A duffel bag is a versatile and practical luggage option that’s commonly used for short-term trips or weekend getaways. However, it’s also a great choice for checked luggage due to its ample storage space and durability.
When it comes to buying the best duffel bag for checked luggage, there are several factors to consider, such as size, material, and features.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each of these factors to help you make the perfect choice for you.
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What to Consider When Buying a Duffel Bag
Before we dive into the different types of duffel bags available, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for one:
Size and Capacity
One of the most important things to consider when buying a duffel is its size and, hence, how much it can hold. The size of the bag should be determined by the length of your trip and the number of items you plan to carry.
The general rule is that if you are going to use a duffel bag as checked luggage, it should have a capacity of up to 50 gallons.
It is important to note that airlines have size and weight restrictions for checked luggage. For domestic flights within the United States, most airlines allow bags with a maximum size of 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and a maximum weight of 50 pounds.
Durability
Durability is another crucial factor to consider when buying a duffel bag for checked luggage. Your bag will be handled by airport personnel, thrown onto luggage carts, and you may encounter harsh weather conditions. Therefore, it is essential to choose a duffel bag made of durable materials that can withstand wear and tear.
Most duffel bags are made of either nylon or polyester. Both materials are durable and resistant to abrasions and punctures. Look for a bag with reinforced stitching, strong zippers, and sturdy handles. Some duffel bags also come with a waterproof coating, which can be useful if you are traveling to a destination with wet weather conditions.
Wheels
Another feature to consider when buying a duffel bag is the presence of wheels. A wheeled duffel bag can make it easier to navigate through the airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage. However, wheels can add extra weight to the bag, which can be an issue if you are trying to stay within the airline’s weight restrictions.
If you decide to go for a wheeled duffel bag, choose one with large, sturdy wheels that can handle uneven surfaces. Most wheeled duffel bags also come with a telescoping handle, which makes it easier to pull the bag.
Compartments
A duffel bag should have ample compartments to help you organize your belongings. Look for a bag with multiple pockets, both inside and outside, so you can keep your items separate and easily accessible.
However, this is where duffel bags are lacking compared to suitcases. Their flexible design doesn’t support internal compartments particularly well. Instead, you can use packing cubes to keep your belongings organized.
Some duffel bags also come with dividers or compression straps, which can help you maximize the space in your bag and keep your items from shifting during transport.
Comfort
Finally, comfort is an important factor to consider when buying a duffel bag for checked luggage. The bag should be easy to carry, even when it is fully packed. Look for a bag with padded shoulder straps or a padded handle, so you can comfortably carry the bag for an extended period.
Types of Duffel Bags
There are many types of duffel bags available, but here are the most popular ones.
Wheeled Duffel Bags
Wheeled duffel bags are a great choice if you have a lot of belongings and don’t want to carry them all on your shoulders. They’re easy to maneuver and can be pulled behind you like a suitcase.
Backpack Duffel Bags
Backpack duffel bags are an excellent option for those who prefer to carry their luggage on their back. They offer ample storage space and are often more comfortable to carry than traditional duffel bags.
Rolling Duffel Bags
Rolling duffel bags are a combination of a suitcase and a duffel bag. They offer the best of both worlds by providing ample storage space and the convenience of wheels.
Classic Duffel Bags
Classic duffel bags are the traditional option and come in a variety of sizes and materials. They’re easy to carry, and their simplicity makes them a great option for those who prefer a no-fuss approach.
Pros of Using Duffel Bags as Luggage
Inexpensive
Duffel bags are often less expensive than traditional suitcases, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Versatile
One of the biggest advantages of using a duffel bag is their versatility. Duffel bags come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs. They also come in different materials, such as canvas, nylon, or leather. This means you can choose a duffel bag that fits your personal style, as well as the type of travel you’ll be making.
Easy to Carry
Another advantage of using a duffel bag as checked luggage is their portability. Most duffel bags come with a shoulder strap and handles, making them easy to carry. This can be especially useful if you need to move quickly through an airport or if you’re traveling to a destination where you’ll need to walk or take public transportation.
More Space
Duffel bags are generally more spacious than traditional suitcases, which means you can pack more items. This can be especially useful if you’re going on a long trip or if you’re traveling with a lot of gear, such as sports equipment or camping gear.
They are ideal for carrying items of considerable length, due to their rectangular shape. For example, I’ve sometimes been unable to fit an umbrella in a suitcase – this is where duffel bags have an advantage.
Lightweight
Duffel bags are often lighter than traditional suitcases, which can be an advantage if you’re trying to avoid overweight baggage fees. This is especially true if you choose a duffel bag made from a lightweight material like nylon.
Easy to Store
Because duffel bags are made from flexible materials, they are easier to store than traditional suitcases. This can be a big advantage if you don’t have a lot of storage space in your home or if you’re traveling for an extended period of time and need to store your luggage in a small space.
I sometimes go on trips primarily for shopping. My typical packing strategy is to take one packed suitcase to my destination, with an empty duffel bag packed inside. This gives me ample room to pack all my purchases on the trip back.
Cons of Using Duffel Bags as Luggage
Lack of Protection
One of the biggest disadvantages of using a duffel bag as checked luggage is that they don’t offer as much protection for your belongings as a traditional suitcase. Duffel bags are made from soft materials, which means they can be easily punctured or torn. This can be a concern if you’re carrying fragile items or expensive equipment.
To deal with this issue, I usually travel with two checked bags: a suitcase for items which need more protection and a duffel bag for my most resilient clothing.
No Wheels
Another disadvantage of using a duffel bag is that they often don’t have wheels. This means you’ll need to carry your bag through the airport, which can be tiring, especially if your bag is heavy.
There are wheeled duffel bags available. However, this adds considerable weight to your bag and makes it more difficult to store when it’s not in use.
No Compartments
Most duffel bags don’t have compartments or pockets, which can make it difficult to organize your belongings. This can be especially frustrating if you need to access something quickly or if you’re trying to pack efficiently.
Difficult to Stack
Duffel bags are often more difficult to stack than traditional suitcases. This can be a problem if you’re traveling with multiple bags or if you’re trying to fit your luggage into a small space.
Not as Durable
Duffel bags are generally not as durable as traditional suitcases. This is because they are made from soft materials, which means they can be easily damaged. This can be a concern if you’re planning on traveling frequently or if you’re traveling to a destination where your luggage will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear.
Our Top Duffel Bag Picks
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel Bag 90L
The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel is an excellent choice for those seeking durability and versatility.
Made from rugged, water-resistant TPU fabric, this bag can withstand the toughest travel conditions. Its design features backpack straps that can be hidden away, top and side handles, and compression straps to keep your bag as compact as possible. The bag also includes a removable divider for organization and two end pockets (one of which is waterproof). Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 100L
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is another great option.
Its durable, weather resistant TPU laminate fabric can handle any travel conditions, and its reinforced haul handles and detachable padded shoulder strap make it easy to carry. The bag also features an exterior zippered pocket and an interior mesh pocket for organization.
Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel Bag 32-Inch
If you prefer a wheeled duffel bag, the Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel is an excellent option.
Its durable polyester fabric and in-line skate wheels make it easy to maneuver through airports and streets. The bag also features multiple pockets for organization, including a large U-shaped opening for easy packing.
Osprey Transporter Duffel Bag 95L
The Osprey Transporter Duffel is a versatile and durable option.
Made from tough TPU-coated nylon, this bag can withstand tough travel conditions. Its design includes padded grab handles, a stowaway shoulder strap, and backpack straps for easy carrying. The bag also features a large U-shaped opening and multiple pockets for organization. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag Large
The North Face Base Camp Duffel is a classic and reliable choice.
Made from durable, water-resistant fabric, this bag can handle any travel conditions. Its design includes padded straps for comfortable carrying, as well as multiple pockets for organization. The bag also features a large D-shaped opening for easy packing.