20 Best Duffel Bags in 2023 | Tested by Travelers

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, the North Face duffel bag is a line of bags that have been around for a while now but keeps improving through the years.

Appropriately called Base Camp, this duffel series 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.

Stubble & Co has been making some interesting bags defined by function and form. The Weekender is the company’s premium travel bag designed to accommodate overnight getaways and weekend-long business trips. Its dimensions make it a carry-on that will fit in the overhead compartment of a plane and its design will appeal to travelers that might want something a little more elegant.

This “Designed in London” duffel will immediately appeal to those traveling with a trolley bag. It has both a laptop sleeve and a trolley sleeve for a complete, carry-on-only setup.

But after getting to know this bag, it seems designed for something a little more too.

Its water-resistant canvas material with a hardened body extends the bag’s area of use as far as glamping. Depending on the gym or country club, it will also do well as a sports bag too.

There are some nice features on this 40-liter weekender bag–typical of the British company’s small, but adroit lineup of bags.

After using this bag for camping, sailing and a weekend trip to the lake, our review measures the success of this travel bags’ intention against our expectations and actual experience.

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.