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They\u2019re at the start of every expedition documentary.<\/strong> Explorers in a conga line, chucking bulging bags loaded with ropes, food, and tents into the back of a seaplane or weathered Land Rover. You see them piled on docks, in airports, or swaying back and forth on pack mules as they wind their way to basecamp \u2014 duffel bags are the storage backbone of any long adventure.<\/p>\n Use them for your next three-month foray through Patagonia, or to visit your in-laws in Michigan over the weekend. Duffels are versatile pieces of luggage for anything on your travel tick list.<\/p>\n Any duffel bag worth its salt needs to meet certain metrics. They must be sturdy enough to protect and transport hefty loads of technical gear, yet light enough to merit use on an expedition. They should exhibit thoughtful organizational features, and have to be packed and unpacked with ease.<\/p>\n Those are big shoes to fill, and with so many top brands churning these workhorses out, it can be difficult to narrow in on the best pick. So, we\u2019ve done the heavy lifting for you.<\/p>\n Senior Editor Chris Carter took over 25 of the finest duffel bags money can buy, and pitted them against each other for over six months on dusty overland trips in Africa, climbing expeditions through Mexico, and weekend cabin getaways, to bring you the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me of these brawny bags. He tested each duffel with a mind for a variety of different performance metrics, including durability, ease of transport, organizational features, and weather resistance.<\/p>\n A seasoned globe trotter, Chris has been hopping around the world from a young age. His parents worked with an NGO in East Africa, and travel was \u2014 and still is \u2014 a way of life. He’s been zipping up duffels, carry-ons, and all manner of luggage and schlepping them through international airports for just about as long as he can remember. He knows what makes a duffel bag worth its mettle, and allows only the best into this guide. <\/p>\n Check out our top picks below, and be sure to browse our comprehensive buyer\u2019s guide<\/strong><\/a> at the end for help in choosing the perfect duffel. Use our comparison chart<\/strong><\/a> for a quick overview, or have your burning questions hashed out in the FAQ<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on March 27, 2024, by adding the NEMO Double Haul 70L Convertible Duffel & Tote<\/a><\/strong> and adding new details about the 2024 update received by our Overall Best pick, the Patagonia Black Hole 70L<\/a><\/strong>. We also made sure our product list was up-to-date with current models, colorways, and designs.<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVersatile, stylish design<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDurable yet lightweight<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tComfortable carry system<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlimsy material doesn\u2019t stay open when packing<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo zippered pockets at either end<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe kinda miss the old look<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n When we think of duffel bags \u2014 this is what comes to mind. The Patagonia Black Hole<\/a><\/strong> ($199) has become almost synonymous with long road trips, climbing excursions in the desert, and well \u2026 adventure. But, does it live up to the hype?<\/p>\n<\/p>\n After extensively testing the 55 and 70L models over many years, we feel that the 70L Black Hole is just about the perfect duffel for any travel scenario you could cook up. Rugged enough for brutal adventures, with a sleek and stylish finish for around town, its versatility is truly where it shines.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 2024 saw a nice new update to the Black Hole. Taking a leap towards greater sustainability, the bag is now made with a 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing \u2014 and has a new recycled TPU film laminate with a subtle matte finish. Aside from its appearance, the design and function of the duffel remain essentially the same, though it is a tad lighter. We do miss that classic shiny silhouette a bit, but the environmentally friendly shift makes up for it.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Stellar carrying comfort is one of our litmus tests of a solid duffel, and the Black Hole scores big in this department. Toting it through the airport, or schlepping it to the base of a remote crag, the cozy ergonomic shoulder straps and simple top haul handle design make this a breeze. The straps quickly deploy or detach from the bag entirely. We feel that this system hugs our body and carries better over the long run than others we tested, and we like the snap coupling on the haul handles.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n One of our favorite touches? An outside zippered pocket that can be accessed from the inside or outside of the bag. We didn\u2019t expect to love it as much as we do \u2014 but dang, we use it a lot. This pocket also doubles as its stuff sack. A mesh interior lid pocket stashes small items, and the huge U-shaped opening for the main compartment is by far our top pick for zipper configurations on duffels. Internal compression straps help snug down the load.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Despite its burly 900-denier ripstop face fabric, with a shiny weather-resistant TPU laminate coating, the 70 L clocks in at just over a respectable 3 pounds, and packs down small. For fast and light missions, it doesn\u2019t add much to your overall base weight.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A lightly padded bottom protects gear from rocky terrain, and reinforced daisy chains won\u2019t pop off when lashed to roof racks or mule backs. However, we do feel the vertical daisy chain configuration is limiting in some cases.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n If we had to knock the Black Hole at all (which is hard), it would be its comparatively flimsy material. It doesn\u2019t hold its shape well when packing it up. Other duffels, such as The North Face Base Camp below, have super rigid side walls that stay open even when empty, whereas the Black Hole easily folds over on itself unless held open. We also find ourselves wishing for zippered pockets at either end of the bag on occasion.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Backpack through Europe, dirtbag it up in the desert, or visit grandma for Thanksgiving with about as much storage comfort and style as you could ask for. The Black Hole 70L is the duffel for the job.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat value for the price<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSolid organization features<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSturdy, weather-resistant construction<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo top carry handles<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFabric doesn\u2019t hold shape while packing<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot the highest quality zippers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n While Eagle Creek\u2019s Cargo Hauler<\/a><\/strong> ($129) isn\u2019t technically the cheapest on this list, we feel that it is absolutely the best bang for your buck of any duffel we reviewed. For under $130, you get similar durability, carrying comfort, and thoughtful organization as the best of the best.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We used this stout little bag much <\/em>more than we anticipated during our testing period. It was loaded with climbing and camping gear for weekend jaunts, crammed with clothes for holiday getaways, and even packed as our primary piece of luggage for a trip to Morocco, North Africa. This is a great steal.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Ticking several of our favorite duffel bag boxes, it boasts stellar carrying and organizational features, but maintains a competitively light weight at just over 2 pounds. Our favorite U-shaped opening provides access to a generous main compartment, with detachable interior mesh dividers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n For even more organization, there are two zippered pockets on either end \u2014 which we think every duffel should have. One of these doubles as the bag\u2019s stuff sack.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Cozy shoulder straps quickly slide out of a zippered pouch in the lid, and hook into loops at the base. The straps also couple together with a buckled wrap to be used as a haul handle. This isn\u2019t our favorite design, as we prefer to have top haul handles be separate from the shoulder straps (like the Black Hole above), but this does shave some weight. Additional handles on the side, top and bottom mean you can grab it from any angle with ease.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The materials used in th<\/a>is duffel<\/a><\/strong> are undeniably robust, without adding too much bulk. A 1,000- and 600-denier poly TPU face fabric guards your gear, which is waterproof with storm flaps, but not seam sealed, so the bag isn\u2019t entirely waterproof.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We have similar gripes as the Black Hole with the loose fabric of the Cargo Hauler, and wish it stayed open better as we load it up. The extra pockets, buckles and straps are all handy, but kind of get in the way when you\u2019re in a hurry.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We\u2019re big fans of this affordable powerhouse, and feel confident recommending it for both casual trips and tough adventures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Duffel Bags of 2024<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Duffel Bag\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPatagonia Black Hole 70L\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t40, 55, 70, & 100 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t14.1-oz 900-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop & recycled TPU-film laminate<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRemovable backpack straps, top carry handles, 2 side handles<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t![\"Product](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BestOf_2024.png\")
\n\t\t![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/black-hole-duffel-bag-70-liters.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tChris Carter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$199 at REI<\/a>$199 at Patagonia<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Duffel Bag\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60L\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2 lbs., 3 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t40, 60, & 90 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1000D Helix Poly & 600D Poly TPU<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRemovable backpack straps, 4 side handles<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Eagle-Creek-Cargo-Hauler-60L.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tChris Carter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$169 at Backcountry<\/a>$107 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Expedition Duffel Bag\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBlack Diamond StoneHauler 120L\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3 lbs., 13 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t45, 60, 90, & 120 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t600D & 1500D SuperGrid ripstop & 1640D polyester<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRemovable backpack straps, 4 side handles<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Black-Diamond-StoneHauler-120L.jpg\")
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