Eagle Creek 130L Cargo Hauler Rolling Duffel at Amazon, Marmot Rolling Hauler Large 110L Bag at Backcountry.com, Briggs & Riley Medium Upright Duffle at Bloomingdales, The North Face Rolling Thunder 22-Inch Carry-On Bag at Backcountry.com, David King & Co. 22-Inch Rolling Duffel at Amazon, Bric's X-Bag 21-Inch Rolling Carry-On Duffle Bag at Nordstrom, Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Wheeled Duffel at Backcountry.com, Best Overall:
The plastic zippers work well, and the interior lining is sleek, though we would have preferred a separate area or bag for shoes. Aside from that, youll want to consider how much clothing and gear you usually travel with. For some, a hard-sided suitcase tick all of the boxes, especially if checking a bag is non-negotiable. This Eagle Creek rolling duffel is great for sporty or adventurous types who also want a bag that can hold outdoor gear. The short-and-squat shape, combined with a generous amount of compression straps, makes it easy to shove into overhead bins. The Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler is one of the most versatile bags we tested. If your bag is full, your items should stay secure and not bounce around. Overall, it's a sturdy, durable piece with good organization, and it's a great choice for longer trips or outdoor adventures. Best Product Reviews, According to Experts and Consumers, Could exceed airline weight limits if packed full, Useful pockets and cinch-down inner straps, No internal bump bars and folds slim when empty, Detaches for carry-on use with fold-away backpack straps and hipbelt, Tips forward if day pack is full and roller pack isnt, Lightweight and stores into a small package, Fills entire under-seat space, so fit may be iffy on tiny planes. As far as capacity goes, 40 liters should be plenty for a weekend or even long weekend away. We also love that there are several color options and patterns to choose from. He's been writing and editing for travel publications since 2014, and he co-founded a travel startup in 2017. Our testers were all impressed with the durable, waterproof tarpaulin exterior and the spacious, pocketed interior though an exterior pocket or two would have been nice. Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler at Eagle Creek, Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag at Nordstrom, PatagoniaBlack Hole 40L Duffel Bag at REI, Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe at Lo & Sons, The Best Weekender Bags, According to Travel Editors, The Best Carry-on Luggage, According to Travel Editors, The North Face Base Camp Medium Duffel Bag, Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffle with Utility Pouch. If your duffel bag does not roll, then you will be carrying it; you want to make sure it's comfortable to do so. The lightweight weekender duffel (we tested the medium-size option) was clearly designed with travel in mind, with features like a luggage-handle sleeve, laptop compartment, shoe bag, and a water-resistant outer. "Black Hole" is an apt name for this Patagonia Duffel: Not only is it larger in capacity than it appears, but it can also fold into itself for efficient storage. Look for outer materials that are rip- and tear-proof, like ripstop or reinforced nylon and stronger weaves. And, Eagle Creeks products come backed by the companys comprehensive, lifetime No Matter What guarantee. The Landon held up mostly well during our durability tests, though we did notice some creasing in the bag's material. But its not easy to carry a heavy bag slung over your shoulder for very long. Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds, Related: The Best Weekender Bags, According to Travel Editors. Dimensions: 22.5 x 13 x 8 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds. Its a 300D ripstop fabric, and while Patagonia claims the Black Hole bags as weather-resistant, in our experience, theyre more like waterproof, unless you completely submerge them. Dimensions: 30.5 x 13 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 4.2 pounds, Related: The Best Carry-on Luggage, According to Travel Editors. Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Big: Our testers found it awkward to carry for longer than a minute or two. Why We Love It: The style is classic, and the long zipper makes for super-easy interior access.What to Consider: The snaps holding the handles together can be difficult to use. It comes with carabiners on both sides that buckle the bag into tighter dimensions or release it for more capacity. If youre not opposed to checking a bag, there are some sizable duffels out theresome even measure in with more than 140 liters of interior packing space. Away The Everywhere Bag: Given the price, there was just not enough space or durability performance to warrant inclusion. Here are our picks for the best duffel bags. Aside from the handle, make sure the wheels have solid reviews for durability and usability. Those who want a timeless rolling duffel should look no further than Bric's model, which delivers a durable bag at an extremely reasonable price. The colors are bright and vibrant, with options like arctic blue. The duffel bag is also backed by the companys Ironclad Guarantee, which even includes repairs due to wear and tear for a reasonable chargemeaning youll have this bag for years, if not decades, to come. Made of full-grain vacquetta cowhide leather, the value of this bag is exceptional: It's embellished with sleek metal hardware, and with the material as supple as it is, this is a bag thats going to age beautifully. However, the brand sacrifices a telescoping handle in exchange for weight and space savings, so its not as easy to pull through airports as more rigid bags on this list.
Thats why I love modern-day rolling duffel bags, which have wheels in addition to handles and straps, so you can roll through airports but sling it on your back to go up stairs. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Two front zipper pockets make it easy to access mid-flight essentials if you decide to carry it on (yes, if not packed to the brim, this will fit some airlines carry-on sizing requirements). If you give it a quick online search, youll see that the word duffel comes from the town of Duffle, Belgium, where a factory started making burlap-type bags in the 1800s. While it is a bit pricey, it's definitely worth the investment if you're in need of a good, durable duffel back that will last a long time. The strap handles for this bag can be secured together under a flap, and the shoulder strap is nicely padded; carrying it was comfortable. before making your purchase. While soft-sided suitcases offer plenty of protection for the vast majority of buyers, you may want to pay extra attention to how you pack if you have fragile items, like any coffee mugs or art you picked up while traveling. It comes one size which is made with the brands rip- and impact-resistant recycled materials. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. We observed how easy it was to pack the bags, how comfortable they were to carry, and how well they protected cargo. Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 5.69 pounds. Roller luggage is greatuntil it comes to cobblestone streets or long staircases. The exterior canvas is well made and won't attract dirt, and the bag protected all cargo and showed no damage or scuffs during our durability testing. The carry-on bag, which will fit within most domestic and international sizing restrictions, features a sporty silhouette and color options including camo, electric blue, gold, and more. For a rolling duffel bag that can withstand the uncertain environments of travel, go with the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag (view at Backcountry). Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag, Best Budget: Most rolling duffel bags, if not all, feature extendable handles. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. And like the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior, it also has tuck-away backpack straps, though the lack of a hipbelt may make it slightly less comfortable for long-distance wear. It's made of a proprietary TuffSkin nylon that lets the bag keep its shape and resist damage and dirt. This Briggs & Riley rolling duffel is great for many reasons, but one of our favorites is the outsider handle design. Dimensions: 27.01 x 14.02 x 16.5 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 9.7 pounds. The Chasm nailed our durability tests and is a great option for longer trips or even weekends in the outdoors. Design is kept pretty minimal for this model with no interior pockets, but there are plenty of exterior pockets for holding cosmetics cases and devices. It protected the cargo and suffered no scratches or scuffs. The Medium Upright Duffel comes with an ironclad guarantee: The brand will replace or repair the bag for basically any reason, including airline damage or any reason whatsoever. And this particular duffel is quite useful, too. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. From bags ready to tackle the outdoors to sleek carry-ons. But we loved many others. The North Face Rolling Thunder 22-Inch Carry-On Bag, Best Leather: Some have pull-up handles like a piece of spinner luggage, while others just have lightweight wheels with no handle for easy foldability and storage. Our testers loved the style and comfort of Dagne Dover's Landon Caryall. What features are most useful in a rolling duffel? Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel: It's a little too expensive for the very limited capacity. Duffel bags have come a long way since the soft-sided, cylindrical swaths of canvas that used to dominate the market. We also took careful notes of the organizational and structural features of each bag as we packed, looking for useful pockets, compartments, sleeves, etc. She may be more of a carry-on traveler, but she understands the power of a solid duffel (with wheels). She's also a product reviewer who's tested out everything from airplane pillows to travel adapters for TripSavvy. Chris is the Senior Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure. Leather ages well, but doesnt hold up to lots of beating. As a freelance adventure travel writer, Ive been using various rolling duffels for years. In addition to T+L, he's also been published in TripSavvy, The Points Guy, Thrillist, and more. After all, you may trust Thule cases with your expensive ski, bike, and outdoor sport gear, so why not trust them with your clothing and dirty shoes, too? Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We then carried the bags around again to check for any changes or problems. Were going to focus on the last thing on that list. A set of internal and external compression straps will help you pack as many things as possible in the interior, as well. Samsonite Tote-A-Ton Duffle Bag: The weight felt unevenly distributed when we carried it, and there's not much in the way or organizational help. The 9 Best Travelpro Luggage Items of 2022 to Invest In, The 8 Best Kids Luggage Pieces for Easy and Fun Travel, Here Are the Best Lightweight Luggage Pieces of 2022, The Best Backpack Coolers to Take Anywhere, Travel Light With the Best Carry-on Luggage for Men, The 8 Best Luggage Items Under $50 in 2022, We Researched the Best Samsonite Luggage ItemsHere Are Our Top Picks, The Best Beach Wagons for Lugging Your Summertime Stuff, Here Are the Best Briggs & Riley Luggage Items for All Your Travel Needs. If you want to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones or like your shoes away from your shirts, look for a bag with interior dividers. Its fine for car trips but rather annoying if youre traveling through airports. But it performed well on the rest of our tests.
By creating a bag where the extendable handle doesnt sink into the interior space of the bag, youre rewarded with completely flat packing space. It makes the bag slightly heavier and more rigid, and the frame may eat a bit into the interior storage space. If you need a rolling duffel but live in a studio apartment, you may not be willing to give up the limited real estate in your closet to accommodate a new bag. This uniquely designed bag brings both climate consciousness and style to the table; the brand claims that each of the sleek bags saves 24 plastic bottles and 2.5 pounds of carbon emissions. However, rolling duffel bags with more of a square shape are usually easier to fit in overhead bins and, often, easier to wear as a backpack, for those that come with double straps. Can you zip it up easily? But without a handle, youll have to pull your roller duffel by one of the bags handles. Erika Owen is an avid traveler on the never-ending search for the best travel bag. If the bag gets a little dusty, its also super-easy to spot clean with a damp cloth. Dimensions: 31.5 x 19.5 x 14.5 inches | Capacity: 100 liters | Weight: 4 pounds, 4 ounces. The selling points of the Gonex Canvas are the price, the flexibility, the pockets, and the durability. You can find rolling duffels made of leather, canvas, polyester; you can find ones with waterproofing, ones without. our process. One of the best features is the built-in rail guards that help protect your bag (and belongings) from all of the bumps and bruises of travel. Chris Abell is the Senior Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure and has years of experience as a travel writer and editor. Dimensions: 14 x 22 x 9 inches | Capacity: 42 liters | Weight: 5 pounds, 3 ounces. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 
I usually use a few pieces of clothing as a buffer, wrapping them around the delicate items. There are all kinds of sizes when it comes to rolling duffel bags, but theres one question youll want to ask yourself: Do you want to use this bag as a carry-on?
Overall, it performed well on all our tests and the design to function as a weekender bag, so it earned our top spot. We ordered 25 of the most popular duffel bags on the market and tested them in our New York City lab. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Why We Love It: The bag can collapse on itself and pack into its own inner pocket for incredibly efficient storage.What to Consider: The glossy finish is a love-it or hate-it look. That said, it's worth noting that it's not a particularly spacious option and is best for shorter trips we could not fit our full packing list into the main center space, though we were able to stuff the leftover clothes into the large side compartments. Check with your airlines size limits for carry-on luggage before making a purchase. And you can rest assured that this investment piece is built to withstand years of use. Next, we got packing. He's been to 18 countries and counting. When its not in use, the bag doesn't take up too much space, either: You can just roll it up and store it in the zipper compartment built into the bag (including the wheels). Any packing tips when using soft-sided suitcases? PHOTO BY SUZIE DUNDAS // Thule Subterra Wheeled Duffel packed up and ready for travel. He earned his master's degree in writing from Dartmouth College. Why We Love It: It comes with a packing cube, and it's made of strong materials.What to Consider: It doesn't have any external pockets. Why We Love It: It has helpful organizational features and was built to last.What to Consider: The shoulder strap could be more comfortable. At close to $500 with tax, the Medium Upright duffel from Briggs & Riley certainly isnt inexpensive. A heavy bag without a frame is likely going to slouch and require a good deal of strength to drag, even with wheels. With a 120-liter capacity yet weighing only 4 pounds, this bag is nothing short of a wonder. We also think the complimentary monogramming is a nice touch. We examined them for scratches, marks, scuffs, etc., and we opened the interior to be sure everything held up. Thats why we love rolling duffels: bags that give you all the portability of a duffel bag with the option of rolling it across smoother surfaces. Gain the portability of a duffel with the convenience of a rolling suitcase. The main compartment sits on top of a bottom compartment accessible via zipper; the bottom portion is a decent option for shoe storage. Your basic duffel bagthe old-school style bags used by soldiers in WWIcould hold a decent amount of gear, but they had only one option: a long strap to sling over your shoulder. productslearn more about So for a more flexible bag, pay attention to the size and measurements. The bag is sturdy and wont go down with a few drops or bumps. If youre hitting the road for a multi-week trip and need one bag capable of holding it all, pick up the REI Co-op Big Haul Roller duffel. Here are the best on the market today and the ones I recommend springing for before your next trip. He previously served as the Senior Commerce Editor at TripSavvy. The capacity of the bag is surprisingly generous; we were easily able to fit the three pairs of pants (a mix of jeans and sweats), two coats (one fleece, one jacket), five shirts, two pairs of shoes, toiletry bag, and coffee mug we tried packing into all the bags. Briggs & Riley Medium Upright (Two Wheel) Duffle, Best Print: The long zipper made it easy to access the interior, where you'll find several pockets that use velcro to stay flat when not needed. Dimensions: 34 x 13.75 x 15 inches | Capacity: 120 liters | Weight: 4 pounds, 7 ounces. To narrow down the list, I relied on knowledge of useful features gained through years of frequent travel through various airports and countries. But they didnt catch on in the United States in a big way until World War I, when the rugged, over-the-shoulder bags were standard issue for soldiers. Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 15 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds, Related: The Best Crossbody Bags for Travelers. Among the questions we answered: How well does everything fit? The Rolling Hauler from Marmot comes in three sizes, but the large 110-liter design will pack enough to get you through a full week. The bag is made of a hefty 600 denier polyester, but youll still want to keep it clear of sharp corners. She researched these rolling duffel options for hours and found the best pick for each category. Plan on spending a lot of time outdoors? Many duffels come in small, medium, and large options. Thanks to its durability, the bag is especially great for longer trips if youre not the type to carry a backpack. The exterior of this duffel looks sleektruly, you cant get much further from the classic duffel bag image with this optionand the technology built into it makes it well worth the investment. There are four different ways to carry the pack, including using its spinner wheels or comfortable backpack straps, though you can also affix the bag to the top of your car with the built-in lash points. Best Overall, Runner-up: Yeti Crossroads 60L Duffel, Best Convertible: Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler, Best Weekender: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag, Best for for Long Trips: Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag, Best for Camping: Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag, Best Eco-friendly: Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe at Lo & Sons, This Flight Attendant-loved Weekender Bag Is the Perfect Carry-on for Short Trips and It's on Sale for $38, The Best Travel Strollers of 2022, Tested by Parents and Travel Experts, We Tested 14 Anti-theft Backpacks Here Are the Best to Keep Your Valuables Safe, The Best Travel Purses for Every Occasion, The Best Garment Bags for Wrinkle-free Travel, The Best Camping Air Mattresses, According to Our Tests, The Best Sleeping Bags of 2022, Tested by an Expert, The Best Travel Tote Bags for Carrying All Your Essentials in Style, The Best Fanny Packs for Sightseeing, Hiking, Events, and More. productslearn more about And like most Patagonia products, this duffel is durable: It suffered zero scratches or scuffs during our ladder drops. If you regularly overpack, be sure to zoom in on the online photos to make sure the zippers look strong and durable. Thats why youll find a lot of generic budget bags just stamped with logos on sites like Amazon. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The bottom of the bag is made of a harder shell for extra protection (though this means it can't pack down teeny tiny for storage). Dimensions: 24 x 10.5 x 14 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds. Polyester is a common material as it holds up well to the elements and is pretty durable, meaning fewer rips and holes in your duffel. Scientists Turn Dead Spiders Into Creepy Grippers, Pentagon: Aid for Ukraine Crushes Russian Morale, The Zodiac Killer, the Secret SR-72, and More, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Whatever your priority is style, packing space, toughness, or something else we picked a bag that will fit your needs. Rugged leather duffels get a modern upgrade with this luxe David King & Co. bag. By the way: You can get a similar version for half the priceand without the removable backpackin the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Wheeled duffel. We found packing the bag easy, as the main compartment offers plenty of space, and a few pockets and a mesh compartment under the top gave some organizational help. This makes it easier to bob and weave among crowds. Most buyers probably dont pay too much attention to materials, but you should if youre an active traveler. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The bag was easy to throw over our shoulders or hold by the handles. Another feature to applaud: a rain flap placed over the exterior pocket, which will help keep moisture far from your valuables. If you anticipate flying in and out of small airports where your bag may end up sitting in the rain on the tarmac, opt for a waterproof option or look for one with a wax coating. Theyve kept our clothing and gear dry in extremely heavy tropical rains. But it would make a great carry-on, and we loved the variety of pockets and pouches to help you keep things in order. Why We Love It: It's comfortable to carry and has generous side pockets.What to Consider: The main compartment is not especially spacious. Finally, with the bags fully packed and zipped closed, we pushed them off of a ladder several times each trying to make them land on different parts of the bag each time. The only thing we might change about this pack is the zipper aesthetic, as they jut out a bit far and make things look a little less clean. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. We ordered dozens of identical outfits and packed three pairs of pants (a mix of jeans and sweats), two coats (one fleece, one jacket), five shirts, two pairs of shoes, a full toiletry bag, and a coffee mug into each bag. Even better: find a duffel with multi-directional wheels. The North Face Base Camp Medium Duffel Bag: This bag performed so-so on most of our tests, but a finicky zipper that kept getting stuck kept it off our winners list. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. I brought home a ceramic sake set and a tea set from Japan, with two international connections, and nothing was damaged. In all, it's a functional bag that's chic enough to make a good gift and regular travel staple. Keep in mind that many models, including several on this list, come in multiple sizes. Really, the only downsides of rolling duffel bags is that they tend to have a slightly sporty look, and almost always have two wheels, rather than four. Duffel bags are great for throwing over your shoulder and stuffing into overhead bins, but it doesnt take long for your shoulder to hurt if youre lugging a full bag. With a top-loading design and compression straps, this bag has a few bells and whistles you wont find on similarly priced options. It may work if your bag is packed enough to maintain its shape, but if its not full, your items will shift to the bottom and cause the bag to slouch over. We were slightly surprised that a brand known for its coolers and tumblers was in the duffel bag game, but like all Yeti products, this duffel looks and feels like it was built to last. The bag has three handles for carrying one on each end and another on top as well as a detachable shoulder strap. If you are carrying it on a plane, be sure it meets the dimension requirements listed above. But the Gonex roller bag stands out as being particularly well-made and has one special feature we love: a rotating inside bar. If you dont mind checking a bag, the Marmot Rolling Hauler Large 110L Bag (view at Backcountry) is a sleek option with nice weatherproof design elements. Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds. How we test gear. Dimensions: 11 x 11.5 x 22 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 6 pounds, 6.5 ounces. Briggs & Riley is known for their expansion technology: a mechanism that allows the traveler to expand the packing space by 33 percent in seconds. Only eight made our winners list, with our top choice being the Kipling Bori Duffle Bag. Like with any suitcase, the materials will vary. It's a bit strange that there's no shoulder strap option, but we did not find ourselves missing it. Thule may be relatively new to the luggage game, but its not surprising that one of its first introductions is already a top contender. The strap has a firm, flat section meant to mold to your shoulder area, but it could be a little more comfortable. It depends. It has one main pocket, plus some smaller internal pockets as well as several carrying handles. Its also waterproof and abrasion-resistant, and the front panel detaches for use as a daypack or under-the-seat bag.
The plastic zippers work well, and the interior lining is sleek, though we would have preferred a separate area or bag for shoes. Aside from that, youll want to consider how much clothing and gear you usually travel with. For some, a hard-sided suitcase tick all of the boxes, especially if checking a bag is non-negotiable. This Eagle Creek rolling duffel is great for sporty or adventurous types who also want a bag that can hold outdoor gear. The short-and-squat shape, combined with a generous amount of compression straps, makes it easy to shove into overhead bins. The Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler is one of the most versatile bags we tested. If your bag is full, your items should stay secure and not bounce around. Overall, it's a sturdy, durable piece with good organization, and it's a great choice for longer trips or outdoor adventures. Best Product Reviews, According to Experts and Consumers, Could exceed airline weight limits if packed full, Useful pockets and cinch-down inner straps, No internal bump bars and folds slim when empty, Detaches for carry-on use with fold-away backpack straps and hipbelt, Tips forward if day pack is full and roller pack isnt, Lightweight and stores into a small package, Fills entire under-seat space, so fit may be iffy on tiny planes. As far as capacity goes, 40 liters should be plenty for a weekend or even long weekend away. We also love that there are several color options and patterns to choose from. He's been writing and editing for travel publications since 2014, and he co-founded a travel startup in 2017. Our testers were all impressed with the durable, waterproof tarpaulin exterior and the spacious, pocketed interior though an exterior pocket or two would have been nice. Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler at Eagle Creek, Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag at Nordstrom, PatagoniaBlack Hole 40L Duffel Bag at REI, Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe at Lo & Sons, The Best Weekender Bags, According to Travel Editors, The Best Carry-on Luggage, According to Travel Editors, The North Face Base Camp Medium Duffel Bag, Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffle with Utility Pouch. If your duffel bag does not roll, then you will be carrying it; you want to make sure it's comfortable to do so. The lightweight weekender duffel (we tested the medium-size option) was clearly designed with travel in mind, with features like a luggage-handle sleeve, laptop compartment, shoe bag, and a water-resistant outer. "Black Hole" is an apt name for this Patagonia Duffel: Not only is it larger in capacity than it appears, but it can also fold into itself for efficient storage. Look for outer materials that are rip- and tear-proof, like ripstop or reinforced nylon and stronger weaves. And, Eagle Creeks products come backed by the companys comprehensive, lifetime No Matter What guarantee. The Landon held up mostly well during our durability tests, though we did notice some creasing in the bag's material. But its not easy to carry a heavy bag slung over your shoulder for very long. Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds, Related: The Best Weekender Bags, According to Travel Editors. Dimensions: 22.5 x 13 x 8 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds. Its a 300D ripstop fabric, and while Patagonia claims the Black Hole bags as weather-resistant, in our experience, theyre more like waterproof, unless you completely submerge them. Dimensions: 30.5 x 13 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 4.2 pounds, Related: The Best Carry-on Luggage, According to Travel Editors. Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Big: Our testers found it awkward to carry for longer than a minute or two. Why We Love It: The style is classic, and the long zipper makes for super-easy interior access.What to Consider: The snaps holding the handles together can be difficult to use. It comes with carabiners on both sides that buckle the bag into tighter dimensions or release it for more capacity. If youre not opposed to checking a bag, there are some sizable duffels out theresome even measure in with more than 140 liters of interior packing space. Away The Everywhere Bag: Given the price, there was just not enough space or durability performance to warrant inclusion. Here are our picks for the best duffel bags. Aside from the handle, make sure the wheels have solid reviews for durability and usability. Those who want a timeless rolling duffel should look no further than Bric's model, which delivers a durable bag at an extremely reasonable price. The colors are bright and vibrant, with options like arctic blue. The duffel bag is also backed by the companys Ironclad Guarantee, which even includes repairs due to wear and tear for a reasonable chargemeaning youll have this bag for years, if not decades, to come. Made of full-grain vacquetta cowhide leather, the value of this bag is exceptional: It's embellished with sleek metal hardware, and with the material as supple as it is, this is a bag thats going to age beautifully. However, the brand sacrifices a telescoping handle in exchange for weight and space savings, so its not as easy to pull through airports as more rigid bags on this list.
Thats why I love modern-day rolling duffel bags, which have wheels in addition to handles and straps, so you can roll through airports but sling it on your back to go up stairs. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Two front zipper pockets make it easy to access mid-flight essentials if you decide to carry it on (yes, if not packed to the brim, this will fit some airlines carry-on sizing requirements). If you give it a quick online search, youll see that the word duffel comes from the town of Duffle, Belgium, where a factory started making burlap-type bags in the 1800s. While it is a bit pricey, it's definitely worth the investment if you're in need of a good, durable duffel back that will last a long time. The strap handles for this bag can be secured together under a flap, and the shoulder strap is nicely padded; carrying it was comfortable. before making your purchase. While soft-sided suitcases offer plenty of protection for the vast majority of buyers, you may want to pay extra attention to how you pack if you have fragile items, like any coffee mugs or art you picked up while traveling. It comes one size which is made with the brands rip- and impact-resistant recycled materials. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. We observed how easy it was to pack the bags, how comfortable they were to carry, and how well they protected cargo. Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 5.69 pounds. Roller luggage is greatuntil it comes to cobblestone streets or long staircases. The exterior canvas is well made and won't attract dirt, and the bag protected all cargo and showed no damage or scuffs during our durability testing. The carry-on bag, which will fit within most domestic and international sizing restrictions, features a sporty silhouette and color options including camo, electric blue, gold, and more. For a rolling duffel bag that can withstand the uncertain environments of travel, go with the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag (view at Backcountry). Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag, Best Budget: Most rolling duffel bags, if not all, feature extendable handles. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. And like the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior, it also has tuck-away backpack straps, though the lack of a hipbelt may make it slightly less comfortable for long-distance wear. It's made of a proprietary TuffSkin nylon that lets the bag keep its shape and resist damage and dirt. This Briggs & Riley rolling duffel is great for many reasons, but one of our favorites is the outsider handle design. Dimensions: 27.01 x 14.02 x 16.5 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 9.7 pounds. The Chasm nailed our durability tests and is a great option for longer trips or even weekends in the outdoors. Design is kept pretty minimal for this model with no interior pockets, but there are plenty of exterior pockets for holding cosmetics cases and devices. It protected the cargo and suffered no scratches or scuffs. The Medium Upright Duffel comes with an ironclad guarantee: The brand will replace or repair the bag for basically any reason, including airline damage or any reason whatsoever. And this particular duffel is quite useful, too. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. From bags ready to tackle the outdoors to sleek carry-ons. But we loved many others. The North Face Rolling Thunder 22-Inch Carry-On Bag, Best Leather: Some have pull-up handles like a piece of spinner luggage, while others just have lightweight wheels with no handle for easy foldability and storage. Our testers loved the style and comfort of Dagne Dover's Landon Caryall. What features are most useful in a rolling duffel? Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel: It's a little too expensive for the very limited capacity. Duffel bags have come a long way since the soft-sided, cylindrical swaths of canvas that used to dominate the market. We also took careful notes of the organizational and structural features of each bag as we packed, looking for useful pockets, compartments, sleeves, etc. She may be more of a carry-on traveler, but she understands the power of a solid duffel (with wheels). She's also a product reviewer who's tested out everything from airplane pillows to travel adapters for TripSavvy. Chris is the Senior Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure. Leather ages well, but doesnt hold up to lots of beating. As a freelance adventure travel writer, Ive been using various rolling duffels for years. In addition to T+L, he's also been published in TripSavvy, The Points Guy, Thrillist, and more. After all, you may trust Thule cases with your expensive ski, bike, and outdoor sport gear, so why not trust them with your clothing and dirty shoes, too? Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We then carried the bags around again to check for any changes or problems. Were going to focus on the last thing on that list. A set of internal and external compression straps will help you pack as many things as possible in the interior, as well. Samsonite Tote-A-Ton Duffle Bag: The weight felt unevenly distributed when we carried it, and there's not much in the way or organizational help. The 9 Best Travelpro Luggage Items of 2022 to Invest In, The 8 Best Kids Luggage Pieces for Easy and Fun Travel, Here Are the Best Lightweight Luggage Pieces of 2022, The Best Backpack Coolers to Take Anywhere, Travel Light With the Best Carry-on Luggage for Men, The 8 Best Luggage Items Under $50 in 2022, We Researched the Best Samsonite Luggage ItemsHere Are Our Top Picks, The Best Beach Wagons for Lugging Your Summertime Stuff, Here Are the Best Briggs & Riley Luggage Items for All Your Travel Needs. If you want to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones or like your shoes away from your shirts, look for a bag with interior dividers. Its fine for car trips but rather annoying if youre traveling through airports. But it performed well on the rest of our tests.
By creating a bag where the extendable handle doesnt sink into the interior space of the bag, youre rewarded with completely flat packing space. It makes the bag slightly heavier and more rigid, and the frame may eat a bit into the interior storage space. If you need a rolling duffel but live in a studio apartment, you may not be willing to give up the limited real estate in your closet to accommodate a new bag. This uniquely designed bag brings both climate consciousness and style to the table; the brand claims that each of the sleek bags saves 24 plastic bottles and 2.5 pounds of carbon emissions. However, rolling duffel bags with more of a square shape are usually easier to fit in overhead bins and, often, easier to wear as a backpack, for those that come with double straps. Can you zip it up easily? But without a handle, youll have to pull your roller duffel by one of the bags handles. Erika Owen is an avid traveler on the never-ending search for the best travel bag. If the bag gets a little dusty, its also super-easy to spot clean with a damp cloth. Dimensions: 31.5 x 19.5 x 14.5 inches | Capacity: 100 liters | Weight: 4 pounds, 4 ounces. The selling points of the Gonex Canvas are the price, the flexibility, the pockets, and the durability. You can find rolling duffels made of leather, canvas, polyester; you can find ones with waterproofing, ones without. our process. One of the best features is the built-in rail guards that help protect your bag (and belongings) from all of the bumps and bruises of travel. Chris Abell is the Senior Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure and has years of experience as a travel writer and editor. Dimensions: 14 x 22 x 9 inches | Capacity: 42 liters | Weight: 5 pounds, 3 ounces. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. I usually use a few pieces of clothing as a buffer, wrapping them around the delicate items. There are all kinds of sizes when it comes to rolling duffel bags, but theres one question youll want to ask yourself: Do you want to use this bag as a carry-on? Overall, it performed well on all our tests and the design to function as a weekender bag, so it earned our top spot. We ordered 25 of the most popular duffel bags on the market and tested them in our New York City lab. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Why We Love It: The bag can collapse on itself and pack into its own inner pocket for incredibly efficient storage.What to Consider: The glossy finish is a love-it or hate-it look. That said, it's worth noting that it's not a particularly spacious option and is best for shorter trips we could not fit our full packing list into the main center space, though we were able to stuff the leftover clothes into the large side compartments. Check with your airlines size limits for carry-on luggage before making a purchase. And you can rest assured that this investment piece is built to withstand years of use. Next, we got packing. He's been to 18 countries and counting. When its not in use, the bag doesn't take up too much space, either: You can just roll it up and store it in the zipper compartment built into the bag (including the wheels). Any packing tips when using soft-sided suitcases? PHOTO BY SUZIE DUNDAS // Thule Subterra Wheeled Duffel packed up and ready for travel. He earned his master's degree in writing from Dartmouth College. Why We Love It: It comes with a packing cube, and it's made of strong materials.What to Consider: It doesn't have any external pockets. Why We Love It: It has helpful organizational features and was built to last.What to Consider: The shoulder strap could be more comfortable. At close to $500 with tax, the Medium Upright duffel from Briggs & Riley certainly isnt inexpensive. A heavy bag without a frame is likely going to slouch and require a good deal of strength to drag, even with wheels. With a 120-liter capacity yet weighing only 4 pounds, this bag is nothing short of a wonder. We also think the complimentary monogramming is a nice touch. We examined them for scratches, marks, scuffs, etc., and we opened the interior to be sure everything held up. Thats why we love rolling duffels: bags that give you all the portability of a duffel bag with the option of rolling it across smoother surfaces. Gain the portability of a duffel with the convenience of a rolling suitcase. The main compartment sits on top of a bottom compartment accessible via zipper; the bottom portion is a decent option for shoe storage. Your basic duffel bagthe old-school style bags used by soldiers in WWIcould hold a decent amount of gear, but they had only one option: a long strap to sling over your shoulder. productslearn more about So for a more flexible bag, pay attention to the size and measurements. The bag is sturdy and wont go down with a few drops or bumps. If youre hitting the road for a multi-week trip and need one bag capable of holding it all, pick up the REI Co-op Big Haul Roller duffel. Here are the best on the market today and the ones I recommend springing for before your next trip. He previously served as the Senior Commerce Editor at TripSavvy. The capacity of the bag is surprisingly generous; we were easily able to fit the three pairs of pants (a mix of jeans and sweats), two coats (one fleece, one jacket), five shirts, two pairs of shoes, toiletry bag, and coffee mug we tried packing into all the bags. Briggs & Riley Medium Upright (Two Wheel) Duffle, Best Print: The long zipper made it easy to access the interior, where you'll find several pockets that use velcro to stay flat when not needed. Dimensions: 34 x 13.75 x 15 inches | Capacity: 120 liters | Weight: 4 pounds, 7 ounces. To narrow down the list, I relied on knowledge of useful features gained through years of frequent travel through various airports and countries. But they didnt catch on in the United States in a big way until World War I, when the rugged, over-the-shoulder bags were standard issue for soldiers. Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 15 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds, Related: The Best Crossbody Bags for Travelers. Among the questions we answered: How well does everything fit? The Rolling Hauler from Marmot comes in three sizes, but the large 110-liter design will pack enough to get you through a full week. The bag is made of a hefty 600 denier polyester, but youll still want to keep it clear of sharp corners. She researched these rolling duffel options for hours and found the best pick for each category. Plan on spending a lot of time outdoors? Many duffels come in small, medium, and large options. Thanks to its durability, the bag is especially great for longer trips if youre not the type to carry a backpack. The exterior of this duffel looks sleektruly, you cant get much further from the classic duffel bag image with this optionand the technology built into it makes it well worth the investment. There are four different ways to carry the pack, including using its spinner wheels or comfortable backpack straps, though you can also affix the bag to the top of your car with the built-in lash points. Best Overall, Runner-up: Yeti Crossroads 60L Duffel, Best Convertible: Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler, Best Weekender: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag, Best for for Long Trips: Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag, Best for Camping: Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag, Best Eco-friendly: Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe at Lo & Sons, This Flight Attendant-loved Weekender Bag Is the Perfect Carry-on for Short Trips and It's on Sale for $38, The Best Travel Strollers of 2022, Tested by Parents and Travel Experts, We Tested 14 Anti-theft Backpacks Here Are the Best to Keep Your Valuables Safe, The Best Travel Purses for Every Occasion, The Best Garment Bags for Wrinkle-free Travel, The Best Camping Air Mattresses, According to Our Tests, The Best Sleeping Bags of 2022, Tested by an Expert, The Best Travel Tote Bags for Carrying All Your Essentials in Style, The Best Fanny Packs for Sightseeing, Hiking, Events, and More. productslearn more about And like most Patagonia products, this duffel is durable: It suffered zero scratches or scuffs during our ladder drops. If you regularly overpack, be sure to zoom in on the online photos to make sure the zippers look strong and durable. Thats why youll find a lot of generic budget bags just stamped with logos on sites like Amazon. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The bottom of the bag is made of a harder shell for extra protection (though this means it can't pack down teeny tiny for storage). Dimensions: 24 x 10.5 x 14 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds. Polyester is a common material as it holds up well to the elements and is pretty durable, meaning fewer rips and holes in your duffel. Scientists Turn Dead Spiders Into Creepy Grippers, Pentagon: Aid for Ukraine Crushes Russian Morale, The Zodiac Killer, the Secret SR-72, and More, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Whatever your priority is style, packing space, toughness, or something else we picked a bag that will fit your needs. Rugged leather duffels get a modern upgrade with this luxe David King & Co. bag. By the way: You can get a similar version for half the priceand without the removable backpackin the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Wheeled duffel. We found packing the bag easy, as the main compartment offers plenty of space, and a few pockets and a mesh compartment under the top gave some organizational help. This makes it easier to bob and weave among crowds. Most buyers probably dont pay too much attention to materials, but you should if youre an active traveler. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The bag was easy to throw over our shoulders or hold by the handles. Another feature to applaud: a rain flap placed over the exterior pocket, which will help keep moisture far from your valuables. If you anticipate flying in and out of small airports where your bag may end up sitting in the rain on the tarmac, opt for a waterproof option or look for one with a wax coating. Theyve kept our clothing and gear dry in extremely heavy tropical rains. But it would make a great carry-on, and we loved the variety of pockets and pouches to help you keep things in order. Why We Love It: It's comfortable to carry and has generous side pockets.What to Consider: The main compartment is not especially spacious. Finally, with the bags fully packed and zipped closed, we pushed them off of a ladder several times each trying to make them land on different parts of the bag each time. The only thing we might change about this pack is the zipper aesthetic, as they jut out a bit far and make things look a little less clean. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. We ordered dozens of identical outfits and packed three pairs of pants (a mix of jeans and sweats), two coats (one fleece, one jacket), five shirts, two pairs of shoes, a full toiletry bag, and a coffee mug into each bag. Even better: find a duffel with multi-directional wheels. The North Face Base Camp Medium Duffel Bag: This bag performed so-so on most of our tests, but a finicky zipper that kept getting stuck kept it off our winners list. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. I brought home a ceramic sake set and a tea set from Japan, with two international connections, and nothing was damaged. In all, it's a functional bag that's chic enough to make a good gift and regular travel staple. Keep in mind that many models, including several on this list, come in multiple sizes. Really, the only downsides of rolling duffel bags is that they tend to have a slightly sporty look, and almost always have two wheels, rather than four. Duffel bags are great for throwing over your shoulder and stuffing into overhead bins, but it doesnt take long for your shoulder to hurt if youre lugging a full bag. With a top-loading design and compression straps, this bag has a few bells and whistles you wont find on similarly priced options. It may work if your bag is packed enough to maintain its shape, but if its not full, your items will shift to the bottom and cause the bag to slouch over. We were slightly surprised that a brand known for its coolers and tumblers was in the duffel bag game, but like all Yeti products, this duffel looks and feels like it was built to last. The bag has three handles for carrying one on each end and another on top as well as a detachable shoulder strap. If you are carrying it on a plane, be sure it meets the dimension requirements listed above. But the Gonex roller bag stands out as being particularly well-made and has one special feature we love: a rotating inside bar. If you dont mind checking a bag, the Marmot Rolling Hauler Large 110L Bag (view at Backcountry) is a sleek option with nice weatherproof design elements. Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds. How we test gear. Dimensions: 11 x 11.5 x 22 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 6 pounds, 6.5 ounces. Briggs & Riley is known for their expansion technology: a mechanism that allows the traveler to expand the packing space by 33 percent in seconds. Only eight made our winners list, with our top choice being the Kipling Bori Duffle Bag. Like with any suitcase, the materials will vary. It's a bit strange that there's no shoulder strap option, but we did not find ourselves missing it. Thule may be relatively new to the luggage game, but its not surprising that one of its first introductions is already a top contender. The strap has a firm, flat section meant to mold to your shoulder area, but it could be a little more comfortable. It depends. It has one main pocket, plus some smaller internal pockets as well as several carrying handles. Its also waterproof and abrasion-resistant, and the front panel detaches for use as a daypack or under-the-seat bag.