REI Stuff Travel Duffel Review

Our Analysis and Test Results

Lightweight and stowable, this bag can come along as an afterthought for extra space or as the main event on a short trip. While the REI Co-Op Stuff Travel Duffel is not made of the highest quality materials, and won't earn any top marks for durability or weather resistance, it is a great lightweight option for those who need a small, no-frills bag for everyday travel.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Transport

With two grab handles and a removable shoulder strap, this small bag is easy to carry around from car to gym, or slung over your shoulder as you make your way through the airport. There is no reinforced padding on any of the straps, making them uncomfortable for long-term transit, but this bag was not made to carry heavy loads for long periods of time.

The straps available are plenty sufficient for moving the bag around short distances, and it is nice that such a simple bag has two different carry options.

Storage and Ease of Packing

While the strength of the REI Co-Op Stuff Travel Duffel mostly lies in its light weight, it sacrifices any structure or reinforcement that would make it easier to pack. The sides of the bag do not stand up at all, and the structure it retains will come from what is packed inside. You'll want to pack your shoes just right, or you'll feel them jabbing into your back as you race to make it to the subway on time.

With a simple I-zip construction, the bag opens and closes via two zippers down the middle. With a moderate capacity of 30 liters, you can fit enough clothes for a day trip, and is plenty of room for a change of clothes, shoes, and a water bottle for the gym.

Durability

This bag was not made with durability in mind, as its main purpose is to be a quick and easy bag to deploy when needed for everyday travel. While it is constructed with ripstop nylon, it has no protective coating and does not have the shiny, stretchy characteristics of higher-denier ripstop nylon found in other ultralight duffel bag models. REI does not specify the denier of the fabric, leading us to assume that is a low-quality ripstop nylon, and we would not recommend subjecting this bag to situations where there would be much wear-and-tear or chance of abrasion.

Weight

The REI Co-op Stuff Travel Duffel weighs in at a light 0.4 pounds, which is as light as some of the more expensive models of ultralight duffel bags on the market. It packs down into its own storage pouch and is smaller than a 32-ounce Nalgene bottle. Its strength lies in these features, as this bag shines as a lightweight accessory for light-duty travel and everyday activities.

Weather Resistance

While the REI Co-op Stuff Travel Duffel can take a little light rain as you hurry from your car to the gym, this bag was not made to be a weather-resistant duffel. The thin, ripstop nylon fabric has no protective coating to make it more water-repellant, the zippers are exposed, and the stitching is not tight, high-quality craftsmanship. Zippers and seams are where water is most likely to penetrate on any duffel bag, and we would not recommend submerging or subjecting this duffel to extreme elements. This bag is made for light-duty, everyday use and travel, and does not have the weather-resistant properties found in more expensive duffel bags.

Value

The REI Co-op Stuff Travel Duffel is a good low-cost option for someone who is looking for an extra bag to take with them on their travels, or a simple bag to take around town or to the gym. It doesn't have many bells and whistles, but its two carrying systems and its ability to pack into its own storage pouch provide good value for the cost. But because there are other lightweight duffel bags out there that have better weather resistance and durability for not much higher of a price tag, we are less likely to recommend this bag for any but the most basic uses.

Conclusion

While in no way a stand-out duffel bag, the REI Co-op Stuff Travel Duffel does what it sets out to do - perform as a great lightweight accessory bag for your everyday needs.