Best Duffel Bags of 2024

If you like to keep dirty or bulky gear separate from your nice clean sleeping bag or fancy beach apparel — try the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler. It comes in multiple capacities, but all have nice spacious weather resistant exterior pockets that are excellent places to stash gear like dirty boots or a bulky puffer jacket. We appreciated these pockets on dusty trips to Moab, Utah, where our shoes were constantly covered in a fine layer of red dirt. The larger of the two end pockets even expands into the main compartment of the duffel depending on whether you need more storage space outside or in. 

A collapsible interior divider keeps gear separate in the main compartment so you stay organized, which we loved when packing bikepacking gear – helmet and tools on one side, clothing on the other. Pack straps didn’t get in the way while digging around in the main compartment, and while they aren’t fully removable, are easy to unclip at the base of the straps and stash in the dedicated sleeve in the lid. Plus, the exterior held up beautifully when dragging the bag around on the desert floor. However, if planning rainy adventures, note that the duffel is not waterproof.

We tested this duffel on a multi-day bikepacking trip through the desert and not only loaded it with warm clothing and cooking tools but camping gear and supplies. It regularly got piled in the back of a truck with other duffels, cramped into a rooftop cargo carrier, and tossed into the dirt. Through it all, it kept our gear safe and sound.

Prefer to carry your duffel on your back instead of at your side? Perhaps not surprisingly, The Osprey Transporter, one of the more capacious duffels we tested this year, tops the list for the most comfortable duffel to carry as a backpack. It is, after all, designed by a brand that specializes in making backpacks. As a result, while there may be fewer carry options overall (there’s no over-the-shoulder strap or duffel handles), those who tend to haul gear mostly on their backs will find the padded straps – with sternum strap – ultra comfy for longer periods of time. 

But even if you don’t plan to wear it on your person for extended periods, when testing it over a weekend of bikepacking in Utah, we loved how easy it was to pack and unpack each night and morning thanks to the ultra-wide opening. Plus, durable grab handles and a tough outer material made it easy to slide in and out of rooftop cargo boxes in the support vehicle. Bonus: the larger end pocket was the perfect place to stash dusty camp slippers for evening recovery.

Chronic overpackers are bound to love this bag, too, thanks to two interior compression straps that help keep soft goods cinched down so you can easily close the burly zips on the lid. We found the feature helpful when cramming in a cold-weather sleeping bag next to a stuff sack full of clothes.

The Matador Freefly duffel is an impressive little bag that’s fully waterproof and highly packable. It’s also one of the lightest options on this list, making it an excellent alternative to a daypack or fanny pack. This duffel can even be tossed into a larger travel bag for packing extra goodies on the way back from a trip, or you can use it to tote essentials around while your larger bag stays in your vacation rental. Its small size might not be for everyone, but its sleek design certainly is – this simple and stylish profile blends seamlessly into professional, business and casual settings. Since its waterproof, the Freefly also makes a great beach bag or riverside picnic packer. We find that the unpadded straps and thinner materials mean don’t handle heavy loads comfortably, so it’s not the best standalone bag for anything more than a weekend trip. Still, the value price of the Freefly makes this handy bag a worthwhile addition to your collection.

The classic crowd favorite Base Camp duffel from The North Face is a solid choice for anything from travel to, well… base camp! This duffel comes in a ton of sizes ranging from 31 L all the way up to 150 L, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. We like the medium size best (71 L) because it’s large enough to pack a ton of stuff into for big adventures, but small enough that it could still pass as a carry-on bag if it isn’t completely filled to the brim. The rigid material makes it easy to pack without the sidewalls collapsing in, something that we love about this bag in a world of big, floppy duffels. The large U-shaped opening is a standout on this list, as it allows you to easily access items without having to dig. And with four separate storage compartments, it’s simple to keep all of your gear neat and tidy with the Base Camp.

You know those trips where you come home with a lot more stuff than you left with – like heading home for the holidays or a trip abroad that involves some shopping? These are precisely the times when we wouldn’t be caught without our REI Roadtripper 40 duffel bag. This bag is highly packable and very lightweight so it’s easy to stuff into your main luggage if you know you’ll need some extra space on the way back home. And its affordable price makes it a good option for use as an overnight bag or for everyday use around town. We love the versatility of the Roadtripper duffel, and we recommend it for those looking for a good balance of price and convenience.

If you need a duffel that’s rugged and fully waterproof, check out the YETI Panga 75. This beast of a bag is awesome for water-centric adventures like rafting and boating when you have important things you need to keep dry. We love the structure of this model, which makes it very easy to pack because it’s not constantly collapsing on itself. That said, it’s a little heavier and bulkier than we typically like for casual use, so when it comes to a weekend trip or flying to see a friend, the Panga isn’t our first choice. The Panga comes with a pretty daunting price tag, but we think it’s worth the splurge for those who love to play on the water – if you kayak, SUP, or love a good river float, this is the best waterproof duffel out there. This ultra durable Yeti model is a premium bag if you’re looking for the best weather protection, top-quality materials, and construction to last a lifetime.

The wheeled North Face Rolling Thunder is a great choice for those needing a convenient carry-on bag for airline travel. With sturdy, yet smooth wheels, the Rolling Thunder will get you from your door, to your terminal, and up the stone walkway of your vacation rental with ease. The telescoping handle and multiple carry options make this bag one of our favorites for plane-centric adventures. Because there isn’t much in the way of internal organization, we usually use this duffel for quick trips when we don’t have a bunch of little things and electronics to pack. That said, the rigid material of the roller does well to keep your belongings safe during transport, so you can fill this bag to the brim without worrying about damage. Compared to similar rolling duffels, the Rolling Thunder is an awesome value and it’s a great choice if you’re looking to keep the weight off your back.