Best Duffle Bags In 2020: Buying Guide and Reviews
What do you get when you combine the convenience of a backpack with the spaciousness of a suitcase? Duffle bags! They are a true companion for regular travelers who prefer packing just enough. They are so versatile that the best duffle bag will fit your laptop, enough clothes for a week – depending on how you pack – and s few toiletries.
There are too many of them on the market to take chances, and so you want to get the opinion of an expert before you spend your money. In this article, we look at ten of the best and a buying guide to help you make your choice.
Table of Contents
- Duffle Bags – Review & Buyer’s Guide
- 1. Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag
- 2. S-ZONE Canvas Genuine Leather Duffle Handbag
- 3. Vera Bradley Women’s Signature Duffel Travel Bag
- 4. NEWHEY Oversized Travel Duffel Bag
- 5. Gonex 60L Packable foldable Travel Duffle
- 6. Toupons Travel Duffel Bag
- 7. Travelpro Luggage carry on
- 8. Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag
- 9. Vera Bradley Women’s Microfiber Duffel Travel Bag
- 10. Eagle Creek Travel Gear luggage bag
- Duffle Bags – Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions – Duffle Bags
Duffle Bags – Review & Buyer’s Guide
1. Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag
The Olympia rolling duffle bag is indeed the perfect choice for traveling to both local as well as international destinations. This duffle bag is highly spacious, multifunctional, and versatile. It is constructed using premium polyester 1200 D. This type of material is highly durable and flexible, and you can stack in as many items as you like. The polyester also makes it much easier for you to carry the Olympia rolling duffle bag as opposed to other hard side plastic models. This model only measures 12 x 22 x 12 inches. Its measurement entirely complies with the size requirement for most airlines, and given that, it easily fits inside the overhead bin.
It has many outer pockets both at the front and at the sides, so you get more space to squeeze in more essentials for your trip. These external pockets also make it easier for you to access various items and keep them organized as well. This product has a remarkably small weight so you can easily carry it from one place to another. The bag features a U zipper closure where you can place items such as laptops, jeans, shoes, and shirts. You can store smaller items such as pens, jewelry, and chargers within the lower zipper pockets. The product also comes with a retractable handle for more effortless movement.
- Spacious 22-inch storage capacity to store more items
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Highly affordable
- The handle has a highly comfortable hold
- Made of premium polyester
- The plastic material at the bottom is quite flimsy
2. S-ZONE Canvas Genuine Leather Duffle Handbag
This bag uses top quality cowhide crazy horse leather material. The material will still have its glossy shine even when you use it for more than six months. The product has a large size of 21.7(L) 14.8(H) 10.2(W) inch making it spacious enough to accommodate all your essentials for your next trip. You can pack your shirts, books, pens, t-shirts, shoes, bottles, laptops, chargers, among other travel accessories. It has a small weight of only 4.5lbs that makes carrying it from place to place, as you travel as a flawless affair.
It is a foolproof product for women and men, as well. The premium solid Zane alloy hardware is also rustproof, so that it can serve you for more days. This bag is an excellent choice for daily travel, weekend travels as well as brief business travel since it have just the right amount of space to fit all the necessities for your trip. The leather surface contains disorderly wrinkles scratches along with scars that are brought forth a retro style with a twist of wildness to bring out your taste and preference. The leather keeps getting shiny and glossier as you continue to use the product.
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Spacious to suit travel necessities
- Elegant design
- Durable firm handles
- The zipper may malfunction
3. Vera Bradley Women’s Signature Duffel Travel Bag
The Vera Bradley duffle bag is made using highly durable signature cotton for it to serve you for a longer time. It specially designed for women, and you can take it on business travel, weekend travel as well as and daily travel conveniently. The bag measures 11.5 x 22 x 11.5 inches with just enough space to carry essentials such as makeup, bottles, lotions, dresses, skirts, and much more. This Vera Bradley handbag weighs only 1.15 pounds, making it ultra-lightweight and easy to carry from place to place during your trips. There is also a long and firm handle for enhanced portability. The bag features two interior mesh pockets together with one exterior zip pocket that keeps your essential damage free. You can easily wash this product, suing washing machines and line dry or cool iron if the need arises. The product comes in a beautiful diamond stitch pattern, so it quickly communicates your style. You can choose many design patterns.
- Ultra-portable and lightweight
- Beautiful and elegant design
- Generously sized
- Easy to wash
- Quite expensive
4. NEWHEY Oversized Travel Duffel Bag
The NEWHEY oversized travel duffle bag is built using premium quality genuine horse leather so that it can serve you for a more extended period. It also has a waterproof canvas rivet, so it is more durable. The top-quality high-density canvas that is wear and tear-proof, so it can handle all the weight all the items you put inside. The robust zinc alloy hardware is also rust-resistant to keep the bag looking its best. The bag has an incredibly large size so you can comfortably fit in all your travel essentials from towels, shoes, clothes, bottles, and much more.
It features a main compartment together with inner pockets. It is ideal for packing essentials to last you for around three to four days for weekend traveling and even business travel. With a weight of only 3.45 pounds, it is easy to move from one destination to another. It measures 22.83 (L) x11.8 (W) x 11.8 (H) 1 oversized main compartment, two small pockets in which you can fit your cell phone, and one zipper pocket. The handles are rounded, making the bag to couple up as an ideal carryon bag that is highly comfortable. You can also adjust the shoulder straps and use it to relieve your hands when you get tired from totting the bag.
- Classic style
- Spacious
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Features premium quality materials
- The zipper may break
5. Gonex 60L Packable foldable Travel Duffle
The Gonex 60L foldable travel duffle is a premium product that is made using premium honeycomb 210D nylon fabric, both wear and tear-resistant, and waterproof to ensure all your necessities are damage free. You can use this bag for business travel, weekend travel, and other outdoor activities such as camping and picnics. Aside from that, you can also use the bag at the gym and when shopping. You may also decide to use the bag for putting your dirty laundry.
The product has a weight of only 1.2 pounds that is very convenient to carry. The pack also has a sturdy handle for easier totting. It highlights an internal end pouch, a compartment to keep your shoes, and several pockets to fix as much stuff as you like. You can adjust the long shoulder strap to carry it on your shoulders when you get tired of totting the bag. It measures 24 x 14 x 9 inches) when folded, but you can fold it to a tiny and compact size, so it saves a lot of space. It can open up to 60L, making it useful as luggage back. The manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee policy in /the event that you are not satisfied with the product.
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Foldable and spacious
- 30 days money back policy
- Durable and lightweight
- The material may wrinkle
6. Toupons Travel Duffel Bag
The Toupons travel duffle bag made a highly long-lasting 16oz thick canvas. The product measures Size: 53cm (L) x 30cm (H) x 25cm (W)/ 20.8” (L) x 11.8” (H) x 9.8” (W). It is designed for men and can be useful for business travel, weekend travel, daily travel, and even outdoor activities such as camping and use at the beach, school, and even shopping. You can also use this bag as an overnight bag, for carrying your sports gear and for carrying your stuff to the gym. With its large capacity, you can fit in your important documents, books, shoes, clothes, phones, and laptops to keep them well organized.
Just like other high-quality travel bags, the Toupons duffle bag comes in at an extremely lightweight of only 2.5 grams making it is easy to carry. It has a solid and firm handle so for enhanced convenience and portability when totting. Women can also use this bag, as well. With an adjustable shoulder strap, you can easily carry the bag on your shoulders, so you do not put too much pressure on your hands. The product contains one inner zipper, two side pockets, one back zipper pocket as well as two front zipper pockets. There are diamond-shaped rubbers mats that are waterproof to prevent the bag from form any damage.
- Durable and lightweight
- Shoulder strap for more convenience when carrying
- Can be used for a wide variety of functions
- May not be an ideal option for use in the plane
7. Travelpro Luggage carry on
You can use the Travelpro luggage carry on for weekend travel, business travel, as well as during outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, picnics, and much more. It has a small weight of 1.6lbs and an overall dimension of 11x18x8, making it highly portable so you can carry it around effortlessly. The top handles are also substantial and reliable for enhanced portability when totting. This bag will serve you for a very long time, given that it has made using highly durable polyester fabric that is highly resistant to stains. It also features a water-resistant dura guard and high tensile zippers for maximum longevity. The bag includes a rear strap that ensures secure stacking and contains a top carry handle as well as a padded shoulder strap that offers more carrying options. The manufacturer provides limited lifetime coverage plus a Trust companion promise for one year in case there is which covers any costs associated with repair and damage. The bag is available in different colors, so you get to choose the one that you like the most. This model is best suited for both men and women.
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Stain-resistant and waterproof
- Made using durable polyester fabric
- The bag may be too big for keeping under the airplane seat
8. Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag
Many travelers love this model due to its durability, and multi-functionality. It is made using high quality 16-ounce pure cotton as well as classical bronze-tone hardware; and it contains as soft nylon lining for advanced protection of your necessities. It is the right solution for outdoor events such as camping, sports, gym, and beach; it’ also does a great job during weekend travel, business travel, and going to school. You can comfortably fit in your laptop, phone, change clothes, documents, notebooks, shoes, and much more. It can hold enough accessories for use for 3 or 4 days. All this is made possible through its one large zipper compartment, two front zipper pockets on the exterior, two side zipper pockets, and one back zipper pocket.
The Four high quality cushions highlight film protection ensure the bag to protect it from dirt. It has rounded grip stitch handles that are very strong and firm for maximum portability. You can also adjust the shoulder strap to a comfortable height when you want to relive your hands from toting. Both men and women can use this product.
- Made using premium cotton
- Dirt-resistant bottom
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Durable and portable
- The seam may rip
9. Vera Bradley Women’s Microfiber Duffel Travel Bag
This is another fantastic product from Vera Bradley. It has become trendy among travelers due to its high performance features. You can use it for overnight travel, business travel as well as weekend travel. It is also perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, picnics, boating, and beach and gym gear. The iconic travel bag measures 11.5 x 22 x 11.5 inches and is spacious enough to carry all your necessities during your next trip. The dual straps rest comfortably on your shoulders, so you leave your hands free to concentrate on your fun outdoor activities. The top zip closure makes sure that all your necessities are secure from any damage. This duffle bag also includes a large compartment. The multiple exterior pockets are ideal for you to stack extra essentials such as reading materials, wallets, electrical appliances, snacks, shoes, towels, change clothes, and much more. The interior pockets can fit in smaller items such as hair products, lotions, and several toiletries. The bag also has an intricate design that goes well with most outfits.
- Durable and lightweight
- Long strap for enhanced portability
- Multiple exterior pockets
- Quite pricey
10. Eagle Creek Travel Gear luggage bag
The EAGLE CREEK travel bag incorporates all the features that make it a high performance; it features a robust Bi-tech fabric that abrasion-resistant as well as waterproof. The exterior zippers are lockable to give you more peace of mind during your expeditions. The oversized wheels fixed in a highly protective housing together with a sturdy kick plate provide for more effortless movement and maximum durability. You can easily maneuver with the bag when moving from the airport to the hotel or even moving through rough pavements or even muddy and bumpy ground.
It has a large carry capacity of 128 liters so you can carry as many necessities as you like for your next trip. The front zipper is great for packing smaller items such as flashlights, keys, phone chargers, bottles, and pens for easier access. There is an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap for enhanced comfort when carrying. The bag is also highly foldable to save lots of space when you are not using it. This product has a lifetime guarantee promise from the manufacturer and promises to repair the product in case of damage during the life regardless of the cause.
- Abrasion and water-resistant fabric.
- Large, treaded wheels for easy movement.
- Spacious – 128 liters.
- Easily sags and collapses when half full.
Duffle Bags – Buying Guide
There are way too many brands of duffle bags on the market that the right choice is not always the easiest. Here is what we believe you should look for when selecting the one that will return value for your money.
Size and Capacity
When planning international trips or any other that will have you hopping in a plane, you want to consider the requirements of airlines. In the US, most will require a carrier to be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which is also equivalent to most 25 to 50-liter bags. With these, you will not have to worry about checking your bag in, and you can count on it handling everything you could need for a weekend.
If you are thinking of taking yours along on fishing expeditions, then a larger duffle bag is recommended – one that can have 50-75 liters worth of space. They could be a little bulky, but they can handle almost everything you need for a week.
Wheels or No Wheels?
If your duffle is quite heavy even when empty, you may prefer to have it wheeled to make portability much easier. They work the same way as suitcases where you pull yours around airports and other pavements. Wheeled duffle bags are ideal when you are hauling a heavy load.
Wheeled duffle bags, while amazingly convenient, have a few shortcomings. They hardly have any other carrying mechanism than the handle – we like straps – and some of the parts are breakable, such as the wheels, but some models can be replaced.
Carrying Options
If the bag has a 60-liter plus capacity, then you can bet it will be pretty heavy when fully loaded. You risk looking all clumsy lugging around a bag this heavy, which is why wheels work better in this case. Backstraps are great for smaller bags as they allow the distribution of weight on your back to prevent imminent aches. You want them padded for comfort and detachable for convenience when storing them in the overhead in the plane. Carry handles are ideal for moving the bag between short distances. Though you won’t be needing them that much, especially in big bags, it’s good to have the option.
Durability – Denier
Everyone wants value for their money, and for a duffle bag, it’s the Denier value – abbreviated as D – that you want to look out for as it determines its durability. The higher the value, the more durable the product is and vice versa. Most manufacturers mention the denier of the fabric used, and while it is not the ultimate deal-breaker, it helps you determine a fabric’s power to handle pressure.
Water Resistance
Few things piss one off more than soggy items. You buy a bag with the hope that it will protect your items from the elements and so you want to look out for this feature in your duffle. Few materials are water-resistant, but manufacturers laminate the interior part of bags to prevent water from seeping in. You want to look for a bag that has this feature.[/su_note]
Frequently Asked Questions – Duffle Bags
Conclusion – Wrapping Up
What you are looking for in the ideal duffel bag is a balance between a backpack and a suitcase, and we reviewed some that meet this delicate balance. We hope you got the right one that will make your travels easier to manage. As always, we only reviewed the best duffle bags that have raving reviews online. We will keep updating this article to keep it fresh for your convenience.