Reviewed by our bags Geeks:
20 Best Duffel Bags in 2021
Our experts at work
We gave our Gear lovers one job:
Test 38 different Duffel Bags and write reviews of the best.
The result is 20 of the best Duffel Bags on the market today.
Anastasia Hamurari
Travel and Gear Writer
An ambitious writer with a thirst for content creation through storytelling.
Torben Lonne
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Torben is a dive nut, with a passion for traveling and gear.
You need a durable Duffel Bag, that has the right size and that will last you many years.
A Duffel bag that meets your needs, whether it’s being waterproof, has shoulder straps, wheels, or can pack for a whole month. In this guide, you’ll find a Duffle Bag that fits your needs.
A duffle bag is a great alternative to a Trolly or a Travel Backpack, as it’s lightweight and will pack a lot of things.
Is it an expedition you are venturing on next Sunday? Or is it a family trip to a country house? Regardless of the final destination, you will likely need a roomy bag that is easy to carry and stuff with items, and that also looks aesthetically pleasing.
In this case, duffel bags are the way to go.
Top 10 Best Duffel Bags In 2021
See our quick top 10, or go further down and read our in-depth reviews.
- Patagonia Black Hole 55 Duffel Bag
- Samsonite Luggage Andante Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag
- Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle 55L Bag
- REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel 100L Bag
- Backcountry All-Around 60L
- Marmot Long Hauler Duffel Bag
- NIKE Brasilia Training Duffel
- Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60
- Olympia Luggage 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag
- SealLine WideMouth Waterproof Duffle 80
Still unsure as to what duffel bag to choose? We have answered the most popular questions about the bags in the last section of the guide.
More Fun Outside
Get more Outdoor fun in this series: Duffel Bags, Dry Bags, Hiking Backpacks, Waterproof Backpacks, Waterproof Watches, Waterproof Cameras, Waterproof Jacket, Windbreaker Jackets, Life Jackets, Selfie Sticks & much more.
You can find below the detailed guide we have assembled for you to analyze and use when opting for one or the other duffle bag.
We suggest you take into account the weather conditions along with the design features you find to be essential for a duffle bag to have before purchasing one. This way you will be able to pick the right one and your adventure will be bound to be memorable and stress-free.
This item right here fully lives up to its name – the number of things it can hold seems to be infinite. Perhaps the reason why it is preferred by so many people lies in the fact that it is made from a 100% recyclable material. Although this is not news in the 21st century, it is still considered to be a rare find – especially since the bag still retains a premium quality and has a wide array of colors. The sturdy built is proved by the 900-denier Ripstop Nylon that incorporates a Durable Water Repellent coating. Your duffel bag will keep the moisture away even if it’s raining cats and dogs. There are also removable straps and a few various ways to grab the bag with the help of webbing loops or haul handles. The main point is that the brand didn’t compromise comfort features to create an all-around tool for you to carry to sports events and travel trips alike. Designed with outdoor expeditions in mind, North Face definitely put a lot of attention to detail into the Base Camp duffel, a line of bags that have been around for a while now but keeps improving through the years. The Base Camp comes in XS (31L), Small (50L), Medium (71L), Large (95L) and XLarge (132L). The simple cylindrical design and minimal trims give this bag a classic look that will never go out of style. The thick nylon material takes a while to get used to since it’s quite hard to expand, but this also means that your duffel will be strong and durable. The wide entrance allows you to access every inch of your bag making packing and retrieving items from your bag easier than ever. The main compartment is large and spacious allowing you to pack everything you may need during your trip. We in continental America live in a bit of a vacuum of influence when it comes to our outdoor equipment. Occasionally, I’ll have the chance to take a look at gear from European manufacturers- in this case it’s Jack Wolfskin’s 65L Expedition Trunk, a sensibly priced alternative to “adventure duffles” employed by travelers and explorers alike. This heavy-hitting German retailer has one foot in the outdoor sporting world and another in urban “athleisure” wear. A closer look at the trunk reveals it’s firmly rooted in this dichotomy- taking aim somewhere between an overbuilt gear bag and a versatile valise. For a weekend at the cabin or living out of it for weeks at a time, the duffle certainly merits further investigation. When we first look at the Osprey Transporter, its compact pack size and footprint is the first thing that catches your eye. This allows you to easily store this 65 liter duffel bag inside another bag when you need an extra one later on in your trip, or for easy storage once you’re back home. But the Osprey name is evident in its functional performance and innovation and that’s why one would pay for it. It opens up like a duffle bag but can also be easily transformed into a backpack when you need your hands free. For many, that makes it a good sports bag. But this bag is also ideal to transport photo gear, climbing equipment, or general travel gear. Think fishing, rafting, and hiking in the harsh snowy weather – these are the scenarios your duffel bag from YETI will be most useful in. Originally focusing on issuing coolers, the brand made a few steps ahead and released a duffel bag that has the best of both worlds. People from across the globe pick this model over others due to the bag’s ability to withstand the heaviest of the rainfalls and the roughest storms. Designed with this in mind, Panga 75 incorporates a highly-dense and laminated Nylon shell along with the two easily accessible mesh pockets for your valuables to be stored in a dry and safe space. The bag’s EVA molded bottom and the zippered spans are the finishing touches that seal the waterproofness factor and give you peace of mind when nature starts to act up. When your family asks you to bring several items of food and clothes on your next visit to their countryside, this rolling duffel bag by Samsonite might just be that much-needed addition to your wardrobe. The brand is reputable enough for you to make a choice in its favor as it is, but if you need more conviction – read on. The bag is not only lightweight but is also suitable for the plane and car rides due to its compact design. Moreover, the large opening on the top makes it easy to open and grab a thing or two from it when on the go. We know your kid will ask you for a blanket when it gets too cold in the car during the night, and that’s when the easily accessible opening comes in handy. The SoftSpin wheels will hardly bring any discomfort to your trip as they are durable enough to withstand the harshest of the grounds. This ultra-light number became a sensation on the duffel bag market with its 1 pound and 5 ounces of weight. We can’t blame it – who doesn’t want to stuff their bag to the max and not feel overwhelmed when carrying it to his next backcountry getaway? And, when an almost unheard-of level of waterproofness comes into play, it becomes even harder to say no to it. In spite of the fact that it does not have a definite shape to it and the straps are not padded, it is built from the highly durable N400r-AC nylon material that is made to last you many seasons. The brand is known to incorporate into its products innovative technologies, which resulted in this bag acquiring the Advanced Composite Construction – the novelty that is meant to have taped seams and a water-tight zipper. This provides additional protection and puts the bag on an equal basis with its alternatives. Here is a fashion item that is stylish, practical and long-lasting if taken care of properly. This is a breath of fresh air in the market of sporty duffel bags that tend to cater to the male audience for the most part. We have to give credit to Longchamp that is known for its unbeatable quality and durability – the brand has earned a great reputation over the decades. This has enabled them to create a bag that is constructed from the water-resistant Neylon, has in store an adjustable and removable shoulder strap and a double handle. Unlike other duffel bags, it can take three different forms – pouched (the smallest), zipped (the medium-sized), and unzipped (the biggest). This means that you can stuff it with a lot of stuff one day, and with fewer items the other day without having to opt for a different bag. There is hardly anything to pick on – this bag seems to be too good to be true. Why would you opt for this model? It is a great option for those who are looking for a sturdy hauler but are willing to stay on a budget. Don’t assume that its low price negates its functionality – rather, it has got all the essential features you might think of. This Roadtripper has a large removable shoulder strap along with two handles, outside zippered pocket, and daisy chains that are useful for strapping a jacket onto them. It can also be distinguished by its low weight and a water-resistant Cordura fabric. You are also able to stuff it into its own pocket. This gives you an enticing opportunity to store it in your carry-on and pull it out when coming back home with souvenirs for your friends and family. The Impulse Travel Backpack slash Duffel bag has an interesting concept – it easily transforms into a backpack and fits as much stuff as a carry-on does. You can take it with you on a plane, on a train or in a car regardless of how long your trip is. It will fit perfectly in the overhead or under-the-seat compartments thanks to its compact shape. You will grow to appreciate its ‘zip-up shoe pouches at each side that make the bag’s shape unique. You will also come to love the interior compression straps along with the inside padded pocket that fits your laptop just fine. A nice bonus – it will look fancy throughout its entire life cycle thanks to its wipeable material. With a waterproof bottom that protects your gear from getting wet and easy-to-grab handles, you are presented with an item that is convenient to carry around. Give it a try if this sounds like something you would gravitate towards. The Marmot Long Hauler is a durable yet lightweight duffel that features all the storage and carrying options that we look for in a duffel like this. It’s a reliable and simple workhorse that we expect from these products and the Long Hauler has been around for a while too. Though the shoulder straps aren’t comfortable enough to go on a three-day hike–typical of duffel bags with backpack straps–it has the functionality you need for transiting to airport, as gym bags, or a simple gear bag. The versatility and price tag of this bag are definitely a few of the things that make us excited about this bag. We reviewed the extra large model, with 105 liters. If you’re looking for a duffel that’s a bit more durable and versatile, you won’t go wrong. Keep reading. It is possible to do it in style with a Colombian duffel bag from Kenneth Cole. These types of bags are called ‘weekenders’ as they are perfect for a weekend getaway. But that’s not the only purpose they have – a trip to the gym or to a nearby country can be accompanied by this model too. It has got everything you would ever need for a comfortable adventure – removable shoulder strap, D-shaped opening, four external pockets, and smooth zippers. The material of this bag is also quite envious since the genuine leather exterior and a Polyester lining are of the highest quality. The manufacturer didn’t mention anything about the waterproofness, but we can deduce that its fabric will contribute to the moisture to be kept away. And, the unexpected showers can be survived due to the built-in feet at the bottom that leave a space between your clean bag and the filthy ground. If you are in the market for luggage on wheels that can be used for business trips, a gear bag, or carry-on luggage look no further than the Rolling Thunder by The North Face. This rolling duffel bag is lightweight, easy to transport, and offers great mobility and it will appeal to both business city hoppers as well as skaters alike. Made with durable material, a reinforced back and strong wheels you will be able to bring all the travel gear you need for your trip. Long gone are the days where you had to carry your luggage weight on your shoulders, simply roll your duffel through airport security and the paved streets of your next dream destination. This relatively small duffel surprisingly fits a lot of stuff for any of your hikes, runs or other sport-related activities. Your gear, gym clothes, and valuables like electronics are bound to stay safe and dry inside this bag. This is due to the Polyester fabric that is extremely easy to clean with only a few wipes that make the bag look brand new after every clean. As for the extras, there are dual handles and the removable padded shoulder straps that allow you to carry it with no trouble. The main compartment consists of a big space for a quick grab and hanging pockets for accessing some small articles. If you are in the market for a compact bag that fits all the essentials and does not look massive – this is your best bet. We had to include this solid duffel from Thule – the brand that is a beginner in the travel accessory industry and a popular company in the biking department. Its background has enabled it to smoothly enter the travel gear field and earn a good reputation with the help of the Chasm type of bags. This model is made to last – the waterproof laminated material and a 1000-denier Nylon foundation act wonderfully together to ensure the long lastingness. It has got a wide D-shaped opening for organizing your items neatly and efficiently, and compression straps for keeping your stuff secure. A unique detail to this bag is presented by the two hand and shoulder straps that transform the bag into a backpack. This gives you the opportunity to transfer the weight from your tired arms to your shoulders and thus get through the rest of the trip just fine. Pick the most appropriate size and enjoy your mid-week excursion to the nearby town to the fullest. If you are looking for a cost-effective duffel bag with a few organization features, the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler is for you. This extremely lightweight bag took everything we want from a duffel into consideration from being extra durable, having a few pockets and compartments, having water repellent fabric, side grab handles to removable backpack straps they have got you covered. The Rugged Twill Duffel in the medium size is just what the doctor ordered for the weekend of skipping the rocks or apple picking. As the name suggests, it is made from the water-resistant Rugged Twill and Bridle leather – the materials that are often used for items to be durable. The country style is made to look tasteful but also minimalistic enough to satisfy every picky duffel bag wearer. It will even satisfy the airport staff who is checking you in for the flight on your way to visit the family. The security is backed by the solid brass zippers with storm flaps – an essential element to a water-resistant accessory that stores all your stuff. To carry the bag freely with no extra effort, use the adjustable and removable shoulder strap. You will hardly ever get tired from carrying it, however, as the leather straps are wrapped around the entire body of the bag to support your heavy load to the maximum. This premium item is not in everyone’s budget, but if it is in yours – be sure to give a glance. It is a giant from every standpoint – its capacity is the whooping 140 liters, its bottom is ⅛ inches long, and its vast pockets are located on both of the sides. This is definitely not your typical duffel bag, but it has a lot to offer to someone in search of a lightweight yet tough and waterproof accessory for a week or month-long expedition to the Everest or to the nearby country. Undoubtedly, this model is one of the biggest duffel bags on the current market, meaning that it is able to fit your entire wardrobe without looking bulky or too over-the-top. It will probably not be your best companion for when you want to wear it on your back as there are no shoulder straps. But it will make a good partner for those trips to the places where the temperature drops and rises during the different times of the day, and you need all your winter and summer clothes. This bag does look old school but isn’t that the ultimate guarantee of sturdiness and longevity? We are confident in that. This luggage rolling bag with 8 pockets is surprisingly lightweight at only 4.9 pounds, which allows you to stuff it to the maximum. Furthermore, the vast amount of pockets permits you to store valuables like keys, wallets, and electronics without worrying about breaking them. The custom zipper pulls are also there ensure the ultimate security when traveling. This duffel seems to have an infinite amount of storage – thanks to the extra-large D-shaped opening at the top of it. Carry it through the airport or the train station with the built-in handle that is easily retractable and hideable. Here is the dupe for the pricey YETI Panga duffel bag that is twice as expensive as the WideMouth model. Made from the rugged scrim-reinforced Vinyl, this item is as waterproof as it can be. The dry seal roll top-closure along with the shoulder straps and D-rings ensures that the bag is secure and durable. It is able to accommodate a load of substantial sizes without making it heavy for you to carry. The opening is quite extensive, whereas the external pocket is big enough to fit your essentials. Who wants to be searching for keys in the vast open space when it’s pouring outside? Not us (and definitely not you). The WorldMouth is a nice option for those not willing to splurge on the expensive YETI but determined to purchase a universal bag that would keep their stuff dry. If you are on a budget, this Backcountry all-around duffel should be on your list of considerations. The reasons for it are plenty: from the hard-wearing trap that prolongs the life of the bag to the padded shoulder for transforming it into the backpack to the compression straps and gear loops that supply you with that much-needed convenience. There is even a waterproof compartment that stores your wet clothes apart from the dry ones – every single organizational detail is well-thought-out. You can easily cruize through the airport in search of your gate with your hands free from the additional weight. The same applies to you strolling through Times Square with the tourist flow increasing as you move. All things considered, this number combines the great quality and a reasonable price – the duo the die-hard adventurers won’t be able to resist. Duffel bags were originally designed to give you the possibility to carry your gym gear and travel-related items in one safe and secure place. They were also used utilized for storing the same pieces in a dust-free and moisture-free place. As more and more brands started releasing their versions of duffel bags, their purpose became more diverse than ever. Rock-climbing amateurs along with avid world travelers and extreme sports fanatics started purchasing a duffel bag that would meet their particular needs. Nowadays they are the go-to accessory that every other person has in their wardrobe regardless of the leisure activity he or she dives in every now and again. This means that you will certainly find the right model of the duffel bag from the 20 items we reviewed in this guide. Take into consideration factors like purpose, size, features, and price, and you will be able to narrow down your list to just one model that fits your requirements the best. As you would assume, there are pros and cons to both of the options as there is not one universal bag that will meet everyone’s needs. When choosing which one to opt for, take into account the factors we mentioned in the previous answer. Generally speaking, rolling duffels are great for those who are mostly traveling by plane and do not mind rolling their bags everywhere they go. They don’t like carrying their bags on their backs and they simply wouldn’t be able to due to the lack of the backpack straps that the non-rolling duffels, on the contrary, do have. Additionally, keep in mind that the cheaper rolling bags have the tendency to fall over when they are filled to the brim. And, if you don’t mind the maintenance costs that might appear as the result of some malfunctions with wheels or other small parts, then, by all means, go for the rolling duffel bag. If, however, you will be backpacking through Southeast Asia, non-rolling duffels will be the best option for you. They are quick and easy to throw on and carry around without having to worry about the different surfaces you might stumble upon throughout your adventure. The non-rolling duffels are also typically more lightweight, which is worth considering as well. The numbers standing next to the word ‘Denier’ are commonly used to showcase the durability of the item from the material’s point of view. The higher the number is, the more long-lasting the duffel bag (in our case) is. It is essential to remember that deniers of the same value may still vary in quality depending on the type of the used fabric. But that is a good measure to look out for when choosing one bag from the big crowd of bags. Don’t be alarmed by the two values the denier some manufacturers can mention for some particular bags. Usually, the higher one refers to the bottom part of the bag’s fabric, whereas the lower one refers to the top part of the bag’s fabric. When venturing out to your next adventure, the number one thought that comes to your mind is ‘How do I efficiently pack my duffel bag?’ Since you will be packing a substantial amount of your belongings in one space, it is crucial to organize them in a specific way that will make the grabbing of the items easy and quick while also keeping them neat and clean. Here is the blueprint you are looking for: If you already have a Duffel Bag or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it. Duffel bags have become the ‘go-to’ for many travelers, hikers, and sports enthusiasts over the last few decades – they are comfortable to carry, weigh less than Hiking Bags, and are affordable. This prompted us to create a duffel bag guide that comprises the best items available on the market. Check out our top choice duffel bags: Read full reviews of each duffel bag on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above. While there are dozens of duffel bags out there, the standard size of the duffel that suits most people’s needs is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The Marmot Long Hauler Duffel Bag is 25 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches. Surely, there are rolling duffels that are bigger than that and athletic duffels that tend to be smaller, so rest assured you will find the duffel bag of the dimensions that will meet your specific criteria. Check out our guide for Duffel Bags in all Sizes and shapes. Unless you are bringing with you multiple pieces of bulky equipment, duffel bags are almost always the better alternative to a suitcase. Duffel bags don’t weigh a lot, they are quick to pack and easy to transport. It is basically the most practical type of bag you could ever invest in. Thankfully, there are countless duffel bags options on the market, which means you can find the one that will meet the onboard requirements. Before purchasing a duffel bag for traveling purposes, make sure to check the airlines’ requirements so that you are not stuck with a bag that is too large to pass as a carry-on. The beauty of duffel bags hides in the fact that a vast majority of them can be worn in several different ways. One of them, you guessed it, is on your back. Click on these duffel bag backpacks we found to be the best in this category: If the Duffle Backpack doesn’t fit your needs, you can check out the Hiking Backpacks, Travel Backpacks or Waterproof Backpacks. 
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Questions & Answers:
1. Why do I need a duffel bag?
2. Should I pick the rolling or the non-rolling type of a duffel bag?
3. What is Denier and what is the meaning behind these numbers?
4. How to pack a duffel bag?
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Duffel Bags
The Osprey Transporter is 24 x 14 x 13 inches.
The North Face Rolling Thunder is 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches
3 Comments
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Ever heard of Bad Bags???
Hi Steve,
Yes, but we’ve not tested their line of duffel bags.
Hi, I have bought the NIKE Brasilia Training Duffel bag and it had good stitching, material quality but without waterproof