When it comes to travel gear, duffel bags are a classic. They’re flexible enough for air travel, with pliable construction that allows them to squish into overhead bins without much effort. They’re also sturdy and well-suited for long trips, able to hold a week’s worth of clothing and supplies. But with so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which one is right for you. To help, our longtime GearLab testers—Maggie Nichols, Miya Tsudome, Nick Bruckbauer, and Hale Milano—have sifted through dozens of options to find the best duffel bags for your next trip or adventure.
This ultimate duffel bag guide from the venerable outdoors brand boasts a slew of useful features, including a side-access to the main compartment zipper that runs the full length of the bag. It’s a great feature that eliminates the need to open the entire bag to grab something from the bottom or the top of the bag, especially for quick-access items like socks, gloves, and underwear. The other standout is the padded laptop and tablet sleeve that tucks neatly into the back of the duffel, keeping your electronics safe and secure.
As an added bonus, the sleeve’s exterior D rings double as attachment points for backpack straps. That means you can easily convert this duffel into a backpack for hiking or mountaineering trips. A pass-through band at the bottom of the bag allows you to add a compression strap to further reduce bulk, and the YETI signature QuickPass pocket is an easy way to stash your passport or wallet while traveling through airport security.
If you’re looking for a duffel bag that’s as durable as it is spacious, the Elevation Plus from Samsonite is your match. Its expandable body makes it a great choice for air travel, with T+L Senior Editor Jasmine Grant frequently shoving the bag into and out of overhead bins. The recycled polyester material is extra hardy, too—Grant has even dropped the bag several times from a height of about three feet and found it to be unaffected.
The Norwegian powerhouses at Db are known for disrupting a crowded field, and that mentality has carried over into their Hytta series. Their innovative rib cage technology combines with lightweight, malleable materials to create a travel duffel that’s both protective and sleek. Their wide opening is reminiscent of a 1940s doctor’s bag and is flanked by thoughtful organization, giving this bag a look that’s hard to ignore in a sea of duffels.
Waterproof duffels are a must-have if you plan to use your bag for outdoor adventures in inclement weather. The YETI Crossroads is an excellent option, though it’s expensive, overbuilt, and heavy, making it better suited for weekend getaways than expedition travel. The SealLine WideMouth, on the other hand, is a true waterproof duffel bag, offering real protection for your gear and valuables. It’s pricier, but it’s well worth the investment for frequent travelers or adventurers who don’t want to risk losing their gear.