AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Your arsenal of luggage has most of the requisites: the clunky suitcase, the over-the-shoulder computer bag and even that old backpack from college you still use to this day. But what about a reliable duffel bag? You can’t lug your hard shell suitcase on your overnight casino resort trip, and that book bag is too small to function as a weekender. You need a proper duffel bag pronto! Read on for our picks for the best duffel bags out there.
What to consider when buying a duffel bag
Functionality
How well your bag functions is the top priority when hunting for a quality travel duffel. "Packing cubes are a game changer for suitcases, as they keep all of your belongings organized and packed tightly inside," says co-CEO Audrey Kohout of shipping company Luggage Forward. "When a duffel bag has anything similar, it always makes me happy. A laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, or even a divider inside the main pocket to separate dirty and clean clothes can make a huge difference."
Another aspect of a duffel bag’s functionality that's often overlooked, says Kohout, is the number of straps. "Having lots of straps might feel like it offers versatility, but it can actually make travel more of a headache. Too many straps, handles and loops can just create more opportunities for it to snag on something, or get tangled with your neighbors’ luggage in the overhead compartment."
Durability of materials
Obviously, everyone wants a duffel bag made from sturdy materials — no one wants their bag to bust. "But different levels of durability are required if you’re taking your duffel on a Disney Cruise versus a multi-week camping trip," says Gemma Gaisano Ng, co-founder of luggage company No Reception Club.
"A good rule of thumb is to opt for nylon or polyester when you’re expecting your bag to work hard on your trip — it might be thrown around, put on the ground a lot, in various types of weather, stuffed to the brim, etc.,” Ng continues. “Alternatively, opt for all-over canvas or leather when you think you’ll be more careful with your bag for things like work travel, or trips where you expect your bag will mostly be placed on clean surfaces."
Style
It’s paramount for your duffel bag to function optimally and be durable enough to withstand some dings here and there, but we can’t ignore the desire to also look good on our adventures. "Choose a bag that you'll be proud to carry," says Zon D'Amour, founder of Designed By D'Amour, a vegan duffel bag producer. "In my experience, people typically order bags from my company that they can customize for a personal connection, which includes embroidering their name, initials, or even their birthday. Many customers also appreciate being able to choose their favorite colors, oftentimes the colors of their alma mater, their sorority or fraternity. Choose a bag that's in alignment with your personal style."
Our picks for best duffel bags
Best weekend duffel bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag
Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag
If you want to pack all of your belongings in a duffel bag for a weekend trip, you’ll need plenty of space to fit your clothes, shoes and accessories. The Longchamp Le Pliage bag is expandable so it offers plenty of room when you need it, but it can also be made smaller for use as an everyday or overnight bag. This means that once you’ve unpacked, you can take it exploring for the day.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 13.8 inches high x 9.1 inches wide x 17.7 inches long.
- Weight: 1.57 pounds.
- Materials: Recycled polyamide canvas.
- Number of colors: Five.
- Price on publish: $275.
What we like:
- Adjustable strap up to 19.7 inches.
- Expandable for extra space.
- Exterior zipper pocket.
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — this bag works perfectly for any weekend getaway.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A sturdy and reasonably-priced duffel bag with an exterior zipper pocket, a padded shoulder strap and carry handles.
Get it here: Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag
Best lightweight duffel bag: Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L
Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L
This bag is made from repurposed nylon and so lightweight you might forget it’s there. It has a huge zipper and one main pocket so you can see everything inside, making it quick and easy to grab what you need. Cotopaxi is known for their fun colors and craftsmanship, so this is also the perfect bag for a bold person who wants to make a statement!
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19 inches long x 11 inches high x 11 inches wide.
- Weight: 2 pounds.
- Materials: Polyester.
- Number of colors: Colors vary.
- Price on publish: $115.
What we like:
- Unique, eye-catching design.
- External zippered stash pocket.
- Removable backpack straps and shoulder sling.
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t include a water bottle pocket.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A lightweight, durable and vibrantly-colored duffel that stands out in the crowd and on airport baggage carousels.
Get it here: Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L
Best budget duffel bag: Eddie Bauer Stowaway 45L
Eddie Bauer Stowaway 45L Duffel
This affordable tote provides top-tier features like a shoe compartment, trolley sleeve and water-resistant construction at a competitive price. It even packs into itself, making it one of the more travel-friendly options on the market. You’d be hard-pressed to find better at this price range, especially from a legacy brand like Eddie Bauer.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 23 inches long x 11.75 inches high x 11.75 inches wide.
- Weight: 0.85 pounds.
- Materials: Polyester.
- Number of colors: Eight.
- Price on publish: $27.50.
What we like:
- Packs down to 9.5 x 9 inches.
- Water repellent.
- Exterior zippered shoe pocket.
What we don’t like:
- Only one interior compartment.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A practical bang-for-your-buck duffle that can keep all your stuff dry.
Get it here: Eddie Bauer Stowaway 45L
Best duffel bag for commuting: Béis The Commuter
Béis The Commuter
Béis understood the assignment when they designed this sleek and sophisticated gem. More unique than your average travel duffel bag, this design is professional enough to carry into the office but handy enough for commuting thanks to an internal laptop sleeve, external pockets to keep that train pass handy and a trolley pass-through for suitcase compatibility on business trips.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 21.5 inches long x 12 inches high x 9 inches wide.
- Weight: 3.15 pounds.
- Materials: Nylon, polyester.
- Number of colors: Two.
- Price on publish: $138.
What we like:
- Multiple exterior pockets.
- Vegan leather details.
- Padded laptop pocket with velcro closure.
What we don’t like:
- Not many colors to choose from.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A sleek and water-resistant duffel bag with multiple features and compartments that will keep you well organized.
Get it here: Béis The Commuter
Best compact duffel bag: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
This duffel bag can double as a small gym bag thanks to its plethora of interior pockets and integrated laptop sleeve. "As someone who has taken more than 60 flights on one airline alone in a single year, I know the impact a good travel bag can have," says Kohout. "I’ve tried dozens of different kinds of luggage over the years for trips including cruises, backpacking adventures, business travel, ski weekends and beyond, and the Landon Carryall is the one that I continue to grab for."
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12 inches long x 7.5 inches high x 6 inches wide.
- Weight: 1.7 pounds.
- Materials: Neoprene.
- Number of colors: 11.
- Price on publish: $150.
What we like:
- Adjustable crossbody strap.
- Detachable key leash and zip-top pouch.
- Roomy interior with mesh pockets and tablet sleeve.
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — thousands of customers agree, too, since the bag’s reviews are virtually all five stars!
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A practical and versatile bag that can transition smoothly from daily commute to the gym and weekend wandering.
Get it here: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
Best gym duffel bag: Lululemon Wunderlust Weekender
Lululemon Wunderlust Weekender Bag 48L
Lululemon knows workout gear, and this handsome on-the-go bag is a fan favorite for a reason. It features standalone compartments for shoes and sweaty gear, combined with an external strap for a jacket or yoga mat, making it convenient for any exercise setting.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 21.7 inches long x 13 inches high x 10.6 inches wide.
- Weight: Not listed.
- Materials: Not listed.
- Number of colors: One.
- Price on publish: $198.
What we like:
- Sporty design.
- Exterior pockets keep water bottle and sweaty gear separate.
What we don’t like:
- Some customers remark that the shoulder strap is weak and uncomfortable.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A sporty and nicely-designed bag that’s functional, but has a somewhat hefty price for its limited features.
Get it here: Lululemon Wunderlust Weekender
Best waterproof duffel bag: Yeti Panga 50L
Yeti Panga 50L
This waterproof duffel bag is the definition of rugged. It can handle all types of weather and terrain thanks to its durable nylon and EVA copolymer construction, making it the perfect outdoor adventure buddy. It’s also puncture-proof, making it the ideal option for keeping your belongings together in the roughest conditions.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24.8 inches long x 10 inches high x 14 inches wide.
- Weight: 5.2 pounds.
- Materials: Nylon and EVA copolymer.
- Number of colors: Three.
- Price on publish: $300.
What we like:
- Waterproof at one meter depths for up to 30 minutes.
- Puncture-resistant.
What we don’t like:
- Heavy.
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A waterproof fortress for all your hiking, camping and fishing gear, built tough enough for the great outdoors.
Get it here: Yeti Panga 50L
Best carry-on duffel bag: Patagonia Black Hole 55L
Patagonia Black Hole 55L
This duffel bag maximizes your available space while remaining flight- and travel-friendly. "Personally, I love this bag for its backpack straps," says Kohout. These straps give you an added carrying style that’s great for on the go, but lay flat when you’re not using them. The bag is also small enough to meet carry-on requirements and has one big pocket to hold plenty of clothes for a long weekend.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 22.8 inches long x 13.3 inches high x 9.5 inches wide.
- Weight: 2.6 pounds.
- Materials: Polyester, nylon.
- Number of colors: Eight.
- Price on publish: $169.
What we like:
- Meets airline carry-on requirements.
- Sturdy, reinforced exterior.
- Haul handle and backpack carry options.
What we don’t like:
- Not many interior pockets for carry-on items.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A well-built duffel bag suitable as a carry-on, if you don’t mind a shortage of interior pockets for organization.
Get it here: Patagonia Black Hole 55L
Best overnight duffel bag: Topo Design Mountain Gear
Topo Design Mountain Gear
Don’t let the name mislead you: This bag isn’t just for the mountain. It’s the perfect day trip or overnight bag, in fact, thanks to its huge main pocket that can fit anything from a few outfit options to helmets and even snow boots (yes, it’s that big). It also has plenty of compact pockets around the outside that can hold smaller gear like chargers, keys, or water bottles.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 20 inches long x 14 inches high x 10.5 inches wide.
- Weight: Not listed.
- Materials: Nylon, vinyl.
- Number of colors: Four.
- Price on publish: $149.
What we like:
- Easy-carry grab handles.
- Large main compartment with mesh pockets.
What we don’t like:
- A little oversized for some purposes.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A large and functional bag that you can easily toss all your overnight essentials into and grab and go.
Get it here: Topo Design Mountain Gear
Best duffel bag with wheels: Ogio Terminal Travel Bag
Ogio Terminal Travel Bag
"A rolling duffel bag should be robust enough to withstand being wheeled over rugged surfaces as well as carried, and should be easy to maneuver whichever way you need to," says Giacomo Piva, cofounder of global luggage network Radical Storage. "The Ogio Terminal bag provides a lot of room, making it a good choice for road trips or outdoor adventures. It also has plenty of compartments to fit enough clothing, shoes and toiletries for longer trips."
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 13 inches long x 29 inches high x 13 inches wide.
- Weight: 10.6 pounds.
- Materials: Nylon.
- Number of colors: Eight.
- Price on publish: $239.99.
What we like:
- Wide range of colors.
- Multiple grab handles.
- Two large external pockets.
What we don’t like:
- Bulky.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A heavy duty duffel bag that’s on the girthy side, but with wheels and a rugged chassis that neither concrete or cobblestone can stop.
Get it here: Ogio Terminal Travel Bag
How we selected the best duffel bags
We enlisted four top experts in the travel and luggage industry for their professional insight on choosing the best duffel bags. We also conducted extensive research into the expert’s choices and screened several customer reviews for those picks.
What is the difference between a duffel bag and a travel bag?
“As the name suggests, travel bags are specifically designed with on-the-go travel in mind,” Kohout states. “They’re usually a bit smaller, easier to carry around, and often have features to make your airport experience simpler. Duffel bags can be a great piece of luggage for travel, too, but they’re intended to be more versatile for other activities in addition to travel.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are duffel bags suitable for air travel?
Of course! And, according to D’Amour, duffel bags are a smart choice as carry-ons. “We've all heard of, or may have experienced, flights being delayed for various reasons,” she says. “So I typically keep a day's worth of ‘emergency’ clothes and toiletries in my duffel bag, as well as my computer, a book, snacks, etc.”
Can I use a duffel bag as my primary luggage for extended trips?
“You can absolutely use a duffel as your main bag for longer trips, especially those with multiple compartments,” says Kohout. “As long as you can fit all your belongings into the duffel of your choosing, there’s no reason why it can’t serve as your go-to luggage. Many brands even offer the same duffel in several different sizes, so you can choose what best suits your needs.”
Why are duffel bags better than suitcases?
Actually, one isn’t better or worse than the other. “It really boils down to what you’re using it for, what you’re packing, and how long you’re packing for,” says Kohout. “A lot of people love duffel bags because they offer more structure with separate sections for things. They also have convenient zipper pouches for smaller items, and can be easy to carry for those who can’t stand wheeling a suitcase around.”
How do you pack a duffel bag?
Duffel bags can be packed in various ways, according to the travel occasion. “As a fashion designer who's also an entertainment journalist, I often take my duffel bags to press junkets and get ready on site,” D’Amour states. “So, I'll typically put my toiletry bag on top, laptop in the middle, clothes at the bottom, shoes on the side. Packing a duffel is like a puzzle: You want to maximize space and evenly distribute the weight.”
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.