Going on camping trips can be fun but not so when you do not have a good duffel bag to stuff all you will need in. It can dampen your mood or even ruin the whole experience for you.
However, with the best duffel bag, you are sure your gears and outfits are protected against adverse weather conditions and that you have the best outdoor experience you can think of.
Table of Contents
10 Best Duffel Bag
In this article, we take a look at the top products available on the market and the buying guide that will help you make the best decision.
Making the right choice on the type of duffel bag to purchase isn’t always easy, not with so many products available. However, with these top ten products outlined below, making a choice has never been easier.
YETI Panga Airtight, Waterproof and Submergible Bags – Best Submergible Duffel Bag
It is 100% dry duffel but should not be mistaken for a cooler. It has a Hydrolok zipper which keeps water out of the bag; this ensures your fishing gear stays dry no matter what. It also has a U-dock terminal at the end of the hydro lock zipper which keeps the bag airtight and sealed.
Pros and Cons
Patagonia Travel Duffel Bag – Most Lightweight Product
It has a large opening to the main compartment of the bag. Also, the zippered and mesh pocket in the lid increases its capacity as it can accommodate more things. It can be stuffed in its pocket, which makes it convenient to store.
Furthermore, its padded basis gives the gear maximum protection while its shoulder straps along with its reinforced daisy chains enable it to be easily transportable.
Pros and Cons
The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag – Most Sturdy Duffel Bag
Its zippered mesh pocket in the main compartment makes it organized and easy to locate any stored item. It also has a main cap zippered compartment which has a meshed sleeve pocket but is only available in Medium and Large sizes.
Pros and Cons
Marmot Long Hauler Travel Duffel Bag – Duffel Bag With The Most Versatile Handle
Its bottom is doubly padded to ensure it lasts longer and has zippered end pockets which help secure your smaller items.
The sizeable D-shaped opening has a full length with a YKK zipper, its compression straps, which have a quick release buckle, are available in large and extra-large models only.
Pros and Cons
Gregory Mountain Products Alpaca Duffel Bag – Best Weather Resistant Product
It is made with 900D polyester diamond ripstop which has a TPU coating. It also comes with a detachable backpack strap that makes it comfortable and easy to carry on a long-distance journey. It is also easy to remove, and this can be done using its ladder-locks and girth hitches found at the top and bottom of the duffel bag.
Besides, it comes with dual haul handles which have a hook and loop wrap that makes it easy and comfortable to carry about. Its daisy chain is another feature that makes the bag easy to attach to a rack or a yak.
Pros and Cons
Helly Hansen Duffel 2 Water – Resistant Packable Bag-Best Improved Version
With its removable padded shoulder strap, it’s easy to carry along wherever you go. The only downside to this product we could see is that it’s a bit expensive, and the shoulder strap could be made better.
However, when you consider the quality of material used in its construction and other perks and features, you will realize it’s an excellent product to invest in.
Pros and Cons
Sea to Summit Duffel Bag – Duffel Bag with the Best Lid
It is designed with tarpaulin laminate, 1000D nylon base, and steel gated hooks, all of which makes it water-resistant and very tough. Yes, the fabric is waterproof, but the seams and zippers are not. The straps, which make it easy to carry the bag from one place to another, can be changed easily from one hand to the other or even used as a backpack, and this is done just by unclipping the steel gated hooks.
While traveling, it is recommended that you stow the straps to prevent damaging the bag handle. It has a padded lid which opens up to 40% more than other types of similar products while its top frame can accommodate more items than the average duffel bag.
Pros and Cons
Eagle Creek Travel Gear Luggage – Best Weatherproof Duffel Bag
It is designed with Bi-tech material, which makes the bag resistant to adverse weather conditions and also has a storm flap to protect the gear during violent downpours.
It has a sturdy webbing while the seams are reinforced in places where there is more stress and also has a variety of carrying options, all of which makes the ratio of the strength to weight balanced. It also has exterior zippers which are lockable.
With a capacity of 128liters, a front zipper pocket for swift stacking of items and compression straps on the outer part of the bag, it is made more convenient to use.
It also has three carrying options; the shoulder strap which is detachable and adjustable, the center-haul handle which will not slip off your fingers and a side grab handle with which you can carry the bag sideways.
Pros and Cons
TYTN Duffel Bag – Best Value Product
It is available in 90L U-shaped bag and has a compartment where shoes can be kept; there are also different compartments which help you separate where the gears and clothes are to be kept, thereby aiding organization.
It also comes with a webbed internal zipped pocket and an external side pocket which shields your equipment while on the go.
Pros and Cons
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler – Best Duffel for Organization
With oversized, heavy-duty wheels and a kick plate, mobility is smooth; this feature also makes it durable. Besides, it has a carrying capacity of 128 liters and a front zipper pocket which makes stuffing of items into the bag swift and easy.
With its detachable and adjustable shoulder strap and a haul handle that doesn’t slip off easily along with a side grab handle, this product is very versatile.
Pros and Cons
Best Duffel Bag – Buyer’s Guide
Before making a buying decision, it’s best to be equipped with information on what the best duffel bag should offer as there are so many products on the market that deciding on one can be very confusing. By reading through this guide, you will be able to decide on the product to purchase.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Duffel Bag
Wheeled vs. Carry
Duffel bags have a similar feature with the only difference found in their color and strap design. Also, the difference is noticeable in whether the bag is wheeled or not. It should be noted that wheeled duffel bags are usually more expensive than regular ones.
Each of these options has its advantage; while wheeled bags are more comfortable to maneuver in environments where there are smoother, flatter surfaces; regular duffel bags are versatile and can be carried on almost any surface.
Also, wheeled bags are larger than the regular ones and stiffer, too as it features a lot of plastics and hence will be less convenient to more around. The choice of a wheeled duffel or a carryon bag depends on what it is to be used for.
Volume
This is yet another essential feature to look at. It’s critical that you purchase a bag with a high carrying capacity so that you are able to carry all you need at once. However, while this seems like a brilliant idea, purchasing a bag that is too big may encourage you to put in items you don’t need thereby making it heavy and difficult to carry.
The volume of the bag to get also depends on what you will be carrying as volume is subjective. If you are taking lots of gears for an expedition, then you may want to get something within the range of 90L to 120L. But if you are going to be passing a few nights with friends, then it’s best to settle for a bag within the range of 40L to 70L.
Is the Bag Stuffable, does it Have a Lockable Zipper?
What this means is that when you are done placing in all your items, will the bag still be able to zip close and be comfortable to carry along?
This question is essential, so you also should know the size of the bag to purchase and the type of zipper to look out for. It’s best to buy a bag with a D-shaped zipper as it provides better access to the bag and more stuffability.
Purchase bags with a large zipper as against smaller ones. Bigger zippers have better lockable ability and are challenging to break into; they can withstand stress, too. This feature, however, is only applicable if you will be filling your bag to the brim, else it’s not so important after all.
Waterproofing
If you are going to be in a water environment or wish to take your bag fishing, then you may want to purchase a bag that is resistant to water otherwise the bag will get damaged before long.
Cost
It all comes down to the price as this is what mostly determines the bag you will purchase. While it’s good you go for pocket-friendly options, ensure that the duffel bag is of top quality, otherwise, it will be considered money wasted.
There are affordable, yet quality products you can go for, and most of the products reviewed in this article fit this description.
Pockets
You will need to purchase a duffel bag with a main compartment, and then a separate compartment outside the bag as this makes it more organized. It gives you space to keep your dirty gears, shoes and other items while one part is left for clothes, toiletries and others.
Conclusion
Yes, there are many duffel bags available on the market, but only the best duffel bag is good enough for you, and that is what you should go for.
When it’s time to go hiking, mountain climbing, fishing or any other activity, grab your duffel bag and have fun all day or for as long as you wish.
Hi, my name is Daniel Smith. I love traveling and hiking. I created 10Luggage to help people choose the best backpack, hiking, or travel bag.
Patagonia Travel Duffle is the best option for me as it’s very durable and made of high-quality materials. So, recommend it to everyone who’s still in search.
Actually, these bags are all quite expensive. Hope they are worth the money. Look great, of course
Patagonia produces the best bags! Very reliable and durable. I am especially glad that they have strong locks
I’ve chosen the Gregory Mountain bag and didn’t regret. Looks expansive and solid, includes many pockets and has perfect handles. I’m proud of this bag
Many people think that Eagle Creek brings expensive bags, but it seems to me that a travel bag should be solid, because it is not purchased for one or two, but for many years.
North Face bag was very well received. It is great to look at and incredibly functional. Lots of space and easy to close!
North face is perfect all round bag for your luggage. I’ve used this to holiday abroad skiing as well as 3 weeks away on a bus tour so plenty of rough times and the bag has held up well.
Two pair dress shoes, two full suits, shorts, two pair pants, five tees, four ties, two belts, five dress shirts. Also packed some minimalist jogging shoes in the end compartments and a small pellican box with toiletries. And all of that is in Marmot Long Hauler!
Durable. Spacious. Compression straps. Two compartment inside main section w zippers. Two side compartments w a small inside compartment w zipper. Quality material. Padded straps. Strong zipper. Marmot Long Hauler is very good to trust!
I bought the Marmot bag for trips of about a week. For this it is completely sufficient, which is super practical that you can adjust it on the side with tension belts to the required size, so that not everything is messed up in the bag. Very glad!
The Marmot bag is brilliant! The bag can hang up so that you can use it as a small wardrobe. on the right and left there are two compartments in which you can bring two pairs of shoes with a little help
I really like Sea to Summit bag! I was looking for a duffel that I could use as a backpack, but I wanted to be able to remove all the straps for checking on an airplane. And it is!
Chosed Sea to Summit also. The conch straps work okay. They don’t compact the bag a lot, but I rarely use them anyway. It seems 65L is just enough for me, whether for week-long ski trips, weekend getaways, or two week-long work trips.
I have Eagle-Creek bag. All good, very durable and stylish bag with practical handles!!
I bought Marmot bag for a trip and it turned out perfect. I didn’t have to travel with a suitcase except this bag and a backpack to, already being at the destination, use to carry things first hand. In fact the fabulous thing about this bag is that it can also be carried as a backpack although I think it would be uncomfortable after hours of carrying it so I do not recommend it for hiking or similar activities. However, travelling and loading on short walks is very practical
My wife loves Yeti, she always brings it on any trip. It seems this bag is really comfortable for women shoulders
I used Gregory bag to travel through Vietnam recently – excellent back pack duffle. Used it as carry on as well on the planes (although it is just a slight bit long for carry on if it is packed too tightly and full)
What if the bag breaks on the way? – I asked a shop assistant a question when I was buying Patagonia. He told me “This – will not break!”, And didn’t lie!