

Plambag Canvas Duffel Bag

Adidas Defender Duffel Bag

Logan Overnight Duffel Bag, by FRYE

The essential gym companion, the make-do suitcase for your next trip; whatever the occasion, a duffel bag is a perfect accomplice. Originally designed to hold your gym shorts and sneakers, these durable bags gained a reputation that crossed over into air and road travel. When you don’t need a series of luggage pieces, or you’re just trying to crash on a bud’s couch for the weekend, the duffel bag is the perfect reach-in traveller’s inventory. Per usual, we’ve sorted the best of the best for you today.
The Best Duffel Bag
1Plambag Canvas Duffel Bag
Plambag offers a stellar unisex design, and gives you more than enough to jump for joy over. For one, Canvas Duffel Bag is extremely attractively-priced, and comes with a slew of additional compartments to organize your belongings. Nothing is worse than getting to the hotel, or kicking back at the campsite, and having to dig through the entire bag to find one small item. This durable, 100% cotton canvas construction is up to just about test you throw its way, while the additional shoulder support along the strap makes that doubly true. Phase-out fatigue, and leave it up to Plambag.
Includes multiple compartments for valuables, clothing, and electronics
100% cotton canvas construction for durability
Additional shoulder support on the strap
- BrandPlambag
- ModelPB058DG
- Weight2.9 pounds
2Novel Duffel Bag, by Herschel Supply Co.
The second one on this fine list is the Novel series duffel bag, by our good friends at Herschel Supply Co. This unique bag has a perfect blend of casual, while still being professional enough to bring to and from the office on your gym/lunch break. At a stunning price and overall high quality, you’ll have a new addition to your everlasting wardrobe. This is built to last, offering you every bit of durability and reliability that it has, in exchange for intermittent maintenance. Polyester canvas is easy to clean, while the nylon lining keeps your belongings wrapped in luxurious comfort. From top to bottom, stitch to strap, this is the ultimate duffel bag. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best Victorinox backpacks.
100% polyester canvas construction
Carry-on ready
Adjustable or removable shoulder strap
- BrandHERSCHEL SUPPLY CO.
- Model‘Novel’ Duffel Bag
- Weight2.0 lbs.
3Logan Overnight Duffel Bag, by FRYE
Leather is never out of style, and nobody knows that better than FRYE. Their signature Logan overnight bag gives you excellent large compartment storage, while also contouring to the TSA regulations necessary to bring this as a carry-on. You get a dedicated luggage tag window, as well as a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Logan is all about carrying your duffel bag the way you want to, without worrying about anything getting in the way. From corporate to casual, make the switch by slipping into something a little more leathery, a little more you.
Ample large compartment storage
Luggage tag window on handle
Shoulder strap is adjustable and removable
- BrandFRYE
- Model‘Logan’ Leather Overnight Bag
- Weight3.1 lbs.
4Cole Haan Leather Duffel Bag
Taking the bronze on our list is the ever-eloquent Cole Haan leather duffel bag. From the practical size to the excellent design, everything about this screams weekend or day trip. This TSA-approved size allows you to bring it along for the ride on any US flight, while having quick access to your laptop up to 13” size) and other gadgets. Thanks to the all-leather construction, this is built to last, and simple to clean. With the right handling and care, Cole Haan will grace your wardrobe for decades to come. Be sure to also check out our list of the best rolling duffel bags for more great items like this.
Comfortable and adjustable top carry leather straps
Fits up to a 13” laptop
TSA-approved for flight carry-on
- BrandCOLE HAAN
- ModelLeather Duffel Bag
5The Leather Duffel, by Ted Baker London
Few define the quality companions of a gentleman like Ted Baker. From the London collection, these duffel bags offer a classy way to carry around gym clothing or sneakers, while still looking totally eloquent. It’s the perfect size for a carry-on, and comes with ample interior storage in the form of wall and zipper pockets, as well as a predominant leather construction. Not only is The Leather Duffel easy to clean, but with proper care, this will last you for decades. There’s durable, and then, there’s the top-shelf tier of Ted Baker London.
Comfortable top carry handles
Complete leather construction
Interior zip and wall pockets
- BrandTED BAKER LONDON
- ModelLeather Duffel Bag
- Weight4.3lbs.
6Baseline Duffel Bag, by Briggs & Riley
Everything you need to know about this bag can be told from one simple look. Like a businessman, it’s all in the approach, and the execution; Briggs & Riley deliver. Sporting external pockets for quick-access items, this luxury duffel bag also comes with a leather top carry handle, allowing you to feel in-your-element as you would with a briefcase, but packing all the items for your trip or gym experience that you need. Baseline Duffel Bag comes with an ultra professional look, glazed in a charcoal-smoke shade, and bolstering all the class you want to be showing off.
Protective feet along the bottom to cradle your possessions
Convenient external access pockets
Comfortable leather top carry handle
- BrandBRIGGS & RILEY
- ModelBaseline Suiter Duffel Bag
- Weight4.0lbs.
7365 Medium Landon Neoprene Duffel Bag, by Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover tows the line on men’s fashion, giving you the best of the luxury world, while still keeping 365 Medium Landon Neoprene as a simple duffel bag. You get an excellent design and comfortable top carry strap, as well as loops on either end to attach this bag to your luggage set. Available in four distinct colors, the Landon bag fits all of your forty-eight hour trip needs. Internal pockets for electronics, identification and valuables, and external pockets for quick-access items. Your carry-on flight bag has never been so functional, or looked this good.
Elegant design coupled with exterior pockets
Interior zip pocket for valuables
Neoprene construction
- BrandDAGNE DOVER
- Model365 Medium Landon Neoprene Carryall Duffel Bag
- Weight1.7 lbs.
8Brunswick Bag, by Ted Baker London
Ted Baker London is one of the critical brands in men’s fashion. They take to more than just the basics, which brought us this spacious, sleek duffel bag. Equipped with a TSA-approved lock, you’ve got the perfect side companion for your next flight, saving you on baggage and time. From the ultra sturdy zippers beneath the top carry straps, right on down to the adjustable padding along the shoulder strap, you have everything you need, and nothing that you don’t. You don’t have to sacrifice carry-on items anymore, not with the perfectly-sized Brunswick Bag to rise to the occasion.
TSA-approved padlock included
Durable polyester construction
Adjustable shoulder strap
- BrandTED BAKER LONDON
- ModelSmall Brunswick Water Resistant Duffel Bag
- Weight2.4 lbs.
9Filson’s “48 Hour” Duffel Bag
We love Filson creations (we even have a guide dedicated to them), and their 48 Hour model is no exception. They really put the forty-eight hour trip in mind, giving you ample room to store your personal items, identification, valuables – anything that comes to mind, thanks to the internal wall and zippered pockets. If you’re slinging this over your shoulder on your way out the door, you’ll be able to adjust your shoulder strap, letting the 100% cotton build with the smooth leather trim rest up against you. From stem to stern, you can’t not love Filson’s most popular bag.
100% cotton build w/ leather trim
Adjustable shoulder strap
Internal wall and zipper pockets for additional storage
- BrandFILSON
- Model’48-Hour’ Duffel Bag
10Adidas Defender Duffel Bag
One of the ultimate fitness and clothing goto brands has been Adidas, and they didn’t disappoint with this high-ranking Defender Duffel Bag. You get ample external storage, and an expandable construction to aid in housing just about whatever you throw inside. If you’re not keen on the classic black-and-gray color, there’s over twenty different colors to pick from, some coming with a different style. Thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap, you’ll be able to adjust your comfort under any condition you find yourself in, with one of the most reliable duffel bags ever created slung over your shoulder.
Comes in over twenty different colors/styles
100% polyester construction
Three exterior pockets for quick access
- BrandAdidas
- Model976382-P
- Weight1.31 pounds
11NIKE Brasilia Training Duffel
Trekking back after a long hike or a lengthy run around the track won’t be a problem; rain or shine, the Brasilia by NIKE is there to protect whatever you have inside. We’ve a big fan of using this one as a carry-on bag, giving you plenty of space for clothing, personal items, and small electronics (usually a laptop about 15” or smaller). With the 100% polyester construction, you’ll be able to clean this out and wipe it down, keeping it looking brand new. Curved top carry handles give you a comfortable grip, keeping your head in the moment, instead of on fatigue.
Excellent carry-on or small gym bag
Expandable design to fit more than anticipated
Durable water-resistant build
- BrandNIKE
- ModelBA5334
- Weight10.6 ounces
12K-Cliffs Heavy Duty Cargo Bag
Get ready to meet the last bag you’ll ever need. Made of ultra durable 600D polyester, you’re rocking one of the strongest bags in the business. This doubles as a roof rack bag, able to stand up to the elements like you wouldn’t believe, while ensuring your items’ safety during transit. Pay attention to the various sizes you can grab, giving you full control over how you travel. Multiple sizes, all under the protection of one brand that’s got your best interest at heart. Whether you’re lugging the K-Cliffs Heavy Duty Cargo Bag over your shoulder or in the palm of your hand, you’ll be good to go.
Works well as a roof rack bag
Able to hold heavy, bulky items
Comfortable and supportive back/hand straps
- BrandK-Cliffs
- Weight6 pounds
13Marmot Long Hauler Duffel Bag
Marmot understands the mentality behind having the perfect-sized duffel bag: not too heavy, yet still packing enough capacity potential to store everything you need for your trip. Many users replace their backpack entirely with this handy little companion, which comes complete with the ever-durable YKK zippers, as well as a 600D polyester construction. Come hell or hail storm, you’ll still have this bag to keep your belongings safe. Apart from the fact that Long Hauler Duffel Bag can endure just about anything, Marmot gives you a fair price, and enough attention to detail that you’ll wonder why you ever bought anything else.
TSA-compliant carry-on duffel bag
600D polyester construction
YKK zippers
- BrandMarmot
- Model29250-001
- Weight2.41 pounds
14The North Face Base Camp Bag
Few brands understand quality like The North Face, whether it’s clothing or a carry-on duffel bag. They put their expert engineering to the test, giving you a nice wide open D-zipper top load window, while keeping a delicate interior mesh pocket available for valuables and identification. We’d be willing to say that Base Camp Bag is one of the most convenient duffel bags to date, sporting just enough of a capacity to get the job done, without being a burden on your arms or shoulders. As a last note, this bag is also ultra simple to clean out, so you can leave it fresh for the next trip.
D-Zip opening for easier storage
TSA-compliant for carry-on
Zippered mesh pocket for valuables
- BrandThe North Face
- ModelT0CWW1JK3. OS
- Weight4.14 pounds
15Ledmark Heavyweight Cotton Canvas Duffel Bag
How much storage do you need? Because Ledmark is about to outweigh the competition. For our last duffel bag, you get an enormous capacity. Ledmark Heavyweight Cotton Canvas Duffel Bag is as tall and wide as a loveseat, allowing you to pack everything up, with room to spare. The durable canvas construction keep large capacities of clothing and personal items safe from harm, while the durable handles ensure that you’ll be able to lug this over your shoulder without worrying about tearing, but be certain you have the strength to carry it without hurting yourself.
Thick, durable canvas bag
Seriously large storage
Durable handles for quick carry
- BrandLedmark
Duffel Bag Buying Guide and FAQs
How we Chose Our Selection of Duffel Bags
It sounds like a relatively simple purchase, but just grabbing whatever you see on the shelf at the department store isn’t going to cut it. There’s a lot that goes into these bags. We looked at the following criteria to determine our list.
- Brand name (usually helps pinpoint durability and lifespan)
- Weight capacity
- Materials used
- Overall durability
- Strap strength
- Color and design
- Internal pockets
- Zipper strength (YKK zippers are the goto)
- Overall cost
Nobody wants to grab something like this, something they’ll rely on to keep their personal belongings safe and covert, only to find that it’s not up to snuff. We’ve taken the necessary precautions to weed-out the hundreds of bad duffel bags on the market, giving you a well-rounded list to choose from.
Features to Look for in Duffel Bags
Size - You’re getting it for storage, but bigger is not always better. Duffel bags and rollaway suitcases are two different things; you’ll be carrying your duffel bag by your side, or over your shoulder. Capacity is important, but don’t overstuff the bag.
Material - Duffel bags usually come in canvas, giving you a lot of durability (more on that later). The material and thickness of said material are going to define how valuable the bag is, and how long you can expect to use it before it wears down.
Design - Some duffel bags come in a square shape, allowing you to pack them more efficiently in the car, or have an easier time stashing them in the carry-on compartment on the plane.
Color - This is mostly up to preference. If you’re planning on cleaning your duffel bag, pay attention to strong dyes. You don’t want to meld them with your clothing in a white wash, especially if you go for a blue bag (most common duffel bag color).
Durability - You wouldn’t buy anything if you didn’t think it was durable. Duffel bags are usually made out of canvas, giving you a lot of room to toss them around without risking ripping them. Canvas is fairly durable, and it’s simple to patch up a hole if you catch it in time.
Types of Duffel Bags
Sports - Whether you’re hitting the gym or you have a load of sneakers and sports gear (baseball, footballs, etc.), a duffel bag can be the perfect medium between the field, and your car.
Casual - We would consider using these for travelling around the city on a Sunday, or having an overnight adventure go bag at-the-ready for those times where you just need to get away for the weekend.
Duffel Bag FAQ
Q: What is a Duffel Bag
A: Duffel bags are canvas-crafted cylinders on a handle, designed initially to house your gym gear, keeping the smell on the inside. This was especially helpful for executives who took a gym-based lunch break, and didn’t want to stink up their office after they hit the showers.
Since then, duffel bags have become one of the goto travel bags for men all across the globe. These can either be carried by your side, or if they’re heavy enough, over your shoulder with the longer strap. These are traditionally used as a gym, sports, or travel bags, giving you a quick way to just reach into your inventory and pull out just about anything. There’s rarely dedicated interior storage pockets, but there is a correct way to pack them.
Q: Should You Take a Duffel Bag or a Suitcase on Your Next Trip?
A: Duffel bags come in various sizes, partially to fit as carry-on bags for air travel. They’re one of the best companions, because you can skip additional costs, and the ever-annoying baggage claim all at once. If you’re heading on a short business trip, you’re able to forgo the aggravation, and get from the airport to the hotel faster, all by using a duffel bag.
If you’re expected to show up in your suit and briefcase, you may be thinking that it’s a smart idea to pack these in your duffel bag. It can be, but just be certain to have your briefcase unlocked and ready to show to TSA. They traditionally don’t like bags inside of other bags, but if you’re doors-wide-open about it, you should be okay. Just be certain that your briefcase has a TSA-approved lock feature, as well.
Q: How do You Pack a Duffel Bag?
A: It’s sort of a free-for-all for your personal belongings, so you have to figure out how to cushion the electronics, and keen things from rumbling around. Nothing is more dangerous than a fully-loaded duffel bag, especially since it’s difficult to hold onto if you’re not packing the right muscle. Here’s a step-by-step guideline for what you should be doing.
- Pack clothing on the bottom
- Place electronics on top of clothing; apply additional clothing layer for more fragile electronics (two-shirt layer for a MacBook, etc.)
- Place personal items (depending on air or ground travel), such as soaps and grooming items, dopp kits, etc., in a Ziploc bag to reduce the risk of spills
- If you’re bringing back souvenirs, plan on having a little bit of extra room; they’ll go with your electronics when you return home
- Pack the walls with rolled-up clothing to cushion bumps and bruises, protecting your valuables
- You guessed it - line the top with another layer of clothing, and utilize external straps to lightly compress your inventory, if applicable