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The 8 Best Carry-on Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From lightweight to wheeled options, here are the best duffels for your next flight.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

A duffel bag is an incredibly useful piece of luggage that can fit just as much as a standard suitcase (if not more) and can compress down for hassle-free storage. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or flying overseas, there are plenty of options for carry-on duffels that are comfortable to carry and easily fit in an overhead compartment. 

To find the best carry-on duffel bags on the market, we evaluated more than 60 duffel and weekender bags of all shapes and sizes based on traits like organization, maneuverability, and durability. We combed through the top-performing bags to find the options that fit the standard 22 x 14 x 9-inch airline regulations for carry-on bags to pick out our favorite ones for your next flight. 

Best Overall

Aer travel weekender.

Aer  

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

The modular design means you can wear this pack in various ways.

It's very utilitarian in style, and it only comes in black and gray.

A versatile bag like this one from Aer is one of the best luggage investments you can make. You can carry the overnight bag as a tote or duffel with the removable and adjustable shoulder strap, and the 35-liter size means you can use it for a wide range of activities. Heading to the office? It features a handy 16-inch padded laptop pocket. Or, if you're traveling via airplane, the smaller measurements of the bag mean it can fit on various airlines (even the budget ones with strict policies). In testing, we found it was a simple task to pack the bag full of weekend trip essentials thanks to the various pockets and organizational features.

Made with durable ballistic nylon, the weekender proved to be particularly sturdy during our durability tests, after which it came out looking as good as new after we dropped it off a table several times. The bag can feel a bit heavy when it's packed full, but the tote and shoulder straps are comfortable to carry it for long periods of time.

The Details: 19.5 x 12 x 9 inches | 2.7 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Ballistic nylon | 16-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Most Durable

Patagonia black hole 40l duffel bag.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 4 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5

It can collapse into a built-in bag for easy storage. 

It has a rugged and outdoorsy look. 

Made of recycled polyester and water-resistant TPU coating, we think this Patagonia duffel bag is equipped for any adventure whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a frequent flier. The exterior proved to be as resilient as it looked, showing no signs of damage after it was dropped from a ladder several times. There weren’t any scuff marks, zipper damage, or scratches to the shiny coated exterior. Our tests lead us to believe that this bag will last over time making it ideal for all types of traveling. The opening flap has a mesh pocket on the inside for storing undergarments or toiletries, and there’s an exterior pocket on the side perfect for phone chargers and wallets. We love that the duffel can compress down into a smaller bag included so you can easily store it without taking up too much space. We found the tote bag straps comfortable to hold onto, and the bag includes detachable padded backpack straps to convert the duffel into a backpack. This makes the duffel bag extremely versatile for hiking, camping, or walking through an airport.

The Details: 19.7 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches | 2.19 pounds | 40-liter capacity | Recycled ripstop polyester | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

Tripsavvy / Nick Kova

Best Budget

Gonex canvas duffel bag.

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

It has plenty of pockets to help you stay organized.

The main compartment is on the smaller side. 

If you like to stay organized while traveling, opt for the Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag with its abundance of pockets for every travel item you could need. We love that you can separate your shoes from your clothes with two side pockets that can also fit books, jackets, or other bulky items. Plus, there are several front and back zippered pockets, as well as a few slip pockets to easily grab a passport or phone. While the main compartment is a little smaller than we would’ve liked, it was still able to hold a solid amount of clothes with room in the larger pockets to add more, if desired. Both the shoulder strap and tote handles were comfortable to hold and it was easy to maneuver the bag, leading us to think it would be an excellent duffel for navigating busy airports or other crowded areas. The cotton canvas material held up perfectly against several drops from a ladder and it absorbed the impact keeping all the packed contents safe. We think the value of this budget-friendly duffel bag is unmatched thanks to its superior performance during testing. 

The Details: 20.8 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches | 2.8 pounds | 50-liter capacity | Cotton

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

Dagne Dover

• Portability 4 /5
• Value 3.5 /5
• Durability 3.8 /5

It's a premium duffel bag packed full of helpful features like a laptop pocket, a trolley sleeve, and expandable corners.

The fabric wrinkles a bit.

Made out of sleek neoprene material, Dagne Dover's large Landon Carryall is a must-have for traveling in style. The lightweight neoprene fabric is soft and flexible so you can easily pack it to the brim for a long weekend using the extending corners for more of a tote bag look or leave the corners buttoned to the side for a more compact shape. With helpful features like a trolley sleeve, a 13-inch padded laptop sleeve, a water bottle pocket, and a removable shoe bag, this premium duffel bag is fit for all types of adventures both long and short. We noticed some slight creasing in the softside bag, so it's possible that the fabric may crinkle if it's stored in a cramped position, but this is by no means a dealbreaker for a well-made and durable weekender, and you don't want to shell out for a new gym bag, the Landon Carryall also fills this role well.

The Details: 16.5 x 11 x 9 inches | 2 pounds | 29-liter capacity | Neoprene

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Organization

Béis the commuter duffle.

There are various compartments and pockets for staying organized effortlessly.

The bag can get heavy, but the straps help with carrying it comfortably.

Béis is one of the best brands in the business, so it's no surprise that its Commuter Duffel wowed us when it comes to organizational features. The bag is bursting with compartments and pockets for organizing small, medium, and large items so you can pack efficiently before a weekend getaway. After we packed the bag full of clothing, shoes, and a toiletry bag, it was fairly heavy, but the shoulder and tote straps were shockingly comfortable and helped balance out the weight. Plus, we love the pass-through luggage sleeve for placing it on a rolling bag for superior portability. Made with durable nylon, the design and build of the bag appear sturdy and long-lasting, so we had no initial doubts about the durability. We also threw it off of a countertop several times, and it didn't sustain any damage for extra reassurance on the longevity of the stylish duffel bag.

The Details: 21.5 x 12 x 9 inches | 3.15 pounds | 24.2-liter capacity | Nylon, PU, Polyester | 15-inch laptop pocket

Best Canvas

Mark & graham beckett waxed canvas and leather weekender.

Mark & Graham

• Organization 4.5 /5

The waxed canvas material looks stylish and will withstand the test of time.

It could have more organizational features.

Looking for a rugged carry-on duffel? This stunning waxed canvas bag from Mark & Graham is the perfect balance of gritty and stylish. In our tests, we discovered that the duffel can fit more than enough clothing and accessories for up to four days of traveling thanks to the spacious interior. While we wish there were a few more pockets and compartments for organization, the bag has several on the inside and outside, including a 15-inch laptop pocket with padding and straps for extra security. The waxed canvas exterior and leather accents proved to be perfectly durable and showed no signs of wear and tear after we threw it off a table to the ground. Plus, the exterior material is known for being particularly durable (lots of outerwear is made with waxed canvas), so we think this bag could last a lifetime.

The Details: 21 x 12 x 10 inches | Waxed canvas, leather, cotton | 15-inch padded laptop pocket

Best Vegan Leather

Monos metro carry-all duffel.

• Durability 4.5 /5

The vegan material looks just as sleek and elegant as regular leather.

The structured design might make it difficult to store in small spaces.

The newest addition to the Monos luggage collection, this sleek Metro Carry-all Duffel bag thoroughly impressed us in the lab. It's extremely spacious with over 27 liters of room to pack for at least four days' worth of clothing and the structured shape makes it easy to see where items are located within the main compartment. There are various pockets on the interior and exterior, but our favorite ones are the large pockets on each end of the duffel for packing easily accessible items like headphones, snacks, or a water bottle. The vegan leather material is sleek, sturdy, and surprisingly lightweight, so it won't weigh you down while traveling, Plus, it comes in various neutral colors like ivory, tan, and mahogany.

The Details: 20 × 12 × 10.4 inches | 4.14 pounds | 27.3-liter capacity | Vegan leather | 16-inch laptop pocket

Best Expandable

Samsonite elevation plus duffel.

The recycled polyester material didn't get damaged during our durability tests.

It's a bit too large to fit underneath an airplane seat when fully packed and expanded.

Like all luggage, duffel bags can take a hit during traveling, whether you're tossing the bag in the back of a car or the cargo hold of an airplane. Since durability is such an important factor in luggage, we recommend the expandable and sturdy Elevation Plus Duffel from Samsonite. In testing, T+L Senior Editor Jasmine Grant didn't hold back when shoving the bag off a table multiple times, and the recycled polyester material proved to be extra hardy after it came out completely unscathed. Grant was able to fill the main compartment of the duffel with enough clothing for a week's worth of travel with the help of the expandable zipper to add an extra three inches of space. However, the duffel also works well for weekend getaways since the capacity can be downsized when the expandable zipper isn't in use. When packed full, Grant noted that the duffel was comfortable to carry with the padded straps that evenly distribute weight. The only thing to note is that the bag may be a bit too large to fit underneath a seat when fully packed with all the zippers extended, but it fits just fine in an overhead compartment.

The Details:  22 x 12 x 9 inches | 2.6 pounds | Recycled polyester | Expandable

Other Carry-on Duffel Bags We Liked

There were plenty of top-performing carry-on duffel bags we tested, and there were a few that had high scores but didn't quite make the cut for our list above due to some minor inconveniences found during testing.

Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe : The dual-compartment bag is ideal for storing clothes in the main section and shoes in the smaller bottom section, and the duffel has a detachable messenger strap and trolley sleeve for carrying it in several different ways. However, the capacity is very small so it would be better suited for a weekend trip rather than a weeklong vacation.

Away The Everywhere Bag : This duffel boasts key storage for organizing travel essentials, and there are designated pockets for a water bottle and laptop. We wish the duffel was a bit bigger as it could only fit a few outfits and a toiletry bag, but it's still an excellent option for short trips.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Herschel Outfitter 30L Duffle : We were impressed with the bag's durable materials, but the shoe compartment took up so much space that the main cavity was much smaller. Overall, the design felt slightly awkward with the shoe compartment.

Lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack 45L : Sleek and spacious, this modular bag has super comfortable backpack straps, but there are so many straps that it feels a bit chaotic to switch between the backpack and duffel straps.

State Wellington Weekender : The bag is stylish and offers numerous pockets for organization, but the bag felt bulky and heavy when packed full, and there is no padding on the straps.

We've tested more than 60 duffel and weekender bags in our New York City lab, and to determine the best options, we combed through detailed tester insights from our top-performing bags that fit the standard 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on dimensions set by most airlines. To evaluate each bag, we rated the bags on a scale of one to five based on traits like organization, portability, and durability.

First, we recorded the dimensions and weight of each bag before we tested capacity by packing the duffels with five shirts, five pairs of pants, two jackets, two pairs of shoes, a mug, and a toiletry bag. The duffels that scored a five for organization had plenty of storage solutions and enough room that made packing intuitive and hassle-free. After packing up the duffels, we walked around with the duffel bags, carrying them with the tote handles, shoulder strap, or backpack straps, if applicable. Our top-scoring bags for maneuverability were comfortable to hold and distribute the weight evenly to prevent unwanted pain or aches while traveling.

Durability is a crucial factor when it comes to luggage, so we threw each duffel off of a ladder or a table several times to check for scuffs, scratches, or damages to both the outside of the bag and the contents inside, like the breakable mug. Duffels that scored fives for durability showed no signs of damage and kept the contents safe.

Lastly, our testers were unaware of the cost of each bag prior to testing and were only made aware after the series of tests were complete. We then judged the overall value of the duffel to determine if it performed accurately or better than advertised to evaluate its worth.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Duffel

Double-check the dimensions.

Before you invest in a duffel bag to carry on, you’ll want to check the dimensions of the duffel bag and the size limit of the airline you plan on traveling with. While most airlines use the standard 22 x 14 x 9-inch limit for all carry-on bags, the specific dimensions can vary a few inches depending on the airline and for international travel. Some duffels can be further compressed to fit into sizing bins.  

Consider your organization needs

For travelers prioritizing storage solutions, consider a bag with plenty of inside and outside pockets for smaller items. If you prefer to use packing cubes , a duffel bag with a large main compartment might be better suited to hold them. Duffels that have lots of outside pockets and compartments might have less interior space in the main compartment, so you’ll want to factor that into your organization preferences when choosing a duffel bag. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard carry-on dimensions for most airlines are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. While it can vary by airline, it’s important to check ahead of time to avoid checked bag fees in case your bag is too large. Keep in mind that you can squeeze unstructured bags made from soft materials more easily squeeze into bins, especially if they're not packed to the brim.

Depending on the airline and airfare type you purchase, a carry-on duffel bag will count as your one carry-on item and a backpack or purse will be your allotted personal item. If you purchase the most basic fare of some airlines like United or JetBlue, you may have to pay extra for a carry-on item. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Commerce Writer, Anna Popp , tests and writes about T+L’s best travel products. She has been a travel writer since living overseas in 2018 and began testing products for various publications in 2021 before joining T+L in 2022. Anna collaborated with travel editors to determine the results for the best carry-on duffels based on a series of tests completed in our New York City lab. 

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Related Articles

20 Best Carry-On Duffel Bags for Travel

A duffel bag is like an empty canvas, ready for you to toss in all your stuff. The best carry-on duffel bags are much more than that, though.

The duffel bag has been the tote of choice for travelers for decades. The right duffel is easily packable, easily squishable, and very robust. For some people, it’s an essential item that can be stuffed, tossed, and stored in just about any space.

Although I generally prefer carry-on backpacks for my travels, sometimes a carry-on duffel bag is just a better option⁠—especially if you’re the type of person to just toss your belongings into your open duffel bag without any kind of organization.

Or maybe you just prefer the style.

There are so many choices out there. Different sizes, materials, features, and quality levels create an overwhelming environment that can leave new travelers in indecision.

That’s why I’ve picked out the best of the best and compiled this list of top picks, so you’ll find the best duffel bag for your travels!

• Best Overall Carry-On Duffel: Matador SEG42
• Best Budget Carry-On Duffel: COOLIFE Travel Duffel
• Best Duffel Bag for International Travel: Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L
• Best Carry-On Duffel Bag with Wheels: North Face Rolling Thunder
• Best Carry-On Garment Duffel Bag: Halfday Garment Duffel
• Best Men's Carry-On Duffel Bag: KÜHL Eskape 50 Kanvas
• Best Women's Carry-On Duffel Bag: Monos Metro Duffel
• Best Duffel Bag Backpack: Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack Duffel
• Best Duffel for Digital Nomads: Aer Travel Duffel
• Best Adventure Duffel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole 40L
• Best Waterproof Carry-On Duffel : Rains Hilo Weekend Bag
• Most Stylish Duffel: Everlane ReNew Transit Weekender
• Best Leather Carry-On Duffel Bag: MAHI Classic Duffel
• Best Duffel for Photographers: Langly Weekender Duffel Bag
• Best Minimalist Duffel Bag: Thule Subterra 45L
• Most Durable Duffel Bag: Osprey Transporter Duffel 40
• Most Eco-Friendly Duffel Bag: Monarc Settra
• Best Lightweight Rolling Duffel Bag: Osprey Ozone 2 Wheel Carry-On
• Most Versatile Duffel: Boundary Supply Errant Duffel
• Best Large Carry-On Duffel Bag: The North Face Base Camp Duffel

Matador SEG42

This duffel has it all: the ability to convert to a backpack, tons of organization, and incredible durability. You’ll have this bag for years!

Matador SEG42 : Best Overall Carry-On Duffel

This backpack-duffel hybrid combines functionality and versatility to create one of the best bags on the market for travelers.

The Matador SEG42 made of 840D nylon and 420D nylon (with waterproofing), as well as ultra-durable 100D Robic Dynatec for the interior, so this thing is tough. There are lots of handy storage pockets that are zippered for ultimate organization, plus the straps are stowable for easy travel.

The clamshell opening gives you easy access to the interior, which is an ideal place to store larger items or dirty laundry. It also comes with an external-access padded laptop sleeve that’ll keep your laptop or tablet safe from the elements.

• Pros & Cons
• Technical Specs
• Waterproof zipper and materials
• Apocalypse-ready construction
• Versatile enough for both urban and outdoor trips
• Backpack straps don't have much padding or comfort
• The mostly-black interior makes it hard to find things inside
• It's expensive

COOLIFE Travel Duffel : Best Budget Carry-On Duffel

COOLIFE is an up and coming budget travel brand that is best known for their sleek polycarbonate suitcases that are available on Amazon at a fraction of the price of higher-end luggage brands.

They also make a full range of functional and affordable travel gear, and the COOLIFE Travel Duffel is no exception. This carry-on duffel bag impressed us with the level of functionality it offers at such a low price point.

Surprisingly, this duffel isn’t just a floppy sack with a zipper and some handles. It’s made with a pretty burly outer material and has plenty of padding and structure throughout. It stands up on it’s own when empty, which makes it much easier to pack.

There’s also a padded laptop sleeve, multiple exterior pockets, and a luggage-handle pass-through so you can carry it on top of a suitcase.

It doesn’t look super cheap either. It looks professional enough to take on business trips.

To be clear, you aren’t getting high-end materials or innovative features here. This is still a pretty simple budget duffel bag. The zippers aren’t the highest quality, and the interior materials feel a bit cheap. But for the price, it’s hard to be disappointed.

Can you find even cheaper carry-on duffels out there? Absolutely. But this one balances affordability with a truly functional design and durable construction. If you’re on a budget, the COOLIFE Travel Duffel is a great choice that won’t fall apart on your first trip.

• Classic design looks nice enough for work travel
• Lower cost than other duffel bags on this list
• Plenty of zippered external pockets
• Great quality for the price
• Cheaper materials
• Doesn't have much internal organization

Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L : Best Duffel Bag for International Travel

For those that want to match functionality with style, the Peak Design Travel Duffel is one of the best carry-on duffel bags on the market. Peak Design is known for its specialized camera bags, but they aim to appeal to all travelers with this product.

Best of all, this duffel bag can be carried as a duffel, messenger bag, and backpack. The Cord Hook quick-connection system allows you to customize how each strap links to the bag.

Both the shoulder strap and top handles are padded, and the removable backpack straps increase the versatility of this duffel bag. The  400D nylon is extremely durable, but the added 800D nylon padding at the bottom is a thoughtful design feature that protects the most heavily-impacted part of the bag.

Style-wise, we love the color pairings and the touches of leather. The metal clasps and zippers also add to the sophisticated look of the bag!

If you’re interested in other Peak Design bags, check out our review for the Peak Design Travel Backpack.

• This duffel is the perfect blend of elegance and functionality.
• Removable backpack straps.
• The leather accents are a beautiful addition, especially on the sage green bag.
• For the eco-conscious travelers, this bag is made entirely from recycled materials.
• The magnet clasp in the handles are pretty weak.
• Not as water-resistant as some options on this list.

North Face Rolling Thunder : Best Carry-On Duffel Bag with Wheels

This 22″ rolling duffel fits around 40L worth of items and is the only one of two rolling duffel bags on this list. This design bridges the gap between a suitcase and a duffel bag. The soft yet durable nylon exterior is flexible enough to fit gear of all shapes without the restrictions of a hard-shelled suitcase, and the main compartment is simple, without pockets or padding.

The wheels on the Rolling Thunder are built for all conditions—they are larger with more tread than a traditional suitcase, so they can handle rougher terrains like cobblestone or unpaved paths. This rolling duffel bag is definitely built to go places you’d never dream of taking your shiny spinner suitcase.

Keep in mind that the wheel system makes this wheeled duffel bag heavier than a standard duffel. Although you won’t be carrying the Rolling Thunder, keep in mind that the weight of this bag with wheels could be an issue when it comes to airline weight restrictions.

• Ultra-durable exterior material
• Rugged, oversized wheels roll easily on rough surfaces
• North Face products come with a lifetime guarantee
• No compression straps to secure the load
• No padded pockets for laptops or other electronics
• No removable shoulder strap

Halfday Garment Duffel : Best Carry-On Garment Duffel Bag

If you need to travel with a suit, dress, or other formal hanging clothes, a dedicated garment bag is the best way to keep them looking fresh and unwrinkled. But what if you also want the carry-all functionality of a duffel bag?

That’s where the Halfday Garment Duffel comes in. This unique hybrid design combines a full-size garment bag for hanging clothes with the versatility of a duffel. In a world full of duffel bags that all look the same, this innovation really stands out!

So how does it work?

The entire bag unzips to lay fully flat and open. This makes it easy to pack in suits, dresses, or other formal wear without taking them off the hanger. A protective panel then zips over the top of your hanging clothes to keep them from shifting around.

Once the garment bag section is packed, you zip up the sides to transform it into a duffel. It has a super wide opening that makes it really easy to pack in all your stuff. Plus, there are dedicated shoe pockets on either side to keep shoes separate from all your clean clothes.

Once you see it in action, the design is actually pretty simple; it’s just totally different from anything else I’ve seen on the market. And it works!

Now, if you want a more general do-everything duffel, the Halfday Garment Duffel probably isn’t the best choice. You wouldn’t want to use it as a gym bag or gear hauler for adventurous travel, but for anyone needing a more versatile garment bag, this is an awesome choice.

• Versatile 2-in-1 design
• Hanging garment storage keeps suits, dress shirts, and dresses looking good
• Plenty of room for 3+ days of clothes
• Not as general-purpose as other duffel bags
• Can’t access the hanging storage without unpacking everything else
• Not-so-comfy shoulder straps don't work well for long carries

KÜHL Eskape 50 Kanvas : Best Men's Carry-On Duffel Bag

When KÜHL decided to create the Eskape 50 Kanvas , they were going for the toughest, most durable duffel on the market—something that would hold up for years of adventuring while still being usable for weekend trips or as an overnight bag. They nailed it. The durability, features, and rugged styling make this one of the best duffel bags for men.

KÜHL uses an incredibly tough TPU-laminated nylon for superior weatherproofing, meaning you could get caught in an unexpected rainstorm or snowstorm and your belongings will stay safe and dry. Even the double zippers are water-resistant. The nylon is tough enough that you could drop this duffel out of a moving vehicle, and it’ll stand up just find.

There are also a bunch of fun additional features, like two compressible dirty item pouches so you can keep your smelly laundry and shoes separate from the clean stuff. Lots of pockets add extra organization and stowable backpack straps will help you to avoid any snags while in transit.

• Superior laminated nylon and other weatherproofing features keep your belongings super safe.
• It comes with a side pocket that converts to a water bottle pocket.
• Surprisingly comfortable shoulder straps
• Expensive (but it'll last for ages)
• Too big to be comfortable for smaller folks

Monos Metro Duffel : Best Women's Carry-On Duffel Bag

The streamlined, sleek Monos Metro Duffel is made with ethically sourced, ultra-microfibre vegan leather. At 23L it’s one of the smaller duffels on this list, but it’s truly a duffel bag you can take with you from the office to the gym, or from your co-working space to a weekend trip (or wherever you please, really).

There’s an internal sleeve that fits up to a 15″ laptop, and inner pockets for a water bottle or other valuables. This duffel also has a pass-through sleeve to secure to your main bag. The best thing about this duffel? It’s designed to work with the signature QuickSnap Modular Kit System so you can easily snap off and on the Classic Kit with all your essentials.

Finally, it comes in a handful of different colors. The Mahogany is particularly drool-worthy.

• Works with the nifty QuickSnap Modular Kit System
• Comes in a wide range of colors
• The trolley sleeve turns into an extra pocket when not in use. Who doesn't love extra pockets?
• Fits up to a 15" laptop
• This duffel is one of the more expensive on this list.
• This small duffle bag won't work for trips longer than 3 days or so

Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack Duffel : Best Duffel Bag Backpack

Is it a travel backpack or a duffel? The Timbuk2 Impsulve Travel Duffel serves as both, with adjustable backpack straps that tuck away so you can convert it into a duffel bag.

This hybrid bag comes equipped with several features that many standard duffel bags lack: namely, internal compression straps, a water bottle pocket, and a padded laptop compartment.

Zippered mesh pockets on the U-shaped lid keep your small items in separate compartments from the main compartment, while external zipper pockets allow you to stow wet or dirty gear.

The harness system on this duffel backpack is more extensive than anything else on this list. Not only does it have shoulder straps, but it also has a hip belt complete with mini pockets to store your chapstick or a snack. The back panel is made of breathable polyethylene foam, and the sternum strap distributes weight so that carrying this duffel on long walks is a breeze. This is one of the best duffel bags if you prefer a backpack-style carry.

• Laptop compartment fits 17-inch devices
• Great lifetime warranty
• Easy-to-clean material keeps this pack looking new for longer
• Comfortable padded shoulder straps make it easier to carry long distances
• Zippers tend to be sticky and hard to maneuver, but they seem to ease up with time
• No traditional over-the-shoulder strap option
• It's only available in one color—black.

Aer Travel Duffel : Best Duffel for Digital Nomads

This Aer Travel Duffel is minimalistic, spacious, and carry-on compatible. The clamshell opening provides suitcase-like access for easy packing rather than the U-shape opening that’s so common in this list.

However, this travel duffel bag looks incredibly professional—in fact, it looks almost more like a briefcase. You can easily transition from a work trip to a weekend adventure with this duffel bag in tow.

The interior pockets are intuitive, with a front organizational pocket, a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15.6 inches, and a mesh pocket in the main storage compartment. There are top compression straps and lockable zippers for extra security at the airport, and even a pocket for your water bottle. The functionality of such a minimalistic bag is seriously impressive, and it’s perfect for digital nomads.

• Comes with a laptop pocket for devices up to 15.6 inches.
• Plenty of external pockets
• Easy-to-pack clamshell opening
• Lockable zippers make this bag super secure.
• Gets uncomfortable to carry when it's fully loaded
• It looks a bit too briefcase-y

Patagonia Black Hole 40L : Best Adventure Duffel Bag

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel may be one of the most highly regarded options out there. It’s burly yet lightweight, and it has an impressive water-repellant finish. It has two straps for backpack-style carry, so you can throw in all your gear without worrying about it being too heavy. The reinforced bottom makes this duffel bag extra durable, so you never have to worry about your equipment.

This duffel backpack has just the right amount of pockets: the large compartment has a U-shaped lid, where zippered mesh pockets allow you to store small gear on the underside. Exterior pockets provide easy access to all your travel essentials, so you don’t have to search through the black hole for your boarding passes in the security line.

And true to its name, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag is deceptively large. For the light-packer or one-bag traveler, you can fit enough stuff for a multi-week trip. And for those that bring a lot of stuff, the external daisy-chain links let you add other attachments.

This duffel bag comes in multiple forms: from various sizes to an array of colors (and even a rolling duffel option), there’s sure to be a version that fits any traveler’s needs.

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag has a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. If bomb-proof durability and straightforward functionality are what you’re after, this is one of the best duffel bags out there.

• The straps make this perfect for lugging around heavy gear without worrying about sore shoulders.
• Multiple color options appeal to many travelers.
• Versatile design gives traveler's many options, but we love the classic 40L option as a carry-on duffel bag.
• This bag is on the pricier end. But for those willing to invest the money, this duffel is built to last.
• Traditionalists may miss the standard over-the-shoulder strap.
• Only exterior pockets; there's no internal pockets for compartmentalizing clean and dirty clothing.

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag : Best Waterproof Carry-On Duffel

Rains is a modern outerwear brand that specializes in waterproof jackets and bags. They combine minimalist Scandinavian design with durable waterproof materials. Take a look through their website and you’ll find some really unique styles, plus products that are just straight-up functional.

If you get caught in a rainstorm while traveling, you don’t want to have to worry that your bag is going to soak through and leave you with a sopping wet pile of clothes. The Rains Hilo Weekend Bag uses the same signature PU-coated fabric as their rain jackets, making a waterproof duffel bag that will keep your personal belongings dry in wet weather.

Rains gives this bag a W3 on their “Water Performance Level” rating (their own rating system). Essentially that means it’s designed to stand up to light-to-moderate rain. It’s perfect for getting caught out in a storm, but you definitely wouldn’t want to take it on a rafting trip or leave it out all day in a monsoon.

Beyond the waterproof performance, the design is very simple. There are no exterior pockets, extra zippers, or random features to get in the way. Just one big main compartment, a carry handle, and a removable shoulder strap. Really, I wish they had added at least one external zippered pocket for things you want quick access to.

If you like lots of features, this isn’t the bag for you. There’s definitely something appealing about it’s simplicity though.

• Waterproof protection from rain and snow
• Sleek, stylish look
• Simple, easy-to-pack design
• Durable materials
• One of the lightest bags on this list
• No pockets or organization features
• The adjustable shoulder strap doesn't offer much padding

Everlane ReNew Transit Weekender : Most Stylish Duffel

The Everlane ReNew Transit Weekender is perfect for city traveling, as it’s small enough to navigate the busy subway and light enough to sling over your shoulder as you walk down the street. This intelligently-designed minimalist travel bag comes with two top straps to grab and go and a longer shoulder sling.

The bag’s main pocket is roomy and zippered, and there are two exterior pockets, one with a zipper and one without. The zipper pocket also doubles as a luggage handle pass-through when fully unzipped!

The interior features a protective laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a spacious main compartment.

This bag comes in four sleek neutral colors—its exterior is 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish. It’s super lightweight, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t durable! If you want to keep it simple and classy, this is the duffel.

• This duffel bag is one of the most affordable on this list!
• Great for balancing style and functionality
• Multiple ways to carry: in hand, cross-body, or over the shoulder.
• Lacking in interior organization—could use smaller pockets.
• I'd prefer more comfortable shoulder straps

MAHI Classic Duffel : Best Leather Carry-On Duffel Bag

MAHI started as a premium leatherworking factory in India in the 1800’s. They employ expert craftspeople and emphasize durability and quality in everything they make. Not to mention their products look amazing.

While not everyone will be interested in a leather duffel, for anyone who loves the timeless style and craftsmanship of well-made leather products, the MAHI Classic Duffel is a great choice. No, it doesn’t have the high-tech materials and nifty features of many other duffel bags, but it’s well-made and looks great.

The biggest advantage of this duffel is that the high-quality leather used means it will last a long time. You could easily be handing this down to your grandkids. Of course, leather does require a bit more care than synthetic materials (I recommend using Nikwax Leather Restorer ).

My biggest complaint is that it doesn’t open very wide, which can make it a bit harder to pack if you’re stuffing it to the brim.

• Timeless genuine leather style
• Durable materials and construction that will last a lifetime
• Amazing value for the price you pay
• External pocket is great for quick-access items
• Smaller main opening zipper
• Shoulder strap isn’t very comfy

Langly Weekender Duffel Bag : Best Duffel for Photographers

If you’re a professional or amatuer photographer who carries a lot of camera gear on your trips, you need a duffel that is up to the task. That means lots of structure and padding to keep your expensive equipment safe from harm.

The Langly Weekender Duffel Bag is designed specifically for traveling photographers. It’s got plenty of space for hauling around camera gear, and it’s built with protection in mind.

This bag starts with a sturdy base that’s 9mm thick. It’s made of a combination of HDPE board and EVA foam. This creates a very structured foundation that’s easy to pack on, and it ensures all your gear is protected from impacts. This bag feels very sturdy.

The main material is a heavy-duty rugged twill fabric that is water-resistant and tough. It also looks great.

My biggest gripe is that there is no built-in camera organization. You’ll have to opt for a separate camera cube to hold your camera and lenses. I highly recommend the Peak Design Camera Cube .

• Burly materials and construction
• Padded sides and rigid base for extra protection
• Classic styling
• Doesn't include a camera cube

Thule Subterra 45L : Best Minimalist Duffel Bag

The Thule Subterra Duffel bag has a simple design with an almost geometric shape. Its slim profile is accentuated by the lack of external handles or attachment points. Corner flaps fold up and down so you can decide how you carry it, as a tote-style duffel bag or sleek duffel.

Thick, magnetic handles in the middle help to keep this pack balanced as you carry it through the airport. The extra-padded shoulder strap is comfortable to carry, and straps cinch down the bag, so you can pack extra gear while keeping the duffel carry-on compliant.

It comes in three colors: dark shadow, ember, and mineral. They’re neutral enough to be professional, but the geometric design also makes the Thule Subterra one of the most unique bags on this list.

• Sleek and modern design
• Great structure and padding
• Internal mesh pocket for organization
• Magnetic handle feature doesn't work well
• Not very water-resistant

Osprey Transporter Duffel 40 : Most Durable Duffel Bag

Osprey’s Transporter Duffel 40 is the ideal pack for adventurers who need a pack as rugged and tough as they are, especially in those wetter climates.

Osprey hails this pack as great for short gear-intensive trips. It is built from recycled polyester with dual-sided TPU coating inside and out, sturdy hardware, overlapping zipper, and a DWR coating that protects your gear from the elements.

The main compartment features a YKK zipper with an overlapping rain flap for extra protection against weather. The pack can carry up to 40L, which is the perfect weekender size to fit all your gear and be able to carry onto an airplane.

A deployable harness with a sternum strap allows you to backpack carry when desired and offers a sleek, classic duffel carry design when tucked away.

• Extremely durable and weather-resistant.
• The main compartment is large and zippered.
• Comfortable backpack straps
• A heavier option die to the durable materials.

Monarc Settra : Most Eco-Friendly Duffel Bag

Monarc is a new brand on the block, and they’ve taken a unique approach by building their entire brand around reducing plastic waste. In fact, they are certified plastic-negative, which means they remove more plastic from the environment than they use in their products.

The Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack is made using ocean-bound plastic, and Monarc is clearly proud of that. The main zipper has a lanyard proudly proclaiming that it’s “made with 50 recycled plastic bottles.” With this bag, you’ll be making a statement that sustainability matters to you.

It’s not just about sustainability, though. This duffel bag is also really well-built and well-thought-out. The materials feel very burly and tough. I haven’t put it through long-term use yet, but it definitely feels like it will last a long time. The tradeoff is that it’s heavy; at almost 5 lbs it’s one of the heaviest on this list.

My favorite feature is that the Monarc Settra can convert into a backpack for longer carries. It has nicely padded shoulder straps and even a hip belt, which isn’t common. I’ve been impressed with the comfort and load-carrying ability in backpack mode. Is it as good as a dedicated backpack? No. But it works really well for what it is. The backpack straps also stash away neatly when not in use.

Finally, this duffel is absolutely packed with features and pockets. There’s a removable shoe pocket, stash pockets inside and out, a long admin-type pocket on the side, a deep pocket for water bottles, and a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to 17-inch devices. Honestly, I think there are too many pockets—more than I’d ever use, anyway.

It’s probably a bit overkill for many people, but the Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack is awesome if you want a solid duffel bag while also doing good for the planet.

• Made from recycled ocean-bound plastic
• Burly, high-quality materials and construction
• Tons of organization and pockets
• Surprisingly comfortable in backpack mode
• Works as a laptop duffle, travel bag, or outdoor adventure bag
• Features are a bit over-complicated

Osprey Ozone 2 Wheel Carry-On : Best Lightweight Rolling Duffel Bag

The Osprey Ozone 2 Wheel Carry-On is one of the lightest rolling bags on the market, clocking in at just 4.5 pounds. It carries up to 40 liters and is under 22″ high, meeting most airline carry-on requirements. Osprey bags are built for adventure, and their wheels are designed to take a beating, so you’ll be able to wheel this duffel everywhere—across train platforms and over cobbled roads—with little hassle.

This bag with wheels also has tons of organization, including a main compartment with a giant opening for easy packing/unpacking. There’s a separate zippered panel area for your dirty clothes, and other pockets to keep things sorted.

The lightness of the bag is key here, especially when you’re trying to shove this duffel into an overhead bin. The durable fabrics match those of Osprey’s alpine packs, ensuring this duffel will last you forever.

• Despite only weighing 4.5 lbs, this duffel carries 40L.
• The durability of this duffel means you can haul it just about anywhere.
• The giant main compartment and liquids pocket make it easy to dig things out while in the security line-up.
• The handle locks at one height.
• This is definitely one of the more expensive bags on this list.

Boundary Supply Errant Duffel : Most Versatile Duffel

Boundary Supply certainly loves giving their customers lots of options, and the Errant Duffel is no exception. It doesn’t just convert from side-carry to backpack carry, you can even wear it crossbody like a messenger bag. This makes it ideal for all types of usage, whether it’s going to the gym or taking a quick trip out of town.

This duffel bag comes with a ventilated wet/dry compartment, a luggage pass-through, quick-access pockets, and two exterior lash straps to attach other Boundary Supply items to your bag. Like the brand’s other products, this duffel bag is made of incredibly durable 500D Cordura, YKK StormGuard zippers, and magnetic hardware to keep your things safe and dry.

At 35L, you can do a lot with this duffel bag, but it’s simpler than Boundary Supply’s other modular gear. You’ll get the usual awesome quality product, but without overcomplicating it.

• You can side-carry this duffel, wear it like a backpack, or carry it crossbody
• Very stylish
• The padded straps are great for heavy loads
• Water-resistant materials
• Small-ish capacity
• The shoulder strap may get uncomfortable when packed with heavy gear.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel : Best Large Carry-On Duffel Bag

As you might have guessed from its name, the North Face Base Camp Duffel is built for expeditions and holds up perfectly in some incredibly challenging terrains, including winter trips. It’s literally a base camp duffel.

The Base Camp Duffel is made up of 840D Recycled Ballistic Nylon designed to withstand the roughest elements you’ll encounter on your travels. The extra bartacks and double stitching are nice durability features, too.

Keep in mind that this bag ranges in size small to quite large—some even hold over 100L. Make sure you’re going for the size small if you want to keep it carry-on-friendly. Otherwise, this thing (and its haul loops) can really haul some gear.

• The interior has pockets for excellent organization.
• Built with durable and water resistant fabric.
• Ideal for expeditions, including winter trips.
• The alpine-cut straps are detachable and adjustable for a perfect ergonomic fit.
• Padded handles make this duffel easy to carry/haul.
• The straps aren't very padded, so they can be uncomfortable at times.

What is a Carry-On Duffel Bag?

Duffel bags are simple, soft-sided packs that maximize useable space by keeping design features to a minimum. Depending on their size and build, they make great weekend or carry on duffel bags or extended travel packs for a variety of terrain.

Duffle bags come in multiple forms. There’s no such thing as a traditional duffel bag anymore. Some are waterproof, while others double as travel backpacks. Some are made of leather (or leather accents), or heavy-duty nylon, or cotton. Some are sleek city companions, while others are built for carrying your climbing gear around rugged mountain environments.

As travelers realize the joy of traveling without checked luggage, companies are beginning to make duffel bags that are intentionally carry-on friendly.

Major airlines generally allow carry-ons to be  22 x 14 x 9 inches, while budget airlines have a restriction of 22 x 16 x 8 inches. However, each airline has its own carry-on size restrictions, so check before you go! Generally, most 40L or 45L duffel bags will fall within these airline regulations.

For other options, be sure to read our post about the best carry-on luggage for every kind of adventure .

The Ultimate Question: Duffel Bag vs. Suitcase?

Duffels aren’t inherently better than suitcases, but they are often more versatile. They offer ease of travel as you hop from train to plane to bus. They can be carried in a variety of ways, picked up and heaved into the back of a car, and then thrown over your shoulder as you rush to catch your flight.

You can avoid the hassle of roller wheels when you’re walking on cobblestone streets in Europe or across snowy trails on your next ski trip. They are often more waterproof and tougher than their suitcase counterparts, so they’re better suited for more adventurous travels. Additionally, the soft exterior shell makes these bags perfect for bulky or oddly-shaped items that may not fit in hard-shelled rolling luggage.

However, duffel bags aren’t known for being exceptionally comfortable or secure. But they have come a long way in the last few years, and many of the models offer the same secure storage features as suitcases. Also, companies have been paying more attention to the carrying comfort of these bags, and many now incorporate backpack straps or well-padded straps. for your shoulders.

Also, these bags are remarkably simple. We love them for their lightweight nature, versatility, and ease of transport.

What Makes A Carry-On Duffel Great?

So now we know which luggage items are on the radar, but what features truly set the best duffel bags apart from the rest? Well, let’s dive in and take a look at some of the most essential buying considerations for when you want to travel the world with a carry-on only.

Your travels may take you from the airport to public transit to your hostel and any number of places where your duffel bag could be scuffed, scratched, or damaged. Durability is important! Keep a sharp eye out for sturdy materials like double ripstop nylon, leather, and tarpaulin.

Also, remember that the ‘D’ for material thicknesses (such as 400D) stands for Denier), and the higher that number, the thicker and more robust your material.

Packability

Carry-on duffels should have a less rigid construction. Bulky or oddly-shaped parcels slide right in while the duffel bag itself is easy to heave, shove, squeeze, or pack into just about any space imaginable – including overhead compartments on airlines. So don’t underestimate the importance of less-rigid sides, and look twice at hybrid items that try to incorporate rigid sides into what’s marketed as a duffel.

Organization

Luggage is built on organization, but many duffels shine by not overcomplicating the process. We love quick access to one large packing space without being overwhelmed by a plethora of pockets, mesh, and zipper that could just as easily hinder a search for a particular item. That said, several of the ultimate duffel bags will include a handy shoe compartment or a laptop pocket. Keep an eye out for these organizational aids, and consider your personal travel preferences when you begin your search for new travel luggage.

Weatherproofing

Don’t let nasty weather ruin your clothing and travel gear! The best duffel will incorporate at least some level of weatherproofing to help protect your gear, including reinforced seams. This may be a basic Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish or a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) coating. To make the leap from water-resistant to waterproof, keep an eye open for leather and tarpaulin on the material list as both of these are both rugged and waterproof.

There you have it! We’ve covered the very best carry-on duffel bags for travel along with essential buying advice. From classic city jaunts to rugged adventure-ready luggage, we have you covered. So go ahead, take your carry-on bag pick, and travel like a champ.

Carry-On Duffel Bag FAQs

What size duffle bag is good for carry-on.

In general, look for a duffel bag that is less than 22 x 13 x 9 inches.

Is a duffel bag OK for carry-on?

A duffel bag makes a great carry-on as long as it fits the size requirements.

Who makes the best travel duffle bag?

Matador makes one of the best duffel bags for travel.

Is a backpack better than a duffle for carry-on?

Backpacks are better for comfort, but duffel bags often have more space and are easier to pack.

Is a 32-inch duffel bag too big for a carry-on?

A 32-inch duffel bag is too big for a carry-on.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Hi – Your review includes a product by Boundary Supply, so I thought I’d drop a comment on the off chance you’re being sponsored by them for this post.

Right now they are having significant issues in shipping and customer communication, resulting in a range of tweets, trustpilot reviews and facebook comments about them operating as a scam business… taking money but not actually delivering anything.

If you have a sponsorship agreement with them then I’d recommend getting in touch with them to see what’s going on.

Thanks for the heads up. I don’t have any sponsorship agreement with any companies here—these are my honest opinions, reviewed as a third party. However, I do personally own multiple products from Boundary Supply, so can attest that the company is not a scam.

I haven’t spoken with anyone from Boundary Supply, but since I do have industry insight, I can at least say that, worldwide, there are supply chain issues and product shortages, and I’m seeing it a lot with backpack manufacturers in particular since most are made in countries like Vietnam.

Good to be aware of, so thanks for letting us know!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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Home » Gear » The Best Carry on Duffel Bags For Travel – UPDATES For 2024

The Best Carry on Duffel Bags For Travel – UPDATES For 2024

Broke Backpackers know as well as anyone that just because something is a tradition doesn’t mean it’s not full of shit. Airline travel is an excellent example of a system ripe with places ready for change. Before we can change the industry, we’ll have to change ourselves.

Waiting in lines all day used to be synonymous with suitcases and day bags or checking a bulky backpacking monstrosity and carrying a fanny pack.

For many years these were the only real options. Early duffles weren’t much more than lightweight, and large empty spaces that were inconvenient to haul through the airport. But the times are a-changing, and so are the duffle bags.

Nowadays, You can’t get much more carry-on compatible than the right duffel bags. Built to be handled with one hand, casually thrown over a shoulder, and easily fit under the seat in front of you, this bag style is slowly becoming perfect for one-bag travel or working as part of a more extensive arsenal.

The Best duffel bags in the business will be tough enough to handle more than a few different countries and fit snugly in whatever mode of transportation gets you to the hotel fastest. Beyond that, no two duffels will work precisely alike, so you’ll have to obtain a pretty good idea of what you want out of your bags.

Ask yourself tough questions like how much room you want for souvenirs and how long you plan on being gone at once to arrive at the best bag for your travels. But first, let’s get an idea of what the best in the industry can provide.

It’s time to upgrade your luggage and check out our buying guide to the best carry-on duffel bags for travel in 2024!

Quick Answers – These Are The Best Carry-On Duffel Bags

#1 best technical carry on duffel bag –  wandrd hexad, #2 most stylish carry on duffle bag –  harber london weekender bag, #3 best practical carry on duffel bag –  osprey transporter 40l, #4 best leather duffle bag –  kodiak 30l weekender, #5 duffle & backpack hybrid bag –  monarc settra, #6 best vegan duffel for carry on bag –  mahi vegan cork duffel, #7 best light carry on duffle bag –  osprey daylite duffel 45l, #8 best sport carry on duffel – stubble & co weekender, #9 best small carry on duffel –   osprey daylite duffel, #10 a great carry on duffle bag –  aer duffel, all about duffles, these are the best duffels for carry on.

These bags ain’t your papa’s canvas sacks! The Duffel bag style got its start working as a 50L+ black hole, but stylish duffel bags have caught up to the times. No longer made to be slung on horseback, these bags are for air travel and a nomadic lifestyle ready for carrying in one hand. 

The duffel bags on our list will offer several carrying options that give the genre incredible versatility. They can be comfortably hoisted with one hand and fit more than a backpack, all in an easy-to-access main pocket that keeps clothes fresh. 

Believe it or not, some of the best one-bag-travel options out there come duffel-sized, and today we’ll introduce you to the cream of the crop. A 40 Liter duffel with optional shoulder straps and plenty of storage options is the new go-to for simplicity gone global. 

Minimalist travelers can find lightweight duffles that comfortably pack space for everything they need for month-long adventures or your next long weekend. Just be sure you know how to pack for flying first!

If your duffel is going to serve you correctly, you’ll need a few external pockets and subtle features that allow easy access to the important stuff. These splashes and design ingenuities make your life easier and are what makes the best carry-on duffel bags. 

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Carry-on Requirements

Most of the duffel bags on our list were designed, made, and optimized with TSA restrictions in mind. These duffels bend the system’s rules and redefine what a carry-on bag is capable of, but it will all come down to your specific airlines. 

You won’t have trouble carrying on any of the bags on our list into 90% of airline companies. Some ( looking at you, Ryanair ) have ridiculous bag policies that may deny the most significant duffel bags entry into the main compartment. Still, you should have no trouble getting through security with any of these options.

BTW , If you’re looking for Ryanair-specific carry-on bags , we’ve got you covered in a post covering that.

Any duffel 40 Litres or lighter should get easy access to every airline worldwide. 45 liters is pushing the limits but will squeeze through practically every flight. Anything larger than that will start to cause problems.  

The easiest way to be sure that your bag will work as a carry-on is to avoid causing any trouble. It’s easy to forget when your flight is canceled, and the person behind the desk isn’t offering up much help, but airline employees are, in fact, just people who have to go to work like the rest of us. They don’t make the bag policy, but they have to enforce it.   

If you happen to catch a gate agent on a bad day, they may try to force you to check a duffel bag, but a bit of patience and a friendly demeanor will help sort out your troubles. 

WANDRD Hexad

• > Plenty of plush pockets
• > Separate shoe compartment

Harber London Weekender Bag

• > Full-grain leather duffel
• > Soft stain-resistant Microsuede

Osprey Transporter 40L

• > Water-resistant materials
• > Plenty of compression straps and external pockets

Kodiak 30l Weekender

• > Top-grain Buffalo leather
• > Slim shape

Monarc Settra

• > Come with flimsy shoulder straps or uncouth handgrips
• > Made out of 50 recycled plastic bottles

Mahi Vegan Cork Duffel

• > Synthetic materials
• > Powerful water and weather resistance

Osprey Daylite Duffel 45L

• > Lightweight and straightforward
• > Waterproof nylon casing made from recycled materials

Patagonia Black Hole 40L

• > Large open compartment and one exterior zippered pocket
• > Multiple carrying options and lightweight straps

Osprey Daylite Duffel 30L

• > Includes shoulder straps
• > Intelligent pockets and a monotone exterior

AER Duffel 3

• > Quick access top pockets
• > Interior organizational dividers

Stubble & Co Weekender

• > Designed for hard wearing
• > Zip-able top access point

From multi-faceted compartmentalizing experts to lightweight bags that can store some serious gear, these duffels can do it all! 

Three key features make up a great duffle: material quality, the look, and the packability. Don’t forget one key ingredient added on in the post: the price. These four things work together to pack up your trip in style. 

Looking for a more generalised rundown of the best travel duffel bags , check out our post as well for more options.

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WANDRD Hexad is our top pick for the best technical carry on duffel bag

• Price (USD): 259
• Weight (KG): 1.8
• Capacity (L): 45

Don’t take this carry-all bag lightly. WANDRD is a company committed to providing a home in a bag for as many nomads as possible. This bag is their most professional option, kitted out for travelers who need serious organization to get the job done. 

Everything Wandrd makes is done through the eyes of a lens. This bag is no different, with plenty of plush pockets that keep your camera gear or electronic equipment untangled and unscratched if you’re forced to gate check. 

Shoulder straps that double as your duffel handle help keep the number of straps down, and a separate shoe compartment provides a great space to separate stinky sneakers or wet clothes. All of these pockets are protected by a water-resistant nylon shell that stays subtle yet pops. 

Our top pick for most stylish carry on duffle bag is Harber London Weekender Bag

• Price (USD): 1369
• Weight (KG): N/A
• Capacity (L): 26

Treating yourself on your next vacation starts at home. This bag was handmade by expert Spanish craftsmen to provide first-class care for your luggage. The full-grain leather duffel has enough exterior pockets to access travel documents and in-flight entertainment without opening up the main compartment. It’s one of the most stylish travel bags on the market too!

Once you do poke inside, you’ll find a soft stain-resistant Microsuede that protects your gear and helps your clothes stay fresh upon arrival and a sleek zippered sidewall pocket that helps your trinkets avoid getting lost amongst your socks. 

Harber London also offers up a line of packing cube organizers that help the weekender bag further compartmentalize. Those accessories and this bag have high-quality build materials to guarantee it may be the last duffel bag you’ll ever have to buy. 

For best practical carry on duffel bag, check out Osprey Transporter 40L

• Price (USD): 130
• Weight (KG): 1.13
• Capacity (L): 40

40 Liters has slowly become the minimalist archetype for one bag travel, and the Osprey Transporter has played a prominent role in proving the perfection of 40 Liters. When done right, 40 liters is the perfect size to store everything you need without running the risk of being too big for overhead bins, and Osprey did the Transporter right. 

All Osprey bags use water-resistant materials ready for the backcountry. The Transporter takes their all-terrain effectiveness and turns it into an up-to-date travel duffel bag that fits in an urban jungle as well as the amazon. 

It’s a minimalist duffel bag with shoulder straps that wants to serve as your only bag for the weekend or month-long trips, and it pulls it off by providing plenty of compression straps and external pockets. You can bend and adjust this bag until you’ve got the perfect fit, sling it over one shoulder, and get off to the races. 

By the way, Osprey is a our favourite brand – check out of Osprey travel bag guide for more info and Inspo.

Kodiak 30l Weekender is one of the best leather duffle bag

• Price (USD): 340
• Weight (KG): 2
• Capacity (L): 30

Kodiak churned out our favorite leather bags of all shapes and sizes, so I wasn’t surprised at all to find their signature duffle one of the best in the business. The weekender takes top-grain Buffalo leather and preps it for adventures across all terrains; all finished with a signature style that only gets better with age. 

This leather trave l bag will fold, crease, and color with every adventure, taken from where the buffalo roam and turned into a carry-on friendly powerhouse. Keep your travel documents and phone chargers close in the exterior pockets protected by brass hardware and get through security in no time. 

The 30L size disqualifies the bag from working for longer trips, but Kodiak has a few 60L options if you need to call in the big guns. Its slim shape makes this leather duffle a perfect everyday bag or a carry-on with some serious style. 

Meet duffle and backpack hybrid bag: Monarc Settra

• Price (USD): 149

Loads of duffel bags come with flimsy shoulder straps or uncouth handgrips that allow the bags to serve as a hybrid duffel backpack technology , but few packs have paid more attention to the details than the Settra. 

Galvanised metal clips and hip straps combine to make a comfy bag to carry for a few kilometers or through the Madrid airport. Lightweight back and shoulder pads are what make the Settra stand out. These extra protections are unheard of on most duffles and make this Monarc the best hybrid in the business.

It’s not just technically advanced, it’s also eco-friendly. Made out of 50 recycled plastic bottles, Monarc proved you can get technically advanced benefits from recycled materials to complete an indestructible hybrid bag that does it all. 

I love this back so much I even went and wrote a full Monarc Settra review.

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Our top pick for best vegan duffel for carry on bag is Mahi Vegan Cork Duffel

• Price (USD): 200

Give the Earth a break on your way to see it all. Mahi’s lines of vegan cork bags can go anywhere synthetic materials can, all without causing a ruckus. Cork isn’t entirely waterproof, but it offers surprisingly powerful water and weather resistance, and the natural brown fits any occasion. 

The edges and details are taken care of with brass hardware and a detachable shoulder strap if you feel like traveling bud light. This duffel is slightly on the smaller end of our list, but it makes the most of its space with two zippered pockets that keep it separated. 

One of those pockets is smack dab in the middle of the bag’s cork exterior. Each will have subtly different shading and only grows in personality over the years, giving you a one-of-a-kind cruelty-free duffle. 

Meet the best light carry on duffle bag: Osprey Daylite Duffel 45L

• Price (USD): 80
• Weight (KG): .58

I don’t usually expect much from bags that you can find new for less than 100$, but this Daylite Duffle blew me away. It’s as lightweight and straightforward as they come, all protected by a waterproof nylon casing made from recycled materials. 

This bag is uniquely malleable and storable, perfect for shoving under the seat in front of you or into crowded hostel lockers. You choose your carry style and head off for the day, taking advantage of the long exterior pockets and massive interior to store it all without breaking your back. 

Osprey has never been a budget bag brand; their gear is built for the mountaintop and protected for life. The fact that this bag is one of the cheapest on our list is just the cherry on top. 

#8 Best Sport Carry on Duffel –  Patagonia Black Hole 40L

Patagonia Black Hole 40L is our top pick for the best sport carry on duffel

• Price (USD): 129
• Weight (KG): 0.93

The folks at Patagonia aren’t much for gimmicks. The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel isn’t here to reinvent the travel duffel industry but to set the standard. The black hole pays homage to simple army duffels by offering a large open compartment and one exterior zippered pocket. 

Unlike most skinny exterior duffel pockets, Patagonia’s can handle more than a passport and a cell phone. The pouch opens up and can provide storage for a few books or an iPad without cramming everything in there. 

The bag has modernized in all the right places to provide multiple carrying options and lightweight straps easy to sling onto tuk-tuks. And of course, coming from Patagonia, you can expect all materials to be weather resistant and completely satisfied. 

There’s more! If you need a side of wheels with your Black Hole then you’ll be pleased to know Patagonia has made a rolling duffel style version of this bag.

#9 Best Small Carry on Duffel –  Osprey Daylite Duffel 30L

Osprey Daylite Duffel 30L is one of the best small carry on duffel

• Weight (KG): 1 lb. 0.3 oz.

Are you starting to notice a pattern? You should probably see a few Osprey options on any list of the best travel bags. The Daylite Duffel is the third Osprey bag on our list, and it’s an excellent wingbag to serve as a carry-on alongside a larger piece of luggage. 

 30L is enough storage for one-bag travel for most people. This bag works best as part of an ensemble cast or well on its own too. It can easily be hooked on the back of a wheeled case and has plenty of space for everything you need past security. 

It includes shoulder straps that make it suitable as a day bag and everyday carry ready, an advantage over choosing a giant duffel bag. The entire Daylite series is about sustainable simplicity. You’ll find intelligent pockets and a monotone exterior, all built from 12 plastic bottles. 

#10 A Great Carry On Duffle Bag –  AER Duffel 3

Our top pick for a great carry on duffle bag is AER Duffel 3

• Price (USD): 175
• Weight (KG): 1.3
• Capacity (L): 21

There may be no other duffle bag on our list useful in more scenarios than this duffel to the power of three. Aer’s latest model will get you through the day no matter where it takes you. 

This bag didn’t come to the table with carry-on travel in mind, which loses it a few spots in the leaderboards on this specific list. However, its value to the daily commute easily translates to air travel. The number of separate compartments that come together to make these luxurious bags is just too good to pass up. 

You’ll find water bottle pockets, luggage handle pass-throughs, shoe compartments, laptop pockets, quick access top pockets, and interior organizational dividers. That’s a whole lot of storage options.

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

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

#11 Best Weekend Duffel Bag – Stubble & Co Weekender

Our top pick for a great weekend duffel is this offering by Stubble & Co

• Price (USD): 150
• Weight (KG): 1.26

The All new weekender from Stubble & Co is made from water repelling British Millerain Tekwax and designed for hard wearing, rugged exploration. It boasts a 60L capacity (although a 30L version is also available), it has detachable, padded shoulder straps, mesh pockets, solid brass studs and safe and secure inner pockets that are just perfect for stashing valuables.

In terms of packing and access, its a very simple design with a main, zip-able top access point in which you can pack all of your clothes and weekend gear.

Want more Stubble & Co options? Check out our rundown of the best Stubble & Co. bags .

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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Final Thoughts on The Best Carry on Duffles

Those are a lot of high-quality options! Modern travelers have more options than ever, and if you can wade through the ranks to pick out the gems, you can find the piece of gear uniquely suited to your specific lifestyle. 

Any duffel bag on this list is capable of saving you time through security, saving you space for knickknacks, and saving your back from trying to haul the world on your shoulders, all with a signature style. 

There is no such thing as one bag perfect for every adventure. While we would all love to have a closet full of gear storage options, we are broke backpackers, after all, so we’ll have to take whatever we can afford this year. 

That being said, it’s never a bad idea to pair your carry-on duffel with a packable day bag or a fanny pack small enough to qualify as a personal item to maximize your potential. 

Regardless of what you choose to pair them with, the bags on this list walk the tightrope between storage space and packed weight to provide a new contender for lightweight travel excellence. Gone are the days of retrofitted backpacking backpacks or rolling suitcases through the unpaved streets of Columbia. 

There’s a new sheriff in town. More travelers than ever are switching to a versatile duffel to take them further. All that’s left for you to do is pick the best travel duffel bag for fitting your gear. 

Not taken on the duffel? Check out our guide to the best carry on backpacks instead then!

Aiden Freeborn

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The 16 Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market in 2024

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

789 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Table of Contents

Things to consider with travel duffel bags, the 12 best non-wheeled travel duffel bags, the 4 best wheeled duffel bags, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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

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

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

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

Size and Capacity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wheels vs. No Wheels 

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

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

Carry Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

Access, Pockets, and Organization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Water Resistance

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

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

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

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

Material and Durability

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

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

1. Bargain Duffel Bag for Long Weekends and Short Trips 

Canway 65 Liter Weekender Bag

Weight: 1.74 pounds

Dimensions: 26.3 x 13.7 x 12.2 inches

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

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

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

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

What We Like

• Can be folded up and zipped away for storage

What We Don’t Like

• No solid base to give the bag structure

2. The Classic Adventure Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 40 Liter

Weight: 2.8 pounds

Dimensions: 21 x 13.7 x 10.6 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Spacious and Capable Duffel Bag From Osprey

• Osprey Packs Transporter 40 Expedition Duffel

Weight: 2.5 pounds

Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.57 x 1 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. The Truly Waterproof Duffel Bag 

YETI Panga Airtight, Waterproof, and Submersible Bag

Weight: 5.14 pounds

Dimensions: 23.5 x 14 x 10 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Perfect for Long-term Traveling

The North Face Base Camp Duffel 95L

Weight: 4.05 pounds

Dimensions: 15.8 x 27.6 x 15.8 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. The Business Travel Duffel

NEWHEY Garment Duffel Bag, 55L

Weight: 3.2 pounds

Dimensions: 22 x 12.2 x 12.6 inches

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

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

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

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

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

7. The Ultra Lightweight Duffel Bag

• Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel, 60L

Weight: 2.25 pounds

Dimensions: 26.75 x 10.25 x 13.5 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Lightweight Duffel That’s Roomy Enough for Any Traveler

Marmot Long Hauler Travel Duffel Bag

Weight: 2.4 pounds

Dimensions: 60 x 33 x 30.5 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. A Large Duffel Perfect for Expeditions

Thule Chasm Duffel Bag

Weight: 2.86 pounds

Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 10 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Bargain Bag for Those Who Want Something a Little Different

• Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag for Travel

Dimensions: 20.8 x 9.8 x 11.8 inches

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

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

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

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

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

12. This Vintage Leather Duffel Shouts Sophistication

KPL 21 Inch Vintage Leather Duffel

Weight: 4.2 pounds

Dimensions: 21 x 9 x 11 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. A Rolling Duffel That Can Handle Anything You Throw at It

Eagle Creek Travel Gear No Matter What Flashpoint Rolling Duffel XL

Weight: 4.19 pounds

Dimensions: 35.8 x 15 x 14.2 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Affordable Wheeled Duffel From Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics Ripstop Wheeled Duffel

Weight: 11.9 pounds

Dimensions: 37.5 x 18.25 x 16 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. A Capable Rolling Duffel That Expands for More Space

Travelpro Bold 30″ Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel

Weight: 10.9 pounds

Dimensions: 30 x 17 x 16.5 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Top of the Range Rolling Duffel With High-end Extras

Thule Crossover Rolling Duffel Pack

Weight: 9.47 pounds

Dimensions: 17.3 x 16.5 x 31.1 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What size duffel bag can i carry on a plane.

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

What are the best duffel bags?

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

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

Are duffel bags good for traveling?

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

How do I choose a duffel bag?

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

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

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

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

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15 Best High-Quality Duffel Bags for Travel in 2024

Written by Becca

Updated on April 26th, 2024

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

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

Best Duffel Bags

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Peak Design Travel Duffel

• Troubadour Orbis Duffel (30L)

Quince Revive Nylon Duffle Bag

Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Duffle (42L)

Halfday Garment Duffel

The Outdoor Duffle 70L by AWAY (70L)

Bellroy Duffel (Patty Mills Edition)

Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle Bag

TOPO Designs Mountain Duffel

Tom Bihn Night Flight Travel Duffel

Halfday Travel Weekend Duffel

• AWAY Transit Leather Duffle

Public Rec Pro Weekender

• Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag (33L)

Gregory Alpaca Duffel 40

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

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

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

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

Browse our 5 favorite picks

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

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

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

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

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

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

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

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

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

Peak Design Travel Duffel

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

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

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

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

This minimalist and functional duffel has exceptional quality and features.

Troubadour Orbis Duffel (30L)

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

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

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

Troubadour Orbis Duffel

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

Quince Revive Nylon Duffle Bag

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

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

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

Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Duffle (42L)

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

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

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

Halfday Garment Duffel

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

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

Want to see more? Check out the Halfday Garment Duffel product page .

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

The Outdoor Duffle 70L by AWAY (70L)

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

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

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

Bellroy Duffel (Patty Mills Edition)

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

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

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

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

Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle Bag

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

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

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

TOPO Designs Mountain Duffel

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

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

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

Tom Bihn Night Flight Travel Duffel

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

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

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

Halfday Travel Weekend Duffel

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

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

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

AWAY Transit Leather Duffle

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

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

The Transit Leather Duffle by AWAY

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

Public Rec Pro Weekender

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

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

Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag (33L)

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

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

Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag

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

Gregory Alpaca Duffel 40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our top picks:

Best Overall Duffel Bag

Patagonia black hole duffel bag 55l.

Best Value Duffel Bag

Herschel novel duffel bag.

Best Duffel Bag for Road Trips

Vera bradley cotton large travel duffel bag.

Best Weekender Duffel Bag

Lo & sons the catalina deluxe.

Best Versatile Duffel Bag

Away f.a.r duffle 55l.

Best Adventure Duffel Bag

Eagle creek migrate duffel bag.

Best Duffel Bag with Wheels

L.l.bean large adventure rolling duffle bag.

Best Duffel Bag for Kids

Pottery barn kids mackenzie rainbow heart duffel.

Best Gym Duffel Bag

Puma evercat candidate duffel.

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

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

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

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

Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe

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

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

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

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

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

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

How we test duffel bags

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to look for when shopping for the best duffel bag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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

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

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

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.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

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The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

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

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Bring all the gear you need in these sizeable luggage pieces

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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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Protect Your Trip »

The best carry-on luggage of 2024.

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Things aren't always as they seem – especially when it comes to luggage. In our quest to find the best carry-on bags, we discovered that while some suitcases look good, they don't always hold up to the demands of travel. Some designs have attractive features that add bulk but not additional functionality, while others just don't live up to the hype.

To determine the best carry-on luggage, we tested dozens of bags on countless trips to find the ideal bag for every travel need. Read on to find the best option in a variety of categories, tested and reviewed by our team of experts.

Best Overall: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original – Large

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓
• Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Hardside Spinner

Best Hard-sided: Away The Carry-On

Best soft-sided: samsonite solyte dlx carry-on spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light, best for international travel: delsey paris helium aero international carry-on - expandable spinner, best affordable: amazon basics 20-inch hardside spinner.

• Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner
• Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Best for Business Travel: Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Carry-On Spinner – 20.4 Inch

Best luxury: carl friedrik the carry-on pro.

• Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder–22"

Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. Original photos were taken by our editors during luggage testing.)

Price:  $315 or less

Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.6 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds; 8.85 pounds with closet insert Packing capacity: 4-7 days |  Color options:  Red, purple, navy or 6 others, plus precious metals options Hard- or soft-sided:  Hard-sided   | Warranty: Lifetime

Sturdy and attractive, this suitcase is set apart from the rest by its patented and removable shelving system. This unique design feature makes packing easier, keeps items in place and removes the need for unpacking at your destination. Rather than a zippered clamshell design, the Solgaard Carry-on Closet has two latches that open with just the squeeze of two levers together; it secures with a TSA-approved lock.

The waterproof polycarbonate exterior has an aluminum frame and corner guards so this suitcase can withstand all the rigors of travel. There's also an ergonomic handle and frictionless wheels, which make it easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. What's more, this sustainable suitcase helps to repurpose 6 pounds of plastics that may have ended up in the ocean.

What our editors say:

This carry-on suitcase has it all! From the power bank (sold separately) to the super sturdy and comfortable handle to the removable closet feature – not to mention the attractive yet functional appearance – this suitcase packs a punch. I really like how easy it is to pull on a variety of surfaces, including carpet and brick. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 10 days; 45 liters | Color options: White, red, blue, green or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner is a truly well-rounded carry-on with a plethora of unique features. USB A & C ports on the outside of the bag give easy access to charging. (A power bank is not included, though the bag does have a pocket for one inside the expansion zipper.) Self-aligning magnetic wheels – a reviewer-favorite feature – allow painless travel through the airport as well as on roads, sidewalks, uneven surfaces and more. A built-in TSA zipper lock offers ultimate protection for your possessions.

Even without the features listed above, this Travelpro spinner is, at its core, a high-quality piece. The hard outer shell is ultra-strong and 100% polycarbonate; aluminum corner guards further protect your belongings. The clamshell-style suitcase has two large interior compartments along with three extra pockets, one of which is water-resistant, and the expansion zipper allows for an extra 2 inches of packing room. Plus, this carry-on is made with genuine leather trim, so you can travel in style as well as comfort.

There are some amazing features on this carry-on, but my favorite is the wheels – as someone who typically prefers hands-free travel (primarily backpacks), I found that the way this suitcase easily glides around everywhere absolutely changed my mind about wheeled luggage. Just know that since this is one of the larger bags on this list, I would still check your airline's carry-on size requirements before traveling (though it's been tested for most major domestic airlines, and it fit perfectly on Delta). – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $275 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 39.8 liters | Color options: Black, navy, blue gray or olive, plus 2 glossy options Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited

When it comes to hard-sided carry-on luggage , nothing beats The Carry-On by Away. The bag is lightweight yet indestructible thanks to a 100% polycarbonate exterior. Plus, you can easily wipe away most scratches with a magic eraser.

In late 2023, Away launched a new iteration of The Carry-On that somehow made it even more efficient. The most notable new features are an additional underside grab handle, three extra interior compartments, and an enhanced compression system that upholds the bag's ability to accommodate nearly a week's worth of clothing. The bag's 360-degree wheels are also slimmer than those of its predecessor for improved maneuverability. While Away has long been known for its neutral colored matte options, glossy options of this bag are now available.

The Away Carry-On is my ride or die. I've taken it on so many trips over the past five-plus years and it's still in perfect shape. I know I'll have it with me for many years to come. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content and SEO Strategist

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $199.99 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Black, gray, green, aqua blue or royal blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This classic soft-sided option from Samsonite offers everything you need for a smooth trip. There are three spacious pockets and a trolley strap on the outside so you can stack it on top of another rolling suitcase, as well as a USB port for charging your phone (though you'll have to purchase a battery separately).

Inside the suitcase, three more zippered pockets – including one for wet items – help you stay organized, while buckles keep the main compartment's tie-down straps out of your way while packing. This spinner can conveniently expand by 0.75 inches, but keep in mind if you're flying that overpacking may put it over your carry-on size allowance.

I've used other spinner suitcases in the past, but none of them glide as smoothly as this bag, with its 360-degree dual-spinner wheels. I also love the high-quality, lightweight material, but my favorite part is its organizational features – especially the WetPak pocket. I'd highly recommend the Samsonite SoLyte DLX for anyone who needs a trusty soft-sided carry-on for a flight; it definitely fits more than I thought it would. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $245 or less

Dimensions: 21.25 x 14.17 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.9 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Beige, light green, dark green, lilac, charcoal or 3 others Hard- or soft-sided: Hard | Warranty: Lifetime with 100-day returns

Weighing just under 4 pounds, this bag is the lightest hard-sided carry-on we found on the market. It's constructed with an extremely durable German polycarbonate shell, and the interior has two mesh zippered compartments to keep your belongings from shifting. The inner nylon lining is also resistant to water and stains. To make the suitcase easy to maneuver, there's a top carry handle, a telescoping handle and dual-spinner wheels.

I was absolutely shocked by how light this suitcase is. While some lightweight designs can be extremely flimsy, this July carry-on is very durable and holds a good amount of clothing. With compression packing cubes I was able to pack enough clothing for a week. It was extremely easy to put in the plane's overhead compartment, and the wheels rolled very smoothly for my entire journey. The only thing I noticed is that since the bag is so lightweight, the trolley bag I had was making it want to topple. Next time, I'd use a smaller tote or a north-south design to avoid that issue. – Rachael Hood

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $179.99 or less

Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.16 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 41 liters | Color options: Black, blue, red or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This DELSEY PARIS carry-on is a well-built piece of hard-sided luggage. It meets carry-on suitcase size restrictions for most international airlines and offers an easily accessible front compartment – ideal for a laptop up to 15.6 inches or other items you want to be able to grab quickly. The suitcase has a TSA lock and two spacious internal compartments for clothing, shoes and travel gear. The double-spinner wheels glide smoothly across all types of surfaces, and the handle pulls out and retracts with ease.

I was incredibly impressed by this little workhorse of a carry-on bag. There are so many different pockets and compartments within it for organization, and it fits a surprising amount of clothes, shoes and accessories. The handle and wheels make it easy to maneuver, and the glossy exterior makes it look sleek and chic. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

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Price: $80 or less

Dimensions: 21.46 x 14.76 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 23 liters | Color options: Black, navy blue, orange or light blue Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

The Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner is similar to many other hard-sided luggage products on the market, but it's available at a fraction of the price. The ABS shell is textured, so even if you – or luggage handlers – bang it around a bit, it does not show scuffs or scratches easily. The double-spinner wheels (a must, honestly, in today's luggage landscape) make the bag effortless to maneuver.

Inside, one side of the bag features a compression strap, while the other has a large fabric zippered closure, complete with a few organizer pockets for smaller items. Thanks to its availability on Amazon Prime, the carry-on luggage ships quickly, so it's also a great option if you need new luggage in a crunch.

This carry-on bag is a superb selection for the budget-conscious traveler. I appreciated how much I was able to get into this bag (it doesn't look huge, but it fit quite a lot), and the textured exterior really ups the durability factor. The compression straps and the interior organizer even helped me squeeze in a bit more. – Erin Evans

Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner

Price: $699 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 (up to 11.5) inches | Weight: 10 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 37-48 liters | Color options: Black, navy or olive Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

The Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner has a standout feature that other bags on this list don't: one-touch CX expansion. Exclusive to Briggs & Riley, this technology allows your bag to expand and compress in one swift motion. Simply press and pull up on the red levers found at opposite ends of the bag, and it will grow 2.5 inches. Once you've packed your belongings, push down on the buttons to compress the bag before zipping it up.

This bag also features a garment folder to reduce wrinkles in a suit or dress, as well as cinch-down garment panels to secure the clothing in place. Other convenient features include interior mesh compartments for organization, an exterior pocket for airport essentials (or even your laptop) and a signature PowerPocket where you can charge your smartphone.

While the bag is undoubtedly an investment at $700, its "simple as that" guarantee (free repairs forever, no questions asked) – plus sturdy features like impact-resistant corner guards and self-repairing zippers – means you'll have it for life.

When it comes to quality, this is the best luggage I've ever used – period. The compression/expansion system is just the icing on the cake. – Amanda Norcross

Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Price: $165 or less

Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds Packing capacity: 2-4 days; 34 liters | Color options: Chocolate, oatmeal or rose quartz Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 2-year limited

Compact and filled with useful features, this CALPAK underseater has a water-resistant exterior, a TSA-approved lock, and side and top handles for easy lifting into the overhead or pushing under the seat. There's a telescoping handle, a luggage trolley sleeve and two exterior pockets for stowing small items like your passport, boarding pass and earbuds.

On the inside, there's a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior pockets and compression straps. For added convenience, the main panel can be secured via built-in snaps to get your laptop out while traveling (and keep your other belongings from spilling out), or you can unsnap it while packing to maximize the interior storage space.

When I'm traveling on a quick trip with my laptop, this is my go-to bag. Its compact size glides easily under the seat, and it's also compact and light enough to fit into the overhead bin even on the smallest regional planes. I love the laptop sleeve and the zippered exterior pocket for my book, earbuds and wipes. To maximize the interior space, I use compression cubes from Lug , and I'm able to squeeze in four to five outfits, a pair of shoes and daily necessities. – Rachael Hood

Price: $83 or less

Dimensions: 20.4 x 14.9 x 8.2 inches | Weight: 6.35 pounds Packing capacity: 2-3 days; 26 liters | Color options: Black, olive, gray, red, blue or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

This simple but sturdy carry-on piece from Amazon is a great option for business travelers, thanks to its front pocket for easy laptop access, smooth double-spinner wheels and TSA lock. This Amazon Basics soft-sided carry-on also features a handle on the bottom between the wheels, which makes it easy to put the bag up into and pull it out of the overhead bin. On some airplanes, it may even be small enough to fit under the seat.

The interior of the bag features one large compartment with two compression straps, plus two zippered pockets on the opposite site. The 20.4-inch option is ideal for shorter trips, but this style is available in larger sizes as well. Another bonus: It's available on Amazon Prime, so it ships quickly.

This Amazon Basics option is on the smaller side for a carry-on, but that's what makes it a solid choice for business travelers going on short trips who only need to pack a few things. The laptop pocket is easily accessible, and the handle on the bottom of the bag is super useful for hauling it out of an overhead bin. The black color is professional, and the price can't be beat. – Erin Evans

Price: $565 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 43 liters | Color options: Gray/cognac, gray/chocolate, gray/black or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime with a 100-day trial

Constructed with premium materials, this luxury carry-on has Italian leather accents, Japanese spinner wheels and a polycarbonate exterior with an aluminum metal frame for stability. It closes via two secure latches with combination locks (rather than a zipper). There's a front laptop compartment with a smaller pocket and pen slots to keep business essentials or travel documents easy to access.

The interior has leather details, compression straps and a removable compression pad with a pocket – ideal for small items like ties, fashion jewelry or silk scarves. Travelers can also purchase an additional compression pad to have a pad on each side of the interior compartment.

This suitcase exudes luxury with its Italian leather trim and understated elegance. The design of it looks very sleek, the interior is spacious, the handle is very sturdy and the wheels glide with ease. I especially liked that the top of the suitcase is very flat, which gave my trolley bag a secure base so it wasn't moving around while I was at the airport, and the front compartment was ideal for accessing my laptop on the go. It feels very sturdy, but the only downside is it weighs more than a typical carry-on. – Rachael Hood

Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder – 22"

Price: $270 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 40 liters | Color options: Black Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The North Face's 22-inch Rolling Thunder duffel doesn't have the bells and whistles of other carry-on options, but it's a sturdy and reliable option for those who want a duffel style on wheels. The duffel has a hard-sided back panel, two wheels that can withstand various terrain and plastic bumpers for abrasion resistance. The soft-sided top of the bag is made of water-resistant Base Camp material and nylon for extra durability. There are two zippered pockets on the outside to stash small items and a mesh pocket inside for some added organization.

I brought this duffel on a trip to New Zealand, and it held up very well. The Rolling Thunder had no issues after being checked on six different flights, and the flexibility of the style allowed me to easily store it out of the way in my campervan once I had unpacked. It's definitely a simpler style, but it does its job well. Be aware, though, that this wheeled style doesn't have straps that would allow you to carry it like a duffel; it can only be rolled. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $200 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-10 days; 35 liters | Color options: Multiple options but color availability changes frequently Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

When it comes to hands-free and adventure travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L can't be beat. This lightweight carry-on backpack comes with a sternum strap, a removable waist belt and a weight-distributing harness system, all to make for a comfortable carry (since sore shoulders can be a concern when it comes to carrying backpacks through time-consuming airport experiences).

Organization is a breeze with a top zippered pocket – perfect for storing travel documents or a Cotopaxi hip pack – and a padded laptop sleeve on the outside. Internally, you'll find two mesh compartments, one large and one subdivided, that work great with Cotopaxi packing cubes . The backpack's straps can be tucked away for more streamlined travel, and the bag even comes with a rain cover (though the Allpa is already TPU-coated to be water-resistant).

Furthermore, Cotopaxi is dedicated to sustainability : 94% of Cotopaxi products contain repurposed, recycled or responsible materials. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind Del Dia Allpa backpacks , for example, use remnant fabric.

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures and it's survived everything – wind, rain, being shoved into tiny rental cars, you name it. Besides being incredibly durable, I love how much this backpack can fit; my longest trip so far with only the Allpa 35L as my luggage has been a comfortable nine days, and that included packing bulky cold-weather gear. I just wish it had a water bottle pocket like the Allpa 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson

Also Recommended

Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner: While the Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner is a solid (and sustainable) carry-on bag for less than $200, it doesn't offer quite enough space – especially for someone who may be traveling for longer.

Away The Aluminum Carry-On Bag: This is a well-built carry-on bag. The only downfall is that it's on the heavier side, weighing nearly 11 pounds. Away's Aluminum Carry-On is also more than twice the cost of the standard carry-on by Away, which works just as well.

Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner: This is a great soft-sided option if you're looking for a lightweight suitcase. Featuring a sleek nylon construction, a large front exterior pocket and internal zippered pockets, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner works well but isn't as lightweight as the July Carry-on Light.

Monos Carry-on Plus: It's a high-quality suitcase with a lot of internal details, but given its larger size this bag doesn't fit in the overhead compartment on multiple planes (especially regional jets). That said, if you're traveling domestically on larger planes, the Monos Carry-on Plus could be an option to consider. Or, the smaller standard Monos Carry-on could be a good option as well.

Pros and Cons of Hard-sided Luggage

Pros and cons of soft-sided luggage, frequently asked questions.

Aside from traditional rolling suitcases, the following items can be used as carry-on luggage provided they meet carry-on size limitations (which vary by airline) and fit in the overhead bin or fully under the seat (not sticking out) in front of you.

• Duffel and weekender bags:  This includes weekenders and duffel bags with wheels . Just note that wheels are included in carry-on dimension restrictions.
• Garment bags:  These are also considered carry-on baggage by most airlines. You can place your garment bag in the overhead bin, or in some cases, a small closet on the plane.
• Pet carriers:  Some airlines consider pet carriers to be carry-on luggage. Check with your chosen airline when preparing for your trip with Fido.
• Backpacks:  If your carry-on backpack fits under the seat, it will count toward your personal item allowance on most major airlines. This means you'll have the option to bring an additional bag for the overhead bin.
• Diaper bags: If you're traveling with a baby, diaper bags and other baby travel gear generally don't count toward either allowance – meaning you can bring these items in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Purses , briefcases and camera bags can be carried on the plane as well, but usually aren't considered carry-on bags and are instead labeled personal items. Underseater bags – often designed specifically to fit comfortably under a plane seat – are also ideal as a personal item.

Typically, travelers can bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (for under the seat) on the plane, free of charge.

Carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline. Several major U.S. carriers, such as American Airlines and United, impose a 22 x 14 x 9-inch rule. If you're buying new carry-on luggage, this is a good default size to choose – especially if you fly with a variety of airlines.

For international airlines, it's often 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. To be sure about dimensions as well as any weight restrictions, see our guide to Carry-on Luggage Size & Weight by Airline . It usually doesn't matter how heavy your carry-on bag is, though some airlines do monitor the weight.

• Hard-sided: The hard-sided July Carry On Light weighs less than 4 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight carry-on bags on the market. Other lightweight carry-on bags we recommend include the hard-sided Away The Carry-On (7.5 pounds) and the Amazon 20-Inch Hardside Spinner (7.3 pounds).
• Soft-sided: If you're looking for a lightweight, soft-sided carry-on bag, consider the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner (4.8 pounds) and the Samsonite SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner (7.1 pounds).

Hard-sided luggage is often heavier than soft-sided luggage – but only by a few pounds. If you're planning to purchase a hard-sided carry-on bag, look for something that's made of polycarbonate or polypropylene, both of which are lightweight yet durable materials.

How We Tested

Our team tested 26 carry-on bags across several price points and on a variety of trips spanning overseas flights, weekend getaways, overnight trips and more. We traveled by car, plane, train and cruise and packed for a variety of climates and activities, from shore excursions in Mexico to rainy road trips around Iceland. For bags with wheels, we tested their maneuverability on multiple surfaces, including gravel, pavement, grass, moving walkways, cobblestone and carpet. After four months of testing, we deem these carry-on bags the best of the best for 2024.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

The following editors personally tested the luggage recommended in this article:

Erin Evans , Managing Editor: Evans loves a durable bag and also can't say no to a good deal. Considering how banged up luggage can get, her picks on this list are both well-made and affordable.

Rachael Hood , Senior Editor: Hood rarely checks a bag, yet she loves to pack a lot and pick up some new finds along her journey. She looks for a combination of durability, functionality, interior space and overall appearance.

Catriona Kendall , Associate Editor: Kendall opts for convenient and versatile carry-ons that can work well for weekend and weekslong trips alike.

Amanda Norcross , Content & SEO Strategist: Norcross has mastered the art of traveling with a carry-on bag only, but believes this is only possible with the right luggage.

Leilani Osmundson , Digital Producer: Osmundson prefers lightweight, streamlined luggage that's ideal for adventure travel.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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Reader's Digest

8 Best Carry-On Luggage Bags for Any Type of Trip

Posted: March 12, 2024 | Last updated: March 13, 2024

Best overall

July carry-on pro.

You can't go wrong with the July Carry-On Pro , which is considered among the absolute best carry-on luggage bags. This smart luggage is equipped with a handful of noteworthy features. Among them include a detachable padded sleeve (perfect for storing your laptop and other trusty tech and travel essentials ), a built-in hidden laundry bag (to keep clean and dirty clothes separated), a TSA-approved lock (for added security) and an ejectable battery (perfect for on-the-go charging). The exterior features a durable polycarbonate shell while the interior is equipped with a water- and stain-resistant nylon lining.

"Worth every penny," writes verified buyer Shon B. "Best carry-on I’ve ever owned. Rolls smoothly, has plenty of room and the detachable computer case is next level. The charging station is so convenient! Bought a second for my husband."

• Bonus features like a detachable padded sleeve, TSA lock, ejectable battery and hidden laundry bag
• Sleek and sturdy hardshell construction
• Lifetime warranty
• 100-day free trial
• Does not expand

Best budget

Canway 65l travel duffel bag.

This durable, do-it-all duffle bag from Canway is chock-full of functional features at a superb cost. In addition to its foldable and extendable design, the duffel also boasts several pockets (including ones solely designed for shoes) to stay organized. Its water- and tear-resistant material will last for years to come. Customers can choose from 10-plus color options—each for less than $40—so you can travel in style .

"This duffel bag has been on four or five trips with me since I bought it. EVERYTHING fits inside," writes Gillian , one of the 13,000+ five-star reviewers. "There are so many pockets that I've considered a necklace or two 'gone for good' until the bag made a reappearance for another trip. For air travel and quick weekend trips, the duffel bag holds up and things inside stay safe."

• Extendable and foldable design
• Padded straps provide added comfort
• Multiple pockets for optimal organization
• Durable water- and tear-resistant material
• No wheels, so it can get heavy if you tend to overpack

Best for international trips

Briggs & riley international carry-on expandable spinner.

This Briggs & Riley luggage carry-on is expandable, providing up to 22 percent more packing space—making it a solid choice for longer international flights . It's also equipped with a built-in power bank and lock, both of which are TSA-approved. Its lightweight polycarbonate exterior offers resilience, too. Plus, the protective drawstring fabric bag helps keep your suitcase in top shape between travels.

Verified buyer Mari L. writes, "This is my second Briggs & Riley luggage. I wanted a carry-on and with no hesitation, I knew I wanted Briggs & Riley. This carry-on luggage expands to add more clothing and compress to its original size. I LOVE it!! I also love that you can place your portable charger and your phone outside of the luggage for easy access."

• Designed for international travel
• Expansion-compression system increases packing capacity
• Mesh and zip pockets for optimal storage
• Monogramming available
• At nearly $600, this suitcase is a splurge
• Limited color options

Best lightweight option

Monos carry-on plus.

The Monos Carry-On Plus suitcase is the epitome of the best carry-on luggage. Weighing just 7.38 pounds, this lightweight travel companion provides ample room for both lengthy journeys and quick getaways. It's equipped with exceptional details like a built-in TSA-approved lock, a sturdy telescopic handle, stylish vegan leather accents and whisper-quiet spinner wheels. Plus, the brand calls its polycarbonate shell "unbreakable," and its lifetime warranty ensures it'll last forever.

"Really love how sleek this suitcase is, both with the aesthetics and function," writes Gina R. in her five-star review. "Moving from an old-style suitcase, the maneuverability of this is a dream—quiet, smooth and balanced wheeling both upright and pulling at a tilt." (Speaking of, you can also check out our Monos luggage review .)

• Lightweight (just 7.38 pounds)
• 100-day trial
• Adjustable telescopic handle with four height settings
• Ten colors and patterns
• Aerospace-grade and water-resistant hard shell
• No built-in battery

Best for over-packers

Beis the carry-on roller.

The Beis Carry-On Roller effortlessly combines style and functionality with its expandable design and built-in scale, making it an ideal choice for those who tend to over-pack . The scale allows you to weigh your luggage in advance, ensuring you avoid any hefty baggage fees . Meanwhile, the expandable design adds an additional two inches of packing space, allowing you to fit in more essentials. This best carry-on luggage pick also includes various pouches, perfect for organizing shoes, laundry and personal items.

"I bought this specifically for a 10-day trip to Japan that I wanted to do with just carry-ons and this was absolutely perfect!" writes verified buyer Grace C. "The expander was great for extra storage as I stocked up on souvenirs. I got a ton of compliments and looks at the airport and it was really nice to be easy to spot by my travel mates." To learn more, you can also check out our review . Pair it with the Beis Mini Weekender , and you'll be good to go.

• Built-in scale helps you avoid overweight fees
• Expandable design lets you pack more
• TSA-approved lock
• Water-resistant zipper tape
• Nine fun color options
• No power bank/battery

Best for long trips

Away the bigger carry-on.

Designed to maximize space , this Away suitcase is an excellent choice for longer trips. Its durable polycarbonate shell ensures the utmost protection for your belongings, while the interior compression system, multiple compartments and built-in laundry bag help you stay organized. With the added convenience of a TSA-approved lock, your items remain secure throughout your journey. Furthermore, this suitcase offers a range of beautiful color options, from charming baby blue to neon green and timeless basic black, allowing for a touch of personal style.

Verified buyer Beth P. writes, "The bigger carry-on was perfect for this overseas journey to Tuscany, including Rome and Florence. The bigger carry-on held five dresses, a ball skirt, six pairs of shoes, spare jeans, multiple tees, pool and loungewear plus all the foundational garments I needed!"

• Spacious size is ideal for longer trips, but still fits in overhead bins
• Built-in lock and laundry bag are added bonuses
• Beautiful color options
• USB charger costs extra

Best carry-on luggage set

Kenneth cole reaction chelsea luggage collection.

This Kenneth Cole luggage set includes a soft-sided carry-on and a matching backpack. Crafted with a stylish chevron-patterned fabric, both pieces are lightweight and fashion-forward. The tear-resistant interior provides an added layer of security for your belongings. The rolling Amazon luggage is expandable, allowing for an extra 1.5 inches of storage capacity. On the other hand, the backpack not only features a padded laptop compartment but also numerous pockets, offering hands-free convenience for storing personal items and in-flight essentials.

"Wife brought it to her office and her workmates were fawning over the design," writes Ken C. in his five-star review of this luggage set . "She loves how light it is, how the spinner wheels tackle terrains with ease and how it carries her heavy laptop and other stuff like a champ."

• Two-piece set includes one soft-sided suitcase and a matching backpack
• Stylish chevron design
• Wet-garment pocket
• Elastic clothing compression straps
• Backpack loops over the telescoping carry-on handle
• The suitcase's small size isn't best suited for longer trips or over-packers

Best underseat option

Samsonite underseat carry-on spinner.

As its name suggests, this soft-sided luggage from Samsonite easily slides under your airplane seat . Its best feature, however, is the built-in USB port, which allows for seamless on-the-go charging. The exterior pockets—located on the front and side—are perfect for storing smaller items (i.e., your wallet, ID, credit cards and keys). Meanwhile, the main compartment boasts a padded compartment for your laptop or other tech devices.

There are nearly 4,000 five-star Amazon reviews that rave about this underseat luggage . "I was skeptical that this rolling carry-on would actually fit under the seat in front of me in first class and was much pleased that it did even when three-quarters full," writes verified purchaser David P. Cole . "The key is to place it with rollers pointing toward you."

• Compact size easily fits under the airplane seat
• Built-in USB port
• 360-degree spinner wheels
• Ergonomic push-button locking handle
• Smart sleeve on back fits over most luggage pieces
• Not as big as traditional carry-on bags

Why you should trust us

Our editors are frequent travelers of all types, from road trippers to frequent flyers. We're parents and pet owners, solo adventurers and weekend group trippers, and have used bags, backpacks and suitcases of all types to get us there. Through our travels, we've tested all of the top luggage brands in real-world conditions and ranked the best carry-ons, underseat bags, weekenders, luggage sets and affordable suitcases. We also regularly try out travel accessories like neck pillows, toiletry bags, packing cubes and luggage racks. In addition to our first-hand experience, we consult with experts in the travel industry to get their insider perspective and comb through countless customer reviews to gather even more intel. 

What kind of carry-on luggage is best?

When it comes to the best carry-on luggage, the options are plentiful. Consumers can choose from hard shell luggage , soft-sided suitcases , underseat bags (which—you guessed it—are small enough to fit under the airplane seat), duffel bags (some with wheels, some handheld) and travel backpacks (which offer hands-free convenience). Ultimately, the choice is yours—though you should consider if you're packing for a cruise , long trip or short excursion.

What is a good carry-on luggage size?

Before choosing the best luggage carry-on size for you, there are a few things to consider. For example, if you're an over-packer (no judgment!) or have a longer trip coming up on the horizon, you may opt for an expandable bag. However, if you tend to pack fewer belongings—or have a shorter trip planned—then an underseat bag or duffle may work best. Also, keep in mind that each airline has different carry-on size restrictions .

About the expert

• Iyanifa Shondra Cheris, Owner/Lead Explorer, BlackWillTravel.com

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The Best Carry-On Luggage and Weekender Bags for Memorial Day Travel: Away, Samsonite, Calpak and More

The right luggage or carry-on bag for your Memorial Day weekend can help make any trip as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your Memorial Day travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: the right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming Memorial Day weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your holiday trip.

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $140

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

The perfect-sized luggage that doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $314

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024 

Samsonite detour travel backpack.

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $105

Béis Travel Tote

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

A modern classic and easy-access bag. This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles, and is perfect for gym trips or a day out!

Dagne Dover Jemi Puff Tote

Whether you're traveling to work or a weekend getaway, this lightweight tote is perfect with pockets for days to keep all your belongings organized. 

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Lululemon go getter bag 2.0.

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

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The 21 best travel backpacks, luggage, and accessories, starting at under $100

• Published: May. 13, 2024, 3:05 p.m.

With 40% of travelers planning on traveling even more in 2024 than they did the previous year, there’s a good chance you have a trip planned for the summer.

You may be eyeing a tropical locale for some rest and relaxation or have your heart set on an adventurous vacation with plenty of outdoor activities planned.

No matter where you’re headed, you’re going to need to pack some essentials for your trip. This means you’ll need some durable luggage , a backpack or weekender bag to hold your belongings and those must-have travel accessories you’ll need before boarding your next flight .

But finding the right travel bag can be a hassle with endless options brands and styles to sort through. To help you decide which travel bag to buy for your upcoming trip, this comprehensive roundup has some of the best, including checked luggage , carry-on bags , weekender bags , backpacks and more.

Here’s a look at some of the most recommended travel bags and accessories to make all your travels even easier in 2024.

Related: JetBlue Personal Item Policy: 7 bags you can fit under seat with no problems

Best Checked Luggage

These are some of the top-rated checked luggage you can buy for all your summer adventures, including these popular suitcase styles from Samsonite and Travelpro. Amazon

These are some of the best checked luggage you can buy for those summer vacations that require air travel to get there.

• Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage: “It’s exceptionally durable and breezed through our strenuous testing with hardly a scratch — the polycarbonate is designed to flex slightly to absorb impacts before popping back to its original form. While the bag sustained no major damage like dents or gashes when we dropped it off tables and hit it with a baseball bat,” Travel + Leisure says.
• Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Luggage: “This bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most travelers, without going over airline weight limits,” Wirecutter says.
• Away The Medium Luggage: “It’s solid and durable — with only a few scuffs from its trip down the stairs — has an incredible interior compression system, is easily maneuverable and is even comfortable to carry for when you need to lift it in and out of the car,” CNN says.

Best Carry-On Luggage

These are some of the best carry-on luggage you can buy today, including these popular styles from Samsonite and CALPAK. Amazon, CALPAK

You can take these carry-on luggage on the plane to keep your belongings close as you travel.

• Beis The Carry-On Roller: “This brand from actress Shay Mitchell has gone viral on TikTok thanks to its stunning monochromatic designs and its unique features, including a built-in weight indicator that lets you know if your luggage is over 50 pounds. It also has an extendable strap in the front that lets you attach a smaller bag, helping to free up your hands while traveling,” Good Housekeeping says.
• CALPAK Ambeur Mini Carry-On: “They’re slim, sleek, sport a rock-solid polycarbonate shell, feature an assortment of pockets and plenty of storage space, but its low price point makes it an especially attractive option for thrifty travelers,” Time says.
• Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner: “Even after six months of regularly traveling with this bag, it shows no signs of wear and tear, and any scuffs it has accumulated have been easily buffed out. Considering the reasonable price, durable construction, and spacious capacity, we think it’s a great choice for frequent fliers and anyone in need of a high-quality carry-on,” Travel + Leisure says.

Best Weekender Bags

Here are some of the top weekender bags available to buy today, including these popular styles from Beis and lululemon. Beis, lululemon

If you’re planning a short trip, these weekender bags are some of the best you can buy.

• Beis The Commuter Duffle: “On the outside, it keeps things simple with a single zippered pocket and simple slip pockets on the remaining sides, while the inside has a total of five pockets (one zippered, two mesh, and two elastic), a velcro padded laptop pocket that can fit up to a 15-inch laptop on top of its capacious main compartment, and a luggage handle sleeve longer,” InStyle says.
• Lo And Sons Catalina Deluxe: “It features a messenger strap with removable padding so that your shoulder never gets sore if your bag is packed full, plus double-sided zippers and a bottom compartment where you can store shoes away from your clothing. As an added bonus, the bag is made from malleable canvas, which makes it easy to roll back up into your closet when you’re done using it,” Forbes says.
• Calpak Luka Duffel: “It has a thoughtful design with a large exterior pocket, a separate shoe compartment and internal organizational features. The shoulder strap was comfortable to carry and there is a removable crossbody strap as well,” Good Housekeeping says.

The Best Travel Bags of 2024

• JetBlue Personal Item Policy: 7 bags you can fit under seat with no problems
• The best backpacks to buy in 2024, according to reviews
• The best carry-on luggage to buy for all your trips in 2024, according to reviews
• The best travel duffel bags to buy in 2024, according to reviews
• The best weekender bags to buy for travel in 2024, according to reviews

Best Backpacks

These are some of the best backpacks you can buy today, including these popular designs from Away and The North Face. Away, The North Face

Pack all your necessities in these top backpacks on everywhere you go this summer.

• Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack: “Virtually indestructible, it safely holds a 16-inch laptop and your worldly goods. The harness, back panel, and hip belts can be stowed away when unused. No need to carry a small bag for daytime excursions as it comes with a detachable daypack with a lockable laptop/tablet sleeve. It can be used as a domestic flight carry-on item,” Time says.
• Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack: “Our pick for the best small travel backpack is the Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack, a versatile, lightweight bag that stows under airplane seats. This backpack has a large main compartment, which houses a thickly padded removable 13-inch laptop sleeve and a hydration bladder pass-through for hikers,” National Geographic says.
• The North Face Borealis Backpack: “Its 28-liter capacity is big enough to fit the extras you pick up during errands on your way home. It has a separate laptop compartment and just enough easy-access pockets to stay organized. This bag can go out on the trails after work or on the weekends as well. It’s super durable and water-resistant, which only adds to its versatility,” GearLab says.

Best Travel Duffel Bags

Here are some of the top travel duffel bags you can buy today, including this Patagonia Black Hole style. REI

These top-rated travel duffel bags can hold all your gear as you explore uncharted territories.

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: “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,” Wirecutter says.
• Beis Commuter Duffel: “The bag is bursting with compartments and pockets for organizing small, medium, and large items so you can pack efficiently before a weekend getaway. After we packed the bag full of clothing, shoes, and a toiletry bag, it was fairly heavy, but the shoulder and tote straps were shockingly comfortable and helped balance out the weight,” Travel + Leisure says.
• REI Co-op Roadtripper: “The REI Roadtripper offers excellent storage and utility at over half the price of other bags, making it an exceptional value for a duffel bag on a budget,” GearLab says.

Best Portable Chargers

Here are some of the top-rated portable chargers on the market today, including this popular Anker PowerCore model. Amazon

Keep your tech devices charged with these portable chargers and you’ll never worry about dead batteries on your vacation.

• Anker PowerCore 10,000 PD Redux Power Bank: “This power bank is small enough to be popped into a pocket or bag, and big enough to give your devices a decent boost,” ZDNet says.
• Belkin BoostCharge Plus Portable Charger: “This power bank is small and light, and its rounded edges make it easy to slip into a pocket. It comes in only one color, but it has two built-in cables and enough capacity to charge most smartphones up to three times,” Wirecutter says.
• Nimble Champ 5K Portable Charger: “At 6.2 ounces, it’s one of the lightest on the market. It’s smaller than a deck of cards and can deliver 20 watts to charge two devices at once via a USB-C port on either end,” Wired says.

Best Water Bottles

Here are some of the top water bottles you can buy to keep your beverages cold and flowing all summer long, including this Owala FreeSip style. Owala

Stay hydrated with these popular water bottles that keep your beverage cold during all your summer trips.

• Yeti Rambler Water Bottle (26 oz): “It keeps your water cold enough, but what makes it stand out is its amazing durability and drinkability. Plus, the Rambler is customizable, available in 14 colors and five sizes (12 ounce, 18 ounce, 26 ounce, 36 ounce and 46 ounce), and it’s even dishwasher-safe,” CNN says.
• Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle (24 oz): “The bottle’s handle is extremely sturdy. Though it’s close to the spout, it rotates down so it’s not in the way while drinking. It also features a hook that holds the bottle’s cap,” Good Housekeeping says.
• Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap (32 oz): “The open mouth and simple construction make the Hydro Flask easy to clean. We love the easy breezy flip-up straw cap. And with a comfortable finger carry loop, you barely need to lift a finger to tote it around,” GearLab says.

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Lightweight Underseat Carry-On Travel Tote, Overnight Weekender Bag, Men and Women, 18 inch

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Product details, about this item.

• This ultra lightweight, compact carry on tote is designed to fit under the seat of most major airlines.
• This bag has polyester fabric with stain resistant, water repellant duraguard coating and ergonomic, high tensile strength zipper pulls provide lasting durability. H20 Guard protects the interior lining from moisture.
• This carry on has a rear strap that allows secure stacking, while top carry handle and removable padded shoulder strap offer carrying options. Front flap, roomy interior and built in pockets keep contents organized and accessible.
• Case Dimensions: 11 in x 18 in x 8 in, Overall Dimensions: 11 in x 18 in x 8 in, Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Durable softside luggage backed by Limited Lifetime Coverage plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year. Applicable when purchased as new and after registration.

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 - Best Underseater Tote on the Market?

✅Jeremy's Reviews

Travel Pro Maxlite 5 Underseat - Luggage Review and Features

Travelpro Maxlite 5-Lightweight Underseat Carry-on Travel Tote Bag

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WATCH for my review - Liking this little carry-on!

Looking for specific info?

• Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 18.35 x 13.86 x 3.35 inches; 1.61 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 401170312
• Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ March 26, 2018
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Travelpro
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09TDZBT54
• #35 in Carry-On Luggage

Product Description

This grab-and-go tote is compact, stackable and extremely lightweight. The Maxlite 5 soft tote is the perfect under-seat carry on for personal essentials or a small all-in-one suitcase for short excursions. Organized travel is simplified with a quick-access front flap, roomy interior and built-in pockets for everything from electronics to accessories. Unobtrusive rear strap fits around the extension handle of a Rollaboard or spinner suitcase for secure stacking and hands-free mobility. This Fit to Fly carry-on spinner has been sizer been tested to accommodate overhead bin space on most major US airlines. Backed by Travelpro's Limited Lifetime Coverage plus a new and expanded "Trusted Companion Promise", which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year. Also, with our new Trusted Companion Promise, we will even reimburse shipping costs when you send your bag to us for warranty repair or replacement during that 1st year.

Customer reviews

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

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

Customers say

Customers like the size, organization, appearance and quality of the tote bag. For example, they mention it's roomy, easy to stay organized, nice looking and that the fabric is tough and water resistant. Some appreciate the straps on the side, back and that they can strap it over the telescopic luggage handle.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the size of the tote bag. They say it's roomy, provides a great deal of packing room, and holds a lot of stuff. Some mention that it fits in overhead or under seat. The bag is well-made and has nice compartments.

"...Its deep enough for my water bottle and thermos to sit upright, and I have several books, gel pens, and things to occupy my time while on a plane or..." Read more

"...The one exterior side pocket is a good size and easy to access, with gussets so things won't fall out-- I use it for chargers and small electronics...." Read more

"This is a great under the seat bag, that fits on top of the spinner easily . Great design and sturdily built!" Read more

"...The pockets keep important tings handy like your boarding pass, etc. I purchased this is the pink orchid to differentiate my luggage from others...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the tote bag. They mention it's well-made, sturdy enough to withstand years of hard travel, and the design and materials are really good. The fabric is tough and water resistant, making it perfect for an overnight bag or a personal item.

"...Dont put on yucky floor. However the fabric is tough and water resistant and stain resistant so it will be ok if you use good judgment...." Read more

"...Great design and sturdily built !" Read more

"...It is extremely lightweight yet durable ...." Read more

"This is the perfect overnight bag . Roomy and lots of exterior pockets that zip shut. Very sturdy and fits perfectly under the airline seat." Read more

Customers find the tote bag to be a great little bag for traveling and to use as a carry-on. They say it's well made and has a good design for easy travel. Some mention that the handles of the suitcase make it easy to transport throughout the airport. They also say it’s a perfect carry on for flights and tours, and a nice addition for domestic airline travel or for those who have serious luggage.

"...This is a great small duffle type bag ...." Read more

"...There is an interior mesh zip pocket , not sure what I will use it for but there it is...." Read more

"This is a great under the seat bag , that fits on top of the spinner easily. Great design and sturdily built!" Read more

"Perfect size, light in weight, simple design. Great for the traveling man on flights and tours." Read more

Customers like the weight of the tote bag. They say it holds a lot of stuff and is very lightweight. They also say it's small and rugged, and they have no problems carrying it around.

"...cosmetic bag...it holds it all and with still maintaining a light weight .I do have the travelpro luggage which I love...." Read more

"...of different underseat bags recently and this checks all the boxes-- lightweight , shoulder/cross-body strap, and the right size, not too big and not..." Read more

"...It is extremely lightweight yet durable...." Read more

"Perfect size, light in weight , simple design. Great for the traveling man on flights and tours." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the tote bag. They mention that it is great looking, durable, and has a simple design. Some appreciate the deep purple color and the pattern on the inside.

"...The most important feature for me was the inside open space design . Like an open concept feature...." Read more

"... Great design and sturdily built!" Read more

"Perfect size, light in weight, simple design . Great for the traveling man on flights and tours." Read more

"...Very well made with nice compartments. Quality bag and very nice looking too!" Read more

Customers like the zippers in the tote bag. They mention that the zipper pouches on the front hide in nicely and are hard to open or snag open by mistake. They also appreciate the high quality zippers and materials. They say the zipper moves well, and are heavy.

"...The side has a zippered part which is great for quick access to a fairly large pocket and the front has 2 zippered lengthwise pockets which is good..." Read more

"This is the perfect overnight bag. Roomy and lots of exterior pockets that zip shut . Very sturdy and fits perfectly under the airline seat." Read more

"...the top - the zipper opening is nice and big but the zipper tends to stick going around corners b/c the case has a flexible lid; a bit more rigidity..." Read more

"...The front pocket zippers hide in nicely and are hard to open or snag open by mistake...." Read more

Customers find the organization of the tote bag to be easy. They mention that it has plenty of organization, and everything is easily accessible. They also appreciate the rollaboard handle and the zippered part which is great for quick access. Customers also mention that the bag is useful for travel and that it can easily fit a simple change of clothes.

"...The one exterior side pocket is a good size and easy to access , with gussets so things won't fall out-- I use it for chargers and small electronics...." Read more

"...a great deal of packing room for its size and the main compartment is easy to access , even when the bag is still partially pushed under an airplane..." Read more

"Sturdy, roomy, and stylish. Perfect for under seat. Much easier to access contents than other bags not made just for this purpose." Read more

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Watch CBS News

The new Outdoor Rolling Duffle from Away is the perfect companion for your extended vacation

By Brittany Vincent

May 14, 2024 / 6:47 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Have you planned a summer vacation yet? Make the season count by taking an extended trip this year. 

Wherever you roam this year on summer vacation, you're going to need some reliable luggage to take with you. If you're looking for a rugged bag that's big enough to take on a lengthy trip, you should consider  Away's  new 85L  Outdoor Rolling Duffle .

As part of Away's expanded Outdoor Collection , meant to take you anywhere under the sun, this wheeled duffle is a great option for traveling with whatever gear you'll need on your adventures this summer. It's made from recycled, water- and abrasion-resistant materials to keep your gear safe no matter what the elements have in mind. Super packable, easy to carry and available in multiple colors, this might be your new favorite carry-on. It's available at Away, starting today. 

Away Outdoor Rolling Duffle: $395

Away's latest luggage option, the Outdoor Rolling Duffle, is perfect for any summer excursion. This large rolling duffel bag is designed for longer trips where you need to pack bulky gear for outdoor activities. The included compression straps make it easy to fit even more clothes and gear inside.

This duffle is an addition to Away's Outdoor Collection, made for anyone who loves to travel while appreciating the beauty of nature. This duffle and the brand's other companion pieces focus on function and durability when used outdoors (or anywhere your travels take you).

This 85L capacity bag is built tough to handle any destination. It's composed of recycled, abrasion-resistant materials to withstand the elements, so come rain, sleet and shine, your things are safe and protected -- and your bag will be fine, too.

It has oversized all-terrain wheels and grab handles to make hauling it as easy as wheeling around a hard-side bag in an airport. You can prop it up with a kickstand while you're waiting around for the plane to board.

This rugged yet sleek roller bag represents some of the best of what Away has to offer. It's durable and rugged while sleek and polished at the same time, making for a very attractive bag. This summer, it can be your ultimate travel companion no matter where you buy a ticket to. It's your excuse to see the world while bringing a small part of yours with you. 

Pick yours up now in jet black, forest green and navy blue at Away. 

More of the best luggage options in 2024

Looking for more options for your next vacation ? The travel experts at CBS Essentials has you covered with our roundups of the best luggage in 2024, including the  best hardsided polycarbonate luggage , the  best aluminum luggage  (including our readers' favorite pick, Rimowa ), the best carry-on luggage , the best checked bags, the best luggage for family and more, all available to read on our luggage page .

And don't forget to keep your luggage safe with Apple AirTags trackers and TSA-approved locking luggage .

Brittany Vincent has been covering gaming, tech, and all things entertainment for 16 years for a variety of online and print publications. She's been covering the commerce space for nearly a decade. Follow her on Twitter at @MolotovCupcake.

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