A duffle bag is a large carryall for packing lots of gear and clothes for trips. Duffel bags have handles and a shoulder strap for carrying over your head, so they can be more comfortable to use than travel backpacks that require you to support the weight on one arm or the other. They also usually have a lot of compartments and pockets for keeping all your stuff organized and accessible.
Aside from their spaciousness, the best duffel bags have durable construction. In testing, T+L Senior Editor Jasmine Grant tossed and dropped our top pick multiple times, and the recycled polyester fabric was able to stand up to the abuse. The bag also features an expandable zipper, which adds three inches of space when needed.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Duffle Bag
Other important features include dedicated backpack straps that hide away when not in use, or even better, straps that position your duffel’s zipper against your back while wearing it as a backpack. The Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del Dia is an excellent example of this kind of design, which lets you transform the bag into a comfortable backpack when needed.
Duffels are also popular with athletes, allowing them to pack all their gear and get ready for competition or practice in a few minutes. The same is true for travelers, who want the freedom to move around quickly without a lot of fuss. Some people find a duffel to be the perfect bag for longer outdoor or adventure trips, too.