There are few bags as versatile and simple as the classic duffel. The clever and practical design makes it suitable for your daily work commute and a weekend in the mountains. Available in many different colors and materials, you are guaranteed to find the ideal choice.
The duffel bag best suited for you will largely depend on your unique needs and lifestyle, where durability and water-resistant qualities may be at the top of the list. Alternatively, you may be searching for the perfect everyday bag, ideal for carrying your wallet, cellphone, and vape pods safely and securely.
Most Versatile
Suppose you need a sporty, water-resistant duffel bag that can handle any and everything you throw at it, from carrying around sports gear to packing for a weekend camping trip. In that case, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L will meet all your expectations.
This bag can best be described as a jack-of-all-trades. The main body is made from polyester ripstop, laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane, used to create a water-resistant coating that stands up nicely to any abrasions. You can carry it at your side using the two top handles, as a crossbody using the extendible strap, or as a backpack with two padded straps.
Luxury Leather
Square-shaped duffle bags can be bulky to carry while eye-pleasing cylindrical shapes can be lacking in space. But Lotuff’s No.12 model is the perfect combination of both worlds. With a rectangular bottom and a tapered, rounded top, it is comfortable enough to carry cross-body or atop a rolling suitcase at the airport.
The bag is made from sleek and stylish vegetable-tanned leather with thicker material for the body of the bag and thinner inner sections. Leather is a fantastic bag material as it is easy to keep clean, fashionable enough to match with your entire wardrobe, and only gets better with age. For a more ethical selection, look for a faux-leather alternative.
Daily Use
If you are looking for an inexpensive and casual duffel bag that is perfectly suitable for everyday use, the Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffel Mid Volume will tick every box on your list. This small, basic bag, available in the classic look and feel, will offer all the best qualities of a traditional barrel duffel.
It is well-constructed and made from polyester, with a detachable shoulder strap and a center zipper that runs the length of the body. It is small enough to stop you from overpacking it or making it too heavy to carry comfortably while still large enough to accommodate your everyday belongings.
Keeping Things Dry
For hardcore adventurists, where regularly wading through rushing rapids or hiking through torrential rain is a normal occurrence, having a tough and durable waterproof duffel will be the perfect addition to your wild experiences.
The 100% waterproof nylon shell and tightly sealed zipper of the Yeti Panga Waterproof Duffel will guarantee your belongings stay bone dry, even when completely submerged. The 50L capacity is able to hold enough air to keep your bag nicely afloat without letting in a drop of moisture, a feature you will certainly appreciate when heading into the great outdoors.
Set for the Weekend
For those wanting to get a stylish, reliable duffel bag that will stand up well to a few knocks and age decently with wear but isn’t made from leather, the Land’s End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffel Bag is for you. The sturdy and thick canvas makes for a tough exterior that will keep your belongings safe and secure.
The shoulder strap is detachable, giving you maximum flexibility to carry it however you prefer, with a small internal pocket perfect for tucking away your wallet, car keys, and other valuables. The bag’s aesthetic is more on the casual side of things, making it better suited for a weekend escape to a lake cabin than a formal business trip in the city.
Heavy-Duty Work
For a duffel bag option that can withstand the rough and demanding nature of everyday life, Filso’s rugged twill bags will be a top selection choice. With a solid and reliable build, it can effortlessly take you from the office to the ultimate travel getaway.
It is made from water-resistant twill with a thick bridle leather handle, both of which will only get better with age. Furthermore, it has a clever storm-flap closure over the top zip to keep wet weather away from your belongings and wraparound leather straps for ease and comfort when carrying a heavy load.
Ultralight
Having a lightweight, packable, and reliable bag is a massive advantage for many who travel regularly or spend a lot of time camping out in nature. The Matador Freefly Package Duffel is ultralight and carries an impressive 30L. Despite shrinking to roughly the size of a mango once packed down, it manages to keep its shape, whether completely empty or filled to the brim.
Made with treated and reinforced nylon, sealed zippers, and handy compression straps along the side, it is the perfect addition to any backpack to hold wet clothes, additional luggage, or any last-minute selections that simply won’t fit in your main bag.
