Marmot Long Hauler Review

The Marmot Long Hauler is a top-notch duffel bag with a well-rounded design. It is one of the more durable models out there without being too heavy, and sports a majority of the storage features and carrying options that most users are seeking. While it doesn't have the most comfortable backpack straps or the best weather resistance, it performs well across the board with no significant weaknesses. Most folks would be quite happy with this model for expedition use, more general travel, or simply going to the gym.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Transport

The Long Hauler has most of the carrying features you'd expect from a high-end duffel to make transporting your gear as simple as possible. It has two main carrying straps that can be joined with a padded Velcro handle for easy carrying, as well as removable backpack straps. The backpack strap padding is noticeably thinner than most other high-end models, which reduces the carrying comfort when the bag is fully loaded. It also lacks a strap or system that would allow for over-the-shoulder carry, which is a feature we appreciated in the older model and are disappointed to see eliminated in this newer one.

The removable backpack straps are a breeze to attach and detach and are light and small enough to stow away in the many pockets the Long Hauler has to offer. However, they are not nearly padded enough for how much of a load this 105L duffel has the potential to carry, as well as no sternum straps to better distribute the weight, making long transits uncomfortable.

You'll also find a grab handle on all four sides of the Long Hauler. While these are a useful feature and are similarly found on most high-end duffels, they are unpadded and are thinner than what is on most other models. They are still helpful for grabbing the bag off of a baggage claim or a luggage cart, but they are noticeably less comfortable than most others. Besides the grab handles, several stitched loops allow you to strap the bag down to jeep roofs, sleds, llamas, or anywhere else you might need.

Storage and Ease of Packing

The Long Hauler features a large D-shaped zippered opening that reveals the massive main storage compartment. We tested the 105-liter version (size XL), and this model is also available in 35-liter (size S), 50-liter (size M), 75-liter (size L), and 125-liter (Expedition) volumes. The material is a nice balance between soft and rigid, allowing the bag to keep its shape while packing without being too difficult to manipulate. A pair of compression straps inside the main compartment help secure and compress the bag's contents.

The Long Hauler also features two large internal zippered pockets and two large external pockets. All of the pockets are easily accessible and very convenient for keeping smaller pieces of gear organized or separating wet or dirty contents. One of the external pockets also has an additional smaller zippered pocket inside with a convenient keychain clip. Having all these pockets makes organizing such a large bag much easier, and because organization can be vital for long trips or expeditions, these features are much appreciated.

Durability

The Long Hauler is constructed from a 600-denier TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) laminate body material with a 600-denier pebbled laminate on the sides and the bottom. These materials are plenty durable for general travel and even rugged expeditions but fall short of the 900 and 1000-denier materials found on our top-ranked duffels. But the Long Hauler has a secondary fabric consisting of 1680D carbonate coating made of 100% ballistic polyester giving it a sturdy, abrasion-resistant finish and a sleek look to boot.

The Long Hauler's construction quality and fit and finish are excellent. It looks and feels like a high-end product. The stitching, seams, zippers, and hardware are all of a similar high quality as the other top contenders on our lineup. Marmot also warrants their products to be free from manufacturing defects.

Weight

The Long Hauler checks in at 3.8 pounds for the 105-liter (size XL) model and is one of the lighter full-sized expedition duffel bags in our lineup. This model provides a nice balance of durability and extensive features with a reasonably lightweight. Most similar models are either heavier, lack the extra storage pockets, or are less durable.

Weather Resistance

Compared to the vast majority of duffel bags on the market, the Long Hauler is exceptionally water-resistant. Still, it falls short of other top models in our lineup in both our side-by-side garden hose testing and out in the field. While the TPE laminate material is virtually waterproof, the number of seams and zippers leave vulnerable spots where water can eventually penetrate. A tradeoff with the convenient external zippered pockets is that the zippers are not watertight, and the contents could subsequently get wet. We'd still take this duffel on a rugged expedition in a heartbeat, but if extremely wet conditions are in store for you and your duffel, other choices will prove more weather resistant.

Value

The Long Hauler is comparable in price to other models of a similar size and doesn't give up much in the way of performance. While it isn't as water-resistant or durable as others in our fleet, it's pretty dang close and includes storage pockets and carrying options that most others don't. If the design and features meet your needs, it would be a solid value.

Conclusion