There’s just something about throwing a duffel bag on your back and heading out the door that makes you feel like an adventurer. It’s a feeling that you can’t get with a rolling Samsonite suitcase. As practical as that boring old roller might be, it’s not as versatile as a duffel bag. And, so long as you pick the best duffel bag for your needs, these travel bags are just as practical and convenient as any other.
The best duffel bags for travel can accommodate everything from clothes to gear to souvenirs. Known for their versatility, durability, and spaciousness, duffel bags are popular choices for all kinds of trips, from short weekend getaways to longer journeys.
While the classic duffel bag has two handles, an over-the-shoulder strap, and one large compartment, you can now find duffel bags that offer a whole lot more. Most modern duffels have multiple pockets and compartments that can help you stay organized while keeping your belongings easily accessible. You can also buy wheeled rolling duffel bags, guaranteed to make your trip less painful on your shoulders.
To help you find the best duffel bags for travel, I hands-on tested popular duffel bags from brands such as Away, Baboon to the Moon, Samsonite, and Cotopaxi.
Three of the duffel bags tested for this review.
Credit: Caitlin McCormack / Mashable
Can I use my duffel bag as a carry-on?
Yes, you can use duffel bags as carry-ons. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has no rules that would prevent you from using a duffel bag while flying, though you will need to abide by your airline’s size requirements if you intend to bring it as a carry on. As long as your duffel bag meets the airline’s requirements and you are prepared for a potential inspection, you should have no issues bringing it on your flight. The TSA advises passengers to avoid overstuffing their carry-on bags and carefully organizing them so that it’s easier to get through security checkpoints.
What size duffel bag can I use as a carry-on?
Carry-on bag size and weight requirements can vary by airline. To avoid any issues at the airport, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline’s specific carry-on size restrictions before you travel. However, as a general guideline, most airlines consider a carry-on duffel bag to be one that measures no more than 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height (or a total of 45 linear inches).
What is a good size duffel bag for travel?
The ideal size of a duffel bag for travel will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as the specific type and duration of your trip. As a general rule, the best travel duffel bags are around 50-75 liters in volume.
This size should provide enough space to hold all your necessities for a variety of trip lengths, while still being easy to carry. Unfortunately, a duffel bag in this size range may not be considered a carry-on by most airlines, which is essential if you want to avoid the hassle of checked baggage.
What is the best duffel bag for travel?
I’ve rounded up some of the best duffel bags for travel, based on factors like durability, storage capacity, and ease of transport. Whether you’re a business traveler or an adventure seeker in need of a waterproof duffel bag, there’s an option out there that’s perfect for your style and needs.
Keep reading to find the best duffel bag for every type of traveler.
How we tested
All of the duffel bags featured in this review were hands-on tested by Mashable writers. For this review specifically, I tested the Away Large Everywhere Bag, Cotopaxi Chumpi Duffel, Monos Metro Duffel, Mountain Hardwear Camp 4 Duffel 65, Baboon to the Moon Go Bag (Big), and The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel. In addition, the Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag was tested for a separate review and included here.
I also tested the popular Beis Weekender duffel and were sorely disappointed. Upon opening the box it arrived in, the room was filled with a rotten smell that didn’t dissipate even after I left the bag outside for more than a week. The Beis customer service team was responsive, and the design of the bag was otherwise solid, but ultimately I decided not to include it in this review.
When selecting which bags to test, I sought out options that catered to different use cases. First, I prioritized duffel bags from well-known brands to come up with a list of options that are widely regarded to be dependable and well-made, with customer service and warranties to match. I also looked for products with hundreds, if not thousands, of duffel bag reviews — a generally reliable sign that the product is popular, in stock, and available for purchase.
When testing these bags, I considered the following factors:
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Size and capacity: Does the bag have enough internal space to pack a reasonable amount of belongings and garments? Is the bag better for weekend trips or longer voyages?
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Compartments and organization: I evaluated the bag’s interior and exterior compartments, pockets, and organization features. Depending on the type of travel you’re planning on doing, you’ll need options for organizing and accessing items, such as shoes, toiletries, or electronics.
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Material and durability: I looked for duffel bags made from durable materials such as nylon and leather that could stand up to the demands of frequent travel. I also evaluated each bag’s construction quality, stitching, and reinforcement in high-stress areas to ensure it could withstand rough handling. I especially liked the bags with reinforced handles, padded shoulder straps, and adjustable options for comfort and ease of carrying.
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Cost: While most of these duffel bags for travel fall in the $150 to $250 range, I wanted to include options for shoppers who were looking for a more budget-friendly (but still high-quality) item, as well as those who were looking to treat themself with a splurge-worthy bag with all the bells and whistles.
