The 10 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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These bags will save you space, time, and headaches from overly complicated backpacks and suitcases.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

We’ve all been there: gearing up for a long weekend trip with friends or a significant other. Or maybe a quick work trip for a special client. Either way, it’s not a long enough duration to justify a carry-on suitcase or a checked bag, but you still need to make sure you have enough room for a few changes of clothes and accessories.

We gathered up 62 of the best duffel bags available and put them to the test in the Travel + Leisure lab. We judged them based on capacity, organization, design, portability, durability, and value, and will continue to test them for an additional six months to make sure they stand up to real traveling. These are the best duffel bags for any trip you may be taking, whether skiing or jetting off to a sunny destination.

This roomy weekender is lightweight and easy to pack.

We wish the clips that attach the crossbody strap to the bag were made of metal rather than plastic.

We think the Bellroy Classic Weekender 45 is the overall best duffel bag you can buy. It’s more affordable than many of its counterparts and earned high praise all around. While measuring its storage capacity, we found that it easily had space for four days of clothing and shoes, and we made special note of the accessibility of the wide mouth. Other bags on our list may have more pockets, but the storage of the Bellroy Classic Weekender is extremely useful, including a huge outer pocket that has a key leash and internal organization for small items like passports, wallets, or a phone. The three inner pockets are modest but ideal for keeping all of your knick knacks close by. Snacks, chargers, sunglasses, or anything else you may need to find are all available with just a quick glance.

Another other area that the bag excels in is portability. It comes with two hand straps and a longer crossbody strap, the latter of which kept it secure against our body when fully packed, but also made it comfortable to carry with just a few items in it. When compared to another bag we tested that was the same exact size and packed with the same exact items, this Bellroy duffel felt so much lighter and easier to carry. Some large duffels get bulky and cumbersome on the shoulder, but this was not the case for the Bellroy — it stayed magically lightweight, and we can picture carrying this long distances through airports and train stations.

The Details: 14.96 x 25.59 x 15.75 inches | 2.16 pounds | 45-liter capacity | Polyester | Water-resistant

This vegan leather bag looks sleek and expensive, but it won’t break the bank.

It would function better as a supplement travel companion than a do-it-all bag.

If you’re on the hunt for a duffel bag that won’t make you look like you’re just leaving the YMCA, pick up the Monos Carry All Duffel, our pick for the most stylish of the bunch. It comes in four colors, each of which looks exceptionally fashion-forward and is made from vegan leather that will only get better with time (without completely draining your wallet like real leather would).

We were big fans of the roomy interior and the thoughtful organization, which we think kept the large main compartment from becoming too much of a mess, even when fully packed for a four-day trip. If this trip involves a lot of walking, we aren't worried. We loved the comfort of the two hand straps and were impressed by the versatility and comfort of the shoulder strap — the shoulder pad was plush and didn’t fall up and down the strap.

The Details: 20 x 12 x 10.4 inches | 4.14 pounds | 27.3-liter capacity | Vegan leather

This versatile bag shines in crowded places where space is at a premium.

It may not be able to hold enough for a full weekend away.

Ideal for the commuter that travels by plane, train, or automobile, the compact, portable Carry All Weekender from July is a great pick for short trips, either to work, the gym, as a personal item on a plane, or on a quick two-day vacation. The bag has an internal laptop sleeve and pockets to keep small items in their rightful place, while the easy-to-pack main compartment holds onto the clothes you’re toting along with you. We do wish it had a bit more storage, though, just to be safe.

The bag comes with a pass-through band so you can easily add it to your rolling luggage when trips go beyond a few days, while the brand’s signature QuickPass pocket uses a powerful magnet as its closing mechanism, meaning you won’t have to fuss with a zipper each time you reach for your passport or wallet. It also features a removable padded shoulder strap and external D rings to use as attachment points.

T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco has been using this bag regularly for six months every type she commutes to work. "This bag is my go-to when I want something bigger than a tote but more compact than a jumbo weekender that becomes a bottomless pit," she says. "It's easy to take on public transportation without bumping into everyone, and the laptop pocket feels secure so my electronics aren't floating around."

The Details: 10.5 x 18 x 8.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | 28-liter capacity | Nylon | Water resistant

It’s one of the most versatile bags we tested, with the ability to convert it from a duffel into a backpack.

It’s much pricier than other bags on this list.

If you prefer a duffel bag that you can wear in any which way, the Lagos Convertible Duffel is an excellent choice. It’s got hard-wearing hand straps, just like your average duffel, but you can also transform it into a crossbody or a backpack depending on where you’re going, what you’re doing and if you might need to use your hands.

While its cavernous, pocket-laden interior is easily able to fit all of your gear, we loved that it still could be made small enough to count as a personal item on an airplane, leaving your carry-on slot for something bigger. The bag weighs just over 2 pounds when empty, so it’s easy to fold up and stow in that carry-on if you think you might be bringing home more than you left with. We also found that it was exceptionally durable and water resistant.

The Details: 16 x 11 x 11 inches | 2.15 pounds | 32-liter capacity | Polyester | Water resistant

This durable bag is built to last, with abrasion-resistant material that will stand up to rugged camping trips.

This is too large to be a carry-on, and the shoulder strap could be more comfortable.

Like all Yeti products, this duffel looks and feels like it was built to last, making it the ideal option for camping trips and rugged adventures. It's made of a proprietary TuffSkin nylon that helps the bag keep its shape and resist damage and dirt. The bottom of the bag is made of a harder shell for extra protection (though this means it can't pack down teeny tiny for storage). The Crossroads's interior organization features really stood out during testing with two dividers that create three sections for separating different types of items and several smaller pockets for belongings like phones, wallets, and chargers. Two exterior pockets on the top provide yet more slots for your stuff (though these two pockets are pretty small).

The bag has three handles for carrying — one on each end and another on top — as well as a detachable shoulder strap. The strap has a firm, flat section meant to mold to your shoulder area, but it could be a little more comfortable. Overall, it's a sturdy, durable piece with good organization, and it's a great choice for longer trips or outdoor camping adventures. Plus, the three-year warranty will give you some peace of mind as you take it on its first few forays into the wilderness.

The Details: 24 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches | 4.3 pounds | 60-liter capacity | Nylon | Water resistant

There's a designated spot to stash shoes or other items that you don't want touching your other belongings.

This might not be big enough for longer weekend trips, but it does come in a larger size.

We found that the Calpak Luka was perfect for two-day trips, but could easily work on longer trips as a supplemental bag or personal item, and we especially love that it has a separate shoe compartment to prevent dirty shoes from touching your other belongings. The multiple interior pockets are ideal for socks and underwear, while the shoe compartment holds either two pairs of regular shoes or one pair of boots — a must have feature for a shoe aficionado.

The thick, puffy polyester material is nice to the touch, but we suspect that it won't be as long-lasting as some of the other bags on this list. However, at just over $100, this bag is chic enough to turn heads and spacious enough to keep all your gear in one place, including that ever important extra pair of kicks. It also comes in an impressive color range no matter what your taste. We also love the larger, 45-liter size if you want to use it as your main carry-on.

The Details: 12 x 16 x 7 inches | 2.1 pounds | 22-liter capacity | Polyester | Water resistant

It's comfortable to carry and has generous side pockets.

Because you can pack so much in it, this bag becomes heavy quickly and can be difficult to carry.

Our favorite things about the Gonex Canvas are the price, flexibility, pockets, and durability. We love the sheer number of pockets and zippered compartments that it has. Aside from the main compartment, there are five additional zippered compartments on the outside, and the inside has an additional zippered pouch and two pockets for holding your wallet, keys, phone, and other small items. Plus, it's one of the best lightweight options around.

The strap handles for this bag can be secured together under a flap, and the shoulder strap is nicely padded; carrying it was comfortable. The exterior canvas won't attract dirt, and the bag protected all cargo and showed no damage or scuffs during our durability testing. We also love that there are several color options and patterns to choose from.

The Details: 17 x 11 x 10 inches | 2.8 pounds | 50-liter capacity | Cotton canvas

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

It comes with a packing cube, and it's made of strong materials.

It doesn't have any external pockets.

Thule is best known for its car top carriers, but the brand brings its knack for sturdy cargo storage to this duffel bag as well. We were all impressed with the durable, waterproof tarpaulin exterior and the spacious, pocketed interior — though an exterior pocket or two would have been nice. It even comes with a packing cube that can be used for clothing, toiletries, or a smaller pair of shoes.

Coming in four sizes, we also loved that the bag can be held either by the handles or by the very comfortable backpack straps. It's a bit strange that there's no shoulder strap option, but we did not find ourselves missing it. The Chasm nailed our durability tests and is a great option for longer trips or as a weekender for rugged adventures.

The Details: 29 x 17 x 13 inches | 4.4 pounds | 90-liter capacity | Nylon | Water resistant

It's made from an extremely durable material, is very spacious, and can fold away into it's own compression packing cube.

It's not the most comfortable to carry, and it doesn't have a laptop compartment.

This rugged duffel bag is crafted out of a durable, water-resistant recycled polyester ripstop material that can easily withstand the wear and tear of travel. It opens wide like a clamshell and is easy to pack thanks to its ample storage space. The interior features a zippered mesh pocketing that you can use to separate and organize smaller items including socks, underwear, or even loose cables. While the bag was able to fit all of our essentials with room to spare, we noticed that it lacks an separate laptop compartment, and we would have liked to see additional storage pockets to help keep gear organized.

The bag is quite large, but it can compress and pack away easily. It comes with its own compression packing cube that can store the duffel when not in use, or you can use it to pack additional clothing — or the bag itself — into a suitcase. It also features removable backpack straps that allow you to convert it from a duffel into a pack, so you can choose what works best for you. However, we noticed that while the shoulder straps are well padded, the arm handles are not, so the bag can be a tad uncomfortable to carry if it’s packed full and heavy.

The Details: 27.5 x 15 x 12.8 inches | 3.4 pounds | 60-liter capacity | Recycled polyester | Water-resistant

This duffel bag is simple while still being functional and stylish.

We wish it had more pockets for organization.

We were seriously impressed with how spacious the Béisic Duffle was and think it would be great for long weekends, trips to the gym, or as a personal item while flying, as it can easily fit beneath the seat in front of you on an airplane (we tested it out on our airplane set in the lab). While the overall design is quite basic — hence its name — it's still sleek and stylish. Its zippers run smoothly, and its detachable shoulder strap is helpful for carrying purposes. It features a key leash, a trolley pass-through sleeve, a wipeable interior, and a rugged polyester exterior that we think will be able to easily withstand the wear and tear of travel. It can also fold flat when not in use, which is especially useful if you need an extra bag for clothes or souvenirs when returning home from your adventures.

One thing to note is that there's only one external and one internal pocket, and we wish the duffel had more organizational features to pack our smaller essentials. For those who appreciate more storage options, we recommend using packing cubes to help keep everything organized.

The Details: 11 x 10 x 20 inches | 2.14 pounds | 40-liter capacity | Polyester and PU trim

Some of the duffel bags we tested did not make our list of recommendations. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Briggs & Riley Weekender Duffel: This straightforward bag has everything you need for a weekend trip. It’s not packed with features or fashion, but if you’re looking for a standard, no-fuss option, this duffel may be for you.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel: The bag looks good, but it's a little expensive for the very limited capacity.

Baboon to the Moon Go-bag Big: While spacious, we found it awkward to carry for longer than a minute or two.

Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffel with Utility Pouch: It was fine overall, but the near-complete lack of organizational features meant it was not a standout.

We've tested duffel bags on multiple occasions in our New York City lab, trying out 62 duffel bags overall. First, we weighed each duffel bag with a luggage scale and noted whether the weight was the same as the weight listed by the manufacturer. Then we measured the length, width, and depth (height) of each bag and made the same comparison.

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

Next, we got packing. We ordered dozens of outfits and packed three pairs of pants (a mix of jeans and sweats), two coats (one fleece, one jacket), five shirts, two pairs of shoes, a full toiletry bag, and a coffee mug into each bag. We answered questions that included: how well does everything fit? Is there enough space to keep the clothes tidy, or do you really have to jam them in there? Can you zip it up easily? We also took careful notes of the organizational and structural features of each bag as we packed, looking for useful pockets, compartments, sleeves, and other features.

Then we walked around carrying each bag after it was packed, spending several minutes trying out each possible carrying method and noting comfort and ease levels.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Finally, with the bags fully packed and zipped closed, we pushed them off of a table several times each, trying to make them land on different parts of the bag each time. We examined them for scratches, marks, scuffs, and other damage, and we opened the interior to be sure everything held up. We then carried the bags around again to check for any changes or problems.

After our lab testing process, we sorted through our team's feedback and analyzed the information to recommend the highest quality products. We continued to test each of the winners over the course of six months to make sure they held up in our real travels. We also will continue to update this article as we test even more duffel bags worth buying.

If your duffel bag doesn't have wheels, then you will be carrying it, so you want to make sure it's comfortable to do so. Look for duffels that are lightweight and have padded straps, as well as different carrying options. Many duffels come with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap so you can ensure your bag is the perfect length for you. Consider a convertible duffel with backpack straps if carrying by hand or perhaps a rolling duffel with wheels. A good goal may also be to find a bag under 3 pounds so it starts out lightweight and won't minimize the amount of items you can pack.

Some duffels are simply single compartments, some have dividers, and some have lots of pockets. For business travel, look for bags with laptop sleeves and pouches for things like chargers, keys, and wallets. If you're more of the spur-of-the-moment roadtripping type, a simple, one-compartment bag lets you throw all your belongings in with ease and without too much thinking. If you want to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones or your shoes away from your shirts, look for a bag with interior dividers. It's a matter of personal choice; just be sure to pay attention to details about pockets, pouches, shoe bags, and other special features before making your purchase.

Whether your travels include packing for an Irish vacation or a hike to your local campground, you need a bag that will survive the journey. Bags made of materials like nylon, polyester, and most vinyls are likely to be waterproof, protecting your bag from the elements. Meanwhile canvas and leather bags may not be water-resistant, but the thick and durable materials should prevent against rips and tears.

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

It all depends on the size. There’s no hard-and-fast rule because duffel bag sizes widely vary. But as a general rule, if your duffel bag can fit beneath the seat in front of you, it’ll be considered a personal item. If it’s too big to fit underneath an airplane seat, you will then need to place it in the overhead bin, and it will be considered a carry-on. If the bag exceeds your airline's carry-on size restrictions, you will need to check it.

Yes, in almost all cases you can check a duffel bag. Just be sure to secure the straps and handles so they don’t get caught during processing. If you have a high-end duffel bag, just be careful as checked baggage is susceptible to rough handling during transit. And keep in mind that if the duffel bag does not have a lot of protective padding, your items inside may break, so be sure to keep any fragile or valuable items in your carry-on.

It’s best to pack your heavier items first so that they act as an anchor and keep your bag in position. Apparel such as shirts and pants should be rolled up in the shape of a cylinder to prevent wrinkling. Then you can store smaller items such as socks or accessories in the extra free space or in dedicated pockets. You can also use compression packing cubes to help make the most of your space.

How you clean a duffel bag will depend on the material and the manufacturer's recommendations. Sometimes bags are machine washable, but we'd suggest spot cleaning to play it safe. You can usually use mild dish soap and a damp cloth or paper towel to get out dirt or stains. Water-resistant materials may help protect your bag more than materials like cotton or canvas.

If none of the duffel bags above are catching your eye, here are some other standout duffels that may suit your needs.

Patagonia Wheeled Duffel Bag: Having a wheeled option means you can easily roll your duffel around the airport instead of carrying on your shoulder, and this Patagonia option is our favorite out of all the wheeled duffel bags we've tested. It comes in three sizes, and we tested the massive 100-liter version, which is impressively spacious.

Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

Yeti Panga Dry Duffel: If you need something that will stand up to rainy destinations, this large Yeti bag is our favorite waterproof duffel. In fact, you can fully submerge it in water 3 feet deep for up to 30 minutes, and nothing inside will get wet thanks to the locking, leakproof zipper.

Aer Travel Weekender: If you're looking for something smaller in size that you won't have to pay to check, this 35-liter weekender topped our list of our favorite carry-on duffel bags. It's easy to carry with the adjustable shoulder strap, and it has a padded laptop pocket.

Royce New York Leather Duffel Bag: This pebbled leather duffel is our top pick for leather duffel bags, serving as a stylish carry-all for weekends away. There's an option to monogram the bag for a special touch.

For this story, writer Joe Niehaus went through T+L testing feedback and data, read through customer reviews, and consulted the manufacturer’s product descriptions. Joe is also an experienced traveler and recognizes common pain points when searching for travel baggage like duffel bags.

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