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Gregory Alpaca Review

A fully-featured duffel with a sleek and durable design that's ready to tackle your next adventure without putting a big dent in your budget
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gregory alpaca duffel bag review
The Alpaca is a high-quality bag at a lower price than other leading duffels.
Credit: Hale Milano
Price:  $140 List
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Manufacturer:   Gregory
By Hale Milano ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 24, 2023
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 15
  • Storage and Ease of Packing - 30% 8.5
  • Ease of Transport - 30% 8.2
  • Protection - 15% 8.3
  • Construction Quality - 15% 9.1
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Gregory Alpaca boasts a durable and proven design, excellent features, and is available at a reasonable price less than similarly featured duffel bags. It is an excellent duffel bag that can do it all without putting a major dent in your wallet. It's one of the most durable and weather-resistant models we tested with its flexible 900-denier body material. Its daisy chains make it easy to lash onto vehicles, pack animals, or alternate modes of transportation, and the assorted carrying options make it convenient to haul around yourself. Perhaps most impressively, the Alpaca is a bit more affordable than other high-end duffel bags without skimping on quality or features and is a versatile choice for any travel situation.
REASONS TO BUY
Durable and weather resistant
Comfortable carry options
Convenient storage design
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Larger than normal suitcase handles
Editor's Note: We revised this review on November 24, 2023, to reflect the most recent product updates. We also completed our most recent round of testing with the smaller 40-liter model, versus previously testing with the no-longer-available 90-liter model.

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gregory alpaca duffel bag review
This Product
Gregory Alpaca
Awards Best Buy Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award Top Pick Award 
Price Check Price at Backcountry
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$169.00 at REI
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Bottom Line This excellent duffel offers great features regardless of which size model you prefer and is budget friendlyPacked full of adventure-ready features, this versatile bag is ready to tackle your next adventure, whether it's across town or across the worldRemains one of our favorite all-around models with its simple and rugged designThis budget-conscious bag still provides great organization features ideal for day tripsThis compact duffel bag is best suited for the gym or carrying gear to a sports practice but isn't the most durable
Rating Categories Gregory Alpaca Patagonia Black Hol... The North Face Base... HYC00 Travel Adidas Defender Small
Storage and Ease of Packing (30%)
8.5
8.6
7.0
6.5
5.5
Ease of Transport (30%)
8.2
8.5
7.2
5.5
5.0
Protection (15%)
8.3
8.5
9.2
4.5
6.0
Construction Quality (15%)
9.1
9.2
9.8
6.0
3.0
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (10%)
4.0
6.1
6.6
4.5
8.8
Specs Gregory Alpaca Patagonia Black Hol... The North Face Base... HYC00 Travel Adidas Defender Small
Sizes Available 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 L 40, 55, 70, 100 L 31, 50, 71, 95, 132, 150 L
(XS-XXL)
30 L Small, Medium, Large
Material (Main Body) 900D polyester ripstop (40% recycled) with TPU weather-resistant coating 900D polyester ripstop (100% postconsumer recycled) with TPU-film laminate 1000D polyester with phthalate-free PVC coating (body), additional layer of 840D recycled ballistics nylon with a non-PFC DWR finish (bottom) Nylon 100% polyester
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment) 3 3 2 4 4
Backpack Straps Yes Yes Yes No No
D or I-Shaped Opening D D D I D
Laundry Compartment Yes (partial) No No No No
Measured Weight 2.7 lb (40L model) 2.6 lb (55L model) 4.1 lb (95 L model) 1.9 lb (30L model) 1.0 lb (43L model)
Calculated Weight-to-Volume Ratio 1.08 oz/L 0.76 oz/L 0.69 oz/L 1.01 oz/L 0.37 oz/L
Size Tested 90L and 40L 100L and 55L 95L 30L 43L

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Gregory Alpaca is one of our favorite all-around duffels and is well-suited for everything from remote expeditions to daily trips to the gym. The two zippered pockets provide just enough organization for your smaller items, and the durable and weather-resistant materials keep your contents protected from the elements. The comfortable carry options make it ideal for almost any type of travel application, and the daisy chain attachments provide plenty of tie-down points for far-flung travels on a bus, 4x4 vehicle, or pack animal.

New Alpaca Bags
Gregory recently released a new Alpaca line with some different volumes and new materials. In our most recent round of testing, we compared the performance of the 40-liter bag to the older style 90-liter version. This size has been discontinued in favor of 80-liter and 100-liter models. The new models have fewer lash points and a slightly different material makeup, utilizing recycled polyester. Depending on the size of the duffel, the pocket configuration may vary from the 40-liter model that we tested.

Performance Comparison


gregory alpaca duffel bag review - we liked the alpaca for gym trips, day trips, crag trips, and more.
We liked the Alpaca for gym trips, day trips, crag trips, and more.
Credit: Hale Milano

Storage and Ease of Packing


The Alpaca has an efficient storage design with a large main storage compartment, an internal zippered mesh pocket underneath the top lid, and one external zippered storage pocket that expands into the interior of the bag for dirty gear. We tested the 40-liter version, and it is also available in 60, 80, 100, and 120-liter volumes.


A large D-shaped zippered opening extends nearly the entire perimeter of the bag to reveal the large main storage compartment. The heavy-duty zippers used to close the lid are burly and glide smoothly without getting snagged. The large zipper pulls are easy to grab, even with gloves on or in the dark, thanks to their T-shaped grip. These were especially helpful when we packed the Alpaca to maximum capacity and had to force the zippers closed while compressing the bag.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - although the zipper line comes in further than other bags, we loved...
Although the zipper line comes in further than other bags, we loved the large opening and easy zippers on the Alpaca.
Credit: Hale Milano

The Alpaca also sports a single external zippered pocket at one end. This pocket extends into the main compartment and functions as a dirty gear storage area. We are big fans of these style pockets to help keep our clean gear separate from others, especially when dirty or wet. We do wish this pocket was just a little bit larger so that we could more comfortably fit a pair of muddy hiking shoes inside. Still, this is a great feature that is not found on all duffels.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - dirty shoes or wet clothes? toss them in the dedicated wet gear...
Dirty shoes or wet clothes? Toss them in the dedicated wet gear pouch on the end of the Alpaca.
Credit: Hale Milano

Lastly, the Alpaca 40 has a single zippered pocket on the hood for small items. On larger models, like the 100-liter version, there are two separate pockets on the hood.

The single lid pocket on the 40-liter Alpaca.
The single lid pocket on the 40-liter Alpaca.
A wide-opening D-shaped zipper reveals a large main storage...
A wide-opening D-shaped zipper reveals a large main storage compartment with a pair of zippered pockets underneath the top lid.
The single hood pocket available on smaller versions (left) versus the dual pocket design on larger models of the Alpaca (right).

Ease of Transport


The Alpaca is convenient to haul around with many of the same carrying features as other top-tier contenders in a well-executed design. It can be carried briefcase style, backpack style, over the shoulder, dragged by its grab handles, or lashed down through its daisy chains.


Its comfortable shoulder straps are well-padded and have a wide range of adjustment. They can be cinched down tightly for a comfortable backpack-style carry or fully lengthened to sling over one shoulder. Most other competitors in our lineup don't provide the same extended adjustment length that allows for a comfortable and balanced shoulder sling option. In addition to their high range of adjustability, the shoulder straps are also completely removable. This is a feature seen across most high-performing bags and is helpful when checking bags for air travel. The shoulder straps attach via a pass-through buckle on the top and traditional side-squeeze buckles on the bottom.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - hauling multiple bags or moving over rough terrain? toss the alpaca...
Hauling multiple bags or moving over rough terrain? Toss the Alpaca on your back to free up your hands.
Credit: Hale Milano

The traditional briefcase-style carry handles are permanently attached to the bag and join together with a comfortable velcro clasp. The velcro clasp has a pleasant rigidity to it that provides superior comfort when the bag is heavily weighted. We did find that these handles are slightly too long, especially for the overall size of the Alpaca 40. Grab handles at each end of the duffel provide an easy target for a quick grab out of the trunk, off a luggage rack, or at the airport baggage claim.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - the briefcase handles and grab handles on either end provide a...
The briefcase handles and grab handles on either end provide a variety of ways to lug around the Alpaca, though the former were oddly long on the 40-liter model.
Credit: Hale Milano

Each side of the duffel includes a set of daisy chain attachment points between the handles. These loops make it far easier to transport and strap down this bag to alternative modes of transportation like sleds, jeeps, snowmobiles, llamas, or various other pack animals. Not only do these daisy chains help facilitate lashing the duffel to a multitude of creatures and vehicles, but they are also easily among the most rugged of any model we tested. The Alpaca uses thick webbing material on the loop and doesn't skimp on the stitching. For those who travel by more traditional means, the webbing can provide a convenient place to clip extra gear like shoes, water bottles, or keys, using a carabiner.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - backpack straps, briefcase handles, grab straps, and daisy chains...
Backpack straps, briefcase handles, grab straps, and daisy chains cover all your bases when hauling the Alpaca.
Credit: Hale Milano

Protection


The Alpaca is among the most weather-resistant duffels that we tested with its 900-denier body material with a waterproof TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) coating. While the fabric itself creates an impenetrable barrier against moisture, the seams and zippers are not completely waterproof and remain vulnerable to water seepage. None of the products in our test group have fully sealed seams or waterproof zippers — if that's what you want, consider one of our favorite duffel-style dry bags.


In both our real-world experiences and our side-by-side high-pressure hose tests, the Alpaca performed well time and time again. The TPU laminate coating does a great job of repelling water from the bag's surface, and the top lid has a generous weather flap that does an excellent job of protecting the main D-shaped zipper from the elements. Water beaded right off the bag when we exposed it to a one-hour rain bath in a tropical storm. During the host test, water did seep in through the seams, but significantly less than in other models. Both of these features help keep your contents dry in most normal travel conditions, aside from extended heavy downpours or full underwater submersion.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - only after being sprayed from all angles with a high-pressure hose...
Only after being sprayed from all angles with a high-pressure hose did the Alpaca let in water through the seams.
Credit: Hale Milano

The Alpaca also has a padded base, something that we have come to appreciate in duffels. The added structural support is helpful to hold the bag's shape when it is not completely full. It also provides a slight cushion from the bumps, bangs, and drags that your duffel can experience during transport.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - padded bases can protect gear during transit, or provide a little...
Padded bases can protect gear during transit, or provide a little extra cushion for an impromptu camp seat.
Credit: Hale Milano

Construction Quality


The Gregory Alpaca is an incredibly durable and well-made duffel bag. It is constructed with a 900-denier polyester rip-stop material throughout the main body, made from 40% recycled materials. Only a few products in our lineup use a similar or slightly thicker body material. The rip-stop fabric resists puncture and abrasions, and the additional padding on the bottom layer helps maximize the duffel's durability and overall lifespan.


The Alpaca's overall construction quality, fit, and finish are in line with the best duffels that we have tested. All of the seams are strong and thoughtfully reinforced, and the webbing, buckles, and zippers all match the high quality of the bag. When push comes to shove, the Alpaca is plenty durable for the vast majority of users and should withstand several rugged expeditions or years of general travel. Gregory also stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - load it up with whatever gear your trip demands, the alpaca is tough...
Load it up with whatever gear your trip demands, the Alpaca is tough enough to haul some serious pounds.
Credit: Hale Milano

Weight-to-Volume Ratio


The 40-liter version of the Alpaca weighed in at 2.7 pounds when we tested it. With this weight-to-volume ratio, it certainly isn't the lightest model in our lineup. Given the thick material and padded base, it is to be expected that the Alpaca is on the heavier end of the lineup. Still, we think the extra ounces are worth it for the tradeoff in weather protection and durability.


Despite being on the heavier side for its volume, we weren't bothered by the Alpaca's overall weight. This is especially true considering that it has some of the most robust material in our lineup and doesn't skimp on high-quality hardware or thoughtful design features.


In the long run, it provides a great blend of performance, comfort, durability, and weather resistance at a reasonable weight. When loaded up to its maximum capacity, you probably won't notice the weight of the bag itself, but you'll definitely appreciate its quality.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - the alpaca's durability is worth its weight, and the stiff briefcase...
The Alpaca's durability is worth its weight, and the stiff briefcase handle helps bear the load comfortably when things start to get heavy.
Credit: Hale Milano

Should You Buy the Gregory Alpaca?


The Alpaca has one of the lower prices of the top contenders, providing excellent value for a high-end duffel bag. The Alpaca performs well across the board with no significant weaknesses, thanks to its durable and weather-resistant material, comfortable carry options, efficient storage design, and an impressive list of thoughtful features. Other models may shine just a little brighter in specific areas, but none combine the all-around performance and reasonable price tag of the Alpaca. If you want a bag that performs right up there with the best but also want to save a few bucks for some other new gear, we highly recommend the Alpaca.

Thoughtful design features, excellent craftsmanship, and versatile high performance help the Alpaca stand out.

What Other Duffel Bags Should You Consider?


On the other hand, if you're looking for the best of the best duffel bags, the Patagonia Black Hole is one of the best duffel bags we tested and is only slightly more expensive than the Alpaca. If you have more niche needs and are looking for the most durable bag on the market, we think The North Face Base Camp is certain to fit the bill. The Base Camp has been around for years with one of the most durable and time-tested designs out there. For a true value pick, both the HYC00 Travel and REI Co-op Roadtripper will stretch your wallet the furthest. The HYC00 is ideal for weekend trips and offers excellent organizational design pockets for all the little items you need to travel with. The Roadtripper is on the other end of the spectrum and provides unparalleled weight-to-volume ratios and storage capacity with its high-volume and minimalistic designs.

gregory alpaca duffel bag review - the alpaca holds its own with some of the toughest duffels in our...
The Alpaca holds its own with some of the toughest duffels in our lineup.
Credit: Hale Milano

Hale Milano