The Best Duffel Bags of 2023

• Weight 3 lbs., 2.8 oz.
• Volume Options 40, 55, 70, & 100 L
• Face Fabric 900D 100% recycled polyester ripstop with TPU-film laminate
• Straps Removable backpack straps, top carry handles, 2 side handles

• Versatile, stylish design
• Durable yet lightweight
• Comfortable carry system

• Flimsy material doesn’t stay open when packing
• No zippered pockets at either end

When we think of duffel bags — this is what comes to mind. The Patagonia Black Hole ($199) has become almost synonymous with long road trips, climbing excursions in the desert, and well … adventure. But, does it live up to the hype?

After extensively testing the 55 and 70-liter models over many years, we feel that the 70-liter Black Hole is just about the perfect duffel for any travel scenario you could cook up. Rugged enough for brutal adventures, with a sleek and stylish finish for around town, its versatility is truly where it shines.

Stellar carrying comfort is one of our litmus tests of a solid duffle, and the Black Hole scores big in this department. Toting it through the airport, or schlepping it to the base of a remote crag, the cozy ergonomic shoulder straps and simple top haul handle design make this a breeze. The straps quickly deploy or detach from the bag entirely. We feel that this system hugs our body and carries better over the long run than others we tested, and we like the snap coupling on the haul handles.

One of our favorite touches? An outside zippered pocket that can be accessed from the inside or outside of the bag. We didn’t expect to love it as much as we do — but dang we use it a lot. This pocket also doubles as its stuff sack. A mesh interior lid pocket stashes small items, and the huge U-shaped opening for the main compartment is by far our top pick for zipper configurations on duffels. Internal compression straps help snug down the load.

Despite its burley 900-denier ripstop face fabric, with a shiny weather-resistant TPU laminate coating, the 70-liter clocks in at just over a respectable three pounds, and packs down small. For fast and light missions, it doesn’t add much to your overall base weight.

A lightly padded bottom protects gear from rocky terrain, and reinforced daisy chains won’t pop off when lashed to roof racks or mule backs. We do feel the vertical daisy chain configuration is limiting in some cases though.

If we had to knock the Black Hole at all (which is hard), it would be its comparatively flimsy material. It doesn’t hold its shape well when packing it up. Other duffels, such as The North Face Base Camp below, have super rigid side walls that stay open even when empty, whereas the Black Hole easily folds over on itself unless held open. We also find ourselves wishing for zippered pockets at either end of the bag on occasion.

Backpack through Europe, dirtbag it up in the desert, or visit grandma for Thanksgiving with about as much storage comfort and style as you could ask for. The Black Hole 70-liter is the bag for the job.

• Weight 2 lbs., 3 oz.
• Volume Options 40, 60, & 90 L
• Face Fabric 1000D Helix Poly & 600D Poly TPU
• Straps Removable backpack straps, 4 side handles

• Great value for the price
• Solid organization features
• Sturdy, weather-resistant construction

• No top carry handles
• Fabric doesn’t hold shape while packing
• Not the highest quality zippers

While Eagle Creek’s Cargo Hauler ($129) isn’t technically the cheapest on this list, we feel that it is absolutely the best bang for your buck of any duffel we reviewed. For under $130, you get similar durability, carrying comfort, and thoughtful organization as the best of the best.

We used this stout little bag much more than we anticipated during our testing period. It was loaded with climbing and camping gear for weekend jaunts, crammed with clothes for holiday getaways, and even packed as our primary piece of luggage for a trip to Morocco, North Africa. This is a great steal.

Ticking several of our favorite duffel bag boxes, it boasts stellar carrying and organizational features, but maintains a competitively light weight at just over two pounds. Our favorite U-shaped opening provides access to a generous main compartment, with detachable interior mesh dividers.

For even more organization, there are two zippered pockets on either end — which we think every duffel should have. One of these doubles as the bag’s stuff sack.

Cozy shoulder straps quickly slide out of a zippered pouch in the lid, and hook into loops at the base. The straps also couple together with a buckled wrap to be used as a haul handle. This isn’t our favorite design, as we prefer to have top haul handles be separate from the shoulder straps (like the Black Hole above), but this does shave some weight. Additional handles on the side, top and bottom mean you can grab it from any angle with ease.

The materials used in this duffel are undeniably robust, without adding too much bulk. A 1000 and 600-denier poly TPU face fabric guards your gear, which is waterproof with storm flaps, but not seam sealed, so the bag isn’t entirely waterproof.

We have similar gripes as the Black Hole with the loose fabric of the Cargo Hauler, and wish it stayed open better as we load it up. The extra pockets, buckles and straps are all handy, but kind of get in the way when you’re in a hurry.

We’re big fans of this affordable powerhouse, and feel confident recommending it for both casual trips and tough adventures.

• Weight 3 lbs., 13 oz.
• Volume Options 45, 60, 90, & 120 L
• Face Fabric 600D & 1500D SuperGrid ripstop & 1640D polyester
• Straps Removable backpack straps, 4 side handles

• Extremely durable materials
• Bomber tubular webbing loop around entire bag
• Foam-reinforced fabric in high-use areas

• No top carry handles
• Non-laminated fabric absorbs water faster than TPU-coated duffels
• Backpack straps aren’t the most comfortable

If you ever have to carry a duffel into battle, this is the one you want. With a bomb-proof blend of 600, 1500, and 1640-denier fabric, burly haul-loop carry system, and reinforced end caps, this blurs the line between duffel and big wall haul bag. If it wasn’t for its specialized, beefed-up design, this would probably be our top pick. It’s just so good.

We jammed the StoneHauler 120L ($230) full of spiky cams and chunky ropes on climbing expeditions in Mexico, strapped it to Land Cruisers on the muddy backroads of Kenya, and lived out of it during road trips through Appalachia. It swiftly became our favorite duffel for taxing adventures where top-notch gear protection and rugged durability are paramount.

This beast of a bag is advertised for far-flung missions to extreme environments, and it has the design to back it. The ripstop SuperGrid body material sandwiches padding on the bottom, top, and side panels for stronger durability and structure, and the end caps are reinforced with 1640-denier polyester to fight abrasion. Chunky #10 YKK reversed coil zippers on a huge U-shaped lid inspire some of the most faith in any closure system we tested.

The Haul-loop carry design, a continuous thick tubular webbing loop that wraps entirely around the duffel, is a unique adventure-specific innovation on this bag. From any angle, there’s a loop to strap something to.

Black Diamond puts its lash loops through the same load tests as their carabiners and cams, rating each one to a hefty 2kN. Strap it to a mule or drag it up a cliff by the daisy chain — those things aren’t popping off.

The organizational design is basic and streamlined, with two internal mesh pockets on the lid, and a large zippered pocket on both end caps. Internal compression straps help manage bulky loads, and removable backpack straps quickly attach to the top of the bag, and clip into the side for prolonged carry.

When our 120L model is fully loaded, however, we definitely wish for wider shoulder straps with more foam. You don’t want to be carrying it for too long.

For burly expeditions to remote corners of the world, count on the StoneHauler to get you there with about as much storage confidence as you could ask for.

• Weight 2 lbs.
• Volume Options 35 & 65 L
• Face Fabric 100% recycled 600D nylon canvas & 900D waterproof base
• Straps Single shoulder strap, top carry handles (can be backpack straps), 2 side handles

• Sleek, stylish look
• Thoughtful design
• Comfortable, versatile carrying options

• Cord hooks difficult to pull out of strap loops
• Not the best for long adventures in rough conditions

Can a duffel bag be called a piece of fine art? Well, we’re dubbing Peak Design’s Travel Duffel ($140) a masterpiece. The level of craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering put into this bag nudges it head and shoulders above any other casual travel duffel we’ve carried.

Technical specs aside, just the look of it inspires admiration. Subtle leather accents and anodized aluminum clasps complement a textured, canvas body with poly-coated zippered pockets to deliver a retro, utilitarian vibe. This is a beautiful bag.

We found the carry-on sized 35-liter version to be perfect for short flights, weekend trips to visit friends, or video projects on the road. One of the many brilliant touches in most Peak Design products is their seamless compatibility with their packing and camera cubes (sold separately). We loved clipping the small or medium camera cubes into our Travel Duffel, and hauling our sensitive film gear across the country with confidence.

For such a small bag, the modularity it boasts is shocking. It can be carted by hand with two carry handles, or slung over your shoulder with a single shoulder strap. Each strap can be configured in a number of different ways by clipping the cord hooks into any two of the 12 loops located all around the bag.

The hand carry was the most natural configuration for us, but the webbing of these handles is long enough to be clipped such that you can wear it as a backpack — though not super comfortably if the bag is fully loaded. This is a great design, but the cord hooks inspire a bit too much confidence. We feel like we are going to rip the loops off the bag every time we adjust the strap position.

Durable fabric and padding on the bottom and sides boost gear protection, and internal rods provide some structure as you pack the bag. The center zip opening isn’t our favorite design but works well with the way this duffel is laid out, and the bars hold the bag from folding in as it’s loaded up. A grand total of four low-profile external zippered pockets, and two internal mesh pockets round out this duffel’s stellar organization options.

Peak Design’s Travel Duffel isn’t the best choice for rugged expeditions to the backcountry, but for frontcountry style and functional storage on the road, it’s hard to beat this sleek, charming bag.

• Weight 8.5 oz.
• Volume Options 30 L
• Face Fabric 70D Robic nylon UHMWPE ripstop, with PU waterproofing & 50D mini ripstop nylon
• Straps Top carry handles, front and back grab handles, single shoulder strap that splits into backpack straps

• Ultralight
• Extremely packable
• Waterproof materials (not submersible)

• Lower durability than other duffels
• Thin, basic carry straps aren’t the most comfortable

A duffel bag that fits in the palm of your hand? We were skeptical as well. But give Matador’s Freefly 30L Packable Duffel ($85) a chance and you’ll be throwing it in your suitcase for every long trip.

We struggled to imagine which scenarios we would use this for when ordering it for testing. But, after packing it as our carry-on for multiple flights, and as a secondary bag for day trips on a multitude of extended adventures, we’ve given it more love than we ever would have expected.

First things first — the packed size. Though it boasts a variety of extras you see on fully-featured travel duffels, like multiple external zippered pockets, compression straps, top, and side carry handles, and a shoulder strap that splits into backpack straps, it barely registers on the scale at 8.5 ounces and crams down to about the size of a softball.

It is a bit hard to get it into the mesh stuff sack at first, but we figured out the trick after a few tries. One of the side pockets also doubles as a stuff sack.

We didn’t expect our lightest duffle to also be one of our most waterproof, but aside from YETI’s Panga, this thwarted moisture more than most. Fully taped seams, sealed YKK zippers, and PU-coated 70-denier ripstop nylon combine forces to form an essentially waterproof vessel (though it’s not intended for submersion).

So, what’s the rub? With 50 and 70-denier fabric, this also registers as our least durable model, and the low weight means no padding and thin webbing on the straps. This won’t hold up to the same torture as the mighty StoneHauler above, or carry as comfortably, but at this weight and size, it is hard to quibble about its flimsy nature.

We love the Freefly for quick day trips to swimming holes in the summer, as a carry-on while flying, or as a backup duffel to throw into larger luggage. Its tiny pack size makes this great for setting out on side quests in the midst of long road trips or international excursions.

With a specked-out design at an approachable price point, we think this is a fantastic little duffel to snag for those just-in-case moments during your travels, or as a standalone pack for ultralight missions on the road.

• Weight 6 lbs., 13 oz.
• Volume Options 40 & 94 L
• Face Fabric 840D recycled ballistic nylon with DWR finish
• Straps Three side carry handles, telescoping top handle

• Durable, weather-resistant fabric
• Sturdy wheels and chassis
• Carry-on compatible

• Heavy
• Pricey compared to duffels of similar volume
• Wheeled duffels aren’t as versatile

As duffel bags explode in the travel scene, many manufacturers have realized the value of crossing the convenience of a duffel, with the ease of standard wheeled suitcases. While they don’t work for every travel scenario, wheeled duffels like the Base Camp Voyager ($240) can alleviate a lot of stress on your body, and carry heavy loads much better.

We narrowed in on the 21-inch Base Camp Voyager as our top pick for this category. Its durable design, water-resistant materials, and carry-on compatible size make it a prime duffel for domestic and international adventures alike. The large rugged wheels and sturdy chassis accommodate tougher terrain than other rolling bags, and we feel comfortable lugging it over dirt roads and uneven ground while traveling overseas.

Constructed with the same 840-denier ballistic DWR nylon as their wildly popular regular Base Camp Duffel, this wheeled iteration provides greater structure and overall gear protection than its traditional cousin. While we wouldn’t recommend using it for the same sort of expeditions, the wheeled version does have reinforced lash points on three sides of the duffel, so could be strapped to a roof rack or motorcycle if need be.

The design is minimal but functional, without the bells and whistles of common rolling suitcases. You won’t get the same level of organization, but an internal mesh zippered pocket, a top external zippered pouch for small essentials, and a laptop sleeve on the outside of the lid give you enough to get by.

The Base Camp Voyager epitomizes the outdoor travel aesthetic in a bomb-proof, adventure-ready design. It runs a bit on the pricey side and is significantly heavier than regular duffels, but the durability, weather protection, and ease of transport you get with this bag make it a worthy investment.

• Weight 6 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Volume Options 50, 75, & 100 L
• Face Fabric EVA molded bottom & ThickSkin waterproof nylon shell
• Straps Removable backpack straps, 4 side handles

• Fully waterproof
• Extremely durable material
• Simple, easily attachable backpack straps

• Minimal feature set
• Heavy
• Expensive

For most of your travel needs, a bomb-proof, fully submersible, waterproof travel duffel isn’t on the shortlist. But some adventures — like snowy winter expeditions, multi-day rafting trips, or tours through wet climates — may require such a burly bag.

If wet climates or river trips are in your future, YETI’s Panga 75L ($350) stands out as one of the best waterproof duffels on the market. Tipping the scales at over six pounds, it is undeniably a chunker but kept our sensitive gear bone dry on long paddling trips and torrential downpours around camp. For such peace of mind, the high price tag and hefty weight make it worth the cost.

A fully submersible zippered bag? These are rare finds. YETI’s unique Hydrolok zipper is entirely waterproof, and features a rubber “U-dock” at the end, which ensures a completely airtight seal. The zipper takes a bit of a yank to open, but is consequently incredibly sturdy and durable. The bag actually boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means its contents will stay dry for roughly 30 minutes at a depth of one meter.

An EVA molded bottom provides a tough landing pad, and the welded TPU panels with ThickSkin waterproof nylon serve as an impenetrable barrier against moisture. To reduce the amount of stitching that needs to be reinforced, the bag is quite minimally featured, with one big main compartment and two small internal zippered mesh pockets. Simple, vertically oriented daisy chains on the sides provide adequate lashing options to boat decks or pulk sleds.

Two handles on either end of the Panga allow you to hoist it around from different angles, and removable shoulder straps quickly clip onto the bag with sturdy aluminum clasps. These are minimally padded, so beware when hauling seriously heavy loads. The straps can also be used as top carry handles.

While this isn’t the best duffel to pick up for everyday casual use, if long days on the river or cold, wet winter trips are on the docket, this would be a great companion. 

• Weight 3 lbs., 6.4 oz.
• Volume Options 40, 65, 95, & 120 L
• Face Fabric 900D & 600D TPU-coated DWR recycled polyester
• Straps Stowable backpack straps, 4 side handles

• Uber comfortable backpack carry straps
• Durable, quality materials

• Minimal extra pockets
• Not many lashing points

Widely considered one of the most comfortable duffel bags to carry long distances, Osprey’s Transporter ($200) is a popular, durable shoo-in for this guide. Osprey is perhaps best known for their cushy backpacking backpacks that are ubiquitous on trails around the world — and the Transporter reflects that.

A full yoke backpack harness that deploys from a pouch in the lid, with a vertically adjustable sternum strap, and plush ventilated shoulder straps lend credence to Osprey’s reputation for a comfortable carry over the long haul. Of all the duffels we tested, this wore us down the least while carting it like a backpack through a village, or waiting in line for hours at passport control.

We took the 95-liter model on demanding overland missions in Africa, rainy road trips through Appalachia, and international climbing excursions to test its durability, weather resistance, and carrying comfort. This was a definite contender for our top pick, but a few design choices of other duffels bumped them just ahead.

The bag carries incredibly well, but we wish there were top carry handles in addition to the backpack straps, similar to Patagonia’s Black Hole design. Having the lid hinge from the top of the bag, instead of the side, isn’t our favorite layout either, as it makes the lid narrow and flimsy which can be a frustration while packing.

These are small nitpicks for an otherwise brilliantly designed, tough-as-nails bag. The 900-denier polyester shell with a smooth TPU coating is a formidable barrier between your gear and the elements and stood up to some serious torture during our testing period.

Massive padded haul handles on each side of the bag are some of the largest we’ve seen, and a few sturdy lash points allow you to strap it down with confidence. We wish there was a longer daisy chain for a more even tie-down, but we made do just fine.

A single large internal mesh pocket and an external zippered pocket on one side constitute its simple organizational features. Still, we quite enjoyed the stripped-down, sleek feel of the bag while charging around bustling markets overseas or navigating busy airports. This is a stylish but effective duffel.

For travelers who can’t quite decide between a traditional backpack and a duffel bag, the Transporter would be the perfect crossover piece for stellar storage, and world-class comfort on long trips.

• Weight 1 lb., 6 oz.
• Volume Options 40, 60, 100, & 140 L
• Face Fabric Recycled polyester
• Straps Single shoulder strap, top carry handles, 2 side handles

• Affordable
• Simple, sleek design
• Lightweight and packable

• Simple straps are uncomfortable during long carries
• Fabric isn’t as durable or water-resistant as other models

While most of the models on this list offer complicated handle layouts, bleeding-edge fabric technology, and pockets galore, REI’s Roadtripper ($65) harkens back to the duffel bag’s roots. What you get with this bag — a simple polyester tube with a few straps — may be just the minimalist, retro design you’re after.

If you seek something quick and easy to get the job done, you’ve found it. But don’t let the basic structure and rudimentary design of the Roadtripper fool you. This duffel holds its own on demanding trips when you need it to, then packs down to almost nothing when you’re ready to stow it.

We particularly appreciated it on a recent extended climbing trip, where it housed our random excess gear and camping equipment that didn’t necessarily need top-notch protection from the elements. Its lightweight design meant we could easily pack it away in our larger luggage when we didn’t have a use for it anymore.

Its recycled polyester shell fabric doesn’t have the same weatherproof durability as other fancy TPU-coated duffels, but it is still abrasion-resistant and somewhat water-resistant — and boasts greater sustainability than many in this list.

We do like the strap layout of this bag, but the lack of padding and backpack straps makes it less than optimal for long carries. With two haul handles on the top and bottom, two top carry handles that velcro together, and a single shoulder strap, you can easily grab the bag from any angle. Simple, vertical daisy chains allow you to strap it to vehicles if the need arises.

While this wouldn’t be our top pick for technical assaults on alpine peaks, the Roadtripper 100L delivers surprisingly solid performance considering its simple, compressible profile. This is a great bag for impromptu road trips, or as additional lightweight storage on gear-intensive journeys. And at $65, it’s a darn good steal.

• Weight 3 lbs., 9.1 oz.
• Volume Options 31, 50, 71, 95, 132, & 150 L
• Face Fabric 1000D polyester with PVC coating & 840D DWR ballistic nylon
• Straps Removable backpack straps, top carry handles, 2 side handles

• Durable, time-tested design
• Comfortable carry system

• Zipper can be difficult to open and close
• On the heavier side

This iconic duffel has developed something of a cult following during its 40+ years of service to the outdoor community. The Base Camp Duffel ($149) has become the poster child of remote alpine expeditions and wild forays to the far-flung places of the world — but does it hold up to the competition today?

Pop into the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and you’re likely to still see a procession of these bright yellow sacks parade in front of you on the luggage carousel as climbers arrive. The Base Camp’s layout has remained quite similar during its history across four decades, and this timeless, trustworthy design is largely what keeps explorers hooked on it.

So why isn’t it our top pick? With so many quality bags out there, the decision was admittedly difficult. But in the end, a few key design decisions bumped other duffels a smidge above the Basecamp in our opinion.

This bag sports our favorite strap and main opening configurations: two top carry handles, two side haul handles on the top and bottom, and removable padded backpack straps with a large U-shaped lid. For us, this is hands down the most comfortable, versatile setup for packing, grabbing, and transporting a duffel with ease. Compression straps on the side allow for a tight, manageable package.

Drumming up any qualms for this duffel is hard, but our main frustration has to do with the zipper. It is quite stiff, and is difficult for us to close quickly and smoothly (at least on the medium size). It also clocks in a tad heavier than other models of similar volume, but the durability you get makes up for it.

The 1000 and 840-denier polyester and ballistic nylon combo with PVC and DWR coatings is about as bomber and weatherproof as it gets, and horizontal daisy chains allow for an even tie-down. Drag it through thorny underbrush, strap it to a yak, or throw it into the dusty bed of a truck — your gear will stay protected.

This legacy bag has helped countless mountaineers and adventurers achieve their dreams in wild environments, and remains a solid choice today despite fierce competition. For whatever mission you can conjure up, the Base Camp Duffel will tackle the job.

• Weight 2 lb., 10 oz.
• Volume Options 50 & 70 L
• Face Fabric 840D ballistic nylon & TPU coated 1000D polyester
• Straps Removable backpack straps, top carry handles, 2 side handles

• Stylish design with lots of fun color schemes
• Durable materials
• Fantastic organization

• Backpack straps attachment design isn’t our favorite
• No internal compression straps

Style meets function with this nifty little duffel, and we keep discovering things we love about it each time we pack it up for an adventure. The Allpa 50L ($140) was a strong contender for our best casual use duffel award, but its beefed-up fabric and outdoor-oriented design make it a bit more of a niche bag than Peak Design’s Travel Duffel. 

This has one of the more clever solutions for dirty laundry we’ve seen on a duffel, which is a constant conundrum for our author on long trips. As filthy clothes amass mid-trip, a dedicated discrete zippered pocket underneath the main compartment swallows them up, and a gusseted pouch slowly expands into the main storage as dirty gear replaces clean. Pretty smart. 

Our favored layout for carrying comfort is featured here: top carry straps coupled together with a velcro handle, cozy removable backpack straps, and haul handles on the top and bottom. The backpack straps attach to the bag by feeding the webbing through buckles, which takes some time and isn’t our favorite design choice. 

There are pockets galore on this bag, and we never have trouble keeping our gear organized. In addition to the dirty laundry compartment in the base, a zippered mesh pouch on the lid, large external zippered pockets on one end and one side, and two velcro pouches on either side provide more storage than most. The velcro pouches also conveniently stow the top carry handles for a more streamlined feel.

Cotopaxi is known for its wild color schemes and fun, funky designs — which translates beautifully with this bag. Muted and flashy colorways abound for whatever your vibe might be.

While the Allpa looks great around bustling towns or quaint remote villages, it’s built like a workhorse and won’t shy away from an adventure. Hefty TPU-coated 1000 and 840-denier polyester and ballistic nylon protect your gear, and can hold up to some serious abuse on outdoor missions. Reinforced horizontal daisy chains round out its rugged aesthetic.

This is without a doubt one of the better duffels for gear organization on long trips, and we love its style and functionality. For overseas jaunts to distant European cities, or technical adventures through unpredictable terrain, the Allpa holds its own through it all.

• Weight 3 lbs., 9 oz.
• Volume Options 45, 60, 90, & 120 L
• Face Fabric 630D nylon & 900D polyester diamond ripstop with TPU coating
• Straps Removable backpack straps, top carry handles, 2 side handles

• Durable, no-frills design
• Expedition-oriented features

• Backpack straps take some time to remove
• No internal compression straps

This unassuming, simple duffel is understandably one of the more popular models for tough adventures in unpredictable climates. A number of our author’s mountaineering friends recommended the Gregory Alpaca ($160) for this guide, as it delivers no-frills, reliable durability, and weather-resistance for high-altitude alpine excursions or burly winter expeditions.

While we weren’t able to test it in most extreme conditions, we found it to be a sturdy, functional duffel on our tamer travel tests. It follows a similar strap configuration as our favorite Patagonia Black Hole, and has a much better daisy chain design, with reinforced loops that run horizontally along the bag’s length. Compression straps on the side help snug down large loads, but there are unfortunately no internal ones.

The 630-denier nylon and 900-denier diamond ripstop fabric with a TPU coating shrugs off any torture you send its way, and holds up to significant exposure to rain or snow. The massive U-shaped lid has two mesh pockets with diagonal zippers, which is a small design tweak that really helps open these pockets with ease.  

One side of the duffel has a large zippered pocket, but we wish there was one on both ends. The removable straps are quite comfortable, though take a bit of time to attach, and feel a bit thin when the bag is fully loaded.

The Alpaca delivers just what you need and nothing more. We find we gravitate to this streamlined reliable model for long international forays and local road trips alike, and truly appreciate its simple functionality.

• Weight 3 lbs., 12 oz.
• Volume Options 50, 80, & 120 L
• Face Fabric 600D polyester with TPU film
• Straps Removable backpack straps, top carry handles, 2 side handles

• Affordable
• Comfortable carrying options
• Functional adventure-ready design

• Not as durable as other expedition duffels
• Minimal extra zippered pockets
• No internal compression straps

This bag was made for one thing — carrying tons of gear to far-off lands — and we’d say it does that pretty darn well. The burly Expedition Kitbag ($155) was on the shortlist for our best expedition duffel award, but we feel that the StoneHauler ekes in just above it in some key areas. 

Regardless, this incredibly durable, reliable bag delivers expedition-ready quality at a surprisingly affordable price point. Its tough shell fabric, thoughtful features, and top-shelf carrying comfort make it a phenomenal choice for any adventure you could cook up. 

The 600-denier TPU-coated polyester shell with a reinforced base provides great weather resistance and durability, but is a bit thinner than other battle-ready duffels on our list, and showed more signs of wear after similar tests. This does help cut down on weight though, particularly with the massive 120-liter version. 

Top carry handles, two side haul handles on the top and bottom, and removable thickly-padded backpack straps decorate the Kitbag, but the main opening isn’t our favorite, especially with larger volumes. Though it is a U-shaped lid, it hinges from the top instead of the sides, making it thin and flimsy — a frustration while packing or trying to grab something from the mesh pockets in the lid. Aside from these pockets in the lid, the only other pockets are two internal mesh pouches.

The backpack straps are some of the more comfy ones we tested, with thick breathable mesh and daisy chains that run the strap’s length. They aren’t the quickest to attach to the bag, but the adjustability they offer is nice. Swiveling clips on the bottom of the straps ensure they don’t get twisted while pulling it on and off. This is actually a super helpful touch.

All-in-all, this rugged duffel is a great option for demanding adventures on a budget. The $155 price tag makes this an approachable piece of high-tech expedition gear that won’t let you down in extreme conditions.

• Weight 2 lbs., 9.5 oz.
• Volume Options 45, 65, 95, & 135 L
• Face Fabric 420D carbonate-coated ripstop nylon
• Straps Removable backpack straps, 2 side handles, single 25 mm webbing shoulder strap

• Sleek, haul bag inspired design
• Comfortable backpack straps
• Lightweight
• Effective dirty laundry system

• Minimal lashing points
• Few additional pockets
• Lower durability materials

The Camp 4 Duffel ($160) from Mountain Hardwear is another staple in the outdoor community, and has accompanied many an adventurer to exotic locales. Its newest iteration offers a unique flair to the classic duffel design, with a haul bag-inspired layout and simple, rugged aesthetic.

While we like several elements of this update, we wish they had retained some key features of previous models — namely the lid and daisy chain setup. The large U-shaped opening of old has been replaced with a single center zipper. This shaves some weight and simplifies the opening, but we just can’t get over the ease of accessing tons of gear at once that the old lid offered.

Additionally, while previous Camp 4s had nice horizontal daisy chains running the entire length of the bag, this update eliminates lash loops entirely, leaving only the haul handles and shoulder straps as tie-down options for transport. Internal compression straps are a huge bonus though, and help keep everything cinched up tight.      

Those gripes aside, this bag still deserves a spot on our round-up for its time-tested durability and thoughtful features. 420-denier carbonate-coated ripstop nylon is used on the face fabric, which keeps this light and packable, but ready to handle some brutality. 

This wouldn’t be suited for the same level of abuse as other bags like the StoneHauler though, and is better used on more casual adventures where keeping weight down is of chief importance.

Aside from a large external zippered pocket on one end, the organization of this bag is quite minimal. One extremely useful touch is an internal cinch-closure pocket for dirty clothes or muggy boots. This easily tucks out of the way when everything is clean, and slowly expands with dirty laundry as your trip progresses. 

Another unique feature of this bag are the internal grab handles that allow you to easily move the duffel around without zipping it up. We can’t say we’ve seen this on any other duffel and found ourselves using it way more than we thought we would. 

We were quite attached to our previous Camp 4 model, so the overhaul in this new iteration has taken some getting used to. But, we still feel it is objectively one of the better duffels on the market from an extremely reputable brand. We don’t have any qualms about bringing it on rigorous romps in the mountains, or international outings alike.  

• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Volume Options 45, 65, 90, & 130 L
• Face Fabric 1000D nylon with waterproof tarpaulin laminate
• Straps Removable backpack straps, 4 side handles

• Impenetrable fabric
• Modular strap configurations

• Minimal organizational features
• Heavy

If simple durability with a few unique flairs is your cup of tea, this is the duffel for you. Despite having one of the most rudimentary organizational designs of any bag on this list — one large main pocket with a single additional internal pocket — Sea to Summit’s 90L Duffel Bag ($200) came on way more technical trips than we expected during our testing period. 

Outdoor-oriented specs like reinforced lash points, impenetrable 1000-denier nylon with waterproof tarpaulin laminate, compression straps, and a multitude of carry options make this a battle-ready model for the toughest of trips.

We immediately appreciated how stiff the fabric is on the first outing we took this on, as it stands up even while empty, making packing it up a breeze. You do pay for this a bit with a 4.5-pound reading on the scale, however. 

Though this doesn’t have center carry handles, thick haul handles on each side of the bag and modular backpack straps give you solid carrying options. These multi-function straps quickly clip onto the bag and can be configured in three different ways: hand grip, backpack, or single shoulder strap mode. 

Magnets in the straps snap together and hold them in the hand grip position, though we wish they were a bit stronger, as they come apart easily. 

The cons of this bag lie in its lack of extra pockets, which is a bit of a drawback for us on serious expeditions. With only one extra internal mesh pouch, you are essentially limited to the large main compartment for storage. 

While it’s not our top pick for stellar organization, if you need a bag that will get the job done without the bells and whistles of more complicated bags, this would be a great option. It has a minimalist layout, but proved to be a hardworking technical duffel for long arduous adventures.