Whether you are a seasoned elk hunter and need to engage in long, cross-country drives to the best elk hunting spot you know of (complete secret, obviously), or are simply someone who has a bit of that “travel bug” in them, you understand the value of having a good set of luggage. Something to get your gear, clothes, and/or valuables from Point A to Point B in one piece. A good set of luggage – regardless if you’re an outdoors person or not – needs to have ample space, be versatile in its design, and thoughtful as well when it comes to storage compartments. With all of that being said, I have been simply getting by for many years with a sports duffle bag as my pseudo luggage bag. Has it worked? Yes. Has it worked well? No. So, when I was presented with the opportunity to test out and review the new 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag, I jumped at the chance! So, today we are going to take a look at the 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag to see if it can survive TSA, baggage handlers at the airport, and whatever else you might want to throw at it. Let’s dive in!
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Specifications – 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag
The 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag is currently being offered in one colorway option of Old Gold (541) that is seen throughout the photos of this review. The AllHaula Duffel is actually a series of luggage bags with the other one being a 45L option if you would want to step down in size (also available in the Old Gold colorway option). All of the specs for the AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag can be read below as presented by 5.11 Tactical:
- Weather-resistant TPU Coated durable 840D Nylon
- Wide mouth opening for easy access
- Storm flap on main compartment zipper
- Stowable shoulder straps with laser-cut laminate MOLLE for pouches and accessories
- Adjustable internal compression panel with zippered mesh pocket; Vertical and horizontal orientation
- Padded bottom
- External zippered side pocket
- Side and end grab handles
- External gear loops
- Compatible with Skyweight Hip Belt (sold separately)
The 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag is offered in an Old Gold colorway (Style # 56816-WS), but there are some photos on 5.11’s website of a black version (maybe that is coming in the future). Right now, it has an MSRP of $160, and it is currently ON SALE for $127.49. With any product you receive from 5.11 off of their website, there is always Free Returns – in the rare event something is not to your liking – and Free Shipping on orders over $99. A final word from 5.11 Tactical can be read in their press release statement below further elaborating upon the 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag:
- Measurements: 11.5″H x 25″L x 13″D
- Weight: 3.1 Lb | 1.38 kg
- Capacity: 3,996 Cubic Inch | 65 Liter
Anyone lucky enough to wind up in Valhalla will probably be issued our AllHaula Duffel 65L to haul their gear. It’s designed with the heavenly comfort warriors deserve, featuring stowable shoulder straps with laser-cut laminate MOLLE and padding at the bottom, and if that haul’s a long one, it’s fully compatible with our Skyweight Hip Belt (sold separately). The wide-mouth opening, which features a storm flap, makes packing a breeze. Compression straps keep the load balanced and critical items can stow in the zippered mesh pocket. Built from tough weather-resistant TPU coated 840D Nylon, the AllHaula Duffel 65L handles the load.
Field Use – 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag
I have had this duffel in my possession for roughly 3 months now, and have gone on 3 long flights or work trips across the country using it. Twice to Florida and once to West Virginia, all departing from my home state of Minnesota. Throughout these 3 separate trips, the duffel bag has held up well (TSA hasn’t destroyed it yet) and I have been able to gather some thoughts about the AllHaula Duffel as a whole.
For one, I appreciate how spacious the 65 Liter version is. After using this size for several months now, I wouldn’t entertain the smaller version (45 Liter). If you’re on the fence between one versus the other, simply go for the bigger one. You’ll appreciate all of the space for boots, shoes, copious clothing, coats, and much more. Plus, almost every trip I go on, I always come home with more than I left with. So, this bag has extra room to bring home travel souvenirs.
I also liked the Old Gold colorway the longer I have owned this duffel because it is authentically unique and when you are waiting for your luggage to pop out at Baggage Claim, you can differentiate your luggage from all of the other bags spinning around on the carousel (no flamboyant, tied-on bandana required). Additionally, this color doesn’t scream “gun owner” or anything like that. So, you can still maintain your Gray Man status as a gun owner while you travel.
Next, I like the removable, mesh zippered pouch inside of the AllHaula Duffel. If you have smaller items that you don’t want swimming with the rest of your clothing like toiletries, personal items, and/or souvenirs, this is a perfect place to hide/store them. Moreover, you can remove it from the bag to get your toiletries out when you’re at the hotel of your destination.
Another neat feature is that you can treat this duffel like a backpack with the shoulder straps that are already on it, too. I didn’t have many opportunities to do that because I always carry another 5.11 backpack with me when I travel as my “carry-on” or “personal item,” but the few occasions I did carry the duffel on my shoulders, I found the shoulder straps to be very comfortable and you could even weave in additional items with the webbing present as well.
Since the bulk of my travel with this bag has been carrying it with one hand, I would highly recommend getting the compatible Skyweight Hip Belt (sold separately) to make it easier to tote this travel bag through the airport. Then, you can place all of the weight of the duffel on your hips and have a more pleasant time shuffling through the rat race of the airport.
Final Thoughts – 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag
So, what are my final thoughts on the 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag offered in an Old Gold colorway?… Overall, it does a lot of things well. It is very spacious, survived the abuse of the baggage handlers at the airport, has a nice color, and a clever removable pouch. The only point of criticism I have is that people should definitely entertain the Skyweight Hip Belt (sold separately) if this’ll be your mainstay luggage bag.
In closing, I want to say thank you to 5.11 Tactical for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag offered in an Old Gold colorway. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the 5.11 Tactical AllHaula Duffel 65L Luggage/Travel Bag offered in an Old Gold colorway is something worth spending your money on? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about 5.11 and the AllHaula Duffel in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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