The realm of travel gear is vast, with countless options vying for attention. Among garment duffels, the Halfday Garment Duffel has emerged as a prominent contender, capturing the interest of travelers seeking a blend of style and practicality. While the concept isn’t entirely new – a similar design was patented by Travelon well before Halfday’s arrival – the Halfday version has garnered significant buzz, particularly online.
Eager to see if it lived up to the hype, I tested the original Halfday Garment Duffel 45L, priced just under $110. My initial expectations were mixed. Halfday’s marketing evokes a sense of upscale weekend escapes, suggesting a sophisticated, premium product. Conversely, the heavy influencer promotion and reasonable price hinted at something potentially less substantial.
Halfday Garment Duffel bag in a neutral color, placed on a light wooden floor, showcasing its exterior design.
Stepping away from pre-conceived notions, the Halfday travel bag revealed itself to be a well-constructed piece of luggage, though not definitively high-end. The stitching appeared neat, and the zippers operated smoothly – a crucial detail for a bag relying heavily on zippered compartments. Thoughtful design elements were evident, such as a trolley sleeve for attaching to rolling luggage, internal elasticized pockets ideal for shoes, an external zippered pocket for quick access items, and a garment bag tie-down strap to secure clothing. These features often appear flimsy or are absent altogether in cheaper alternatives.
The Halfday Duffel bag fully unzipped and laid flat on a wooden floor, revealing its garment bag and duffel compartments.
However, the material composition doesn’t scream luxury. The polyester fabric has an adequate appearance, and the use of plastic hardware, instead of metal, raises questions about long-term durability. Comparing it to a personal weekender duffel from Away, the differences were clear. The Away bag boasted more organizational features and utilized higher-grade materials like canvas, leather, and metal. This premium experience comes at a cost, though: the Away Weekender is significantly more expensive and heavier than the Halfday Garment Duffel.
A collage of four close-up shots highlighting features of the Halfday Garment Duffel, including shoe pockets, hanger loops, and zipper details.
For those seeking enhanced quality, Halfday now offers a premium version of the Garment Duffel, priced approximately $50 higher. This upgraded model features more robust ballistic nylon fabric, metal hardware, and additional pockets for organization. This premium option caters to travelers prioritizing enhanced durability and refined materials.
