Duffel bags come in many styles, but the classic duffel bag is the most versatile. They hold a lot of gear, and many models feature removable backpack straps for easy carrying. They can be used in a variety of modes of transportation, such as car, plane, and train. When not in use, they can be folded into a small bag and easily stored in a closet.
Our travel experts have been testing travel bags since 2010, and have tested over 60 unique travel bags in that time. We traveled the world for weeks with 17 of the bags in this roundup, aiming to find the best bags for every type of trip. From backpacking alpacas in the Andes to early morning workouts at the local gym, braving tropical rainstorms, and preparing for multi-week road trips, we put these bags to the test.
Two of our favorite bags, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel and The North Face Base Camp Voyager, have similar features, such as durable construction, comfortable handles, multiple size options, and easy packing. The Black Hole Duffel is a one-box, multi-use design, while the Voyager features additional internal dividers for easy organization.
For a weekend bag for short trips, we highly recommend the HYC00 Travel. It’s the right size, has thoughtful storage features, and is very affordable.
If you’re carrying a lot of gear and covering long distances, a travel bag with wheels may be your best choice. Plus, a travel backpack is also ideal for carrying your belongings and is much more convenient. From carry-on and checked luggage to personal items, our travel experts can help you find the right travel bag for your adventure style.
We’ve tested several versions of the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel over the years, and it’s always stood out. “This duffel bag is a duffel bag for everything,” said our lead tester. No matter what size you buy, you can be sure it will fit your needs. We’ve tested several sizes of the Black Hole duffel bag over the years, and we love the premium design details in all versions.
The 100L model features one external zipped pocket, two internal zipped pockets, internal compression luggage straps, and external daisy chain connection points. In contrast, the 55L model features an internal and external zipped pocket, a covered zipped pocket, and daisy chain connection points. Our testers found the straps on all models to be comfortable and easy to remove. The 900-denier recycled material is durable and waterproof, and a reinforced bottom panel helps prevent scratches during transport. This bag is tough enough to handle the toughest adventures, yet stylish enough for frequent business travel. It’s a common sight at airports, and for good reason.
No matter your size, the Black Hole does have some drawbacks. We found that the luggage handle closures (the material used to hold the handles together) are poppers, which are awkward to use, especially when in a hurry. It would also be nice to have a small internal or external pocket to store smaller items – if organization is important to you, check out our review of The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel. However, these minor drawbacks don’t matter when you consider that this is an excellent, highly rated luggage bag. If you’re looking to keep your smaller items more organized and handy when you’re out and about, the HYC00 Travel has three internal pockets to keep your belongings neat and organized.
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel is one of our favorites. It’s similar in many ways to another favorite of ours, the Black Hole, but the Voyager is more suited to those who prefer to pack more organized. The Voyager is unique in that it has a retractable interior divider that separates the main compartment into two different areas depending on what you want to pack. The main flap has two zippered mesh pockets for storing smaller items. Finally, there are two exterior pockets on either end, perfect for a pair of shoes or dirty clothes. These features don’t take up any extra space; at 62 liters, the bag has enough room to pack everything you need for your trip.
The backpack’s straps are comfortable and easy to pack, and this duffel bag features grab handles on all four sides and a webbing loop for tying or securing items. We tested its weather resistance, and it was also impressive. “I hosed it down thoroughly — twice — and it didn’t leak,” said lead tester Hale Milano. Overall, if you like the ease of packing and stashing your gear, even in a duffel bag, the Voyager is a good choice.
The Voyager comes in three different sizes, but the largest is only 62L, so if you’re heading out on a week-long adventure or winter trip and bringing large or bulky gear, you may want to go with the larger size. However, for shorter trips or when you don’t need to carry extra gear, 62L is more than enough. One small downside to this bag is the placement of the pack’s straps, which can make it a bit difficult to open and access the main compartment if you attach them to the bottom. However, this can be easily solved with a quick unfastening of the buttons. If you like to stay organized, the REI Co-op Big Haul Backpack has the same internal mesh pockets as the Voyager, as well as external compression straps to keep everything secure.
The Gregory Alpaca Premium Duffel has all the essential features at a lower price than many other top models, making it a great value. The Alpaca is made from high-quality materials and has a sleek and stylish design. Depending on the size you choose, the bag can be equipped with multiple storage pockets, full-length chain attachment points on both sides, comfortable backpack straps, and 900 denier waterproof fabric. It combines large capacity, easy carrying, durable and waterproof material, and reasonable lightness.
In our testing, the Alpaca scored highly with no notable flaws. The only downside is that the luggage handle is a little odd, especially on the smaller version. While the handles don’t affect the usability of the suitcase when carrying it, they can flap around and snag on items if the suitcase isn’t packed properly. If the thought of dangling luggage handles makes you uncomfortable, the removable shoulder straps on the Thule Chasm and REI Big Haul can help ease that discomfort. But overall, the Alpaca is still one of our favorite pieces of luggage and is a great value for the money.
The HYC00 Travel Bag is a great value for money travel bag that packs a lot of features, earning it a high rating in our testing. We really liked the storage and organization features, as well as the separate flat compartment for shoes or folded clothes. The main compartment also has plenty of small pockets for storing smaller items while traveling. As for waterproofing, Hale said, “The fabric will hold up to light fog or rain, but not a heavy downpour.”
The HYC00 is one of the heaviest bags we tested for its weight-to-volume ratio. It’s easy to store and retrieve items, but it’s not a traditional duffel bag design, and you have to dig around to access items in the bottom of the main compartment. “I found this bag to be great for short jaunts,” said one tester. “However, if the bag is overloaded or needs to be carried long distances, the suitcase-style handles and single shoulder strap aren’t the most comfortable.” For longer trips, you might want to consider the Osprey Transporter Comfort Carry System. But if you’re looking to use it as a daypack or weekend getaway bag, the HYC00 is a great, affordable option. For shorter trips, we also like the more durable Herschel Novel, which has more space but fewer pockets for organization.
The Osprey Transporter’s backpack-inspired harness system provides support and is padded, making it a popular choice for the most comfortable carrying system. While most backpacks we’ve tested have a harness, this model is one of the few in our lineup that includes a sternum strap in addition to the comfortable, supportive straps. The straps quickly release and easily stow in a zippered pocket on the top lid, making airport access easy. The pack has four durable handles and is made from high-quality materials and construction.
The Transporter is a great packable backpack, but it lacks the traditional briefcase-style handles found on most duffel bags. The comfortable, sturdy handle makes up for this, but we’d like more ways to carry it. There’s one internal and one external zipped pocket, but they’re awkwardly placed and not very practical. Designed to carry heavy loads in comfort and style, the Transporter is a great choice if the carry-ability of a backpack is your top priority. If you’re looking for a backpack-style duffel with plenty of pockets and organization, check out the Cotopaxi Allpa. If you’re looking for a duffel with traditional briefcase-style handles, The North Face Base Camp is a great option.
The North Face Base Camp has been a mainstay of remote expeditions around the world for decades and has remained a staple in our product line for many years. It’s our favorite simple, rugged expedition bag. Its classic design hasn’t changed much over the years, and the durable 1,000-denier material is some of the toughest we’ve tested. Two interior pockets, one zippered and one without, add to the appeal. For decades, these packs have stood the test of time on expeditions around the world. Our testing team alone has several Base Camp duffel bags that have served us faithfully on many adventures over the years.
Our biggest gripe with the Base Camp is the placement of the straps. While the handles and traditional briefcase-style straps are permanently attached to the bag and easy to remove or replace, you have to thread the shoulder straps through dual buckles in the back. Many airlines require you to remove the straps for luggage, so this design adds a bit of a hassle every time you check your luggage. The thicker material also wears out faster than some of its competitors and is more practical than some of the fancier models. Still, if you want a simple, reliable backpack that will take you to all seven continents with ease, then we recommend the Base Camp. Another option worth considering is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, which has a sturdy construction but is quicker to remove the strap.
Reviewer Hale Milano says the Adidas Defender Small “does everything you need for a duffel or gym bag, and nothing you don’t.” The D-shaped opening folds down to easily fit the gear, equipment, and nutrition you need for your next workout, class, or game. “I love how lightweight this bag is,” Hale says. While the light weight does compromise durability a bit, a lighter gear bag is always a good option, especially if you have a lot of other gear to carry. This duffel bag is also highly waterproof, which is great if you get caught in a sudden downpour outside.
Unfortunately, the Defender’s materials and stitching aren’t as durable as we’d like, especially for a travel bag designed to be carried on buses, in lockers, and in the mud. We like the dual-sided pockets, but wish they were a little bigger. It’s big enough to fit a pair of shoes, but there’s not much room, especially if the bag is full or if the shoes are long or bulky.
The Defender is a great choice for everyday use at the gym, on the court, or while training for sports. The Puma Evercat Contender is another great choice for sports or the gym. While it’s a little smaller overall and has smaller side pockets, it does have built-in ventilation for storing wet or smelly items, which is a nice touch. Puma also uses a semi-rigid base, which is pretty cool for such a lightweight bag. Both options are great if you’re only carrying the essentials for soccer, swimming, or going to the gym. Both bags are great if you’re only carrying the essentials for soccer, swimming, or going to the gym. If you’re carrying more gear or equipment, these bags may be a little small. If you’re traveling with a group and need a more durable or roomy pack, The North Face Base Camp is our top recommendation.
With plenty of storage and practicality at a price that’s only half that of other travel bags, the REI Roadtripper is a great choice for a budget travel bag. The Roadtripper is affordable and simple. It offers great value for the money with a durable, lightweight design, removable shoulder straps, one exterior zippered pocket, and a basic Daisy Chain fastening system.
The Roadtripper’s lightweight construction is due to its thinner materials and simple design. It also lacks many of the frills found in higher-end models like the Gregory Alpaca, such as internal pockets, compression straps, backpack straps, or an abundance of chain links. The Roadtripper’s fabric and zippers are durable enough for everyday use, but they probably won’t stand up to as much wear and tear as a more rugged travel duffel. This bag is versatile, lightweight, and affordable, making it ideal for everyday use. If you’re looking for a travel bag that combines high-tech features with a reasonable price, consider the Cotopaxi Allpa.
The Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L is a new favorite among our luggage testing team when it comes to rolling duffel bags. Inspired by backpacking, this pack can securely hold a lot of gear and keep everything in place thanks to an external, bib-style compression system. Built to withstand the rigors of travel, this duffel bag is made from heavy-duty 460D and 500D recycled ripstop nylon and has a metal frame. A retractable handle is hidden under the end of the bag and easily extends, allowing you to roll the Sojourn over even the most uneven terrain thanks to its large wheels and thick tread. Say goodbye to worrying about carrying luggage on your back or sideways.
The Sojourn Shuttle’s large, sturdy zippers are designed to withstand the stress of being pushed through airline baggage systems, but the extra bulk makes it more difficult to use. Unlike many other suitcases, it doesn’t have a rear track, making it easier to get up and down stairs. While this giant rolling duffel bag is built to last, the price tag may be prohibitive. However, if you frequently use your duffel bag to carry heavy gear, this rolling duffel bag is still worth the money. We also like the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30, a similarly styled rolling duffel bag with slightly different finishes and price.
Sometimes adventures take us into extreme weather conditions, and waterproofing alone isn’t enough. If you’re looking for a dry bag/duffel bag hybrid that’s completely waterproof, the Yeti Panga 50 is the one for you. It’s made from durable, high-density laminated nylon, is completely waterproof, and has a HydroLok zippered opening. This duffel features RF-welded seams that are waterproof and breathable, even when fully submerged. That’s why it’s our go-to bag for protecting sensitive electronics in wet conditions. The Yeti has plenty of tie-down points, straps, and shoulder straps, so you can easily carry it through an airport or attach it to an inflatable raft.
Typically, these advanced features and protection come with a higher price tag and heavier dry bag. The Panga weighs in at 5.2 pounds. It’s also one of the more expensive models compared to other dry bag competitors, but sometimes that price is worth the investment for peace of mind. If you need to protect valuable electronics and gear in wet conditions or want a bag that’s versatile enough to handle any potential need, these tradeoffs may be worth it. The Watershed Colorado Duffel is another 100% waterproof dry bag we like, with a more flexible design and a lower price tag. However, weatherproofing requires a little more finesse. For smaller accessories and items, our favorite is the NRS Expedition DriDuffel Small Waterproof Duffel.
The idea for this review began over a decade ago when we first researched and tested travel bags on multiple expeditions around the world in 2010. We’ve been keeping an eye on the travel bag market ever since, consistently purchasing the most popular models and even testing different versions and sizes of our favorites on expeditions and adventures around the world. With each iteration and update, we pick the best, most popular, and most interesting travel bags on the market to purchase and put to the test in real-world conditions. In addition to undergoing our lab testing, some bags have been backpacking in the French Alps, crossing the glaciers of Alaska, stored in the forests of Patagonia, and transported as paddling gear in the Indian Ocean. We also throw them in the trunk of our cars for weekend adventures, sports training, road trips, gym workouts, and triathlons. To learn more about our testing process, check out How We Test.
This review was submitted by several longtime GearLab contributors: Maggie Nichols, Miya Tsudome, Nick Bruckbauer, and Hale Milano. Maggie, Miya, Nick, and Hale often use travel bags to carry luggage and gear on their adventures around the world, and they know what makes a great travel bag, whether they’re traveling close to home or halfway around the world.
Maggie is an avid explorer and wilderness guide with over 15 years of experience. She has taught and trained in the Galapagos Islands and South Africa, led tours in the Virgin Islands and the Western US, and spent months living out of a duffel bag visiting remote locations like Svalbard and Senegal. Mia is a climber, professional mountain guide, and photographer based in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Eastern California. She can often be found carrying gear to and from her favorite climbing walls.
Nick is a competitive runner and an outdoor enthusiast. He has scuba dived in Thailand and the Maldives, hiked in Nepal, skied in Alaska, and climbed and skied 14 peaks in Washington, California, and Colorado.
A second-rate outdoorsman and gear fanatic, Hale has rock climbed in Norway, snowboarded across the Swiss-Italian border, hiked solo in Patagonia, and scuba-dived shipwrecks in Vanuatu. He has visited more than 32 countries, sometimes living for months at a time out of a duffel bag.
To help you find the perfect travel bag, we rated each product in our lineup on five key performance indicators. We use a combined weighted score to determine the best rating. To learn how each travel bag performs in specific areas, keep reading.
Duffel bags vary widely in price, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Generally, the price depends on the size and quality of the bag’s material. The Patagonia Black Hole is one of the most expensive models in our line, but it’s only slightly more expensive than the more expensive Gregory Alpaca. The price difference between the top ten or eleven expedition duffel bags in our line is minimal. All of these items are made from durable materials and feature high-quality designs, so they’re great value for money.
On the other hand, the HYC00 Travel and REI Co-op Roadtripper are the least expensive of all the travel bags we reviewed. While they lack the size, durability, and versatility of the more rugged options above, both products have their merits. The HYC00’s construction makes it ideal for weekend road trips, while the REI Roadtripper’s lightweight, roomy design makes it ideal for hauling a lot of gear. Of the smaller travel bags we reviewed, the price differences were more pronounced, depending largely on the materials used and the quality of the bag’s construction.
While most travel bags have more than enough capacity to carry heavy items for extended periods, each model has its own nuances that affect storage efficiency, organization options, and ease of packing. In this category, we first compared each bag’s overall storage space and how easily it would fit both common travel items and oddly shaped items. We considered whether the bag would hold its shape when empty to make it easier to pack, and whether straps, flaps, and zippers would get in the way. We also analyzed how useful small pockets and dividers are for organizing items, as well as how easy it is to access the small dividers and main compartment.
After dozens of field and lab comparisons, we almost always prefer a large D-shaped zipper over a straight I-shaped zipper. Many of the larger duffel bags we tested have a D-shaped opening, which makes it easier to access items and provides more secure storage since the flap folds completely flat. Small duffel bags tend to have an I-shaped opening, which is easier to zip up but provides limited access. Some of the more travel-focused duffel bags feature heavy-duty locking zippers, as well as pullers for easy tightening of a full bag.
Packability is key, and we’ve all experienced the situation where a pack is so full that it’s over its capacity and difficult to zip up. In this case, we appreciate the internal compression straps on many packs, including the Osprey Transporter and Patagonia Black Hole, as well as the external compression straps on the REI Big Haul.
Most of the bags we tested had spacious interior storage compartments that were more than enough to hold a lot of gear or clothing. While these are nice to have, a few interior or exterior zippered pockets are essential to keep smaller items from getting lost. Zippered pockets are especially important for storing wet shoes or dirty clothes. Both The North Face Voyager and the REI Big Haul feature two interior mesh storage pockets, as well as several smaller exterior pockets to help you stay organized. The Voyager’s main compartment also features a removable divider that can be installed in two ways to divide the main compartment into multiple areas.
The Thule Chasm backpack has two large mesh pockets on the bottom of the lid, a hanging pocket inside, and an external pocket on the top. The Patagonia Black Hole 100L, REI Co-op Big Haul, and Gregory Alpaca 90L also have one external pocket and two internal pockets. The smaller Black Hole and Alpaca don’t have dedicated external pockets, but we really like the zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the lid.
While The North Face Base Camp and REI Roadtripper don’t win any competitions in terms of storage or small organizational compartments, we have to commend the capacity and depth of their main compartments, as well as their ability to hold a lot of gear.
If you’re looking for a larger-capacity model, many of the packs we tested have capacities of 100 liters or more, including the Patagonia Black Hole with a maximum capacity of 100 liters, Amazon Basics Large Nylon, Osprey Transporter, Gregory Alpaca, REI Big Haul with a maximum capacity of 120 liters, Thule Chasm (up to 130 liters), REI Roadtripper (up to 140 liters), and The North Face Base Camp with a maximum capacity of 150 liters.
The final standout in our storage and organization test is the HYC00 Travel Bag. While we’re not a fan of the I-shaped zipper, which limits access and overall storage space (and tapers off at the top), we do like the interior organization pockets. The HYC00 has a dedicated flat compartment for storing shoes or clothing at the bottom, as well as two interior zippered pockets and three interior mesh pockets for storing smaller items. Even when empty, it stays in relatively good condition.
One way duffel bags differ from other luggage is that they are usually larger, making them bulkier and more awkward to carry. But they are also designed to be more portable. Every duffel bag we tested can be carried four ways: with a traditional briefcase-style handle, backpack straps, a shoulder strap, and a retractable handle (rolling duffel bags are covered in our luggage reviews). Each carrying method can vary depending on the situation and length of the trip. A retractable handle makes it easy to get the bag in and out of your car or roof rack, while a briefcase-style handle and shoulder strap are ideal for short trips or when you need to haul extra luggage. For heavier items or longer trips, a backpack strap is the most comfortable and efficient carrying method. Chain attachment points make it easy to secure the bag to a vehicle, cart, or pack animal, and easily removable straps help protect the bag from wear and tear during air travel. If you want to travel faster and lighter, or need to carry your belongings over long distances, you may want to consider a travel backpack.
Many of the expedition duffel bags in our range come with backpack straps, making it easy to carry a fully loaded bag. Different models have slightly different strap geometry, padding levels and adjustment ranges. The Osprey Transporter stands out in this category. It features the most comfortable backpack carrying system, featuring padded shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap. The Transporter’s backpack straps quickly stow away in a top-lid storage compartment and can be easily re-fastened with just two side buckles. While the bag doesn’t have traditional briefcase-style handles, it does have four durable, padded grab handles (one at each end) that make it easy to carry or haul over moderate distances. Even with one of the larger bags in our range, the Transporter is easy to load and unload.
The Thule Chasm is another impressively comfortable backpack. While the Chasm doesn’t have a sternum strap like the Osprey Transporter, the backpack’s shoulder straps are very comfortable. The backpack’s strap has a T-handle on top and a plastic buckle on the bottom that can be quickly removed for easy replacement. There are also snaps on the sides that allow you to stow the handles, like a suitcase, when not in use.
The Patagonia Black Hole, North Face Voyager, Gregory Alpaca, REI Big Haul, and Cotopaxi Allpa also feature fairly comfortable shoulder straps for carrying heavy loads over long distances. These models also feature traditional briefcase-style straps and reinforced handles on the sides and ends, allowing for a variety of carrying options.
We like the cargo handles on the Big Haul and Cotopaxi Allpa because they can be easily removed or stowed away. Many travel bags have started to come with foldable backpack straps, and it’s nice to be able to stow these handles away when you’re checking out the bag or just don’t want them dangling.
Most of the high-capacity options we tested replaced the traditional crossbody design with more comfortable and efficient backpack straps. However, sometimes it’s more comfortable to carry a pack on one shoulder, such as when traveling short distances or carrying multiple items at once. Most backpacks have adjustable shoulder straps for easy one-shoulder carrying. However, the padding on backpack shoulder straps is often offset, which doesn’t provide effective shoulder protection or throws off the balance of the pack. The Patagonia Black Hole shoulder straps are easily adjustable and feature an extended strap for easy one-shoulder carrying.