Nemo Double Haul 55L Review

Bottom Line

The Nemo Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel and Tote is our top pick for the best duffel thanks to this bag’s extreme versatility and excellent packability. That’s because, in addition to offering three ways to carry it, it’s basically a two-in-one: it functions as a more traditional duffel when the top is clipped down to the sides but more like a massive gear hauler when the gaping mouth is left wide open.

It’s a touch more expensive than average, but you’re also getting more for your money: a capable duffel and a tote with an impressive capacity. So those who regularly travel, could use a high-quality duffel bag, or those who are prone to lugging lots of bulky gear to and from the car and the campsite, will get plenty of use out of this bag.

Carry Comfort

The Nemo Double Haul gets top marks for carry options and comfort. It features three ways to carry the duffel: grab handles on top, over-the-shoulder straps, and backpack straps. None are removable, but they also don’t get in the way of packing or while carrying using the other options: the backpack straps snap neatly against the bag and the tote straps tuck into their own stash pockets.

On one camping trip, we found that when fully loaded and in tote mode, the over-the-shoulder straps weren’t padded or super comfy for extended carry, but given we weren’t planning to haul bulky gear very far or for very long; we’re OK with that. Otherwise, backpack straps were more than functional and we dug the semi-rigid grab handles on top of the duffel that made it easy to haul the full bag.

Compressibility & Packability

Despite the semi-stiff trusses in the sides and top of the duffel, we were surprised at how small this bag folds away when not in use. In fact, it stuffs nicely into a separate and included storage pouch, so you won’t have to dedicate a large corner of your closet to storing luggage. It’s also available in several capacities.

But even if it didn’t pack down that small, we’d still be head-over-heels for those trusses that offer just enough structure to keep the mouth of the bag wide open for supreme packing ease. Since the mouth is about the same size as the base and there’s no flap or lid to get in the way, it’s delightfully easy to fill it with packing cubes full of clothing or awkwardly shaped gear like tents and sleeping bags. We did just that during a trip to Utah’s San Rafael Swell. As a bonus, two compression straps help keep contents in place and secured.

Durability

We dragged this bag on cross-country road trips, camping trips, and left it out in the rain, and it’s hardly worse for the wear. After weeks of testing, there are only minor scratches and the bag, on the whole, seems mostly unscathed save for a few scuffs.

We have no fear that the burly zippers and pulls on the main compartment will give out anytime soon. he handles and webbing feel ultra strong, even when slinging the duffel over our shoulders and tossing it into the back of a car on a road trip around the Pacific Northwest

Weather Resistance

The only complaint we have about this duffel is that it’s not totally waterproof. When we set it out in the rain for an hour with a dry napkin inside, about ¼ of it was damp when we checked the interior. Not the worst leakage we’ve ever seen, but certainly not the best, either.

That’s largely because while the main Bluesign Approved outer fabric may be tolerably water resistant, the zippers are not. No storm flap protects those zippers, so water can leak in over time. Most of our gear stayed dry during brief drizzles or light splashes, but if you want to make sure the contents never see a drop of precipitation, you might consider packing everything in water resistant packing cubes or dry bags.

Organization

Depending on what you’re packing and where you’re headed, you may prefer one extra large, spacious compartment for bulky or oddly sized gear like tents and camp chairs, or you may prefer to keep things more organized via accessory pockets, compression straps, or separate compartments. The Nemo Double Haul can do both.

While there aren’t any large pockets to stash dirty boots, there are two exterior pockets for quick-grab access to smaller items, plus two more stash pockets where the over-the-shoulder straps get tucked away when not in use. There are two compression straps, though, which make it possible to cinch down soft items if you’ve overpacked a bit.

Should You Buy the Nemo Double Haul?

While the Nemo Double Haul may not be for everyone, it will appeal to a whole lot of adventurous travelers. That’s largely due to its multi-functionality. When one bag can serve as both a travel-friendly duffel and a massive gear-hauling tote, what else do you need?

It’s also an impossibly easy bag to pack and compress in duffel mode, so those who tend to overpack a smidge will certainly find it handy. In Tote mode, it is massively useful for carting 70+ liters of gear, making it more than a helpful tool for carting gear to campgrounds, wrangling road trip gear, or even just containing blankets and s’mores ingredients for backyard campouts. 

The only folks who may not find it a perfect option are those looking for something more weather resistant or a simpler, mono-purpose design.

What Other Duffels Should You Consider?

If you’re not sure the Nemo Double Haul is right for you in any of the available sizes, you may want to consider one of the other stand-out duffels we’ve tested.

The North Face Base Camp Gear Box Review: Looking for more of a gear hauler than a traditional duffel? Check out The North Face Base Camp Gear Box. It comes in multiple sizes and offers an excellent way to store gear at busy base camps or in the back of a vehicle for long road trips or overlanding. It folds flat when empty and stacks easily when full. 

Gregory Alpaca Wide Mouth Duffel Review: Similar to the Nemo Double Haul in function but different enough in design to be intriguing is the Gregory Alpaca Wide Mouth Duffel. It doesn’t fold down as small when empty, but the semi-rigid sides stay open for easy packing; it functions as a duffel and gear hauler, and denser walls keep gear protected.

Patagonia Black Hole Review: For a more traditional duffel, consider the classic Patagonia Black Hole. The large single opening, limited pockets, and several carry options make it a solid choice for many travelers.