Perhaps one of the most versatile pieces of luggage, duffel bags come in all different sizes, shapes, designs, materials, and carrying options. This category includes everything from heavy-duty models built for months-long expeditions to the most remote corners of the earth, to smaller models designed for every day use, and everything in between.
Almost all of the top outdoor product manufacturers have created their own version of the classic travel piece. The results are undoubtedly impressive, but the differences between each model can be confusing. That’s where we come in to help. We break down the category to help you better understand the nuances, decipher what you should be looking for, and find the right product for your needs.
Intended Use
As with any type of product, the first step to finding the right duffel bag begins with assessing your personal needs and how you intend to use it. Whether you need a high-capacity beast to take on a couple of big trips a year, a handy lightweight model for daily trips to the gym, or a more well-rounded model for general travel, there’s definitely a product that will meet those demands. Keep in mind that as the design gets more specialized to optimize certain features, there are usually tradeoffs that may make it less well-rounded for other uses.
General Travel
Bags intended for general travel will usually have well-rounded designs that balance weight and durability, comfortable carrying options, and user-friendly features like extra storage pockets or easily removable straps. These designs may be constructed from lighter weight nylon or polyester, or heavier natural materials like leather, canvas, or waxed cotton. A 90 to 100-liter storage volume is an ideal size for extended trips and provides plenty of storage space without too much risk of hitting a typical 50-pound airline weight limit. Make sure to consider your preferred carrying method, so that you can comfortably and efficiently lug your bag through the airport or the hotel lobby.
Weekend Trips
The perfect model for a weekend getaway will likely be the same as a design intended for general travel, only smaller. Most of the bags that we tested come in a variety of sizes, and smaller models in the 30-liter to 50-liter size range are ideal for most 2-3 day trips. This size range also overlaps pretty well with the carry on baggage size limits for most U.S. airlines, which usually ends up being about 40 to 45 liters, depending on the bag’s dimensions. Since smaller models aren’t able to carry as much weight, having a variety of comfortable carrying options in this size range isn’t as critical, and many designs forgo backpack straps in favor of a single shoulder sling or more simple carrying handles.
Rugged Adventures
When you’re preparing to travel into unforgiving environments or remote corners of the world, a heavy-duty duffel is mandatory to carry and protect your precious gear. Whether the locale you visit is hot and sandy, cold and wet, or just plain frigid, rugged expedition-style designs are up for the task. These designs are usually similar to those intended for general travel but add in different features and extra durability. Many models are constructed from extremely robust 900 or 1000-denier laminate materials with reinforced bottom panels, have heavy-duty grab handles and backpack straps, and include daisy chain attachment points to tie down onto a 4×4 vehicle, pack animal, or haul sled. There is certainly an overlap between these rugged models and those intended for general travel, but the more robust options will generally be heavier, have fewer storage pockets, and sometimes have a slightly less refined style, depending on your taste. Duffels intended for adventure travel are usually also available in larger sizes, up to 150 liters.
Normal Daily Use
When you’re headed to work, school, the gym, soccer practice, or running around town, a duffel bag can be one of the most efficient daily luggage options. Designs best for regular everyday use will be similar in size as weekend duffels, around 30 to 40 liters, but will typically be lighter and may have fewer features. These models are durable enough for daily use, but will usually prioritize a simple, lightweight design and packability over fancier features and heavier-duty materials. Models in this category could range from more classic leather or waxed cotton designs to more modern ultralight nylon designs that can pack down to the size of a tennis ball.
Backpacks will be more comfortable to carry but usually won’t provide as much storage space. Rigid suitcases or wheeled luggage will be more protective and more convenient to haul on smooth surfaces but will be heavier, won’t be able to squeeze and mold to tight spaces, and won’t be as mobile over longer distances or uneven terrain. Duffel bags provide a versatile blend of some of the best features of every other type of luggage.
Selection Tips
Now that you have a better understanding of your needs, preferences, and the versatility of these bags, it’s time to dig a little deeper into the different design variables to help you select the product that suits you best.
Storage Volume
A bag’s storage volume is easily the most personal and most subjective variable among different types of travelers. Climbers, skiers, divers, or other adventures with extensive equipment needs will often require more storage space than general travelers headed on a family vacation or a holiday trip back home, or business travelers, daily gym-goers, or weekend warriors.
The largest volume available for most of the duffels in our lineup is in the 125 to 150-liter range. Ideal for hauling climbing or skiing equipment, scuba diving gear, odd-shaped tools, or merely a bunch of clothes and shoes, these bags are enormous and can be cumbersome to lug around and will often surpass the 50-pound airline baggage limit when fully loaded. Bags in this size range need to have heavy-duty backpack straps, grab handles, and daisy chain attachments for wrestling them around yourself or tying them down to your transportation.