Nowadays, duffel bags are built to do more than carry clothes. Thanks to smart designs and features for every travel scenario, the average duffel is expected to be a certified gear hauler with durability to boot. After putting a handful of these bags through the wringer, here are my favorites.
Marmot Long Hauler ($110 and Up)
Plenty of duffels have straps that convert them into backpacks, but the rises above the crowd because it’s actually comfortable when worn on your shoulders. When fully-loaded, the pack carries well because cushy, padded straps with top and bottom fasteners keep the duffel tight against your back. And the organization is off the charts: it features a small zipper pocket for keys, a wallet, and a phone, two shoe pockets (on either end of the bag), a large interior bag for dirty clothes, and a big zippered pocket on the lid that works for magazines or snacks. It comes in four sizes, too: 35, 50, 75, and 105 liters.
The North Face Rolling Thunder ($269 and Up)
This is as much of a piece of , but that’s what I love about it—it gives me the cavernous space and packability of a duffel with the “I need to catch my connection” convenience of a roller. The North Face took its bomber Base Camp Duffel (made from 1,000-denier polyester) and reinforced it with nylon for added durability. There aren’t many frills—just a few long, slim zipper pockets on the top panel and a separate external pocket that’s big enough for toiletries or dirty clothes but not big enough for shoes. I’d like for this “sweaty laundry” pocket to be bigger. I have the 22-inch version (40 liters), which is plenty big for a weekend trip yet still small enough to fit in most overhead bins, but you can opt for larger sizes (80 and 155 liters).
OtterBox Yampa Dry ($250)
You don’t need …until you do. OtterBox’s watertight Yampa has more features than your typical overbuilt drybag, including a low-density foam exoskeleton that adds a layer of protection to your goods inside, interior pockets, and a surprisingly comfortable backpack harness system. The body of the bag is made from waterproof TPU nylon with a thicker nylon material on the ends and body, so you can throw it around without worry. The only bummer (other than the price)? This heavy-duty bag isn’t light. The 35-liter version I tested weighs almost five pounds. There are multiple grab handles, and tie down straps make it easy to lash this thing to a boat. Otterbox also offers the Yampa in 70 and 105-liter models.
Filson Tin Cloth Field Bag ($150)
Filson loves to build its products with tin cloth, a canvas that’s waxed and oiled under high pressure to make it puncture, tear, and water-resistant. As a result, looks like something Indiana Jones would load into a sea plane and take around the world. I wouldn’t submerge this bag, but it can handle the rain and get tossed around the bed of a truck and somehow come out looking better for it. (Seriously, tin cloth improves with age and use.) Consider this your statement-making carry-on duffel that can put up with years of abuse.
Cotopaxi Uyuni ($80)
In true Cotopaxi form, the is a little bit weird, but in all the right ways. Crazy colors aside, the first thing that stands out about the duffel is the single cross-body strap, which I like because it’s well padded and secures the bag to your body better than your standard shoulder strap. I also like the messenger-style release on that strap, which makes for easy removal after a long day of hauling clothes and snorkel gear through multiple airport connections. But my favorite attribute? Unlike most duffels, the Uyuni has a dedicated padded laptop sleeve, which means I can use this as my one and only bag on short trips when I don’t want to check luggage. It’s 46 liters and overhead compatible.
Matador Transit ($32)
I take on 95 percent of my trips. At five ounces, it’s light and packs into a stuff sack the size of a soda can, so I can tuck it into my bag and bring it out to carry dirty clothes or souvenirs for the kids. And it’s more than just a glorified grocery bag: the Transit is made from waterproof Cordura nylon with interior sealed seams. I wouldn’t use it on a river trip (it’s waterproof but not submersible), but it can keep 30 liters of goods dry in a rain shower.