The Best Duffle Bags
Updated Dec 10, 2022
Few bags are as simple, versatile, and satisfying to use as a duffle. Its utilitarian design—a soft, oblong bag with one zippered opening plus two handles and/or a shoulder strap—suits anything from a daily commute to a weekend away to a fishing trip. Though that basic form works in many situations, no single duffle bag (the word is also spelled duffel) can fit everyone’s taste or needs. A small, barrel-shaped duffle may be perfect for toting a couple of towels and lunch to the beach, for example, but it doesn’t offer the organization or space to pack for a three-day business trip. The seven bags we recommend—plus two alternates—are well made, comfortable to carry, and intended to fill a range of roles, including as a versatile adventure bag, a weekend-away duffle, a daily-carry bag, a lightweight convertible backpack, an ultra-packable duffle, a rolling duffle for checking, and a waterproof gear hauler.
Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend
If you need a versatile bag that expands
This expandable bag is an absolute bargain, considering the quality and strength of the materials. However, Decathlon is still a lesser-known brand in the US, and we haven’t tested this bag for as long as we have our other picks.Another good choice
