Best Duffle Bags for Travel in 2025

1. Peak Design Travel Duffel (Editor’s Pick) →

The Peak Design Travel Duffel (We have it in the 65L) is our top pick for its versatility and thoughtful design. They are known for their camera-friendly bags and also delivered a functional and stylish duffle. Check out our full YouTube Review here.

Material: Versa Shell 600D weatherproof, 100% recycled nylon canvas exterior
Available Sizes: 35L, 50L, 65L, 80L
Weather Resistance: Weatherproof outer material and zippers.
Weight: 2 lbs (35L), 2.6 lbs (50L), 2.9 lbs (65L), 3.08 lbs (65L)
Loading Style: Top-loading with a wide-mouth opening

2. Ekster GRID Duffle Bag →

The Ekster GRID Duffel Backpack is packed with features. It has a unique clamshell opening making it easier to organize than other duffels and also has multiple interior pockets. In addition to that, it has a dedicated laptop sleeve and the duffle can turn into a backpack!

Material: rPet + tarpaulin
Available Sizes: 43L
Weather Resistance: 600D
Weight: 2.2kg
Loading Style: Clamshell

3. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel →

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel has a following; we’ve owned ours for almost a decade. It’s durable as hell and is given its name for its endless capacity to hold gear. Plus, it’s made from recycled materials, showing Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability.

Material: Weather & abrasion resistant 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate
Available Sizes: 40L, 55L, 70L, 100L
Weather Resistance: Highly weather-resistant
Weight: 1.06 lbs (40L), 2.63 lbs (55L), 3 lbs (70L), 3.5 lbs (100L)
Loading Style: U-shaped top-loading with zipper

4. Troubadour Embark Duffle →

The Embark Duffle is a stylish yet practical duffle that is great for a weekend getaway or day-to-day use. The duffel has lightweight & waterproof fabric, a waterproof-lined pocket for shoes, and a padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop.

Material: Recycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, vegan leather trim
Available Sizes: 30L
Weather Resistance: Waterproof fabric
Weight: 3.1 lbs
Loading Style: Top-loading with zipper closure

5. Kovered Humber Duffel (Best Stylish) →

The Kovered Humber Duffel blends style with functionality and is made from sustainable materials.

Material: Recycled canvas with leather accents
Available Sizes: 42L
Weather Resistance: Water-resistant
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Loading Style: Top-loading with zipper closure

Arc’teryx makes quality outdoor gear, and we’re fans of almost everything they make. We have the 40L Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle (we have the 40L), which is built for the rugged outdoors but with a minimalist design.

Material: N690d N66 nylon ripstop fabric 
Available Sizes: 40L, 75L, 100L
Weather Resistance: Highly weather-resistant with taped seams
Weight: 1.6 lbs (40L), 2 lbs (75L), 2.6 lbs (100)
Loading Style: Top-loading with a weather-resistant zipper

What to Look for in a Travel Duffel

The best bag for you depends on your travel style, packing habits, and preferences.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a travel duffel. These are the key features we look at:

Size

Size matters. You want a bag that can fit all your essentials without being overly bulky. Here’s a quick guide:

• 30-40 L – Ideal for weekend trips. This size can comfortably fit a few days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, and personal items without being too bulky.
• 40-60 L – Perfect for week-long trips. This allows extra space for additional clothing, shoes, and accessories.
• 60+ L – Great for extended travel or if you pack a lot. These larger bags can handle more gear and are great for travelers who need to pack extra gear or equipment.

Weight

Opt for duffel bags made from lightweight yet durable materials. This ensures the bag doesn’t add unnecessary weight, making it easier to carry.

Pack it fully to know you can comfortably carry the weight.

Durability + Weather Resistance

Choose bags made from robust materials like ballistic nylon, polyester, or canvas. These materials can withstand rough handling and wear over time. Duffels with water-resistant or waterproof features also help, especially when traveling to unpredictable weather areas. Some bags come with a rain cover for added protection.

Design + Access

There are top-loading duffels and ones with clamshell openings. Top-loading duffels, or traditional duffel bags, are great for packing large items. Clamshell designs open like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking more efficient.

Compartments

Most duffels have a few pockets and compartments but, overall, lack organization.

Straps and Handles

Duffels will come with different types of straps and, oftentimes, multiple ways to carry them. Here are some of the standard straps/handles.

• Shoulder Straps: Padded and adjustable shoulder straps make carrying the duffel more comfortable on one shoulder.
• Handles: Look for sturdy grab handles for easy lifting.
• Backpack Straps: Some duffels come with backpack-style straps for versatile carrying options.

Additional Features

Extra features like lockable zippers, compression straps, and removable shoulder straps can enhance the functionality of your duffel.

• Packability: Some duffels can be packed into its pocket. This is great for travelers who need a backup bag.
• Wheels: Consider duffel bags with wheels for heavier loads, reducing the strain on your shoulders and back.
• Lockable Zippers: For added security, choose a duffel with lockable zippers. This is particularly important if you check your bag or leave it in shared accommodations.
• Hidden Pockets: Some duffels feature hidden or secret pockets for storing valuables like passports, money, and other essential items.
• Color and Design: While functionality is key, you’ll want to find one that matches your aesthetic and travel style. Remember that brighter colors may make your bag stand out in a crowd.
• Compression Straps: Compression straps help compact your load, making your bag more manageable when it’s less full. They also prevent your items from shifting during travel.
• Expandability: Some duffels have expandable sections, allowing you to increase the bag’s capacity when needed.
• Ventilation: If you carry gear like shoes or wet clothing, look for duffels with ventilated compartments to keep odors at bay.

Is it Duffel or Duffle?

Did you know the word originated from the Belgian town of Duffel? It’s where the thick cloth used for duffel bags was initially made. Both spellings are correct, but “duffel” became more popular after World War II.