Finding the perfect bag can be a game-changer when it comes to travel. Bags on the market today vary from enormous hard-shell checked luggage to tiny foldable tote bags that can fit in the palm of your hand. One of the most versatile travel bags is the always reliable duffle bag.
Duffle bags (also spelled “duffel” – and I am going to be switching between the two on a dime, so keep up), come in all shapes in sizes. You can find duffles perfect for a weekend trip or big enough to accompany you on a backpacking trip through Europe. A traditional duffel bag usually features a main compartment with a zippered pocket on either end, along with a removable shoulder strap and two smaller hand-carry straps.
Today, duffel bags include all kinds of ingenious features such as wheels, weatherproof fabric, and internal zippered pockets to keep you organized. They range in price from super-affordable to ultra-luxury and everything in between. They’re also made for a range of travel activities and styles.
Continue reading for our recommendations on the best travel duffel bags for your next trip. So whether you’re flying to a new destination, going on a family camping trip or road trip, or are about to embark on the backpacking trip of a lifetime, we got you covered. Check out our top picks and find the best travel duffel bag for you!
TL;DR – Our Top Duffle Bags
Best Personal Item Duffel Bags
Duffel bags make a great option when it comes to your personal item on a flight. Nowadays, airlines can charge for larger carry-ons, but you’ll always be allowed at least one personal item for free.
The general rule for personal items on planes is that they must fit under the seat in front of you. Check out our picks for the best travel duffel bags that can qualify as personal items:
1. Briggs & Riley Baseline Underseat Carry-On Duffel Bag
If you’re searching for a sleek and durable duffel bag that can fit under the seat in front of you while also being able to fit a bunch of stuff, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Underseat Carry-On Duffel Bag might be your winner.
Crafted with ballistic nylon fabric, this waterproof duffel bag can resist weather and wear and tear. This means a longer-lasting product that you won’t have to replace after a few uses. The bag also features a slip-through back panel that you can easily slip over the handle of a rolling bag for hands-free travel.
The bag features an oversized main compartment, two side pockets, and a front pocket for all the things that you need to access quickly. The hideaway leather ID tag makes sure that all of your personal information is handy if necessary but hidden away while traveling.
2. Away The Everywhere Bag
Away has been one of my favorite travel brands for years. All of their products are high-quality and offer a fantastic warranty and return policy if you’re unsatisfied with what you’ve received. The Away Everywhere Bag is the perfect size for a personal item.
This sleek and modern bag comes in six gorgeous colors to go with every style. The main compartment is divided into several pockets to keep all of your belongings safe and organized.
It also features a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop. The bag can be carried with an adjustable shoulder strap or two leather handles.
External pockets include a water bottle pocket and a slip pocket for easy access. This airline-approved duffel bag is the perfect companion for weekend trips and business travel.
3. ETRONIK Travel Duffel Bag
If you need an under-seat bag that can fit it all, meet your new best friend: the ETRONIK Travel Duffel Bag. This small-sized airline duffel bag includes a ton of pockets as well as a smaller toiletry bag to keep you organized and worry-free.
The main compartment is perfect for all of your belongings, like clothing, jewelry, and toiletries. There is a second compartment under the main compartment that is perfect for shoes or dirty laundry. The bag also features convenient exterior pockets and a USB charging port so that you don’t have to carry your portable charger while powering up your device.
The ETRONIK Travel Duffel Bag comes in multiple stylish colors and prints and is made from water-resistant fabric. It comes at an affordable price, making it an awesome gift for the globetrotter in your life.
See Related: Grand Canyon Packing List: What You Need to Bring
4. Bagsmart Weekender Duffle Bag
Bagsmart is king when it comes to duffle bags on Amazon. My favorite bag of theirs to use as a personal item is the Bagsmart Weekender Duffle Bag. This ultralight duffle bag is made from a soft nylon fabric, so you can fill it up but still be able to fit it into small spaces if needed.
This multi-purpose duffle bag includes unique features that set it apart from other duffle bags, including an elastic strap for water bottles, a yoga mat strap, and an anti-theft zipper system. The removable shoulder strap allows you to carry the bag by the handles or use the slip-through panel to set it on your suitcase.
Not only is this one of the best duffle bags for traveling, but you can also use it in your daily life as a gym bag or on-the-go tote. You can easily fit it under the seat of even the stingiest low-cost airlines.
5. Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag
This Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag is the best budget duffel bag on our list and also one of the smallest. This foldable travel bag is packable and weighs less than half a pound, making it a perfect duffel bag to keep with you if you anticipate needing an extra bag at the end of your journey.
The bag is made to hold up to 45 pounds of weight in its one main compartment. It also has a small zippered pocket on the slip-through panel to access anything you may need in an instant. This affordable duffel bag comes with or without shoulder straps based on your preference.
Several colors and styles are available so everyone can find a style that they like. With more than 11,800 five-star reviews on Amazon, this bag is sure to please. You’ll never have to worry about those sneaky extra baggage fees again!
Best Duffel Bags for Carry-Ons
More often, you’ll find duffel bags that are slightly larger than an airline personal item and more compatible with the size of standard carry-on luggage. This can be a great choice for plane or train travel as you can push and squeeze a duffel bag into overhead compartments (assuming nothing too delicate is inside!) There are many duffel bags that fall into this size range – these are a few of our favorites.
1. Briggs & Riley ZDX Upright Rolling Duffel Bag
Briggs & Riley is one of our favorite brands here at ViaTravelers when it comes to luggage, and their ZDX upright rolling duffel bag is a great option if you’re looking for a carry-on duffel bag. This bag comes in three different colors, and there’s also a matching 27-inch checked luggage version available.
This versatile rolling duffel bag can be rolled for ultimate convenience or become handheld if you need to squeeze through small spaces quickly. Packing-wise, this duffel bag comes with awesome features like an RFID-shielding top pocket where you can keep your wallet and phone. The main compartment has a U-shaped zipper system so that you can easily pack your bag.
Inside the main compartment, you’ll find several internal pockets to keep all of your belongings organized. The internal mesh pocket is great for smaller items like accessories or electronics, while the other large pocket features internal compression straps to fit more clothing items.
See Related: The Ultimate Summer Trip Packing List
2. Away The Large Everywhere Bag
We mentioned the original Away Everywhere Bag as a great personal item, but if you need something a little bigger, The Large Everywhere Bag from Away should be your go-to. This oversized bag is constructed using the most durable materials and makes the perfect companion for a long weekend getaway or a business trip.
One side of the bag almost fully unzips, allowing you to easily fit all of your clothing and belongings into the bag without being held back by a small zipper opening. On the other side of the bag, you’ll find a large padded laptop compartment that can fit up to a 15-inch laptop and features magnetic zippers for extra security and peace of mind.
You’ll also find two internal zippered pockets, an external zippered pocket, a key clip, and a water bottle pocket. The bag features a convenient removable shoulder strap and a slip-through pocket to be carried on your suitcase.
3. Bagsmart Carry-On Weekender
The Bagsmart Carry-On Weekender duffel bag features a 180-degree open design so that it opens just like a suitcase, making it super easy and convenient to pack. You can have one side of your bag filled with clothes and accessories and the other side for shoes and toiletries.
In between the two sides of the bag, you’ll find an internal padded laptop sleeve as well as compartments that fit an iPad and portable charger. There are also two external pockets with zippers and a separate toiletries pocket.
This versatile bag works perfectly as a carry-on duffel bag or for road trips. If you’re traveling to a warm place such as Jamaica or Hawaii, you’ll have no issue fitting a ton of cute outfits and sandals in this sleek and affordable duffel bag. If you’re searching for a great carry-on on a budget, this is the best carry-on duffel bag for you.
Best Duffel Bags for Checked Luggage
Sometimes, personal items and carry-ons just don’t do the trick. Luckily, there are plenty of larger duffel bags made specifically for checking in on flights. It’s important to choose one made of durable materials that’s preferably water-resistant or at least has a waterproof pocket for important items, as your bag will be handled by others and exposed to the elements during its journey.
1. Briggs & Riley Wheeled Duffle, Black, Checked-Medium 27-Inch
Briggs & Riley is known for producing quality travel gear with intuitive features and designs, and their 27-inch wheeled duffle bag is made to live up to that reputation. While it’s not an inexpensive bag, it is made to last, with a lifetime performance guarantee that even includes damage caused by the airlines.
A smart design has gotten rid of the bump bars you usually find at the bottom of rolling duffles, leaving a ton of extra space for packing. Two panels on the sides of the interior also connect with cinch straps, allowing you to compress clothes and other contents as much as possible, gaining even more space.
The interior also has a PVC-lined pocket that resists water, perfect for isolating important items or for packing away dirty or wet things. An external zippered pocket at the top allows for easy access to items you might need along the way. If you’re looking for luggage that’s truly built to last a lifetime, this bag should be at the top of your list.
See Related: The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List
2. MIER Water Resistant Backpack Duffle
Like the idea of a bag that can take a beating? MIER makes an excellent heavy-duty water-resistant duffle bag that can also be worn as a backpack thanks to its shoulder straps that are hidden in external zippered pockets.
This versatile pack is a duffle bag, backpack, or suitcase as needed. Two sizes are available: a nearly 26-inch long, 60-liter option or a larger 28-inch long, 90-liter option.
Its main draw is its durability – super-strong materials and double-stitching allow you to get this bag wet, dirty, or packed to the max while protecting the things inside. A two-year warranty protects you from any manufacturing defects that prove anything otherwise.
If you’re headed on a backpacking or camping trip and don’t want to be dragging a bag on wheels, a bag like this is just right. With two sizes, three colors, and a great hold-up on the road, this duffle pack has proved very popular with travelers.
3. Osprey Rolling Transporter 120
Osprey is known for their high-quality and long-lasting bags, so it’s no surprise that the Osprey Rolling Transporter (120-liter) is one of the best durable duffel bags for travel. This rolling duffel bag is made from sustainable and water-resistant materials, so it’s always up to accompany you on your greatest adventures.
There is a small external pocket on the bag so you can access all of your important items easily. On the interior, you’ll find several mesh pockets to help keep all of your items organized. This large bag features a 120-liter capacity, but if you don’t need that much room, a 90-liter version is available.
This wheeled duffel bag features two large wheels that can easily navigate over any surface. The waterproof zipper is protected by an additional rain flap, keeping all of your belongings safe and dry, even on trips to winter destinations. Like all Osprey products, this rolling duffel bag comes with the brand’s All Mighty Guarantee, which means they’ll repair or replace any damaged parts of your bag for free.
4. YETI Crossroads Duffel Bag, 60L
YETI has quickly become one of the most beloved brands when it comes to outdoor equipment like coolers and tumblers, but did you know the popular brand also offers duffel bags and backpacks? The YETI Crossroads Duffel Bag comes in two sizes: 40-liter and 60-liter. Whether you’re traveling to explore the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or going on a surfing trip to Costa Rica, this bag is down to do it all.
The 60-liter Crossroads Duffel Bag can fit a bunch of things, including a couple of pairs of shoes and puffer jackets. There are two divider panels that can keep your items separated, or you can fold them away to create even more room. It comes with a removable padded shoulder strap as well as a side handle and two long handles.
This pack comes in three classic color options and is made from TuffSkin nylon. The YETI Crossroads line also features three sizes of backpacks and two rolling bags, all with compression straps.
See Related: Costa Rica Packing List: What to Pack for Your Trip
Best Camping Duffel Bags
The perfect type of bag for a camping trip has to be, hands-down, the duffel bag. Options range from duffel bags with removable backpack straps to a small waterproof duffel bag that will keep all of your belongings safe from the elements. With varying sizes depending on the length of your trip and the types of activities you’ll do, we’ve come up with several versatile bag options so you can choose the best travel duffel bag for camping your way.
1. Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag
The Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag surely makes a statement with its large capacity, rugged, water-resistant fabric, and bright colors. It is one of the most durable duffel bags on the market. The comfortable backpack straps make the Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag the best waterproof duffel bag for camping and outdoor adventures.
While it may come at a steep price point, you can often find this duffel backpack on sale on Amazon, and if you’re a Prime member, it’s part of the “try before you buy” program, so you can see if it’s a great fit for you before you invest in it.
Due to its composition of ultra-durable materials and padded backpack straps, it’s super handy to have while camping, especially when some hiking is involved. I’d even venture to say that it is the best durable duffel bag we have on this list. It’s great for exploring the great outdoors while keeping all your gear safe and secure.
While the big sell for the Thule Chasm Sport Duffel is its durability, the interior is nothing to scoff at, either. The main compartment features an oversized opening so you can easily fit even the bulkiest jackets. The internal mesh pockets keep everything organized.
2. Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffel with Utility Pouch
Carhartt has quickly become one of the most popular outdoor clothing companies in the country over the last few years, so it’s no surprise that their rugged duffel bags have also become quite popular. Their best duffel bag for camping has to be the Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffel.
This simple and practical duffel bag is perfect for a quick weekend getaway with the family, whether you’re going to your favorite lake or a mountain retreat. It features sturdy handles and removable shoulder straps, but it is not a backpack duffel, so it’s better for camping trips where you don’t need to hike too far to your camping spot.
This sturdy duffel bag is also packable, so you can even keep it in another bag and use it for dirty laundry or wet clothes. The exterior of the bag is protected by Carhartt’s Rain Defender technology, making it water-resistant and able to handle tough weather situations.
3. Lyweem Travel Duffel Bag
The large-capacity Lyweem Travel Duffel Bag is an awesome camping duffel bag that comes in so many various colors and two different sizes. The detachable backpack straps also double as normal handles, so you can use this as a duffel backpack or traditional hand-carry bag.
This travel duffel bag features a large open main compartment as well as a separate shoe compartment where you can store your hiking shoes or camp slippers. The shoe compartment also has a vent, so it’s great to store wet clothes without them getting smelly or moldy.
Unlike most duffel bags, this bag does not feature any shoulder straps, but the handles are nice and long and can also be used as backpack straps. The main compartment has a large internal zippered pocket, and there’s also an exterior pocket for even more storage.
See Related: How to Pack For a Camping Trip [Step-by-Step Checklist]
4. Osprey Transporter 65 Travel Duffel Bag
If your next camping trip consists of long hiking days surrounded by beautiful scenery, consider the Osprey Transporter 65 Travel Duffel Bag. This large duffel bag is sure to fit all of your gear and clothing while evenly distributing the weight of your pack so that you stay comfortable all day. This is the best waterproof duffel bag from Osprey for camping and longer hiking trips.
The durable, water-resistant coating on the exterior of the bag makes this a great companion for trekking through all sorts of weather conditions. The large main compartment features a 65-liter capacity (hence the name) and a full U-shaped zipper for easy packing.
Traveling with this sturdy duffel bag through rugged terrain is a breeze, as the tough coated fabric makes it difficult for the bag to tear or be punctured. And if something does happen to the bag, the Osprey All Mighty Guarantee will help with any repairs.
5. Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L Duffel Bag
The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler is the perfect solution if you’re bringing a lot of gear with you to your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re going on a fishing trip with the guys or a family camping trip, this durable duffel bag with removable backpack straps can accompany you anywhere.
The main compartment features detachable mesh dividers so that you can have your belongings more organized or remove them to allow for more space. There’s also a storage pocket where you can fold the whole duffel bag into itself for easy storage.
The external compression straps ensure that your bag can squeeze into the smallest of spaces, and the padded straps can be tucked away so that they won’t be a burden when not in use. While the exterior is made from weather-resistant and abrasion-resistant materials, the bag still comes with a No Matter What lifetime guarantee so you can have peace of mind while you travel.
Best Duffel Bags for Road Trips
Road trips are one of the easiest and most amazing ways to take in tons of beautiful scenery as you visit multiple places in one trip. The US is a wonderful place to take a road trip with family or friends. From California’s beautiful national parks to the Great Smoky Mountains and everywhere in between, road trips can be one of the most convenient ways to see so much in a short amount of time.
On a road trip, you’re going to want a bag that can fit a lot, but that doesn’t necessarily need a ton of bells and whistles. Instead, you might look for built-in organizational features or a more aesthetic duffle bag. Below are just some of our favorites that you can find online.
1. Briggs & Riley Baseline Weekender Duffel Bag
For a sleek unisex option, check out the Briggs & Riley Baseline Weekender. It comes in three rich colors and includes small luxury details like premium leather padded straps and a discreet ID tag.
Starting with the exterior, the bag is constructed from ballistic nylon fabric and a lockable zipper for the main compartment. There’s a small exterior pocket that can fit a portable charger and other items you may need to easily access. The spacious interior is fully lined and features two elastic pockets to hold accessories and electronics.
This stunning duffel bag has a capacity of approximately 42 liters and comes with a lifetime guarantee, so the only thing you have to worry about on your road trip is how long until you can get out and explore.
See Related: Denali Packing List: What to Bring to Denali National Park
2. Away F.A.R Duffle 40L
If you’re looking for something sturdy and compact that can fit enough clothes and gear for a long weekend, the AWAY F.A.R. Duffle is a fantastic option. The bag is both abrasion- and water-resistant and is made from responsibly sourced recycled materials, so it’s good for the environment and your stuff.
Away’s F.A.R. or “For All Routes” collection caters specifically to outdoor travel. If you’re moving from place to place, you can count on this heavy-duty bag to be there along with you for all the adventures.
The zipper of the main compartment zips down almost fully, making it super easy and convenient to pack. Internal pockets are minimal, but what it lacks in organizational features, it makes up for in the amount of space you’ll gain.
3. Carhartt 40L Utility Duffel
The Carhartt 40-Liter Utility Duffel is the perfect accessory for dads (and moms) on the go. With its spacious main compartment and multiple exterior pockets, this is the best duffel bag for travel on the open road.
This versatile duffel bag features a 40-liter capacity and is made using Rain Defender water-resistant material. It’s also machine washable, so if you get caught in bad weather, no worries!
With ten interior mesh pockets and four exterior pockets, this duffel bag keeps all of your belongings organized. Whether you need extra snacks or clothes for your kids, you’ll always know where to find them.
4. Amazon Basics Large Nylon Duffel Bag
If you’re looking for a duffel bag that is both affordable and reliable, check out the Amazon Basics Large Nylon Duffel Bag. I love pretty much anything Amazon Basics when I just need something simple that’ll get the job done.
This durable duffel bag can hold up to 50 pounds and is perfect to quickly pack up and throw into the car. The spacious interior compartment features several zippered pockets, as does the exterior. This bag is super lightweight, weighing just over 1.5 pounds.
The bag can be carried using the adjustable shoulder strap or with the side handles. It is super large, so it can accompany you even on a spring break road trip. It comes in three different colors and is made from lightweight yet durable nylon.
See Related: Amsterdam Packing List: What to Bring on Your Trip
5. Gayuapeia Weekender Bag
Perhaps you’ve been using your trusty duffle bag for a while now and are looking for a bit of an upgrade that won’t break the bank. This is where the Gayuapeia Weekender Bag comes in. This stylish yet functional bag provides space for everything you’ll need for a long holiday weekend.
The main compartment is extra roomy and is great for clothing, accessories, and toiletries. The multiple small pockets can ensure that small items like sunglasses and keys won’t get lost in the large bag. The bottom shoe cabinet almost fully zips open and can fit two pairs of sneakers as well as sandals or toiletries.
This lovely bag comes in so many styles and colors. It also makes the perfect gift for the fashionable traveler in your life.
Best Backpacking Duffel Bags
A duffel bag can be a great way to pack out all the gear you need for a few days of backpacking. Many of the giant packs made to wear on your back are bulky and unpleasant to carry by hand when your back starts to hurt, whereas a duffel bag can be made to wear on your back, strap over your shoulders, or carry by handle. A good backpacking duffel should be durable, weatherproof, and comfortable – like these best backpacking duffel bags below.
1. The North Face Base Camp Duffel
The North Face is one of the most recognizable brands around the world for outdoor clothing and gear. It’s no surprise that their Base Camp Duffel is a great-quality option that’s rugged and durable enough to handle a weekend, or more, off the grid.
This bag is made to handle tough conditions – in The North Face’s words: “whether it’s roughed around in-flight or transported up a mountain via a yak.” It’s constructed with several grab handles for however you may need to carry it, double stitching on the shoulder straps, and materials like ballistic nylon for durability that they call bombproof – try not to test that last one, please.
Importantly, the 72-liter interior capacity should provide plenty of room for the camping or trekking gear you need to carry, along with the four compression straps inside to smush it all in. Plus, it’s a great-looking bag!
2. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L
For all things outdoors, Patagonia is another brand that adventurers have relied on for decades – and their Black Hole Duffel Bag is a go-to option for backpackers. This bag comes in 40-liter, 55-liter, 70-liter, and 100-liter size options and can therefore serve a wide range of backpacking necessities. We’re going with the 55-liter option here, thanks to its manageable size that still gets the job done.
You can expect great durability and versatility from this pack, and you’ll appreciate its weatherproof lining when the clouds roll in. The padded base also protects whatever is inside from any bumps or drops you know the bag will have to endure during your adventure. It comes in at just over 2.5 pounds, so there’s little extra weight to carry around.
Patagonia proudly prioritizes sustainability and responsibility in all of its products, and the Black Hole Duffel Bag is made with recycled materials and is Fair Trade Certified sewn. There’s nothing like appreciating the beauty of the world while knowing you’ve done something to keep it that way.
See Related: The Complete Backpacking Checklist for Travelers
3. Mouteenoo Travel Duffel Backpack
Like the idea of a quality duffel bag, but don’t want to spend your vacation fund on it? Trust me, I get it! The Mouteenoo Travel Duffel Backpack is a bit more budget-friendly while keeping a level of quality that doesn’t impact your backpacking experience.
Made for multi-day trekking, carrying onto an airplane, or just a simple day at the gym, this bag can serve a variety of purposes. The 45-liter capacity is enough for a short backpacking adventure or a longer one if you can share your load with others. With a top handle and duffel straps that can be worn on your shoulders as a backpack, you can carry it in whichever way is most comfortable for you.
While it doesn’t have a weatherproof polyurethane coating like some of the high-end bags, the nylon material is still water-resistant, and the zipper quality is notably great to reduce the change of jams or failure. Mouteenoo also provides an excellent quality guarantee, with a warranty covering any manufacturing issues that cause the bag to fail to meet their standards.
Best Duffel Bags for Business Travelers
Sometimes we forget that not every seat on the plane is occupied by someone going on an adventure – many people are headed out on a very different type of trip with unique needs. Business travelers certainly need the quality and durability that we’ve already covered, but may also emphasize the style and utility of a duffel bag. Luckily, there are quite a few options for the duffel bag-toting business tripper.
1. Briggs & Riley, Black, 22 Inch Garment Duffle Bag
It’s a horrible feeling to get to your destination and realize that your suit or expensive business clothing got damaged along the way or even wrinkled. Briggs & Riley came up with an excellent business travel bag solution: to combine a duffle with a garment bag.
This 22-inch bag is sleek and stylish, fit to serve as an accessory to any jet-setting business traveler. It also has a slip-through rear panel made to safely secure the bag to the top of a Briggs & Riley rolling suitcase. Its coolest feature is its transformation into a garment bag perfect for protecting suits and hanging them in the hotel closet.
A detachable shoulder strap provides an extra way to carry the bag hands-free. The ballistic nylon material resists water and damage, and a separate shoe pocket keeps contents clean. This is a great choice of a duffle bag for the average business traveler.
2. Rimowa Never Still Weekender
You’re surely familiar with Rimowa, the high-end luggage brand famous for their metal, hard-shell suitcases. That’s not all they make, though. The Never Still Weekender is an example of their line of luxury soft bags that looks and feels like the Cadillac of duffel bags.
We’ve seen duffel bags made of materials like polyurethane and ballistic nylon, but Rimowa doesn’t do it like others. The Italian construction consists of durable canvas and full-grain leather, along with a removable leather address tag. The result is a silky-soft, chic-looking handbag that’s made for the life of travel.
You can fit a 13-inch laptop inside along with whatever else you may need, and a detachable shoulder strap makes it possible to carry this bag hands-free. Like other Rimowa bags, be prepared to pay for all of this luxury – this is not a budget bag.
See Related: The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Traveling to London
3. Soaeon Canvas Travel Duffle Bag
Did the price tag of that last one scare you? Don’t worry – there are plenty of other duffle bags perfect for business travelers that don’t require the salary of a CEO, like the Soaeon Canvas Travel Duffle Bag.
This bag is most definitely a duffle but functions a lot like a hard-shell suitcase. It opens clamshell-style, with two zippered compartments on either side. This makes it very fillable with the capacity to carry clothes for nearly a week or more.
On the outside, waterproof fabric and leather handles keep the bag durable and easy to carry, along with the shoulder strap. Exterior pockets provide more storage space and easier access to essentials. Best of all – this bag is very budget friendly for the business traveler who wants quality at a fair price.
Best Duffel Bags for Kids
Even littles need a reliable bag to accompany them on all of your amazing family adventures. When picking bags for kids, you’ll want to choose something that’s durable yet affordable. As they get older, kids will usually change their preferences when it comes to characters or interests, so sticking with a certain favorite color or print instead could ensure they use the bag for longer.
1. PUMA Kids’ Evercat Transformation Duffel
This PUMA Kids’ duffel bag is super compact and versatile. It can double as a sports gear bag and as a travel duffel bag. It comes in at a super affordable price point and has several fun colors and prints.
The bag is pretty simple. It comes with a large main compartment and an exterior mesh pocket. The mesh pocket isn’t quite large enough for a water bottle, but it can hold some snacks or small accessories.
It features a side handle, two long padded handles, and a crossbody strap to make it comfortable for anyone to carry. Depending on your child’s age, it can hold enough clothes for a long weekend or a week-long trip.
2. Rugici Overnight Bag
The adorable Rugici Overnight Bag is fantastic for pre-teens and teenagers. This bag is slightly larger than the previous bag and includes some awesome features that you and your teen will appreciate.
First of all, its simple design ensures that packing will be quick and straightforward. There is a separate shoe component to keep them separate from any clean clothes. The wet/dry compartments in the interior can easily keep clean and dirty clothes separated, especially if your family is heading to a lake or down to the beach.
The waterproof fabric and ventilation vents ensure that everything in the bag will stay dry and odor-free. Side and interior zipper pockets can keep things like electronics, books, and school supplies organized and separate from other belongings.
See Related: Norway Cruise Packing List: What to Pack (Including PDF)
3. Choco Mocha Kids Duffle Bag
If you’re going out of town for a weekend, maybe a short stint at Disneyland, or a few days at your favorite lakeside town, this Choco Mocha Kids Duffle Bag will make the perfect travel companion for your kids.
There are multiple spacious compartments in this bag, including a fantastic shoe compartment. Internal pockets allow you to separate school supplies and books from everything else. The soft sides allow the bag to accommodate a ton of clothes, so you can pack any backups and extras if necessary.
Kids will love traveling with this adorable bag that comes in fun prints like sharks, fire trucks, dinosaurs, and more. Seeing you get this bag out and ready to pack will get them excited for the trip before it even begins!
FAQ
Is it “duffel bag” or “duffle bag”?
Actually, both spellings are correct! In British English and countries that use it (namely all of them apart from the U.S.), you’ll see “duffle” used more often. In American English, “duffel” is more common. Both are acceptable, and different brands may use different spellings.
Where does the name “duffle” or “duffel” come from?
No one knows for certain, but it’s highly likely that it came from the Belgian town of Duffel, historically known for its thick, durable Duffel cloth.
What is a good size duffle bag for travel?
That depends on your trip, what you need, and how you are traveling. If you’re flying low-cost and you need a duffel bag that fits under the seat in front of you, you should probably stay around the 30-liter capacity and not more than 16 or 18 inches long.
A full-size carry-on duffel should stay around 40 liters and 22-24 inches long maximum. If you’re not concerned with carry-on limitations, and you need space, you can find very large duffel bags in the 100-liter range.
Which brand is best for duffel bags?
There are a ton of great duffel bag brands and a ton of very cheaply-made and bad-quality competitors. Our trusted favorites come from Away Luggage, Patagonia, The North Face, and Briggs & Riley. Their products serve a range of purposes, and you won’t be disappointed by the quality.
Related Resources
Lock In Your Travel Now
Find Cheap Flights
Use Skyscanner to find flight deals. As my personal favorite flight search engine, Skyscanner scours websites and airlines across the globe, leaving no stone unturned to help you find the best deal possible. And if you really want to take your savings to new heights, pair Skyscanner with Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). With access to exclusive mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you’ll be packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure before you know it.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what’s thrown at it. Cover yourself against illness, injury and theft, and protect the arrangements you’ve made with our flexible travel cancellation insurance. My favorite options for travel insurance are:
Book Your Accommodation
In order to capture the widest selection of properties and the best price, use Booking.com as they have the cheapest rates for guesthouses, hotels, luxury condos, B&Bs and so much more.
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Discover the Best Travel Tools
Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year.
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