Weekend warrior-approved: 9 best duffel bags we tested for your next trip

New York Post

2 days ago

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A great duffel bag is like a loyal travel companion: always ready, endlessly useful, and surprisingly stylish if you choose right. Whether you're heading to the gym, escaping for a weekend, or navigating multiple layover, the right duffel makes packing and schlepping dramatically less annoying.
The problem? There are a lot of them — leather ones, sporty ones, wheeled ones, ones that claim to be carry-on compliant but secretly aren't — and not all are created equal. To make sense of it all, we combed through expert reviews, user ratings, and editor-tested favorites to curate a list of the very best duffel bags for every kind of traveler and every kind of trip.
From designer investments to budget-friendly beasts, this list highlights bags that don't just look good, they work hard, too. We also made sure to include options for niche needs, like a sleek duffel that doubles as rolling luggage and a mini version that won't overwhelm your yoga locker. Whether you're replacing a tired gym bag, upgrading your carry-on game, or just want something oversized enough to haul half your life across the country, there's a duffel on this list for you.
Best overall: Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag
Patagonia
Pros: Exceptionally durable and weather-resistant recycled ripstop fabric
Backpack straps + handles = multiple carry options
Packs into its own pocket for storage
Cons: Minimal internal organization
This cult-favorite duffel is built to take a beating — rain, snow, and TSA agents included. Made from 100% recycled ripstop polyester with a weather-resistant laminate, it's as tough as it is eco-conscious. Multiple carry options and just the right amount of structure make it endlessly versatile, whether you're road-tripping or roughing it.
I've used this bag for everything — from weekend getaways to muddy camping trips — and it never let me down. It's lightweight but insanely durable, and the backpack straps make it weirdly easy to carry, even when it's stuffed to the brim. I love that it packs into itself, too!
Best budget: adidas Team Issue 2 Medium Duffel Bag
Amazon
Pros: Affordable price with surprising durability
Ventilated shoe pocket and multiple compartments
Padded shoulder strap and handles for comfort
Cons: Basic materials — not as refined or stylish as pricier options
Can sag if not filled completely
Proof that performance doesn't have to cost a fortune, this under-$50 pick is a staple for athletes and casual travelers alike. It features a ventilated shoe compartment, multiple zip pockets, and a water-resistant base that keeps your stuff dry at the gym or in the trunk. Lightweight and durable, it's the best bang for your buck in the category.
Best garment: Away Garment Duffel
Away
Pros: Converts into a full garment bag, perfect for suits/dresses
Includes compression straps, laptop pocket, and shoe compartment
Sleek, structured, and business-travel ready
Cons: Slightly heavy even when empty due to structured design
This hybrid duffel unzips to reveal a full garment bag, keeping suits, dresses, or wrinkle-prone pieces perfectly packed and protected. Inside, you'll find thoughtful extras like compression straps, multiple zip compartments, and a padded sleeve for your laptop. It's sleek, smart, and designed to handle both business and pleasure trips with ease.
This bag made me feel like a real adult who travels with suits (even though I packed a jumpsuit and sneakers). It keeps everything structured and wrinkle-free, and I love that it doesn't scream 'garment bag.' It's sleek, functional, and a must if you're headed to a wedding or work trip.
Best durable: YETI Panga Series Airtight Duffel Bag 100L
Amazon
Pros: Fully waterproof and airtight (built for extreme conditions)
Incredibly rugged construction, ideal for outdoor adventures
Detachable backpack straps and lash points for gear
Cons: Lacks external pockets and compartments (not a con for all)
Basically a tank in duffel form, this waterproof, airtight bag is designed for the wild — think boats, rivers, and monsoons. The ThickSkin shell and HydroLok zipper protect your gear from the elements while daisy chains and removable backpack straps keep it functional. It's pricey, yes, but virtually indestructible.
Best weekender: Herschel Novel Duffel
Herschel
Pros: Classic aesthetic with signature shoe compartment
Lightweight and well-sized for 2–3 day trips
Comfortable shoulder strap and carry handles
Cons: Not water-resistant
This classic pick nails the weekend-trip aesthetic with its minimalist style and signature shoe compartment. Lightweight but surprisingly roomy, it's ideal for a 2–3 day getaway or a stylish gym bag upgrade. The shoulder strap is padded, the hardware feels elevated, and it always looks polished.
Best small: lululemon City Essentials Bag 25L
lululemon
Pros: Compact yet holds a lot for daily use or short trips
Multiple compartments including a ventilated shoe pocket and laptop sleeve
Sleek, elevated look suitable for office-to-gym transitions
Cons: Neoprene exterior may scuff or stain over time
Compact yet surprisingly spacious at 25 L, this sleek tote transitions effortlessly from work to weekend. It features a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, quick-access phone pocket, and exterior water-bottle pocket for everyday convenience. With a trolley-compatible sleeve, adjustable shoulder strap, and water-repellent material, it's thoughtfully designed for urban travel without bulk.
This was my go-to for the gym, overnight stays, and everything in between for several years. The compartments make it feel way more organized than it looks, and the ventilated shoe pocket is a game-changer. It's compact but still fits a shocking amount (and always seemed to get compliments).
Best with wheels: Calpak Stevyn Rolling Duffel
CalPak
Pros: Combines duffel flexibility with the convenience of wheels
Large interior space with multiple compartments
Great for those who don't want to carry a bag
Cons: Bulky and harder to store than soft duffels
Part suitcase, part duffel, this rolling hybrid is the best of both travel worlds. It's soft-sided and flexible but features a telescoping handle and spinner wheels for smooth airport gliding. Great for overpackers who don't want to carry the weight.
Rolling this through the airport was so much better than lugging anything with a shoulder strap. It's roomy enough to overpack (essential for me) but soft enough to squeeze into tight spaces, and the interior pockets help keep things sorted. I was skeptical of the hybrid style at first, but it quickly became my default for longer trips.
Lo & Sons
Pros: Separate bottom compartment for shoes or dirty laundry
Multiple interior and exterior pockets for organization
Made from eco-friendly canvas or recycled poly
Cons: Fabric can get dirty/stained easily
This cult-loved bag is a masterclass in compartmentalization, featuring a bottom zip section for shoes or dirty laundry. Made with eco-friendly canvas or recycled poly, it's soft, structured, and surprisingly chic. A back sleeve slides over suitcase handles, making it perfect for stacking on longer trips.
I'd never been more organized than while I was living out of this (small!) duffel. The bottom compartment is ideal for shoes or laundry, and I loved that it fit over my rolling suitcase handle. It was stylish enough to bring to every nice hotel I got to experience over the course of my travel editor career, but durable enough for the actual travel chaos that came with every trip.
Best for the gym: Béis The Sport Duffel
Béis
Pros: Dedicated shoe compartment, water bottle holder, and removable pouch
Stylish, structured design with practical function
Padded strap for comfort
Cons: Slightly heavier than a basic gym bag
Designed with gym rats in mind (but stylish enough for city commuters), this bag features a separate zippered compartment for shoes, a water bottle holder, and tons of internal organization. The padded crossbody strap and sleek exterior make it equally functional and fashion-forward. Bonus: it includes a matching drawstring pouch for sweaty clothes.
According to a well-traveled Post Wanted pro, 'Béis is the luggage brand for both the 'it' girl and the high-speed traveler and go-getter, combining all the amazing features listed below and a touch of fashion, too.'
Duffel Bag Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the right duffel, the best pick depends on how (and how often) you travel — sometimes, it behooves us to consider where we're going and what we may be packing as well. Whether you're hauling workout gear, hopping on a flight, or living out of your bag for two weeks straight, here's what to look for before you buy.
Materials
Look for materials that match your lifestyle. Nylon and recycled polyester are lightweight and weather-resistant and ideal for commuters or outdoor adventures. Leather is luxe and durable but heavier and less flexible. If you're heading into rough conditions, consider a waterproof laminate or coated fabric like on the YETI or Patagonia options.
Capacity
Duffels typically range from 25L to over 100L. For daily use or gym trips, stay under 40L. Weekend trips call for around 40–55L, while longer hauls or gear-heavy travel may need 70L and up. Keep airline carry-on size restrictions in mind if you're trying to skip checked luggage!
Storage and organization
Some duffels are giant caverns, others are compartmentalized to the nth degree. If you're someone who likes everything in its place, look for features like separate shoe compartments, internal mesh pockets, or dedicated laptop sleeves. Garment duffels and multi-compartment styles are especially helpful for business travel or mixed-use packing.
Type
Duffels now come in hybrid forms: backpack-style straps, rolling wheels, garment-convertible, or even tote-duffel crossovers. Choose your type based on how far and how often you carry it — backpack straps are great for hands-free hauling, wheels save your back, and convertible options help you adapt on the go.
Brands
Established brands like Patagonia, Away, and YETI are known for quality and durability, while newer names like Béis and Lo & Sons bring smart design and style-forward details. One way to go about choosing a duffel bag brand from there is to think about the brand's values — be they sustainability, aesthetics, functionality, what have you — and choose the one that aligns with your own values.
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