Best Rolling Duffel Bags for Simple, Hassle-Free Travel
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Whether youโre headed to the airport or on a road trip, you canโt go wrong with bringing a duffel bag or weekender bag for your belongings. Since you might not be able to fit everything you need for a week-long excursion into a rolling duffle bag, however, it can work as an addition to your current checked luggage or carry-on bag.
With so many rolling duffel bags on the market, it can be hard to pinpoint which one is best suited to your needs. To help make the process easier, Iโve rounded up the best rolling duffel bags to add to your cart, whether youโre shopping for yourself or a loved one who is always on the move.
A rolling duffel bag is a great carry-on luggage option for individuals who are going on shorter trips. Aside from a roomy main compartment, this 22-inch rolling duffel bag comes equipped with a separate shoe pocket for added organization, so your dirty airport kicks arenโt in close contact with your clean clothes. For added convenience, thereโs a built-in luggage sleeve so you can prop it on top of a checked bag for easy transport. Itโs available in a selection of limited and classic colors and patterns including black, dragonfruit, sky, cheetah, and more. Shopping tip: Calpak is one of the best places to buy luggage online. The brand also made our lists for the best lightweight luggage and the best travel totes.
The Calpak Stevyn Rolling Duffel is a suitable option for individuals going on shorter trips, who need lightweight luggage with numerous compartments and easy-to-carry handles.
Get it here: Calpak Stevyn Rolling Duffel
Patagonia is well known for its durable, outdoorsy products, including this large duffel bag (along with having some of the best travel backpacks). With a 100 liter capacity, this bag can hold clothes, makeup, shoes, toiletries, and other travel essentials. Made from recycled fabric, this rolling duffel bag has several interior pockets and compression straps to keep everything in place while on the go. Plus, it has chain loops suitable for adding extra equipment for multipurpose use, whether thatโs for hiking or long sojourns.
The Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag is a large rolling duffel bag thatโs well suited for outdoor activities, with its spacious interior and weather-resistant fabric.
Get it here: Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag
Duffel bags can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options out there, like this rolling duffel from Rockland. The soft bag has two carrying straps that stay put with velcro, and side zipper pockets for additional storage. Itโs a viable option for kids who need something on the smaller end that can easily be wheeled, whether thatโs at the airport or in the train station. Itโs available in 30 different colors and patterns, so youโre bound to find something thatโll strike your fancy.
The Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag is a suitable option for individuals who need lightweight luggage without the expensive price tag. Itโs available in a plethora of sizes and styles and has numerous pockets for additional storage.
Get it here: Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag
This is a higher-end option for those looking to splurge on a rolling duffel bag for their travels. Made from waxed canvas, this bag has delicate leather detailing (enough to make our list of the best leather duffel bags) and a twill lining for optimal durability and style. Thereโs a side compartment designed to fit shoes and smaller trinkets that canโt exactly be placed in the main compartment. For added style, there is the option to add a custom embroidered monogram, whether thatโs initials or numbers.
The Mark & Graham Mercer Carry-On Rolling Duffel is a luxury option, with its waxed canvas exterior and lined interior. The high quality duffel bag is best for short excursions and trips where a small carry on is needed thatโs both spacious and chic.
Get it here: Mark & Graham Mercer Carry-On Rolling Duffel Bag
Having a durable duffel bag is essential for successful travels, especially in outdoor environments. Made with a water-resistant coating and smooth-gliding wheels, this duffel can be maneuvered over a variety of surfaces and still remain intact the whole time. Unlike other bags, this duffel can stand upright on its own, without any support, thanks to its reinforced base, so you donโt have to worry about it falling over. Plus, the cinch straps hold everything in, whether thatโs toiletries, makeup bags, or shoes, for optimal mobility without unwanted bulk.
The L.L. Bean Adventure Rolling Duffel Bag is fit for those solo travelers who need both durable and functional travel accessories. Not only does it stand upright on its own, but also has a large capacity to hold a variety of items all in one place.
Get it here: L.L. Bean Adventure Rolling Duffel Bag
Like the name implies, weekender bags are designed for those shorter getaways, maybe two or three days where you only need to pack a few items. The ergonomic grips and telescopic handle makes it easy to roll around and carry, while its small yet mighty interior can keep your belongings safe and secure. This bag is perfect for those travelers not afraid to stand out, with its selection of vibrant colors and patterns thatโll pop out at any baggage claim.
The Betsey Johnson Wheeled Weekender Bag is ideal for those shorter trips where a functional yet chic option is needed. Plus, thereโs a long front zipper for additional storage when you need to grab something in a pinch.
Get it here: Betsey Johnson Wheeled Weekender Bag
Finding a water-resistant bag to travel with is important, especially for those trips that have a large outdoor element, like camping. High Sierra is one of the best places to buy luggage and this rolling duffel bag is not only made with water-resistant fabric, but also padded grab handles, interior cross straps, and a single interior compartment for storage. Itโs only available in two colors, but then, itโs designed with functionality in mind over style.
The High Sierra Forester 22" Wheeled Duffel is a great option for those trips where water exposure is likely, with its water-resistant fabric and high-quality design featuring numerous pockets and super smooth wheels.
Get it here: High Sierra Forester 22" Wheeled Duffel
Opt for a leather duffel bag like this rolling design from Sharper Image, which is made from full-grain American cowhide for a soft, smooth finish. The zipper pocket opens to an interior compartment that can fit clothes, a laptop, cards, and other travel essentials that one may need for leisure or business. While it can be carried like a tote bag, its two in-line wheels make it easier to roll for those longer distances.
The Sharper Image Rolling Wide Mouth Duffel Bag is a feasible option for the business traveler who likes to travel in style. The smooth leather provides an upscale look, while the interior is fit for storage of those daily essentials so you can have everything in one place while on the go.
Get it here: Sharper Image Rolling Wide Mouth Duffel Bag
A lightweight duffel bag is the key to a successful trip, since the last thing you want to do is lug around a heavy suitcase, whether thatโs in the airport or on the road. At just over seven pounds, this rolling duffel bag has one main compartment and a small hidden one for additional storage for valuables or tiny trinkets. Not only is it lightweight, but itโs also small enough to be considered a carry-on bag for a plane, so you can take it with you wherever your travels take you.
The Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag is a lightweight option for those travelers who like to pack a lot, but donโt want to lug around a heavy suitcase. Its foldable design makes it easy to travel with when not in use and while on the move.
Get it here: Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag
Travel in style with this chic and stylish wheel duffel bag from Samsonite. Designed with a drop bottom, this duffel bag can hold even more than it appears and has a designated shoe pocket to keep your clothes clean. Youโll notice an internal divider inside for easy organization, but that can be removed for a singular compartment with additional pockets. Itโs available in four colorsโolive, plum, new blue, and new black. Shopping tip: If you need to expand your luggage collection, Samsonite is a great starting point. They made our lists for the best carry-on luggage and the best hardside luggage.
The Samsonite Detour 29โ Wheeled Duffel is available in four hues and comes equipped with a large interior compartment, plus an additional side pocket for extra storage. Its water-resistant exterior makes it suitable for travel to nearly any destination in rain or shine.
Get it here: Samsonite Detour 29โ Wheeled Duffel
Size is an important factor to consider when looking for a rolling duffel bag. โConsider what youโll be using the bag for and check the interior capacity to ensure itโs spacious enough for your travels, as there is a wide range of duffel bag sizes,โ says Victor Tam, co-founder and CEO of Monos. A majority of rolling duffel bags are between 22 and 35 inches in length, but that varies based on the brand and type. Another element of size to acknowledge is capacity: If you have a lot of belongings, then youโll want to opt for a duffel bag that has between 50 liters and 95 liters.
The material used for a rolling duffel bag may vary, but youโll want to consider those made from highly durable materials including PVC, nylon, or polyester. Some bags may even be weather-resistant or water-resistant, which makes them ideal for travelers who might be out in nature or simply traveling in various weather conditions. Itโs important to check with each retailer to see how their bags are designed to hold up, whether thatโs on a plane or up a mountain.
If youโre spending money on a duffel bag, then youโll want it to be the right color and style. Some brands have a plethora of colors and patterns to choose from, including a range of vibrant pinks and reds to solid blacks and grays. Betsey Johnson, for example, has a variety of eccentric patterns and prints thatโll stand out from near and far.
To find the best rolling duffel bags, I researched different brands on the market and analyzed several based on user experience, first-hand testing, and customer reviews. My list includes different rolling duffel bags available in a wide variety of prices, sizes, and styles.
Wheeled duffel bags are worth it for those people who want the functionality of a duffel with the convenience of a suitcase. A wheeled duffel bag gives you the best of both worlds, with wheels for easy movement and handles when itโs time to carry. The price point for these bags may vary based on size and brand, but there are both affordable and more luxurious options available.
Yes, duffel bags can be used as carry-onsโwith some caveats. For example, if your duffel bag is too big for the overhead compartment on a plane, then it canโt be used as a carry-on. Also, if your bag doesnโt have a handle to easily grab it while deboarding, then youโll want to opt for a traditional carry-on to get the job done.
This depends on your travel needs. Duffel bags are better for those who are constantly on the go as they can be held and rolled. โSuitcases can be easier to navigate, especially when they have quality spinner wheels, and can offer more security with a protective hardshell exterior,โ says Tam.
Duffel bags are better for those shorter trips where a checked bag isnโt necessary. These might also serve well for those who need something larger than a briefcase for work while also remaining professional.
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