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“Have you ever tried wheeling a suitcase down a mountain or strapping it to the front of a sailboat? It’s not practical,” says Canadian travel and adventure photographer Emmett Sparling. If you’re zipping through airport terminals or going from airport to hotel via city streets, a wheeled suitcase can be convenient. But if your travel taste veers toward rugged adventure, a durable duffel bag is non-negotiable.
“Duffels are adaptable. They fit into tight spaces and can be strapped onto just about anything,” notes Sparling. “My shoots often take me through multiple climates and terrains, so I need to be prepared for any scenario. I also prefer bags that can double as backpacks, which helps when I’m moving through unpredictable environments.”
Trips such as safaris that incorporate bush flights require soft-sided luggage. Other remote locales involve transportation that would make hard-shell luggage with wheels and stiff handles impractical. “On some of our trips, our bags are transported out in the open, such as in the back of a truck, on a fishing boat, or by mule,” says Bethany Betzler, founder of U.S.-based ecotourism company Hinoki Travels. “It’s important to at least have a water-resistant exterior and construction that is durable enough to withstand a bit of bumping around.”
Wherever you’re traveling, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best travel duffel bags. Based on expert advice, extensive online research, and personal experience as travel journalists, we’ve determined that the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L will suit most travelers because of its versatility and material. Here are all of our favorites.
Overall, the best duffel bags should be durable and have some kind of weatherproofing. Since they’re meant to be carried, duffel bags should also have comfortable straps and/or offer handle versatility. Below, we distill the pros and cons of the top travel duffel bags so you can determine the best style for your needs.
Best travel duffel bag overall: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L
Why we like it: “The Patagonia Black Hole duffel is my tried-and-true for shorter or more rugged trips, such as our Greenland expedition,” says Betzler. “It has a durable, weather-resistant exterior and attachable padded shoulder straps so it can comfortably be worn as a backpack.”
This carry-on size duffel bag is ideal for trips where size restrictions limit what you can bring and works equally as well as a weekender. Not only is the material durable and weather-resistant but it’s also 100-percent recycled, according to the brand. The design is convertible and ergonomic, and details such as a padded base, exterior daisy chains to store items like trekking poles, and a pack-away pocket for when it’s not in use make this our top choice.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers say the recycled fabric in the bag’s newest iteration isn’t quite as robust as in the past.
Product details: Material: 100-percent recycled polyester ripstop with a matte, recycled TPU-film laminate | Weather protection: Weather- and abrasion-resistant | Sizes: 40L, 55L, 70L, 100L | Colors: Black, Smolder Blue, Fitz/Ink Black, Seabird Grey, Endless Blue, Dulse Mauve
Best duffel bag for international travel: Cotopaxi Allpa 50L Duffel
Why we like it: The durability and ergonomic design, as well as ample space and organization make the Cotopaxi Allpa 50L the best duffel for holding up on longer international trips. With lightweight fabric made from recycled materials, this duffel is designed to withstand wear and tear.
With its large main interior compartment, interior and exterior pockets, daisy chains for clipping in carabiners or trekking poles, and bottom compartment to store dirty clothes, this bag can handle a few weeks on the road and keep you organized. The duffel was also built for comfort and ease of use, with removable backpack harness and duffel straps, as well as grab handles on both ends.
Keep in mind: While this style is compact and lightweight, it’s over the carry-on size limit for most major airlines. It can handle some light rain, but it’s not designed to be weather-resistant.
Product details: Material: 100-percent recycled TPU-coated and ripstop nylon exterior; 100-percent recycled ripstop polyester interior | Weather protection: Not water-resistant but durable | Sizes: 50L | Colors: Fatigue/Woods, Blue Spruce/Abyss, Cotopaxi Black, Smoke/Cinder
(These weekenders have plenty of room for a quick getaway)
Best large travel duffel bag: Dakine Split Roller Bag 110L
Why we like it: Longer periods on the road often mean packing for different climates and occasions. When faced with a lengthier packing list or trying to squeeze in bulky items like winter boots, a roomy duffel bag like Dakine’s Split Roller Bag 100L is ideal. The split-level design can be laid flat to access two large main compartments, as well as mesh dividers and quick-access exterior pockets.
Along with standard gray and black, this bag also comes in several vibrant patterns, making it easy to pick out on the luggage carousel. Durable, reinforced wheels mean you can pull this bag along over uneven terrain.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers note a lack of interior compression straps and that the exterior fabric itself could be a bit heftier. This bag isn’t weather-resistant.
Product details: Material: 100-percent recycled polyester Weather protection: Not water-resistant | Sizes: 110L | Colors: Black, Rubber, Carbon, Night Skyline, Waterfall, Wailea
Best small travel duffel bag: Away The Outdoor Duffel 40L
Why we like it: This minimalist duffel bag fits easily in an airplane overhead bin. While the style has less structure and built-in storage and organization, the main compartment is deceivingly roomy for a 40L bag. Although the softer exterior fabric isn’t as robust as some other bags, it resists scuffs, the upper portion is water-resistant and easily wipeable, and the base panel is made from a high-quality, tightly woven material that can withstand wear and tear.
Because it’s a bit less structured, this bag also folds down easily, which makes for easy storage or a good choice for bringing on as an extra bag that you can check on your return journey. A detachable crossbody strap is convenient for staying hands-free when you’re juggling your passport and coffee at the airport.
Keep in mind: Although we love the crossbody strap, all the straps on this bag could be reinforced or padded to make them more comfortable.
Product details: Material: Sustainably sourced (according to brand), 100-percent recycled water- and abrasion-resistant fabric | Weather protection: Water-resistant | Sizes: 40L, 55L, 70L | Colors: Jet Black, Navy Blue, Forest Green
(Pilots and flight attendants tell us all about their favorite luggage)
Best travel duffel bag carry-on: No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-On Duffel
Why we like it: This duffel bag is touted as a family-friendly option, and while it’s ideal for staying organized on the go with young children in tow, it works just as well for any traveler who appreciates smart design and plenty of built-in storage.
The duffel comes with a removable packing organizer that works in lieu of packing cubes and can be reconfigured with every trip. We love that there are lots of ways to carry it: as a backpack, using the top handles, a shoulder strap, and grab handles. Anyone who has carried a bag through multiple legs of a trip or long airport transfers knows what a relief it is to switch carrying positions.
There are also ample exterior and interior pockets and add-on hanging straps to use on the back of a hotel room door. The recycled exterior fabric is water-resistant, and the dimensions fit most carry-on size requirements.
Keep in mind: The soft, yet structured exterior offers durability and feels good in the hand, but some travelers might find it makes for a heavier bag overall.
Product details: Material: 100-percent recycled polyester | Weather protection: Water-resistant | Sizes: 42L | Colors: Jet Black, Olive
Best travel duffel bag for women: Finisterre Nautilus 45L Duffle Bag
Why we like it: This convertible style can be carried by its top handles or worn as a backpack. It also has the right amount of structure, softness, and comfort. For a 45L carrying capacity, the large main compartment with compression strap fits a ton; you may be able to get away with taking it on board a major airline. Multiple zippered interior and exterior pockets—including a padded laptop sleeve—keep essentials organized and within easy reach.
The bag is made with a durable, water-repellent fabric and a water-based, waxed finish, plus waterproof zippers to withstand whatever is in store on your journey.
Keep in mind: This may be beyond the carry-on size limit for smaller airlines.
Product details: Material: 100-percent recycled nylon ripstop fabric | Weather protection: Durable, water-repellent finish | Sizes: 45L| Colors: Black
(Yes, you can travel overseas with just a carry-on. Here’s how.)
Best travel duffel bag for men: Db Roamer Duffel 60L
Why we like it: “I’ve been using my Db duffel for eight years, and it’s been with me everywhere—from trekking through the Himalayas to sailing in French Polynesia and camping in East Greenland,” says Sparling. “I love it because it doubles as a backpack when needed, is made from super-thick, water-resistant fabric, and has heavy-duty zippers that can handle serious wear and tear.”
“Another small but important detail is the oversized zipper toggles—they make it so much easier to open and close the bag when I’m wearing gloves. You really notice when they’re missing,” says Sparling.” This duffel also boasts ample pockets for keeping essentials organized.
Keep in mind: While the nylon material can withstand some light rain, it wasn’t made to be water-resistant.
Product details: Material: 100-percent nylon body and 100-percent polyester lining | Weather protection: Not water-repellent | Sizes: 40L, 60L | Colors: Black Out, Blue Hour, Chris Burkard, Falu Red, Parhelion Orange, White Out
Best travel duffel bag with wheels: Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 70L
Why we like it: “I use Patagonia’s 70L wheeled duffel for longer trips, and love that it looks as at home in big cities as much as it does in the remote mountains,” says Betzler. “It has a durable, weather-resistant exterior and tough wheels that hold up well against cobblestones and uneven terrain.”
This spacious duffel comes with an external top pocket that’s convenient to access when you’re rolling it, and interior pockets to keep small items secure. There are back-up axles for on-the-go repairs—extra handy for rugged destinations. We appreciate that the company says the fabric is sustainably made, 100-percent recycled, and weather resistant.
Keep in mind: Backpack straps would have been a thoughtful addition, but you’ll have to carry or wheel this one.
Product details: Material: 100-percent recycled polyester ripstop with a matte, recycled TPU-film laminate | Weather protection: Weather- and abrasion-resistant | Sizes: 40L, 70L, 100L | Colors: Black, Smolder Blue, Fitz/Ink Black, Seabird Grey, Endless Blue, Dulse Mauve
(Lighten your load with these top-notch carry-ons)
Best waterproof travel duffel bag: Arc’teryx Carrier 40 Duffel
Why we like it: This sturdy duffel was designed to handle some serious weather, and we like that it feels compact enough to double as a daypack. The rugged fabric has a canvas-like hand feel and combines polyurethane coating with sealed seams for stellar water resistance.
The U-shaped top opening and white lining make it easy to find items on the go and an interior zippered pocket stores smaller items. You can remove the backpack straps and lift the bag by comfortable grab handles at either end.
Keep in mind: While this bag has a 40L carrying capacity, the rigid structure makes it a bit more difficult to squeeze in extra items. It’s best for short trips.
Product details: Material: 67 percent nylon, and 33 percent polyurethane body; 100 percent nylon lining | Weather protection: Durable and water-resistant | Sizes: 40L | Colors: Black, Tatsu
How we chose the best duffel bags for travel
We chose our top travel duffel bag picks based on extensive research, product testing, and expert reviews and insights. Here’s our process:
Research: We scoured the Internet for customer reviews and testing for unbiased feedback on each product.
Product testing: As a professional travel journalist, I tested many of these duffel bags on trips of varying length and terrain to help determine the best product in each category, including size, material, and technical features.
Expert reviews: We spoke with frequent fliers and travel experts including trip leaders, photojournalists, and product designers for technical product recommendations, as well as real-world insights about their favorite duffel bags and the materials and features that they look for when purchasing a duffel.
Tips for buying a travel duffel bag
“When choosing a duffle, consider the balance between size and weight based on the type of trip you’re planning,” says Lindsay White, senior director of technical design at Away. “Think about what kind of environment you will be traveling in and what elements you might be exposed to.”
Make a packing list
A trip packing list is a good place to start before beginning to shop for a duffel because you’ll have a better sense of what gear you’ll need to accommodate and what kind of weather you’ll be facing. A compartment that fits dirty hiking boots or a wet swimsuit might be convenient on certain trips, for instance.
Capacity and weight
A well-designed duffel bag should offer ample space and shouldn’t be overly heavy. After all, apart from the couple of rolling styles available, you’ll be carrying it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for a duffel?
“Durable, lightweight, and water-resistant materials like recycled polyester make an excellent choice for most trips,” says White. “It’s a nice alternative to virgin polyester without compromising durability or performance.”
Travelers will also want to avoid exterior materials that are delicate or easily snag or rip, such as unreinforced cotton, nylon, or linen, which will influence the longevity of a duffel bag.
Is a 40L duffel carry-on size?
Yes, 40L is considered within carry-on size requirements for most major airlines as well as smaller planes. On larger planes you might be able to get away with up to a 45L carry capacity but always check airline-specific restrictions.
What are the disadvantages of a duffel bag?
Most duffel bags are made from soft and flexible material, which is great for fitting irregular-shaped items, squeezing in extra, last-minute items, and storing when not in use. But this also means the bag won’t offer the same protection as a hard-shell suitcase and may be more prone to wear and tear, depending on the material.
Chloe Berge is a freelance journalist based in Vancouver, Canada, covering travel, environment, and adventure. She has packed a durable duffel for trips ranging from a safari in Botswana to a trekking expedition in the East Greenland backcountry.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.