A duffel bag is a versatile, convenient way to get your stuff from point A to point B, but we found that the best duffel bags are so much more than just a vessel for transporting your goods. They’re a way to show off a sense of personal style when you’re cramming it into the overhead compartment (even if you’re booked in economy), and they can make sure you’re spending less time worrying about packing and unpacking, instead directing more of your attention to living in the moment of your trip. OK, so maybe we’re giving a little too much credit to the place of duffel bags in the grand scheme of life, but we wanted to have a little fun with a type of bag that’s little more than a black hole of your toiletries, underwear, and clothes.
So what does make for the best duffel bags? Convenience is important, as is versatility. Can it get your from the gym and back in one piece, and then somehow find its way jammed under the seat in front of you? The best duffel bags should outlast the memories of your trip and then get you set for your next one. After slinging a bunch of these over our shoulders, we found the best duffel bags for every kind of traveler.
The Best Duffel Bags, According to GQ
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Best Duffel Bag Overall: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L
Patagonia’s aptly named Black Hole Duffel is exactly that: A seemingly endless void for you to cram all your stuff. Consider it the clown car of duffels the way you’ll be pulling out a month’s worth of clothes, shoes, and toiletries like a magician. There’s just one massive interior, while a zippered mesh storage in the top of the pack helps you keep your things organized from the rest of your stuff. We especially like the bag’s versatility. It’s supremely durable, able to withstand getting tossed around by careless TSA agents, and while it’s not fully waterproof, it can deal with a bit of a downpour on your way to the hotel.
We know you’re shopping for a duffel, but the Black Hole can also be worn as a backpack if you want to go on hands free on your travels. And despite its massive size and ability to hold your whole life inside of it, the bag can be folded down and stuffed into its own pocket for storage purposes.
Best Budget Duffel Bag: Eastpak Duff’lr
Spent all your funds on this big fancy trip? Don’t let that stop you from getting a truly great bag. Eastpak’s medium-sized Duffl’r bag has a spacious 71-liter capacity, great for trips of various lengths. The spacious main compartment has pockets so everything’s not just hanging out inside willy nilly, while a zippered outer pocket keeps your most essential items—passport, charger, etc.—easily accessible. One of our favorite features of the Duff’r is the separate shoe compartment, which keeps your dirty soles away from your fresh jawnz. Sure, you’ll only really be able to pack one extra pair of shoes then, but traveling is always a great time to try out a capsule wardrobe.
Best Canvas Duffel Bag: Filson Medium Twill Duffel Bag
When it comes to Filson products, you know you’re getting something that can handle a beating and still make its way a generation or two down the family tree. Its duffel bag, especially the medium-sized option, is a great pack for all of your adventures, even if that’s just sitting pretty in first class. Everything about this bag was designed to withstand rough and rugged terrains, from the water- and abrasion-resistant material, to the rustproof brass zippers to the leather reinforcements. It’s an incredibly sturdy bag, and the storm-flap closure keeps your precious items safe during inclement weather.
Best Leather Duffel Bag: Ghurka Cavalier II No. 97
If you want a bag that’s a little more elevated than your typical polyester or twill fare, then leather is the way to go. We particularly love Ghurka for its leather duffels because they’re so well built; able to handle your trek in style. Brass accents throughout the bag add durability, especially the rivets placed on the bottom to avoid premature wear. The interior plaid lining is more than just a style feature, too—it makes it easier to see what’s inside so you’re not fishing around for that stray pair of socks you swore you packed. (Don’t worry, it’s probably just inside that zippered interior pocket.)
Best Rugged Duffel Bag: The North Face Base Camp Duffel
Even if you’re not about to summit a mountain, The North Face’s Base Camp duffel is up to the task. Its roomy interior can hold as much as you’d want to bring on a multi-city trip, staying fully intact no matter how hard you throw it into the back seat of your car, the overhead compartment, or into the hands of TSA’s most negligent employee. A zippered shoe compartment is always a plus, as is the ability to wear the bag however you please, whether it’s as a duffel, shoulder bag, or backpack.
Best Gym Duffel Bag: Aer Gym Duffel 3
Sure, we keep talking about duffels for travel purposes, but what about for your sweaty gym fits? Aer’s Gym Duffel (the third) is the bag you’ll want to carry into your pursuits for big gains. Organization is the name of the game with this Aer bag, since it’s decked out with storage solutions: a laptop pocket, water bottle holders (two of ‘em!), shoe compartment, and numerous slip pockets for literally everything else you’ll need. The lining is treated with an antimicrobial coating to prevent bacteria growth (and odors) plus it’s great to use as a personal item thanks to the luggage handle so you can slip it onto your rolly bag.
Best Garment Bag Duffel: Bennett Winch S.C Holdall
Have suit, will travel as the saying does not go. But if you are traveling with a suit (especially one not built for jetsetting), then Bennett Winch’s S.C Holdall has all the makings for your next travel bag. Its waterproof cotton canvas exterior keeps everything nice and dry on the inside, but it’s the included garment bag that tickles our fancy. Sure, use it on its own to transport your suit to your final destination, but wrap it and secure to the actual duffel so that you can save one hand for the beers you’ll be slamming at the airport terminal.
What to Look for in a Duffel Bag
From polyester to leather, duffel bags come in a variety of materials, so find one that suits your needs. Something like canvas will be super durable, while something made of nylon or polyester will be on the more affordable side. If style is the most important thing you’re looking for, then leather might be the choice for you. We found a variety of bags made of different fabrics to suit every kind of traveler.
Do you just want one huge cavernous opening or would you prefer if your bag had multiple pockets and storage solutions to stay neat and tidy? Take that into consideration when you’re shopping for a duffel, because if you’re more type A, you’ll definitely want as much organization as possible.
Some duffels are sportier while others are begging to be seen going through security at the airport. For example, The North Face’s Base Camp duffel will work exceptionally well if you’re actually at a base camp, while Ghurka’s leather bag will have you looking your best for all those street style snaps.