When it comes to versatility, a high-quality duffel bag is tough to beat: they’re useful for travel, camping, storage, and so much more. Whether you need a convenient way to tote bulky items or you’re in a hurry to get out the door for an overnighter, a duffel bag makes packing quick and easy.
There are a ton of options that may seem similar at first – what’s so complicated about one large compartment? To find out, our team tested more than 20 duffel bags over hundreds of trips, putting them through the wringer through long flights, muddy camping trips, grimy train stations and frontcountry RV sites. We’ve carefully compared every detail to separate the crème de la crème from the dead ends, and we’re confident you’ll find your new favorite duffel bag on this list.
If you need a little more structure to your carryall, our list of the best travel backpacks or best backpacking backpacks has what you need. We can also point you in the right direction with day packs (which make great personal items for air travel) as well as fanny packs for items you need to keep close at hand.
Quick Picks for Duffel Bags
Check out this list of our top-rated duffel bags, or keep on scrolling to check out the entire list with thoughtful reviews.
Best duffel bag overall: Patagonia Black Hole 55 ($169)
Best value duffel bag: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60 ($119)
Best budget duffel bag: Gonex Canvas ($60)
Most comfortable to carry: Osprey Transporter 65 ($180)
Best ultralight packable duffel: Matador Freefly ($85)
Best large capacity duffel bag: Mountain Hardwear Expedition 100 ($280)
Great value duffel with excellent organization: The North Face Base Camp ($149)
Highly packable & affordable duffel bag: REI Roadtripper 40 ($50)
Best waterproof duffel bag: YETI Panga 75 ($350)
Best wheeled duffel bag: The North Face Rolling Thunder ($270)
What’s new
The Clever Hiker team has been roadtripping and flying all over the world testing the most promising duffel bags out there against our favorites, and this list has seen some sweeping changes.
- The Patagonia Black Hole 55 takes the number 1 spot for unrivaled durability, impressive water resistance, and do-it-all features.
- One of the best values on this list, the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60 is near the top of the list as a compressible but well-organized duffel bag with intuitive pockets and excellent attention to detail.
- We added the sleek Gonex Plambag Canvas as a roomy duffel bag at an accessible price point for short weekend trips.
- The super cushy Osprey Transporter 65 makes the cut as a bombproof duffel bag with excellent construction that’s easy to carry thanks to soft, cushioned straps.
Patagonia Black Hole 55
Best duffel bag overall
Price: $169
Weight: 2 lb. 9.1 oz.
Capacity: 55 L
Dimensions: 26.7 x 15.7 x 11.8 in.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Highly water-resistant
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Muliple ways to carry
- Padded backpack straps
- Great color options
- Folds into its own pocket
- External lash points
Cons
- Difficult to get in & out of storage pocket
- Limited colorways
The Patagonia Black Hole 55 has been our go-to duffel bag for a long time because it’s durable, comfortable to carry, and amazingly versatile. This duffel can be hand-carried, or you can attach the padded backpack straps to carry it on your back. If it’s not completely stuffed, it can also pass for a carry-on bag on flights, so we often use it for quick getaways over a long weekend. We love this model because it’s also able to collapse completely into its own pocket – although it can take a couple of minutes – but this feature makes the Black Hole an incredibly versatile option for trips of all sizes. The Black Hole is an excellent value and we highly recommend it for anyone looking for a stylish and long-lasting duffel with excellent weather-resistance.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60
Best value duffel bag
Price: $169
Weight: 2 lb. 3 oz.
Capacity: 60 L
Dimensions: 26.75 x 10.25 x 13.5 in.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Highly water-resistant
- Multiple ways to carry
- Lightweight
- Folds into its own pocket
- 3 large compartments
- Lots of colorways
Cons
- Bottom isn’t as durable as others on this list
- Few external lash points
Eagle Creek is an authority when it comes to travel bags, and their Cargo Hauler 60 is our favorite bag we’ve used from them. Of all the bags on our list, this duffel has our most ideal organizational features – two large end compartments, a pocket on the top flap (this stores the backpack straps but could also be used for items you need often, like a jacket or travel documents), and a large main compartment with a detachable divider in the middle. It’s also nearly waterproof thanks to its material and covered zippers, so it’s a good choice for travel in unpredictable weather. We appreciate the wide variety of muted colorways to match any style. The Cargo Hauler comes at an amazing price point for the quality and features you get, and the simple yet functional organization is hard to beat.
Gonex Canvas
Best budget duffel bag
Price: $60
Weight: 2 lb. 12.8 oz.
Capacity: 50 L
Dimensions: 20.8 x 9.8 x 11.8 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish
- Lot of pockets
- Expandable
- Comfortable shoulder strap
Cons
- Not as durable as some
- A bit bulky
- Lots of zippers
The stylish and affordable GoNex Canvas duffel is an incredible deal at only $49, making this one of our top Budget Buys on this list. This model is packed with organizational pockets – zippered pockets on all four sides, an internal zipper pouch, internal divided pockets, and a large main compartment. All of these zippers make the bag a bit noisy to walk with and a bit busy to look at, but the functionality is outstanding. Plus, it’s expandable if you need a little more space. The Gonex Duffel is our first choice for business travel when a professional look matters and we have a lot of small items we want to keep organized, but it could also transition to roadtrips, festivals, and weekend trips as well. While this duffel isn’t as durable as some of the more outdoorsy duffels on our list, it’s a standout for light use and casual adventures.
Osprey Transporter 65
Most comfortable to carry
Price: $180
Weight: 3 lb.
Capacity: 65 L
Dimensions: 24 x 14 x 13 in.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Very comfortable to carry
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Multiple ways to carry
- Compression straps
- Sleek profile
- Folds into its own pocket
Cons
- Buckles can be a little cumbersome when zipping the main compartment
- Difficult to fold into pocket
We’re big fans of Osprey’s travel bags (check out our other favorites on our Best Travel Backpacks list), and the Osprey Transporter 65 is another winner in the lineup. If there’s one thing Osprey really excels at, it’s comfort. The Transporter has seriously cushy, comfy, padded straps that make it easy to carry by hand using any of the four handles, over the shoulder, or as a backpack. The large U-zip flap for the main compartment makes it easy to find what you need without having to dig around, and the internal compression straps keep things nice and tidy. We found the buckles are a cit chunky and can be clunky when the bag is packed, but this is no dealbreaker – every component of the transporter is built with the top quality materials. This Osprey model is great all around for comfort, quality, and price, so it’s the duffel we often reach for when heading to the airport or packing for longer trips.
Matador Freefly
Best ultralight packable duffel
Price: $85
Weight: 8.5 oz.
Capacity: 30 L
Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 8 in.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Packable
- Waterproof
- Excellent value
- Multiple ways to carry
- Durable bottom
- Packs into itself (about the size of a baseball)
Cons
- Not as durable as others
- Not as versatile as others
- Smaller size
- Uncomfortable to carry for a long time
The Matador Freefly duffel is an impressive little bag that’s fully waterproof and highly packable. It’s also one of the lightest options on this list, making it an excellent alternative to a daypack or fanny pack. This duffel can even be tossed into a larger travel bag for packing extra goodies on the way back from a trip, or you can use it to tote essentials around while your larger bag stays in your vacation rental. Its small size might not be for everyone, but its sleek design certainly is – this simple and stylish profile blends seamlessly into professional, business and casual settings. Since its waterproof, the Freefly also makes a great beach bag or riverside picnic packer. We find that the unpadded straps and thinner materials mean don’t handle heavy loads comfortably, so it’s not the best standalone bag for anything more than a weekend trip. Still, the value price of the Freefly makes this handy bag a worthwhile addition to your collection.
Mountain Hardwear Expedition 100
Best large capacity duffel bag
Price: $280
Weight: 3 lb. 13.2 oz.
Capacity: 100 L
Dimensions: 28 x 15 x 13 in.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Durable
- Comfortable straps
- Good organiztion
- Compression straps
- Folds into storage bag
Cons
- Expensive
- Too large for casual use
- Size makes it a little impractical to carry as a backpack
- Heavier than some
If you need a big duffel that can haul it all, the Mountain Hardwear Expedition 100 is an amazing choice with an excellent array of organizational details. We use this bag a lot for car camping when we need a catch-all bag, and it’s perfect for storing our gear when we get back home. You won’t find a more burly construction on this list, especially considering the seriously thick nylon bottom of the bag. One feature we find particularly useful on the Expedition is the closure system. When the main compartment is really stuffed, you can use the compression clips to keep the side walls together making it much easier to zip shut. This bag is on the pricey side, but if you’re looking for long-term durability, ease of use, and large capacity, the Expedition is 100% worth the cost, since you’ll be investing in a bag that can withstand the gnarliest of weather, roads, and journeys.
The North Face Base Camp
Great value duffel with excellent organization
Price: $149
Weight: 3 lb. 9.1 oz.
Capacity: 71 L
Dimensions: 14 x 25 in.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Well-organized pockets
- Multiple ways to carry
- Comes with storage bag
Cons
- Round shape can make it a little more difficult to pack
- Heavier than some
The classic crowd favorite Base Camp duffel from The North Face is a solid choice for anything from travel to, well… base camp! This duffel comes in a ton of sizes ranging from 31 L all the way up to 150 L, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. We like the medium size best (71 L) because it’s large enough to pack a ton of stuff into for big adventures, but small enough that it could still pass as a carry-on bag if it isn’t completely filled to the brim. The rigid material makes it easy to pack without the sidewalls collapsing in, something that we love about this bag in a world of big, floppy duffels. The large U-shaped opening is a standout on this list, as it allows you to easily access items without having to dig. And with four separate storage compartments, it’s simple to keep all of your gear neat and tidy with the Base Camp.
REI Roadtripper 40
Highly packable & affordable duffel bag
Price: $45
Weight: 1 lb.
Capacity: 40 L
Dimensions: 21 x 10 x 10 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ultralight
- Folds into its own pocket
Cons
- Floppy material makes it less convenient to pack than some
- Not as durable as some
You know those trips where you come home with a lot more stuff than you left with – like heading home for the holidays or a trip abroad that involves some shopping? These are precisely the times when we wouldn’t be caught without our REI Roadtripper 40 duffel bag. This bag is highly packable and very lightweight so it’s easy to stuff into your main luggage if you know you’ll need some extra space on the way back home. And its affordable price makes it a good option for use as an overnight bag or for everyday use around town. We love the versatility of the Roadtripper duffel, and we recommend it for those looking for a good balance of price and convenience.
YETI Panga 75
Best waterproof duffel bag
Price: $350
Weight: 6.1 lb.
Capacity: 75 L
Dimensions: 28 x 15.5 x 11 in.
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Very durable
- Multiple ways to carry
- One-zipper access increases safety
- Adjustable backpack straps
- Burly construction
Cons
- Very expensive
- Bulky/heavy
- Size makes it a bit impractical to carry as a backpack
If you need a duffel that’s rugged and fully waterproof, check out the YETI Panga 75. This beast of a bag is awesome for water-centric adventures like rafting and boating when you have important things you need to keep dry. We love the structure of this model, which makes it very easy to pack because it’s not constantly collapsing on itself. That said, it’s a little heavier and bulkier than we typically like for casual use, so when it comes to a weekend trip or flying to see a friend, the Panga isn’t our first choice. The Panga comes with a pretty daunting price tag, but we think it’s worth the splurge for those who love to play on the water – if you kayak, SUP, or love a good river float, this is the best waterproof duffel out there. This ultra durable Yeti model is a premium bag if you’re looking for the best weather protection, top-quality materials, and construction to last a lifetime.
The North Face Rolling Thunder
Best wheeled duffel
Price: $270
Weight: 7 lb. 3.2 oz.
Capacity: 40 L
Dimensions: (22”, laid flat): 22 x 14 x 8.5 in.
Pros
- Wheels
- Water-resistant
- Good value compared to other rolling duffels
- Simple, efficient design
- Perfect size for airline travel
- Telescoping handle
Cons
- Expensive compared to non-wheeled duffels
- Few organizational features
- Not as durable as some
The wheeled North Face Rolling Thunder is a great choice for those needing a convenient carry-on bag for airline travel. With sturdy, yet smooth wheels, the Rolling Thunder will get you from your door, to your terminal, and up the stone walkway of your vacation rental with ease. The telescoping handle and multiple carry options make this bag one of our favorites for plane-centric adventures. Because there isn’t much in the way of internal organization, we usually use this duffel for quick trips when we don’t have a bunch of little things and electronics to pack. That said, the rigid material of the roller does well to keep your belongings safe during transport, so you can fill this bag to the brim without worrying about damage. Compared to similar rolling duffels, the Rolling Thunder is an awesome value and it’s a great choice if you’re looking to keep the weight off your back.
What’s Most Important to You in a Duffel Bag?
PRICE
Duffel bag prices vary greatly depending on the size and features they come with. If you want something large or waterproof, you’ll likely pay a premium price. That said, there are plenty of affordable high-quality duffels on the market if you don’t need all the fancy bells and whistles.
Best value duffel bags
Best budget duffel bags
Best high-end duffel bags
WEIGHT
Weight adds up quickly when you start tossing stuff into a duffel. Keeping the weight of the bag itself low will help reduce the overall stress on your body when you’re carrying it. That said, heavier bags tend to be more durable and are often more weather-resistant.
Best ultralight duffel bags
Best lightweight duffel bags
Best heavy-duty duffel bags
CAPACITY
The right size duffel bag depends on what you’ll be using it for and how heavy you pack. We usually prefer duffels that are 50-60L to have enough room for necessities while keeping everything in a small, streamlined package. If you’ll be using your bag for bulky items, a duffel with a 70-100 L capacity will likely be a better fit for you.
Best 40-60 L duffel bags
Best 65-100 L duffel bags
CARRY-ON SIZE
Consider the dimensions of the duffel bag when it’s fully loaded if you want to be able to take it as carry-on luggage for flights. If the dimensions of your duffel are on the edge, you should still be able to carry it on a plane if it’s not filled to the brim. Carry-on size will vary slightly between airlines, but for these recommendations we used the standard 22 x 14 x 9 in.
Best carry-on duffel bags
- Patagonia Black Hole 55 (when not completely full)
- Gonex Canvas
- The North Face Rolling Thunder
- Matador Freefly
DURABILITY
Most duffel bags are designed to withstand a good amount of heavy use, but some are more durable than others in the long run. If you’ll be using your duffel for lots of air travel or rugged adventuring, consider one of our most durable picks.
Most durable duffel bags
WEATHERPROOFING
If you want to use your duffel bag for rafting, SUPing, boating, or other water-based excursions, you’ll want one that’s completely waterproof to keep your stuff dry. For most regular use, a water-resistant duffel that can shed a bit of rain is usually sufficient.
Best waterproof duffel bag
Most water-resistant duffel bags
THE GONEX CANVAS IS AN AFFORDABLE DUFFEL WITH A HIGH-END LOOK
Duffel bags are convenient for travel when you have a lot of bulky items to pack
LIGHTWEIGHT DUFFELS, LIKE THE EAGLE CREEK CARGO HAULER (LEFT) & OSPREY TRANSPORTER (RIGHT), ARE MORE COMFY TO WEAR AS A BACKPACK
THE MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR EXPEDITION 100 HAS MULTIPLE POINTS OF COMPRESSION TO HELP KEEP YOUR LOAD MANAGEABLE
THE THE NORTH FACE ROLLING THUNDER TAKES THE WEIGHT OFF YOUR BACK
THE THICK MATERIAL ON THE NORTH FACE BASE CAMP DUFFEL BAG IS DESIGNED FOR RUGGED ADVENTURING
THE YETI PANGA 75 IS FULLY WATERPROOF
Critical Duffel Bag Considerations
GETTING ORGANIZED
Keeping things organized is key to a stress-free travel experience. Some duffel bags are designed with organizational pockets and compartments, but many have just one large opening. We like organizing our things in packing cubes to keep everything neat.
CARRY-ON SIZE
Carry-on size varies a lot between airlines; check your airline’s website to make sure your duffel fits their dimensions. Also be sure your toiletries and liquids meet the standard of 3-1-1 (3.4 oz. liquids in 1 bag sized at 1 quart max) for carry-on. We love using refillable GoToobs for our shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries.
STRUCTURE
Even considering the most durable duffel bags on this list, most are floppy and formless when empty. What gives a duffel bag form is it’s contents and how you pack everything. More rigid options with structure are easier to pack the bag, but tend to be more bulky; softer bags can feel more messy inside, but often cinch small and pack away even smaller. Regardless, we always recommend using packing cubes or stuffs sacks to keep like items together and add more form and infrastructure.
SAFETY
If you’re using your duffel bag for travel, the most important safety tip we can give is to just be aware of your surroundings. Some people also like to bring small luggage locks to lock zippers and RFID technology wallets and card sleeves to protect sensitive information.
WATERPROOFING TREATMENTS
No one plans to spend extended time in rain or snow with their duffel bags – but anything can happen. Water will eventually find its way through zippers, seams, and fabric of even the best duffel bags. That’s why we always recommend packing the items that simply cannot get wet in waterproof stuff sacks or Ziploc bags inside your bag. You can also line the inside of your backpack with a strong trash bag to keep all your stuff dry.
Duffel Bag Honorable Mentions
While they didn’t quite make our final list, these duffel bags still have their strong points. That said, one of them could be your perfect match:
YETI Crossroads 60 – The Crossroads is an extremely high quality duffel that’s fully waterproof. We love that this bag is rugged and holds it shaped when not packed, and it also has a very wide opening for easy packing and locating items inside. The biggest downside is it’s price tag: it’s expensive compared to other options on our list, which is why it’s an Honorable Mention. That said, we think this bag could be worth the extra cost for those looking for a tough-as-nails duffel for consistent use in seriously wet adventures.
Shacke Express Weekender – This is an incredibly low-priced duffel bag with a simple design and sharp profile. Featuring one large zippered compartment and two small external pockets, this bag stands out thanks to it’s shoe garage: slide a pair of shoes into a separate, zippered compartment to keep footwear dirt, smell, and debris away from the rest of your belongings. Unfortunately, at this price, you’re sacrificing long-term durability. But if you need an extra stash of clothes for a few days, an inexpensive option for staying organized at home, or a go-bag for roadtrips – this is the one.
