Our Top Picks
Adventure Carry
The best duffel bags in the world: a well-curated collection of packs that are perfect for travel as well as outdoor and urban environments.
Ideal for two-bag travel, short getaways, or full-on expeditions… the almighty duffel bag has been efficiently hauling gear since WWII. Originally designed as a military kit bag, the duffel has evolved and transcended into the civilian world. From classic carrying styles to duffelpacks and weekender bags, we’ve done the hard work for you and selected the best “duffels for the job,” depending on your needs.
Whether you’re city hopping or going on a badass expedition, these top-rated duffels were selected for their versatility, ruggedness, and ability to enhance your adventures.
Our Choice
Best Overall Bag
Mystery Ranch is known for manufacturing some of the best load-hauling gear on the planet, and the Mission Duffel is no exception. It features the best harness and suspension system on a duffel, period.
For individuals that want a relatively comfortable duffel/backpack hybrid, the Mission Duffel is pound for pound the best.
Duffels
Best Expedition Bag
If you’re island hopping across Indonesia, horse trekking in Central Asia, or utilizing pack animals for multi-day excursions, consider the IP67-rated (submersible) Ortlieb Duffel as your new best friend.
Thanks to its laser-cut MOLLE attachment system, this bag is incredibly easy to lash onto any surface, when in transit.
Duffels
Best One-Bagging bag
This legendary carry-on duffel is a utilitarian masterpiece designed by the notorious Tom Bihn. Honestly, the Aeronaut is the bag that every duffel wants to be when they grow up – refined, functional, and built-to-last.
This duffel is ideal for one-bag travelers as it’s fully customizable and comes into two sizes: 30L and 45L (max carry-on).
Duffels
Best All-Around Bag
Aptly characterized as the Goldilocks duffel, the Stone Hauler is the best all-rounder on this list. Its not too burly nor too lightweight, but has just the right amount of toughness for most international adventures.
With its use of durable materials, all-sided padding, and slim-profile, no duffel on the market is as versatile as the Stone Hauler.
Duffels
Best Weekender Bag
The Weekender is arguable the most well designed duffel bag on the market. With its slim profile and wide top-loading design, this bag is easy to side carry and has the best built-in organization, ’nuff said…
However, the Weekender isn’t purpose-built for outdoor adventures, as its designed (near perfectly) for urban travel.
Duffels
Best Xtra-Large Bag
Made of a laminated 1000D nylon, the Base Camp is time-tested and exceptionally durable. If you’re tired of weak duffels slowing you down, then this workhorse of bag may be the answer to your prayers.
For adventure travelers, this is the only reasonably-priced expedition duffel on the market and is definitely worth the cost.
Duffels
Best of the Rest
As a stylish derivative of bikepacking duffels, the Rack-Pack Urban is a waterproof bag that’s ideal for a variety of adventures. From short trips to being a second carry-on or check-in bag for additional gear.
This duffel functions best when it’s paired with a comfortable daypack, as it offers the most versatile carry option for travelers.
Duffels
Bag Breakdown
| Duffel | Main Fabric | Volume | Shoulder Straps? | Handles? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Duffel | 840D TPU-Coated Nylon | 40L, 55L, & 90L | Yes | Yes |
| Ortlieb Duffle | PD620 (Laminated Nylon) | 40L, 60L, 85L, & 110L | Yes | No |
| Aeronaut | 1050D Ballistic Nylon | 30L & 45L | Yes | Yes |
| Stone Hauler | 600D Recycled Polyester | 45L, 60L, 90L, & 120L | Yes | Yes |
| Weekender | Recycled Nylon & Leather | 30L & 45L | No | Yes |
| Base Camp L | 1000D TPE-Coated Nylon | 95L | Yes | Yes |
| Rack-Pack Urban | PS55C (Laminated Cordura) | 21L & 31L | No | Yes |