The Best Duffle Bags for Those Dedicated to Travel | Gear Patrol (2024)

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For short trips, travel light. The duffle — aka a carryall or weekender bag — is designed to hold enough clothes to keep you looking fresh, whatever grooming products you require (within reason) and a few other daily essentials (e.g. laptop, reading materials, headphones). When deciding on the best duffle bag for your lifestyle, first analyze function, then hone in on an aesthetic.

Do you need a bag for professional business trips? What about a weekend at the lake with your friends? Maybe you’ll be on the slopes for 48 hours? No matter the type of excursion, one of these weekenders will keep your necessities organized and compact, all without compromising classic styling.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Best Overall Duffel Bag

Peak Design

Best Overall Duffle Bag

Peak Design Travel Duffle

This bag features magnetic snap handles, elegant design and interior pockets that offer lots of opportunity for organization. It’s also 100 percent waterproof and is made with a tough-as-nails 600D nylon canvas external shell.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimensions	22 x 14 x 10 inches (35 L), 13.4 x 29.9 x 12.6 inches (65 L)
Capacity	35 L, 65 L
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• Elegant, stylish design
• Interior expands as needed when overpacked
• Weatherproof thanks to durable 600D nylon external shell
• Lots of interior pockets for storage, plus magnetic handles for secure grip

Cons

• A few users say their magnetic handles were weak
• The shoulder strap is weak, according to one user

Read our full review of the Peak Design Travel Duffle

• $130.00 at Peak Design

A part of Peak’s larger travel collection, the Travel Duffle does the work of a suitcase while being significantly smaller. It comes ina simple black or olive and, in our tester’s experience, seems to expand along with whatever you stuff inside it. Sure, it has its limit, but our tester never reached it, and they pack too much every time.

We love it for its magnetic snap handles, elegant design and interior pockets that offer lots of opportunity for organization. It’s also 100 percent waterproof and is made with a tough-as-nails 600D nylon canvas external shell.

Best Upgrade Duffle Bag

Korchmar

Best Upgrade Duffle Bag

Korchmar Twain

Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 10 inches Capacity: 35 LWarranty: 5 years

Korchmar knows how to make durable, functional bags. The company was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1917 by Russian immigrant Max Korchmar, the company started with visors for automotive headlights before it shifted to briefcases and luggage. It made products for the Army and Air Force during both WWI and WWII, and, in recent years, has contract manufactured for premium luggage brands around the world.

They’re the company that other brands go to when they want it done right, so why not go straight to the source? Korchmar’s Twain weekender is made with full grain American leather that’s finished with natural oils and waxes so it’s weatherproof. Lined with a 6.4-ounce twill, the bag features clamp down ends with solid brass hardware, and features a handful of internal storage pockets. We’ve used this bag on countless flights, roadtrips and train rides across multiple continents and it looks no worse for wear. Simply, it’s the best bag you can get for your money.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	U.S.A.
Dimensions	22 x 14 x 10 inches
Capacity	35 L
Warranty	5 years

Pros

• Handsome design that never looks out of place
• Incredibly well built and durable
• Weatherproof outer and lined inner

Cons

• More expensive than many other options
• Handle button closure can be tight as first

• $695.00 at korchmar.com

Korchmar knows how to make durable, functional bags. The company was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1917 by Russian immigrant Max Korchmar, the company started with visors for automotive headlights before it shifted to briefcases and luggage. It made products for the Army and Air Force during both WWI and WWII, and, in recent years, has contract manufactured for premium luggage brands around the world.

They’re the company that other brands go to when they want it done right, so why not go straight to the source? Korchmar’s Twain weekender is made with full grain American leather that’s finished with natural oils and waxes so it’s weatherproof. Lined with a 6.4-ounce twill, the bag features clamp down ends with solid brass hardware, and features a handful of internal storage pockets. We’ve used this bag on countless flights, roadtrips and train rides across multiple continents and it looks no worse for wear. Simply, it’s the best bag you can get for your money.

Best Affordable Duffle Bag

Amazon

Best Affordable Duffle Bag

See Also

Switchback Travel | Best Duffel Bags of 2024The 16 Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market [Wheeled & Non-wheeled]The Best Waterproof Duffel Bags for Every Type of TravelerBest Travel Duffel Bags - Discover the Art of the Duffle Carry

Readywares Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag

Country of Manufacture: ChinaDimensions: 20 x 9 x 9 inchesCapacity: 26 LWarranty: Lifetime

Light packer? Readywares entry is perfect for you. It has a capacity of just 26L, meaning just a few shirts, maybe one pair of pants and probably no shoes — besides the ones on your feet. But, for $60 bucks I can’t help but want one myself. The waxes canvas gives it some waterproofing while the double-stitching makes it tougher than cheaper bags out there.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimensions	20 x 9 x 9 inches
Capacity	26L
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• Tough cotton-polyester blend straps
• Waxed canvas makes it waterproof
• Double-stitching enforced for stronger construction

Cons

• May be too small for some users
• Some say its zippers are too weak

• $50.00 at Amazon

  $60.00(17% off)

Light packer? Readywares entry is perfect for you. It has a capacity of just 26L, meaning just a few shirts, maybe one pair of pants and probably no shoes — besides the ones on your feet. But, for $60 bucks I can’t help but want one myself. The waxes canvas gives it some waterproofing while the double-stitching makes it tougher than cheaper bags out there.

Best Adventure Duffel Bag

Patagonia

Best Adventure Duffel Bag

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia’s best overall travel bag is a duffle first, but its removable straps make it easy to convert into a backpack. The recycled polyester pack proves tough, lightweight and easy to manage, whether when stuffing it into the overhead bin or back of an RV.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	Vietnam
Dimensions	21 x 13.7 x 10.6 inches
Capacity	40L, 55L, 70L, 100L
Warranty	14 months

Pros

• Tough weatherproof exterior shell made from ripstop synthetics
• Available in vibrant, interesting colors and patterns
• Lots of freedom to pack due to its large compartment
• Packs into itself when not in use

Cons

• Mediocre warranty
• Requires packing cubes to keep things tidy

• $159.00 at Patagonia

A steadfast classic, Patagonia’s best overall travel bag is a duffle first, but its removable straps make it easy to convert into a backpack. The recycled polyester pack proves tough, lightweight and easy to manage, whether when stuffing it into the overhead bin or back of an RV.

It also packs into itself when you’re not using it, meaning you can store this like a stuffable rain jacket — compact, compressed and tucked away. Its freedom to stuff may present a problem, though, as there aren’t many interior pockets to keep things organized. Good thing packing cubes exist …

Best Duffle Bag for the Outdoorsman

Filson

Best Duffle Bag for the Outdoorsman

Filson Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

Made in the U.S.A., this medium duffle from Filson is made from a rugged, industrial-strength canvas finished with a light wax. It comes with bridle leather straps and features brass hardware. Its two-pocket interior is unlined.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	U.S.A.
Dimensions	20 x 12 x 13 inches
Capacity	43L
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• Sturdy YKK zippers and waxed for waterproofing
• Reinforced leather accents and stitching
• Abrasion-resistant to handle scuffing

Cons

• Expensive
• Not many interior pockets

• $575.00 at Filson

Made in the U.S.A., this medium duffle from Filson is made from a rugged, industrial-strength canvas finished with a light wax. It comes with bridle leather straps and features brass hardware. Its two-pocket interior is unlined.

Best Duffle Bag for New Parents

Courtesy

Best Duffle Bag for New Parents

Monos Metro Duffel

A duffel that doubles as a diaper bag, Monos’ modern Metro Duffel is a sleek option for heavy travelers. It’s built to work in tandem with the brand’s suitcases, but any suitcase with a trolley handle will do just fine. You can buy it in rip-resistant nylon or durable vegan leather. The leather look is more luxe, while nylon proves more utilitarian.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	Canada
Dimensions	16.3 × 11.2 × 7.2 inches
Capacity	22L
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Pros

• Available in several colors and two tough fabrics, including vegan leather and nylon
• Comes with a magnetic bag that snaps off, making it modular
• Works well with other trolley suitcases, furthering modular build

Cons

• Several users say it weighs too much (specs say it’s about half a pound)
• Subpar warranty compared to other items on this list

• $179.00 at monos.com

A duffel that doubles as a diaper bag, Monos’ modern Metro Duffel is a sleek option for heavy travelers. It’s built to work in tandem with the brand’s suitcases, but any suitcase with a trolley handle will do just fine. You can buy it in rip-resistant nylon or durable vegan leather. The leather look is more luxe, while nylon proves more utilitarian.

Best No-Frills Duffle Bag

July

Best No-Frills Duffle Bag

July Daybreak Weekender Bag

This bag comes in three colors, taupe, black and navy, and has a padded base with metal feet so it always sits upright. It also develops a nice patina through use, making it look better with age.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimensions	20 x 9.4 x 8.6 inches
Capacity	38L
Warranty	5-year warranty

Pros

• Large enough to pack for a weekend and then some
• Padded base lets it sit upright when its set down
• Sturdy and durable build

Cons

• May be too generic for those who want style
• No exterior pockets

• $175.00 at July

Dubbed the Away of Australia (by us), July makes a generously sized, perfectly generic bag for quick jaunts — ones where carrying a suitcase is too much. This bag comes in three colors, taupe, black and navy, and has a padded base with metal feet so it always sits upright. It also develops a nice patina through use, making it look better with age.

Best Duffle Bag for Organization

Filson

Best Duffle Bag for Organization

Filson Traveller Outfitter Bag

This bag marks the first collaboration with country superstar Chris Stapleton and the revival of one of Filson’s best archival designs. This bag is emblematic of the collaboration as a whole, with vegetable-tanned leather (courtesy of Pennsylvania’s fabled Wickett & Craig), water-resistant Rugged Twill fabric and plenty of utilitarian storage options.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	U.S.A.
Dimensions	35L
Capacity	8 x 12.5 x 14.5 inches
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• More organization options than other Filson bags
• Rugged, good-looking materials
• Great warranty

Cons

• Expensive
• Shape is top-heavy for shoulder strap use

• $995 at Filson

Released in collaboration with country superstar Chris Stapleton the Traveller Outfitter Bag revives of one of Filson’s classic archival designs. With vegetable-tanned leather (courtesy of Pennsylvania’s fabled Wickett & Craig), water-resistant Rugged Twill fabric and plenty of utilitarian storage options, it gives users more organization options than typical Filson bags.

Our tester found the added storage to be incredibly helpful for multi-week trips, holding changes of clothes, extra shoes, a laptop, a Dopp kit and a slew of guitar pedals. The bottom of the bag zips open horizontally and is ideal for separating dirty clothes, bulky sweaters or additional footwear. The side zippered pockets extend the full width of the bag giving additional room for necessities like passports, charging cables, GPS units and more.

Best Cotton Canvas Duffle Bag

Nisolo

Best Cotton Canvas Duffle Bag

Nisolo Luis Weekender

This Waxed Cotton Canvas Weekender bag is water-resistant and as classic as it gets. Plus, considering its removable crossbody strap and its simple cotton interior, it’s quite versatile, too.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	Peru
Dimensions	20.5 x 11.5 x 10 inches
Capacity	38L
Warranty	None

Pros

• Handsome cotton canvas design with leather accents
• Water-resistant (not waterproof) for moisture protection
• Memory foam shoulder pad

Cons

• No warranty offered
• Capacity is unlisted, and users say it runs small

• $250.00 at Nisolo

This Waxed Cotton Canvas Weekender bag is water-resistant and as classic as it gets. Plus, considering its removable crossbody strap and its simple cotton interior, it’s quite versatile, too. Get it in waxed canvas brown or olive––both have attractive leather accents and handles to make it stand out. Its capacity is unlisted, however, and users say the bag is too small.

Best Compact Duffel Bag

Away

Best Compact Duffel Bag

See Also

What Are the Best Duffel Bags for Travel?

Away F.A.R Duffle

Away’s outdoors-focused F.A.R. Duffle features an exterior made from abrasion-resistant, 100 percent recycled polyester, and it hides a zipper pocket big enough for a passport and your phone.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimensions	12.2 x 21 x 9.8 inches (40 L)
Capacity	40 L, 55 L, 70 L
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• Multiple ways of carry
• Has daisy chains for extra storage
• Polyester shell is abrasion- and water-resistant

Cons

• Lacks many pockets, including exterior
• Warranty isn’t the greatest

• $150 at Away

Away’s outdoors-focused F.A.R. Duffle features a detachable strap that lets you carry it on your shoulder or by hand, and its bag-length zipper makes packing (and unpacking) easy. Its exterior is made from abrasion-resistant, 100 percent recycled polyester, and it hides a zipper pocket big enough for a passport and your phone.

Most Colorful Duffel Bag

Baboon

Most Colorful Duffel Bag

Baboon To the Moon Go-Bag Small

Country of Manufacture: ChinaDimensions: 10.5 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches (40 L)Capacity: 32 L, 40 L, 60 LWarranty: Limited-lifetime

With Bamboo’s Go-Bags, you’ll never lose sight of your luggage. They come in many bright colors, including an alarming orange edition, but yellow, blue, purple, black, green and teal, too.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimenions	10.5 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches (40 L)
Capacity	32 L, 40 L, 60 L
Warranty	Limited lifetime

Pros

• Available in a wide array of colors, including seasonal ones
• Exterior is tough and claims to be machete-proof
• Extremely durable shell can stand up to abrasion and holds shape well

Cons

• Spacious interior almost requires packing cubes, similar to Patagonia’s Black Hole duffle
• Shoulder straps aren’t the comfiest

• $169.00 at Baboon

With Bamboo’s Go-Bags, you’ll never lose sight of your luggage. They come in many bright ass colors, including an alarming orange edition, but yellow, blue, purple, black, green and teal, too. The company claims the shell is so tough that it’s machete-proof.

Best for Large Loads

The North Face

Best for Large Loads

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag

A few years ago, our tester couldn’t get over how cool glossy outdoor-first bags like Patagonia’s Black Hole Bag or The North Face’s Base Camp Duffel looked. This bag is made with a durable 1000D polyester body with a PVC coating for weatherproofing.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	Vietnam
Dimensions	14 x 25 x 14 inches
Capacity	71 L
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• 1000D polyester shell for abrasion and water protection
• Comes in several shiny colors
• Extremely tough build, construction and shell

Cons

• Shiny PVC-coated exterior isn't for everyone
• Heavy compared to other duffles

• $149.00 at The North Face

A few years ago, our tester couldn’t get over how cool glossy outdoor-first bags like Patagonia’s Black Hole Bag or The North Face’s Base Camp Duffel looked. They definitely still are, but you see the usual colorways at every airport. And, like classic songs appearing on the radio, in perpetuity, too. Pick one you don’t see as often, like black on black on black. This bag is made with a durable 1000D polyester body with a PVC coating for weatherproofing.

Best Dry Duffle Bag

Filson

Best Dry Duffle Bag

Filson Large Dry Duffle Bag

Country of Manufacture: ImportedDimensions: 30 x 12.25 x 25.5 inchesCapacity: 90 LWarranty: Lifetime

If you need a truly waterproof bag, try Filson’s Dry Duffle Bag, a dry bag made bigger. It has a top that seals and then rolls, keeping water out, and the entire thing is made from flexible PU-coated 840-denier nylon, a tough material that repels water and prevents rips.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	Imported
Dimensions	30 x 12.25 x 25.5 inches
Capacity	90 L
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• Completely waterproof, including water-tight rolltop
• 840-denier nylon shell resists abrasions and scuffs
• Extremely spacious

Cons

• Strong nylon and webbing results in a stiffer bag
• Only sold in two sizes

• $315 at Filson

  $315(0% off)

If you need a truly waterproof bag, try Filson’s Dry Duffle Bag, a dry bag made bigger. It has a top that seals and then rolls, keeping water out, and the entire thing is made from flexible PU-coated 840-denier nylon, a tough material that repels water and prevents rips.

Best Throwback Style Duffle Bag

Sealand

Best Throwback Style Duffle Bag

Sealand Choob S Duffle Bag

Sealand’s bags are handmade in Cape Town, South Africa. This bag is constructed from 100 percent upcycled materials — 70 percent upcycled polyester and 30 percent upcycled nylon — promising durability but also eco-consciousness. Plus, it’s cylindrical for easy stuffing and unloading.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	South Africa
Dimensions	17.7 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches
Capacity	25 L, 49 L
Warranty	10 years

Pros

• Extremely stylish cylindrical silhouette, plus excellent accents and colors
• Unique shape
• Available in two sizes, with a smaller one perfect for the gym or small day trips

Cons

• Expensive considering size
• Handmade means shipping can take a while

• $175.00 at Sealand Gear

Sealand’s bags are handmade in Cape Town, South Africa. This one, in particular, was constructed from 100 percent upcycled materials — 70 percent upcycled polyester and 30 percent upcycled nylon — promising durability but also eco-consciousness. Plus, it’s cylindrical for easy stuffing and unloading.

Best Italian Made Duffle Bag

Troubadour

Best Italian Made Duffle Bag

Troubadour Explorer Embark Duffle

This bag features a shoe cabin at the bottom, a zipped and padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop and a detachable strap that helps you sling it over your shoulder. Without it, it fits, because there’s a built-in sleeve, well over your suitcase handle.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	Italy
Dimensions	19 x 11.5 x 8.5 inches
Capacity	30 L
Warranty	5 years

Pros

• Waterproof fabric, including liner in pockets
• Light and durable
• Features an interior laptop pocket

Cons

• Only available in one size
• Compartment isn’t very wide

• $295.00 at Troubadour

Troubadour does a good job of not prescribing a specific function to the Embark Duffle. It doesn’t matter whether you carry it to work like a gym-bag-briefcase hybrid or haul it on weekend trips to the woods, it works all the same. There is a shoe cabin at the bottom, a zipped and padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop and a detachable strap that helps you sling it over your shoulder. Without it, it fits, because there’s a built-in sleeve, well over your suitcase handle.

Best Duffle Bag for Shoes

Herschel

Best Duffle Bag for Shoes

Herschel Novel Duffle

Herschel’s Novel Duffle doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but it’s built with a shoe cabin, a mesh storage sleeve, removable shoulder straps and a waterproof zipping system.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimensions	11.75 x 20.5 x 11 inches
Capacity	42.5 L, 45 L
Warranty	Limited Lifetime

Pros

• Features interior space for a pair of shoes
• Trolley sleeve works well
• Tough 600D fabric

Cons

• Not much variety in sizes
• Snug zipper opening to main compartment

• $100.00 at Herschel

Looking for the most basic bag you can find — and at a cost that won’t eat into your trip funds? Herschel’s Novel Duffle doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but it’s built with a shoe cabin, a mesh storage sleeve, removable shoulder straps and a waterproof zipping system.

Best Minimalist Duffle Bag

Courtesy

Best Minimalist Duffle Bag

Rains Weekend Bag

This minimalist bag by Danish brand Rains is excellent for any weekend getaway with inclement weather. The main compartment fastens with a two-way sealed zip to keep your clothing and accessories safe and dry.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimensions	10.6 x 20.5 x 10.2 inches (37 L)
Capacity	19 L, 37 L, 47 L
Warranty	2 years

Pros

• No-frills design and clean exterior
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Water-resistant shell

Cons

• No pockets, just one compartment
• Not entirely waterproof

• $95.00 at rains.com

This minimalist bag by Danish brand Rains is excellent for any weekend getaway with inclement weather. The main compartment fastens with a two-way sealed zip to keep your clothing and accessories safe and dry.

Best Luxury Canvas Duffle Bag

MR PORTER

Best Luxury Canvas Duffle Bag

Bennett Winch Weekender Holdall

This canvas weekender is made in England and holds about 40 liters. It has two top handles, an internal zip pocket, a padded tablet sleeve, a waterproof shoe compartment and leather accents.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	England
Dimensions	6.7 x 13.8 x 21.3 inches
Capacity	40L
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• Attractive, handsome design and style
• Waterproof shoe compartment and lined pockets keep things dry
• Tough canvas cotton with quality leather accents, even on pockets

Cons

• Expensive
• Not enough organization

• $1,300 at MR PORTER

This canvas weekender is made in England and holds about 40 liters. It has two top handles, an internal zip pocket, a padded tablet sleeve, a waterproof shoe compartment and leather accents.

Best Duffle Bag for Umbrellas

Stuart & Lau

Best Duffle Bag for Umbrellas

Stuart & Lau The Monaco

Stuart & Lau’s waterproof weekender bag, the Monaco, is built from waterproof materials, and has lock-compatible zipper pulls and sleeves for your passport, wallet or any other valuables.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimensions	11.5 x 20.3 x 10.3 inches
Capacity	35 L
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• Umbrella slot keeps it handy whenever you need it, without taking up interior space
• Waterproof twill fabric and materials
• Lock-compatible zipper pulls for safekeeping your goods

Cons

• Relatively heavy compared to others on this list
• May be too snug or small for some users

• $335.00 at Stuart and Lau

Stuart & Lau’s waterproof weekender bag, the Monaco, is built from waterproof materials, and has lock-compatible zipper pulls and sleeves for your passport, wallet or any other valuables. It also has a handy umbrella slot for tucking one into in case you live in a rainy climate, and a tiny slot for an Apple AirTag. Plus, it comes in two colors, black, navy and espresso.

Best Budget-Friendly Duffle Bag

Boarding Pass NYC

Best Budget-Friendly Duffle Bag

Boarding Pass NYC Work Hard, Play Hard Duffel

From Brooklyn-based brand Boarding Pass NYC, the Work Hard, Play Hard Duffel does everything you need a mid-sized bag to do. It’s durable, comes with enough room for all your essentials and proves easy to carry.

Specs

Country of Manufacture	China
Dimensions	19.5 x 9.75 x 9.75 inches
Capacity	30.4 L
Warranty	Lifetime

Pros

• Made with tough, durable 1000D nylon for taking a beating
• No-frills design with enough room to fit shoes, thanks to a dedicated compartment

Cons

• Questionable stitching
• Color isn’t accurate, according to photos

• $89.00 at Boarding Pass NYC

From Brooklyn-based brand Boarding Pass NYC, the Work Hard, Play Hard Duffel does everything you need a mid-sized bag to do. It’s durable, comes with enough room for all your essentials and proves easy to carry.

What to Look for

Your preferred luggage doesn’t need to be on four wheels, because while most duffle bags make sense for shorter trips, there are bigger ones, too, which could easily replace a carry-on suitcase if asked to.

As such, it’s important to understand the bag you’re buying before you, well, buy it. There’s a big difference between a weekender bag (small) and a road trip rucksack (massive).

Size

Volume is the easiest way to gauge how big a given duffle bag is. The higher that number, the bigger the bag. Sure, the dimensions might give you a better picture of the bag’s true shape, but a 27L bag will always be smaller than a 45L bag.

The carry-on dimensions for airlines is 14 by 10 by 22 inches, which is usually plenty of room for most duffles. Ones bigger than this, though, won’t be allowed on the plane. And duffle bags don’t offer nearly as much protection from irreverent airline workers, however few there are.

If your duffle bag is smaller than 18 by 14 by 8 inches — i.e. it’s about the same size as a standard backpack or a big tote — it could work as your personal item. It’s your call whether you want to push it, especially on an airline that charges a fee for carry-on bags.

Straps

There are three ways to carry a duffle bag: over your shoulder, across your body or in your hand. Each way requires different straps. As such, be mindful of which your bag comes with and whether they’re removable. If the shoulder strap comes off, for example, you can carry the bag by hand using the shorter handles, which typically don’t come off.

When they’re at their heaviest, I find duffle bags easier to carry by hand. If it’s overfilled, it causes undue pressure on your shoulder, and it typically bounces against your side as you walk. In hand, sure, it’s harder on your arms, but it’s easier on the rest of your body.

Material

It’s probably smart, especially if you’re planning to check the bag at any point, to pick out a duffle bag that’s both waterproof and abrasion resistant. This way the bag can withstand a light drizzle on the tarmac or a toss into a sharp corner. Plus, it helps keep the contents of your bag… in your bag.If not waterproof, simply seek out durable — like waxed canvas, tin cloth or nylon.

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