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10 Best Duffle Bags in 2022

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Updated November 30, 2021

To find the best duffle bags for men and the best duffle bags for women, otherwise known as duffel bags, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for your personal needs. We recommend that you favor duffle bags that are made with durable and long-lasting materials that offer plenty of water-resistance, just in case you get caught in a storm during your travels. Make sure to also consider how much room is available in the duffle bag you are thinking of purchasing, so you can be sure all of your daily essentials, such as clothing and gadgets, will fit inside. When buying a duffle bag, always look for a durable build, a light form factor, and plenty of room for all of your most-used items. This is one of the best bags for weekend getaways. 

After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Patagonia Black Hole is the best duffle bag on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best bags on the market.

Top 10 Best Duffle Bags

 #1  Patagonia Black Hole Duffle Bag

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Best weekender bag around, thanks to a generous 55-liter maximum capacity, TSA compatibility for use in the overhead storage bin, and a pair of ergonomically designed carry handles for easy transport.

Pros
  • TSA compatibility
  • Large 55L capacity
  • Ergonomically designed carry handles
Cons
  • Unisex design, but just 1 color available
  • No built-in luggage carrier attachment

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag is the best duffle bag for gyms, thanks to a large 55-liter maximum capacity that can easily accommodate all of your most-used exercise clothing and equipment. We appreciated the ergonomically designed carry handles, which make for an easy carry even while stuffed to the brim. We also admired that this duffle bag is TSA-compliant for use as a carry-on in the overhead storage compartment of an airplane, making this the best travel duffel bag carry-on.

Though this is a unisex bag and the design is rather striking, it is only available in one color, black, which may not suit all consumers. Additionally, there is no built-in luggage carrier attachment for the purpose of affixing to pre-existing luggage. Compare this with the best bag that makes for an excellent gym or sports bag because it’s machine-washable.

 #2  The North Face Base Camp Duffle Bag

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Great choice for those who tend to overpack, as this duffel boasts a 71L maximum capacity, in addition to offering a durable water-resistant design and a wide array of pockets and compartments.

Pros
  • Incredible 71L max capacity
  • Durable design with water-resistance
  • Ergonomically designed carry handles
Cons
  • Weighs over 3lb
  • Available in just 1 color

This high-grade duffle bag by The North Face is perfect for those who want to maximize space as they go about packing for a trip or a simple trip to the gym, as this duffel boasts a generous 71-liter maximum capacity. We admired the durable design here, which offers a fair measure of water-resistance, and the multiple pockets running throughout, which include a pair of side pockets for water bottles, smartphones, and other necessities.

Though this bag does indeed carry a whole lot of items, it is on the heavier side itself, coming in at just over three pounds. Also, it is available in just a single color, black, which may not suit the aesthetic preferences of all consumers. Most if not all of the best designer handbags will suit more consumers due to their varied features and choice of designs.

 #3  Sea to Summit Duffle Bag

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality duffle with a robust feature set that includes an extremely durable design, made from 1000D nylon and Tarpaulin laminate, with multiple lash points running throughout for attaching to vehicles or pack animals.

Pros
  • Extremely durable, with laminated nylon
  • Multiple lash points for attaching to vehicles
  • Carry clips unclip and re-clip in seconds
Cons
  • Slightly expensive
  • On the heavier side

The Sea to Summit Duffle Bag is of extraordinary quality, with a number of varied features, such as multiple lash points running throughout for the purpose of attaching to vehicles or even pack animals. We appreciated the durable build here, as this duffel is made from 1000D nylon and Tarpaulin laminate. We also liked that the carry handles unclip and re-clip in seconds, allowing for a wide variety of carrying options.

This is a fairly expensive duffle bag, however, likely due to the advanced materials used during construction. Additionally, this duffle is available in multiple sizes, but the larger sizes tend to be heavy. Consider a much lighter option when shopping for the best commuter bag, so as not to get weighed down as you commute to and from work, school, etc.

 #4  Yeti Panga Duffle Bag

Award: BEST WEATHER-RESISTANCE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Built for extreme weather-resistance, with a fully waterproof exterior that is also fully submersible, making this a great choice for use around large bodies of water and during powerful rainstorms.

Pros
  • Nylon shell is puncture-resistant
  • Airtight seal and submersible
  • Multiple handles for variety of carrying options
Cons
  • Extremely expensive
  • Heavy, at over 6lb

The Yeti Panga Duffle Bag is one of the most durable duffel bags around, thanks to a thick-skin nylon exterior that is water-resistant, waterproof, and fully submersible, so your gear will remain dry if this bag becomes submerged in a large body of water. We appreciated the extra-thick nylon and TPU laminate exterior of this bag, as it is puncture-resistant and abrasion-resistant. We also liked the multiple handles located throughout, allowing a wide array of carrying options.

This is an extremely expensive duffel, however, likely due to the advanced feature set and the high-grade materials used during the manufacturing process. Also, this is a heavier-than-average bag, clocking in at over six pounds. You will need a much lighter bag for carrying your personal belongings to the beach like the best beach bag. But if you need a bag that is specifically designed for keeping your items dry while kayaking or sailing, go for the best dry bag.

 #5  SealLine Wide Mouth Duffle Bag

Award: BEST CARRY OPTIONS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Offers a wide array of carrying options, thanks to a number of D-rings that can integrate with shoulder straps and tie-downs, with availability in multiple bright and aesthetically pleasing colors.

Pros
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Durable vinyl sides and bottom
  • Roll-down dry seal closure for water-resistance
Cons
  • Pricier than some models
  • Vinyl construction may not suit all consumers

The SealLine Wide Mouth Duffle Bag boasts an array of carrying options, thanks to integrated D-rings that can easily attach to third-party shoulder straps, tie-downs, or many other carry methods. We appreciated the ultra-durable vinyl sides and bottom and the roll-down dry seal closure, the latter offering superior water-resistance that approaches fully waterproof. We also liked that this duffle is available in multiple colors, to suit consumers of varied tastes.

The high-grade and durable materials here do come at a literal cost, as this duffle is on the expensive side. Additionally, the vinyl construction here is exceptionally sturdy, but won’t be soft to the touch, which may not suit all consumers. You may prefer any of the best travel backpacks that have a smooth and soft exterior, often made from a high-grade blended fabric. But If you want to carry your wallet, phone, and essentials in a hands-free and lightweight bag, check out the best fanny pack.

 #6  Gregory Mountain Products Alpaca Duffle Bag

Award: BEST STURDY BUILD

WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely sturdy and durable build, thanks to a water-resistant TPU-coated body, a 900D polyester ripstop, diamond weave running throughout, and a tear-resistant 630D nylon exterior.

Pros
  • Massive 90L capacity
  • Good amount of water-resistance
  • Lockable zippers for security
Cons
  • Weighs nearly 4lb
  • No shoulder sling carry option

The Gregory Mountain Products Alpaca Duffle Bag is a great choice for consumers who place a high priority on durability, as this sturdily built duffle features a water-resistant TPU-coated body, a tear-resistant 630D nylon exterior, a 900D polyester ripstop, and diamond weave running throughout. We appreciated the lockable zippers here, for personal security, and the massive 90-liter maximum capacity.

This is a fairly heavy duffle bag, however, weighing nearly four pounds, which may be off-putting to a certain segment of the customer base. Also, this duffle does include a handle and back carry straps, but there is no option for a shoulder sling. A better option would be the best sling bag that presents itself as a fantastic option for carrying your personal belongings around town or while traveling.

 #7  Osprey Transporter 65 Travel Duffle Bag

Award: BEST COLOR OPTIONS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Available in over 10 color and design options, suiting even the most finicky consumers, with a shoulder strap for a messenger style carry and a durable TPU-coated exterior.

Pros
  • Shoulder strap for messenger-style carry
  • Durable TPU-coated exterior
  • Zippered side pockets with overlapping rain flaps
Cons
  • Over 3lb
  • 65L max capacity

This Osprey Transporter 65 Travel Duffle Bag is a great choice for those who want their bags to visually pop, as this duffle is available in a wide array of color and style options. We appreciated the durable TPU-coated exterior, which is tear-resistant and relatively water-resistant, and the zippered side pockets that come with overlapping rain flaps for even more protection from the elements. We also liked that this bag ships with a shoulder strap, offering the option for a messenger style carry.

This is a fairly hefty duffle bag, clocking in at well over three pounds, which may not suit consumers who are looking for extreme portability. Despite the relatively high weight here, this bag still maxes out at 65 liters. And speaking of storage capacity, office goers will love the best backpacks for work with enough space to ensure all of the daily essentials, such as tablets and laptops, will fit inside.

 #8  The North Face Rolling Thunder Duffle Bag

Award: BEST FOR TRAVEL

WHY WE LIKE IT: Intended for travel, with an adjustable handle with integrated wheels, plastic bumpers to resist abrasions, a die-cut window for ID placement, and sherpa straps for affixing to pre-existing luggage setups.

Pros
  • Plastic bumpers for abrasion-resistance
  • Sherpa straps to affix to larger luggage items
  • Die-cut window for ID placement
Cons
  • Extremely expensive
  • 40L max capacity

The North Face Rolling Thunder Duffle Bag is the perfect choice for frequent travelers, particularly those who use major airlines, as this TSA-compliant bag features a number of travel-friendly features, including wheels on the bottom, an adjustable handle for pulling, and sherpa straps for affixing to pre-existing luggage setups. We also appreciated the die-cut ID window, which makes it easy to always have your identification papers at the ready. We also loved the plastic bumpers on each corner, which help resist abrasions during travel.

This is an extremely expensive duffle, however, so consumers should take that into consideration before making a purchase. Also, the maximum capacity here is just 40 liters, which is on the lower side. Storage capacity is also an important feature to consider when buying the best day hiking backpack, so you can be sure all of your hiking essentials, such as compasses and water bottles, will fit inside

 #9  Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffle Bag

Award: BEST VALUE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-friendly duffle with a robust feature set that includes a design that compresses when not in use, for storage, and features a water-resistant and abrasion-resistant exterior.

Pros
  • Proprietary abrasion-resistant materials
  • Highly water-repellent design
  • Bag compresses down when not in use
Cons
  • Mesh divider in center may not suit all consumers
  • Available in just a few colors

This Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffle Bag comes in at a value-conscious price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, such as an easy-to-pack U-shaped opening and a design that compresses down to an extremely small size when not in use, making for easy storage. We appreciated the proprietary Bi-Tech Armor abrasion-resistant materials that comprise the exterior of this duffle, which has the added benefit of being water-repellant and water-resistant.

Though the design is striking and aesthetically pleasing, this duffel bag is available in just three colors, which may not suit all consumers. Additionally, there is a fairly large mesh divider in the center of the interior that could get in the way as you pack. Compare this with the best weekender bag for men that has a total of 6 compartments, and is designed for road trips and urban adventures.

 #10  Marmot Long Hauler Duffle Bag

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-conscious duffel that offers a wide array of highly useful features, such as an integrated rain flap, for protection against the elements, and a double bottom for increased durability.

Pros
  • Integrated rain flap
  • Available in multiple sizes and colors
  • Double bottom for increased durability
Cons
  • Does not ship with shoulder strap
  • Largest sizes are not TSA-compliant

The Marmot Long Hauler Duffle Bag is available at a budget-friendly price, while still offering an impressive feature set that includes an integrated rain flap, allowing for a fair amount of water-resistance during spots of bad weather. We appreciated the double bottom, offering increased durability, and the large D-shaped zipper opening for easy access. We also liked that this duffle is available in multiple colors and sizes, the wide variety suiting most consumers.

Though we loved the sheer number of sizes available here, the larger ones are not TSA-compliant and likely will not pass as a carry-on. Also, this duffle bag does not ship with a shoulder strap, though it can integrate with third-party options. Compare this with the best college backpack that features a sternum strap and padded back panel for comfort.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we took great care to research a wide array of duffle bags, ensuring that they were a great choice for travel, trips to the gym, and any other number of use case scenarios. To that end, we liked duffle bags that offered a good amount of water-resistance, with some offering full waterproofing and the ability to be submerged without damaging the packed items.

In addition to water-resistance, we liked bags made from ultra-durable materials, such as nylon and polyester. We awarded bonus points to bags with secure and sturdy weaving running throughout and to those that offered tear-resistance and abrasion-resistance, via multi-layered exteriors and a variety of similar methods.

As for maximum capacity, we made sure that each duffle we chose featured plenty of room for clothing, gadgets, shoes, and anything else you may want to transport. We liked bags with a wide array of pockets, compartments, and dividers. Finally, we admired aesthetically pleasing bags that were available in a wide variety of color and style options.

Best Duffle Bags Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Durability and Water-resistance
    Modern duffle bags, or gym bags, can be exceptionally durable. Look for models that are built from ultra-sturdy materials, such as nylon or thick polyester blends. Not only are these materials durable, but they are often tear-resistant and abrasion-resistant. You should also make sure that the duffle you are considering purchasing is highly water-resistant, in case you get caught in a storm. Some duffle bags are not only water-resistant but can be fully waterproof, allowing the bag to be fully submerged in water without damaging the packed items.
  2. Capacity and Compartments
    Of course, the maximum capacity and weight limit of the duffle you are thinking of buying should be of paramount importance. Look for a duffle bag that offers at least 30 or 40 liters of space. Some duffle bags can hold as much as 80 or even 100 liters, but these larger duffles may not be TSA-compliant, which is something to consider. Additionally, you may want a duffle bag with plenty of compartments, both small and large, located throughout the exterior and interior of the bag itself.
  3. Additional Features
    Modern duffle bags can ship with all kinds of additional features and accessories. These include integrated shoulder straps and back straps, offering a variety of carrying methods, and ultra-sturdy TKK zippers. Some bags come with removable rain flaps or rain covers, while others ship with dedicated shoe compartments. Some are even designed to compress down when not in use, making for an easy long-term storage solution.

Duffle Bags FAQs

What are the best duffel bags?

The best duffle bags are those that are made from durable materials, such as nylon or polyester, and those that offer some form of water-resistance. Great duffles also typically offer plenty of storage space, a design made from water resistant fabric, and multiple pockets and compartments.

What is a good size duffle bag?

This depends on your personal needs and how often you use it and how much stuff you tend to pack. If you are just using a duffle to go to the gym, you could get by with a smaller model. If you use it for travel, such as weekend trips, then you may want to invest in a larger duffle. Some duffles offer external pockets, zippered pockets, and ergonomic handles on top of the bag.

Are duffel bags good for traveling?

Certainly. A duffle bag can be great for traveling, as they typically hold a lot of clothing and related items and can be on the lighter side. If you are using a duffle bag for a lengthy trip, be sure it boasts enough room for all of your daily essentials.

Can you check duffle bags?

Yes. Any-sized duffle can be checked as luggage during an air travel trip. Most, though not all, are TSA-compliant and can be brought on the flight as a piece of carry-on luggage. Be sure to check the size restrictions before attempting to place a fully loaded bag in an overhead bin. As an aside, some models are rolling duffel bags, meaning they have wheels and can be pulled along like any piece of luggage.