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The 7 Best Duffel Bags of 2024

We tested the most promising duffel bags on the market from The North Face, Patagonia, Thule, Osprey, REI, Cotopaxi, Eagle Creek, and more to find the best
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Best Duffel Bags of 2024
We put these duffel bags to the test in both real-world rigors and systematic test scenarios to determine which is the best for your next trip.
Credit: Hale Milano
Friday November 24, 2023

Gearing up for the next trip and need a duffel to get you there? Since 2010, our team of experts has bought, traveled with, and tested over 55 of the best, most popular, and most interesting duffel bags on the market. In this update, we round up 15 of the most promising models that are available today. We hauled these bags across the globe for weeks at a time to evaluate their durability, weather resistance, organization, and ease of transporting. We threw them on trunks, checked them at airports, crammed them in lockers, and strapped them to the backs of pack animals. We've covered it all, whether you're looking for a bag for your next adventure, a sleek bag for a weekend getaway, or just a durable everyday duffel.

We've tested all types of the top-rated travel bags, from the best luggage and best carry on luggage to the best travel backpack and even a huge variety of the best backpacks for any scenario. And whether you're traveling near or far, we've got you covered with our best travel gear review.

Editor's Note: Our duffel bag review was updated on November 24, 2023. We tested different sizes of our favorite models, retested some updated duffels we still love, and added several additional styles of popular bags.

Top 15 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 15
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Awards Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award  Top Pick Award 
Price $169.00 at REI
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$179.94 at Backcountry
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Check Price at Backcountry
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Check Price at Amazon$158.95 at Evo
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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78
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Pros Durable recycled material, easily removable shoulder straps, convenient pockets, stylish designTop-notch backpack carry system, excellent weather-resistance, internal compression strapsDurable and weather resistant, comfortable carry options, convenient storage designDurable design, easily removable backpack straps, extra wide opening, organizational pocketsEasy to pack, comfortable shoulder straps, super durable
Cons Button snaps on suitcase handles, no small items pouchNo traditional carry handles, less than ideal organization pockets, expensiveHeavy, larger than normal suitcase handlesHeavy for its size, backpack clips are plasticHeavy, not as comfortable as others, less refined style
Bottom Line A sleek-looking, versatile, and durable duffel that performs highly across the board and is ready for any adventureA high-quality duffel with a comfortable and thoughtfully designed backpack harness that is easy to carry even when heavily weightedA fully-featured duffel with a sleek and durable design that's ready to tackle your next adventure without putting a big dent in your budgetA seriously durable backpack-carry bag that opens even wider than most and is exceptionally easy to convertThe longtime standard for rugged expedition duffels that we have recommended for a decade
Rating Categories Patagonia Black Hol... Osprey Transporter Gregory Alpaca Thule Chasm The North Face Base...
Storage and Ease of Packing (30%)
8.6
8.0
8.5
8.0
7.0
Ease of Transport (30%)
8.5
9.0
8.2
8.5
7.2
Protection (15%)
8.5
8.8
8.3
8.0
9.2
Construction Quality (15%)
9.2
7.5
9.1
8.0
9.8
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (10%)
6.1
7.4
4.0
5.9
6.6
Specs Patagonia Black Hol... Osprey Transporter Gregory Alpaca Thule Chasm The North Face Base...
Sizes Available 40, 55, 70, 100 L 40, 65, 95, 120 L 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 L 40, 70, 90, 130 L 31, 50, 71, 95, 132, 150 L
(XS-XXL)
Material (Main Body) 900D polyester ripstop (100% postconsumer recycled) with TPU-film laminate 900D polyester (recycled) with PFC-free DWR and TPU coating 900D polyester ripstop (40% recycled) with TPU weather-resistant coating 840D nylon with phthalate-free TPE laminate 1000D polyester with phthalate-free PVC coating (body), additional layer of 840D recycled ballistics nylon with a non-PFC DWR finish (bottom)
Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment) 3 3 3 4 2
Backpack Straps Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
D or I-Shaped Opening D D D D D
Laundry Compartment No No Yes (partial) No No
Measured Weight 2.6 lb (55L model) 3.3 lb (95L model) 2.7 lb (40L model) 4.5 lb (90L model) 4.1 lb (95 L model)
Calculated Weight-to-Volume Ratio 0.76 oz/L 0.56 oz/L 1.08 oz/L 0.80 oz/L 0.69 oz/L
Size Tested 100L and 55L 95L 90L and 40L 90L 95L


Best Overall Duffel Bag


Patagonia Black Hole Duffel


84
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Storage and Ease of Packing 8.6
  • Ease of Transport 8.5
  • Protection 8.5
  • Construction Quality 9.2
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio 6.1
Weight: 2.6 lb (55 L model) | Volume Options: 40, 55, 70, 100 L
REASONS TO BUY
Durable and recycled material
Ergonomic straps and carry options
Multiple zippered pockets
Easily removable shoulder straps
REASONS TO AVOID
Thinner material doesn't hold its shape
Button snaps on suitcase handles

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel took the top spot in our most recent round of testing after years of consistent performance. This duffel bag does it all, and no matter the size of bag that you get, you can be confident that it will serve you well. We appreciate the high-end design details across the various sizes of the Black Hole duffels. The 100-liter model has an external zippered pocket, two internal zippered pockets, internal luggage compression straps, and external daisy chain attachment points, while the 55-liter has a zippered pocket accessible from both the inside and outside, zippered lid pocket, and daisy chain attachments. On all models, the backpack straps are comfortable and easy to remove. 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 enough for frequent business trips. It's one you'll see often in airports, for good reason.

No matter which size you look at, there are not many downsides to the Black Hole. We did find that the closure wrap for the suitcase handles — the piece of material that lets you secure them together — uses button snaps that are difficult to use, especially in a hurry. We also wish that there was a smaller internal or external pocket in the bag for small items to aid with organization. Nonetheless, these complaints are minor when looking at this excellent and high-scoring bag. But if you prefer to keep your small items organized for easy access on the go, the HYC00 Travel offers three internal pockets to keep things neat and tidy.

Read more: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel review

The Black Hole is a sleek duffel that is easy to pack, organize, and carry
Credit: Hale Milano

Great Value for a Rugged Adventure Duffel Bag


Gregory Alpaca


80
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Storage and Ease of Packing 8.5
  • Ease of Transport 8.2
  • Protection 8.3
  • Construction Quality 9.1
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio 4.0
Weight: 2.7 lb (40 L model) | Volume Options: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 L
REASONS TO BUY
Simple and classy design
Durable and lightweight materials
Integrated shoe or laundry pocket
Includes several high-end features
REASONS TO AVOID
Extra large suitcase handles

The Gregory Alpaca has every feature you could want in a high-end duffel bag with a lower price tag than many other top competitors, providing exceptional value. The Alpaca boasts a sleek and classy design and high-quality materials. Depending on the size you buy, it has multiple storage pockets, full-length daisy chain attachment points on both sides, comfortable backpack straps, and water-resistant 900-denier material. It successfully balances a large storage volume with convenient carrying options, durable and water-resistant material, and reasonably low weight.

The Alpaca scores well across the board in our testing and shows no significant weaknesses. The only notable drawback is that the suitcase handles are oddly large, especially for the smaller-sized options. They don't detract from use while carrying it but can dangle and get caught on things when not wrapped up. Overall, the Alpaca is still one of our favorite bags and offers excellent value. If the thought of dangling suitcase handles strikes a nerve, the Thule Chasm can help reduce irritation by removing the detachable straps.

Read more: Gregory Alpaca review

The Alpaca has a large D-shaped opening and easy-grip zippers, making it a breeze to pack.
Credit: Hale Milano

Best Duffel Bag On a Tight Budget


HYC00 Travel


56
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Storage and Ease of Packing 6.5
  • Ease of Transport 5.5
  • Protection 4.5
  • Construction Quality 6.0
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio 4.5
Weight: 1.9 lb (30 L model) | Volume Options: 30 L
REASONS TO BUY
Convenient storage and organization features
Durable and slightly weather-resistant
Simple and a great value
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the most comfortable to carry
Heavy

The HYC00 Travel bag packs a ton of features into an affordably priced option and scored well across our tests. We loved the storage and organization features that this bag has, with a separate lay-flat compartment for shoes or folded clothes. There is also a plethora of smaller storage pouches within the main compartment for organizing smaller items for travel. The fabric resists a light mist or rain for quite a bit of time, though it doesn't stand up to a downpour.

The HYC00 is one of the heavier bags that we tested when comparing its weight-to-volume ratio. While it is easy to access and store items, this isn't a traditional duffel-style design, and the main compartment requires some digging through to reach items on the bottom. Although the HYC00 is comfortable enough for a short walk, its suitcase handles and single shoulder strap aren't the most comfortable if the bag is overweight or you're traveling a significant distance while carrying it. But, for a daily bag or weekend getaway, the HYC00 is a great bag at a great price. We also like the more durable Herschel Novel for short trips — it has a larger capacity, though fewer pockets for organization. For the long haul, the comfortable carrying system of the Osprey Transporter will likely suit you better.

Read more: HYC00 Travel bag review

The lay-flat bottom pouch of the HYC00 is ideal for folded clothes.
Credit: Hale Milano

A Great Oversized Duffel Bag on a Budget


REI Co-op Roadtripper


55
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Storage and Ease of Packing 5.0
  • Ease of Transport 3.8
  • Protection 6.5
  • Construction Quality 6.0
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio 9.5
Weight: 1.6 lb (100 L model) | Volume Options: 40, 60, 100, 140 L
REASONS TO BUY
Very light for its size
Packs down small
Simple and affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as durable as heavier-duty models
Thin straps are not as comfortable
Lacks backpack straps

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 Roadtripper's lightweight design is owed to its thinner material and simple construction. It also lacks many "fancy" features found on higher-end models, like backpack straps, compression straps, internal pockets, or extensive daisy chains. While the fabric and zipper are sturdy enough for most general use, they may not withstand the abuse that the more robust adventure-ready duffels can endure. But for basic use, the Roadtripper is a versatile, lightweight, affordable option. If you are shopping for a duffel with high-end features but a reasonable price tag, check out the Gregory Alpaca or the Cotopaxi Allpa Duo.

duffel bag - the roadtripper is a very handy bag that costs less than a lot of...
The Roadtripper is a very handy bag that costs less than a lot of others.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer

Most Comfortable Duffel Bag Carrying System


Osprey Transporter


83
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Storage and Ease of Packing 8.0
  • Ease of Transport 9.0
  • Protection 8.8
  • Construction Quality 7.5
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio 7.4
Weight: 3.3 lb (95 L model) | Volume Options: 40, 65, 95, 120 L
REASONS TO BUY
Padded backpack harness and chest strap
Heavy-duty padded grab handles
Very weather-resistant
Internal compression strap system
REASONS TO AVOID
No traditional briefcase-style handles
Storage pockets not easily accessible

With a supportive and well-padded backpack harness design similar to their backpacks, the Osprey Transporter earns recognition for having the most comfortable carrying system. While most of the models in our lineup include backpack straps, the Transporter is one of the only options we tested with a sternum strap in addition to its comfortable and supportive harness. The harness can also be quickly unbuckled and easily tucked 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
While previous versions of this bag had load lifter straps, the latest version no longer includes these handy adjusters but has improvements to the backpack harness system and sternum strap adjustment style.

The Transporter is quite comfortable in backpack mode, but it lacks the traditional briefcase-style carry handles found on most duffel bags. While the comfortable and heavy-duty grab handles help compensate for this, we appreciate carrying systems with more options. Although this bag contains both an interior and an external zippered pocket, their awkward placement makes them less useful. Built for hauling heavy loads in comfort and style, the Transporter makes an excellent choice for those who prioritize backpack-carrying capabilities. If you want a backpack-optional duffel with more pockets and organizational features, check out the Cotopaxi Allpa Duo. If you prefer a duffel with traditional briefcase-style handles, The North Face Base Camp is a great option to consider.

Read more: Osprey Transporter review

The backpack straps on the Transporter are the most comfortable and featured of any we tested.
Credit: Hale Milano

Best Simple and Rugged Expedition Duffel Bag


The North Face Base Camp


78
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Storage and Ease of Packing 7.0
  • Ease of Transport 7.2
  • Protection 9.2
  • Construction Quality 9.8
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio 6.6
Weight: 4.1 lb (95 L model) | Volume Options: 31, 50, 71, 95, 132, 150 L
REASONS TO BUY
Thick, durable material
Simple, time-tested design
Extremely weather resistant
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks internal compression and storage options
Tedious to remove backpack straps
Material shows scuffs and dirt

A mainstay on remote expeditions around the world 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 simple and 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 that have years of adventurous travel behind them.

The primary drawback of the Base Camp is its strap arrangement. The grab handles and traditional briefcase-style straps are permanently affixed and are straightforward to use, but 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, and so this adds a somewhat tedious task each time you hand off or collect your luggage. Also, the thick material shows scuffs more than other models and has a more practical look than some more elegant options. But for a simple, dependable bag that can take you to all seven continents with ease, the Base Camp is our top choice. Another option to consider is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, which also boasts a durable design but has far more quickly removable shoulder straps.

Read more: The North Face Base Camp review

No need to be gentle, the excellent craftsmanship and durable materials on the Base Camp are capable of withstanding decades of abuse and heavy gear.
Credit: Hale Milano

Best Sports and Gym Duffel Bag


Adidas Defender Small


54
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Storage and Ease of Packing 5.5
  • Ease of Transport 5.0
  • Protection 6.0
  • Construction Quality 3.0
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio 8.8
Weight: 1.0 lb (43 L model, small) | Volume Options: Small, medium, & large
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly lightweight
Water and splash-resistant
Small and easy to carry
Budget-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Not very durable
Small shoe compartment

The Adidas Defender Small is everything you need in a sports or gym duffel bag and nothing that you don't. The D-shaped opening folds all the way back to easily load your basic equipment, gear, and nutritional needs for your next workout, practice, or game. We also liked how light the bag is. 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 surprisingly water-resistant, which is great if you get caught outside for a surprise shower.

One drawback to the Defender is that the material and stitching are not as robust as we'd like to see on a bag, specifically one designed to be tossed around on buses, lockers, and muddy fields. While we love the dual-sided pouches, we do wish they were just a little larger. It will fit one pair of shoes, but there isn't much room to spare, especially if the bag is already full or your shoes are longer or bulkier. Despite that, we think this bag is a great choice for everyday use for the gym, courts, or sports practice. But for expeditions and rugged adventures when durability is essential, The North Face Base Camp is the one we'd reach for first.

Read more: Adidas Defender duffel review

The Defender easily fits cleats, gloves, foam roller, soccer ball, and a change of clothes, with separate compartments on either side.
Credit: Hale Milano

Best Rolling Duffel Bag


Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L


Weight: 8.7 lb (100 L model) | Volume Options: 45, 100, 130 L
REASONS TO BUY
Metal frame and durable materials
Large wheels are great on rugged terrain
Light among suitcase options
Very effective external compression system
REASONS TO AVOID
Zippers are a bit stiff
Costly

The Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L is the new favorite rolling duffel bag of our suitcase testing team. This backpacking-inspired bag holds a ton of gear securely within, keeping everything in place with its external straitjacket-like compression system. Made of 460D and 500D high-tenacity recycled ripstop nylon and a metal frame supporting its structure, this bag is built to withstand the rigors of travel. A telescoping handle hides below the end of the bag, sliding out easily to let you roll the Sojourn, with its large wheels and thick tread, easily over even the most variable terrain. No more having to carry your duffel on your back or along one side.

Though the big burly zippers of the Sojourn Shuttle are well-designed to withstand the trials of being crammed full and sent through airline checked baggage systems, that added bulk makes them a bit harder to operate. It lacks the back rails of many other suitcases that would let it slide more easily up each step in a staircase. And though it's built to last, the price tag on this enormous rolling duffel can be tough to stomach. However, if you often find yourself slinging heavy gear in a duffel bag, this rolling monster is worth the investment. We also loved the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30, a similar style of roller bag just with slightly different organizational features and a marginally different price tag.

Read more: Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L review

The Osprey Sojourn is our favorite wheeled duffel, easily rolling across bumpy terrain and tackling loose surfaces in stride.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Best Dry Bag Duffel Bag


YETI Panga Duffel 50


Weight: 5.2 lb (50 L model) | Volume Options: 50, 75, 100 L
REASONS TO BUY
Completely watertight
Very durable design
Easy to seal and reopen
Good carrying system
REASONS TO AVOID
Rigid structure doesn't accommodate underpacking
Weighs a lot for a dry bag

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.

These premium features and protection come at a hefty price point and a high weight for a dry bag. The Panga tips the scales at 5.2 pounds. It is also one of the more expensive duffel dry bags that we tested, but for peace of mind, sometimes that price is worth it. These downsides are probably tolerable if you're looking to protect valuable electronics and equipment in a wet environment, or if you need 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 tag, though it is a little more involved to seal against the elements.

duffel bag - the quickness with which we could open and close this watertight bag...
The quickness with which we could open and close this watertight bag helped push this product to the winning position in terms of overall performance.
Credit: Sara James


Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
84
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
Best Overall Duffel Bag
$169
Editors' Choice Award
83
Osprey Transporter
Most Comfortable Duffel Bag Carrying System
$200
Top Pick Award
80
Gregory Alpaca
Great Value for a Rugged Adventure Duffel Bag
$140
Best Buy Award
79
Thule Chasm
$190
78
The North Face Base Camp
Best Simple and Rugged Expedition Duffel Bag
$159
Top Pick Award
77
Mountain Hardwear Expedition
$280
76
Cotopaxi Allpa Duo
$160
72
REI Co-op Big Haul
$149
61
Peak Design Travel 35L
$140
56
HYC00 Travel
Best Duffel Bag On a Tight Budget
$37
Best Buy Award
55
REI Co-op Roadtripper
A Great Oversized Duffel Bag on a Budget
$70
55
Herschel Novel
$110
54
Adidas Defender Small
Best Sports and Gym Duffel Bag
$40
Top Pick Award
51
Eagle Creek Migrate
$129
48
Amazon Basics Large Nylon
$26

duffel bag - you might never intend to submerge your duffel bag, but you&#039;d be...
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

Why You Should Trust Us


The legwork 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. 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.

The duffel bags in our 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)

This review is brought to you by several longtime GearLab contributors: Maggie Nichols, Miya Tsudome, Nick Bruckbauer, and Hale Milano. 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 30 countries and lived out of duffel bags for months at a time. Maggie, Miya, Nick, and Hale all 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.

Related: How We Tested Duffel Bags

This bag stayed comfortable hiking up an approach trail full of...
This bag stayed comfortable hiking up an approach trail full of climbing gear.
Host testing on the Eagle Creek proved to be too much of a challenge...
Host testing on the Eagle Creek proved to be too much of a challenge for the non-waterproof zipper, though the fabric shed rain with ease.
After purchasing our lineup of duffel bags at retail just like you...
After purchasing our lineup of duffel bags at retail just like you, we compared each model side-by-side in our home lab and out in the real world.
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.


Value


The price for duffel bags ranges greatly from the least expensive to the most expensive bag. 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. Aside from the more expensive Mountain Hardwear Expedition, there is a very minimal price spread among the seven or eight top-scoring adventure duffels in our lineup. All of these products have robust materials and high-quality designs, so it is easy to justify their expense.

duffel bag - the gregory alpaca offers great value performance, and the container...
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 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 quality of materials used and the bag's construction quality.

duffel bag - the hyc00 travel bag is one of the least expensive in our lineup...
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


While most of these duffel bags have plenty of capacity to haul heavy loads for extended durations, each model has different nuances that impact its storage efficiency, organization capabilities, and ease of packing. In this category, we first compared each bag's overall storage compartment and how easy it was to load with both typical travel items and oddly shaped equipment. We considered 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 both the smaller pockets and the main compartment.


After dozens of trips to the field and direct side-by-side comparisons in the lab, we nearly always prefer the big D-shaped zippered openings rather than the straight "I" style zippers. Many of the larger duffels we tested have D-shaped openings, which makes it much easier to access the contents of your pack and securely fit more cargo since the flap can fold completely out of the way. Smaller duffels tended to have I-shaped openings, which were easier to zip but limited accessibility. 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.

The T-grip zipper pulls on the Alpaca are easy to use, especially...
The T-grip zipper pulls on the Alpaca are easy to use, especially when fumbling around in the dark
The D-shaped zipper opening on the Black Hole folds all the way...
The D-shaped zipper opening on the Black Hole folds all the way back, making packing and accessing gear a breeze.
Multiple internal pockets on the Cotopaxi bag help organize small...
Multiple internal pockets on the Cotopaxi bag help organize small items and lots of gear.
Ergonomic zipper pulls, D-shaped zipper openings, and internal pockets help you access and store your gear more efficiently.

Our testers appreciated the unique packing system of the Mountain Hardwear Expedition, which features a main zipper that zips all the way out to flaps on either side of the bag to create an extra large opening, as well as a stiff collar on the inside that can be folded out for easy, unencumbered access to the interior.

duffel bag - the cotopaxi allpa duo (blue, left) and thule chasm (orange, right)...
The Cotopaxi Allpa Duo (blue, left) and Thule Chasm (orange, right) have some of the most pockets of any duffels we tested.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

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 found on many of the bags, including the Osprey Transporter, Patagonia Black Hole, and Mountain Hardwear Expedition. The Expedition also features an exterior compression strap that helps even more when struggling to close an overstuffed bag — simply tighten the strap down and zip from either end for a stress-free packing experience.

duffel bag - compression straps inside the transporter help keep gear secure...
Compression straps inside the Transporter help keep gear secure, especially when carried vertically on your back.
Credit: Hale Milano

The majority of bags we tested feature cavernous internal storage compartments well equipped to haul a ton of gear or clothes. While that's 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.

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 on the larger size and were not missed on the smaller size.

The most impressive bag we tested when it comes to pockets is the Cotopaxi Allpa Duo, which has eight extra pockets (three internal and five external), plus a full-length laundry compartment on the bottom.

duffel bag - the cotopaxi allpa duo has eight pockets - two inside the main...
The Cotopaxi Allpa Duo has eight pockets - two inside the main compartment, another inside the full-length laundry compartment on the bottom (not included in the pocket count), and five more on the outside of the bag.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

The Thule Chasm has two massive mesh pockets on the bottom side of the lid and a third hanging inside, plus an external pocket on top. Similarly, the Patagonia Black Hole 100L, the REI Big Haul, the Gregory Alpaca 90L, and the Mountain Hardwear Expedition 100 each have one external pocket and two internal pockets. The smaller versions of both the Black Hole and Alpaca lacked dedicated external pockets, but we loved the zippered mesh pouches on the inside of the lid.

duffel bag - the alpaca&#039;s side pocket is connected to a laundry or shoe pouch, a...
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.

duffel bag - the side pocket on the base camp was large enough to fit two pairs...
The side pocket on the Base Camp was large enough to fit two pairs of climbing shoes, well above average.
Credit: Hale Milano

If 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 Osprey Transporter, Gregory Alpaca, REI Big Haul that can be purchased as large as 120 liters, the Thule Chasm (up to 130 liters), the Mountain Hardwear Expedition and REI Roadtripper (up to 140 liters), and The North Face Base Camp, which is 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.

duffel bag - multiple mesh and zipper pockets on the hyc00 bag provided plenty of...
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 best luggage review). Each of these carrying methods 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 pieces of 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 one of the best travel backpacks instead.


Many of the adventure duffels in our lineup have included backpack straps, 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.

Deploying the Osprey's comfortable backpack straps takes about 15 seconds from start to finish.
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.

Easily snap the suitcase style handles out of the way when you don&#039;t...
Easily snap the suitcase style handles out of the way when you don't need them.
The Chasm backpack straps come off so quickly and easily.
The Chasm backpack straps come off so quickly and easily.
Detachable straps on the Thule provide quick transitions at the airport to prepare bags for flight.

Not far behind is the Mountain Hardwear Expedition with its supremely comfortable backpack straps. The Patagonia Black Hole, Gregory Alpaca, The North Face Base Camp, Cotopaxi Allpa Duo, and the REI Big Haul also have reasonably comfortable shoulder straps for carrying heavy loads over longer distances. All of these models also have traditional briefcase-style carry straps and reinforced grab handles on their sides and ends for versatile carrying options.

Shoulder straps can double as a one-shoulder sling when carrying...
Shoulder straps can double as a one-shoulder sling when carrying multiple bags.
An adjustable chest strap on the Transporter backpack harness is a...
An adjustable chest strap on the Transporter backpack harness is a nice touch to accommodate different body sizes and preferences.
The Black Hole offers removable backpack straps and traditional...
The Black Hole offers removable backpack straps and traditional suitcase-style handles, plus grab handles on either end.
We prefer bags with a variety of carrying options to suit the weight, distance, and amount of gear we're hauling.

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 if you're hauling multiple pieces of luggage at once. 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, both of which help facilitate comfortable carrying on one shoulder. The Mountain Hardwear Expedition also includes a convenient shoulder sling carry option with adjustable strap systems.

duffel bag - connect the straps together via the velcro attachment for a large...
Connect the straps together via the velcro attachment for a large grab handle or shoulder sling.
Credit: Miya Tsudome

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 handles and straps are all able to 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.

duffel bag - secure hooks snap onto any one of five attachment loops on both...
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

Both the 100-liter REI Roadtripper and the 104-liter Amazon Basics Large Nylon duffels are impractically large to be carried backpack style, not to mention they lack any rigidity to support the weight. Both of these bags have a beefy shoulder strap that lets you lug them to the car, if arduously.

duffel bag - the amazon basics duffel has a large nylon strap to throw it over...
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 you need to secure your load.

duffel bag - when traveling to more remote regions, having a duffel that can be...
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, Cotopaxi Allpa Duo, and The North Face Base Camp all stand out for their robust and extensive daisy chain features. The Thule Chasm, REI Big Haul, and Mountain Hardwear Expedition are also noteworthy with their sturdy, reinforced daisy chain loops that are thicker and stronger than most.

duffel bag - the alpaca 100-liter size has full-length daisy chains on each side...
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, 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 is particularly easy to toss over your shoulder, under a bus seat, or in a locker.

duffel bag - the adidas fits comfortably behind seats or under benches, but still...
The Adidas fits comfortably behind seats or under benches, but still holds an ample amount of equipment.
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, camping trips, and beach outings. We sat them outside during a tropical storm to test for seepage over several hours of light rain, along with putting 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 a bit 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 Osprey Transporter scored equally well and only had a few drops of water intrude through the zipper area. Both bags have a one-inch protective flap where the top lid overlaps the main zipper. While neither bag has sealed seams to make them waterproof like a true dry bag, they both provide excellent protection from the weather.

duffel bag - the base camp survived over an hour outside in a tropical storm, and...
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

Several of the remaining top contenders all scored similarly well in this performance metric. The Patagonia Black Hole, 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 right off their 900-denier fabric. Both did, however, succumb to water leaks via their zippers during the high-pressure hose test. The Thule is one of the few duffels to have a sealed external zipper, something we really appreciated for a phone or keys.

duffel bag - the thule chasm has a waterproof zipper on its external pocket.
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, Cotopaxi Allpa Duo, and REI Roadtripper, have waterproof or water-resistant fabrics but don't have sealed seams or waterproof zippers. All of 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...
We sat all the bags outside for an hour during moderate to heavy rain; for the most part water beads right off the fabrics.
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.

duffel bag - the base camp duffel is one of our longtime favorites that sets the...
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 840 to 900-denier, the Patagonia Black Hole, Gregory Alpaca, Thule Chasm, Cotopaxi Allpa Duo, Osprey Transporter and Mountain Hardwear Expedition are similarly sturdy. This level of fabric thickness is still very robust and can withstand 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.

duffel bag - the transporter (left) and the black hole (right) models are plenty...
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 into the bag and side pockets. This led us to slightly doubt the overall construction quality of the bag. Nevertheless, we still thought the Peak Design felt durable and well-made.

duffel bag - despite a durable fabric and weatherproof zippers, we questioned the...
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 two top-scoring bags for our weight-to-volume metric are two of our largest. The REI Roadtripper and Amazon Basics Large Nylon bags weighed in at 1.6 pounds and 1.8 pounds, respectively, and each offered roughly 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. Still, if you're looking for bulk hauling capacity and don't require much protection from the elements, these are both great options.

duffel bag - the size of the amazon duffel makes it ideal for large, bulky, or...
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 Adidas Defender is one of the lightest bags in our lineup but offers significantly less storage space than other bags. This ultralight 1.0-pound bag still boasts enough space to pack anything you might need for the gym or practice session without weighing you down.

duffel bag - the defender&#039;s lightweight fabric and plastic hardware are a...
The Defender's lightweight fabric and plastic hardware are a tradeoff between weight savings and durability.
Credit: Hale Milano

The Osprey Transporter, Mountain Hardwear Expedition, and Eagle Creek Migrate are all rugged adventure bags that still offer a good tradeoff between weight and storage volume. They are constructed from medium-thickness fabrics, providing a nice balance of durability and weight savings.

duffel bag - we tested duffel bags across the world putting them through...
We tested duffel bags across the world putting them through real-life rigors and systematic testing environments.
Credit: Hale Milano

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