Looking for the best duffle bags for travel this year? Here are our favorites.
We’ve been travel blogging since 2013 and are always searching for the best travel backpacks, carry on luggage, and duffle bags to help us carry our gear on our adventures.
We’ve tested SO MANY bags over the years, and here are our current favorites.
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Last Updated: January 19, 2025
Best Duffle Bags for Travel in 2025
1. Peak Design Travel Duffel (Editor’s Pick) →
The Peak Design Travel Duffel (We have it in the 65L) is our top pick for its versatility and thoughtful design. They are known for their camera-friendly bags and also delivered a functional and stylish duffle. Check out our full YouTube Review here.
Material: Versa Shell
600D weatherproof, 100% recycled nylon canvas exterior
Available Sizes: 35L, 50L, 65L, 80L
Weather Resistance: Weatherproof outer material and zippers.
Weight: 2 lbs (35L), 2.6 lbs (50L), 2.9 lbs (65L), 3.08 lbs (65L)
Loading Style: Top-loading with a wide-mouth opening
PROS
- Durable, weather-resistant material.
- Multiple carrying options (shoulder strap, hand straps).
- Internal and external pockets for organization.
CONS
- Premium price point.
2. Arcteryx Carrier Duffle →
Arc’teryx makes quality outdoor gear, and we’re fans of almost everything they make. We have the 40L Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle (we have the 40L), which is built for the rugged outdoors but with a minimalist design.
Material: N690d N66 nylon ripstop fabric
Available Sizes: 40L, 75L, 100L
Weather Resistance: Highly weather-resistant with taped seams
Weight: 1.6 lbs (40L), 2 lbs (75L), 2.6 lbs (100)
Loading Style: Top-loading with a weather-resistant zipper
PROS
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Multiple carry options
- Simple, no-frills design
CONS
- Limited internal organization
3. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel →
Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel has a following; we’ve owned ours for almost a decade. It’s durable as hell and is given its name for its endless capacity to hold gear. Plus, it’s made from recycled materials, showing Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability.
Material: Weather & abrasion resistant 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate
Available Sizes: 40L, 55L, 70L, 100L
Weather Resistance: Highly weather-resistant
Weight: 1.06 lbs (40L), 2.63 lbs (55L), 3 lbs (70L), 3.5 lbs (100L)
Loading Style: U-shaped top-loading with zipper
PROS
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Large capacity with plenty of organization options
- Carry as a duffel or a backpack
- Made from recycled materials
- Lots of colors
CONS
- Bulky when full
- Not the most stylish option
4. Troubadour Embark Duffle →
The Embark Duffle is a stylish yet practical duffle that is great for a weekend getaway or day-to-day use. The duffel has lightweight & waterproof fabric, a waterproof-lined pocket for shoes, and a padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop.
Material: Recycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, vegan leather trim
Available Sizes: 30L
Weather Resistance: Waterproof fabric
Weight: 3.1 lbs
Loading Style: Top-loading with zipper closure
PROS
- Lightweight & waterproof fabric
- Good organization
- Water-resistant
CONS
- Only one size
- The shoe section can be annoying to pack around
5. Kovered Humber Duffel (Best Stylish) →
The Kovered Humber Duffel blends style with functionality and is made from sustainable materials.
Material: Recycled canvas with leather accents
Available Sizes: 42L
Weather Resistance: Water-resistant
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Loading Style: Top-loading with zipper closure
PROS
- Made from recycled materials
- Spacious interior with several pockets
- High-quality, durable construction
- Water-resistant
CONS
- Limited color options
- Heavy
More Travel Duffels to Check Out
What are your favorite travel duffels, and which other ones do we need to add to the list? Here is a list of our retired duffle bags, plus popular travel duffle bags that didn’t make our favorites list.
- Aer Duffel Pack (full review)
- Golla Weekender Bag
- North Face Base Camp Duffel
- Osprey Transporter Duffel
- Thule Chasm Duffel
- Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel
- Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel
- Filson Medium Rugged Twill Duffel Bag
- Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel
- Timbuk2 Quest Duffel
- REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel
What to Look for in a Travel Duffel
The best bag for you depends on your travel style, packing habits, and preferences.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a travel duffel. These are the key features we look at:
Size
Size matters. You want a bag that can fit all your essentials without being overly bulky. Here’s a quick guide:
- 30-40 L – Ideal for weekend trips. This size can comfortably fit a few days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, and personal items without being too bulky.
- 40-60 L – Perfect for week-long trips. This allows extra space for additional clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- 60+ L – Great for extended travel or if you pack a lot. These larger bags can handle more gear and are great for travelers who need to pack extra gear or equipment.
Weight
Opt for duffel bags made from lightweight yet durable materials. This ensures the bag doesn’t add unnecessary weight, making it easier to carry.
Pack it fully to know you can comfortably carry the weight.
Durability + Weather Resistance
Choose bags made from robust materials like ballistic nylon, polyester, or canvas. These materials can withstand rough handling and wear over time. Duffels with water-resistant or waterproof features also help, especially when traveling to unpredictable weather areas. Some bags come with a rain cover for added protection.
Design + Access
There are top-loading duffels and ones with clamshell openings. Top-loading duffels, or traditional duffel bags, are great for packing large items. Clamshell designs open like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking more efficient.
Compartments
Most duffels have a few pockets and compartments but, overall, lack organization.
Straps and Handles
Duffels will come with different types of straps and, oftentimes, multiple ways to carry them. Here are some of the standard straps/handles.
- Shoulder Straps: Padded and adjustable shoulder straps make carrying the duffel more comfortable on one shoulder.
- Handles: Look for sturdy grab handles for easy lifting.
- Backpack Straps: Some duffels come with backpack-style straps for versatile carrying options.
Additional Features
Extra features like lockable zippers, compression straps, and removable shoulder straps can enhance the functionality of your duffel.
- Packability: Some duffels can be packed into its pocket. This is great for travelers who need a backup bag.
- Wheels: Consider duffel bags with wheels for heavier loads, reducing the strain on your shoulders and back.
- Lockable Zippers: For added security, choose a duffel with lockable zippers. This is particularly important if you check your bag or leave it in shared accommodations.
- Hidden Pockets: Some duffels feature hidden or secret pockets for storing valuables like passports, money, and other essential items.
- Color and Design: While functionality is key, you’ll want to find one that matches your aesthetic and travel style. Remember that brighter colors may make your bag stand out in a crowd.
- Compression Straps: Compression straps help compact your load, making your bag more manageable when it’s less full. They also prevent your items from shifting during travel.
- Expandability: Some duffels have expandable sections, allowing you to increase the bag’s capacity when needed.
- Ventilation: If you carry gear like shoes or wet clothing, look for duffels with ventilated compartments to keep odors at bay.
Is it Duffel or Duffle?
Did you know the word originated from the Belgian town of Duffel? It’s where the thick cloth used for duffel bags was initially made. Both spellings are correct, but “duffel” became more popular after World War II.
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
What do you look for in a travel duffle bag? Are there any more we must check out to add to our best duffle bags for travel list?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
The post 5 Best Duffle Bags for Travel in 2025 appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.
