The best duffel bags we tested:
Best duffel bag overall: RTIC Road Trip Duffel Bag
Best duffel bag for outdoor adventures: The North Face Base Camp 71-Liter
Best splurge duffel bag: Yeti Crossroads 40-Liter
Combining the portability of a backpack with the storage capacity of a suitcase, it’s hard to deny the versatility of a duffel bag. Soft sides, wide openings and multiple carrying options make these user-friendly bags easy to pack and comfortable to transport. They’re not just for gym clothes and sports equipment anymore either. Modern duffels are available in a variety of materials, sizes and aesthetics, so they’re just as practical for extreme outdoor adventures as they are stylish carry-on luggage.
We put 11 popular options to the test, stuffing them full of gear and running them through a rigorous testing process to evaluate their overall usability, comfort, durability and functionality. Below, we’ve landed on the best duffel bags to accompany you on your adventures, wherever they may take you.
Combining a heavy-duty construction with a lightweight, user-friendly design, this RTIC duffel has everything you need in an all-purpose duffel bag.
This ultra-rugged bag is durable enough to withstand serious abuse and has enough storage for extended trips and excursions.
It’s not cheap, but with a ton of storage options, a structured body and extremely durable components, this high-end bag could be worth the investment.
Best duffel bag overall: RTIC Road Trip Duffel Bag
$60 at RTIC; $65 at Walmart
With a straightforward design, user-friendly features and rugged durability, the RTIC Road Trip Duffel has the look and feel of a reliable pickup truck. The exterior material is a water- and abrasion-resistant nylon, and gives it that sturdy, heavy-duty feel you’re looking for in an all-around duffel. This material is also surprisingly lightweight — the entire bag weighs just 1.2 pounds — and it is soft enough to easily fold down into a small package for storage when not in use.
The extra-wide D-shaped opening makes this bag especially convenient to use, zipping open to provide unobstructed access to the 40-liter interior compartment when packing or organizing. The sides are shallow enough relative to the overall volume that the bag keeps its structure while you work, unlike deeper bags that tend to flop over or collapse.
The bright, neon-orange interior lining is really useful for finding smaller items inside, especially in low-light conditions. The buttery-smooth zipper was my favorite feature of all, with a large, T-shaped pull that’s easy to grab and pull from side to side. Seriously, I could play with this zipper all day.
Over two weeks of testing, I found all three carrying options — top-mounted, briefcase-style carrying handles; grab handles on each end; and a removable shoulder strap — comfortable to use. The thick cushion on the shoulder strap really came in handy while walking long distances or lugging heavy loads, and the wide grab handles were convenient for unloading it from the back of my car.
The strength and durability of the RTIC Road Trip Duffel was confirmed during my performance tests, particularly the heavy load test. The reinforced stitching and anchored design of the straps and handles held strong, even when a 30-pound dumbbell was added to the fully loaded bag. (It’s worth noting that although this test isn’t the most scientific, I do think it gives a rough idea of the bag’s overall durability potential. More concrete data will come from my long-term testing updates.) RTIC’s claims for the bag’s water resistance checked out as well, and the interior remained bone-dry after being tossed under a full shower stream.
I’ve always found RTIC products to have a strong focus on quality components and usability, and this duffel bag is another great example of that. If you’re looking for a high-quality bag that’s easy to use, and at a price significantly lower than similar options, go with the RTIC Road Trip Duffel Bag.
Best duffel bag for outdoor adventures: The North Face Base Camp 71-Liter Duffel Bag
$149 at Backcountry, REI and The North Face
If the RTIC Road Trip Duffel is a pickup truck, the heavy-duty The North Face Base Camp 71-Liter Duffel is a tank. Made of thick PVC laminate and ballistic nylon, this ultra-durable bag is tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of heavy use, whether that’s from drops and falls on rough terrain or hauling heavy equipment and gear. Those thick walls have the added bonus of providing extra structure and rigidity when loading it up, which is especially useful in larger bags like this one.
A wide, D-shaped opening allows for convenient access to the cavernous 71-liter interior, and the compression straps are a nice perk, letting you cinch the bag down to eliminate empty space if you’re not packing the bag to its limits. A large mesh pocket under the flap holds smaller items and accessories, and the zippered end cap is roomy enough for stashing dirty clothes or anything you want to keep easily accessible.
The removable backpack straps are necessary for a bag this large, and I found them to be reasonably comfortable when trekking around during testing. Their padding is noticeably thinner than some other bags I tested though, so long-distance hikers may want to look elsewhere.
Removing and attaching the backpack straps also requires you to thread each end through a buckle, a slightly less convenient process than the quick-release clasps some other bags use.
Both the carrying and grab handles of the The North Face Base Camp 71-Liter Duffel are absolutely rock-solid secure, and my heavy load test didn’t budge the reinforced stitching. Although this bag isn’t technically waterproof (it doesn’t use waterproof zippers, for instance), the glossy exterior and protective zipper flap prevented any water from leaking inside during my shower test.
I’ve personally found that The North Face products last an extremely long time, and other than some cosmetic scuffs, perform pretty much the same as the day I bought them. If you’re looking for a bag that will last a long time, even under harsh conditions, the The North Face Base Camp 71-Liter Duffel will not disappoint.
Best splurge duffel bag: Yeti Crossroads 40-Liter Duffel Bag
$200 at Yeti and Amazon
Having tested numerous Yeti coolers in the past, it came as no surprise that this duffel bag was both extremely high quality and more expensive than most. But just like those coolers, I still don’t consider this bag overpriced. If you have the budget, its innovative structure, storage functionality and sturdy construction are definitely worth the investment.
The most noticeable feature of this bag, and what sets it apart from every other model in my testing pool, is its structured build. An internal shell maintains the bag’s shape at all times, providing a rigid packing area that never droops or flops over and a flat bottom that won’t roll around or tip over.
Inside, the fun really starts. Two removable panels let you divide the main compartment into three sections, a system that’s great for quickly organizing items as you pack. If you prefer a single large compartment, simply fold the dividers into a hidden bottom pocket. Two compression straps ensure your items stay put and can also be detached and stowed away if you prefer. Four smaller mesh compartments and a handy keychain hook provide even more organizational options. For external storage, a hidden pocket spans the length of the lid flap, with two smaller pockets inside.
This abundance of features is great and all, but what really makes this bag so great is that they’re all able to function without the bag feeling cluttered or overwhelming. This intentional, thoughtful design results in a bag that’s worth more than the sum of its parts.
The heavy-duty nylon construction (Yeti’s proprietary “Tuffskin” material) and ultra-sturdy straps also made it one of the toughest bags I tested. Thanks to the reinforced stitching and internal anchoring, these straps are mind-bogglingly sturdy. Even after adding a 30-pound dumbbell to a fully loaded bag, the haul straps barely showed any stretching or strain. The water-resistant nylon and rubber zipper seal of the Yeti Crossroads had no trouble passing my shower test, preventing any water ingress after a 10-second soaking. It’s worth noting that this rubber seal does make the zipper stiffer than most, but it’s certainly not a deal breaker.
While using this bag for an extended period of time, I noticed that the rigid shape makes this bag more bulky than other soft-sided options, especially when using the shoulder strap. This wasn’t a huge deal but could be annoying when maneuvering through tight or cramped spaces. It also means that you won’t be able to fold it down or stuff it down for storage.
You can certainly find a cheaper duffel bag, but the quality construction and innovative design of this Yeti duffel bag could be worth the investment.
What is a duffel bag for, and do I need one?
Duffel bags may have a simple design, but they’re more versatile than you might think. Their wide, zippered openings and roomy interiors make them really easy to pack, and with multiple carrying options to choose from, they’re comfortable to transport. Thanks to their soft-sided construction, duffel bags are also perfect for fitting awkward or oversized items — like sporting equipment or climbing gear — unlike hard-sided suitcases that have fixed dimensions. Plus, since duffel bags can be folded up when empty, they’re great for those who are short on space (or just anyone who’s tired of empty suitcases taking up valuable under-bed and closet space).
Their flexible construction makes duffel bags especially convenient for air travel. The ability to carry your luggage hands-free makes pretty much every aspect of air travel easier, and their exterior pockets allow easy access to your tickets, snacks or pocket contents before going through security. I’ve used a duffel bag as a carry-on for years, and their lightweight and pliable bodies really come in handy when cramming them into overhead bins.
How to choose the best duffel bag for you
A duffel bag’s functionality can vary based on material, capacity, carrying methods and storage options, so there’s certainly one out there for your intended use, whether that’s getting your workout gear across town or your climbing gear halfway around the world. Most duffel bags fall into one of three loose categories:
Basic: These are your classic duffel bags — more or less what you think of as a “gym bag,” suitable for all sorts of daily use and featuring briefcase-style carrying handles and a removable shoulder strap. Their minimal design doesn’t offer much in terms of bells and whistles, but they’re simple to use, cheap and available in a wide range of sizes.
Weekender: Intended to hold enough clothing for just a couple of days, weekender bags are compact bags that focus more on travel convenience and portability than raw storage. They typically have a more stylish, modern look than other duffel bag types and are more likely to include useful organizational features like laptop sleeves and accessory pockets.
Adventure: These tough duffels are designed with long-term durability in mind, using extremely robust materials and reinforced stitching to withstand frequent and heavy use. They’re perfect for outdoor adventures or extended travel excursions, and their built-in backpack straps are essential for long-distance carrying.
How we tested
To better understand the differences between the bags we tested, we ran them all through a comprehensive testing process. It’s worth noting that though I did my best to clearly explain my results and conclusions, your personal preferences may differ. Take some time to really think about what features or options would be most useful to you, and use my results as a tool to help make that decision.
Construction
- Features: First, I evaluated each bag’s overall usability by exploring its basic functions. I noted whether the zippers, straps, clips and handles were user-friendly or complicated and frustrating to understand. If a model included backpack straps, I paid close attention to how convenient they were to remove and attach.
- Storage: I then packed each bag with a standardized load of clothes, noting if the opening was large enough to easily insert and organize items inside and if any secondary compartments were convenient to access and use.
- Structure: I also noted if it had enough structure to stay open while I packed or was prone to flopping over and collapsing on itself.
- Versatility: I then focused on overall storage versatility, comparing the quantity and type of compartments, pockets and sleeves each bag offered.
- External storage: Since external storage is an especially useful feature on a duffel bag — providing access to items without setting your bag down — I noted the quantity and usefulness of any outside pockets and flaps.
Performance
- Comfort: I carried each bag — filled with a load of about 20 pounds of gear — around for several days. While lugging it up and down stairs, around the block while walking the dogs, and in and out of my car, I made sure to utilize all carrying methods and strap options. I judged each bag on the overall comfort of the handles and shoulder strap cushions, as well as how well or poorly balanced the bag felt as I carried it.
- Zipper smoothness: Throughout my testing, I also evaluated the overall build quality of the bag’s components and accessories. I paid close attention to any zippers — on the main compartment as well as any additional storage compartments inside — noting if they were smooth or sticky and if they featured any helpful zipper pulls.
- Durability: To compare how each bag handled a heavier-than-usual load, I added a 30-pound dumbbell to the main storage compartment. I lifted and swung the bag around by all its straps and handles, noting how well the stitching, clips and anchor points handled the stress. It’s worth noting that though this test isn’t the most scientific, I do think it gives a rough idea of the bag’s long-term durability potential.
- Water-resistance: If any bags boasted that they were water-resistant — none claimed to be waterproof (typically bags that don’t use waterproof zippers aren’t rated this way, and nothing we looked at here was so equipped) — I tossed them in a running shower for 10 seconds to simulate an unexpected rainstorm, rotating them under the stream to try to find weak spots. I then opened all exterior and interior compartments to check for any water ingress.
Other duffel bags we tested
Osprey Transporter 40-Liter Duffel Bag
$160 at Osprey and REI
This unique bag differs from most duffels, and it’s clear that Osprey takes pride in their thoughtful and unconventional design. Most notably, instead of the typical D-shaped or straight zippered opening, this bag uses a U-shaped flap. This design provides a nice wide opening to work with, although it takes a little longer to zip and unzip. Heavy-duty grab handles on each side act as your primary carrying option — just one handle was sufficient to support my heavy load test — and their low-profile design gives the bag a tidy, streamlined look. I was most impressed with the Osprey’s backpack harness, which was not only extremely comfortable to wear but the most convenient to stow when not in use. Simply unclip the bottom straps and slide them into a handy compartment inside the elongated lid flap. Though these carrying options are really well designed, I missed the traditional shoulder strap and suitcase-style carrying handles.
Fjallraven Kanken Weekender 30-Liter Duffel Bag
$180 at Fjallraven
More of a laptop bag than a classic duffel, this Fjallraven option still packs plenty of storage space. It’s made of a lightweight vinyl that easily folds and compresses into itself, giving the impression that it’s smaller than it really is. It expands to an impressive 30 liters of space, and I was surprised at the amount of clothing the two interior compartments were able to store. The laptop sleeve and wide zippered exterior pocket add to its storage versatility. The seemingly light-duty fabric had no trouble supporting my heavy load test, though the narrow handles aren’t the most comfortable. This is also the only bag in my testing pool with both a shoulder strap and backpack straps. Although I’m sure some users will appreciate this variety, I found the inclusion of both strap options made the bag quite cluttered, particularly since the backpack straps cannot be removed.
Herschel Supply Heritage 40-Liter Duffel Bag
$100 at Herschel Supply Company
If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills weekender for storing a couple nights’ worth of clothes, look no further than the Herschel Supply Heritage Duffel Bag. Combining casual style and durability, the material of this bag has the appearance of soft cloth but is actually tough 600D polyester recycled from 100% post-consumer water bottles. With just a shoulder strap and two carrying handles, this bag’s classic aesthetic is a refreshing alternative to the excessive straps, clips, loops and handles that clutter some other models. A flat pocket on the front of the bag contributes to the clean look, and with no zipper, it’s convenient for quick access. The carrying straps and handles lack any kind of cushioning, though, and since the shoulder strap clearly strained and groaned under the weight of my heavy load test, this bag would be best for those who don’t plan on loading it up with excessive weight.
Patagonia Black Hole 70-Liter Duffel Bag
$199 at Patagonia and REI
If you’re looking for a bag that can carry a ton of gear, is comfortable to transport and is durable enough to take a serious beating, look no further. This beast of a bag provides a massive 70-liter storage compartment, and its ripstop fabric is reinforced with strong cross-hatched threads for maximum durability. My heavy load test was no match for the strength of the material, as well as the super-strong stitching of the grab and carrying handles. The removable backpack straps were comfortable to use too, and since they don’t require you to thread any straps through buckles, they were the easiest to attach and remove of all the bag I tested. The flexibility of the fabric makes it a little more challenging to zip open and closed, but that’s to be expected for a bag of this size.
Cotopaxi Allpa 50-Liter Duffel Bag
$180 at Cotopaxi
Come for the bright and unique colorways, stay for the unique storage options and comfortable backpack harness. This 50-liter duffel provides a surprising amount of interior storage space, and a clever dirty-laundry compartment on the bottom of the bag ensures your clean clothes stay that way. A pair of zippered exterior accessory pockets keep your frequently used items close at hand, and two discrete pockets stow the carrying straps if you prefer to keep them out of the way. While this harness was the most comfortable that I tested, the straps themselves are extremely difficult to remove completely. I spent 15 minutes struggling to unthread the strap from the buckle, a process that took me less than a minute to perform on every other backpack duffel I tested. The carrying and grab handles also strained and stretched during my heavy load test and seemed to lack the reinforced stitching of more heavy-duty options.
Thule Aion 35-Liter Duffel Bag
$190 on Thule
Absolutely packed with storage options, this multipurpose bag is a great choice for those looking for more of a backpack-style interior. The main compartment features a centered zipper that unzips nearly to the bottom of the bag, making it easy to quickly open and access the assorted compartments, sections, pockets and electronic sleeves. A transparent divider for dirty clothes is especially convenient, and also rolls down and snaps out of the way if you don’t need it. The straps and handles held up fine in my heavy load test — even the thinner straps that connect to the shoulder strap buckle — though the exterior pocket did allow some water inside when in the shower. Keep in mind that this storage versatility/quantity means you won’t be getting that classic, extra-large storage compartment found in most duffel bags.
REI Co-op Roadtripper 40-Liter Duffel Bag
$50 on REI
This budget-friendly duffel doesn’t have the raw strength of higher-end bags, but its lightweight material, three carrying options and compact storage bag make it a great bare-bones option. Despite its impressive 40-liter storage capacity, this bag only weighs 1 pound, and the thin polyester fabric is pliable enough to stuff into a small storage bag. The grab handles and carrying straps are sewn securely, and the shoulder strap uses a unique loop-and-hook connection that’s simple to attach and remove. I wish the zipper were a little more robust, but it shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t overpack.
Backcountry All Around 40-Liter Duffel Bag
$119 at Backcountry
With a variety of carrying straps, gear loops for carabiners and a dedicated dry bag for dirty laundry, this compact duffel is well-suited for outdoor adventures. This dry bag actually expands inside the main compartment and is large enough to stash a pair of muddy shoes or boots. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the backpack straps were to remove and reattach, and with no need to thread straps through the clasps, the process takes about 10 seconds. The side grab handles appear to lack the reinforced stitching of the more robust bags I tested, though, and showed some noticeable strain during my heavy load test.