Herschel Duffel Bag - Review 2023

Overview

With a volume of 33 liters and several color variations, the mid-volume Herschel Novel Duffle is a stylish bag for a casual weekend adventure or regular training at the gym. It has a spacious main compartment with a seamed, water-resistant zipper, so you can pack clothes and other gear for two or three days.

Thanks to the separate shoe pocket, you can isolate your footwear or dirty clothes from the rest of your stuff. However, other than this shoe compartment, this bag doesn’t have any other smaller pockets to organize your things.

You can carry this weekender bag in two ways: using the grab handles or the removable shoulder strap. Some variations have leather grab handles. Meanwhile, the shoulder strap is padded for comfortable carrying. That also has its benefits for athletes training multiple sports. Using it for karate, as we did, won’t weigh the bag down as much as for playing some b-ball.

Material

This bag is available in various designs, so the materials also vary. For most styles, it has a polyester exterior. Some variations have polyester handles, while some have faux leather handles.

Regardless of what materials make up each variation of the Herschel Novel Duffle, Herschel is known for its products’ premium quality and sturdy construction. The fabric and lining are pretty sturdy and can last for years.

This bag is firm and can stand on its own even if it is empty. Whether or not it is stuffed all the way to the top, its shape holds up well.

The signature striped lining is not only clean and stylish but also functional. It helps protect the bag’s exterior.

While the Standard size Herschel Novel Duffle isn’t 100% waterproof, the main compartment’s two-way zipper is. The waterproof zipper helps keep your stuff inside dry when you are out in the rain. However, the shoe compartment’s zipper isn’t waterproof.

Be mindful not to stuff this bag all the way to the top. Otherwise, you might need to force the zippers to close. Doing so may eventually lead to the zippers failing or breaking.

If you got a variation with leather handles, note that the material can peel off or look worn out over time.

Style

We can’t deny that the Herschel Novel Duffle is very fashionable, especially with the 18 variations available. The designs don’t fade easily over time, which is vital if you use your bag frequently.

Whether you like minimalist styles like the Black/Black variation or more vibrant designs like the Sunflower Field option, this duffel bag has you covered. The brand’s attractive trademark design is also one of its best selling points.

Volume

This weekender bag is of decent size and capacity; it is not that huge, yet it is not that small. It is good enough for a two-day or three-day trip, depending on how lightly or heavily you pack. You can have all your clothes and toiletries in one place.

Given its volume, the Standard size Herschel Novel Duffle can serve as a carry-on like the Osprey TRANSPORTER DUFFEL 65. It fits in the overhead bin. For day trips and overnights, it may be too large.

Functionality

With its size and capacity, this duffel bag is suitable for quick weekend getaways. Nonetheless, it can also serve gym-goers and athletes well. You won’t have trouble stuffing it in most lockers.

The separate shoe compartment is one of the best features of this bag. It lets you isolate your footwear from your clothes and personal belongings, preventing odor buildup. If you are training or going to the gym, you will appreciate this feature.

You can access the Standard size Herschel Novel Duffle’s shoe pocket from the side. So, you can get your footwear quickly without going through the main compartment. It can slightly bulge outwards, allowing you to maximize storage capacity.

Alternatively, you can use the side shoe pocket to store your wet or dirty clothes. Generally, you can use it for anything you don’t want to mix with your clean stuff.

The problem with this duffel bag is that it lacks compartments, so keeping things organized is challenging. Sure, the main pocket is spacious and has a mesh sleeve. However, the sleeve is not that helpful unless you have a tablet or small laptop.

The Standard size Herschel Novel Duffle has no external pockets, so you won’t be able to store and reach for your keys or wallet quickly. If you have a water bottle or umbrella, you have no choice but to keep them in the main compartment.

If you are particular about keeping your stuff organized inside your bag, you might need to get smaller bag organizers or packing cubes. You can also consider other travel bags with many pockets, such as the following:

• Marmot Unisex Extra-Large Long Hauler Travel Duffel Bag
• The North Face Rolling Thunder—22″

Handling

Most duffel bags have carry handles and shoulder straps. This Herschel bag is no different.

You can carry the Herschel Novel Duffle by grabbing the handles. If it is too heavy, you can use the removable shoulder strap. This strap is wide and padded enough, making it easy for you to travel with your bag.

The issue with the shoulder strap is that the clips are made of cheap plastic. You will hear loud, squeaky sounds as you walk because of the clips rubbing against each other. If you get annoyed easily, you might opt to carry this weekender bag by the grab handles which could be a problem if it is at maximum capacity or too heavy.

Conclusion

This bag is an excellent choice for everyone who likes fashionable yet functional gear. Surely, at least one out of the 18 designs can define your personal style.

The Standard size Herschel Novel Duffle only has one main compartment with a small internal sleeve and a separate shoe compartment. It is good enough for you if you don’t mind keeping all your clothes, toiletries, and other valuables in one giant pocket. However, it is not the best choice if you like keeping things compartmentalized to stay organized.

Some would say this duffel bag is overhyped and overpriced, but it is pretty valuable because of its solid and long-lasting construction and good aesthetics. If you need a nice looking, mid-sized weekender that you can take to your quick getaways or the gym, you won’t go wrong with this one.