The best duffle bags, which is also called a carryall or weekender bag, is made to hold enough clothes to keep you looking good, any cleaning products you need (within reason), and a few other things you need every day, like a laptop, books, and headphones. When choosing the best backpack bag for your lifestyle, think first about how it works and then about how it looks.
Few bags are as easy to use, useful, and fun to carry as a backpack. It’s a soft, long bag with one zippered opening, two handles, and/or a shoulder strap. It’s a simple design that can be used for anything from a daily journey to a fishing trip. Even though that basic form works in many cases, no single duffle bag (also spelled duffel) can satisfy everyone’s tastes or needs.
A small, barrel-shaped duffle bag might be great for carrying a couple of beach towels and a lunch to the beach, but it doesn’t have the space or organization to pack for a three-day work trip. The seven bags we recommend, plus two alternatives, are well-made, easy to carry, and designed to serve a variety of purposes, such as a versatile adventure bag, a weekend-away duffle, a daily-carry bag, a lightweight convertible backpack, an ultra-packable duffle, a rolling duffle for checking, and a waterproof gear hauler. Below we have mentioned the best duffle bags.
Best Duffle Bags Comparison Table
| Duffle Bag Model | Material | Capacity | Waterproof | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag | Waxed Canvas | 52L | Yes | $100 – $200 |
| Kipling Bori Duffle Bag | Nylon | 50L | No | $50 – $100 |
| Yeti Crossroads 60L Duffel | Polyester | 60L | Yes | $200 – $300 |
| Gonex Canvas Duffle Bag | Canvas | 60L | No | $30 – $50 |
| Osprey Transporter | Nylon | 40L-130L | Yes | $100 – $200 |
Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Waxed canvas and leather |
| Dimensions | 26″L x 12″W x 13″H |
| Capacity | 4,368 cubic inches |
| Pockets | 2 interior, 2 exterior |
| Straps | Removable, adjustable shoulder strap |
| Weight | 3.35 lbs |
The Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag is the most durable bag we could find. It is made of strong canvas and has leather trim and brass handles. If you prefer to carry your bags by their handles, you can take off the shoulder strap. A small pocket on the inside is a good place to put things like your cash or house keys. Thus, it is one of the best duffle bags that you can buy.
The waxed duffle fits a certain style: you might not take it on a business trip, but rather to a mountain house. With a little care, though, a bag like this should last for a long time, even though it has a rugged look. It’s important to note, though, that Lands’ End no longer gives a lifetime warranty. You can now only return items within 90 days.
Most modern fabrics, like nylon and polyester, are lighter than waxed canvas, and we noticed that the Lands’ End bag was heavier than other duffles we tried. Even though Lands’ End calls this bag waxed, we’d say it’s at most lightly waxed. Canvas is a little resistant to water, but liquids won’t roll off it like they might on something that is highly waxed.
Pros
- Spacious interior with multiple pockets for organization
- Removable and adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying
- Stands up to rough handling during travel
Cons
- The bag may be too heavy for some travelers, especially when fully loaded
Kipling Bori Duffle Bag
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon |
| Dimensions | 22″L x 11″W x 12.5″H |
| Capacity | 36 liters |
| Pockets | 1 interior, 2 exterior |
| Straps | Removable, adjustable shoulder strap |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs |
The Kipling Dori Duffle bag was big, light, and durable, and all of our testers said it was easy to carry. We tried to pack three pairs of clothes (a mix of jeans and sweats), two coats (one fleece and one jacket), five shirts, two pairs of shoes, a toiletry bag, and a coffee mug, and all of them fit easily into the bag.
It has carabiners on both sides that you can use to close the bag or open it up to make it bigger. The plastic zippers work well, and the inside is sleek, but we would have liked a separate room or bag for shoes. But we really liked the zip pockets on the outside and inside, as well as the sheath pockets for smaller things. The bag itself is one of the lightest we tried, and the handles and adjustable shoulder strap made it one of the most comfortable duffel bags to carry.
When we threw the Kipling Bori off a ladder while it was full of stuff, it held up well. It kept the goods safe and didn’t get scratched or dinged up. Overall, it did well in all of our tests, and the fact that it was made to be a weekender bag gave it the top spot. Overall, it is one of the best duffle bags that you can buy.
Pros
- Lightweight and water-resistant nylon material
- Compact size that is ideal for a weekend getaway or gym session
- Multiple pockets for organization
- Removable and adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying
- Stylish design
Cons
- The bag may not be spacious enough for longer trips or larger items
Yeti Crossroads 60L Duffel
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Tuffskin Nylon |
| Dimensions | 27″L x 12.5″W x 13.5″H |
| Capacity | 60 liters |
| Pockets | 2 interior, 3 exterior |
| Straps | Removable, padded shoulder strap |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs |
We were a little surprised to find out that Yeti, which is known for its coolers and tumblers, also makes duffel bags. But, like all Yeti goods, this one looks and feels like it will last a long time. It’s made of a special kind of fabric called TuffSkin that keeps its shape and protects it from damage and dirt. For extra safety, the bottom of the bag is made of a harder shell, which means it can’t be stored in a very small space.
The interior design of the Crossroads really stood out: There are several smaller pockets for things like phones, wallets, and chargers. Two dividers split the bag into three sections to keep different kinds of things separate. Two outer pockets on the top give you even more places to put things, though these two pockets aren’t very big.
The bag has two handles on each end and one on the top. It also has a shoulder strap that can be taken off. The strap has a firm, flat part that is meant to mold to your shoulder, but it could be a little more comfy. Still, it is one of the best duffle bags that you can buy.
Pros
- Durable and water-resistant Tuffskin Nylon material
- Spacious interior with multiple pockets for organization
- Padded and removable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying
- Stands up to tough conditions during travel
Cons
- The bag is relatively heavy, especially when fully loaded
- Higher price point compared to other duffel bags
Gonex Canvas Duffle Bag
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | High-density cotton canvas and genuine leather |
| Dimensions | 21.3″L x 9.4″W x 11.8″H |
| Capacity | 40 liters |
| Pockets | 1 interior, 2 exterior |
| Straps | Removable, adjustable shoulder strap |
| Weight | 2.86 lbs |
The price, how flexible it is, the spaces, and how long it lasts are what sell the Gonex Canvas. One tester said, “I really like how many pockets and zippered compartments this duffel bag has.” “In addition to the main pocket, there are five more zipped pockets on the outside. This is great for someone who always has to deal with things getting lost or mixed up in their clothes, toiletries, etc. On the inside, there is an extra zippered bag and two pockets where I can put my wallet, keys, phone, and/or transit card.”
The bag’s strap handles can be fastened together under a flap, and the shoulder strap is well-padded, so it was easy to carry. The cloth on the outside is well-made and won’t pick up dirt. During our durability tests, the bag kept all of its contents safe and didn’t show any damage or scuffs. We also love that we can choose from different colors and designs. For now, it is one of the best duffle bags that you can buy.
Pros
- Compact size that is perfect for weekend trips or as a gym bag
- Multiple pockets for organization
- Removable and adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying
Cons
- The bag may not be spacious enough for longer trips or larger items
Osprey Transporter
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | 400D Nylon TPU Double Coated |
| Dimensions | 28″L x 14″W x 13″D |
| Capacity | 65 liters |
| Pockets | 1 interior, 3 exterior |
| Straps | Padded and removable shoulder strap |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs |
The Osprey Transporter is known for having the most comfortable carrying method. It has a backpack harness that is supportive and well-padded, just like their backpacks. Most of our models have backpack straps, but the Transporter is one of the few we tried that also has a chest strap and load lifter straps in addition to its comfortable and supportive harness. Thus, it is one of the best duffle bags that you can buy.
The whole harness can also be unbuckled quickly and put into a zippered pocket on the top lid for a smooth move through the airport. The bag has four heavy-duty grab handles that can be used to carry it like a briefcase. It is made of high-quality materials and is made the way all Osprey goods are.
The Transporter is very comfortable to wear as a backpack, but it doesn’t have the handles that most duffel bags have, which are made to look like briefcase handles. Even though the comfortable and strong grab handles help make up for this, we like carrying methods that give us more choices. Also, this bag has both a zippered pocket on the inside and one on the outside, but their odd placement makes them less useful.
Pros
- Spacious interior with multiple pockets for organization
- Padded and removable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying
- Can be used as a duffle bag or a backpack
Cons
- The bag is relatively heavy, especially when fully loaded
- Higher price point compared to other duffel bags
FAQs
A duffle bag is a circular bag with a zipper on the top. It is usually made of strong materials like canvas or nylon. It is often used for traveling, sports, and other things that take place outside.
When getting a duffle bag, think about the right size, material, durability, number of compartments, and style for you. Also think about things like the weight, how easy it is to carry, and the price.
Yes, duffle bags are great for traveling because they are easy to pack and take. They are also flexible and can fit different things, like clothes, shoes, and other necessities.
