Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Here are our editor-approved picks for everything from weekends away to rugged adventure travel.
Credit: Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim
Its also sustainably made with 100 percent recycled fabrics.
In terms of organization, zippered internal pockets provide a space for smaller items.
When fully packed, compression straps help to keep the load stable.
Credit: Amazon
The straps make it comfortable to carry, though, and stow away neatly when not in use.
Choose yours in black, olive, mustard yellow, or slate blue.
Organization features are fairly basic.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
One of our favorite features is the bags ability topack down into this same pocketfor conveniently compact storage.
The duffel is made from hardy polyester ripstop with a water-resistant TPU-film laminate.
After a month of testing, it showed no signs of wear and tear.
Its also planet-friendly, being made in a Fair Trade Certified factory from 100 percent recycled materials.
While the overall quality was high, we did have some concerns about the longevity of the strap material.
We also liked the thoughtful organization features which made it easy to find belongings at a moments notice.
On the outside of the bag, magnetic snaps add a level of security to two end pockets.
Despite its capacity, the duffel is both portable and lightweight.
The overall durability is slightly let down by plastic strap clips.
Snap-down ends keep the shape sleek while allowing for wide-mouthed, easy packing.
The recycled polyester and nylon fabric also contributes to the duffels overall lightness.
We found the lightweight duffel to be durable, with no visible wear sustained during testing.
Credit: Patagonia
External and internal pockets including one especially designed for an Apple AirTag round out the duffels features.
We found the latter comfortable, although we wish the plastic clips were sturdier.
It gets heavy quickly when packed full.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
After using it for a year, it hasnt shown any signs of distress.
Other highlights include an easy-to-pack clamshell opening and a choice of carrying styles.
Use the fiberglass-reinforced top handles or the removable, padded shoulder straps for hands-free backpack-style transportation.
Colors include black, red, fir green, and slate blue.
It gets heavy when packed full, especially because the carry strap isnt very comfortable.
When you want a single, unstructured space, the dividers fold away into the bottom pocket.
Its too big to fit under most airline seats once fully packed.
Wildly spacious for its size, we were able to fit four days worth of belongings without trouble.
A U-shaped opening makes it easy to pack and retrieve items quickly.
We wish the crossbody strap was padded.
Calpak offers neutral core colors and brighter limited-edition shades that launch sporadically.
The opening is narrower and therefore more awkward to pack than others on this list.
We found it ideal for stowing in an overhead compartment thanks to its soft, unstructured design.
It had a narrow opening that was a little awkward to pack.
There are five in total, providing ample opportunity to organize quick-access items however you like.
Theres also a single zippered compartment inside the duffel.
The latter can be removed when not in use.
Finally, colors include gray, blue, army green, and coffee.
This is reflected in the price, though, making it a decent option for those on a budget.
However, the style felt a little utilitarian, and we wish there were more organization features.
Our Testing Process
Results for this article were pulled from several different duffel and weekender testing sessions.
For each bag, the testing process was the same.
This allowed us to evaluate its capacity and the usefulness of any organization features.
We have included both carry-on and larger checked duffels on the list above.
Leather is another option for those wanting a more stylish aesthetic.
Some bags have metal hooks that will be more durable but also heavier than plastic details.
You may also need a designated laptop pocket for business travel to keep your electronics protected.
Decide on the number and placement of pockets that best suit your needs and find a duffel to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely.
I find that usingcompression packing cubesis one of the most effective ways to pack a duffel.
Credit: Monos
How you clean a duffel depends on its materials.
For this reason, its always advisable to check the individual manufacturers instructions before attempting to do so.
You may also be able to remove dried dirt using a soft-bristled brush.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Gregory
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Yeti
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Dagne Dover
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Calpak.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Amazon
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure/Nick Kova
Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova
Travel + Leisure
