I have owned the same North Face Base Camp duffel for over a decade. It has been dragged through airports, thrown into the back of pickup trucks in Southeast Asia, and used as a gear bag on hiking trips where it sat in rain for hours. The waterproof material still works. The zips still work. The backpack straps, which I thought were a gimmick when I bought it, have become essential for navigating cobblestone streets and train stations where wheeled bags are useless. A good duffel outlasts multiple suitcases if you pick the right one.
Types of Duffel Bags
Expedition/Adventure Duffels
Built for abuse. Waterproof or water-resistant materials, reinforced bases, and backpack straps for carrying over rough terrain. Brands like North Face, Helly Hansen, and Patagonia dominate this category. Expect to pay more but get a bag that lasts decades.
Gym/Sports Duffels
Lighter weight with features like shoe compartments and wet pockets. Good for short trips and daily use but not built for heavy travel.
Leather Weekenders
Stylish bags for business travel and short getaways. Look good but less practical for adventure travel – leather doesn’t handle rain well.
Packable/Foldable Duffels
Lightweight bags that compress into a small pouch. Useful as extra luggage for souvenirs or as a backup bag.
Top Picks by Category
Best Overall: North Face Base Camp Duffel
The industry standard for expedition duffels. Waterproof laminate material, alpine-cut backpack straps, and bombproof construction. Available in sizes from 31L to 150L. The medium (71L) fits most needs. I’ve used mine for over a decade across four continents.
Best for: Adventure travel, outdoor activities, checked luggage
Best Budget: Amazon Basics Duffel
Simple, affordable, and surprisingly durable. Collapsible for storage. Not waterproof but handles normal travel well. Good choice if you’re not sure how often you’ll use a duffel.
Best for: Occasional travel, budget-conscious buyers
Best Waterproof: Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2
Sailing heritage shows in the construction. Waterproof fabric, abrasion-resistant bottom, and convertible backpack straps. Similar quality to North Face at a slightly lower price.
Best for: Watersports, wet weather, sailing
Best Leather Weekender: SID & VAIN Kingston
Full-grain leather that develops patina with age. Spacious interior for 2-3 night trips. Looks professional for business travel. Not for adventure travel but excellent for what it’s designed for.
Best for: Weekend getaways, business trips, style-conscious travellers
Best Gym Bag: DAYGOS Sports Duffel
Waterproof with separate shoe and wet compartments. Large enough for gym kit plus a change of clothes. Works as a weekend bag too.
Best for: Gym, swimming, short trips
Size Guide
| Size | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 30-45L | Gym bag, overnight trips |
| Medium | 50-70L | Weekend trips, carry-on (some airlines) |
| Large | 70-90L | Week-long trips, checked luggage |
| Extra Large | 90L+ | Extended travel, expedition gear |
What to Look For
Material: Expedition-grade bags use laminated or coated fabrics. Look for reinforced bases – that’s where bags fail first.
Straps: Backpack straps are essential for anything over 40L. Shoulder straps alone become painful with weight.
Water resistance: Even “waterproof” bags have zips that let water in. True waterproof bags use roll-tops or welded seams.
Compartments: Shoe compartments and wet pockets add weight but keep dirty items separate.
Lockable zips: Useful for checked luggage. Most expedition bags have zip pulls that accept a small padlock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size duffel bag should I get?
For weekend trips, 40-50L is sufficient. For a week’s travel, 70-90L works well. Consider your packing style – overpacking into a duffel creates an unwieldy cylinder that’s hard to carry. Medium sizes (50-70L) are most versatile.
Are duffel bags allowed as carry-on luggage?
Soft duffels can squeeze into overhead compartments that rigid suitcases can’t. However, many duffels exceed carry-on dimensions when packed. Check your airline’s size limits and weigh the bag – soft bags tend to get overpacked.
Duffel bag vs suitcase – which is better?
Duffels excel on rough terrain, uneven surfaces, and when you need to throw a bag into vehicle boots or overhead racks. Suitcases are better for paved airports and business travel. For adventure travel, duffels win. For city trips, either works.
How do I clean a duffel bag?
Most synthetic duffels can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For deep cleaning, hand wash with mild soap and air dry completely before storing. Never machine wash expedition bags – it damages waterproof coatings.
What’s the difference between a duffel and a holdall?
Same thing. “Holdall” is the British term, “duffel” is American. Both describe a soft-sided cylindrical bag with handles and usually a shoulder strap.
