Finding a good duffel bag should be priority number one when it comes to travel gear. A duffel/weekender/hands-free carry-on should be just oversized enough and just flexible enough to fulfill all of your overpacking dreams without having to dedicate yourself to a bulky roller suitcase. But considering the differences in durability, size, weight distribution, and (equally as important) style, a travel bag can make or break even the shortest of trips. After all, the last thing you need to face mid-travel is back pain from uncomfortable straps or your cheap, nylon number ripping at the seams.
If sore shoulders and a bag that’s seen better days en route to your weekend retreat doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then it’s time to consider refreshing your go-to luggage. Ahead are 19 duffel bags that will serve to better your travel style, not cramp it. Whether you’re packing a bag for a bon voyage or just a morning commute to the gym, you deserve to give yourself a break with these hassle-free options.
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Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender
Since the brand’s beloved Twill Weekender bag is sold out, we found the next best thing: the ReNew Transit Weekender. This duffel is great for vacays, but can also be put to use as an everyday commuter bag (if you like to pack heavy).
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Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender, $, available at Everlane
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote
R29 readers are no stranger to Lo & Sons’ quality boutique bags. The brand’s Catalina collection is ideal for getaways. Durable enough for whatever adventures you take it on, features like a bottom pocket and adjustable compartments and straps make it a savvy traveler’s best friend.
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Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe Tote, $, available at Lo & Sons
Lululemon Curved Lines Large Duffle Bag 29.5L
Pockets, pockets, and more pockets. Lululemon’s large duffel bag is here to keep every one of your essentials accessible and organized and make your travels easy as pie.
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Lululemon Curved Lines Large Duffle Bag, $, available at Lululemon
Nike Brasilia
For a more affordable option, shop Nike’s large and in charge Brasilia bag. According to one reviewer, it’s, “fairly large and fits all [their]needs.”
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Nike Nike Brasilia, $, available at Nike
July Daybreak Weekender
July is best known for its sleek and lightweight rolling luggage, but we can’t forget about the brand’s impressive collection of travel bags. The classic Daybreak Weekender is perfect for anyone looking to travel in style (hello, fancy leather handles).
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July Daybreak Weekender, $, available at July
Herschel Novel Duffle
We’re giving this duffel extra props for its nifty shoe compartment and 14 unique colorways.
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Herschel Herschel Novel Duffle, $, available at Herschel
Calpak Hue Duffel Bag
Described as a minimalist duffel with maximum style, Calpak’s Hue bag features a luggage sleeve, laptop compartment, discreet cell phone pocket, and exterior side handles.
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Calpak Hue Duffel Bag, $, available at Calpak
WANDF Foldable Travel Duffel Bag
Not all duffel bags are created fancy — some were made to meet Spirit Airlines carry-on guidelines and save you from tricky baggage fees. Seriously, check out our Amazon viral review here.
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WANDF Foldable Travel Duffel Bag, $, available at Amazon
Paravel Main Line Duffel Reviews
We applaud Paravel for its wide offerings of sustainable recycled luggage made from upcycled plastic water bottles, vegan leather, recycled polycarbonate, and more. One reviewer says, “It’s the perfect size duffel for a weekend trip. I was able to pack five outfits plus toiletries and a book and pajama pants. Quality is superb, the material is a thick canvas making it water repellent. And it got to my house in three days!”
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Paravel Main Line Duffle Reviews, $, available at Paravel
KAVU Manastash Mini Duffle Bag
Mini duffels travel well too. This 9.5″ bag is great for hikes, quick packing, and sightseeing in style.
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KAVU KAVU Manastash Mini Duffle Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Away The Everywhere Bag
The Everywhere Bag’s waterproof nylon exterior, roomy interior, and thoughtful compartments were made to keep your belongings safe. With 431 reviews and a 4.9 out of 5-star rating, we’d say it’s a sure bet for stress-free travels.
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Away The Everywhere Bag, $, available at Away
Ban.do Getaway Traveler Bag
Vacation isn’t just a place, it’s a state of mind. Next time you jet off, take Ban.do’s funky and functional “Mental Vacation” nylon duffel. In addition to its vibrant design, this bag comes with detachable mesh interior pouches, a bottom compartment for shoes, and a concealed front pocket for valuables.
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ban.do Getaway Traveler Bag – Mental Vacation, $, available at ban.do
Monos Metro Duffel
This sleek Monos duffel is so smartly designed it saved on happy reviewer from checking a bag. She says, “It’s spacious allowing me to comfortably pack numerous outfits while also storing my laptop. On top of that, I received numerous compliments and all of the pockets and features kept me organized.” (Did we mention the front pocket is removable?)
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Monos Metro Duffel, $, available at Monos
Dooney & Bourke Getaway Cabriolet Medium Duffle
On the outside, this bag flaunts a simple and classic design with waterproof Cabriolet cloth, cowhide leather trim, and handstitched handles. Open it up and you’ll find its vibrant cotton-lined interior and three handy-dandy pockets. One reviewer notes, “Love all the pockets for passports, phones, and other travel documents.”
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Dooney & Bourke Getaway Cabriolet Medium Duffle, $, available at Dooney & Bourke
Tory Sport Ripstop Nylon Color-Block Duffle Bag
Color-blocking, retro design, and lightweight materials make this designer duffel the perfect sporty travel companion. Some must-have features include (but are not limited to): a removable crossbody strap, shoe compartment, and its 2-in-1 convertible style.
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Tory Sport Ripstop Nylon Color-Block Duffle Bag, $, available at Tory Burch
Fjallraven Vardag 30L Duffle Bag
Like many brands on this list, Fjallraven is not known for its travel duffel (as opposed to its posture-restoring backpacks), but they are worthy of attention. This simple 30-liter bag is optimal for weekend getaways, gym commutes, and spontaneous road trips.
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Fjällräven Vardag 30L Duffle Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Madewell Essential Overnight Bag
This stylish overnight bag is estimated to ship by early October, but according to reviews, it’s worth the wait. One happy customer says, “The leather is buttery and soft and the inside is super roomy… [I] plan on using this to bring a week full of clothes [and]I know I can fit it all. And, an extra bonus is that there are metal gold footbeds at the bottom of the bag which isn’t listed in the description!”
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Madewell The Essential Overnight Bag in Leather, $, available at Madewell
The North Face Base Camp Duffel
In The North Face travel bags we trust. The medium Base Camp Duffel can be toted in hand or carried on one’s back, is water-resistant, and according to one reviewer it’s, “…a bomb-proof bag.”
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The North Face Base Camp Duffel – M, $, available at The North Face
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
It’s big, it’ll carry all your stuff, and it’s guaranteed to fit in the overhead bin on your flight. The Landon Carryall also comes in a myriad of sizes ranging from an extra small handbag to this extra-large carry-on — aka, you can collect them all.
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Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag, $, available at Dagne Dover
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