Best Duffel Bag

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 condition and that you have the best outdoor experience you can think of. 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.

Top Duffel Bags on the Market

1. YETI Panga Airtight, Waterproof and Submergible Bags-Best
Submergible Duffel Bag

YETI is known for their quality coolers, and now they are into the business of making quality
duffel bags as well. This product is ideal for adventure, fishing, or gear kayaking where you
will need a bag that is water-resistant and submergible.

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 hydrolok zipper which keeps the bag airtight and sealed.

The thick skin shell is made of top quality nylon and also a thick top lamination which not
only makes it resistant to punctures but also resistant to abrasions. With its metallic
hardware, it can be smacked and whacked all without breaking. It also comes with an EVA
molded bottom which gives it a sturdy and water-resistant landing pad. What's more, it can
also be stuffed in its pocket, thereby making it easy to store.

Pros:

 It is waterproof and submergible

 It is sturdy
  It has a strong metallic hardware
 It is airtight

Cons:

 It has a heavyweight
 It is costly
 It’s not easy to store
2. Patagonia Travel Duffel Bag- Most Lightweight Product

This is a lightweight yet sturdy duffel bag. It weighs only about 1kg and is available in 60L.
It is made of 15oz 900-denier 100% polyester ripstop with DWR, a feature that the bag stays
dry and protected at all times.

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 other things. It can be stuffed in
its pocket, which makes it easy to store.

Furthermore, its padded bases give the gear maximum protection while its shoulder straps
along with its reinforced daisy chains enable it to be easily transportable. With its internal
compression straps, it’s easy to compress when there is no need for the whole bag to be used.
It is ideal for everyone with an eye for a lightweight, durable, and water-repellant duffel bag.

Pros:

 It weighs next to nothing

 It is made of durable, water-repellent material
 Easy to store in its stuff pocket
 It comes in a variety of colors and sizes

Cons:

 It has a small external access compartment

 There is no outer compression strap
 There have been reports of missing straps
 3. The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag-Most Sturdy Duffel Bag

This is not your average kind of duffel bag, it has been in existence for more than 30 years and as
such can be said to produce quality materials that will stand the test of time and the North Face
Base Camp Duffel bag is no exception. It is made from a long lasting 1000D TPE laminate
material with 840-denier Jr. Nylon located at the base.

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. With its padded side handles along with its removable
shoulder straps, it’s effortless to carry the bag anywhere with you.

It comes with four compression straps and a lifetime warranty. It is sturdy and can withstand any
weather condition; this top quality material will serve you well.

Pros:

 It is very durable
 Comes in many sizes and styles
 It has an end-cap zippered compartment
 It can be carried about easily

Cons:

 It is heavy
 It is expensive
4. Marmot Long Hauler Travel Duffel Bag-Duffel Bag With The Most Versatile
Handle

This product comes with two sizeable end pockets which can accommodate shoes and other
gears. It also has a fast release compression strap which is removable and functions as a multi-
functional shoulder strap. With its 1000D TPE laminate, which is 100% polyester, it is also made
of 1680D 100% ballistic nylon which gives an incredible reinforcement.

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 is available only in large and extra-
large models only.

Furthermore, it features a haul loop on each end of the bag, which gives a firm grip and allows
you to pull it out of a trunk or an overhead storage compartment without ripping apart. Its
spacious compartments, sturdiness as well as long hauler make it the ideal product for expedition
or travel.

Pros:

 It is lightweight
 It has a multi-functional should strap
 Its features make it very organized
 It is sturdy and efficient

Cons:

 It is not resistant to adverse weather conditions

 Not as durable as other products
5. Gregory Mountain Products Alpaca Duffel Bag-Best Weather Resistant Product

This is one of the sturdiest and most weather resistant duffel bag there is with the only downside
being its heaviness and thick fabric. However, it’s a quality bag in which detailed attention was
paid in its manufacture.

It is made with 900D polyester diamond rip stop 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 these, it comes with dual haul handles which has hook and loop wrap which 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.
Its zipper has a U-letter shape and has an ease of access, which makes packing swift and easy.
This is not all; the lockable zipper comes with a reflective pull for added security and easy access
during a low light condition. It is suitable for travel, storage, and expedition.

Pros:

 High resistant to weather conditions

 Can last for a very long time in good condition
 It has large zippers which make packing easy and swift
 Comes with a comfortable shoulder strap

Cons:

 Only its large sizes of 90 and 120 have compression straps

 It has a small external pocket
6. Helly Hansen Duffel 2 Water Resistant Packable Bag-Best Improved Version

As the name suggests, this is an improved version of Helly Hansen Duffel. Although it has
almost the same design, the materials were upgraded with PU laminated polyester to ensure its
durability. Its external pockets come with a zipper along with a packable outer wash bag.

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.

It is made of 100% polyester and has a sporty look; it is water resistant and made with soft
fabric. Its multiple compartments make it very versatile; also, it can be easily converted from a
bag to a bag pack. It's U-shaped opening also makes it easy to access and bag your items in.

Pros:

 Its shoulder strap is easy to tuck away

 Easy to store away in a small bag
 It is available in a variety of colors and sizes
  Can be easily converted from a bag to a back pack and vice versa

Cons:

 It is expensive
 The shoulder strap could be constructed better
7. Sea to Summit Duffel Bag-Duffel Bag with the Best Lid

Sea to Summit is a brand known for producing quality camping materials like pillows, bags, and
other accessories. Hence, you can be sure that this duffel bag is another top quality product. It is
a rugged load-hauler that is ideal for adventures and expenditures and also surviving the urban
jungle.

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 duffel bags while its talk
frame can accommodate more items than the average duffel bag. It has a large, internal zip which
allows for proper organization and a double teeth zipper that is resistant to theft unlike the
regular single teeth known with other bags.

Lastly, it comes with compression straps with a field repair buckle and a lash point, which makes
it convenient for the bag to be attached to vehicles.

Pros:

 It has a wide opening lid

 Can be carried in a variety of ways
 Burly construction
 Sturdy, durable and made of top quality materials

Cons:
  It has no external compartment
 Comfortable as a backpack but doesn’t work well as a duffel
8. Eagle Creek Travel Gear Luggage-Best Weatherproof Duffel Bag

It is designed with a Bi-tech material which makes the bag resistant to adverse weather
condition and also has a storm flap to protect the gear during severe weather conditions.

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 and weight
balanced. It also has exterior zippers which are lockable and so you need not fear of a break in.

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.

It is easy to store as all you need do is collapse and stash away in a stuff pouch even with the
wheels. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is ideal for dorm rooms, road trips, or camping.

Pros:

 It is durable and comes with sturdy wheels

 It is versatile and comes with three carrying options
 Easy to store
 Comes with a life time warranty

Cons:

 It is expensive
9. TYTN Duffel Bag-Best Value Product

Pronounced Titan the TYTN duffel bag is affordable and yet a quality product. It is designed
with a combination of strong tarpaulin along with polyester and lined zippers, which makes it
very durable and able to resist water from penetrating the bag. Made for outdoor adventure, it is
ideal for hiking, climbing hills and mountain and other outdoor activities.
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.

It can be carried in a variety of ways. First, there is the detachable and adjustable shoulder strap,
which makes it easy to be carried as a backpack. Then there is the shoulder strap that allows it to
be carried sideways and then there are the two hold-all straps. However, the back pack was
discovered to be a bit uncomfortable.

Pros:

 It is made of durable material that makes it ideal for long expenditure

 It comes with a large U-shaped 90L compartment
 It is very affordable
 The shoe compartment is an excellent feature

Cons:

 The back pack strap is not so comfortable

 It comes only in 90L size
10. Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler- Best Duffel for Organization

Although not as durable as other product on the list, it has some additional features which make
it a good investment. It is weatherproof and resistant to abrasions; it also comes with a guard
shield flap which protects the gears even in the harshest conditions. Its lockable exterior zippers
ensure that water is prevented from penetrating the bag.

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.
Storage is easy; all you need do is roll and stash away in a pouch even with the wheel. It also
features a stuff sac which is ideal for stashing dirty clothes, gears or shoes. It comes with a
lifetime warranty no matter the cause of the damage. It also comes with a repair or replacement if
the bag should get damaged at any point in time regardless of the cause.

Pros:

 It is ultra light
 Its end-pocket makes it easy for organization purpose
 Comes with a lifetime warranty and a replacement or replacement warranty
 It is easy to store, versatile and sturdy

Cons:

 Not as durable as other products

 Has no compression straps

Key Features to Look Out For While Purchasing a Duffel Bag

Before making a buying decision, its 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 conclude the product to
purchase. They include:

Wheeled vs. Carry

Duffel bags have a similar feature with the only difference found in their color and strap design.
Also, the difference is also 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 more massive 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 which one to go for
should depend on what you need the duffel bag for.

Volume

This is yet another essential feature to look at. Its 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 about.

The volume of the bag to get also depends on what you will be carrying as its 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 scope of 40L to 70L.

Is the Bag Stuff able?

What this means is that when you are done placing in all the items, you will need for your trip,
will the bag still be able to zip close and be comfortable to carry along?

This question is essential, so you also 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 stuff ability. 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.

Lockable Zipper

Purchase bags with a large zipper as against the smaller ones. Bigger zippers have better lockable
ability and are challenging to break into; they can withstand stress too.
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 else it
will be considered the money wasted.

There are affordable, yet quality products you can go for, and most of the products reviewed in
this article meet this requirement.

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. You will have space to keep your
dirty gears, shoes and the rest while one part is left for clothes and other things you wish to carry
along with you.

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, all weekend.