5 Best Duffel Bags for Travellers – Duffel Bag Ultimate Guide

As useful for backpacking through Asia as it is for a weekend camping trip with mates, the trusty duffel bag should be a staple in any adventurer’s kit. A key feature of a duffel is its ability to open up much more conveniently than a traditional backpack, meaning you can pack your belongings in a flash, and easily grab something without having to offload the contents of your bag at the side of a busy street. They’re also super practical to transport – pick it up by the handles or throw it on your back for longer journeys or treks. Here, we’ve rounded up the 5 best duffel bags for any kind of travelling adventure. Check out our top picks below.

Best Duffel Bag for Long-Term Travel – The North Face Basecamp Duffel

Size options: 31L (XS), 50L (S), 71L (M), 95L (L), 132L (XL), 150L (XXL)

Weight: 0.97kg (XS), 1.2kg (S), 1.62kg (M), 1.84kg (L), 1.97kg (XL), 2.85kg (XXL)

Materials: Body 1000D phthalate-free, recycled PVC with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish | Boot 840D recycled ballistic nylon with non-PFC DWR finish

Top Features:

• Detachable, adjustable, alpine-cut shoulder straps with ergonomic fit
• Secure zip mesh pocket and end cap mesh sleeve pocket
• Water-resistant ID window

What it’s best for: Long-term travel

Paddy’s verdict:

Consider trading your backpack for a duffel on your next trip with The North Face Basecamp. Constructed with a combination of highly durable materials, it’s built to withstand tough conditions – so you can be sure that your belongings are protected from excessive rain or heavy-handed luggage handlers. The ergonomically cut shoulder straps provide a level of comfort that will rival your traditional backpack, whilst the D-zip opening offers a lot more convenience. There are a few pockets including a secure interior pocket for accessing your valuables, and an end pocket that allows you to separate dirty shoes or laundry – but you may want to invest in some packing cubes for additional organization.

Best Duffel Bag for Remote Backpacking – Osprey Transporter Duffel

Size options: 40L, 65L, 95L, 120L

Weight: 1.13kg, 1.34kg, 1.54kg, 1.72kg

Materials: Main bluesign® approved 900D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU Coated | Accent bluesign® approved 600D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU Coated | Bottom bluesign® approved 600D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU Coated

Top Features:

• Tuckaway backpack harness with sternum strap
• Zippered end pocket for easy access to smaller items, and various internal pockets
• Weather-protected main compartment zip path

What it’s best for: Remote backpacking trips

Paddy’s verdict:

Osprey’s reputation for durability and reliability makes the Transporter Duffel a perfect option for multiple days off the grid. With various pockets for stowing your essentials, it’s great for organising your belongings – perfect when you don’t have much space to unpack your things. The stowaway harness is comfortable and provides ample support for walking long distances. A TPU coating on the outer fabric provides weather protection, but if you need something more weatherproof, this duffel also comes in a waterproof model.

Best Duffel Bag for Camping – Sea to Summit Hydraulic Pro Dry Pack

Size options: 50L, 75L, 100L

Weight: 1.5kg, 1.7kg, 1.9kg

Materials: 1000D double-sided TPU-laminated fabric

Features:

• Fully submersible duffel-style dry pack to four metres below the surface
• Form-fitting shoulder straps and extended foam back panels
• Asymmetrical zipper design creates a large entry opening

What it’s best for: Camping trips, boat trips, wet climates

Paddy’s verdict:

Rain, rain go away. But if it refuses, there’s always the Sea to Summit Hydraulic Pro Dry Pack to fall back on. This duffel is ideal for wet climates or unpredictable weather, and camping trips or boat trips when you know there’s a likelihood that your kit will get wet. Constructed with waterproof technology that allows it to be fully submerged up to four metres, you can be confident that your stuff is going to stay dry until the end of your adventure. With form-fitting shoulder straps and foam back panels, it’s perfect for walking long distances, too. It doesn’t have many pockets however – neat freaks beware!

Best Duffel Bag for Weekend Trips – Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Size options: 40L, 55L, 70L, 100L

Weight: 0.93kg, 1.17kg, 1.44kg, 1.64kg

Materials: Body 14-oz 900-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate | Lining: 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating

Top Features:

• Padded, removable shoulder straps
• Stuffs into its own pocket for compact storage
• Padded base to protect contents

What it’s best for: Frequent weekend trips

Paddy’s verdict:

Fed up with your luggage collection taking up too much space in your home? Enter the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel. This is the perfect duffel for a frequent weekend tripper, packing compactly into its own pocket when you’ve emptied your belongings. But don’t be fooled by its packability, this duffel is made with extremely durable ripstop polyester so it’s built to last. The padded shoulder straps are comfortable yet removable so you can transport it however you please, and a padded base protects your belongings when it’s hauled onto the airport conveyor. It’s worth noting that the base doesn’t provide much back support, so this duffel may be a little uncomfortable to carry longer distances.

Best All-Rounder Duffel – Cotopaxi Allpa Duo Duffel

Size options: 50L, 70L

Weight: 1.2kg, 1.28kg

Materials: TPU-coated 1000D polyester with 840D ballistic nylon panelling

Top Features:

• Stowable duffel carry straps with a removable backpack harness
• Zippered interior organisation under flap and 2 exterior accessory pockets
• Dirty laundry compartment at the bottom with mesh organiser

What it’s best for: The best all-rounder – use it for extended trips or weekends away.

Paddy’s verdict:

The drawback of a duffel bag is, of course, the lack of organisation. Everything is thrown in in a rush and it can start to become a bit chaotic after a few days on the move. The Cotopaxi Allpa Duo is unique for this reason, it has various pockets for internal organisation and a bottom pocket for stowing your dirty laundry or shoes. With a removable harness and super durable construction, this duffel is great for any type of trip, from long-term backpacking trips to short and sweet weekends away. It’s a little pricier compared to other duffels on the market – but we think it’s worth it in terms of quality and versatility.

Explore our whole range of duffel bags perfect for travel here.