Best Duffel Bags For Travel (2020 Update)

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Best Duffel Bags for Travel Buyers Guide

These are my favorite carry-on friendly duffel bags for travel. The goal of this list is not to include each and every cloth sack with a shoulder strap. Instead I strive to only include bags that are travel friendly, easy to carry, and will fit in the overhead of most airlines. My goal is to keep this post updated with the most recent information, and eventually personally test each and every one of these bags. Please let me know if I missed any great travel duffel bags, I love feedback!

What bags are included in this list?

• Bags are in the 30-45 liter range. This is broadly the maximum legal carry size for the majority of airlines. Not all bags in this list will comply with regulations for every airline. For updated info, check my Carry on Luggage Dimensions table before you fly.
• Many of these duffels are convertible, meaning they can be carried using a traditional duffel shoulder strap, as well as well as backpack straps.
• One-bags are intended to be mobile and versatile, not cumbersome. I only include bags that be easily carried so you can easily transfer from crowded airports to public transportation and your hotel. No rolling luggage is included in this list.

Aer Travel Duffel

Cost: $170
Capacity: 35 liters
Dimensions: 21.3″ x 12.6″ x 9.1″ (54 x 32 x 23 cm)
Weight: 3.7 lbs (1.68 kg)
Laptop: 15.6”
Materials: 900D polyester, YKK zippers, Duraflex buckles
OBT Reviews: Travel Pack 2 Review, Aer Travel Pack 2 vs. Minaal 2.0
Shop: Aer Travel Duffel

The duffel bag version of their bestselling Travel Pack. The Aer Travel Duffel has almost identical features to the Travel Pack, but rotated for easy side-carry. Functional carry-on sized duffel, with a quick access laptop, front slash-pocket, and tough 900D fabric. A mid-sized one-bag, with a clamshell style opening for clothes or gear. This bag is great if you love the class look of the Aer Travel Pack, but prefer a duffel bag style carry.

All of Us Sherpa Classic

Cost: $99
Capacity: 39.3 liters
Dimensions: 20″ x 12″ x 10″ (51 x 30 x 25 cm)
Weight: 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg)
Laptop: 19″ x 11″ x 1″
Materials: Cotton canvas, PU treated leather
Shop: Sherpa Classic Duffel:

“All of Us” offers some high quality, reliable, duffel bags for reasonable prices. This versitile duffel has convertible backpack straps, a padded laptop compartment, a shoe pocket, and great exterior organizational pockets. To top it off, they donate 10% of profits to the International Rescue Committee to help people affected by conflict.

Arc’teryx Carrier Duffel

Cost: $190
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 24.8″ x 19.3″ x 17.3″ (63 x 49 x 44 cm)
Weight: 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: PU coated nylon, sealed seams, WaterTight ™ zipper with storm flap.
Shop: Arc’terxy Carrier Duffel 40

A simple, lightweight, waterproof, minimalist duffel for folks who like it simple. This is a very minimalist duffel, with no sternum or hip strap, and only one large main compartment, and no additional smaller pocket for keys, electronics etc. The dimensions listed on the website are grosely large for this 40L bag, as well as being soft-sided, it can be squished to fit into almost any airline overhead if not overpacked.

Best American Duffel N°3

Cost: $132
Capacity: 30 and 46 liter versions
Dimensions 30L: 19″ x 11.5″ x 9″ (48 x 29 x 23 cm)
Dimensions 46L: 21″ x 13″ x 10″ (53 x 33 x 25 cm)
Weight: 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg), and 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 1000D Cordura nylon, seat-belt webbing, nickle-plated hardware
Shop: Duffel Bag N°2 (30L), and Duffel Bag N°3 (46L)

Made in America, Buy It For Life quality. This classic duffel bag comes in two sizes great for travel, a minamilst 30 and a max carry 46 liters. You will not be dissapointed with the quality of this bag, 1000D Cordura fabric, thick seatbelt nylon webbing straps, and solid nickle-plated hardware. Convert both these bags to backpacks for easy carry.

Boundary Supply Aegis Duffel Pack

Cost: $142.49
Capacity: 32 liters
Dimensions: 19″ x 11.5″ x 9″ (48 x 29 x 23 cm)
Weight: 3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 500D Kodra nylon, DWR coating, YKK zippers
Shop: Aegis Duffel Pack

This beaut is the latest addition to Boundary Supplie’s lineup, new for 2020. Known for their modular backpacks, and especially the Prima backpack, Boundary makes some solid backpacks, especially handy if you’re a photographer and need modular compartments. The black pouch is a dry bag (WR Pouch), not included in the price of the duffel.

Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel

Cost: $100
Capacity: 35 liters
Dimensions: 19″ x 11.5″ x 9″ (48 x 29 x 23 cm)
Weight: 1.0 lbs (0.45 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: Nylon/cotton shell, YKK zippers
Shop: Cotopaxi Chumpi Duffel

The Chumpi is a fantastically simple, classic, duffel bag at a great price. Hide-away backpack straps, shoulder strap, beefy fabric, large capacity, with a low 1.0 lb weight. What more could you want in a duffel?

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel 40L

Cost: $99
Capacity: 42.5 liters
Dimensions: 22.8″ x 12.5″ x 8.8 (58 x 32 x 22 cm)
Weight: 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: TPU 600D Poly, 1000D Helix™ Poly Twill
OBT Reviews: Cargo Hauler Review, Best Duffel Bags for Travel
Shop: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40

The Cargo Hauler is a no-nonsense maximum carry-on size duffel bag. It’s ultralight and simple, weighing in at only 1.5 lbs. The 2020 update added interiro dividors, reduced the capacity a few liters, and slimmed down the end grab handles. The Cargo Hauler is designed as a budget duffel, while being very affortable, it lacks many organizational and comfort features of higher prices packs. There is no shoulder strap carry option (weird for a duffel), and very little back padding.

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Travel Pack

Cost: $139
Capacity: 43-51 liters (expandable)
Dimensions: 21.5″ x 12.5″ x 10.5″ (unexpanded), (55 x 32 x 27 cm)
Weight: 2.06 lbs (0.93 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 100% Recycled Poly Neo Diamond , 1000D Helix™ Poly Twill
Shop: Eagle Creek Cargo Gear Warrior

The Gear Warrior Travel Pack is an update to the discontinued Load Hauler Expandable, which is still available on Amazon. It’s a large, full opening duffel with a zippered expandable bottom, and the huge capacity can expand to a overhead-busting 51 liters. The convertible backpack straps, shoulder strap, and durable ripstop construction make this a good all-around travel duffel at a reasonable price.

Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 40L

Cost: $79
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 18.5″ x 10.3″ x 9.5″ (55 x 32 x 27 cm)
Weight: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: TPU 900D Poly Twill , 1680D Ballistic Poly Recycled PVB
Shop: Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 40

A simple, weather resistant duffel bag constructed from durable 900D TPU coated polyester. Convertible hide away backpack straps, and top carry handle give you multiple carry options, however it doesn’t include a shoulder strap. The wide-mouth opening makes this bag harder to pack compared to full zip-duffels like the REI Big Haul 40.

L.L Bean Adventure Pro Duffel

Cost: $119
Capacity: 43 liters
Dimensions: 22″ x 13″ x 9.5″ (56 x 33 x 24 cm)
Weight: 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 420D ripstop nylon, TPU coating
Shop: L.L. Bean Adventure Pro Duffel

Kinda reminds me of a blend between the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40, and the Patagonia Black Hole 40, but with a few improvements. Unlike those other two, the Adventure Pro comes with a shoulder strap! The large main compartment is perfect for storing loads of gear, while an interior mesh pocket, and two large end pockets are great for smaller items. Switch between the removable backpack straps and the shoulder strap, and store the unused one in the end pocket.

Mammut Cargon 40 Duffel

Cost: $129.95
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 18.9″ x 14″ 9.1″ (48 x 36 x 23 cm)
Weight: 1.9 lbs (0.86 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 2520D ballistic polyester
Shop: Mammut Cargon 40 Duffel

This is a large volume, durable workhorse duffel bag, with some slightly bright coloring. This is a pretty minimalsit duffel bag, with only the attached backpack straps, and no additional top carry handles or shoulder strap option. If you’re looking for a large beefy cloth sack with a water-proof bottom, this is a good option, but if you’re looking for more features, keep scrolling my friend =)

Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel 40

Cost: $150
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 23″ x 13″ x 12″ (58 x 33 x 30 cm)
Weight: 3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 840D TPU, 1000D Cordura, or waxed nylon, YKK zips
Shop: Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel 40

This rugged, waterproof duffel bag from Mystery Ranch may soon be your favored travel companion. Newly updated for 2020 with backpack straps, and some waxed nylon fabrics. The bag comes in 3 sizes, but the 40L version is the only one that makes sense for carry-on travel. The Mission Duffel offers a large interior duffel pouch with 4 interior pockets. It can be carried by shoulder strap, top handle, or hide-away backpack straps.

Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

Cost: $279.99
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 21″ x 14″ x 9″ (53 x 36 x 23 cm)
Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.90 kg)
Laptop: 15″
Materials: Tarpaulin TPU, Duraflex hardware
OBT Reviews: Nomatic Travel Bag (2018 V1),
Shop: Nomatic Travel Bag 40 , Nomatic Travel Pack 30

A functional travel duffel that converts into a backpack. The Nomatic Travel Bag is made with thick, water-resistant TPU coated tarpaulin that keeps it’s form when not fully packed. They upgraded the bag for 2020, with a slimmed weight, and improved back air ventillation. Features include water bottle pocket, shoe compartment, cord organizer, and laptop pocket. The backpack straps easily convert into a top-carry handle for ease of transport.

North Face Base Camp XS

Cost: $100
Capacity: 31 liters
Dimensions: 17.7″ x 11″ x 11″ (45 x 28 x 28 cm)
Weight: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 1000D TPE laminate, 840D ballistic nylon
Shop: North Face Base Camp XS

In terms of size, quality, and comfort, the Base Camp can be compared to the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, Osprey Transporter, and REI Big Haul. Three of my all-time favorite travel duffels. It joins the ranks by being a simple minimalist duffel with large capacity at a very low price. You’ll get convertible backpack straps, and a large capacity main compartment, but not much more. No cross-body shoulder carry option, and just one small interior mesh pocket.

Osprey Arcane Duffel Pack

Cost: $130
Capacity: 30 liters
Dimensions: 18.5″ x 12.2″ x 10.6″ (47 x 31 x 27 cm)
Weight: 1.9 lbs (0.86 kg)
Laptop: 15″
Materials: 500-denier recycled polyester packcloth
Shop: Osprey Arcane Duffel Pack

Backpack carry straps, a shoulder strap, AND a padded laptop sleeve? Woah. All in a nice little 30 liter package that will fit under the seat on most airlines. This sleek minimalist duffel is made with solid 500D packcloth, and aluminum hardware. The spacious interior compartment has a small mesh pocket for small items.

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

Cost: $115
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 20.9″ x 12.2″ x 10.6″ (53 x 31 x 27 cm)
Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 840D Nylon TPU coated, YKK zips
OBT Reviews: Osprey Transporter Review, Best Duffel Bags for Travel, Patagonia Black Hole vs Osprey Transporter
Shop: Osprey Transporter 40

An extremely sturdy, waterproof workhorse of a duffel, and one of my favorites. The Osprey Transporter Duffel has one large main duffel compartment with two smaller side pockets. It can be carried with webbing handles, a cross body shoulder strap, or hide-away backpack straps for longer treks. They made some much needed improvements in 2020, including more subdued color schemes with less obvious logos, good touch Osprey.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 40

Cost: $129
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 21″ x 13.7″ x 10.6″” (53 x 35 x 27 cm)
Weight: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 900D ripstop nylon, TPU laminate and DWR, YKK zips
OBT Reviews: Patagonia Black Hole 45 (2018 Version), Best Duffel Bags for Travel, REI Big Hole vs Patagonia Black Hole, Patagonia Black Hole vs Osprey Transporter
Shop: Patagonia Black Hole 40

A burly waterproof duffel with bombproof fabric and hardware that converts to a backpack. The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is a simple workhorse duffel with a large U-opening top compartment, and small 2 interior pockets. It can be carried using the top and side carry handles as well as the padded, removable backpack carry straps. Unfortunately Patagonia removed the cross-shoulder carry strap several iterations ago, and it has yet to make a comeback.

Red Oxx Lil Hombre

Cost: $285
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 19″ x 13″ x 10″ (48 x 33 x 25 cm)
Weight: 4.0 lbs (1.81 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 500-denier recycled polyester packcloth
Shop: Red Oxx Lil Hombre

The Red Oxx Lil Hombre is a spacious 3-pocket duffel with robust metal hardware. Access the main pocket from the top and fill it with additional Red Oxx packing cubes. An exterior compression strap holds all your gear in place. The bag is also equipped with easy to adjust retractable backpack straps.

REI Big Haul 40 Duffel Bag

Cost: $89.95
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 21.3″ x 13.4″ x 10.2″ (54 x 34 x 26 cm)
Weight: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 400D nylon, TPU coated
OBT Reviews: REI Big Haul 40 Review, Best Duffel Bags for Travel, REI Big Hole vs Patagonia Black Hole
Shop: REI Big Haul 40

Another bomb-proof duffel by the makers of fabulous outdoor gear, and one of my top 4 duffel bags of all time. The REI Big Haul 40 Duffel is a spacious pack that looks great and fits more than you think it would. Hide-away backpack straps make this convertible duffel great for carrying, while compression straps hold your gear in place.

Thule Chasm 40L

Cost: $119.95
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 22.1″ x 12.6″ x 10″ (56 x 32 x 25 cm)
Weight: 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 1000D nylon
Shop: Thule Chasm 40L

The Chasm is another simple minimalist duffel with multiple carry options. Top grab handles, removable backpack straps, and a cross-shoulder strap make this bag easy to get around in crowds. Weather resistant TPE coating keeps your gear dry, and a classic large-mouth opening give you easy access to your gear.

Thule Crossover 2 Duffel

Cost: $199.95
Capacity: 44 liters
Dimensions: 22.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (58 x 35 x 25 cm)
Weight: 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg)
Laptop: 11″ tablet pocket, no laptop compartment
Materials: 1000D nylon
Shop: Thule Crossover 2 Duffel

The Crossover 2 is designed with a slim design, giving it business briefcase look. The minimalist design and solid unassuming colors make this one of the best duffel bags for travel for both casual and business travelers. It has an interesting design unusual in a duffel bag, with a lid that opens from both the top and side for easy access to main compartment.

Timbuk2 Wander Backpack Duffel

Cost: $179
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 22.8″ x 15″ 7.5″ (58 x 38 x 19 cm)
Weight: 3.7 lbs (1.68 kg)
Laptop: 15”
Materials: 420D ripstop nylon
Shop: Timbuk2 Wander Backpack

The Timbuk2 Wander Backpack Duffel is a functional travel duffel with comfortable hide-away backpack straps. A large duffel compartment with internal mesh pockets holds the bulk of your gear. Convertible backpack straps, water resistant fabric, and a separate shoe compartment make this bag a great choice for travelers.

Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30 and 45

Cost: $290 (30L) and $300 (45L)
Capacity: 30 and 45 liters
Dimensions 30: 19.7″ x 12.6″ x 7.9″ (50 x 32 x 20 cm)
Dimensions 45: 21.9″ x 14″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Weight: 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) and 3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 1050 ballistic nylon, 525 ballistic halcyon, or 400D halycon (your choice), YKK zips
Shop: Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30, and Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45

You will absolutely not be disappointed with the Tom Bihn Aeronaut. This is one of the toughest, well-organized, best duffel bags for travel in the maximum one-bag category. A large main compartment with cinch straps and internal mesh pocket hold your large items. Smaller side zip pockets can be used for shoes, dirty clothes, or any smaller items. Choose the Hayclon® fabric for an added 10 oz. weight savings.

Topo Designs Mountain Duffel

Cost: $149
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 22″ x 11″ x 10″ (56 x 28 x 25 cm)
Weight: 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 1680 ballistic nylon, YKK zips
Shop: Topo Designs Mountain Duffel

The Topo Designs Mountain Duffel is a classic, vintage style duffel with a spacious main compartment. Rugged and versatile, the Mountain Duffel can be carried by the top handle, or the stow-away backpack straps. Internal and external organization pockets make it easy to find your smaller items.

Tortuga Setout Duffel Bag

Cost: $149
Capacity: 35 liters
Dimensions: 22″ x 12″ x 9″ (56 x 30 x 23 cm)
Weight: 3.8 lbs (1.72 kg)
Laptop: No
OBT Reviews: Tortuga Setout Backpack Review
Materials: 900D polyester with DWR coating
Shop: Tortuga Setout Duffel Bag

The Tortuga Setout travel backpack is one of my all-time favorite travel backpacks. This is basically the duffel bag version of the backpack, with top carry handles and a cross-body shoulder strap instead of backpack straps. Inside is a large compartment for your clothes, and the great organization you expect from Tortuga. With a padded laptop sleeve, shoe compartment, and a ton of pockets for smaller items this is definitely one of the best duffel bags for travel .

WANDRD Hexad Carryall Duffel

Cost: $224
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Weight: 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg)
Laptop: 15”
OBT Reviews: Hexad Access Duffel (similar style)
Shop: WANDRD Hexad Carryall

The WANDRD Hexad Carryall Duffel is a sturdy, versatile duffel bag. With tough waterproof ballistic nylon fabric, this bag will stand up to your toughest treatment. The main pocket opens to a large duffel compartment. Interior and easy accessed side pockets organize your smaller items. The padded back and comfortable backpack straps ensure your back, and your gear remain happy and comfortable.

YNOT Viken Duffel

Cost: $249.99
Capacity: 22-36 liters
Dimensions: 19″ x 9″ x 8-13″ (48 x 23 x 20-33 cm)
Weight: Unlisted
Laptop: Nope
Materials: 600D Tough Duck or 1000D Cordura
Shop: YNOT Viken Duffel

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