A duffel bag isn't the most obvious choice for travel. It can be bulky, awkward to carry when packed full, and harder to maneuver than wheeled luggage.
But I've found that when a trip involves bulky gear, dirty shoes, or equipment that doesn't fit neatly into a traditional suitcase, a duffel can be the best option.
The trick is choosing a duffel bag that suits how you travel. Some duffels prioritize durability for rough handling, while others offer clever compartments, multiple carrying options, or wheels to make getting around easier.
A little thought about how you pack and get from place to place can mean the difference between wrestling with an oversized bag and having a reliable carrier for your gear.
In this article
Deuter Duffel Pro
One downside of choosing a duffel bag over a suitcase or backpack is that it can become heavy and hard to lug through the airport. The Deuter Duffel Pro ($145 and up), however, solves this problem with stowable shoulder straps, so you can carry it like a backpack, which helps when navigating crowded train stations, climbing stairs to a rental apartment, or rushing through an airport to catch a flight.
When you're ready to check it for a flight, tuck the straps away so you don't have to worry about them getting snagged in transit.
It comes in 30-, 40-, and 60-liter sizes, with a granddaddy 90-liter roller that has wheels, so you can pull it like a suitcase.
I find the 30-liter version to be compact enough for carry-on travel, while the larger capacities suit longer trips or bulky outdoor gear. It's not fully waterproof, but the TPU-coated fabric helps protect your gear from rain.
Gregory Alpaca Duffel
Tuck your outdoor gear into the Gregory Alpaca Duffel ($159.95 and up). Its tough, TPU-coated fabric repels rain, while the reinforced, padded base protects the bag when you set it down on rough ground or load it into a vehicle. The packaging also doubles as a durable packing cube to keep your gear organized.
I especially like the separate end pocket for dirty clothes or damp gear. After a day of hiking or skiing, keeping muddy boots and sweaty layers away from clean clothes can make unpacking much more pleasant.
Removable padded shoulder straps offer a backpack-style carrying option, while the grab handles make it easier to lift the bag into a car trunk or onto a luggage rack. The larger 60-, 90-, and 100-liter options are better suited for checked luggage than for overhead bins, while the smaller versions work as carry-ons; be sure to confirm airline requirements first.
No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-On Duffel
For parents traveling with little ones, I always recommend the Hideaway Carry-On Duffel ($295).
With kids, you always have so many tiny socks, diapers, teethers, and other items that can easily get lost in a traditional duffel bag.
This bag solves that issue with The Cubby, a customizable packing organizer with adjustable dividers that provides structure to a soft-sided bag. Instead of working around fixed compartments, you can rearrange the interior dividers to keep different types of gear organized and accessible without having to dig through the entire bag.
And it's not just for kids' gear. Even though my children are older and can carry their own gear, I love the organization for keeping clean clothes separate from dirty ones, and shoes together and away from the clothes. Bonus: It has backpack straps, making hands-free carrying even easier.
Outdoor Products Mountain Duffel
When my family headed to Big Sky for a skiing trip a few years ago, I knew we couldn't fly with only carry-ons because of the bulky ski gear we were bringing.
I decided to purchase this Outdoor Products Mountain Duffel (under $50) and use it as our one checked bag, with everything else going in our carry-ons. It worked well and has been a staple for camping trips and sports gear ever since.
This duffel is a practical, budget-friendly option for travelers who need plenty of room without investing in a premium technical bag. The soft-sided construction makes it easier to fit into a crowded car trunk than a rigid suitcase. However, it's primarily a gear hauler, not a protective case. Fragile items should go in padded sleeves, and the bag shouldn't be treated as waterproof.
Peak Design Travel Duffel
One of my biggest complaints about traveling with a duffel bag in the past was that its large compartment can become a black hole, making it hard to find what I need. The Peak Design Travel Duffel ($149.95 and up) takes care of this, though, with more thoughtful organization than a basic gym bag.
Its wide opening makes it a cinch to see what's packed inside, while interior pockets help keep cables, toiletries, and other small essentials from getting lost beneath clothing.
Dial it up a notch and go for the photo bundle, which includes a large padded cube for camera gear, or the tech bundle, which includes a tech pouch and a wash pouch.
The 35- and 50-liter sizes are ideal for long weekends, while the 65- and 80-liter bags will need to be checked when you fly.
Bagsmart Faro Rolling Duffel
Sometimes your gear is too heavy to rely on just a shoulder strap, or even backpack straps. In those instances, look to Bagsmart’s Faro Rolling Duffel ($139.99), which offers the benefits of a soft-sided bag with rolling wheels to get you to your gate in a flash. Bagsmart already makes our favorite compression cubes, and this duffel is another hit from the brand.
Wheels and a pull handle can make a substantial difference when you're crossing a large airport, hauling luggage through a hotel, or packing for a trip that requires several pairs of shoes or bulky layers. This bag style is especially well-suited for road trips when you need more space than a compact carry-on or oversized personal item but prefer a soft-sided bag over a hard-shell suitcase.
The flexible construction accommodates awkwardly shaped items, and interior compression straps keep gear packed tight. The 14.4 x 10.6 x 21.7 inch size puts it in carry-on territory for most airlines.
Gossamer Gear Vanish Jet Duffel
Storing large duffel bags when you're not using them can take up prime real estate in the closet. But the Vanish Jet Duffel ($135 to $155) packs into its own pocket, so you can easily tuck it into other luggage.
Available in 38- and 58-liter sizes, this Gossamer Gear bag is a useful option when you need to transport gifts or souvenirs one way and don't want to commit to a second full-sized bag for the entire journey.
Integrated backpack straps make it easier to carry when loaded, and they zip into a dedicated compartment when not in use. Three external side compartments store smaller essentials you might need during your trip.
The Shortcut
Duffel bags are preferable for bulky outdoor gear, sports equipment, and trips when a traditional suitcase isn't practical.
Look for water-resistant materials, padded bases, and separate compartments to help protect belongings and keep dirty or damp gear away from clean clothes.
If you're team carry-on only, check each bag's dimensions and capacity before flying, as some larger duffels may need to be checked.
