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When searching for a duffel bag, it's important to find the right capacity and style for your needs. Whether you're looking for a bag to hold it all for your next adventure or a simple setup for a getaway weekend or a trip to the gym, we can help you find the duffel to haul your gear.
Our travel experts have been testing duffels since 2010, and have tested over 64 unique bags in that time. We've hauled the 19 duffel bags in our current review across the globe, strapping packs to alpacas in the Andes and braving rainstorms and multi-week trips, and just across town to the local gym, to find the best ones for every type of trip.
Our two overall favorite bags, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel and The North Face Base Camp Voyager share similar features like burly construction, comfortable handles, availability in multiple sizes, and the ability to pack away into themselves. Where the Black Hole opts for the one-big-cavity approach, the Voyager features an optional internal divider to aid in organization.
For a budget-friendly weekend bag, we're big fans of the HYC00 Travel. It's a convenient size with well-thought-out organizational features — and comes at an extremely affordable price.
Editor's Note: Our duffel bag review was updated on August 15, 2025, to include the newest bags available today, and updated versions of our current favorites.
We've tested many versions of the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel over multiple years, and we appreciate the high-end design details across all versions we've had our hands on. The 100-liter model has an external zippered pocket, two internal zippered pockets, internal luggage compression straps, and external daisy chain attachment points. In contrast, the 55-liter has a zippered pocket accessible from both the inside and outside, a zippered lid pocket, and daisy chain attachments. Our testers found the backpack straps comfortable and easy to remove on all models. The 900-denier recycled material is durable and water-resistant, and the reinforced bottom panel helps resist wear from dragging and hauling. This bag is durable enough for the most rugged expeditions yet stylish for frequent business trips. You'll see it often in airports, and for good reason.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes Available
40, 55, 70, 100 L
Material (Main Body)
900D polyester ripstop (100% postconsumer recycled) with TPU-film laminate
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment)
3
Backpack Straps
Yes
D or I-Shaped Opening
D
The Black Hole has a few drawbacks. We found that the closure wrap for the suitcase handles — the piece of material that allows you to secure them together — uses button snaps that are challenging to use, especially if you are in a hurry. Additionally, we would appreciate the inclusion of a smaller internal or external pocket to aid with the organization of smaller items — if organization is important to you, take a look at The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel.
The The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel is similar to our other favorite, the Black Hole, but the Voyager is better suited for people who prefer a little more organization when packing their duffel. The Voyager distinguishes itself with a stowable internal divider capable of segmenting the main compartment into two different positions. Then, there are four smaller zippered pockets — two inside and two outside — for smaller items and dirty shoes. These features don't take up any extra space; there's still plenty of room to pack everything you need for a trip inside the 62L bag.
The backpack straps are comfortable and easy to stow, and this duffel also features grab handles on all four sides and a full perimeter of webbing to lash the bag down or clip items. We tested the weather-resistance and were impressed, too. “I soaked it thoroughly with a hose — twice — and there were no leaks,” lead tester Hale Milano noted. Overall, if you like the ability to stash and fold items even when packing in a duffel, the Voyager is a great choice.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes Available
32L, 42L, 62L
Material (Main Body)
Body: 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU laminate
Bottom: 840D recycled ballistic nylon with PFC-free DWR coating
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment)
5
Backpack Straps
Yes
D or I-Shaped Opening
D
The Voyager is available in three different size options, but the largest is only 62L, so if you're gearing up for a weeklong adventure or a winter trip with large or bulky gear, you may need a larger size. However, for shorter trips or packing lists that don't include extra gear requirements, 62L is more than adequate. A minor annoyance with this bag is the location of the backpack straps, which can somewhat interfere with opening and accessing the main compartment if you leave them connected at the bottom. However, a quick unclip easily fixes that problem. If you love organizational capabilities, the REI Co-op Big Haul also has internal mesh pockets like the Voyager, and it also has external compression straps to cinch everything down tight.
The Gregory Alpaca has every feature you could want in a premium duffel bag with a lower price point than many other top models, providing exceptional value. The Alpaca boasts a sleek and classy design built from high-quality materials. Depending on your chosen size, it includes multiple storage pockets, full-length daisy chain attachment points on both sides, comfortable backpack straps, and water-resistant 900-denier material. It balances a large storage volume with convenient carrying options, durable and water-resistant material, and reasonably low weight.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes Available
40, 60, 80, 100, 120 L
Material (Main Body)
900D polyester ripstop (40% recycled) with TPU weather-resistant coating
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment)
3
Backpack Straps
Yes
D or I-Shaped Opening
D
In our tests, the Alpaca scored well and showed no significant weaknesses. The only downside is that the suitcase handles are oddly large, especially on the smaller versions of the bag. They don't detract from use while carrying the bag, but can dangle and get caught on things when not wrapped up. If the mere thought of dangling suitcase handles strikes a nerve, both the Thule Chasm and REI Big Haul can help reduce irritation by removing the detachable straps. But all things said, the Alpaca is still one of our favorite bags and offers great value.
The HYC00 Travel packs many features into an affordable bag, scoring well across our tests. We loved the storage and organization features, with a separate lay-flat compartment for shoes or folded clothes. There are also a bunch of smaller storage pouches within the main compartment for organizing small items for travel. Regarding water resistance, Hale notes, “The fabric resists a light mist or rain for a while, though it doesn't stand up to a downpour.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes Available
30 L
Material (Main Body)
Nylon
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment)
4
Backpack Straps
No
D or I-Shaped Opening
I, with D-shaped opening on bottom compartment
When comparing its weight-to-volume ratio, the HYC00 is one of the heavier bags we tested. Storing and accessing items is easy, but this isn't a traditional duffel-style design, and the main compartment requires some digging around to grab items on the bottom. “I found the bag comfortable enough for a short walk,” our tester says. “However, the suitcase-style handles and single shoulder strap aren't the most comfortable if the bag is overweight or if I am carrying it a significant distance.” For the long haul, the comfortable carrying system of the Osprey Transporter will likely suit you better. But for a daily bag or weekend getaway, the HYC00 is a great option at a great price. For shorter trips, we also like the more durable Herschel Novel — it has a larger capacity, though fewer pockets for organization.
The Osprey Transporter duffel has a supportive and well-padded backpack harness that is similar in design to their backpacks. Thanks to this supportive carrying system, it earns recognition as one of the best for carrying heavy gear long distances. While most of the bags we tested include backpack straps, this is one of the only models in our lineup with a sternum strap in addition to its comfortable and supportive harness. The harness quickly unbuckles and easily tucks inside a zippered pocket on the top lid for smooth airport transitions. The bag has four heavy-duty grab handles and high-quality materials and construction.
Updates to the Osprey Transporter
Osprey recently updated the Transporter again, with both a smaller and larger size option, as well as different dimensions on most models. There are slight changes to the fabric, zippers, shoulder strap padding, and lashdowns, but nothing that significantly impacts the functionality. It remains one of our top bags for hauling gear comfortably.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes Available
30, 40, 65, 95, 120, 150 L
Material (Main Body)
Body: 630D 100% recycled ripstop nylon coated with carbonate
Lining: 210D recycled nylon with PFAS free DWR
Bottom: 840D 100% recycled nylon coated with carbonate
(All blusign approved)
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment)
2
Backpack Straps
Yes
D or I-Shaped Opening
D
In backpack mode, the Transporter is quite comfortable but does lack the traditional briefcase-style carry handles most duffel bags do. The comfortable and heavy-duty grab handles help compensate for this, but we wish there were more carrying options. The bag has an interior and an external zippered pocket, but their awkward placement makes them less useful. “I love using the Transporter for big trips where I'm taking lots of gear, but not hopping from place to place on vacation. It's easy to live out of, but not my favorite for quick trips,” said our lead tester. If you are in the market for a duffel with traditional briefcase-style handles, The North Face Base Camp is a terrific option.
The Transporter's cavernous body is easy to pack; be careful if you're flying its easy to go over the 50lb limit, but you'll be able to carry it on your back with ease.
A mainstay on remote expeditions worldwide for decades and near the top of our lineup for several years, The North Face Base Camp is our favorite choice for a simple and rugged expedition bag. Its classic design has remained mostly unchanged through the years, and its robust 1000-denier material is among the toughest we've tested. Two internal pockets, one zippered and one not, sweeten the deal. These bags have withstood the test of time for decades on expeditions to all corners of the world. On our test team alone, we own several Base Camp duffels with years of adventurous travel behind them.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes Available
31, 50, 71, 95, 132, 150 L
(XS-XXL)
Material (Main Body)
Body: 1000D polyester with phthalate-free PVC coating
Bottom: additional layer of 840D recycled ballistics nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment)
2
Backpack Straps
Yes
D or I-Shaped Opening
D
Our biggest gripe with the Base Camp regards the strap arrangement. Although the grab handles and traditional briefcase-style straps are permanently affixed to the bag and straightforward, you must thread the shoulder straps through a doubled-back buckle to remove or replace them. Many airlines require you to remove duffel bag straps, so this design feature adds a bit of a tedious task each time you hand off or collect your luggage. The thick material also shows scuffs more than other contenders and sports a more practical look than some more elegant models. Still, for a simple, dependable bag that can easily take you to all seven continents, the Base Camp is the one we recommend above the rest. Another option worth a gander is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, which boasts a durable design but has far more quickly removable shoulder straps.
The Adidas Defender Small is “everything you need in a sports or gym duffel bag and nothing that you don't,” tester Hale Milano says. The D-shaped opening folds back to easily load your basic equipment, gear, and nutritional needs for your next workout, practice, or game. “I like how lightweight the bag is,” Hale says. Although it takes away from durability a little, a lighter gear bag is a nice touch, especially if you have a lot of other equipment to carry. The gym bag is also quite water-resistant, which is great if you get caught outside for a surprise shower.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes Available
Small, Medium, Large
Material (Main Body)
100% polyester
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment)
3
Backpack Straps
No
D or I-Shaped Opening
D
The newer Defender 5.0 that we tested in August 2025 boasts upgraded fabric from previous iterations, and we felt that this version was more durable than previous iterations. It will survive a season or two of buses, lockers, and muddy fields, but still doesn't compare to the ruggedness of other duffels like The North Face Basecamp or even the Gregory Alpaca. We also love the newer version's shoe tunnel, a definite improvement in pocket design over the previous version.
The Defender is an excellent choice for everyday use in the gym, courts, or sports practice. Another great option for a sports or gym bag is the Puma Evercat Contender, which fits a little less overall, and the side pockets are smaller, but they have ventilation built in for wet or smelly items, which is a nice touch. The Puma also features a semi-rigid base and decent water resistance for such a lightweight bag. Either option is great if you're bringing just the essentials to soccer, swim practice, or the gym. For more equipment or gear, these bags will be a little too small. If you're on a travel team and want a little more durability or capacity, the The North Face Base Camp is our top recommendation.
The REI Roadtripper offers excellent storage and utility at over half the price of other bags, making it an exceptional value for a duffel bag on a budget. The Roadtripper stands out from the crowd by being so affordable and straightforward. With its reliable, lightweight construction, removable shoulder sling, single external zippered pocket, and basic daisy chain system, the Roadtripper has tremendous value.
The lightweight design of the Roadtripper is owed to its thinner material and simple construction. Also, this bag lacks many fancy features found on higher-end models like the Gregory Alpaca — stuff like internal pockets, compression straps, backpack straps, or extensive daisy chains. The Roadtripper's fabric and zipper are sturdy enough for most general use, but they might not withstand the abuse that the more robust adventure-ready duffels can endure. This bag is a versatile, lightweight, affordable option for basic use. Other options for this simple style duffel include the Amazon Basics Large Nylon and Gonex Foldable, which are less expensive, but also lack the same quality and benefits of purchasing from REI.
The straight access zipper isn't quite as convenient as a larger D-shaped zipper, but extends halfway down each end to provide a surprisingly wide opening.
The Nemo Double Haul is a unique bag that we were really excited to get our hands on. Convertible between a 55-liter duffel bag and a 75-liter tote, it offers the promise of being a do-it-all bag. It really can haul a ton of gear, and we were thoroughly impressed with the material and build quality. It boasts rigid corners and handles that help hold its shape as a tote. There are a ton of tiny features that are so helpful, too. “I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed the snaps on each tote handle; they're opposite each other so that you can snap the handles together,” noted our lead tester. Oversized hardware, large zipper pulls, and snaps to secure excess straps are all friendly features that make me love the design of this bag. When it's time to pack up, you can carry it as either a traditional duffel, backpack, or tote, complete with oversized handles to sling on your shoulder. All three options are incredibly comfortable, even when fully weighted with gear.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes Available
30, 55, 70, 100
Material (Main Body)
420D recycled nylon (bluesign approved)
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment)
2
Backpack Straps
Yes
D or I-Shaped Opening
I
What we found when testing was that despite the promise and potential of all the individual features and convertible nature, the do-it-all bag did in fact check all the boxes, but not enough to make us throw away all our other bags. “I really want to love the Nemo, the idea of this convertible bag is so intriguing. Unfortunately, I don't find myself reaching for it frequently; the scenarios that call for it are just rare in my life right now,” said lead tester Hale Milano. Packing the Nemo as a duffel was slightly awkward given the extra fabric that folds up in. And if you pack it first as a tote, there's no way you're going to close the zipper, let alone fit 75 liters of gear down into a 55-liter bag. We think the Nemo is best for travelers who know they're going to come home with more gear than they started, or perhaps the athlete who travels to practice neatly packed, but just wants to toss gear in their bag and get out of there after the game. We're sure there are plenty of other scenarios that would be great for the Nemo, and are confident that if you have one, the build quality and usability of this bag will make it a great choice.
Despite being full as a duffel, a few buckles and a zipper adds 20 extra liters of storage space to the Nemo; great for extra souvenirs on vacation!
Sometimes, adventure takes us into truly adverse weather conditions, and for those times, water resistance isn't enough. If you're looking for a fully waterproof dry bag and duffel bag hybrid, the Yeti Panga 50 fits the bill. Its durable, laminated, high-density nylon is completely waterproof, and the opening seals shut with a HydroLok zipper. With RF-welded seams, this duffel keeps the water out and the air in, even when fully submerged. For this reason, it is our go-to bag for protecting sensitive electronic equipment in wet conditions. This Yeti has a healthy amount of webbing and attachment points, plus shoulder straps, so you can just as easily carry it through the airport as lash it to an inflatable raft.
As is often the case, these premium features and protection come at a premium price and a high weight for a dry bag. The Panga tips the scales at 5.2 pounds. Compared to other duffel dry bag contenders, it is also one of the more expensive models, but for peace of mind, sometimes that price is worth the investment. These downsides are likely tolerable if you need to protect valuable electronics and equipment in a wet environment or if you want the versatility of one bag to meet any potential needs. The Watershed Colorado Duffel is another 100% waterproof dry bag we love to use, with a slightly more flexible design and a lower price. However, sealing it against the elements is a bit more involved. For smaller accessories and items, the NRS Expedition DriDuffel is our favorite small-form waterproof duffel.
Weight: 5.2 lb (50 L model) | Volume Options: 50, 75, 100 L
Credit: Jediah Porter
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Patagonia Black Hole
The North Face Base Camp Voyager
Osprey Transporter
Gregory Alpaca
Thule Chasm
The North Face Base Camp
Cotopaxi Allpa
REI Co-op Big Haul
Nemo Double Haul 55L
Peak Design Travel 35L
HYC00 Travel
Adidas Defender Small
REI Co-op Roadtripper
Herschel Novel
Puma Evercat Contender
Eagle Creek Migrate
Amazon Basics Large Nylon
Gonex Foldable
Rockland 19"
Awards
Best Cram-It-All-In Duffel Bag
Best for Staying Organized on the Go
Most Comfortable Carrying System
Great Value for a Rugged Adventure
Best Simple Duffel/Good for Rugged Expeditions
A Convertible Bag with Interesting Features
Best on a Tight Budget
Best for Sports and Gym
Sizes Available
40, 55, 70, 100 L
32L, 42L, 62L
30, 40, 65, 95, 120, 150 L
40, 60, 80, 100, 120 L
40, 70, 90, 130 L
31, 50, 71, 95, 132, 150 L
(XS-XXL)
50, 70 L
28, 40, 60, 90, 120 L
30, 55, 70, 100
35, 65 L
30 L
Small, Medium, Large
40, 60, 100, 140 L
43, 45 L
One size
40, 60, 90 L
100 L
40, 60, 80, 100, 150 L
19 inch, 30 inch
Material (Main Body)
900D polyester ripstop (100% postconsumer recycled) with TPU-film laminate
Body: 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU laminate
Bottom: 840D recycled ballistic nylon with PFC-free DWR coating
Body: 630D 100% recycled ripstop nylon coated with carbonate
Lining: 210D recycled nylon with PFAS free DWR
Bottom: 840D 100% recycled nylon coated with carbonate
(All blusign approved)
900D polyester ripstop (40% recycled) with TPU weather-resistant coating
840D nylon with phthalate-free TPE laminate
Body: 1000D polyester with phthalate-free PVC coating
Bottom: additional layer of 840D recycled ballistics nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating
You might never intend to submerge your duffel bag, but you'd be surprised at when the weather can try and infiltrate. Here, while getting dropped off by a bush plane, the plane propeller blasts us and our pile of gear.
Credit: Jediah Porter
How We Tested
The foundation for this review began well over a decade ago when we first researched and tested duffel bags on some wild expeditions around the world in 2010. Since then, we've kept up with the duffel market, continually getting the top duffel bags and even testing multiple iterations and sizes of our favorite models on expeditions and adventures around the world. For each iteration and update, we select the best, most popular, and most interesting duffels on the market to purchase and take into the field for extensive hands-on testing. In addition to surviving our lab testing, some bags have gone on climbing trips to the French Alps, got dragged across glaciers in Alaska, found themselves stowed in the forest in Patagonia, and hauled paddling gear to the Indian Ocean. We've also tossed them in the back of cars for weekend adventures, sports practice, road trips, workouts at the gym, and Ironman races. To learn more about our testing process, check out our How We Test article.
The duffel bags in our test lineup span across a variety of types and are available in many different sizes. During testing, we directly compared feature-to-feature for each bag to avoid biases that might arise from testing different types and sizes of bags. Remember, the best duffel for you is the one that meets your needs the best.
We divided our duffel bag testing across five metrics, weighted according to their overall importance:
Storage and Ease of Packing (30% of overall score)
Ease of Transport (30% of score)
Protection (15% of score)
Construction Quality(15% of score)
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (10% of score)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by several longtime GearLab contributors: Maggie Nichols, Miya Tsudome, Nick Bruckbauer, and Hale Milano. Maggie, Miya, Nick, and Hale regularly use duffel bags to haul their belongings and gear on their adventures around the world, and they know what it takes to make a great duffel bag for journeys near home or on the far side of the globe.
Maggie has been an avid adventurer and backcountry guide for over 15 years. She has taught courses and skills in the Galapagos and South Africa, guided trips in the Virgin Islands and the American West, and spent months visiting far-flung places like Svalbard and Senegal, living out of her duffel bag. Miya is a climber, professional mountain guide, and photographer based in California's Eastern Sierra and can regularly be found hauling gear to and from her favorite climbing crag.
Nick has a competitive running background and is an all-around outdoorsman. He has snorkeled in Thailand and the Maldives, trekked in Nepal, skied in Alaska, and climbed and skied 14ers in Washington, California, and Colorado.
Hale is a Type-II fun junkie and gear addict, who has climbed in Norway, snowboarded across the Swiss and Italian border, trekked solo through Patagonia, and dove shipwrecks in Vanuatu. He's traveled to over 33 countries and lived out of duffel bags for months at a time.
Real-world testing coupled with measurable and repeatable testing helped us evaluate which duffel bags are the easiest to pack, most durable, and more.
Analysis and Test Results
To help you find the best duffel bag, we evaluated every product in our lineup across five essential performance metrics. We used the overall weighted scores to determine our top rankings. To learn how each bag performs in specific areas, read on.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Duffel bag prices vary greatly from the least expensive to the most expensive. Generally, prices tend to correlate with the size of the bag and the quality of the material it is made from. The Patagonia Black Hole is one of the pricier models in our lineup, but its sticker price is only slightly higher than the high-value Gregory Alpaca. Our lineup has a very minimal price spread among the ten or eleven top-scoring adventure duffels. All of these products have robust materials and high-quality designs, so it is easy to justify their expense.
The Gregory Alpaca offers great value performance, and the container that it comes with doubles as a packing cube for extra value.
Credit: Hale Milano
On the other end of the spectrum, the HYC00 Travel and REI Co-op Roadtripper are among the least expensive duffel bags in our entire review. Although the size, durability, and versatility are compromised compared to the more robust products mentioned above, both have their own merits. The HYC00's design makes it perfect for weekend car trips, and the REI Roadtripper's low weight and large capacity design make it a good choice for hauling lots of gear. Among our smaller-sized duffels, there is a more noticeable price spread that is dependent mostly on the materials used and the bag's construction quality.
The HYC00 Travel bag is one of the least expensive in our lineup, and is a great value bag for weekend and day trips.
Credit: Hale Milano
Storage and Ease of Packing
Most duffel bags have plenty of capacity to haul heavy loads for extended durations, but each model has different design choices that impact its storage efficiency, organization capabilities, and ease of packing. In this category, we compared each bag's main storage compartment and how easy it was to load with typical travel items and oddly shaped equipment. We evaluated whether the bag held its shape while empty to aid in packing and whether straps, flaps, and zippers got in the way. We also analyzed how useful smaller pockets or compartments were for keeping gear organized and the ease of accessing the smaller and main compartments.
Our years of testing and side-by-side comparison have taught us that we almost always prefer large D-shaped zippered openings over straight “I” style zippers. Most larger duffels we tested do have the D-shaped opening, which makes it easier to flip the top back and access the contents of our bag unfettered. Some of the most travel-focused options have heavy-duty zippers that can be locked, and zipper pulls to help close up bags packed to capacity.
Ergonomic zipper pulls, D-shaped zipper openings, and internal pockets help you access and store your gear more efficiently.
A bag's ease of packing is an important feature, and everyone has struggled to zip closed a fully stuffed bag when it is overloaded just beyond its capacity. In this case, we appreciated the internal compression straps on many bags, including the Osprey Transporter and Patagonia Black Hole, and the external compression straps on the REI Big Haul. Large zipper pulls also help if you're cramming a duffel to max capacity.
Compression straps inside duffels are useful for cinching down bulky items for more room, and for keeping messy gear organized during transit.
Credit: Hale Milano
Since we started testing duffel bags, we've been able to compare different size options of the same models. Not all models have the same features across each mode. For example, the Patagonia Black Hole has compression straps on the 100-liter model but not the 55-liter version. We liked it both ways; straps were most useful in the larger size and were not missed in the smaller size.
Most bags we tested feature cavernous internal storage compartments well-equipped to haul a ton of gear or clothes. While all fine and dandy, a few internal or external zippered pockets are crucial for avoiding smaller items getting lost in the abyss. It's even more necessary for separating wet shoes or dirty laundry. Both The North Face Voyager and REI Big Haul have dual internal mesh organization pockets, as well as small external pockets to help keep your gear organized. The Voyager also has a removable divider in the main compartment that can be installed two different ways to break up the main compartment into sections.
During testing, we liked using the divider to break up our shoes from clothes, and we used the zippered pouches to store small items like socks.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Thule Chasm has two massive mesh pockets on the lid's bottom side, a third hanging inside, and an external pocket on top. Similarly, the Patagonia Black Hole 100L, the REI Co-op Big Haul, and the Gregory Alpaca 90L each have one external pocket and two internal pockets. The smaller versions of the Black Hole and Alpaca lacked dedicated external pockets, but we loved the zippered mesh pouches on the inside of the lid.
The Alpaca's side pocket is connected to a laundry or shoe pouch, a helpful feature for separating dirty gear from clean. On the 40-liter model, it was just large enough to fit a pair of size 10 hiking boots.
Credit: Hale Milano
While they don't win any competitions for storage or small organization compartments, we need to give credit to both The North Face Base Camp and the REI Roadtripper for the sheer volume and depth of their main compartments and their ability to pack away large quantities of equipment.
The side pocket on the Base Camp was large enough to fit two pairs of climbing shoes, well above average.
Credit: Hale Milano
If a huge volume is what you're after, many of the bags we tested are also sold in 100-liter sizes and larger, including the Patagonia Black Hole available in sizes up to 100 liters, the 104-liter Amazon Basics Large Nylon, the, Gregory Alpaca, REI Big Haul that can be purchased as large as 120 liters, the Thule Chasm (up to 130 liters), the REI Roadtripper (up to 140 liters), and The North Face Base Camp and Osprey Transporter, which are made as large as 150 liters.
Our last standout from our storage and organization tests is the HYC00 Travel bag. Although we weren't fans of the I-shaped zipper that limited accessibility and overall storage space (tapering the bag at the top), we loved the internal organization pockets. The HYC00 has a dedicated lay-flat storage compartment underneath for shoes or clothes, two internal zipper pockets, and three internal mesh pouches for organizing small items. It also holds its shape relatively well, even when empty.
Multiple mesh and zipper pockets on the HYC00 bag provided plenty of options to store and organize small items while on the go.
Credit: Hale Milano
Ease of Transport
Part of what separates duffel bags from other luggage styles is that they are typically available in much larger sizes that can make them difficult and awkward to lug around. They're also designed to make transport more manageable. Each bag we tested may employ up to four distinct carrying systems: traditional briefcase-style carry handles, backpack straps, over-the-shoulder slings, and grab handles (wheeled duffels are in our luggage review). Each carrying method can be useful depending on the situation and length of travel. Grab handles are convenient for hauling into or out of vehicles or luggage racks, and briefcase-style grips and shoulder slings are ideal for carrying a shorter distance and when you have other luggage to haul. Backpack straps are the most comfortable and efficient method for heavier loads or over longer distances. Daisy chain attachment points make it easier to lash a bag to a vehicle, cart, or pack animal, and easily removable straps help protect your investment from wear and tear during air travel. If you want to go extra fast and light or need to carry your belongings over longer distances, you might want to consider a travel backpack instead.
Many adventure duffels in our lineup have included backpack straps and forego the traditional sling strap, making them easier to carry when fully loaded. Different models have slightly different strap geometry, padding levels, and adjustability ranges. The Osprey Transporter goes above and beyond in this category. It has the most comfortable backpack carry system, including well-padded shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap. The backpack harness on the Transporter can be quickly stowed inside its storage compartment on the top lid and easily deployed again with only two side-release buckles. While this bag does not include traditional briefcase-style carry handles, it has four heavy-duty padded grab handles — one on each end — that make it simple to lug around or to carry by your side for moderate distances. Even as one of the larger bags in our lineup, the Transporter is a breeze to load up and haul out.
The Transporter makes it easy to deploy, or stow, the backpack harness rapidly, perfect when you're rushing in the airport.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Thule Chasm is another impressively comfortable backpack carry model. Though it lacks the sternum strap of the Osprey Transporter, the Chasm's backpack straps are very comfortable. They quickly detach with a T grip at the top and plastic buckles at the bottom for easy conversion. It also features snaps on the sides to hold the suitcase-style handles out of the way when you don't need them.
Detachable straps on the Thule provide quick transitions at the airport to prepare bags for flight.
The Patagonia Black Hole, North Face Voyager, Gregory Alpaca, and REI Big Haul also have reasonably comfortable shoulder straps for carrying heavy loads over longer distances. These models also have traditional briefcase-style carry straps and reinforced grab handles on their sides and ends for versatile carrying options.
We prefer bags with various carrying options to suit the weight, distance, and amount of gear we're hauling.
We like the suitcase handles on the Big Haul because they can be easily removed or stowed. Many duffel bags have started to incorporate stowable backpack straps, and it's great to be able to tuck away these other handles when checking your bag or if you just don't want them flapping about.
We loved the ability to stow the suitcase handles for a more streamlined duffel; it was more comfortable on our back and less likely to get caught on things.
Credit: Hale Milano
Most of the larger products we tested forgo a traditional single, messenger-style shoulder sling in favor of the more comfortable and efficient backpack straps. Sometimes, it's just easier to sling the bag over your shoulder, though — like if you're only carrying for a short distance or hauling multiple pieces of luggage simultaneously. You can adjust the length of most of the backpack straps to make it easier to sling the bag over a shoulder, although frequently, the padding doesn't line up correctly to protect your shoulder, or the bag's balance feels awkward. The Patagonia Black Hole has highly adjustable shoulder straps and extended padding, which help facilitate comfortable carrying on one shoulder.
The Black Hole was comfortable to carry no matter how many straps or shoulders you used.
Credit: Hale Milano
Smaller bags in our lineup, like the Peak Design Travel 35L, HYC00 Travel, Adidas Defender Small, and Herschel Novel forgo backpack straps entirely, featuring the quick one-shoulder sling and suitcase handles that are ideal for lighter-weight bags and shorter carrying distances. While most are fixed options, the Peak Design's handles and straps can be adjusted to one of ten attachment points around the bag. It's slightly tedious to do so, but it does provide some customized carry options.
Secure hooks snap onto any one of five attachment loops on both sides of the Peak Design, letting you customize the carry strap layout.
Credit: Hale Milano
The 100-liter REI Roadtripper, 104-liter Amazon Basics Large Nylon, and the Gonex Foldable duffels are impractically large to be carried backpack style, not to mention they lack any rigidity to support the weight. These bags have a large shoulder strap that lets you lug them to the car, if arduously.
The Amazon Basics Duffel has a large nylon strap to throw it over your shoulder, and works well as long as its not too heavy.
Credit: Hale Milano
If you've traveled to far-flung destinations around the world, you've probably seen your luggage strapped down to some form of transportation. During the years of testing for this review, we've had duffels carried by llamas, mules, horses, snowmobiles, motorcycles, campers, small prop planes, and helicopters. We've also pulled them ourselves, lashed to a sled deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Most of the products in our test group feature robust daisy chains (externally mounted webbing with sewn loops) that are versatile and easy to use to securely attach your duffel to various modes of transportation. Other single attachment loops, large grab handles, or permanently affixed shoulder straps are also useful when securing your load.
When traveling to more remote regions, having a duffel that can be easily and securely tied down to a bus or some sort of pack animal can be the difference between losing your bag or not.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Most of the highest-rated products in our lineup include daisy chains or some kind of external attachment loops. The Patagonia Black Hole, Gregory Alpaca, and The North Face Base Camp all stand out for their robust and extensive daisy chain features. The Thule Chasm and REI Big Haul are also noteworthy with their sturdy, reinforced daisy chain loops that are thicker and stronger than most.
The Alpaca 100-liter size has full-length daisy chains on each side of the bag for easy attachment to a car, truck, or motorcycle.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Counter to the beefy and reinforced adventure-style duffels, the Adidas Defender, Puma Evercat, HYC00 Travel, and Herschel Novel are all smaller bags that rely on their lightweight and compact size to make them easy to transport. With an impressively low weight, the Adidas Defender and Puma are both particularly easy to toss over your shoulder, under a bus seat, or in a locker.
The Adidas is small enough to easily toss in your passenger seat or footwell; no need to go back to the trunk!
Credit: Hale Milano
Protection
Whether you're loading up the vehicle on a damp day, anxiously cringing as airport personnel toss around your bag on the tarmac, or slogging through boggy or snowy conditions, protection from Mother Nature and bumps along the way is crucial. We took these bags on worldly expeditions to challenging climates like Denali, Bolivia, Aconcagua, Central Chile, and Patagonia. Additionally, we tested them on road trips, beach outings, and sports practice. We sat them outside during a tropical storm to test for seepage over several hours of light rain. We also put them through the wringer by running systematic tests involving drenching them with a high-pressure garden hose with dry towels and clothes inside.
The rankings for weather resistance look relatively similar to our durability ratings — bags with heavier-duty materials tend to perform better. One difference is that models with multiple exterior pockets and additional zippered closures are more vulnerable to the outside elements. Simpler designs with fewer openings offer better protection. The North Face Base Camp scores well with its 1000-denier material and limited vulnerabilities. After our high-pressure hose test, the dry paper towels inside it showed no signs of water intrusion. The Base Camp has a one-inch protective flap where the top lid overlaps the main zipper to route water away. Though it doesn't have sealed seams to make it waterproof like a true dry bag, it provides excellent weather protection. With a similar design to the Base Camp, the Osprey Transporter also shed all water, keeping our clothes dry, despite a much thinner fabric.
The Base Camp survived over an hour outside in a tropical storm, and a 30-second high-pressure hose test, without any water intrusions. At the end of it, our test towels were completely dry.
Credit: Hale Milano
Another standout from our hose test was the Voyager. It was so impressive in the first round of hose testing that we drenched it a second time; even after the second deluge, there was no leaking.
Both the Voyager and the Allpa were impressively water resistant, and had flaps to protect the zipper areas.
Credit: Hale Milano
Several of the remaining top contenders all scored similarly well in this performance metric. The Patagonia Black Hole, Nemo Double Haul, Gregory Alpaca, and the Thule Chasm all provide exceptional protection from the elements. The Black Hole and Alpaca passed the long-duration exposure to the elements just fine, with water beading off their 900-denier fabric. However, both succumbed to water leaks via their zippers during the high-pressure hose test. The Thule is one of the few duffels with a sealed external zipper, which we appreciated for a phone or keys.
The Thule Chasm has a waterproof zipper on its external pocket.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Most of the remaining bags in our lineup, like the Herschel Novel and REI Roadtripper, have waterproof or water-resistant fabrics but don't have sealed seams or waterproof zippers. These bags will repel some light rain, snow, splashes, and spills, but won't withstand extended downpours or complete submersion.
We sat all the bags outside for an hour during moderate to heavy rain. For the most part, water beads right off the fabrics.
Construction Quality
Almost all of the contenders in our lineup are super durable, made from robust materials, with reinforced bottom panels and heavy-duty seams. Most of the bags we tested are constructed from a high-denier laminate or high-denier ballistic nylon. Denier (also denoted as “D” behind a number) is the measure of a material's thread thickness and density, and a higher number corresponds to a thicker, sturdier, more durable fabric. Our lineup includes a wide range of possible bag fabrics, from heavy-duty expedition packs made of 1000-denier materials plus additional reinforced areas to easily compressible nylon bags. We are also pleased to note that many of the bags leverage recycled materials as well.
The tried and true The North Face Base Camp set the tone for durability decades ago with its burly 1000-denier body material, and a similar heavy-duty construction has spread to several other manufacturers. Many of the top models in our fleet used at least a 900-denier nylon or polyester material throughout the duffel, with an additional reinforcement layer of at least 600-denier nylon on the bottom or other high-wear areas. One of our testers has used a Base Camp duffel on over 20 rugged expeditions to remote locations and in extreme conditions, and it's still going strong.
The Base Camp duffel is one of our longtime favorites that sets the standard for durability. We've taken previous versions of this bag on over 20 expeditions around the world and it's still going strong.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
With fabrics ranging from 300 to 900-denier, a majority of the bags tested are made from relatively similar durable materials. The Patagonia Black Hole, Gregory Alpaca, Nemo Double Haul, Base Camp Voyager, and Osprey Transporter are similarly sturdy, and many feature reinforced bottoms with thicker denier where bags take a lot of abuse. All of these bags also have strongly reinforced seams and include sturdy hardware. The Black Hole and Alpaca also feature ripstop fabric to protect you against a worst-case scenario.
The Transporter (left) and the Black Hole (right) models are plenty durable to withstand rough handling.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Another standout in our construction quality metric is the Herschel Novel, constructed from 600-denier fabric and a liner that is made from 100% post-consumer water bottles. Not only do we love the eco-friendly materials, but this fabric felt durable and looked incredibly stylish. The seams and hardware on the bag are of excellent quality as well. While we might not want to strap it down to a muddy vehicle or drag it behind us, we're confident that the Herschel would stand up to the wear and tear.
Constructed with quality materials and craftsmanship, the Herschel Novel is both durable and weather-resistant.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Peak Design bag is a very impressive model and clearly has a high level of craftsmanship and design that went into its creation. We'd feel just as comfortable using it to lug gear around as to pack up for a business trip. It, too, used a 100% recycled 600-denier canvas and a thicker bottom liner. While we had no complaints about the overall construction quality upon examination or issues regarding its durability, we were disappointed to note that the supposedly weatherproof zippers failed to stop water from entering the bag and side pockets. Nevertheless, we still thought the Peak Design felt durable and well-made.
Despite a durable fabric and weatherproof zippers, we questioned the construction quality of the Peak Design when it failed to keep out water from any of the compartments.
Credit: Hale Milano
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
Once you've filled a duffel bag full of gear, you may not notice the initial weight of the bag. However, it can make a difference when you're trying to stay within an airline's weight limits or when the transportation switches from vehicles to your own two feet.
Since this lineup includes tested bags ranging from 30 liters to 104 liters in size, we calculated the weight-to-volume ratio for each bag to measure its relative weight.
Our three top-scoring bags for our weight-to-volume metric are also some of our largest. The REI RoadtripperGonex Foldable and Amazon Basics Large Nylon bags weighed in under two pounds each, and each offered roughly 80 - 100 liters of internal storage space. Their excellent ratio is thanks to their stunningly simple design and a lack of extra features, fabric, and pockets found on many of our more rugged bags. If you're looking for bulk hauling capacity and don't require much protection from the elements, these are both great options.
The size of the Amazon duffel makes it ideal for large, bulky, or squishy items; like hauling 3-4 sleeping bags and blankets for a weekend of car camping.
Credit: Hale Milano
The newest model of the Osprey Transporter shaved off over half a pound on the 90-liter model thanks to redesigned materials, making it one of the top weight-to-volume bags in our lineup that also boasts intense protection and durability. The high score here, combined with its robust carrying system, makes it a beast for hauling heavy loads of gear.
The lighter base weight on the Transporter is important, because you can easily go over the weight limit for checked bags if you fill up this 95L version.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Adidas Defender is one of the lightest bags in our lineup, but it offers significantly less storage space than other bags. This ultralight 1.2-pound bag still boasts enough space to pack anything you might need for the gym or practice session without weighing you down. Right in line with the Adidas bag is the Puma Evercat. Though it has a slightly heavier weight per liter of volume, it is imperceptible without a precise scale.
Two of the gym-style duffels we tested, the Adidas Defender (left) and Puma Evercat (right).
The Eagle Creek Migrate is a rugged adventure bag that still offers a good tradeoff between weight and storage volume. It is constructed from medium-thickness fabrics, providing a nice balance of durability and weight savings.
We tested duffel bags across the world putting them through real-life rigors and systematic testing environments.
Duffel bags offer a utilitarian approach to carrying luggage that provides more versatility than traditional hardshell suitcases. Using a duffel while traveling provides more room for gear and clothing while offering a lighter form than other luggage styles. When looking at the world of duffel bags, it's important to consider the type of travel you need a duffel for. Some folks may need a multi-week bag capable of carrying an array of gear, while others just need a simple bag to carry clothes to work, the gym, or school.
The world of duffel bags comes in a variety of different orientations and styles.
Credit: Hale Milano
What Size Works Best?
Once you know the style of duffel you need, it should naturally lead towards the appropriate volume. Typically, a duffel bag under 40 liters is suitable for quick overnight trips, while a duffel in the 50 to 70-liter range will work well for weekend trips. Bags in the 80-100 liter range work great for longer trips over a week or more, and can usually avoid tipping over that 50-pound airline weight limit. For those with specialized gear or extended travel, bags upwards of 150 liters are worth considering.
What Features Should I Look For?
Certain features can make or break a good duffel bag. Consider the different carrying strap styles, such as shoulder straps, hand straps, or backpack straps. If you plan on walking extended distances and carrying larger loads, it's a good idea to consider duffels with backpack-style straps. Internal organization features, such as pockets and compression straps, can also provide easier access to belongings and secure them from moving around inside the bag. Consider your typical travel routines and luggage contents to find a bag with the most useful features for you.
Feature-rich bags provide ample opportunity to carry gear in and around your duffel.
Credit: Hale Milano
Is Durability Important?
Depending on your travel style and intended use, a duffel bag with proven durability can be a high priority. This is especially true for folks who plan to travel into weather-prone areas, camp or hike with their duffel, or just want extra security when checking in their bag at the airport. Look for waterproof materials and coatings, reinforced areas around the bag, and the material itself.
A durable bag like the North Face Base Camp provides rugged construction and a reinforced bottom for top-of-the-line durability.
Credit: Hale Milano
Other Travel Options
If you've got a lot of gear and a long way to haul it, you might be better off with a luggage-style rolling duffel, like the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L. This backpacking-inspired bag holds a ton of gear and can be rolled along at your side, saving you from having to haul it on your back or shoulder.
Alternatively, a travel backpack is a great — and more comfortable — way to cart your stuff on your travels. No matter how much you pack or what style of travel you prefer, our travel gurus can help you determine the right travel bag for your exploration style.
Conclusion
Today's duffel bag marketplace includes numerous impressive products from top manufacturers that perform well both for general travel and rugged expeditions. While each model is capable of hauling your gear around town or around the world, distinct nuances between each design can significantly impact the comfort and convenience of hauling your gear. We hope that our intensive testing and side-by-side comparisons help you find the right bag for your style of packing and travel, and we wish you luck and safety wherever your new bag may accompany you.
—Hale Milano, Maggie Nichols, Nick Bruckbauer, & Miya Tsudome
