14 Best Duffel Bags for Travel in 2025 (High Quality Options)

You’re here because you’re on the hunt for a great new duffel bag. I got you, I’ve tested a lot of them and I’m here to share what I’ve found.

What’s great about a duffel is that you can sling it over you with a crossbody strap, or carry it with both handles. You can also use it for a lot of different things, like travel (duh) but also the gym, moving, storage, the pool and a ton of other things.

In this roundup, check out the duffel bags I think are great, from how they look, to how they perform when they get thrown into a trunk on a road trip.

Best duffel bags at a glance

• Best overall duffle: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (55L): bombproof 900D fabric that has survived my year of full-time travel.
• Best premium travel pick: Peak Design Travel Duffel: weatherproof, structured and perfect for hauling cubes (packing cubes, camera cubes and more).
• Best personal-item duffel: Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle: under $100 with a padded laptop sleeve and trolley strap.
• Best business trip bag: Public Rec Pro Weekender: 30L carry-on friendly storage with a dedicated shoe compartment.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

I’ve been taking the 55L Patagonia Black Hole Duffel on flights, buses and road trips since 2016, including a full year of carry-on-only travel, and it still looks almost new.

In my Black Hole Duffel review you can see how it is very simple, but actually can fit a lot of items with no issues.

The 55L size slots into overhead bins on major US and European carriers as long as I don’t overstuff it, and it’s light enough that I can pack it flat inside a suitcase when I need an extra outbound bag. It’s pretty hard to pack itself up, but it is possible!

I lean on packing cubes to create structure because the inside is one big cavity.

Pros

• Near-indestructible fabric and weather resistance that have survived years of rough travel without scuffs.
• Packs into its own pocket, so I can bring the duffle as a just-in-case overflow bag.
• Multiple grab handles and removable backpack straps make hauling heavy loads through stations easier.

Cons

• Minimal internal organization means you really need packing cubes or pouches.
• Backpack straps are serviceable but lightly padded and can feel droopy when the duffel isn’t full.
• It’s pretty hard to pack into itself.

There are backpack straps, but don’t expect tons of support because it’s a duffle, after all (not a true backpack). It also comes in a 40L size, a 70L size and a 100L size.

Peak Design Travel Duffel

I keep both the 35L and 50L Peak Design Travel Duffel in my kit, and the build quality still blows me away. In my full review I walk through how the weatherproof 100% recycled nylon shell, aluminum hardware and smart “Cord Hook” strap system hold up after countless trips hauling camera cubes and clothes.

The 35L version passes international carry-on sizing when I fly with photography gear, while the 65L (and up) sizes are clutch for ski trips or checked luggage. Peak Design’s pockets also make it easier to keep accessories in place than most soft duffles.

Pros

• Weatherproof shell and burly zippers keep gear dry when I’m loading in the rain.
• Strap system converts from crossbody to backpack in seconds, making airport sprints manageable.
• Two internal mesh pockets plus four external pockets offer rare organization for a minimalist duffel.

Cons

• Backpack configuration lacks padding, so heavy loads dig in after a few minutes.
• Premium price and hardware add weight compared with simpler nylon bags.

The PD Travel Duffel comes in two sizes (35L and 65L), with the 35L being ideal for weekend trips or for a gym bag, and the 65L being useful for when you have heavy stuff, or when you plan to check luggage for a flight.

You can learn more about Peak Design at our Peak Design brand page where we go in-depth about the different products for travel. And head to my Peak Design Travel Duffel review, where I discuss the difference between all the sizes, and more.

No Reception Club Hideaway Duffel Review

This duffel is meant to tackle the demands of traveling with kids, babies or toddlers, and it’s a brilliant duffel bag product. In all honesty, it’s so cool that I’d even take it on a trip just for myself, even if I didn’t have my kids with me.

Some things that stand out about it are its ability to turn into a backpack with stowable straps, the interior main organizer (called the “Cubby”), which does away for most needs for packing cubes, the included (and matching) laundry bag and the COOL insulated pocket for cold snacks (or a baby’s milk bottle).

You can see all my photos and the breakdown of its features at my No Reception Club Hideaway Duffel review.

Photo via No Reception Club

Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Duffle (42L)

This 42-liter duffel from one of our favorite travel brands Nomatic zips itself into a tiny little carrying case. It’s an impressive product that can be packed into a suitcase or a backpack when you’re not using it for hauling your stuff during a trip.

We like that, at 42L, it has an internal zipper pocket, can be carried as a backpack or a duffel, weighs less than 1 pound and even has a sternum strap for use during carrying. The Navigator Duffel comes at a competitive price and has a lifetime warranty. What’s not to like about this one?

Halfday Garment Duffel

We became introduced to this luggage brand via my old friend Michelle, and when we found out that Halfday Travel (their name sounds like Half Half Travel, so we liked it immediately) makes a garmet duffel, we had to see it.

Halfday’s smart product, The Garment Duffel, is carry-on friendly and folds flat when you need it to. Made of water-resistant polyester material, it’s ready to carry a full suit or a dress (useful for traveling to weddings around the country), as well as three sets of clothes or outfits.

Want to see more? Check out the Halfday Garment Duffel product page.

The Active Duffle 70L by AWAY (70L)

From the company that made the first viral hard shell suitcase, as well as one of my original favorite daypacks (which I review at my Away Daypack review), AWAY has come out with a big outdoor duffel.

At 70 liters, it is a heavy-duty size for carrying lots of stuff. The Outdoor Duffle is meant to fit enough packing for a week-long adventure, and is durable enough to take camping or into the outdoors. The highlight is the material, which is a recycled abrasion-resistant and weather-resistant polyester that creates a simple design and high functionality.

Bellroy Duffel (Patty Mills Edition)

This unique duffel from Bellroy, the company behind one of my favorites in the best backpacks for woman travelers, is traditional and rugged, ready for travel or just everyday use.

Highlights are its wide-mouth opening, good for being able to see everything inside, and easy organization, which is an important feature for me. The Bellroy Duffel has a detachable shoulder strap so that it can be used by its grab handles, and fits 30L of your travel things, in total.

By getting a Bellroy travel product, your purchase comes with a three-year warranty, so make use of it if anything should go awry with your Bellroy gear. You can see more about this brand at my Bellroy brand review.

Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle Bag

Becca took the Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle through weeks of personal-item flights and daily mom duty, and in her hands-on review she breaks down why it beats pricier neoprene options. The recycled neoprene shell is structured enough to stand up on its own and looks polished for work trips or gym runs.

Under $100 gets you a padded laptop sleeve (fits 16-inch laptops), a tethered zipper pouch, multiple interior/exterior pockets and a generous trolley sleeve that actually slips over wider suitcase handles. It doubles as a pool or gym tote thanks to the wipeable material.

Pros

• Outstanding value with thoughtful organization, a laptop sleeve and luggage pass-through, all for under $100.
• Structured neoprene keeps the duffle upright while packing and protects contents from splashes or rain.
• Detachable pouch on a cord and quick-stash phone pocket make small items easy to grab.

Cons

• Neoprene can crease during shipping or storage, so it may need a little shaping out of the box.
• Heavier than simple nylon alternatives and doesn’t compress much inside another bag.

TOPO Designs Mountain Duffel

This fun and funky duffel from colorful brand TOPO Designs keeps everything protected with padding, and is big on pockets. It’s big enough to hold ski boots, in the main compartment!

The Mountain Duffel easily convertible into a backpack, so you can hike and camp with it and there’s no problem. Of course, it’s great for travel, with those heavy-duty YKK zippers that I really enjoy about all TOPO products I’ve tried.

Quince Revive Nylon Duffle Bag

If you’ve seen our Quince hard shell suitcase review, you know how serious we are about quality luggage that comes at an affordable price. The Quince Revive Nylon Duffle Bag is no different: it’s a chic duffel made from recycled materials that looks good and feels right.

A few of this duffel’s best features are its waterproof material and Nappa leather trims, along with two zippered front pockets and an included dust bag! It looks good carried by its top handles, or the longer shoulder strap. I don’t see this one going out of style anytime soon. The final plus is that it’s totally unisex and comes in four strong color choices.

Halfday Travel Double Decker Weekender

I love how the Halfday Weekend Duffel solves one of my biggest travel packing headaches, which is keeping my shoes separate from my clothes!

This duffel is seriously one of the most practical bags I’ve tested, and at this price point, it’s honestly a steal.

Why I love this duffel: The structured frame keeps it standing upright while I pack (no more wrestling with floppy duffels!), and that wide top opening makes it so easy to see everything inside. The water-resistant Oxford Polyester feels sturdy without being heavy, and I’ve packed it for everything from weekend getaways to week-long trips.

Public Rec Pro Weekender

I carried the Public Rec Pro Weekender on a four-day conference trip from New York to San Francisco, and it handled the flights, layovers and hotel unpacking like a champ. In my full review you can see how I packed the 30L capacity alongside my tech daypack.

At 2.6 lbs with a structured frame, the Weekender slides into overhead bins (even on smaller planes) and the separate shoe garage kept my dress shoes from touching my clothes. Multiple exterior pockets made it easy to stash receipts and boarding passes mid-trip.

Pros

• Dedicated shoe compartment and internal pockets keep work clothes organized and separated. You can use the shoe compartment for laundry, as well.
• Lightweight but structured build looks sharp for client meetings and fits in small overheads.
• Water-resistant fabric handled rainy San Francisco streets without soaking through.

Cons

• Shoulder strap lacks cushion, so I alternate with the grab handles on long airport walks.
• No padded laptop sleeve. I still carry a separate backpack for tech protection.

Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag (33L)

Filson products will be with you for life, and that’s how I feel about my Filson products. The Filson Small Tin Cloth Duffel Bag has a 33-liter capacity and is made of high-quality waxed cotton. It’s ideal for overnight trips, as it expertly protects your stuff and has a removable strap.

The leather grip and strong YKK zippers, along with the 100% cotton oil finish Tin Cloth are what makes this duffel bag one that you’ll have for decades. Filson doesn’t come cheap, and the brand’s quality stands the test of time.

Gregory Alpaca Duffel 40

Gregory products are made for mountains and the outdoors, and the Gregory Alpaca Duffel 40 is one of the more outdoorsy duffels in this list. It’s made from recycled polyester, so it’s water-resistant (hikes can get rainy!) and even comes with its own packing cube for organization.

One highlight I have to mention is the “dirty gear compartment,” which helps keep soiled clothes and shoes separate from clean items in the rest of the duffel. Smart!

Choosing the right duffel bag

What size duffel bag can I carry on a plane?

Most airlines accept soft-sided bags around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. In practice, 35 to 45L duffles like the Peak Design (35L) or Halfday Weekender compress enough to slide into domestic overhead bins, while the Patagonia Black Hole 55L works as carry-on when I don’t overpack it.

It’s best to check with your airline before you fly. In my experience, you have some wiggle room when you travel with a duffle.

Are duffel bags good for international travel?

Yes! Look for comfortable carry options and weather resistance to get the best experience. My Black Hole duffle has flown internationally for years because the backpack straps free up my hands. It’s a nice break when the bag gets a little heavy to carry as well. If you need more structure, the Peak Design 50L adds exterior pockets for documents and tech.

How do I keep clothes organized inside a duffle?

Stick with packing cubes or choose bags that have divider accessories. The Public Rec Pro Weekender has a shoe garage and zipper pockets for small items, while the Quince Neoprene Duffle pairs nicely with slim cubes and its tethered pouch for toiletries. I also stash tech in a separate daypack so the main compartment stays tidy and focused on clothes or cube-like items.

What materials make the most durable waterproof duffle?

TPU-laminated polyester (Patagonia), 900D coated nylon (Peak Design) and heavy-duty tarpaulin-style blends (Gregory Alpaca) repel rain and abrasion far better than basic canvas. If you only need splash resistance, neoprene (Quince) or waxed canvas (Filson) delivers protection with a more lifestyle look.

Can a duffle qualify as a personal item?

Absolutely. Keep it under 25L and make sure it squishes under the seat. Becca has traveled with the Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle as her personal-item bag because it fits a 16-inch laptop, toiletries and snacks while the trolley sleeve keeps it anchored to a roller.

This has worked for us when we check a bag.