The Best Duffel Bags for Easy Packing and Comfortable Travel

If you have travel planned, whether it be shorter weekend trips or lengthier trips abroad, a duffel bag is a great piece of luggage to have on hand. “Duffel bags are durable, easy to carry, fashionable, and offer travelers a luggage option outside of the traditional hard shell suitcase or backpack,” says Richard Li, Co-Founder of luggage brand July.

To find the best duffel bags, I chatted with Li and other luggage/travel experts and content creators including Coralie Lindvay, U.S. Director of Marketing at DELSEY Paris, V Luigi Auricchio, Vice President of Design at Away, Alesha Bradford and Jarryd Salem of Nomadasaurus, Lauren Yakiwchuk, travel content creator at Justin Plus Lauren, Renee Hahnel of Renee Roaming, Helene Sula of Helene in Between, and Jackie Rezk of Jou Jou Travels about some of their expert recommendations and what shoppers should consider before making their next duffel bag purchase.

Our picks for the best duffel bags

How we selected the best duffel bags

To compile my list of the best duffel bags, I consulted seasoned travelers and luggage experts about what to consider regarding material, organizational features, and design. To supplement the duffel bag recommendations I received from experts, I conducted online research on duffel bags from popular brands keeping in mind customer reviews and product information.

What to consider when buying a duffel bag

Material

Material is an important consideration when shopping for duffel bags. “Ideally, you want a strong, durable, and water-resistant (or waterproof) material that can withstand the torture of going through baggage handling at airports, and stand up to any inclement weather when out and about,” says Bradford and Salem. If you want a waterproof duffel bag, take a look at its IPX waterproof rating to learn how resistant it is to elements like water and wind. For example, the YETI Panga Series Airtight Duffel has an IPX7 rating and can withstand being submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.

Organizational features

The purpose of a duffel bag, tote, or any piece of luggage is to store and organize belongings. Considering the organizational features of a duffel is key. Sula recommends bags with various compartments and pockets, especially for those travelers who are tech-savvy and need space for their gadgets. Multiple compartments and pockets also help with accessibility and convenience so one can easily get to their belongings in a timely fashion.

Capacity

Don’t forget to consider the capacity of your duffel bag. “You want a bag big enough to carry everything you need, but not so big that it's half-full all the time or doesn't maintain its shape,” advises Bradford and Salem. Many duffel bags are available in varying sizes with different capacities, so you can select one that fits your needs.

What is a classic duffel?

According to Auricchio, a classic duffel bag is a cylindrical bag made of synthetic material, canvas, or leather. It usually features zipper closure endings on both sides and offers multiple carrying options via handles or a shoulder strap

What is a duffel backpack hybrid?

A duffel backpack hybrid is a bag that can be worn or carried in the style of a classic duffel or a backpack. Hybrid bags often have shoulder straps that are either built into the bag or can be removed and stowed away as needed.

What is a digital duffel?

A digital duffel is similar to a traditional or classic duffel, but has some more advanced technological features that make it stand out. “Think built-in charging ports, RFID-blocking pockets, and special compartments for your gadgets,” explains Sula.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best brand for duffel bags?

There’s no one right answer when it comes to the best brand for duffel bags, as it depends on personal preference. However, several luggage brands are beloved by many customers for their duffel bags which include Monos and TUMI.

What is the largest duffel bag you can check?

The largest duffel bag you can check depends on your preferred airline. Rezk notes that checked duffel bags typically cannot be any larger than 62 linear inches. Linear inches refers to the total number of inches calculated after adding up a bag’s height, length, and width. I recommend checking the bag size guidelines of the airline prior to your flight and keeping your bag under 62 linear inches to be safe.

Are duffel bags good for international travel?

Duffel bags can be good for international travel depending on the type of trip you plan to take. “If you're going on a hiking trip, you may prefer a dedicated backpack that has superior straps,” says Bradford and Salem. “For road trips, multi-day getaways, urban escapes, or extended travel, duffel bags are excellent.” Yakiwchuk adds that some travel experiences and aircrafts (especially smaller ones) only permit travelers to carry-on soft-sided luggage without wheels that can be easily maneuvered into specific areas of a plane. For that, duffel bags can be a suitable choice.

What size duffel bag is allowed on international flights?

The size that a duffel bag can be carried on international flights depends on your airline. Many airlines honor bags 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller.

What is the difference between a duffel bag and a travel bag?

Although a duffel bag is technically a travel bag, a duffel can usually be easily distinguished thanks to its key features. “A duffel bag is usually round in shape and has a zipper closure at the top that opens wide,” explains Lindvay. A duffel bag is often soft and has a strap, making it easier to carry.