Best travel duffel bag

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Have you ever noticed lots of people at airports lug around duffel bags? There are a lot of reasons why some people prefer traveling with a duffel bag. Read on for some ideas on how to pick the best travel duffel bag for your next trip.

You might also like to read this post on how to pack for a road trip

Duffel Bag Buyer’s Guide

best duffel for international travel

Duffle bag or duffel bag?

Google “duffel bag” of “duffle bag” and you’ll get a mixed bag of results!

Wikipedia defines a duffel bag as a large cylindrical bag made of cloth or fabric.

You might also be surprised to learn that the duffel bag’s cylindrical shape was due to the thick fabric that was once used to make cylindrical, draw-strings bags.

This fabric originated in Duffel, Belgium, hence the name. But many people use the duffle bag spelling as well.

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best travel duffel bag
Picking the best duffle bag for travel can make your trip more comfortable.

These days, a duffel bag can be described as a bag with soft sides without a solid internal frame or ribbing to maintain a rigid shape.

Most duffel bags are soft bags that are longer in length than width, and almost forms a trunk or cylindrical shape.

They differ from regular carry-on or weekend bags as most duffle bags have multiple carrying options.

You can either carry a duffel over your shoulder, with your hands, on your back like a backpack or even pull it along on wheels.

Why Use A Duffel Bag Over A Hard Case For Traveling?

best duffel bags

1- Duffel bags are easy to pack

They are easy to pack. You can stuff lots of clothes and items in the duffel bag as they can expand according to how much you’re carrying.

A hard case will have a rigid frame that maintains the shape and might limit what you can pack.

2- Duffel bags are easy to carry

You can carry these bags in a multitude of ways while a hard case has limited carrying options.

This makes it great for traveling. 

3- Duffel bags are light

Duffel bags tend to be lighter, as they are made of fabric.

The frames and materials used in hard cases make them much heavier than duffel bags.

4- Duffel bags fit everywhere

It is easy to fit them in the luggage compartment on trains, buses, planes, and even in the car trunk.

The rigid frame of the hard case makes them difficult to fit in compartments with limited spaces.

5- More packing options

They have more packing options. Most duffle bags have multiple pockets, and some even have shoe compartments. These provide more options when packing your stuff.

6- Versatile for travelers

Duffel bags are suitable for most types of travel, including leisure travel, adventure travel and safaris, business travel and ski trips.

7- More affordable

Duffel bags are generally more affordable than equivalent hard-case bags.

Normally, hard case bags tend to be pricier due to the materials used to construct them.

Choosing a duffle bag can save you a lot of money while still offering a durable traveling bag.

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Top 10 Travel Duffel Bags

Have you decided you need a travel duffel bag? There are lots of different kinds of duffel bags for travel out there.

It’s a good idea to think about what you want to use a duffel bag for and where you might be using it the most.

Some questions to ask yourself are: How long will you be away? Do you need a large or small bag?

What’s the weather going to be like on your next trip?

Some duffel bags are great for an adventure in a wet environment, while others will be the perfect choice for a weekend getaway.

Here are our picks of 10 duffel bags that could come in handy for your next trip away.

Travel Duffel
Herschel Novel Duffel Bag, Black/Tan Synthetic Leather, Classic 42.5L
Olympia 22 Inch U Shape Rolling Polyester Duffel Luggage Bag Suitcase with 8 Pockets, Push Button Hide Away, and Retractable Handle, Navy
Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Large Travel Duffel Bag, Enchanted Mandala - Recycled Cotton, One Size
Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Weekender Travel Bag
Photo
Herschel Novel Duffel Bag, Black/Tan Synthetic Leather, Classic 42.5L
Olympia 22 Inch U Shape Rolling Polyester Duffel Luggage Bag Suitcase with 8 Pockets, Push Button Hide Away, and Retractable Handle, Navy
Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Large Travel Duffel Bag, Enchanted Mandala - Recycled Cotton, One Size
Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Weekender Travel Bag
Price not available
$54.00
$84.00
$239.00
Travel Duffel
Herschel Novel Duffel Bag, Black/Tan Synthetic Leather, Classic 42.5L
Photo
Herschel Novel Duffel Bag, Black/Tan Synthetic Leather, Classic 42.5L
Price not available
Travel Duffel
Olympia 22 Inch U Shape Rolling Polyester Duffel Luggage Bag Suitcase with 8 Pockets, Push Button Hide Away, and Retractable Handle, Navy
Photo
Olympia 22 Inch U Shape Rolling Polyester Duffel Luggage Bag Suitcase with 8 Pockets, Push Button Hide Away, and Retractable Handle, Navy
$54.00
Travel Duffel
Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Large Travel Duffel Bag, Enchanted Mandala - Recycled Cotton, One Size
Photo
Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Large Travel Duffel Bag, Enchanted Mandala - Recycled Cotton, One Size
$84.00
Travel Duffel
Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Weekender Travel Bag
Photo
Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Weekender Travel Bag
$239.00

1- Best Carry On Duffel Bag

Weekender Canvas Travel Duffel Bag

This Weekender Canvas Travel Duffel Bag is made from high-quality, durable canvas material.  The bag also features strong clasps and zippers that keep it well-fastened. With this bag, you can pack all the gear you will need for your short trip. There is also a section to secure your toiletries.

A neat feature of this bag is it comes with an iPad sleeve and padded laptop protector.  Think of it as a bonus as you’ll get two bags instead of one! The matching iPad purse can be used separately when you purchase this duffle bag.

The bag is lightweight and has interior pockets for safely stashing your keys and phone. You can carry the bag in three different ways; by hand by your side, across the body like a messenger, or over the shoulder.

Weekender Overnight Duffel Bag Shoe Pocket for Women Men Weekend Travel Tote Carry On Bag (Black)
  • Sturdy Overnight Bag for anyone looking for pack 2-3 days…
  • Perfect Duffle Bag for hiking, family holiday, vacation,…
  • Great size gift Travel Bag can be suitable for ladies mens…
  • This Weekend Bag with smoothly metal Two-way zipper top…
  • Top handle strap with leather, removable and adjustable wide…

2- Best Rolling Duffel Bag For International Travel

Olympia 22-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag

Looking for a duffle bag on wheels? One of the things you’ll love about this bag is the rich dark lavender color. This rolling duffel bag is 22-inches in length and is constructed from a high-grade Protecflon Polyester.

If you are looking for a rolling duffle bag for International travel, it’s worth taking a closer look at the Olympia 22-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag.

There’s a recessed in-line skate metal ball that bears the wheel system, along with a push-button retractable handle.

If you are constantly worried about the zipper breaking, the self-repairing zipper is an added advantage.

It has eight pockets and a U-Shape top opening for easy access to the roomy main compartment.

Sale
Olympia 22 Inch U Shape Rolling Polyester Duffel Luggage Bag Suitcase with 8 Pockets, Push Button Hide Away, and Retractable Handle, Navy
  • Wheeled Duffel Bag offers travel convenience featuring 8…
  • Duffel bag with wheels can be easily pushed out for smooth…
  • Constructed from tough and reliable Protecflon 1200 D….
  • Metal ball-bearing inline skate wheels effortlessly glide,…
  • Features self-repairing excel zippers, lightweight design at…

3- Best Duffle Bag For Fashionistas

Vera Bradley Large Duffel Bag

Stylish travelers will love the Vera Bradley Large Duffel Bag. The bag comes with a multi-color pattern and an appealing purple interior. The quilted fabric is easily washable.

The bag has a spacious open interior and an open slip pocket with easy access to slip your phone, passport or wallet into the bag.  It has double straps and it folds flat for easy storage.

Sale
Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Large Travel Duffel Bag, Enchanted Mandala – Recycled Cotton, One Size
  • MACHINE WASHABLE RECYCLED COTTON – The cotton fabric that…
  • MAKE YOUR TRAVELS A BREEZE – With a 15 inch strap drop & an…
  • PACK IN STYLE — Skip the extra carry on & take advantage of…
  • ESSENTIALS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS — The exterior features 1 zip…
  • STYLISH, LIGHTWEIGHT & SIZED RIGHT — The Large Travel…
Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Large Travel Duffel Bag, Turtle Dream – Recycled Cotton, One Size
  • MACHINE WASHABLE RECYCLED COTTON – The cotton fabric that…
  • MAKE YOUR TRAVELS A BREEZE – With a 15 inch strap drop & an…
  • PACK IN STYLE — Skip the extra carry on & take advantage of…
  • ESSENTIALS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS — The exterior features 1 zip…
  • STYLISH, LIGHTWEIGHT & SIZED RIGHT — The Large Travel…

4- Best Leather Duffel Bag

Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Travel Bag

If you are crazy about leather bags, consider getting the Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Travel Bag for your next trip. They are a stylish choice for a gift too!

It is made from full-grain Italian calfskin leather and has a heavy-duty cotton duck canvas lining.

Amazingly, this travel duffel bag starts to look better with age. Over time, the bag’s exterior develops a nice patina as it softens even more.

This is a feature to consider and it’s very different from most bags out there.  You will be surprised at how reasonable the price of this leather bag is.

Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Weekender Travel Bag
  • Meets carry on dimensions and is easy to pack. Measures: 11″…
  • CENZO ORIGIINAL – made in Italy since 2003, the Cenzo Duffle…
  • DESIGN FEATURES – this leather weekender bag has a…

5- Best Heavyweight Duffel Bag

Ledmark Heavyweight Duffel Bag

This is the best duffel bag you should get if you want a tough bag that will withstand rough treatment. The Ledmark Heavyweight Duffel Bag is made from 100% durable cotton canvas and is ruggedly constructed.

It’s also large enough to fit lots of items. The full-length zipper allows you to pack bulky and oversized items with ease.

The bag is comfortable to carry, adjustable, and has removable shoulder straps.  You’ll love the grab handles with the unique Velcro straps, making it easy to carry this bag in several different ways.

It’s also perfect as an extra bag as it’s completely foldable and it has a collapsible design.

Heavyweight Cotton Canvas Outback Camping Hiking Duffle Bag
  • This is a very well made and tough canvas duffle bag It’s…
  • Full-length zipper enables packing bulky and oversized items
  • Completely foldable and collapsible design – Classic Styling
  • Does this meet airline regulations for baggage area?: All…
  • Great bag for kids going for sleepaway camp!

6- Best Waterproof Duffel

Aqua Quest White Water Duffel Bag

Are you planning to travel to the tropics during a monsoon? Or perhaps you’re going on an extended trip around Scotland?

The Aqua Quest White Water Duffle Bag should be the perfect waterproof bag for you. Keep in mind that there’s a difference between waterproof and water-resistant.

A water-resistant bag will repel water from penetrating the bag to some extent, but not completely. On the other hand, a waterproof bag will completely resist water and a re a must in very wet areas.

The bag has double bar-tacked stress points and welded seams. It also has a big opening that allows easy access to the bag’s interior. It has a TPU film lamination and DWR coating, along with six outer D-rings. There are also four strong webbing loops on the base.

Sale
AquaQuest Slipstream Duffel Bag – 100% Waterproof, Lightweight, Durable, Versatile, Compact – Protective Dry Bag for Sport, Travel, Boating – 50L, Blue
  • 100% WATERPROOF – Since 1994, AquaQuest has been outfitting…
  • LIGHTWEIGHT – Provides 50 L of storage yet weighs only 1.3…
  • DURABLE – Made with durable Nylon 66 fabric dual-coated with…
  • VERSATILE – Comfortable padded webbing handles are quick…
  • LIFETIME WARRANTY – AquaQuest products are backed by a…

7- Stylish Leather Duffle Bag

Leathario Men’s Genuine Leather Travel Duffel Bag

The Leathario Men’s Genuine Leather Duffle Bag is a great choice for the man with style.  The travel duffel bag is made of genuine leather with a strong canvas lining.

It has been processed through vegetable tanning to retain the natural characteristics of the leather. There is a smooth and durable zipper and magnetic buttons in the top hand holders.

It also comes with a lock on the outer zippers, one inner pocket for your iPad, another for your PC, and three for your keys, wallet, or smartphone. It can also hold some shoes and toiletries.

Sale
Leathario Travel Duffle Bag For Men Women Genuine Leather Overnight Weekender Bag Vintage Luggage Carry On Airplane Large Retro Unisex
  • Material: Genuine Leather (Crazy Horse Leather Material)…
  • Dimensions: 23.6 × 10.23 × 14.96 IN; 60 × 26 × 38 CM. 1…
  • Details: The internal computer compartment is equipped with…
  • Practical: The spacious zippered main compartment has enough…
  • Please Stored in a dry place when not in use and Clean it…

8- Best Canvas Duffle Bag

Genuine Leather Canvas Duffel Bag

Although not strictly a canvas duffle bag, it’s close enough! This casual messenger bag comes in genuine cowhide leather and durable canvas.

The leather is thick enough to support heavy items and the bag has comfortable straps, a top flat, and a smooth zipper.

Vaschy Vintage Genuine Leather Canvas Duffel Bag has an adjustable leather flap and fitted magnetic clasps inside.

The main compartment can hold your laptop and the two front pockets will come in handy.

You can carry the bag on your shoulders, across your body, or on your hand like a briefcase.

Large Leather 32 Inch Luggage Handmade Duffel Bag Carryall Weekender Travel Overnight Gym Sports Carry On For Men And Women (32 inch)
  • 100% Genuine Leather With Durable Canvas Lining! Size 32″…
  • Big main compartments for clothing /travel and sports gear…
  • Two Side pockets for shoes / accessories etc. Two Front…
  • Dual Adjustable shoulder Straps with Shoulder Pad and…
  • Multi utility bag can be used as a travel bag, gym duffel…

9- Best Travel Duffel Bag For Sports

MIER 20-Inch Gym Bag Men Duffel Bag

Heading off to a sporting event? Check out the MIER 20-Inch Gym Bag. It has multiple storage compartments, including a dedicated shoe compartment to keep your fresh {or sweaty} shoes apart from your clean clothes.

It features the main, spacious compartment, one inner zipped pouch for your valuables, a side bottle mesh, and a shoe compartment. It has a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap and dual carry handles.

Best of all, it fits under the seat or in an overhead bin.

MIER Large Duffel Bag Men’s Gym Bag with Shoe Compartment, 60L, Black
  • Huge Gym Bag for Your Needs! —- Overall size: 26” L X…
  • Separated Shoes Compartment —- Large water-resistant shoe…
  • Multiple Pockets & Well Organized —- 1 Inner zipper pocket…
  • Comfortable Carrying & Easy to Transport —- Go easy on…
  • Tough Material & Thoughtful Design —- Made of durable…

10- Overall Best Duffel Bag For Travel

3-Way Travel Duffel Bag Duffel Bag

Now, if you simply don’t care what your bag looks like, the SKYLE 3-Way Travel Duffel Bag is the best duffel bag for travel. Why?  It is made of high-quality density nylon, it is wear-resistant and looks reasonably elegant.

The straps are breathable and padded for comfort.  It has a lot of pockets for easy storage, and it is big enough to fit all your traveling supplies.

This duffel bag can be carried in three ways; on the shoulder, as a backpack, or as a briefcase. It also has a shoe compartment.  It’s perfect for both men and women.

You can use this bag for a business trip, weekend getaway, camping, or for any occasion/event.

Sale
G4Free 40L 3-Way Duffle Bag Backpack Gym Bag for Men Women Sports Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment Travel Backpack Luggage
  • Why have a G4Free gym bag?—–This 40L 3-way duffle…
  • Duffel Bag or Backpack?—– All in one! Its multi-carrying…
  • Size & Multi Pockets—– Measured by 23 x 10 x 12 inch (58…
  • Take it anywhere—– Whether doing exercise in the gym,…
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our customers…

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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