We’ve all faced the dilemma of packing for a trip that’s too short for a full suitcase but requires more space than a backpack can offer. For those weekend getaways, quick business trips, or even just a well-organized gym visit, Travel Duffel Bags emerge as the perfect solution. They bridge the gap between bulky luggage and limited backpacks, providing ample space and portability.
To help you find the ideal travel duffel bag, we rigorously tested 62 of the best duffel bags in the Travel + Leisure lab. Our evaluation criteria included capacity, organization, design, portability, durability, and overall value. We continue to test these bags over six months to ensure they withstand the rigors of real-world travel. Whether you’re planning a ski adventure or escaping to a sunny beach, our top picks for travel duffel bags will cover every type of trip imaginable.
Our Top Picks for Travel Duffel Bags
- Best Overall: Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L at Amazon
- Best Style: Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel at Monos.com
- Best for Commuters: July Carry All Weekender at July.com
- Best Convertible: Dagne Dover Denver Convertible Duffel Bag at Dagnedover.com
- Best for Camping: Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag at Amazon
- Best With Shoe Compartment: Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Calpaktravel.com
- Best Budget: Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag at Amazon
- Best for Long Trips: Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag at Amazon
- Best Packable: Gregory Alpaca Duffel 60L at REI
- Best Personal Item: BÉIS The BEISICS Duffle at Beis
Best Overall Travel Duffel Bag: Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L
Why We Love It: The Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L stands out as the best overall travel duffel bag due to its exceptional balance of space, portability, and thoughtful design. This roomy weekender is surprisingly lightweight and incredibly easy to pack, making it a stress-free travel companion.
What to Consider: While the bag excels in many areas, the plastic clips for the crossbody strap are a minor drawback. Metal clips would enhance the bag’s durability and premium feel.
The Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L truly earns its title as the best overall travel duffel bag on the market. It offers excellent value, proving more affordable than many competitors without compromising on quality. In our capacity tests, it effortlessly accommodated four days’ worth of clothing and shoes, and we particularly appreciated the wide-mouth opening for easy access and packing. While it might not boast the most extensive pocket array, the organization is strategically designed for maximum utility. A generously sized outer pocket includes a key leash and internal compartments ideal for organizing smaller essentials like passports, wallets, or phones. Three internal pockets provide convenient storage for quick-access items such as snacks, chargers, or sunglasses.
Portability is another key strength of this travel duffel bag. It features both hand straps and a comfortable, adjustable crossbody strap. The crossbody strap kept the bag securely against the body even when fully packed and remained comfortable with lighter loads. Comparing it to another duffel of the same size and packing load, the Bellroy felt noticeably lighter and easier to manage, a crucial factor when navigating busy airports or train stations. Unlike some large duffels that become cumbersome on the shoulder, the Bellroy Classic Weekender remained remarkably lightweight, making it perfect for long travel days.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 14.96 x 25.59 x 15.75 inches
- Weight: 2.16 pounds
- Capacity: 45 liters
- Material: Polyester
- Water-Resistance: Water-resistant
Best Stylish Travel Duffel Bag: Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel
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Why We Love It: For travelers who prioritize style, the Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel is the best travel duffel bag choice. This vegan leather bag exudes a sophisticated and expensive look without the hefty price tag of real leather. It’s a fashionable yet functional option for discerning travelers.
What to Consider: While stylish and functional, this duffel is better suited as a supplementary travel bag rather than a primary, do-it-all travel companion due to its size and capacity.
If you’re searching for a travel duffel bag that elevates your travel style beyond the typical gym bag aesthetic, the Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel is your answer. Our top pick for style, it comes in four chic colors, each crafted from high-quality vegan leather that not only looks exceptionally fashionable but also ages gracefully over time. This stylish alternative to real leather offers a luxurious feel without breaking the bank.
We were particularly impressed with the spacious interior and well-thought-out organization of this travel duffel bag. The smart organization prevents the large main compartment from becoming chaotic, even when packed for a four-day trip. Comfort is also paramount; the hand straps are comfortable for carrying, and the shoulder strap is exceptionally versatile. The plush shoulder pad stays securely in place, enhancing carrying comfort.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 10.4 inches
- Weight: 4.14 pounds
- Capacity: 27.3 liters
- Material: Vegan leather
Best Travel Duffel Bag for Commuters: July Carry All Weekender
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Why We Love It: The July Carry All Weekender is the best travel duffel bag for commuters because of its versatility and compact design. It excels in crowded environments and spaces where size is limited, making it ideal for daily commutes and short trips.
What to Consider: Its compact size, while perfect for commuting, may not offer enough space for a full weekend getaway for those who pack heavily.
Designed for the modern commuter, the July Carry All Weekender is perfect for those who travel by plane, train, or car. This compact and portable travel duffel bag is an excellent choice for short trips, whether for work, the gym, or as a personal item on flights. It’s also ideal for quick two-day vacations. The bag includes an internal laptop sleeve and pockets to keep smaller items organized, while the main compartment easily accommodates clothing for short trips. While we appreciate its commuter-friendly size, a bit more storage capacity would enhance its versatility.
A standout feature for commuters is the pass-through band, allowing you to secure it to rolling luggage for longer journeys. The brand’s signature QuickPass pocket, with its magnetic closure, provides quick and easy access to essentials like passports or wallets without the hassle of zippers. It also features a removable padded shoulder strap and external D-rings for attachments.
Our testing editor, Jackie Cucco, has used this travel duffel bag for her daily commute for six months, praising its practicality. “This bag is my go-to when I want something bigger than a tote but more compact than a jumbo weekender. It’s easy to navigate public transportation without bumping into others, and the secure laptop pocket provides peace of mind for electronics.”
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 18 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Capacity: 28 liters
- Material: Nylon
- Water-Resistance: Water-resistant
Best Convertible Travel Duffel Bag: Dagne Dover Denver Convertible Duffel Bag
Why We Love It: The Dagne Dover Denver Convertible Duffel Bag is the best convertible travel duffel bag due to its exceptional versatility. It transforms effortlessly from a duffel to a backpack, offering multiple carrying options in one bag.
What to Consider: This convertible versatility comes at a higher price point compared to other duffel bags on our list.
For those who appreciate adaptability, the Dagne Dover Denver Convertible Duffel Bag, also known as the Lagos Convertible Duffel, is an outstanding choice. This travel duffel bag offers hard-wearing hand straps like a traditional duffel, but it can also be converted into a crossbody or backpack, adapting to your needs and freeing up your hands when necessary.
Despite its spacious and pocket-filled interior, capable of holding all your travel essentials, it can be compressed to qualify as a personal item on many airlines. This leaves your carry-on allowance free for a larger bag. Weighing just over 2 pounds when empty, it’s easily foldable and storable, making it a great backup bag to pack within a larger suitcase for potential souvenirs on the return journey. Durability and water resistance are also notable features of this travel duffel bag.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 11 inches
- Weight: 2.15 pounds
- Capacity: 32 liters
- Material: Polyester
- Water-Resistance: Water-resistant
Best Travel Duffel Bag for Camping: Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag
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Why We Love It: The Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag is the best travel duffel bag for camping because of its rugged durability. Constructed to withstand harsh conditions, this bag is built to last, making it ideal for camping trips and outdoor adventures.
What to Consider: Its robust construction makes it too large for carry-on use, and the shoulder strap could offer more comfort for extended carrying.
Like all Yeti products, the Crossroads Duffel Bag is built for durability and longevity, making it the perfect travel duffel bag for camping and rugged adventures. It’s constructed from Yeti’s proprietary TuffSkin nylon, which maintains the bag’s shape and resists abrasions and dirt. The reinforced bottom shell provides extra protection, although it prevents the bag from being fully packable for storage. The interior organization is a standout feature, with two dividers creating three distinct sections for separating gear and multiple smaller pockets for items like phones, wallets, and chargers. Two external top pockets offer additional, albeit smaller, storage options.
The bag features three carry handles – one on each end and one on top – plus a detachable shoulder strap. The shoulder strap includes a firm, flat section designed to contour to the shoulder, but enhanced padding would improve comfort. Overall, this is a robust, well-organized, and highly durable travel duffel bag, ideal for extended trips or outdoor camping expeditions. The three-year warranty provides added peace of mind for wilderness adventures.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 24 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 4.3 pounds
- Capacity: 60 liters
- Material: Nylon
- Water-Resistance: Water-resistant
Best Travel Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment: Calpak Luka Duffel Bag
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Why We Love It: The Calpak Luka Duffel Bag is the best travel duffel bag with a shoe compartment because it provides a designated space to store shoes or items you want to keep separate from your clean clothes, a crucial feature for organization.
What to Consider: While stylish and functional, the polyester material may not be as durable long-term as some other materials used in higher-end duffel bags.
The Calpak Luka Duffel is ideal for two-day trips but can also serve as a supplemental bag or personal item for longer travels. Its standout feature is the separate shoe compartment, keeping dirty shoes away from clean clothes – a must-have for shoe enthusiasts. Multiple interior pockets are perfect for organizing socks and underwear, while the shoe compartment can hold two pairs of regular shoes or one pair of boots.
The puffy polyester material is soft to the touch and chic in appearance. While it may not be as durable as some other bags, its stylish design and spaciousness, coupled with the shoe compartment, make it a great value at just over $100. It’s available in a wide range of colors to suit any style. For those needing more space, the larger 45-liter Luka duffel is also available and suitable as a main carry-on travel duffel bag.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 7 inches
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Capacity: 22 liters
- Material: Polyester
- Water-Resistance: Water-resistant
Best Budget Travel Duffel Bag: Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag
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Why We Love It: The Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag is the best budget travel duffel bag because it offers exceptional value for its price. It’s comfortable to carry, features generous side pockets, and is surprisingly durable for a budget option.
What to Consider: While spacious, its large capacity can lead to overpacking, making the bag heavy and potentially less comfortable to carry when fully loaded.
The Gonex Canvas Duffel excels in price, versatility, pocket availability, and durability, making it the best budget travel duffel bag. We particularly appreciate the sheer number of pockets and zippered compartments. In addition to the main compartment, it features five external zippered compartments and an internal zippered pouch with two pockets for small items like wallets, keys, and phones. It’s also one of the lightest travel duffel bags in its capacity range.
Carrying comfort is enhanced by strap handles that can be secured together under a flap and a nicely padded shoulder strap. The durable canvas exterior resists dirt, and the bag withstood our durability tests without damage or scuffs. The variety of color options and patterns is another appealing aspect of this budget-friendly travel duffel bag.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10 inches
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Capacity: 50 liters
- Material: Cotton canvas
Best Travel Duffel Bag for Long Trips: Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag
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Why We Love It: The Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag is the best travel duffel bag for long trips because of its generous capacity and durable construction. It includes a packing cube for organization and is made from robust, water-resistant materials, ideal for extended travel.
What to Consider: The absence of external pockets might be a drawback for travelers who prefer quick access to items without opening the main compartment.
Thule, renowned for its car top carriers, brings its expertise in durable cargo storage to the Chasm Sport Duffel Bag. We were consistently impressed with its rugged, waterproof tarpaulin exterior and spacious, pocketed interior. While external pockets would be a welcome addition, the included packing cube enhances organization for clothing, toiletries, or shoes.
Available in four sizes, this travel duffel bag can be carried by handles or comfortable backpack straps. Although it lacks a shoulder strap option, we didn’t miss it due to the backpack strap versatility. The Chasm excelled in durability tests and is an excellent choice for longer trips or weekend getaways focused on outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 29 x 17 x 13 inches
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Capacity: 90 liters
- Material: Nylon
- Water-Resistance: Water-resistant
Best Packable Travel Duffel Bag: Gregory Alpaca Duffel 60L
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Why We Love It: The Gregory Alpaca Duffel 60L is the best packable travel duffel bag due to its exceptional packability and durability. It’s made from extremely durable material, is very spacious, and folds into its own compression packing cube for easy storage.
What to Consider: While packable and durable, it’s not the most comfortable to carry when fully loaded, and it lacks a dedicated laptop compartment for tech-savvy travelers.
This rugged travel duffel bag is made from durable, water-resistant recycled polyester ripstop material that can easily handle travel wear and tear. It features a wide clamshell opening for easy packing and ample storage space. The interior includes a zippered mesh pocket for organizing smaller items like socks, underwear, or cables. While spacious enough for essentials, it lacks a separate laptop compartment and could benefit from additional organization pockets.
Despite its large size, it compresses and packs easily, making it a highly packable travel duffel bag. It comes with its own compression packing cube for storage or for packing extra clothing in a suitcase. Removable backpack straps offer convertible carrying options. While the shoulder straps are padded, the arm handles lack padding, which can be uncomfortable when carrying heavy loads.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 27.5 x 15 x 12.8 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Capacity: 60 liters
- Material: Recycled polyester
- Water-Resistance: Water-resistant
Best Personal Item Travel Duffel Bag: BÉIS The BEISICS Duffle
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Why We Love It: The BÉIS The BEISICS Duffle is the best personal item travel duffel bag because it is both simple and highly functional. It’s stylish, spacious, and designed to fit under airplane seats, making it an ideal personal item for air travel.
What to Consider: Limited organizational pockets are a drawback for those who prefer more compartments for smaller items.
We were thoroughly impressed by the spaciousness of the BÉISICS Duffle, making it perfect for long weekends, gym trips, or as a personal item for air travel. It easily fits under airplane seats, as tested in our lab. While basic in design, it remains sleek and stylish. Features include smooth zippers, a detachable shoulder strap, a key leash, a trolley pass-through sleeve, a wipeable interior, and a durable polyester exterior. It also folds flat for storage, convenient as an extra bag for souvenirs on return trips.
One limitation is the minimal organization, with only one external and one internal pocket. More pockets would enhance its organizational capabilities. For those needing more organization, packing cubes are recommended to maximize space and order within this travel duffel bag.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 20 inches
- Weight: 2.14 pounds
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Material: Polyester and PU trim
Other Travel Duffel Bags We Liked
While the above travel duffel bags topped our lists, some others we tested also showed promise but fell slightly short of our top recommendations for various reasons.
Briggs & Riley Weekender Duffel: This straightforward travel duffel bag provides all the essentials for a weekend trip. While it lacks extra features or high fashion, it’s a reliable, no-fuss option for those seeking a standard duffel.
Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel: This travel duffel bag has a stylish appearance, but its limited capacity relative to its price makes it less competitive compared to other options.
Baboon to the Moon Go-bag Big: Although spacious, the Baboon to the Moon Go-bag Big proved awkward to carry comfortably for extended periods.
Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffel with Utility Pouch: This travel duffel bag is generally adequate, but the lack of organizational features prevented it from standing out in our tests.
Our Travel Duffel Bag Testing Process
We’ve rigorously tested travel duffel bags in our New York City lab across multiple sessions, evaluating 62 duffel bags in total. Our testing process involved several stages to ensure comprehensive assessment. Initially, we weighed each duffel using a luggage scale and compared the measured weight to the manufacturer’s listed weight. We also measured the length, width, and depth (height) of each bag to verify dimensional accuracy.
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Next, we proceeded to the packing phase. We assembled standardized outfits and packed each bag with three pairs of pants (jeans and sweats), two coats (fleece and jacket), five shirts, two pairs of shoes, a full toiletry bag, and a coffee mug. During packing, we assessed factors such as how well items fit, the bag’s capacity to keep clothes tidy, and the ease of zipping the bag closed. We also meticulously noted organizational and structural features like pockets, compartments, sleeves, and other design elements.
Following packing, we conducted portability assessments. Each packed travel duffel bag was carried around for several minutes, testing each available carrying method and evaluating comfort and ease of handling.
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Finally, we conducted durability tests. Fully packed and zipped bags were pushed off a table multiple times, ensuring impacts on different parts of the bag. Post-drop, we inspected for scratches, marks, scuffs, and other damage. We also opened the bags to ensure internal contents remained intact. We then carried the bags again to reassess for any changes or issues post-impact.
After lab testing, we compiled team feedback and analyzed data to identify top-performing products. We extended testing for six months, using winning travel duffel bags in real-world travel scenarios to ensure long-term performance. We continuously update our recommendations as we test new and noteworthy duffel bags.
Tips for Buying a Travel Duffel Bag
Comfort is Key
Since you’ll likely be carrying your travel duffel bag, comfort is paramount. Opt for lightweight duffels with padded straps and multiple carrying options. Many duffels feature detachable, adjustable shoulder straps for a customized fit. Consider convertible duffels with backpack straps or rolling duffels with wheels for enhanced carrying versatility. Aim for a bag under 3 pounds to minimize base weight and maximize packing capacity.
Know Your Organization Needs
Travel duffel bags vary significantly in organizational features. Some are simple single compartments, while others offer dividers and numerous pockets. For business travel, look for laptop sleeves and pockets for chargers, keys, and wallets. For spontaneous travel, a single-compartment bag might suffice. If separating clean and dirty clothes or shoes is a priority, choose a bag with interior dividers or dedicated compartments. Consider your personal needs and pay attention to pocket details, shoe bags, and other features before purchasing.
Look for Durable Materials
Whether traveling for an Irish vacation or a local camping trip, your travel duffel bag needs to withstand the journey. Materials like nylon, polyester, and vinyl are generally water-resistant, protecting your belongings from the elements. Canvas and leather may not be water-resistant but offer durability against rips and tears due to their thickness.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Duffel Bags
Is a duffel bag considered a carry-on or a personal item?
It depends on the size of the travel duffel bag. Generally, if it fits under the airplane seat, it’s considered a personal item. If it’s too large for under-seat storage, it must go in the overhead bin as a carry-on. If it exceeds airline carry-on size limits, it must be checked. Airline size restrictions vary, so always check with your specific carrier.
Can you check a duffel bag?
Yes, most travel duffel bags can be checked. Secure straps and handles to prevent catching during processing. For high-end duffels, be aware that checked baggage may undergo rough handling. Duffels often lack extensive padding, so protect fragile items by packing them in your carry-on.
How do you pack a duffel bag effectively?
Pack heavier items at the bottom to anchor the bag. Roll apparel like shirts and pants to minimize wrinkles. Utilize free space and dedicated pockets for smaller items like socks and accessories. Compression packing cubes maximize space and organization within your travel duffel bag.
How do you clean a duffel bag?
Cleaning methods depend on the material and manufacturer’s instructions. Spot cleaning with mild dish soap and a damp cloth is generally safe. Water-resistant materials offer better protection against stains and dirt compared to cotton or canvas. Machine washing may be possible for some bags, but spot cleaning is usually recommended for safety.
Other Duffel Bags We’ve Written About
If our top picks don’t quite meet your needs, here are additional standout travel duffel bags that might be suitable:
Patagonia Wheeled Duffel Bag: For easy airport navigation, a wheeled duffel is invaluable. This Patagonia option is our top pick for wheeled duffels. The 100-liter version we tested is exceptionally spacious.
Yeti Panga Dry Duffel: For rainy climates or water-centric activities, the Yeti Panga Dry Duffel is the best waterproof travel duffel bag. It can be submerged in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes without leaking, thanks to its leakproof zipper.
Aer Travel Weekender: If you need a smaller, carry-on compliant duffel, the 35-liter Aer Travel Weekender is ideal. It features a padded laptop pocket and a comfortable adjustable shoulder strap.
Royce New York Leather Duffel Bag: For luxury travel, the Royce New York Leather Duffel Bag is our top leather travel duffel bag choice. This stylish pebbled leather duffel offers an elegant carry-all for weekend trips and can be monogrammed for a personal touch.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Writer Joe Niehaus compiled this story using T+L testing feedback, data, customer reviews, and manufacturer product descriptions. Joe is an experienced traveler familiar with the challenges of finding suitable travel baggage, including travel duffel bags.
Jackie Cucco, Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure, oversaw product testing and edited this review, bringing her expertise in product testing and travel-related product assessments.
Asia London Palomba updated this article, ensuring the information remains current and relevant for travelers seeking the best travel duffel bags in 2024.
