KUIU /coo-ee-oo/ recently introduced the KUIU Distance Duffel bag for general purpose and hunting needs. Although KUIU is all in on providing the ultimate hunting gear, the Distance Duffel is built for anything and more. The Distance Duffel features a structured bottom, Double Ripstop construction, reinforced carry handles and side pouches for varied cargo. Can the KUIU Distance Duffel go the distance? Let’s see.
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Kuiu Distance Duffel Bag Review
Whether you do serious travels, hunting, or just have stuff you need to neatly move from point A to point B, a duffel bag can come in handy. The KUIU Distance Duffel has 36 liters of space and has six internal pockets and one external pocket, as well as two side compartments for smaller items and clothing. It also features a removable, rigid, internal organizer for the main compartment that is secured via hook and loop strips. More on that in a bit.
The listed overall dimensions for the Distance Duffel are 21.25(L) x 11(W) x 11.75(H) inches. The two side compartment dimensions are approximately 2(L) x 11(W) x 9.5(H) inches each. The main compartment space is about 17(L) x 10.5(W) x 10.5(H). The empty weight with the internal organizer was spot-on with KUIU’s specs at 4 pounds 11.6 ounces, and the removable internal organizer itself weighs 1 pound 7.2 ounces. The main compartment flap’s zipper track follows the top of the Distance Duffel, and then continues down the back side for an extra wide opening. KUIU took advantage of the main compartment flap space by including three zippered pouches.
Side Compartments – Kuiu Distance Duffel
The side compartments are accessed with heavy duty zippers that wrap around three-quarters of the duffel bag. The right side compartment features a clear plastic or mylar pouch that could be used for toiletries or anything you’d rather not mix with something stored in the same side compartment. The left side compartment is the same size as its counterpart, but differs in that it offers two open topped pouches. I haven’t really decided how best to utilize those pouches, but I like that KUIU designed it differently for the most versatility and didn’t just do a mirror of the opposite side.
Internal Organizer – Kuiu Distance Duffel
In following with the Distance Duffel’s external rigidity, the internal organizer is also structured to maintain its shape, and has its own set of carry handles. The internal organizer is an optional affair due to the strips of hook material on the bottom of the organizer, while the floor of the duffel has receiving strips of loop material.
Due to KUIU’s dedication to the hunting and outdoors market, I was pleased (although not surprised) to see that two of the organizer’s compartments perfectly fit 25 round boxes of 12 gauge shells. I was also able to neatly store 20 round AR15 magazines vertically in the two smaller compartments. The third, larger compartment of the organizer can fit a host of items. As a gun guy in search of great range bags, I naturally set out to see what I could fit in it. KUIU hit high marks again by allowing for two rows of 30 round AR15 magazines lengthwise, and including the organizer’s height, a total of 10 AR mags can be stored in the large compartment. Width-wise, the large compartment was also perfectly sized to hold 20 round AR magazines.
Construction & Material
The KUIU Distance Duffel’s construction involves 330 denier NY Double Ripstop Cordura for the bag body, and heavy duty nylon straps and stitching for carrying weighty loads. The inside lining is made with 210 denier coated nylon, which is lighter, but still feels plenty durable. The front of the Distance Duffel has built in external lashing straps with buckles which is a great feature for keeping a sweatshirt or jacket easy to grab during shifting weather. It can also be used to lash a tripod or walking sticks to your bag so it stays easily accessible. The center carry handles have a wrap around section that uses snaps rather than a hook and loop closure that would wear out quickly.
Field Use
I used the KUIU Distance Duffel as a range bag, as a travel bag during our family trip to Mount Rushmore, and as a gear and clothing duffel for trips to work and several outings. During the family trip, it easily held all my clothing, toiletries and a few miscellaneous items needed for our week-long trek. In the main compartment, I removed the organizer and I packed one pant, four shorts, swim trunks, and about eight shirts and one sweatshirt. I still had some room on top so I packed a few odds and ends such as an extra knife and a box of ammunition. The left side compartment housed my socks and underwear, while the right side compartment held a few swim goggles and water toys. All of the carry handles and the shoulder strap worked great and the Distance Duffel held its shape despite being underneath other weighty bags in the van.
The bottom of the Distance Duffel is made with a 840-denier ballistic nylon panel, which also covers two and a half inches of the sides of the bag. This feature adds an extra layer of protection and weather resistance. I set the Distance Duffel on the water at one of my nearby field testing sights. I didn’t have any weight in it but I had placed a newspaper on the bottom of the main compartment. I let the Distance Duffel sit for a couple minutes on the water, and the paper remained dry immediately after, as well as 10 and 30 minutes later.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a ruggedized, multi-purpose duffel bag that’s built to last, then you need to consider the KUIU Distance Duffel. Considering the Cordura and ripstop construction, the rigid structure, the extra stitching and ample compartment size along with a removable organizer gives you all sorts of options for whatever activity you need to carry stuff to. The Distance Duffel gave me flexibility to carry firearms and ammo to the range, clothing for a vacation, and getting my uniform and gunbelt to work discretely.
The KUIU Distance Duffel does carry a higher price over the average, lightly structured or unstructured duffel bags. KUIU lists this duffel at $149. However, it’s built to last a lifetime, and KUIU has a reasonable warranty for the original purchaser for any defects under normal use for the lifetime of the product. The Distance Duffel is available in Valo camo (as reviewed), Ash, or Gunmetal. Make sure you check out the rest of KUIU’s full product lineup at KUIU.com
What do you think about the KUIU Distance Duffel bag? Is this something you’ve been looking for? If you’ve already been using one, tell us how your experience has been and all the ways you’ve employed it.
