurers into thinking that they simply cannot embark on a trip without bringing the multifunctional-jacket-pant-parachute-vest complete with eighteen camp-stove-dongle-ready removable pocket pouches (and it packs into its own hood!). It’s maddening.

Thankfully, the duffel has remained immune to the feature-packing epidemic. The design hasn’t deviated too far from the canvas sacks travelers used to throw over their shoulders before heading off to lands unknown . Improvements like weatherproof zippers and padded backpack straps are utilitarian, not gimmicky. Materials technology has made duffels all but bomb-proof, which is ideal for poor-weather adventures, but canvas has not been forgotten. Often times, the only feature is an interior pocket. And that’s the way it should be. You already have enough stuff to bring with you; you shouldn’t have to worry about the bag that carries it all.

Products in the Guide

Best Dry Bag Duffel

Best Overall

Best Upgrade Duffel

Best Budget Duffel

Best Alternative To Our Top Pick

Best Waterproof Duffel

Best Durable Duffel with Wheels

Best Duffel for Organization

Best Backpack Carry System

Best Adventure Duffel

Best Luxury Duffel

Best Sustainably Manufactured Duffel

Best Bombproof Duffel

What to Look for in a Durable Duffel

These duffels run the gamut of sizes and materials, but one thing is uniform in every case: resiliency is favored over contrivance. These are bags capable of withstanding countless well-planned weekends to a favorite hideaway, as well as expeditions to corners of the map that still contain question marks.

When choosing the rugged duffel that will work best for your travel habits, it’s best to keep in mind what matters most. Will you be traveling to rainy and wet environments? Make sure your bag is made with water-resistant materials and coated with a waterproofing treatment like DWR; if you’re going on a road trip and don’t want to have to worry about your bag being banged around or ripped, make sure you look for abrasion-resistant materials like ripstop nylon, waxed canvas or twill. Finally, how much will y0u be packing? 25-30 liter volumes will work well for an overnighter or quick weekend trip, but if you’ve got a lot of gear or are planning an extended adventure, we recommend 50 liters and up.

The Most Durable Duffel Bags for Travel

This definitive guide to the best durable duffel bags for travel and adventure provides information on the 11 top duffels based on rigorous testing. In it, we break down each bag’s key features, covering elements such as volume, durability, support, features, weight and more.

Filson Medium Dry Duffel Bag

Filson Medium Dry Duffle Bag

• $75.00 at Filson $98.00 (23% off)
• Velcro closure and straps are strong
• No internal pockets/dividers make staying organized a challenge
• Available Volumes: 65L
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Material: 840D 100% nylon w/clear ether TPU + nylon webbing + high density plastic

When it comes to duffels, Filson is typically known for its rugged, classic canvas versions — like the one you’ll see lower on this list. But the Seattle-based brand is no stranger to bringing quality to whatever material or product it’s working with, and in this case, it’s the dry bag that gets the premium treatment. Filson’s medium dry bag/ duffel can fit a week’s worth of clothes and supplies in it easily, and while camping with mine, I was able to keep it in my truck bed without worrying about it soaking through during rain showers. It’s surprisingly light, and the tough-as-nails nylon material is thin but tough — it’s flexible enough to mold into whatever shape you need it to be, but thin enough to prompt concern over it ripping or tearing. Undeniably though, one of my favorite aspects of this bag has to be its highlighter-green colorway: I can pick it out in a sea of black, brown and navy bags with ease, cutting out on more travel-related headache. If you’re looking for a dry bag that can do it all, consider this option.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L

• $117.99 at Patagonia $169.00 (30% off)
• Available Volumes: 40L, 55L, 70L, 100L
• Weight: 2 pounds, 9.09 ounces (55L)

Patagonia hit the nail on the head with the name of its line of heavy-duty carry-alls: Black Hole. That’s what a duffel should be — a bottomless pit into which you can toss anything and everything you might need for a day at the crag or an entire week in the opposite hemisphere. The bag’s D-shaped zipper opening makes it easier to see all of what’s inside than end-to-end designs, and the lid includes a large mesh pocket for stashing odds and ends you don’t want to dig for.

To that end, there’s another small essentials pocket that you can access from inside or out. Daisy chains and removable backpack straps count for the rest of the bag’s features, but it’s the durability of Patagonia’s Black Hole fabric, which it makes using a water-repellant, TPU-laminated 100-percent recycled polyester ripstop, that makes this duffel great for any imaginable itinerary.

Peak Design Travel Duffelpack

Peak Design Travel Duffelpack 65L

• $219.95 at peakdesign.com
• Available Volumes: Flexible 45-65L
• Weight: 3 pounds, 14 ounces

The main element that sets Peak Design’s Duffelpack apart from the rest is its opening. Its zipper is straight instead of D-shaped, but because it’s extra-long and complimented by internal aluminum stays that help it open fully.

But thoughtful design is present in every element of this bag: its backpack and waist straps tuck neatly behind magnetic flaps, its 600-denier fabric is waterproof but doesn’t necessarily look like it, and an extra zipper can expand its volume from 45 to 65 liters. It integrates perfectly with Peak Design’s packing cubes — which Gear Patrol highly recommends — and is one of the most comfortable duffels we’ve tested.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L Duffel Bag

• $149.00 at eaglecreek.com
• Available Volumes: 40L, 60L
• Weight: 2 pounds, 3 ounces (60L)

Perhaps $119 isn’t your idea of “budget-friendly.” There are cheaper duffels available, but none that are water-repellent, super-durable or have features like stow-away backpack straps or a padded bottom.

Eagle Creek didn’t stop there, though. It gave this duffel an internal removable divider and end pockets — one of which you can pack the whole bag into — for gear organization. Compared to the other bags on this list, the Cargo Hauler is cheaper, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less rich in features.

Black Diamond StoneHauler

Black Diamond Stonehauler 45L Duffel

• $159.95 at blackdiamondequipment.com
• Available Volumes: 30L, 45L, 60L, 90L, 120L
• Weight: 2 pounds, 12 ounces

It’s easy to compare the StoneHauler Duffel to Patagonia’s Black Hole. The bags share features like backpack straps and a perimeter of lash loops, as well as a D-shaped opening. There are, however, a few key differences.

First is a padding layer that adds to the StoneHauler’s durability and comfort when holding pointy gear (like climbing equipment). The second is an internal compression system that prevents contents from moving around. But the most notable feature is something Black Diamond calls DirtBag Internal Storage, which refers to a sack with a cinch closure that’s integrated into its interior. It’s perfect for keeping dirty hiking boots or laundry away from clean items, and you can smush it to the side when you don’t need it.

• $400.00 at Amazon
• Available Volumes: 50L, 75L, 100L
• Weight: 5 pounds, 3 ounces (50L)

Drawing on the success of its soft-sided coolers, Yeti stripped out the insulation and used the thick, laminated nylon skin to create a highly puncture- and abrasion-resistant duffel called the Panga . Like many Yeti products, what appears run-of-the-mill is actually innovation genius.

The Panga has easily removable backpack straps, lash points on all sides and haul handles on either end. Speaking of those ends, they’re sturdy enough to keep this bag standing upright, and the bottom is padded with EVA foam, similar to the stuff in running shoes, to keep things protected when you decide to give the bag a toss. The Panga is also fully submersible thanks to a TIZIP airtight zipper (it’s super-tough, don’t let your sweater get caught in it). One way to test it? Close it up when the bag is empty and stand on it — not even a gasp will escape.

Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel

• $399.95 at Amazon
• Available Volumes: 110L
• Weight: 12 pounds, 3 ounces

Even backpack straps can’t make carrying the biggest bags comfortable, and that’s when wheels come in. Thule’s are oversized to roll over rough terrain and have a sturdy telescoping handle to keep them going. The bag itself opens like other duffels on this list: wide, thanks to a D-shaped zipper, so you can easily access everything inside its cavernous 110-liter compartment. For essentials, its lid has two zippered mesh pockets, and there’s a small exterior pocket too. A laminated weather-resistant fabric protects everything, and Thule included a molded polycarbonate shell on the bottom.

Matador Seg42

Matador SEG42 Travel Pack

• $199.99 at matadorup.com
• Available Volumes: 30L, 42L
• Weight: 2 pounds, 4 ounces (42L)

Instead of the single large opening that defines most duffels, Matador’s Seg42 has six. Five of them are on its lid, each opening into separate variably sized compartments that call to mind packing cubes that add up to the bag’s 42-liter capacity. When such organization isn’t necessary, these tuck away behind a zippered panel, leaving the Seg42’s full volume available as a sixth option for dump-it-all-in packing. Alternatively, you can use a few of those pockets and collapse the others, making it easy to separate clean stuff from dirty stuff.

The Seg42 also has backpack straps that tuck away when you don’t need them, two end pockets for small items and a separate zippered laptop pocket. All are protected by durable and water-repellent ripstop fabric.

Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel

• $229.00 at mysteryranch.com
• Available Volumes: 40L, 55L, 90L
• Weight: 4 pounds, 3 ounces (55L)

The Mission Duffel sits firmly in between backpack and duffel. As such, its shoulder straps aren’t an afterthought but a fully fleshed-out component that draws on the brand’s success with every day and expedition packs. The straps are padded for comfort and equipped with a sternum harness. They also stow away neatly into a flap on the bottom of the bag. In addition to that, the Mission contains a main compartment that feels bigger than it looks and is home to multiple mesh organizing pockets. Like the Base Camp duffel, the Mission offers a separate section at one end for wet, dirty, or bulky items.

Ortlieb Atrack

Ortlieb Atrack Pack

• $270.00 at Moose Jaw
• Available Volumes : 25L, 35L, 45L
• Weight : 3 pounds, 2.4 ounces (25L)

Of all the strap-equipped bags on this list, Ortlieb’s Atrack is the only one that’s a backpack first. Ortlieb previously made waterproof and rugged duffels with backpack straps on them, and it pulled many of those features over to the Atrack — including a tear-resistant fabric and an impregnable TIZIP zipper — which is designed less for hauling huge loads than for facilitating lots of different adventures. Its pack straps are padded, and they have an accompanying hipbelt. Plus, it uses a simple modular strap system that allows for the carrying of skis, snowboards, snowshoes, trekking poles, helmets and whatever else you might think to strap to it.

Filson Large Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

• $650.00 at Filson
• Available Volumes : 43L, 75L
• Weight : 4 pounds (75L)

You may experience a little sticker shock when shopping around Filson’s site, but the 125-year-old brand hasn’t made it this far by peddling wares that don’t pass muster. The Seattle-based brand decided to opt out of canvas for its largest duffel bag and go instead in the direction of rugged twill, which mimics the no-nonsense aesthetic appeal of waxed canvas and boasts exceptional abrasion resistance.

Filson sources the twill from Britain’s oldest mills and pairs it with bridle leather for the handles and shoulder straps. If you’re looking for a tough duffel that won’t go out of style and is rugged enough to be passed on to the grandkids, Filson’s large duffel is a worthy investment. If you’re looking for more of a weekender size, Filson also offers a medium version with a 43-liter capacity.

Cotopaxi Del Dia Mariveles 32L Duffel

• $40.00 at Backcountry
• Available Volumes : 32L
• Weight : 11 ounces

Cotopaxi’s Del Dia collection takes remnant scraps leftover from the production of other bags and transforms them into one-of-a-kind pieces — without the custom price tag. The Mariveles 32L is perfect for quick weekend getaways, overnighters, or very light packers. The custom colorway ensures you’ll never mix up your duffel with another on the baggage carousel, and the ripstop fabric ensures you won’t be left with a useless duffel at the end of your trip.

Uncharted Supply Co. The Vault 65L Duffel Bag

• $159.00 at unchartedsupplyco.com
• 100% waterproof construction holds up
• Zipper is tough to break in
• Dimensions: 27.5″ x 13.9″ x 10″

Announced in March 2023, the brand that brought you 72 hours of survival in a backpack is at it again — this time with a bombproof duffel. Featuring two large internal pockets and one, smaller external pocket for small tools and paperwork, the entire Vault Duffel is 100-percent waterproof. In the spirit of utility, it also includes an air valve — to compress lofty items (like your favorite puffer) — and that doubles as a water spout in case you’re storing liquids. The Vault 65L Duffel Bag starts at $159 and can be upgraded with a Seventy2 Survival Insert ($390 total) or a Seventy2 Pro Survival Insert ($535 total).

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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.

May be out of stock

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

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

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

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

Matador Freefly Packable Duffle

Lightweight and packable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WaterField Packable Duffel

A packable bag for travel.

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

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

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

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

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

Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag

A rolling duffle to check.

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

price may vary by color or style

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

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

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

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

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

Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel

A tough bag for wet adventures.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Versatile/adventure duffles

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

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

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

Everyday duffles

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

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

Backpack duffles

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

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

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

Rolling duffles

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

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

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The Best Gym Bag

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After stuffing more than 40 gym bags with clothes, gear, water bottles, and more, we want to carry the KNKG Plus Duffel  to our next workout.

The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags

There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

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 Most Durable Duffel Bags On Earth: An Epic Guide

These durable duffel bags are absolute tanks designed to absorb a lifetime of hard use and just keep going. We’re talking about the top 1% here folks. They aren’t the cheapest but they really are indestructible beasts .

In fact, all of these duffel bags:

• carry full lifetime warranties
• are built by reputable brands
• use extremely tough fabrics
• are over-engineered well beyond normal use expectations.

Be warned: Your family will probably fight over these duffel bags when you’re dead, so think about including them in your will!

Also in this article:

• Different types of duffel bags and their uses
• A description of each duffel and why it’s tough
• What to look for in durable duffel bags

The Shortlist of Most Durable Duffel Bags

Rugged all-purpose duffels.

Red Oxx Safari Beanos PR5

• Filson Medium Rugged Twill
• Mystery Ranch Mission

Tough Overnight & Gym Duffels

Frost River ImOut Duffel

Tom bihn yoemen duffel.

• Filson Duffle Pack

Durable Dry Duffels

Yeti Panga 50

• Filson Medium Dry
• Amabilis Dave Jr.

Next-Gen Dyneema Duffels

• SDR Traveller D3 Traveller
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear Duffel

Endurable Leather Duffels

• Pad & Quill Heritage
• Saddleback Leather Side Pocket Duffel
• Filson Medium Weatherproof Leather

Durable Carry-on Duffels

Red Oxx Air Boss

Tortuga setout, sturdy duffel backpacks.

• Patagonia Blackhole

Pelican MPD40

• The North Face Base Camp (Amazon)

Tank-like Large Duffels

Mystery Ranch Flight Monster

• Mountain Hardwear Juggernaut Series

Osprey Transporter 90

5.11 tactical cams 3.0, 5 factors found in durable duffel bags.

First I’d like to take a few moments to share some tips and things to look for when assessing the durability of a duffel bag.

1. Cradle Webbing

The handles of a well-built duffel bag must not, I repeat, MUST NOT simply be dead-end stitched to the top side of the duffel. Truly durable duffel bags have handles that wrap around the body of the duffel and cradle the weight of the entire bag making handle separation virtually impossible.

Handles that are simply tagged onto the top of a duffel will eventually rip or pull off over time.

2. Robust Stitching

Seams should be double-stitched with tough threading. The best way to closely inspect the seams is to turn the duffel inside out. The devil is in the details and often lazy manufacturers do a poor job here. This is where their sins are laid bare! Loose threads, crooked seams, loose back-stitching, and unintentional pleats should all be red-flags.

Also, look for box stitches . This is a special anchor stitch used in things like ratchet straps and parachutes. They resemble, you guessed it, a square with an X through it.

These box stitches will be found re-enforcing critical anchor points for harnesses, handles, and shoulder straps.

3. Heavy Duty Fabric

In general, you should look for at least 500D weight Nylon or Ballistic Nylon but preferably 1000D in a heavy-duty duffel bag. The higher the “D” the heavier and more durable the fabric will be.

Sometimes durable duffel bags use 500D nylon on the sides and 1000D on the base where the maximum friction and wear occurs. So look for that as well.

Leather duffels should be made of “ bridle” or “full-grain leather” which is the most durable and dense kind of leather available. It also is the only kind of leather that develops a rich patina with age and use.

Pay careful attention to product descriptions you want to see one or more of the following terms:

• Cordura (Nylon)
• Ballistic Nylon
• Twill Duck Canvas
• 500D Nylon or higher

4. Premium Hardware

If luggage fails, most often it is the hardware, not the fabric or stitching. That’s why high-quality brands demand fail-proof hardware.

• YKK Zippers
• Stainless or brass grommets & buttons
• Heavy-duty clasps
• Avoid cheap plastic/ fake chrome hardware

5. Lifetime Warranty

Obviously, this doesn’t make a duffle bag tougher, but it is a hallmark of a truly durable duffel bags. Reputable manufacturers will have no problem confidently backing up their duffels with proper lifetime warranties. Expect it.

This is a baseline for premium manufacturers in the backpack and duffel bag industry. All of the duffel bags on this list carry a lifetime warranty.

If you’re not sure what kind of duffel bag you need. Your best bet is to grab a medium-sized(~40 liters) all-purpose duffel.

Basically these duffels will work for anything from trips to the gym to overland expeditions, military deployments, and hunting trips while still passing as airline compliant carry-ons.

Why It’s Tough

I get no commission for saying this (although I’d be a rich man if I could)… I think this is the most durable duffel bag on this list.

I also happen to own this duffel and it’s utterly brilliant. (See my review)

The Beanos PR5 is Redoxx’s best-seller for good reason. It features a large double-zip main compartment, two spacious end compartments for socks, dop kits and shoes as well as a dual-purpose pass-through pocket for wheeled luggage.

• Made in the USA
• 1000D Urethane coated Cordura Nylon
• Double-stitched and bound seams using bonded solar-max nylon thread
• #10 YKK Zippers
• All Metal hardware & clasps
• Metal Turn-lock main closure
• Full Lifetime Warranty(no fine print)

Filson Medium Rugged Twill Duffel

Filson is a well-trusted brand for making endurable products and their Medium Rugged Twill Duffel is their toughest offering.

Firstly, its made of high-density twill canvas . “Twill” simply means that each “thread” in the fabric is actually multiple threads plied together- in this case, a waxed 2 ply x 3 ply twill. The duffel is completed with premium all-brass hardware, bridle leather handles, and straps

With a “1000-mile look” and a one-compartment design, its got all the characteristics of an heirloom piece. Filson bags make great graduation and wedding gifts…for the beginnings of lifelong journies.

Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel

Sizes: 40L, 55L, 90L

Mystery Ranch makes pro-grade stuff. Much of their gear is used in active-duty military, law enforcement and fire services.

• Durable 1000D TPU coated Nylon
• 210D Nylon liner
• 3-Zip YKK zipper closure

The Mission duffel features end pockets and multiple-carry options: backpack mode, double handle, end handles or shoulder strap carry.

Not all leather is equal, the best and most durable leather duffels are constructed from premium full-grain leather which still retains the densest top layer of the hide not found in cheaper leathers.

While they are expensive, full-grain leather is the only kind of leather that will develop that classic aged patina over time.

For even more suggestions, check out the this post on the best leather duffel bags .

Pad & Quill Heritage Duffel

You’ll steal the show just by walking into the room with this duffel. What a Beaut! This single-compartment duffel just oozes class and it will easily out-survive you with proper care.

Pad and Quill’s Heritage duffel features full-grain leather , all brass hardware, and YKK zippers. The heavy buckled straps are secured to the body with premium copper rivets ensuring maximum pay-load support.

Saddleback Leather Side Pocket Leather Duffel

Saddleback enjoy’s a well-respected reputation in the leather goods industry. This is just one example of their beautiful pieces.

Unlike the other leather duffels on this list, Saddleback’s duffel offers large end-pockets for that extra organization factor. No zippers to break either just rugged thick straps and buckles.

• Full-grain leather(the toughest most weatherproof grain on a hide)
• Lined with pigskin(stronger than cow skin)
• Stitched with marine-grade polyester
• Heavy-duty 316 stainless steel hardware
• No zippers to break
• 100-year warranty

Filson Medium Weatherproof Leather Duffel

Filson makes this duffel in the USA using a thick, waterproof and salt resistant bridle leather from the prestigious 150 year-old Wickett & Craig tannery in Pennsylvania.

With a single large compartment, three interior pockets, and a wool-felt lined bridle leather strap it makes a classy lifetime gift. Tough all-brass hardware and a zipper storm-flap make it as practical as it is attractive on the airport concourse.

Durable Carry-On Duffels

These duffels are purpose-made to make airline travel dead simple. Thanks to their flexibility duffels can be crammed into tight overhead bins or under the seat while all the other poor suckers with spinners are hyper-ventilating because they’re forced to check their bags.

You don’t need that stress.

In my opinion, the Red Oxx AirBoss is the toughest carry-on duffel on the planet . It’s an indestructible beast. Just check out these specs:

• Made in the USA (Billings, Montana)
• 1000D weather-resistant Cordura Nylon fabric.
• 400D red nylon lining
• Heavy-duty #10 YKK zippers
• Double box-stitched stress points
• All-round double-stitched and bound seams
• Cable lock included
• Mil-spec stainless snap buttons

The AirBoss is insanely practical for business and weekend air-travel and its garnered a following of die-hard fans. This duffel features a large tri-compartment layout with compressions straps, a quick-access passport/smartphone pocket, and an additional large side flat pocket.

The Tortuga Setout is a more refined-looking carry-on duffel than the Air Boss. It is constructed from a water-repellent treated 900D polyester and sports YKK locking zippers, and Duraflex hardware.

While not as tough as the AirBoss, the Tortuga Setout is “smarter” with oodles of organization and cool perks like a hidden stash pocket, wheeled luggage passthrough, padded laptop sleeve, and a separate shoe port that can also be used for dirty laundry.

These are the “Every Day Carries” of the duffel bag world. So, if you’re looking for a “Go Bag” then reach for these duffels for overnights or gym visits . They would do just dandy…yes, I said it…DANDY!

Sizes : 24L, 39L, 58L

The ImOut duffel is constructed using a heavy-duty weather-resistant waxed canvas reinforced with a double canvas on layer on the base. It’s not just tough, it’ll keep your gear bone-dry even in the worst downpours. The rolled leather handles and straps are made from tough premium leather.

Frost River makes this durable little duffel in Duluth, Minnesota and back it up with a true forever guarantee. The ImOut duffel is an awfully tempting piece of eye candy so make sure you secure it in a locker at the gym or it may “go walkabout.”

Sizes: 17L, 28L, 44L, 71L

Hand made in Seatle, the Yoeman duffel is a seriously rugged single-compartment “go-bag .” It features rugged #10 YKK lockable zippers and 1050 ballistic nylon- a fabric originally developed for the military to protect troops from shrapnel fragments.

Even the hard-to-please folks over on the subreddit:buyitforlife can’t think of much to complain about with Tom Bihn’s Seattle made luggage line.

Filson Duffel Pack

This durable duffel is armored with 600D/ 12oz ballistic nylon a rich bridle leather handle. It’s a bit pricey but has a refreshingly different look to it. It even sports a little secret: a hidden backpack harness.

The Filson duffel pack accepts up to a 15″ laptop in a dedicated sleeve and has a nylon coated pocket to keep your wet or muddy gear separate from the clean stuff.

Impervious Waterproof Duffel Bags

When it comes to waterproof duffels, you can’t afford to skimp- especially if you’re carrying electronics. Typically these duffels are constructed using heavy TPU coated nylon or military-grade tarpaulin.

Dry bags are great space-savers for road trips if you have a pickup truck. Just chuck em’ in the back for your next adventure and enjoy the extra leg space in the cab.

Sizes: 50L, 75L, 100L

It’s not just tough, The Panga is as tight as a submarine and 100% submersible. You can sling it backpack-style or throw it onto the shore with the grab handles. With a tough hydro-lock zippe r, thickly laminated high-density nylon shell and EVA molded end pads the Yeti Panga can absorb a serious beat-down without losing its waterproofness.

Yeti is better known for their coolers, but they’ve struck gold with this one. In my opinion it’s currently the best dry duffel on the market.

Filson Medium Dry Duffel

Sizes: 54L, 70L

The Filson Medium Dry Duffel keeps everything watertight via a roll-top closure so no worries about weather seals or zippers breaking. I like the looks of Filson’s dry bag more than the Yeti’s too.

Filson’s dry bags are made from 840D nylon-coated in an abrasion-resistant poly-urethane. The roll-top is locked down at the ends and center with fasteners and the wrap-around webbing handles ensure solid support for heavy loads.

Amabilis Dave Jr. Duffel

Sizes: 25L, 46L, 80L

Amabilis makes three sizes of their mil-spec Dave series duffels from super heavy-duty waterproof 18oz tarpaulin. While it isn’t submersible the classic military top-load design has a cool secret. A rugged #10 YKK zipper runs the full the length of the duffel allowing you to flay the whole duffel wide open for loading/unloading or even as a temporary clean surface to change your shoes on in the wilderness.

A velcro patch lets you slam a flag or name patch on it which is handy for the airport carousel too.

Sturdy Duffel-Backpacks

Think about how heavy your duffel is and how long that airport concourse is. Yeah, I’m liking the duffel-backpack idea. These duffels offer more storage space than a backpack without losing the benefits of an easy carry.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Sizes: 40L, 55L, 70L, 100L

The Patagonia Black Hole duffel bag is often part of the load-out kit for professional expeditions and is easily the most famous duffel bag on this list .

While it doesn’t have the toughest fabric on this list, the Black Hole has earned its bulletproof reputation for how well it is put together. Its constructed with a TPU-laminated 900D Polyester ripstop and is lined with a 200 D TPU-laminated polyester.

Basically, in order for your stuff to get wet, water would have to pass through two water-tight layers: unlikely! The black hole features a removable backpack harness system, padded base, reinforced daisy chain loops and can be stuffed into its own pocket for compact storage(cool!)

Pelican products are legendary for being practically indestructible protective cases and this backpack duffel brings that rugged DNA with it.

The MPD40 is a true workhorse, with plenty of organization and protection for delicate gear. Here are its specs:

• 1000D Nylon with a durable weather-resistant coating (DWR)
• Rubber coated YKK zippers
• Padded laptop sleeve
• Molded ballistic nylon armor on corners and base
• Reflective Pelican logo
• Lifetime Warranty

The NorthFace Basecamp Duffel

Sizes: 50L, 71L, 95L

The North Face’s popular Base Camp duffel is a force to be reconned with and has been progressively refined for years. Its shell features a 1040D weather-resistant laminate and 840D ballistic nylon. With storm flapped zippers, daisy chain loops and plenty of organization, buyers regret on this duffel is practically non-existent.

Basically what your looking at is an indestructible expedition-ready duffel that’s been relied upon for years from sailors to Antartic exploration. Yeah, its tough!

Next-Gen Tough Duffels

The textile industry has seeing major technology advancements in ultra-light durable fabrics and they are now finding their way into the luggage industry.

Dyneema, in particular, could change everything. Originally designed for sails in the Americas Cup, Dyneema is stronger than kevlar, has a tensile strength 10x tougher than steel, yet is light enough to float on water. So, keep an eye out for more and more luggage pieces made with Dyneema in the years to come. It’s a pretty revolutionary fabric.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Duffel Bag

Made in the USA(Maine), this massive Dyneema composite duffel only weighs 2.6lbs. Hyperlite(as its name suggests), makes minimalist super-light gear. So, what you get is massive capacity and daisy chain loops for whatever you’d like to hook onto it.

You can carry this beast cross body via the shoulder strap or with the handles(both are detachable) . Internal compression straps make closing it easier and the YKK weatherproof zippers keep things nice and dry.

SDR Traveller D3 Traveller Duffel

Talk about being overbuilt, this duffel is made with two layers of Dyneema. Dyneema is 2x stronger than Kevlar at half the weight. The D3 Traveller only weighs about a pound. That’s nothing considering its 39L capacity.

The hardware: weatherproof YKK zippers , aircraft aluminum buckles and proper Petzl climbing carabiners . The bag is purposefully unbranded and designed to be discreet for fewer hassles at customs and check-ins.

Do you wish to pack a rhinoceros in your luggage? Not a problem. Just get one of these bad-boys.

These are deployment style duffels essentially designed to pack your entire life into.

Size: 107 L

Originally created for wild-fire firefighters, this is a true “bomb-proof” deployment duffel. The Flight monster has pockets, grab handles, and lashing points galore. It’s got a padded backpack harness, shoulder strap and handles(all stow-able.)

Mystery Ranch constructs this beast with a combination of 1000D and 500D Teflon& PU-coated Cordura nylon. The weatherproof #10 YKK zippers are Nickle-plated for extra durability.

Mountain Hardwear Juggernaut

Mountain Hardwear is a serious pro brand that many mountaineers rely on for summiting the world’s highest peaks …not with duffel bags, of course, but you get the idea.

Anyway, the Juggernaught features 840 HT ballistic nylon and large 100mm skate wheels mated to a durable through-axle. The duffel has a robust tig-welded alloy frame and beefy #10 zipper closures.

Sizes: 40L, 90L, 120L

Osprey has an enviable reputation and offers one of the best lifetime warranties in the luggage industry.

The Osprey features a 1000D nylon base , double TPU-coated 840D nylon(main) with 400D nylon accents. The large rollers that can shrug off curbs and rough terrain without a worry. I like Osprey’s looks they’ve got a sleek, modern look that’s different and fresh.

My gosh..where do I begin?! CAMS means “Carry All My Stuff” which, it definitely does without breaking a sweat. Good thing it has wheels ’cause it would be very difficult to move once packed.

The CAMS 3.0 is built with 1680D and 1050D ballistic nylon and features replaceable HD wheels, molle webbing, compression straps, YKK zippers, weatherproof document sleeves and removable fiberglass rods for easy loading and rigidity. It’s one heck of a durable duffel bag

Don Longworth

Don was born and raised in sub-saharan Africa. Now based in Canada, his extensive experience in non-profit work has served him well over multiple deployments in Africa. Don's experiences have made him a practical "to-the-point" type person. He is a no-frills, low-key guy who appreciates quality and simplicity.

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8 Rugged and Durable Duffel Bags Built Tough for Adventure

As the workhorses of the carry world, duffel bags are designed for grab-and-go gear hauling. And that kind of carry capability and adaptability, partnered with rugged build quality, lends itself well to adventure use. When you’ve got a diverse range of gear to carry in challenging environments, you want a bag that will swallow it all and not shirk its duties during demanding use. And that’s what these 8 rugged and durable duffel bags are built to do…

BAD Bags #3 Backpack Duffel Hybrid 47L – Exclusive (US$104.98)

Seeking badass American construction backed by a lifetime guarantee? The BAD Bags #3 Backpack Duffel Hybrid 47L is happy to oblige. Made from durable and water-resistant 1000D ballistic Cordura nylon, this hard-wearing hauler features reinforced stitching at stress points and tough #10 YKK zippers. And to keep you carrying on wherever the adventure leads, it also offers multiple carry options including a shoulder strap, stowable backpack straps and top and side grab handles. The duffel opens wide for easy packing and helps you step out in rugged style with this exclusive Huckberry colorway.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 45L (US$119)

A worthy companion for weekends away or smaller loads, Patagonia’s 45L Black Hole Duffel is made with water-resistant, durable and bluesign™ approved fabric. A wide-opening main compartment, choice of pockets and webbing attachment points keep your gear easily accessible throughout your adventures. Plus there’s also a padded base for added gear protection. The bag can be carried as a backpack or by hand using the top and side handles. And it stuffs inside its own pocket for compact storage when not needed.

GORUCK Kit Bag (US$160)

GORUCK’s 32L Kit Bag embraces a variety of urban and outdoor settings with trusty dependability. Built with military-grade toughness and adaptability in mind, it’s made in the USA with water-resistant 1000D Cordura and backed by GORUCK’s Scars Lifetime Guarantee. The bag includes top carry handles and D-rings for attaching an optional shoulder strap. The wide opening lets you easily pack and retrieve gear, with interior and exterior pockets on hand for smaller items. The low-key aesthetics let the bag blend into a variety of environments, while its 32L design is carry-on friendly so you’re all set whether you’re traveling by plane, train or car.

Ortlieb 40L Duffel (US$169.95)

Planning water-based adventures? Venturing into heavy rainfall areas? Simply want peace of mind that your gear is protected from the elements no matter what? The Ortlieb 40L Duffel provides that peace of mind. The bag is made with PD620 fabric and a waterproof TIZIP zipper closure, creating a tough and waterproof build with an IP67 rating. Durable and easy to clean, the bag also offers flexible portability and can be carried as a backpack or by hand. Interior straps compress the load on the go, while two interior and one exterior pocket organize small items. And with daisy chain attachment points you can secure additional items externally or use them to help strap the bag to a kayak or roof rack.

Arc’teryx Carrier 40L Duffel (US$175)

Ac’teryx are no strangers to creating top-notch adventure gear and their Carrier 40L Duffel is an adaptable companion for a variety of trips. The weatherproof bag features taped seams, a WaterTight™ zipper and a white interior to enhance the visibility of the contents. Dual zipper sliders assist with easy packing and retrieval of your gear. In addition to top, bottom and side grab handles the duffel carries as a backpack courtesy of removable shoulder straps. And this lightweight duffel folds up compactly for easy storage at home or in larger luggage.

Mystery Ranch Monster Duffel (US$190)

Sure, the Mystery Ranch Monster is intended for firefighters. But that doesn’t mean you can’t run it as your bombproof weekender or travel duffel. This burly hauler comes with stowable backpack straps, top carry handles, a shoulder strap and multiple grab handles. The bottom compartment is handy for a sleeping bag or shoes, while the main compartment opens wide for quick access throughout. And with an inbuilt compressible laundry bag you can store dirty items separately for added convenience.

Colfax Design Works ADP_39 Adventure Duffle Pack (from US$220)

Lightweight, weatherproof and durable, the Colfax Design Works ADP_39 Adventure Duffle Pack ticks plenty of boxes for adventure-ready design. It weighs just 1.06 lbs (0.48 kg) and is made in the USA with a VX nylon featuring an X-ply tear-resistant layer and laminated PET waterproof membrane. Water-resistant YKK zippers enhance protection from the elements. The straps double as traditional carry straps or backpack straps. Plus there’s a removable sternum strap on hand for added stability and comfort.

YETI Panga 50 (US$299.99)

For uber durability and waterproofness in demanding settings, look to YETI’s Panga 50 to see you and your gear right. The fully submersible bag offers a rugged build combining laminated, high-density nylon with an EVA molded base and a HydroLok™ Zipper. Six lash points double as a means to secure the duffel in place or attach items externally. And you’ve got backpack straps and side grab handles at the ready when adventure calls.

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Best Duffel Bags of 2024

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

Switchback Travel

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

Our Team's Duffel Bag Picks

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

Best Overall Duffel Bag

1. patagonia black hole 55 ($169).

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

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

Best Budget Duffel Bag

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

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

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

Best Carry-On Duffel Bag

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

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

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

Best Weekender Duffel Bag

4. thule aion duffel bag ($190).

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

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

Best High-Capacity Wheeled Duffel

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

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

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

Best Ultralight/Packable Duffel Bag

6. osprey ultralight stuff duffel ($45).

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

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

Best Waterproof Duffel Bag

7. yeti panga 75 ($350).

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

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

9. Mountain Hardwear Expedition Duffel 100 ($280)

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

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

10. Gregory Supply 90 ($120)

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

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

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

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

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

12. Black Diamond Stonehauler 60L ($190)

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

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

13. Eagle Creek Migrate 60L ($129)

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

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

14. Gregory Alpaca 60 ($160)

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

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

15. Cotopaxi Allpa 70L ($200)

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

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

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

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

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

17. Mountain Hardwear Camp 4 65 ($140)

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

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

18. Backcountry All Around 60L ($139)

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

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

  19. SealLine WideMouth Duffel 70L ($165)

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

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

Duffel Bag Comparison Table

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

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

Water Resistance

• Packability  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Pockets and Organization

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

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

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

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

Carrying Options: Backpack Straps, Shoulder Straps, Handles

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

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

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

  Durability (Denier)

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

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

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

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

Packability

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

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The Best Waterproof Duffel Bags For Amphibious Adventures

By: Ethan Brehm Published: Jul 06, 2023

As diverse as duffel bags can get from time to time in both their purpose and functionality, nothing beats the durability of an adventure-ready waterproof duffel bag. For this begs the question, to what extent are you planning to expose this item to the elements? Ideally, the answer should be that it doesn’t matter. These aren’t water-resistant packs, they’re waterproof. And if the waterproof vs. water-resistant debate weren’t enough already, we can attest there’s a definite bonus to opting for waterproof packs if the journey looks like it could be a wet one.

That’s where the gear comes in handy, specifically the duffel bag, where no matter what’s contained (waterproof or not), everything from expedition gear to apparel to tech is safe from harm’s way and packed for protection. Fortunately, just like their non-waterproof brethren, waterproof duffel bags come available in several size options for both weekend trips and lengthier overland trips into the wilderness. Whatever the intended use, these options will keep things dry no matter what.

Best Waterproof Duffels

Best for the Gym

NRS High Roll Duffel

Best Small Duffel

Amabilis Dave Jr.

Best for Travel

Mad Water USA Duffel

Best Large Duffel

Ortlieb Duffel

Best for Camping

Filson Medium Dry Duffel

Best for the Beach

YETI Panga 50

Best for Extreme Excursions

Subtech Pro Drybag

Waterproof vs. water-resistant.

When it comes to your gear, it’s important to distinguish between “waterproof” and “water-resistant.” If something is water-resistant, it simply means that a product can resist moisture at some level, whether through water-repellant fabric coatings/treatments or fabric that’s inherently water-resistant such as nylon or polyester, which obtains those properties because of its thickness.

If something is waterproof , however, it’s largely due to the construction of the overall item. In the case of duffel bags, the materials used will be inherently water-resistant but bolstered by the likes of taped seams, impenetrable zippers, or other types of gaskets or seals. It’s not always easy to tell how reliable some lesser-known brands are, but trustworthy names in the space won’t usually let you down with their claims. Likewise, an IP rating will give you a good indication by looking at how high the last number is.

What to Look For in Waterproof Duffels

Materials: As we stated, certain materials are more water-resistant than others, such as nylon, polyester, and other synthetics. However, if you’re traversing outdoors, you’ll likely want something that’s abrasion-resistant or ripstop.

Zippers: A bad zipper can make or break a good bag. Likewise, when it comes to waterproofing, you’ll want something the likes of YKK Aquaguard, which prevents water from coming in.

Taped Seams: Stitching and sewing materials together will create inherent holes, even in the most water-resistant fabrics. These seams are often sealed off by fusing thermoplastic tape to them with heat.

Capacity: The capacity of a duffel will be a personal preference that has to do with what you’re using it for and for how long. A weekend camping trip will require a larger bag than a day hike, unless you’re packing for a larger group (although, it would make more sense for each individual to have his or her own bag).

Submersion: If you’re dubious about a bag’s waterproof claims (which are not held by any official regulation), you can get a good idea if the brand advertises that the duffel is submersible, which means that it can survive any amount of time underwater.

• 70L of capacity
• Lots of webbing for attaching gear
• Not submersible

Best for the Gym: Although waterproof duffels will best serve the outdoor adventurer, the need may arise for an option to combat moisture if you’re going to and from the gym or pool. Anyone familiar with the iconic NRS Bill’s Bags will appreciate this similarly-designed duffel option that makes packing your gear and keeping it protected incredibly simple and straightforward. This option hosts a gear capacity of 70L, a heavy-duty 21 oz. PVC and polyester construction, a fold-down StormStrip closure system to keep the water out, and webbing chains for additional exterior attachments.

Material: 21oz PVC and polyester Capacity: 70L Submersible: No

• Military-grade hardware
• Useful accessory pocket
• Stands upright with abrasion-resistant bottom
• Good handle & strap options
• Unreliable stitching

Best Small Duffel: If you’re just embarking on a day hike in the rain or a solo weekend campout, you won’t always want or need to pack a lot. For the ambitious weekend warrior who’s economical about the gear he brings along with him, this 32-liter waterproof duffel isn’t for the faint-hearted. Each Amabilis Dave Jr. pack features a waterproof tarpaulin and armor-plated SuperFabric exterior, #8 YKK Aqua Guard zippers, military-grade hardware, an internal zippered security pocket, and an anodized aluminum heavy-duty grab handle. Time to conquer the outdoors 48 hours at a time.

Material: Tarpaulin and armor-plated SuperFabric Capacity: 32L Submersible: No

• Straps can double for backpack wear
• Made in USA
• Classy aesthetic
• Lightweight
• No external pocket
• Could use a side grab handle

Best for Travel: When venturing from one climate to another, you’ll want a duffel that can withstand any unexpected moisture. Yet another trusty and reliable USA-made waterproof pack, the USA Duffel from Mad Water is fully submersible up to 3 meters compliments of the double-coated PVC-free polyurethane, RF-welding, a YKK waterproof zipper, and various other heavy-duty components. Perfect for the outdoors as well, this bag has 1.5-inch nylon handles that are long enough to become backpack straps. Likewise, they’re fitted with D-rings in case you want to tether these to a larger suitcase or even the tailgate of your truck. Comfortably store upwards of 30 liters worth of gear in this handsome bag without the worry of what a little rain or river-fording might contribute to your belongings.

Material: Polyurethane Capacity: 30L Submersible: Yes

• Two internal pockets
• Reinforced bottom
• Shoulder straps are padded
• Easy to tie down with daisy chains

Best Large Duffel: If you have a big family or you’re going camping for several days at a time, a sub-50L bag simply won’t do the trick. From motorcycle touring to rafting and kayaking, to even mountaineering, the Ortlieb Duffel and its waterproof construction will keep your gear safe from whatever foul weather or rugged environment might dish out. Here, the brand opted for up to 85 liters of storage space, a TIZIP zipper for both durability and easy access, two internal pockets, a reinforced bottom, padded shoulder straps, two daisy chains for easy tie-downs to roof racks, and an outer mesh pocket to round things out.

Material: PS 620C fabric Capacity: 85L Submersible: Yes

• Perhaps the most durable on this list
• Dual-lock fastener on top
• Lots of space inside
• Wide mouth opening
• Some may prefer a zipper closure
• Could use some external pockets

Best for Camping: Filson seems to have its toes dipped in every facet of the outdoor gear space, but what’s most impressive is how well it performs every time. Perfect for lengthy finishing trips, outdoor adventures, or trips through the Amazon rainforest for that matter, the brand’s Medium Dry Duffel will keep what’s meant to remain dry, bone-dry. We can attribute this to the bag’s PU-coated 840D nylon exterior, water-tight construction, dual-lock top closure fastener, and high-density plastic hardware. Additionally, with up to 65 liters of capacity, there’s plenty of spacious room for your gear to keep safe.

Material: 840D nylon Capacity: 65L Submersible: Yes

Yeti Panga 50

• Can be worn as a backpack
• Stands upright with EVA-molded bottom
• Easy-access mesh pockets
• Opening doesn’t open super wide

Best for the Beach: A household name at this point, there’s nothing Yeti can’t build to perfection. At least that’s what appears to be true with the likes of additional gear items to their famed cooler collection. Able to stand upright on its own and be worn as a backpack, the Panga is no different, featuring 50L of gear capacity, a waterproof zipper, a laminated high-density nylon shell making the bag fully submersible, an EVA molded bottom, and two easy-access pockets for smaller, yet valuable, carry items.

Material: Nylon Capacity: 50L Submersible: Yes

• Super heavy-duty construction
• Waterproof to 164ft
• Floats even when full

Best for Extreme Excursions: In the world of waterproof packs, the phrase “over-engineered” simply doesn’t exist. Rather, a fully prepped and prepared duffel that can handle even the most extreme conditions and abuse is a welcome addition. Enter the Subtech Pro Drybag, featuring a 620D TPU construction with welded seams to last a lifetime, an air, water, and condensation-tight zipper making it waterproof to 164 feet, and detachable straps made from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum alloy. With an IP68 rating, the Subtech can even float when fully packed and function as a backpack for good measure.

Material: 620D TPU Capacity: 55L Submersible: Yes

The Best Waterproof Backpacks

Perhaps duffel bags don’t pack quite the all day comfort you’re looking on your next outdoor excursion? Fret not, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best waterproof backpacks .

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The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Bring all the gear you need in these sizeable luggage pieces

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TripSavvy / Jessica Juliao

Rolling duffels are the luggage style of choice for adventure travelers, outdoorsy folks, and chronic over-packers—essentially, anyone who requires plenty of flexible space and the added versatility of a bag that can be carried or slung over a shoulder as easily as wheeling it from A to B. These days, many brands also make duffels that are as fashionable as they are functional, also making them a viable option for business trips and weekend getaways. Things to look out for include sturdy carry handles or straps, a reliable wheel and trolley system, and a generous, durable interior with some organization features.

To help you narrow down your search for the perfect rolling duffel, we tested 30 of the most popular brands in the TripSavvy lab. Using a series of tests designed to simulate the rigors of airline travel, we scored each duffel on its capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

• Others We Tested

How We Tested

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, patagonia wheeled duffel bag.

Backcountry

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

Tough, long-lasting material

Burly, smooth-rolling wheels

Won't turn on a dime

The 100L Black Hole Wheeled Duffel from Patagonia impressed us from the outset with its impressive capacity. With some strategic packing, we could fit double or even triple the amount of clothing on our prescribed packing list. We liked its structured bottom for support and its flexible upper, allowing for maximum packing potential. The duffel features ripstop polyester with a highly weather-resistant TPU-laminate coating. We found it sleek, functional, and sturdy enough to potentially be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. After our stringent durability tests, the duffel showed zero signs of wear and tear.

It’s also great for the planet, with 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. The main compartment features a large opening and internal compression straps, with mesh pockets in the lid for smaller items. There’s also a zippered side pocket to separate shoes, toiletries, or dirty laundry. We liked that there are multiple ways to transport this bag. You can use the reinforced haul handles to lift it onto the luggage scale; or weave through the airport using the sturdy, oversized wheels and telescoping handle. Although somewhat tricky to maneuver around tight turns, we found that the wheels rolled perfectly on rough and smooth surfaces.

Dimensions: 32.6 x 16 x 13.7 inches | Weight: 9.49 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: Ripstop polyester with a TPU-film laminate | Sustainability: 100-percent recycled ripstop polyester

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Budget

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

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

Plenty of external storage

Handles rough treatment well

Folds away when not in use

We'd like a more functional handle

Made from surprisingly sturdy 600-denier polyester, the Travelers Club Xpedition duffel bag retails for just over a tenth of the price of our overall winner. Despite its low cost, it held up well to our durability tests with no obvious dents, tears, or broken elements. The main compartment is spacious (so much so that we had room left after packing for a 10 to 14-day winter trip) but lacks organization features. This was more than made up for by the bag's exterior, however, which features no fewer than six extra-large zippered accessory pockets.

The duffel features sturdy top and rear carry handles for manual lifting. Alternatively, it has two wheels and a retractable handle—although we felt the latter's design was lacking since it wasn't height adjustable and could have been smoother to extend. Most importantly, though, it was strong enough to maneuver the bag around our simulated airport obstacles while the wheels rolled smoothly over hard surfaces. Finally, the duffel features a tri-fold bottom for convenient storage.

Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Capacity: 77 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag With Wheels

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5

Hybrid design adds sturdiness

Maneuvers well

Generous capacity

Adjustable height handle would be nice

The Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag features 1,200-denier PVC—making it waterproof, lightweight, and (as our tests proved) exceptionally durable. Coming in at roughly a quarter of the price of our overall winner, we felt it offered incredible value for money, especially given its innovative design. The large main compartment features a U-shaped opening for easy access and easily fits everything on our packing list. We loved the half suitcase/half duffel concept, with a structured bottom that gives contents an extra layer of protection.

Organization features include an interior zippered mesh pocket, two exterior pockets, and clever compression straps that fasten outside the duffel to keep everything in place. The duffel comes with high-quality YKK zippers and balanced bottom feet that allow it to stand upright on its own. We found the telescoping handle comfortable but wished it had more than one height setting. Finally, the oversized trolley wheels operated smoothly through turns and over a variety of terrains, including gravel.

Dimensions: 33 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 11.35 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: PVC | Sustainability: Not listed

Best Carry-on

Vera bradley foldable rolling duffel bag.

 Amazon

• Portability 5 /5
• Value 4.6 /5
• Durability 4.6 /5

Made from recycled plastic bottles

Good level of organization

Easy to store

Not as durable as some outdoor brands

Made from Vera Bradley’s lightweight, recycled ReActive fabric, the Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag wins points for sustainability by saving 24 plastic bottles from landfill. It’s also water-repellent and survived our durability tests without sustaining any damage. The main compartment features a mesh slip pocket and a concealed bottom compartment perfect for separating shoes or dirty laundry. We fit everything on our packing list before realizing this bottom compartment existed. There are also two zippered pockets on the outside of the duffel.

We found that the wheels turned smoothly around tight corners and handled all terrains well. The bag is also small enough to carry comfortably using the dual top carry handles. It stands upright on its own and folds flat for convenient storage in the back of your closet. Other thoughtful design features include a travel lock, luggage tag, and a zippered pocket for storing the handle when not in use. The duffel is available in Reactive Black, Rose Foliage, or Sunflower Sky and has a five-year warranty.

Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: ReActive fabric | Sustainability: Saves 24 plastic bottles from landfill

Best Checked

Ebags mother lode checked rolling duffel.

• Portability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

Spacious and easy to pack

Tough construction

No side handle for easy lifting

With a durable, molded bottom and flexible polyester top, this rolling duffel from Mother Lode divides into two sections. The zippered top compartment features a mesh storage pocket and compression straps, while the bottom compartment is unstructured except for two large pockets perfect for shoes or toiletries. Both sides of the bag are deep, allowing space to configure your belongings. We packed for a week and still had room to spare without using the three exterior pockets or the zippered expansion feature.

We found the overall quality good, with zippers that opened easily, smooth-rolling wheels, and a sturdy telescoping handle. The latter offers three height settings for maximum stability and comfort. It was easy to maneuver over and around obstacles and survived our durability tests with no signs of damage. In fact, the only downside was the absence of a side haul handle, which made lifting it a little awkward. The bag comes in one color, Heathered Graphite, and has a limited lifetime warranty.

Dimensions: 29 × 17 × 15 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

Best for International Travel

Ogio terminal travel bag.

• Design 4 /5

All the room you could need

Great manueuverability

Easy to lift

Limited plain colors

If you're planning a round-the-world adventure and need a bag that can fit weeks' worth of belongings while also withstanding the rigors of international travel, you'll love the Ogio Terminal Travel Bag. It's constructed of durable 420-denier nylon, with protective, reinforced skid bars on the back panel. We found it lightweight yet so strong it didn't show any signs of our repeated bat and drop tests. In terms of capacity, we'd have scored it a 10 if we could, with enough space to fit clothes, shoes, and accessories for 14 days.

The interior features a neoprene lining, a mesh divider, and compression straps—while two large external pockets provide space for keeping toiletries or dirty laundry separate. The skate wheels and retractable handle helped the duffel to move smoothly and quietly through our obstacle course, while multiple grab handles came in handy for loading it into cars and buses. Colors, except for sober Black Pindot, are eye-catching with names like Double Camo, Acid Waves, and Nebula.

Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 13 inches | Weight: 10.6 pounds | Capacity: 95 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Not listed

Best Splurge

Tumi large split 2-wheeled duffel.

• Value 4.5 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Easy to pack and organize

Customization options

Smooth roll

The Tumi Large Split 2-Wheeled Duffel will set you back the better part of $1,000, but for those who can afford it, we feel the quality is commensurate with the price. The bag is made from virtually indestructible ballistic nylon, with a molded, impact-resistant bottom and protective bumper rails. It sailed through our durability tests unscathed. We loved its clamshell-style opening and the divided interior with a large mesh zippered pocket and compression straps.

We were able to fit everything on our list with space to spare. With so many compartments on the inside and outside, we actually enjoyed the packing experience! One of the exterior pockets has a water-resistant lining. The duffel maneuvered skillfully across all terrains thanks to its large, high-quality wheels and two-stage telescoping handle. It also has leather-accented top and side carry handles and a bottom grab handle. Other benefits include molded feet for standing upright and the brand’s proprietary Tumi Tracer.

Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 14 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Ballistic nylon | Sustainability: Not listed

Best for Hauling Gear

Rei co-op big haul recycled rolling duffel.

Sleek design

Sturdy, eco-friendly material

Adventure-specific extras

Not particularly fashionable

Need an outdoors-approved duffel big enough to fit the whole family’s gear that's hardy enough to travel where few other suitcases can go? The REI Co-op Big Haul duffel is for you. We packed everything on our list with plenty of space left over. We loved the weather-resistant finish on the recycled ripstop nylon exterior; and the heavy-duty, oversized wheels that easily handled all of our testing terrains and challenges. The telescoping handle felt sturdy, and the side, front, and end handles made the duffel simple to lift as needed.

The main compartment features several practical mesh pockets and a set of compression straps. We also liked that the duffel has exterior compression straps that allow it to be cinched in, depending on how full it is. Other features that reinforce the impression that this duffel is meant for the great outdoors include daisy chain lash points for attaching extra gear and piggyback clips for connecting your daypack or other luggage.

Dimensions: 34 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces | Capacity: 109 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Contains recycled, bluesign-certified materials

Best for Business Travel

Ted baker albany rolling duffel bag.

Chic design details

Solid internal organization

Deceptively capacious interior

High price tag

Despite its carry-on-approved dimensions, we found the Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag much more spacious than it initially looked and were highly impressed with how much we could fit in. We loved its elegant, tapered design, envelope-style front pocket, and stylish faux leather accents. It’s an excellent choice for business travelers , with its rose gold detailing, including on the zippers, embossed Ted Baker logo plate, and aluminum trolley system.

While the exterior is smart, professional black, the interior features a vibrant, butterfly-patterned lining. It has multiple compartments, including a padded sleeve for your tablet or laptop; and TSA-approved locks to keep everything secure in transit. We found that the wheels performed impeccably over gravel, carpet, and through our obstacle course, while the duffel itself was so lightweight that carrying it using the top handles was just as easy. The only drawback was the price tag, although we felt it was a fair reflection of the bag’s quality.

Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Capacity: 33 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

In the end, the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L stood out as our overall winner for its impressive capacity and rugged, all-weather construction. We also like the Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel thanks to its multiple exterior pockets and affordable price.

Other Rolling Duffels We Tested

Briggs & Riley ZDX 27-Inch Medium Upright Duffel : We appreciated the roomy capacity of this medium-sized duffel as well as the thoughtful layout of its compartments (including an expandable one on the front). It was well-made and moved beautifully, but it sits toward the higher end of the price spectrum.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 31-Inch : We could fit all of our items in this duffel with space to spare and liked its compression straps and storage pocket. We found it incredibly easy to maneuver; however, we would have liked to see another height setting for the telescoping handle and larger top carry handles.

Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag 32-Inch : This rolling duffel impressed us with its durability, standing up well to our drop and bat tests. It’s also an attractive option with plenty of packing space despite its relatively small size; however, we found that it listed significantly when packed full and stood upright.

Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel 32-Inch : With its massive main compartment and extra-rugged construction, we love this duffel for those who need to carry a lot of gear. It rolled easily on multiple surfaces, albeit being a little unwieldy around tight turns. It lost points for lack of organization features and usable carry handles.

High Sierra Fairlead 34-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag : This duffel scored highly for its many organization options and highly accessible main compartment. The carry handle and strap were comfortable; however, it was tricky to maneuver around turns and was unstable when upright.

Eagle Creek 130L Cargo Hauler Rolling Duffel : We really appreciated that this duffel’s huge interior is made manageable by an included packing cube. It also converts into a backpack and is super lightweight, although the lack of structure that makes this lightness possible also means it can’t stand upright on its own.

DELSEY Paris Raspail 28-Inch Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag : We were pleasantly surprised by this duffel’s capacity and liked that it has separate pockets for laundry and other essentials. It had multiple handles and rolled well, but it felt a little flimsy overall.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-Wheel Duffel 29-Inch : This duffel accommodated all our belongings with plenty of space to spare. We liked the separate bottom compartment and multiple handle heights but ultimately felt it was overpriced.

Lipault Foldable Plume Wheeled Duffel : If capacity is your priority, this enormous duffel could be a good choice. It also maneuvered beautifully despite its size; however, we found the unstructured interior a bit disorganized.

Samsonite Detour 29-Inch Wheeled Duffel : We liked this duffel’s tactical style and easy roll but ultimately found the interior disappointingly organization-free. We also struggled to fit everything on our list inside.

Samsonite Ripstop 30-Inch Rolling Duffel : This duffel withstood our durability tests well and scored top marks for its versatile pockets. But, it lost points for its awkward carry handles and the fact that the trolley system wasn’t adjustable.

Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch : This duffel maneuvered fine and survived our durability tests; however, we felt the material was flimsy and couldn’t see it lasting more than a few trips. It also didn’t have any interior pockets.

Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch : We felt this duffel was intended for carrying sports gear and would only consider it for that purpose. Otherwise, it was poorly designed and broke during our durability tests.

Eddie Bauer Expedition 30 Duffel 2.0 : We liked this duffel’s sturdy frame and felt it was well-balanced. It maneuvered easily through obstacles but lost points for thin fabric, loose stitching, and confusing organization features.

Travelpro Bold 30-Inch Check-In Drop-Bottom Expandable Rolling Duffel : This is a huge duffel with a main compartment that is accessible in two ways. We liked its sturdy handle and surprising maneuverability but felt it was too bulky for most travelers.

L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag, Large 30-Inch : With just one exterior pocket and no interior organization, we found this duffel challenging to pack. We also felt the quality was lackluster, although it did maneuver well.

Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag : We liked that this bag split clamshell-style into a structured bottom half and a more flexible top half with compartments. However, it scuffed easily during tests, making us question its durability.

Oiwas Small Rolling Duffel Bag : We gave this duffel top marks for maneuverability. Unfortunately, it failed to impress in terms of quality, with a flimsy handle, poor stitching, and zippers that broke during testing.

First, we weighed each duffel to check the accuracy of the manufacturer’s description. Then we packed it according to a packing list meant to replicate a four-day trip for carry-on duffels and a seven-day trip for checked duffels. While doing so, we took note of the bag’s capacity and how well-thought-out its organizational features were. Next, we rolled it back and forth on smooth concrete, pushing and pulling it to check how easily it moved. Then, we tested maneuverability by rolling the duffel through an obstacle course to simulate a busy airport.

Then we repeated these tests on a carpeted floor. We also tested how easy it was to drag the duffel onto the sidewalk and over gaps between cement pavers. We checked how comfortable it was to carry it using its handles and/or straps and then tested durability by repeatedly pushing it off a countertop and beating it with a baseball bat. These tests specifically targeted potential weak spots. Finally, scores were given from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value, resulting in an overall score used to select category winners.

Testing Rolling Duffels for Durability and Portability

What to look for in a rolling duffel, weight and dimensions.

The optimum duffel size depends on how much you want to pack and for how long. Bear in mind that for carry-on duffels, though, the IATA recommends that bags have a maximum length of 22 inches, a width of 18 inches, and a depth of 10 inches. Exact requirements may differ from airline to airline. Checked bags must not exceed a linear dimension (length + width + depth) of 62 inches. In terms of weight, it’s important to find a good balance between quality construction and lightness. However, the lighter your duffel is, the more you can pack before exceeding airline weight restrictions.

Rolling duffels vary significantly in price, with our category winners ranging from just over $40 to just under $1,000. The key is to determine the value of a potential purchase—if the bag is a splurge, is it worth it? A duffel with premium materials could last you a lifetime, in which case, the answer is probably yes. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can comfortably afford. Be sure to check user reviews, however, to help establish how much of the cost reflects performance and how much you’re paying for brand name only.

Other Features

Other features to look out for beyond the duffel itself include organization features—how many pockets or compartments does the bag have, and how easy are they to access? How many carrying options does it offer (can it be comfortably carried using the haul handles, or does it convert to a backpack?)? Some have padded pockets for your laptop or tablet, while tech-savvy carry-on duffels may even have USB or wireless charging facilities. The most important features for a rolling duffel to fulfill its purpose are easily maneuverable wheels and a sturdy, telescoping handle.

Every rolling duffel will have its own specific manufacturer’s instructions regarding the best way to clean it. As a general rule, however, most can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and should be left to dry naturally. Like all luggage, duffels should be completely dry before being put away and kept away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

Duffels are softsided by nature, and the best use sturdy, lightweight materials—most usually, ripstop polyester or nylon. For added weatherproofing, consider a PVC duffel or one coated with TPU laminate; while eco-conscious travelers should look out for bags made using recycled versions of these materials. The best-quality telescoping handles feature aerospace-grade aluminum.

Rolling duffels offer more flexible packing space than hardsided suitcases and are easier to stuff into irregular spaces (e.g., a safari truck’s roof racks or the cargo hold of a bus). Many argue that they’re more durable—all attributes that make them ideal for adventure travel or sports trips. They can usually be carried in more than one way, making them a good fit for journeys that will take you to areas a wheeled suitcase can’t go.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of adventure and family travel articles. She’s packed many a rolling duffel in her time, whether for scuba diving trips across Southeast Asia, research trips to the Peruvian Amazon, or camping adventures around the national parks of South Africa.

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The 14 Best Rugged Duffel Bags for Travel

Larger luggage can be quite obnoxious and cumbersome to carry when it comes to quick getaways. A smaller, simpler, and speedier item like a duffel bag comes in handy for such an occasion. But getting from one point to another even during a short trip subjects your gear to the same rigors of travel.

In a world where people have different expectations, makers are pushed to cater to the needs of those who expect more out of their weekends. That’s why they have come up with craft bags boasting of more durability than others. Most products are designed with features that have gone out of hand, but the duffel bag remains immune to the epidemic of feature-packing products.

The design sports very little variation from the canvas sacks that travelers used to throw over their shoulder and head off to unknown lands. With slim adjustments and improvements, they have become stronger, durable, and more stylish while remaining true to their resilient nature.

Here are the 14 best rugged duffel bags for travel.

Filson Dry Duffel Pack

Travel with one of the most trusted brands of rugged duffel bags with this Filson Dry duffel bag. Benefiting from a history of making exceptional duffel bags from some of the roughest adventures in American history, the Filson Dry duffel bag features a waterproof construction made of PU-coated 840D nylon, which is designed with a secure roll-top closure, so you can travel through the rain and not a drop of water will get inside the bag keeping all your stuff completely dry.

The heavy-duty construction makes this bag abrasion and puncture-resistant. The bag comes with a detachable nylon shoulder strap that increases the comfort of carrying it along, and it pairs well with an integrated carry handle system made of nylon suitcase. With a length of 25.25 includes, a height of 12.5 inches, and a depth of 11 inches, this Filson Dry duffel bag has a good capacity to hold luggage that will last you a few days’ of travel.

Aqua Quest White Water Duffel

Wade through the storm with this Aqua Quest White Water duffel bag. The bag gives new meaning to ‘waterproof’ as the completely waterproof material makes it possible to travel the rainy areas without worry. With a weight of only 1.6 pounds, the bag is light enough to make it an easy travel bag, while it’s 50 liters capacity allows you to travel with all the gear you need. Measuring 24 x 12 x 12 inches, the bag has enough room for easy organization of your luggage.

Constructed with abrasion-resistant material, the bag can withstand rough treatment while remaining intact, so you are sure of using this bag for a long time. The versatile bag offers alternative carrying options with the comfortable shoulder sling strap, and the string handles for switching positions according to your need. The external pockets on this bag provide the convenience of quick-access items. This waterproof duffel bag comes in a variety of colors, including charcoal, camo, gray, blue, and red, giving you a range of choices.

Enjoy your weekend travel with this Yeti Panga rugged duffel bag. The design is derived from the success of the soft-sided coolers but is stripped of the insulation and replaced with a thick laminated nylon skin that makes for a puncture resistant and abrasion-resistant bag, which is sure to serve you for years. The innovation genius looks simple and comes with removable backpack straps for easy carrying while the lash points positioned on all sides together with haul handles provide alternative carrying options. With sturdy ends, the bag can stand upright while the bottom selection of the bag is EVA foam-padded with the same stuff used for running shoes , giving your stuff more protection even when the bag is tossed.

Thanks to the TIZIP airtight zipper, the bag comes fully submersible, so you can keep your stuff dry even when traveling under wet conditions. Designed with Metallock hardware, the bag can withstand whacks and smacks without any sign of breaking, making it one of the most durable travel bags on the market. If you are looking for a 100% dry duffel that can withstand rough treatment, this Yeti Panga will be the perfect choice for traveling to remote places and taking on fly fishing.

Front Runner Monsoon Bag

Enhance your weekend travels with the Front Runner Monsoon duffel bag. Built with durability in mind, the bag is made compatible with the roof racks for off-roading, as well as over-landing vehicles, so you and the driver can stay safe inside the vehicle and be sure that the bag will withstand the weather outside. The versatile bag was made with a combination of different materials including PVC-coated TPE fabric, heavy-duty hardware, and ballistic nylon straps. With the strong ballistic nylon straps, carrying the bag is super comfortable, and the heavy-duty hardware allows you to toss the bag without worrying about causing damages to your accessories and the bag itself.

The heavy-duty, innovative material is also waterproof, so you can travel in wet conditions while your stuff remains dry. The main compartment of the bag measures 3.6 x 2.3 x 0 inches, which gives enough space to hold stuff that can last you a couple of days. Weighing only 9.26 pounds, the bag is light enough for easy travel while the dust-free material keeps your luggage crispy clean. If you are ready to explore in the rain, this Front Runner Monsoon weekender duffel bag is designed to meet all your needs and more.

The North Face Base Camp

Travel in style with the North Face Base Camp duffel bag. Easily considered the best overall duffel bag, the favorite bag for many is a perennial bag for all seasons. It comes with shoulder straps that make it one of the most comfortable models for travel. With an extra zipped pocket that can be accessed externally, the bag has additional capacity for enhanced organization. Its main compartment is easy to load, as well as rummage through, and the bag is made of weather-resistant material, making sure that it is durable enough to serve you for years to come.

The versatile bag comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose one that best fits your taste and stature. Even though it lies on the heavier side of duffel bags at 4.06 pounds, the drawback is easily compensated for by durability and capacity with volume sizes of 33, 50, 69, 95, and 150 liters available. Other than the shoulder straps, it offers alternative carrying options thanks to the grab loops and the daisy chains. And with this North Face Base Camp duffel bag, you can separate your wet clothes from the dry clothes without sacrificing volume thanks to the new end-cap zipped compartment.

For more quality bags like this, check out our selection of the best waterproof commuter bags .

Plambag Unisex Canvas

Do you have plans for a long weekend getaway? This Plambag Unisex Canvas duffel bag will meet all your needs. Made of cotton canvas material, the bag looks quite stylish and also ranks among the most affordable high-quality duffel bags on the market. It embodies versatility thanks to its range of colors with the bag available in army green, dark gray, coffees, and gray colors. The attractive zipper pulls give the functional bag a classic aesthetic. Its removable straps are strong enough to ensure the bag will hold when you wear it on your shoulder, and you can still leave the strap hanging if you prefer to carry the bag like a tote.

The duffel bag comes with three layers of lining and rubber grips on the boot section making it waterproof, so you can put the bag on a wet surface without having water seeping through the strong fabric. With plenty of pockets, the bag allows for a great deal of organization. The 20.8-inch-long bag measures 24.4 x 9.8 x 11.8 inches when it is fully expanded to give you plenty of room for a short trip. With two convincingly large side pockets on the side, the Plambag Unisex Canvas duffel bag allows easy access to water bottles and the shoulder strap and handle straps give you great comfort when carrying it.

Gonex 45-Liter Duffel

Maximize on your weekend travel with this Gonex 45-Liter duffel bag. With plenty of pockets, the bag allows you to store your essential in different places prevent a mix-up of accessories. The bag measures 20 x 11 x 9.6 inches, making it spacious enough for you to cast a couple days’ clothes in the main compartment. It comes with a long lid pocket that is perfect for magazines or useful gadgets , and the pouch makes organization easy. The well-constructed bag comes at an affordable price, so you will not have to break the bank to acquire one of these. Available in six different color combinations, the bag allows you to choose a color that suits your style and personality.

You can comfortably fit shoes on the zippered sides of the bag to keep them separated from your clothes while the four additional pockets on the side are convenient for accessing small items. It comes with a strong shoulder strap making it easy to throw over the shoulder on the move while the carry handles are an option for carrying the water-repellent bag.

For a lightweight and water-repellent bag suitable for a quick weekend getaway, this Gonex 45-Liter is a perfect choice.

Hexin Collapsible 85L

Simplify your trips with Hexin Collapsible 85L duffel bag. Made for budget shoppers, the bag is suitable for you if you just want a basic bag to move with your gear from one point to another. The high-quality honeycomb nylon material used makes it water-repellent and quite strong. It comes with two-way zippers made from durable material, and despite its large capacity, the bag can be folded down quickly into a tiny pouch having a wrist strap for easy holding.

Upon folding it down the duffel bag only weighs a pound, making it one of the lightest duffel bags on the market. In the folded state, the bag is easy to carry when not using it to carry your luggage, so you can toss in with other luggage, which makes it a perfect choice as an extra bag for quick expeditions in the middle of a lengthy stay, and it can act as a replacement for your suitcase . With the two front pockets, the bag allows the separation of shoes or dirty laundry from other things. It offers options for carrying either with a detachable shoulder strap or with two hand straps, and it comes in seven different colors for you to choose according to your preference.

This Hexin Collapsible 85L duffel bag is the bag for you if you are looking for a budget-friendly bag for travel.

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled

Make traveling easy with this Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled duffel bag. It is simply the best rolling duffel bag for its simple design that is easy to pack. With strong and abrasion-resistant construction, the bag is durable, so you can use it for years to come, and the construction is water-resistant, so you can brave traveling in those wet conditions. It comes at only 7 lbs 8 oz of weight, which is an impressively light weight suitable for easy traveling, and the strength of the material makes its performance on rough terrain and above average.

It is easy to handle and manipulate when trying to maneuver in crowded airports thanks mainly to the narrow wheelbase, as well as a good extension on the handle. The bag is available in a range of sizes, including 45, 60, 90, 120 liters, giving you many choices according to your travel needs.

Arc’teryx Rolling Duffel

Brand your travel with this signature brand Arc’teryx Rolling duffel bag. Perfect for managing big loads, the bag comes with wheels, so you can tag along with your luggage in a stress-free way. The unique wheel system of the brand is such that the anodize and extendable aluminum frame are positioned on the outside of the bag, so you will have the interior section completely free. With a U-shaped zipper that opens all the way, the bag is easy to pack and unpack, which is perfect for a quick dash to the airport or to catch the next train.

The inside section of the bag has a pocket-equipped flap that allows for greater organization, yet the flap can be compressed over the rest of your stuff freeing up the extra zipper from any additional stress. Constructed with the 630-denier nylon, the outer fabric is completely weather resistant to allow the bag to withstand the rigor of travel.

For a wheeled duffel bag that can roll over any rough terrain, go for this Arc’teryx Rolling duffel bag that comes with oversized wheels.

You may also like these top carry-on garment bags from our list. Check them out.

Marmot Long Hauler

The Marmot Long Hauler is the best buy duffel bag. With excellently designed pockets, the bag is easy to organize different items without having to mix up things into one compartment, and its shoulder straps are made of a material that makes it comfortable to travel with. The bag comes at a more affordable price than most models but performs at an equal or better level to some expensive models, so you will not break the bank buying this bag. Made of weather-resistant and durable material, the bag will give you extended service, and the well-placed pockets make it a very functional bag.

The bag is easy to pack thanks to its array of pockets, organizational features, and outstanding lashing. While there may be more durable and more weight resistant bags on the market, the construction of this bag is still quite weather-resistant and durable at only a fraction of the cost of other models.

Code Alpha Mini Monster

Are you looking for the best large duffel bag? Look no further than the Code Alpha Mini Monster duffel bag. Perfect for a long stay when traveling, the large size of the bag ensure that it can hold a lot of your gear. Yet, the strong straps make it easy to carry the massive bag, measuring 33 x 17 x 13 inches. It is highly functional coming with a detachable toiletry kit located on its side for convenient traveling. Using the straps, the bag can be pulled easily, thanks to the three rugged wheels even though it lacks a telescopic handle.

Whether full or not, the bag will keep its form thanks to its study design, which does not allow it to collapse when you leave empty pockets, making sure that it always looks classy. Organizing your items in this bag will not be a problem, thanks to the separation of the main compartment from the mesh interior compartment. Made of 100% polyester, the 13-inch wide bag is durable, and its zip-off exterior and reinforced handles make it easy to use.

Kornall’s Passion Leather

Go vintage with this 21-inch Kornall’s Passion Leather duffel bag. The stylish-looking bag is made with high-quality craftsmanship, which fits the bill, and at a size of 21 x 14 x 9 inches, the bag is just the right size for carrying enough luggage while still looking sharp thanks to its brown leather and bronze buckles. The bag comes with leather carry handles that are strong and comfortable to carry while a detachable shoulder strap creates an alternative way of carrying the bag.

With one front pocket and two exterior pockets, the bag ensures that you can separate shoes and wet clothes on separate compartments without sacrificing space on the main compartment, which does not have pockets. The Kornall’s Passion Leather duffel bag is well-constructed and comes at a reasonable price with a personal letter from the maker, making it a perfect choice for the stylish person.

Elite Sports warrior Duffel Backpack

This amazing bag comes in several colors. It has a shoe compartment, and it can fit perfectly for your boxing and gym needs. It is of medium size, so you don’t have to worry about room for all your equipment. It belongs to the Boxing MMA series of BJJ gym bags that are large enough to fit boxing gloves, MUAY Thai shorts, MMA gloves, BJJ Kimonos, JIU JITSU, and a mouth guard among other gym accessories. It is designed to cater to all your needs by increasing the convenience part of your workout routine.

With its waterproof pocket for the water bottle, this bag has a design that mitigates the risk of leaks. It also has a mesh compartment that is lined with a waterproof material so that it can ventilate the sweat-soaked dirty gear after the gym session. The bag is also washable, so you can clean it without any worries. It is also made of the heavy-duty material, Cordura 1200-denier, used mostly by the military because of its durability and resistance to tearing, so you don’t have to worry about buying a new one any time soon.

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• Suitcases + Duffel Bags

The 12 Best Rolling Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 33 bags to find the best rolling duffel for every trip.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 33 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 12 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: Checked | 9.3 pounds | 32.6 x 16 x 13.7 inches | 100-liter capacity

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: Carry-on | 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: Checked | 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: Checked | 10.6 pounds | 16 x 13 x 29 inches | 95-liter capacity

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: Checked | 8 pounds | 30 x 12 x 13 inches | 77-liter capacity

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: Checked | 11 pounds | 16 x 30.3 x 14 inches | 98-liter capacity

Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag With Wheels

• Portability 4.5 /5

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: Checked | 10.5 pounds | 16 x 15 x 33.4 inches | 100-liter capacity

Best for Bulky 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: Checked | 10.2 pounds | 15.4 x 16.9 x 32 inches | 110-liter capacity

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: Checked | 4.4 pounds | 34 x 13.75 x 15 inches | 130-liter capacity

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: Carry-on | 10 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches | 5.6 pounds | 40-liter capacity

Most Stylish

Solo rolling duffel.

It's just as functional as it is sleek and stylish.

It could use a few more interior pockets.

If you want to make a fashion statement at the airport without sacrificing the organizational features and quality of heavier duty luggage, look no further than the Solo Leroy Rolling Duffel. It's equipped with a dedicated shoe pocket, several other internal and external pockets, smooth-running zippers, two easily maneuverable wheels, and an extra-spacious main compartment, but still looks sleek and stylish for women and men alike. As we tested it, we particularly appreciated its durability: after repeatedly tossing it off counters and smacking it with a baseball bat (to recreate the wear and tear of travel, of course), it showed zero signs of damage. It even holds it shape better than a typical floppy, unstructured duffel, yet it's still soft enough to squish down a bit come time to store it at home. We also loved that it's quite compact for a spacious duffel, making it portable and small enough to use as a carry-on.

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 12 x 12 inches | 5.5 pounds

Best Monogram

Mark & graham terminal 1 checked rolling duffle bag.

Mark & Graham

It's customizable and one of the most spacious bags we've ever tested.

The monograming costs extra.

When we say this bag is spacious, we mean this bag is spacious . In fact, senior editor Jasmine Grant said she "couldn't ask for more room in a duffel bag" as she tested it. At 28 by 12.5 by 6 inches, this bag is large enough to fit several days worth of clothes and accessories in the main compartment and couple pairs of shoes in the separate shoe compartment on top of the bag. While the bag did lack organizational features and pockets beyond the shoe compartment, we felt it wasn't necessary anyway — the bag is structured so the items inside don't ball up, and it zips opens wide enough to see everything inside easily.

You might think a bag of this size would look cumbersome and unsightly at the airport, but thanks to stylish features like gold hardware, a structured design, and the option to add a monogram, we felt sleek as can be while we were testing it out. The monogram options are plentiful and attractive (you can choose from 19 styles, 11 colors, and three character lengths), and we noticed they're high quality — no peeling or scratching off expected.

The Details: Checked | 28 x 12.5 x 6 inches | 8.4 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.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel : This water-resistant bag is great for inclement weather and rough handling conditions, but the exterior handles were awkward to hold, and we wish there was an additional handle to carry the bag horizontally.

In our quest to find the best-of-the-best wheeled bags, we combed the marketplace and narrowed our top selections down to 33 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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Waterproof Duffel Bag - Large Rugged Airtight Floating Submersible Drybag with Zippered Closure - Keep your gear dry during all conditions when kayaking boating travel camping sailing or fishing

About this item.

• Imagine the freedom of exploring without worrying about your gear. With the Coloma 40 Waterproof Duffle Bag, you can travel with confidence, knowing that your essentials are protected from water, dust, and dirt. Its rugged design and sturdy construction make it the ideal choice for camping, hiking, boating, hunting, or any outdoor activity. Say goodbye to soggy clothes and damaged equipment - the Coloma 40 is here to keep your belongings in pristine condition.
• Terrene Outfitters is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, comprised of businesses committing to donate 1% of annual sales to nonprofit organizations dedicated to tackling our planets most pressing environmental issues. Our support is directed to the American River Conservancy to support their ongoing work protecting the upper American River and upper Cosumnes River watersheds.
• What sets the Coloma 40 Waterproof Duffle Bag apart from the rest? Its unbeatable combination of durability, functionality, and style. Built to withstand the toughest conditions, this duffle bag is designed to last. The continuous welded seams and waterproof zippered closure create an impenetrable barrier against water, giving you peace of mind even during heavy rain or unexpected submersion. The two-way purge valve allows for effortless inflation, enabling the bag to float in water.
• With an adjustable, removable, padded shoulder strap, rugged double handles, and sturdy grab handles on both ends for easy handling, the Coloma 40 Waterproof Duffel Bag allows you to choose the most comfortable and convenient way to carry your belongings, reducing the strain on your body. This versatility provides flexibility in adapting to different situations, such as uneven terrain or tight spaces. With the Coloma 40, you can conquer any adventure in style.
• The 40L (10.6 gallon) Coloma 40 Waterproof Duffel Bag's spacious interior provides ample room for all your essentials in one bag, reducing the need for multiple bags, making outdoor adventures, sports activities, or travel more convenient. The additional zippered pockets and mesh pouch allow you to organize your belongings, so you are prepared for anything your adventure throws your way.

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Product Description

The Coloma 40 Waterproof Duffle Bag is the ultimate companion for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Crafted with the utmost care and precision, this duffle bag is designed to withstand the harshest conditions while keeping your belongings safe and dry.

Made from durable 500D PVC material, the Coloma 40 is built to last. Its rugged construction ensures that it can withstand the toughest terrains, whether you're hiking through dense forests or kayaking down wild rivers. No matter what challenges lie ahead, this duffle bag is ready to conquer them all.

But what truly sets the Coloma 40 apart is its ability to keep your gear completely dry. With its continuous welded seams and waterproof zippered closure, this duffle bag ensures a 100% waterproof experience. Say goodbye to soggy clothes and ruined electronics - this bag is here to keep your belongings dry and protected at all times.

The Coloma 40 is not only waterproof, but also incredibly versatile. Its spacious interior provides ample room for all your essentials, making it ideal for weekend getaways, camping trips, or even as a gym bag. The adjustable and removable shoulder strap ensures comfort and convenience, allowing you to carry it effortlessly wherever you go.

So why settle for anything less when you can have the best? With the Coloma 40 Waterproof Duffle Bag, you can embark on your next adventure with confidence, knowing that your gear is safe from water damage. Don't let anything hold you back - explore the great outdoors with this reliable and stylish duffle bag by your side.

Order your Coloma 40 Waterproof Duffle Bag today and experience the ultimate blend of durability, functionality, and style. It's time to make every adventure truly unforgettable.

Product Features

1% for the Planet

Terrene Outfitters is a proud member of 1% for the Planet , comprised of businesses committing to donate 1% of annual sales to nonprofit organizations dedicated to tackling our planets most pressing environmental issues.

Our support is directed to the American River Conservancy to support their ongoing work protecting the upper American River and upper Cosumnes River watersheds.

Founded in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, we are blessed to be surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring whitewater, snow sports, and outdoor recreation that our amazing planet has to offer.

Our passion for the natural wonder of this landscape, and an undying love of the water, is what inspired us to found Terrene Outfitters with the goal of making rock solid waterproof bags that you can always rely on.

We believe that our bags should be as tough as the people who use them and as beautiful as the places their journeys take them.

We hope your travels are inspiring and your gear is always dry!

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Coloma 40 Waterproof Duffel Bag is built for adventure

Terrene Outfitters

From the brand

Our passion for the natural wonder of this landscape, and an undying love of the water, is what inspired us to found Terrene Outfitters.

EXPLORE RESPONSIBLY

From the sustainable design of our products to our giving commitment, we endeavor to make a positive impact for you and our world.

​We believe that our bags should be as tough as the people who use them and as beautiful as the places their journeys take them.

Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 25 x 11 x 11 inches; 2 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ CLM040
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Terrene Outfitters
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09N7VT381
• #1,072 in Marine Dry Bags

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The 12 Best Rolling Duffel Bags for Easy Travel

These roomy luggage pieces are the perfect travel companion.

Some smaller capacity rolling duffels are great to use as carry-ons . It's easy to pack a bunch of stuff, but it won't feel quite as heavy when you can roll it rather than have to carry it. The bigger ones you'd need to check on a plane, for example, come in clutch for bringing on long-term trips and are easy to store in smaller spaces than your standard suitcase .

Best Overall Rolling Duffel

Patagonia black hole wheeled duffel bag.

Another Great Rolling Duffel

Cotopaxi allpa roller bag.

Best Rolling Duffel for Weekends

Samsonite just right weekend wheeled duffel.

Here, we rounded up the 12 that do this rolling and duffel-ing combo job best. Most are made with a durable nylon or polyester, while there are other options that are a more functional waterproof or stylish leather.

Patagonia's Black Hole bags are beloved for their maximal amount of space for smart packing. In addition to that roomy inside, we trust Patagonia's recycled polyester ripstop fabric the most out of any of these duffels.

This is a real adventure bag. It's designed to be durable, water-resistant, and can take the tough terrain of both the outside and the tough use that comes with travel. It's no frills, comes in a basic black and a rotating cast of other colors, and it's designed with a 70- or a 100-liter capacity. Keep it simple, and buy one of these.

Cotopaxi's roller bag is great for an easy-to-use bag that packs a ton away. The 65-liter capacity is quite large, great for long trips or ones where you're packing a lot. This size is too big for carry-on, though, so keep in mind you'll have to check it.

The split case design opens flat for easy organization, particularly useful for using packing cubes. The outer nylon material, like all Cotopaxi materials, is designed with 100 recycled fabrics from pre-consumer waste. However, because of that tight, non-stretch fabric, it can be a little harder to zip than other more flexible duffels.

Samsonite's rolling duffel is a great option for work trips and quick weekends away. It's nice to look at, more put together than some of the rugged, outdoorsy bags.

It's standout detail is in the organization design. There are easy-access pockets for keeping your keys, headphones, and small items organized. There are pockets for your tablet and laptop, too. There's a charging port, although you'd have to buy the charger separately.

Bric's X-Bag 21 Rolling Duffel

For an easy choice, Bric's bag has fewer of the fancy components, but it has all the essentials. It's more of a true duffel with wheels than it is a soft-sided suitcase, so we'd reframe this as buying a duffel whose wheels you use sometimes. (It does use smooth inline skate wheels, though.)

Some reviewers report the handle as a little flimsy, but for something you're using every once in a while—versus relying on it like you might a suitcase—it gets the job done.

Royce New York Rolling Duffel Bag Suitcase

Royce's rolling duffel is an excellent luxury choice. The high-quality leather makes this as nice of a bag as you can get, and the waterproof lining makes it more functional. If you're the big boss, you can't show up on a work trip with a Patagonia duffel. Bring this instead. It will usually work as a carryon except for smaller or stricter flights.

L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag

For a function-first bag, it's hard to beat L.L.Bean's gigantic rolling duffel. It has been redesigned in recent years to make the zip opening a wide U-shape, so you get more access to the gigantic black hole inside.

It holds a ton but you'll need to do the organizing yourself. Where other bags have convenient storage pockets built in, this is just a big single compartment. It's designed with waterproof fabrics, although the zippers and its seams are not, so don't go submerging it in water.

Thule Subterra Luggage

If you prefer having one bag you can do a lot with, Thule's Subterra luggage is a great option. It splits into two pieces, which you can take on and off as needed. As a whole piece, it might not be carry-on size, but split into two, it can function as your carry-on and personal item.

However, some reviewers report cheap-feeling handles and wished the removable back also had backpack straps, rather than just the single strap.

Rains Texel Cabin Bag

Rains made a rolling duffel, done up in its signature polyurethane-coated polyester. It's stylish, roomy, and ideal for taking places you might get caught in rain. Although it is waterproof, the design is meant more for the occasional traveling through light rain rather than explicitly designed for tough weather.

Briggs & Riley 21" Carry-on 2-Wheel Duffle

In opposition to a duffel with wheels, Briggs & Riley's bag is more of a soft-sided suitcase that is also a duffel. It stands upright and easily packs up as you'd expect a suitcase to.

However, the ballistic nylon (which is moisture-, dirt-, and abrasion-resistant) is durable enough for the rough use a carry-on can get. Still, it packs up like a duffel bag, and it has that signature big compartment in the middle.

THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Rolling Thunder

For something designed for rugged terrain, The North Face makes a big, rolling suitcase out of 100 percent recycled Base Camp fabric. Its capacity is big-big at 95L, which also means it can get heavy.

This size duffel is exactly the kind those wheels come in handy for. You can pick it up with gear, toss it in and out of vehicles, and roll it around when your arms need a rest.

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack

If you hate traveling heavy, Osprey's travel pack all but ensures you don't. This smart, compact bag is made for efficient travelers who want items that are as minimally bulky as possible.

This one has a solid 45-liter capacity with a smart back panel and harness for when you need to carry it. And when you're rolling, it uses 90mm oversized wheels for smooth lugging.

Tumi Wheeled Duffel

Tumi is always a wise choice for a well-designed, high-quality bag that looks like you're a smart, capable business person. Duffels don't normally exude professionalism, but this one does. Wheel it into the convention center and everyone knows you don't fuck around when it comes to KPIs and YoY earnings.

It's as large as you'd want your suitcase to be but is easier to handle on cobblestone streets or when you're needing to switch between rolling and carrying. It has a smart telescoping handle and the zip expands up to two inches wider.

Tips for Buying Rolling Duffel Bags

When you're shopping for your ideal rolling duffel bag, there are two key components to keep in mind: the materials that it's made out of and how much it stores. Deciding how much space you need and the spaces you'll be using it in the most will help narrow down your search to exactly the right pick for you.

Materials: Duffel bags are so classic because they are designed to get roughed up a bit, and your rolling duffel should do the same. If you want something that does well in an overhead compartment or crowded car trunk, ripstop polyester or nylon is great. For something more fit for the outdoors, look for waterproof and water-resistant options.

Capacity: A common complaint for rolling duffel shopping is when it's not clear if a bag will be carry-on compliant or not. Keep the capacity in mind when you're shopping for the right one. If you want a ton of space and aren't worried about airline restrictions, go for the big ones. But if you want the option of using the duffel as a carry-on, make sure the size is smaller and it fits with your most frequented airline size requirements.

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Buy It for Life: The Filson 48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffel Bag Is Expensive—and Worth It

I’ve had this bag for seven years and wouldn’t be surprised if it lasts until I’m 70.

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Filson 48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffle

Filson is an American brand that made a name for itself manufacturing hardwearing apparel. It outfitted miners going to Canada in the late 1800’s during a short-lived gold rush in the Yukon Territory and in the early 1900’s it was the last outpost for loggers to stock up on gear before heading up to Alaska. The brand used heavy canvas that protected the wearer from brambles and thorns and gained a reputation for its proprietary materials and craftsmanship. Filson goods stood up to the north’s harsh weather and terrain where gear and garments were a matter of survival—namely its Mackinaw Wool and Tin Cloth .

That Tin Cloth is the brand’s proprietary waxed cotton—a 14-ounce canvas that’s coated in paraffin-based wax, which improves durability and weatherproofing. Filson’s lineup of Tin Cloth outerwear has been a favorite of hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen for its performance, so it’s a natural extension that the brand started making packs out of it, given that luggage can benefit from the same weather-resistance and durability.

I’ve had the 48-Hour Duffel for almost seven years now, and it’s been my go-to for domestic and international travel. It’s called that because it’s Filson’s weekender and smaller than its larger twill duffles, but the 48-Hour holds much more. Here’s a breakdown of why—in my opinion—it’s the best duffle bag that’s versatile enough for long trips, campouts, and weekend getaways.

Waxed Canvas—An Original of Outdoor Gear

Before synthetics, Gore-Tex, and nylon became the standard for outdoor gear, waxed canvas was the original waterproof material.

Like I mentioned, this bag is constructed from Filson’s proprietary 14-ounce cotton canvas. Unlike a cotton tee that’s made to be soft against the skin using precision weaving and thin threads, canvas is densely woven—sometimes referred to as plain weave—from thicker thread. This produces a more durable material that won’t snag and is tear- and abrasion-resistant. It’s why canvas was widely used in the military for uniforms, tents, and duffel bags.

Filson then coats the canvas in paraffin-based wax, which is absorbed and produces a natural, water-resistant barrier. A major plus: You can re-wax the bag yourself as needed to keep it water-resistant. I’ve only needed to do this with mine once since I bought it, and it’s an easy process. I use a shoe brush to get rid of any dirt or grime and then apply a thin layer and let it sit in the sun so the canvas soaks in the wax, and repeat the process a couple of times.

The Tin Cloth has yet to snag or develop any real signs of wear and tear despite all it’s been through. I’ve taken it bussing around Spain, and it repelled rain and mud during a camping trip in the Catskills.

Aside from durability, the waxed-canvas construction makes the bag look better with age. Like leather and denim, the material develops a patina over time for a look you just can’t get with a polycarbonate suitcase or nylon duffel.

Durable Leather Handles and Straps That Look and Feel Good

The bags’s details are just as impressive as the material and construction. The handles are made of bridle leather. After tanning, beeswax or bee tallow is worked into the leather by hand to bolster durability and prevent scratches. The handles buckle together beneath a leather cover so you don’t have two different straps in your hand rubbing uncomfortably.

Filson claims that the handles are long enough to wear over the shoulder, but I find that difficult to do unless the bag is practically empty. Even then, it’s a tight fit.

Included is a cotton strap that you can unbuckle and stow away or just leave off entirely. I prefer to carry the bag from just the handles; I typically travel with a backpack too and don’t want multiple straps on one shoulder. Even fully packed, the 48-Hour is comfortable in hand. I’ve carried it through the city exploring while I wait for check-in time, and it doesn’t scream “tourist” (as loudly) as a wheeled suitcase would. I wish the bag came with a leather shoulder strap though, as the cotton doesn’t seem to fit its look.

Ample Storage, Organized Pockets, and Zippers That Don’t Quit

The thoughtful storage is what makes this bag so versatile. The 35-liter capacity is broken up between the main compartment and pockets on the front, offering more organization than a traditional duffel bag. It doesn’t turn into a black hole that I need to rummage through when I’m looking for something.

The main compartment is around 32 liters and has a reinforced base. Its length allows for me to lay my boots down—packed with socks and underwear—and pack clothing on top. Going from chunkier layers like sweatshirts and jeans at the bottom to shorts and tees on top, I’m able to fit a lot inside. Two expandable zip pockets on the front have slots for a wallet, passport, or anything you need quick access to. I also use these pockets for toiletries on my way to a destination and stuff my dirty clothes in them coming back.

Behind the zip pockets are two deep slip pockets. These are perfect for books, phone chargers, or any other afterthought items. They’re easy to access, which makes them also ideal for plane or train tickets, things you might need to pull out quickly.

The brass zippers have beefed-up leather pull-tabs to make opening and closing easier. I usually take pull-tabs off of zippers because they come undone or tear off quickly, but I haven’t encountered that with the 48-Hour duffel. They’re still intact, and the thick zippers haven’t snagged or broken, which is where other luggage has failed me.

The 48-Hour Tin Cloth duffel is versatile, functional, and just gets better with age. It’s an expensive bag, but I got what I paid for and then some. I’ve put it through a good amount of use and abuse, from it sitting in the rain on campouts to being stuffed in overhead bins on the tiniest European budget airlines. I used it for a three-week trip to London, Santorini, and Madrid, and it’s been my weekender bag when visiting family or friends. I bought this bag for its durability and timeless look. I’m not disappointed with either yet.

Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.

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11 Best Luggage Pieces for International Travel, Tested by Experts

These are the top-tested soft and hardside carry-ons, checked bags, duffels and more to take on your next adventure abroad.

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.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform hardside expandable spinner.

Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner

Best Carry-On

Away the carry-on.

Best Checked

Briggs & riley 31-inch baseline extra large expandable spinner.

July Checked Luggage

Best for Frequent Travelers

Travelpro platinum elite softside expandable checked luggage.

Best Budget

Delsey paris helium dlx softside expandable luggage.

Best Rolling Duffel

L.l.bean adventure rolling duffle bag, 135l.

Best Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

Best Weekender

Calpak luka duffel.

As you start planning your next trip abroad, looking into hotels, flights and tourist attractions, don't forget that the key to a smooth travel experience is a great piece of luggage. When you're traveling internationally, it's especially important to bring a suitcase that complies with airline restrictions, is comfortable to carry or roll throughout your journey and has plenty of room for all of your belongings and your souvenirs for the trip home.

This top-performing suitcase from our best overall luggage brand Samsonite has repeatedly stood out in the Textiles Lab's and our consumers' tests and is priced under $200 — an incredible value. The hardside carry-on is made of polypropylene and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds, which is one of the lightest bags we've tested, so it won't eat too much into the lower weight restrictions set by many international airlines.

I was impressed by how easy it was to lift and roll the bag around, even when filled with our standard packing load. Despite the lightweight design, this carry-on is spacious with a butterfly-opening, unfolding into two primary compartments for easy packing, and there's an additional one inch of expandable storage with the pull of a zipper.

During our Lab evaluations, we liked how easy it was to pull the bag through our luggage obstacle course. While some testers said the telescopic handle felt a bit loose, the suitcase earned high scores for maneuverability, with testers sharing feedback including "very smooth rolling" and "the wheels moved really well." The material was more prone to scratching than some others we evaluated, but the suitcase proved to be durable overall in our drop tests, resisting major damage.

Listed dimensions: 21.25" x 15.25" x 10" | Weight: 6.5 lbs | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

With more than 34,000 five-star ratings, t his best-selling suitcase from Amazon Basics is loved by both real users and our consumer testers who say it's worth every penny. Made of lightweight ABS plastic, the hardside suitcase isn't quite as durable as those made of polycarbonate, but the material helps to keep the cost low — under $100 — so I recommend it for someone shopping on a budget.

During our Textiles Lab evaluations for durability, there were some noticeable markings in our scratch tests, but we were impressed by how well the bag maintained its shape after being released repeatedly from our drop tester. Amazon reviewers who regularly use the suitcases say they hold up over time, as well.

When our consumer testers rolled the suitcase through our obstacle course, they were wowed by how smooth the wheels were, with one describing the bag as "very easy to move." We gave the carry-on high scores for packability, as we were able to pack our standard load of belongings (clothing, accessories and toiletries) for a short trip inside with room to spare. Plus, there are interior zippered mesh pockets for easy organization, and the bag expands up to one extra inch for additional packing space.

Listed dimensions: 22" x 14.9" x 10" | Weight: 7.3 lbs | Material: Hardside ABS plastic | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

One of the most popular suitcases on the market, Away's standard carry-on is definitely worth the hype . The bag is available in 11 colors, including on-trend options like green and red, along with neutral hues like gray and black.

Not only is the suitcase simple and stylish from the outside, it's also full of functional features inside to make packing for your next international trip a breeze. The bag unfolds into two separate primary compartments to fit all of your things: one fully zippered side and one with adjustable compression straps, and there are mesh pockets to stash smaller items.

Consumer testers and GH analysts alike love to travel with the Away carry-on, including one who shared, "It fit all of the clothes I needed for a long weekend. It rolled really easily and was light enough to pop in and out of the overhead bin." Testers said the telescopic handle felt flimsier than others they tried, but they were impressed with the bag overall, saying that it was easy to maneuver and roll over different types of flooring, including wood, carpet and tile. And it looked great after our drop and scratch tests, showing no major signs of damage or dents.

Listed dimensions: 9" x 13.7" x 21.7" | Weight: 8.1 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Briggs & Riley 31-inch Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

The innovative design details of this softside checked bag from Briggs & Riley help to simplify packing for extended trips abroad. The bag features a unique push-button expansion system unlike any other we've evaluated , which allows you to easily expand the bag, fill it with everything you'll need and then compress it back down to its standard size.

One tester who was impressed with the amount of space in the carry-on version of the bag shared, "It fit clothing and accessories for two people for a seven-day summer vacation." And this checked bag offers more than double the packing capacity. Other innovative features include a built-in trifold garment folder for formal attire and reinforced corners for added protection.

At 15.6 pounds, the suitcase does weigh more than other models we've evaluated, but it is made with a nylon material that resisted wear and tear when I tested it in our abrasion machine. It also earned top marks in our latest round of drop testing. Along with performing well for durability, the suitcase received high scores for maneuverability, with smooth wheels and a sturdy telescopic handle.

Listed dimensions: 31" x 22" x 13.8" | Weight: 15.6 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Rolling a bag through the airport has never been easier than it is with July's classic luggage , including this spacious checked suitcase and its popular carry-on bags . One GH analyst who took the checked bag on a vacation abroad said, "I've never used a suitcase with wheels this smooth." I've personally traveled with luggage from the brand and was blown away by how effortless it was to roll the suitcases, even over carpet and concrete sidewalks.

The telescopic handle technically locks at 20 different heights to prevent it from falling down on its own, and most testers appreciated the slanted grip on the handle, sharing that it was comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver with.

Made with a polycarbonate shell, the suitcase is lightweight and durable, and the corners are reinforced with aluminum bumpers for an added level of protection. The bag held up well after being released repeatedly from our drop tester, but testers noted marks and scuffs on the surface after taking the bag on just one trip.

It boasts 80 liters of packing space and features one fully zippered compartment and one open compartment with a compression panel and Y-strap for security. Even more, it weighs just 8.3 pounds, which is similar to many of the carry-on sized bags we evaluate.

Listed dimensions: 26" x 18.75" x 11" | Weight: 8.3 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate with aluminum corners | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Travelpro luggage was created by a pilot who wanted to make bags specifically for other pilots and airline crewmembers who were always on the go. The result is a collection of highly durable, quality suitcases including the popular Platinum Elite medium checked suitcase.

Built to last, the luggage is made of heavyweight nylon material that performed well when I tested it for abrasion resistance. When I released the bag repeatedly from our drop tester, it showed no signs of damage or dents. Our testers also gave the suitcase high scores for ease of use and appreciated the sturdy feel of the telescopic handle. The suitcase does have a more traditional look, though, which some testers described as "old-fashioned," sharing that they wished it were sleeker.

Full of thoughtful and functional features, the suitcase makes packing and traveling a breeze. The bag can be unzipped to reveal one large packing compartment with compression panels that secure your belongings in place, a removable wet bag for toiletries, a large mesh zippered pocket in the lid for breathable storage and a built-in suiter to help keep more formal clothes in tip-top shape. To prevent the suitcase from tipping over when it's full, it's also designed with a unique tapered expansion system, so the bag is narrower at the top and broader at the bottom.

Listed dimensions: 25" x 18" x 11.25" | Weight: 9.8 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

While some softside luggage is bulky and pricey, this Helium DLX carry-on from Delsey is lightweight, as the name implies, and it's available for a great value. The polyester material isn't quite as durable or substantial as nylon styles we've tested, but the brand's polyester fabric has performed well overall in our abrasion tests without major wear.

Two external zippered pockets allow for easy access to travel essentials like your phone and ID, so you won't have to hold up the TSA line while scouring through your bag. While the bag unzips to expose only one main compartment for packing, it's equipped with a removable bi-fold organizer and expands by two inches for additional room. One tester said, "I love the pockets." Plus, the inner lining can be fully unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.

I personally carry luggage from Delsey and love the smooth wheels and sturdy telescopic handle, and our testers who tried Delsey's luggage found the handle to be comfortable to grip and use. However, they said the bags were more difficult to maneuver through our obstacle course than others they tested.

Listed dimensions: 12" x 17.75" x 28" | Weight: 8.4 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

A rolling duffel like this one from L.L.Bean is ideal for longer adventures abroad or for overpackers like me. The duffel isn't as structured as standard suitcases, meaning you can compress it and slide it under your bed or in a closet if you're pressed for storage space — and on the other hand, you can really fill it to the brim when you're packing. Just be careful that you're not stuffing it too much because it can be easy to exceed an airline's weight restrictions.

One GH analyst who loves to travel with this bag said that it's one of her go-to picks for family vacations. With just two wheels, our analyst said it's a little more cumbersome to maneuver than a spinner suitcase, but you also have the option to carry the bag with the padded strap.

The bag has a wide opening for easy access to everything you need inside, and outer compression straps keep everything in place. Made of durable polyester material with a reinforced base, the duffel lasts for years and years without signs of wear, according to our analyst. Plus, it's water-resistant inside and out — perfect for inevitable leaks or wet weather. If you're looking for something smaller, the brand carries a variety of sizes to meet your travel needs.

Listed dimensions: 14" x 17.25" x 32.5" | Weight: 8.8 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 1 year

When we evaluated this bag in the Textiles Lab, we were amazed by just how much we could fit inside during our packing tests. Not only did it beat out other travel backpacks we tested, it also outperformed some of our carry-ons because of its spacious interior .

The backpack has a suitcase-style opening and fully unzips to expose a highly organized interior jam-packed with zippered mesh pockets for all of your belongings. It also features a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17-inch computer.

Made of recycled nylon and polyester, the bag is durable and water-resistant. When I tested it for abrasion resistance in the Lab, there were no visible signs of wear. Details like a sternum strap, waist belt and padded mesh provide comfort and support. With backpack straps that tuck neatly inside the back of the bag and carrying straps on all sides, you can easily grab it to lift into an overhead bin.

Some online reviewers wished it was equipped with a water bottle holder and said the zippers can be finicky, but we didn't have issues with them in the Lab.

Listed dimensions: 22" x 12" x 10" | Weight: 3.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Able to hold everything you need for a weekend getaway, this weekender from Calpak was the top performer in our Textiles Lab tests. Not only is the bag totally on-trend, thanks to the puffy padded design and fashionable color options, it's also full of functional features . One tester who used it as her personal item on a long trip said, "This bag fits everything I need and more!"

A GH analyst who used the bag added, "I appreciate the well-organized interior," which includes several zippered pockets and elastic storage. Outside, there's a separate shoe compartment, additional zippered pockets and a water bottle holder. Altogether, there are nine pockets, and the spacious bag aced our packing tests.

If you're pairing it with Calpak's popular luggage , this bag has a trolley sleeve that slides right over the telescopic handle of your suitcase. One tester noted that the stitching that secured the sleeve in place started unraveling a bit after just one use. The bag is made of a smooth polyester material that's comfortable to carry and water-resistant. A tester said, "It poured while I was traveling and everything inside this bag stayed perfectly dry."

Listed dimensions: 12" x 16" x 7" | Weight: 2 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L Duffel Bag

This convertible duffel from Eagle Creek is the perfect adventure travel companion. The bag is durable, combining polyester and nylon for a water-resistant material that also held up well when tested for abrasion resistance . One GH analyst who travels with this duffel said that it still looks great after years of regular rough and tough use.

It's structured and maintains its shape for easy packing, but the duffel can be compressed to bring inside of your suitcase as an extra bag or for compact storage at home. According to our testers and GH analyst, the zippers have large pull tabs that are easy to use, and, according to the brand, they're covered in water-resistant strips for the ultimate protection in wet weather.

The duffel features a reinforced top handle and grab handles along the sides for carrying, and there are adjustable backpack straps for hands-free use that can be connected for an additional carrying strap or tucked inside the bag. Some online reviewers said the backpack straps are on the thinner side and weren't as comfortable as other traditional travel backpacks, but they appreciated the convenient option.

Listed dimensions: 11.5" x 23.25" x 11" | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best cooler bags of 2024.

Carry your beverages and picnic to the beach in cool styles.

The Best Cooler Bags

Getty Images

Keeping snacks and drinks cold when you're on a road trip, at the beach or car camping is essential. Depending on what you want to pack, where you're going to be and how much you need to take, there are different cooler bags to meet your needs.

The right cooler bag can save you money, keep the kids happy with fresh snacks and offer convenience. U.S. News researched online retailers, travel industry review sites and more to come up with this selection of the best cooler bags.

Best Overall: ICEMULE Classic Medium 15L

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best for Beach: Alameda Mesh Tote Beach Bag

Best insulation: arctic zone titan deep freeze cooler, best small: igloo retro square lunch bag, best wheeled: coleman chiller 42-can soft cooler with wheels, best backpack: everlasting comfort beach cooler backpack, best collapsible: clevermade tahoe collapsible cooler bag, best tote: creative green life jumbo insulated cooler bag, best durable: yeti hopper flip 18 soft cooler.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Courtesy of ICEMULE

Capacity: Up to 16 cans with ice or 24 cans with no ice

What sets it apart: This soft-sided cooler from ICEMULE is rugged, versatile, waterproof and collapsible. It's perfect for the beach, river, lake or pool since it floats. The compressible zipperless design makes it easy to pack for travel. You can sling it over your shoulder to leave your hands free to carry your beach or camping gear. Your food and drinks will stay cold for up to 24 hours with this cooler. The ICEMULE Classic comes in three other sizes and a range of bright colors.

Travelers appreciate: Many reviewers comment that the bag is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport.

Price: $84.95 or less

Courtesy of Alameda

Capacity: Up to 12 cans

What sets it apart: This two-in-one cooler bag by Alameda is perfect for the beach. It has a detachable insulated cooler section on the bottom to keep things cold and a mesh section on top that's perfect for towels, sunscreen and more. The mesh is made from environmentally friendly and sand-resistant nylon. This bag features six pockets and a zipper closure on top to keep items secure.

Travelers appreciate: Beachgoers praise this bag for keeping items cold and keeping sand out.

Price: $34 or less

Courtesy of Arctic Zone

Capacity: Size options range from 9 to 48 cans

What sets it apart: This totable hard-body cooler bag includes a SmartShelf to keep crushable items on top. It keeps beverages and snacks cold with Deep Freeze Performance Insulation and has a zipperless top that flips open so you can access items quickly and easily. The bag is easy to keep clean since the exterior is made from water- and stain-repellent material and the interior hard liner is removable.

Travelers appreciate: This Amazon's Choice product has a 4.6-star rating from more than 48,000 ratings. Product owners appreciate the zipperless lid since zippers can break, as well as the removable liner that is easy to clean.

Price: $62.99 or less for 30-can size

Courtesy of Igloo

Capacity: Up to 9 cans

What sets it apart: This cute, colorful and compact cooler is perfect for taking lunch or drinks on outings. It has a front zippered pocket to hold things like keys, a phone or sunscreen, as well as a lightweight insulated liner to keep snacks and drinks cold. The top handle and shoulder strap make it easily portable. This small cooler bag comes in a retro neon color combination or Care Bears design.

Travelers appreciate: The nostalgic Care Bears print is a hit with recent reviewers, as well as the fact that it's easy to wipe clean.

Price: $29.99 or less

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Courtesy of Coleman

Capacity: Up to 42 cans

What sets it apart: With durable wheels and a telescopic handle, this Coleman cooler can easily travel to and from your destination. It features leak-resistant welded seams, front and inside pockets for additional storage, and a hard plastic liner that can be removed for easy cleaning. Your goodies can stay cold for up to 12 or more hours, thanks to the TempLock insulation. This cooler is also eco-friendly with recycled exterior fabric. Coleman also has options in smaller sizes that don't have wheels, as well as a backpack style.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers say it keeps items cold for many hours and the wheels are convenient, though some caution that the wheels don't do as well on sand or rough terrain.

Price: $64.99 or less

Courtesy of Everlasting Comfort

Capacity: Up to 54 cans and 4 pounds of ice

What sets it apart: For an easy-to-carry cooler with lots of room, this backpack cooler from Everlasting is a great option. Made from PVA and insulated foam, this bag will keep your food hot or cold for up to 24 hours. Stash napkins and utensils in the front zippered pocket and wine or water bottles in the side pockets. It features a leakproof design and heavy-duty bottom, plus padded, adjustable straps.

Travelers appreciate: The spacious storage and leakproof material were favorite features of customers.

Price: $49.99 or less

Courtesy of CleverMade

Capacity: Size options range from 24 to 50 cans

What sets it apart: Not only is this CleverMade cooler collapsible, but it also has top handles and shoulder straps for easy carrying. Its solid, sturdy base is designed to hold up to between 30 and 55 pounds (depending on the cooler size). It is made from recycled polyester with a durable wire frame. This cooler is lightweight and stores easily since it folds down.

Travelers appreciate: The features that reviewers praise the most are its anti-leak material, effectiveness at keeping things cool and collapsibility.

Price: $39.99 or less for 30-can size

Courtesy of Creative Green Life

Capacity: Up to 30 cans

What sets it apart: For a tote bag that keeps things cool, this bag by Creative Green Life fits the bill. Its extra-large capacity with zipper-close top and shoulder handles make it easy to bring plenty of snacks and drinks for your outing. It has a leak-resistant liner and machine-washable, stain-resistant fabric. The handles can be adjusted to carry food either horizontally or vertically. With the thermal foam insulation, your food can stay hot or cold for eight or more hours.

Travelers appreciate: Customers love that this bag keeps food consistently cold and is easy to store, making it great for the beach, the park or grocery shopping.

Price: $34.99 or less

Courtesy of YETI

Capacity: Up to 16 cans with ice or 30 cans with no ice

What sets it apart: The material of this sturdy YETI cooler is designed to protect the bag from punctures, UV rays, and mildew both inside and out. This rugged cooler is ready for any adventure with a high-performance zipper, a leakproof construction and closed-cell rubber foam insulation. If you want a smaller cooler than the 18, the cooler comes in sizes 8 and 12 as well. A Rambler Bottle Sling can be attached using the Hitchpoint Grid system. For keeping things on ice for one person, YETI also makes a lunch box and lunch bag .

Travelers appreciate: Shoppers who purchased this cooler bag recently appreciated the quality and size of the cooler, noting that the ice did not melt for hours. Some felt the zipper was difficult to open and close.

Price: $300 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. To ensure the contents of your cooler bag are kept properly cold, here are some tips for how to effectively use ice:

• Add the right type of ice: YETI suggests using a combination of block ice and cubed ice, since block ice melts more slowly and cubed ice cools items faster. YETI also makes a YETI ICE hard ice pack for even cooler temps.
• Layer the ice correctly: The ideal way to fill your cooler is to put ice on the bottom and the top with your food and drinks in between (as this Arctic Zone video demonstrates).
• Use the right amount of ice: Be sure not to overfill your cooler with ice, as the lid must be able to close tightly. The amount of ice compared to cooler contents may depend on your cooler and what works for you: Arctic Zone recommends a 50-50 ratio of ice and food, for example, while YETI suggests filling two-thirds of your cooler with ice.

In addition to getting the ice right, there are some other ways you can optimize your cooler's performance.

• Pre-chill the cooler bag: Starting with a cool bag is a great trick. The Igloo website recommends pre-chilling your bag overnight with a bag of ice inside to maximize ice retention.
• Add cold drinks: Adding drinks that are already cold will help with ice retention, according to ICEMULE. Frozen water bottles are a great option too.
• Keep the lid closed: Be sure to keep the lid shut (and locked, if that's an option) to keep the cold air in.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cooler bags. She often uses a cooler bag for road trips, hikes and days at the beach. Kolberg used her experience as a frequent traveler and research expertise to curate this list of top cooler bags.

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Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

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Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

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• by Melissa Hammam
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Hands up if you’re ready to be dazzled! From a ceremony structure designed to float on water to a jaw-dropping reception room with flowers blooming from every service, we’re swooning over every bit of this wedding. If you can believe it, that’s just the beginning. Julia Kaptelova artfully shot every detail, like the ballet performance guests were treated to and snow falling from the ceiling for the first dance! Prepare to be amazed and take a visit to the full gallery .

From About You Decor … Our design is a symbol of dawn and a distant endless horizon. Ahead is a long, happy life without any borders. An international couple, Pavel and Cherry, met in London and have been walking together for many years.

From the Bride, Cherry… My husband and I we decided to have our summer wedding in Moscow because the city is where his roots are. As we knew we were going to have the other wedding ceremony in China, we wanted our Moscow one to be very personal and intimate. We’ve known each other since we were fourteen, together with many of our friends whom we’ve also known for a decade.

I didn’t want to walk down the aisle twice so the plausibility of my request quickly came into discussion. The open pontoon stage was constructed in order to facilitate the bridal entrance on water, although there were concerns about safety as the last thing we wanted was probably a drowned bride before she could get on stage, picture that! I have to say on that day it wasn’t easy to get on the pontoon stage from the boat, in my long gown and high heels. Luckily my bridesmaids still noticed even though they stood the furthest from me on the stage, and helped me out without prior rehearsal. My girls could just tell whenever I needed a hand or maybe they were just so used to my clumsiness. Who knows 😂

We all love our photographer Julia! She’s so talented and her style is so unique. Our beloved host Alex is exceptional who made everyone laugh and cry. It was truly a blessing to have so many kind and beautiful souls on our big day. Thank you all!

[iframe https://player.vimeo.com/video/384992271 600 338]

Photography: Julia Kaptelova Photography | Wedding Planner: Caramel | Cake: Any Cake | Invitations: Inviteria | Rings: Harry Winston | Band: Menhouzen | Grooms attire: Ermenegildo Zegna | Wedding Venue: Elizaveta Panichkina | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Marchesa | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Alice McCall | Bride’s gown : Jaton Couture | Bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Decor : About you decor | Earrings: Damiani | Muah: Khvanaco Studio | Video: Artem Korchagin

More Princess-Worthy Ballgowns

I’m still not convinced this Moscow wedding, captured to perfection by  Sonya Khegay , isn’t actually an inspiration session—it’s just  that breathtaking. From the beautiful Bride’s gorgeous lace wedding dress and flawless hair and makeup to the pretty pastel color palette and stunning ceremony and reception spaces, this wedding is almost too good to be true. Do yourself a favor and see it all in The Vault now!

From Sonya Khegay … It was the last day of April and still very cold in the morning. The weather forecast wasn’t pleasing and no one expected that the sun would come out, but miracles happen and light rain gave way to the warm rays.

I love how all the details went together, you could feel the harmony in everything throughout the entire wedding day from the morning until the fireworks.

A gentle look of the bride, elegant but so airy and unique decor, the fresh and light atmosphere of early spring and, of course, true happiness in the eyes. My heart becomes so warm from these memories, it is always a pleasure to see the birth of a new family of two loving hearts.

Photography: Sonya Khegay | Event Design: Latte Decor | Event Planning: Ajur Wedding | Floral Design: Blush Petals | Wedding Dress: La Sposa | Stationery: Special Invite | Bride's Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Hair + Makeup: Natalie Yastrebova | Venue: Rodniki Hotel

• by Elizabeth Greene

You really can’t go wrong with simple: a beautiful Bride , perfectly pretty petals , loved ones all around. But add in an amazing firework show  to cap off the night and simple just became downright extraordinary. Captured by Lena Elisseva , with assistance by  Katya Butenko , this rustic Russian celebration is simply fantastic. See it all in the Vault right here !

From Lena Eliseeva Photo …  This cozy and warm summer wedding of gorgeous Natalia and Anton was in the middle of June. The young couple decided to organize their wedding themselves, and the day was very personal and touching. I am absolutely in love with rustic outdoor weddings, and this one is my favourite because of the free and easy atmosphere.

All the decor excluding the bride’s bouquet was made by a team of ten friends of the bride and groom. And it was charming – a light and beautiful arch, eco-style polygraphy and succulents, candy-bar with caramel apples and berries – sweet joys of summer.

At the end of ceremony the guests tossed up white handkerchiefs embroidered by Natalia’s own hands.

The most touching moment was the happy eyes of the groom’s grandmother, the most estimable person on the wedding. And the fireworks were a bright end to that beautiful day.

Photography: LENA ELISEEVA PHOTO | Floral Design: Katerina Kazakova | Hair And Makeup: Svetlana Fischeva | Photography - Assistance: Katya Butenko

These photos from Lena Kozhina are so stunningly beautiful – as in you can’t help but stop and stare – it’s hard to believe it’s real life. But these pics are proof of this gorgeous Bride and her handsome Groom’s celebration at Moscow’s Fox Lodge , surrounded by vibrant colors and breathtaking blooms . Oh, and the idea of prepping for your Big Day outside in the sun ? Brilliant. See more bright ideas right here !

From Lena Kozhina … When we met with the couple for the first time, we immediately paid attention to Dima’s behavior towards Julia. There was a feeling of tenderness and awe, and we immediately wanted to recreate this atmosphere of love, care and warmth on their Big Day.

Later, when we had chosen a green meadow and an uncovered pavilion overlooking a lake as the project site, it only highlighted a light summer mood with colorful florals and a great number of natural woods. The name of the site is Fox Lodge and peach-orange color, as one of the Bride’s favorites, set the tone for the whole design – from the invitations, in which we used images of fox cubs to elements of serving guest tables and other decorative elements with the corresponding bright accents.

Photography: Lena Kozhina | Event Planning: Ajur Wedding | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Shoes: Marc Jacobs | Catering: Fox Lodge | Makeup Artist: Elena Otrembskaya | Wedding Venue: Fox Lodge | Cake and Desserts: Yumbaker | Decor: Latte Decor

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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