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Adrienne So Gear Team

The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

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Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

Carlton Reid

Lauren Goode

Brenda Stolyar

Reece Rogers

Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with bombproof YKK zippers. It has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged it down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both he and I would use, if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Scott Gilbertson

Medea Giordano

Eric Ravenscraft

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The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Whether weekend road-tripping or jet-setting around the world, you’re going to need a pack to toss over your shoulder. Here are the best travel backpacks for every adventure.

There are a lot of great travel backpacks out there, but not all of them are created equal. A travel pack needs to be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to withstand being toted from place to place.

From hitting the road for the weekend to spending months traveling abroad, we’ve put nearly 30 different travel backpacks through the wringer. We tallied our airline miles, punched our tickets, and put our tray tables in the upright and locked position for close to half a decade now, taking domestic and international flights to as far as Iceland and as close as 30-minute island hops. And while there isn’t a single pack that suits every traveler, we’ve highlighted a variety of designs and price points to help you find the perfect travel backpack.

Choosing a travel backpack can be a dizzying experience, and we’ve shaken down the best to sort through the static. Each pack has seen its time on the baggage carousel, hostel luggage cart, and we’ve even had a few go missing for the full experience. We fully pack and live out of these bags to test them, and in the end, we’re confident that the 15 packs collected here are the best travel backpacks available today. Check in and check them out.

For all your travel pack questions, consult our buyer’s guide , where we’ve laid bare all the essentials. Compare each of the packs using our handy comparison chart , and if you’ve still got questions, check out our FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our travel backpack guide on May 21, 2024, adding the JanSport Journey Pack as our new best budget travel pack, as well as the feature-rich and burly Able Carry Max Backpack .

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: JanSport Journey Pack
• Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs
• Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel Pack
• Best Shoulder Bag: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
• Best Commuter-Style Travel Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
• Best Personal Item Travel Pack: TimBuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Capacity 45 L (collapses to 35 L)
• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded
• Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper
• Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell; 900-denier waterproof bottom

• Compresses down to maximum airline carry-on size, and then expands once you’ve hit your destination
• Burly construction
• No details are overlooked in the design
• Side-carry handles are offset in an awkward position

Perfect is a dirty word in product design, but we’re about stumped when it comes to drumming up a quibble about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ($300). This redeye-ready clamshell design is made to the highest of standards.

It’s made of quality materials, utilizing aluminum hardware and a burly 400-denier nylon canvas — and it easily ticks all our boxes for the best overall travel backpack. The interior of the bag is split into two compartments: a larger main area for storing the majority of your kit and a secondary sleeve at the front of the bag with five zippered pockets. The main pocket also sports a foam-padded laptop sleeve and three more pockets.

One of the more impressive aspects we discovered along the bag’s inaugural leg from Seattle to Anchorage was how easily the straps of the Travel Backpack stow away into the bag. Two foam panels on the back of the bag flip away to secure them and then close with a magnetic closure — very slick. This was our favorite strap-stowage system, with the zippered panels of the Matador GlobeRider45 coming in a close second. We find the Peak Design bag compresses smaller.

Then there are the little details. An ID-size sleeve on the back panel provides all the information should your bag get separated from you. Zipper pulls thread through one another to keep what’s yours safe. And a collapsible system adjusts the bag from a full 45 L to 35 L.

In our review, there’s little about the Peak Design pack that misses the mark. The company leans heavily toward the camera-toting travelers among us, but the 45 L Travel Backpack makes no compromises and works just as well for any user group. The high price is undeniable, but for the scope of the travel pack, it’s a buy-once-cry-once purchase we would make again.

Also available in a 30L size , the range of Travel Backpacks from Peak Design is so well-thought-out that you can practically see the cogs turning in their creators’ heads. We think they make the best travel backpacks on the market.

JanSport Journey Pack

• Capacity 28 liters
• Weight 1 lb., 13.6 oz.
• Dimensions 19.5" x 12.5" x 7"
• Compartment access Zippered top access
• Material 100% 600D recycled polyester + 1680D ballistic boot
• Electronic storage 15" laptop sleeve

• Compact and clean profile
• Plush foam back panel and shoulder straps
• Compression straps on bottom of pack tote around a jacket
• Smooth-running zippers
• Good internal organization
• Laptop sleeve won't fit some large modern laptops
• Water bottle pockets sized for slimmer vessels

At $95, the JanSport Journey Pack does a lot for a little. As a campus commuter, airline personal item, or do-it-all backpack, this pack leverages its lack of specificity to make it amenable to being used on just about any day. Part of a trio of new travel packs from the legendary campus bookbag brand, the Journey surprised us with a more high-end build than expected, and for the money, it made an excellent travel companion.

While the Journey isn’t trimmed out in some of the more boutique fabrics, it is still solidly built and uses the good stuff where it counts, such as the 1680D ballistic boot material that’s reinforced with recycled car windshield liners (news to us). The 600D polyester used elsewhere has a rugged nailhead finish, and shoulders wear well.

The thick EVA foam used in the shoulder straps and back panel is cushy and applied liberally. On the inside, the laptop sleeve is lined with plush tricot material, along with an organizer pocket for stashing your readers or sunnies.

The organization of the pack is similarly uncompromising and is broken down into a spacious main compartment, front stash pocket, small bits and bobs organizer pocket, and a 15″ laptop sleeve — which easily toted our tester’s MacBook Pro safely.

When packed as a carry-on, we were able to stuff in an assortment of layers we might need along the way (rain jacket, warm puffy, hat), along with our headphones, book, travel pillow , and lunch for the flight, and still had space for an empty water bottle or two.

As a 28-liter pack, there’s no alternate sizing available and no hip belt to go along — though, in our opinion, loads this light doesn’t need one. Compression straps are limited, though you do get a set at the bottom of the pack that doubles as a dock for your beach towel, picnic blanket, or rolled-up jacket.

Like the TimBuk2 Never Check , the side water bottle pockets on this pack are really only ideal for thin bottles or flasks, and while we could shoehorn a Nalgene in there, it didn’t look happy.

Compromises aside, for less than $100, the JanSport Journey Pack doesn’t take the easy way out and phone it in with fewer materials or a more simple organizational layout. We had a pocket or sleeve for anything we needed to stash (besides a dedicated passport pocket), and the Journey made for an easy personal item on the handful of flights we took it on — easily stashing beneath the seat. If you’d rather ball out on your big-ticket luggage and just need a travel backpack that’ll plain work, this is the bag for you.

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

• Capacity 40 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 7.6 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 14" x 9"
• Compartment access Zippered back panel clamshell design
• Material Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester

• Supreme suspension system offers the best carry of any pack we tried
• External compression straps limit the volume well
• Comfortably padded grab handles
• Not much internal organization

No stranger to producing supremely comfortable suspension systems, Osprey injected a good bit of its tech into the Farpoint and Fairview packs ($185), which both sport LightWire frames, load lifters, and breathable framesheet and suspension straps. Our Farpoint pack was easily the best load carrier of any we tested and a close contender for the best travel backpack overall.

Far beyond what any of the other travel packs offer, the pack even allows you to adjust the torso length — unheard of in the typical travel pack. Newly updated, these packs have been tweaked to ride the line between traditional backpacks and functional luggage, a claim we can substantiate.

The 40-liter capacity is just about the sweet spot for domestic carry-on luggage limits, and these packs make good use of the space. We could easily pack away a long weekend’s worth of travel essentials into the bag with a little space to spare.

Whereas many other travel packs stash straps away into the body of the pack, the Farpoint and Fairview move in the opposite direction with a deployable strap cover that neatly seals in the suspension for safekeeping when checked. This produces a clean profile that’s ready to be slung around, but it’s not quite as easy and quick as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design Travel Backpacks, as you need to unclip straps to tuck them away.

The interior of the pack is rather spartan, incorporating only one zippered pocket, a laptop sleeve, and two internal compression straps. We would have rather seen a bit more organizational features involved like those that the Matador GlobeRider and Topo Designs Global Travel bags incorporate, but for those who stuff more than pack, the Farpoint and  Fairview may very well punch the ticket.

With one foot on the platform and one on the trail, these packs from Osprey will get you where you’re going and carry a trip’s worth of kit with ease.

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

• Capacity 45 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13.4" x 10.2"
• Compartment access Full clamshell interior, additional front zippered access
• Material 420-denier nylon exterior, 100-denier Robic Dynatec interior

• Excellent storage organization options
• High-quality, strong, and lightweight construction
• No frame to speak of
• Shoulder straps don’t pack away

Aiming to do more with less, the Matador SEG45 Segmented Backpack ($200) proposes a future free of packing cubes and splits up the bag for you, making the organization of your travel pack a breeze.

The full 45 liters of volume is shared among the five segments (6, 9, 15, 9, and 6 L) and trades volume between the full clamshell compartment and the segments. Each of these segments is accessible via its own water-resistant zippers and can be collapsed as your needs change.

We found organizing by clothing type made the most sense in our own packing, but you could even pack based on the day of the week or the use. The clamshell-accessed main compartment was ideal for holding larger items like spare shoes or quarantining spent outfits.

Known for its overbuilt but lightweight bags, Matador didn’t spare the SEG45, utilizing 420D UHMWPE-reinforced nylon in the pack body, as well as 100D Robic Dynatec weave on the interior. It should be noted that this travel backpack doesn’t have any kind of frame and will rely on being packed well to carry correctly. Because of this, this pack won’t carry as well as bags like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, so consider packing mostly clothing in the SEG45.

Our testers felt this bag excelled as a travel bag you might deploy once you’ve hit your destination, as it packs away into larger bags so well. Unfortunately, however, the shoulder straps don’t pack away into the bag itself, so you’ll have to wrangle them into place to keep things tidy.

No matter what you’re up to, everything has got a spot to live in the SEG45 . Need a bit less space? Matador offers the SEG28 ($250) for that.

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.3 oz.
• Dimensions 22.8" x 8.6" x 14.5"
• Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design
• Material 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

• Multiple ways to carry the pack
• Many different storage and internal organization options
• Burly external fabric
• Doesn’t carry the best as a backpack

Looking to squeeze out every last liter of allowed space? Patagonia named this pack in honor of the cause: the Patagonia Black Hole Maximum Legal Carry-On 45 L ($239). This bag can be carried in a number of different ways, but we found it shined during travel as a shoulder bag.

Borrowing fabric from Patagonia’s line of burly Black Hole Duffels , the MLC 45 is made for the long haul. The 900-denier polyester ripstop is coated in a TPU laminate and feels ready to take on the surliest baggage carrier. We certainly felt no remorse in tossing the bag around.

At 45 L, the MLC is certainly right at the cusp of the maximum allowed size, but thankfully that space is well divided up inside the pack. Inside the main clamshell-accessed compartment is a blizzard of zippers and mesh pockets and dividers. Anything we tossed inside was well-stabilized.

Because there isn’t much of a frame to speak of, the Black Hole MLC doesn’t carry the best when slung over both shoulders and can sag when not entirely full. But over a shoulder with the included shoulder strap, this pack feels great and can be easily accessed on the go. This is one of the only packs in our testing to feature a shoulder strap (the other being the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag).

On top of all this, we greatly appreciate that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. Perfect for grabbing and going, this pack is ready to move.

Read Review: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Bag Review: An Organized, Carry-On-Size Wonder

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

• Capacity 24 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Dimensions 18" x 7: x 11.5"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell
• Material 840D ballistic nylon 6, 420D HT nylon

• Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
• Well-structured and protected
• Full panel loading access
• Limited colorways

With an understated look that betrays the truly impressive fit and functionality inside, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) doesn’t need to brag — it knows it’ll tote your kit through the worst of your travel or everyday commutes without missing a beat. This bag is our newly anointed best commuter-style travel backpack.

From a fabrics and materials standpoint, it’s clear that someone at Evergoods truly nerded out when they brewed up this bindle. The 840D ballistic nylon 6 that makes up the exterior of the pack is burly (errantly spilled coffee wipes right off), and complements the thick #10 zippers and spacer-mesh back panel. Even the Evergoods logo is low-key: a simple 2×2” patch on the front of the bag with a slash. That’s it — and we dig it.

Bar none, the Civic Panel Loader has the best laptop sleeve we’ve ever encountered in a backpack, and that’s saying something. The side-accessed zippered aperture can hold a 17” Macbook Pro, and nestles into a fully padded space at the rear of the pack.

This sleeve is suspended from the bottom of the bag, as we’ve seen in many forward-thinking bags, but goes a step further and protects the laptop from the side with an aluminum stay — the primary functionality of which is to support the side handle on the bag. Genius.

The high-polish finish on the CPL24 feels reminiscent of the attention to detail we loved about the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, but we ended up enjoying this pack even more for a simple reason: side carry. The broad handle on the side of the pack is reinforced by that aluminum stay, and it creates a perfectly supported carry for jostling through crowded terminals.

On the interior of the pack, two large pockets are subdivided with a few smaller sleeves and pockets, which are oriented to be accessed with the bag on its side. We carried this pack for a month straight of remote work, lugging it to coffee shops and co-working spaces, and it supplanted all other packs we’ve used previously.

“It’s hard not to love a pack that makes your life easier,” says Senior Editor Nick Belcaster. “This pack does that. Laptop, headphones, notebooks — a whole lot goes into the pack without a care.”

Up there with Nomatic, GORUCK, and Tom Bihn, Evergoods is certainly among the pack-makers that put intelligent design and smart material choice above all else. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the final word when it comes to a travel pack you can carry every day. We certainly do.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

• Capacity 27.5 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
• Dimensions 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.9"
• Material 420x2000D Cordura nylon, 135D polyester

• Dang good looking
• High-quality trim and details, including anodized G hooks and supple webbing
• Supper cushioned back panel
• Exterior expandable water bottle pocket is a bit slim
• Pack straps don't stow away.

Pulling off a good expandable backpack can be a tough task, with fabric accordion folds often taking up valuable real estate on the interior when collapsed in lesser bags. Not so with the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), which takes a simple backpack shape and elevates it with premium materials and design to create one of our favorite travel backpacks for tucking under an airliner seat.

Unlike a lot of the pure-function rectangular bags in our lineup, the Never Check is a real looker — easily one of the best styled in our testing so far, and we’d have no qualms about bringing it along as a business bag. Small details like rubber-covered zipper pulls, anodized G hooks, and supple webbing keep it looking sharp. The 27.5-liter size is just about dead-on for most airline ‘personal item’ size requirements, and this bag easily slides under a seat.

The main compartment is accessed through a clamshell zipper on the front of the bag, which is gusseted to hang open while you’re loading it up. During the few national and international flights our Senior Editor Nick Belcaster deployed the bag on, this was easily enough space for everything you might want during a plane ride. And for everything else, a front pocket is lined with multiple drop and zip pockets for organizing small gadgets like chargers or keys.

The back panel of the Never Check is a plush ½-inch of comfortable foam, and combined with the equally padded shoulder straps made for a very nice carrying bag. The straps unfortunately do not stow away, but on a lower volume pack such as this, it’s a much less useable feature in our opinions. 

And finally, one of our favorite features: the wide laptop sleeve. This 15” opening is generous enough to accommodate the larger laptops of today, and is suspended from the bottom of the backpack to ensure bumps don’t turn into bruises.

Just like the name suggests, the Never Check Expandable Backpack provides a svelte solution to bringing a bag with you during airline travel — or even just to the office. Its clean profile and attention to detail impressed us, and it would make an excellent work-to-weekend bag.

Able Carry Max Backpack

• Capacity 30 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 14.4 oz.
• Dimensions 20.4" x 12.6" x 7.9"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
• Material X-Pac and 1000D nylon face fabric, ripstop 420D nylon interior

• High-quality fit and finish with top-shelf materials
• Dedicated work compartment is well organized and padded
• Shoulder straps and back panel are cushy Zotefoam
• Fits 17" laptops
• No hipbelt can be nice for storing, but needed for heavy carries
• On the higher end for travel pack pricing

Sporting many of the same features and functionality as the leading travel packs in our review, the Able Carry Max Backpack ($278) leaves little on the cutting room floor, decked out with ultra-durable Cordura nylon and X-Pac materials to pull together a travel pack that you could kick, throw, or loft across the airport to no ill effect. This is one tough pack.

At 30 liters, the only thing not ‘Maxed’ out on the Max is the capacity, which lands at less than the maximum legal carry-on size for most domestic airlines, but will be ideal instead for those who are operating with a little more room in their checked baggage, freeing up the Max for the important stuff. We also find slightly smaller packs such as this fly much easier on worldwide flights, where carry-on sizes can be a bit more diminutive.

That space is wisely dispersed, organized, and split between the laptop and main compartments. The laptop sleeve won’t hold any remote worker back, as it will host up to the 17″ mondo laptops of the modern age. It is flanked by an accessories pocket lined with four stretchy pockets for swaddling your chargers, cords, memory cards, and wireless mouse.

The main compartment leaves the organization up to you and is accessed through a broad clamshell opening that gives you full access to the entire space. A couple of packing cubes won’t go to waste in this space, and while Able Carry doesn’t supply the straps themselves, a couple of daisy chain webbing loops run the length of either side of the interior, meaning you can wrangle unruly items if need be. The back panel tucks away a few more zippered pockets, and a water bottle pocket also collapses away when not needed.

On the exterior, the Max is crisscrossed by seatbelt webbing on almost every facet, which will appeal to those who are looking for a modular pack for attaching and switching kit around as it’s needed. The VX21 X-Pac material is a rough and tumble weave that might not have the slick finish of the canvas on the Peak Design Travel Backpack but is easily as weather and abrasion-proof. We also highly appreciated the 1000D Cordura nylon on the boot of the pack, which made shuffling it around a worry-free exercise.

There are a lot of high-quality travel backpacks in the 30-liter space, and while most all will get the job done, it’s the construction of the Able Carry Max Backpack that keeps drawing us back to it. The stitching on this pack is exact and plentiful and works to hold a number of high-quality materials together in a thoughtful design.

Fully loaded, we did sometimes wish for a removable hip belt to help shoulder the weight a bit, but only the most jammed-full load-outs elicited this desire. For anyone after a dialed-in travel pack, the Max lives up to the name.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

• Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
• Material 420D UHMWPE-reinforced ripstop nylon, 100D Robic nylon mini-ripstop

• Incredible density of pockets and sleeves
• Tough UHMWPE outer fabric can be tossed around
• Shoulder straps tuck away in a novel and smart manner
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit tight
• Price is up there

With a pocket or sleeve for pretty much everything, the new Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350) gives the Peak Design Travel Pack a run for its money when it comes to the best overall travel pack. 

Our Managing Editor raved about the GlobeRider after serious testing where she pretty much lived out of it for 3 months: “If you travel often and look for crucial components like internal and external pockets, laptop storage, and backpack and hip straps, consider the Matador GlobeRider 45. It’s a unique design in that the [pack] seems to have it all — every feature I’ve needed so far, both living out of it and in my travels — in a pretty packable size.”

What impressed us most was the way the GlobeRider was able to balance both an eye-watering amount of organization and versatility, and burly durability that ensures that this pack won’t shy away from tough travel conditions. In total (and we double-counted) there are 19 individual pockets on the pack, in all types of stretch mesh, zippered, and collapsible configurations. When good organization is key, the GlobeRider reigns. 

On the back panel of the GlobeRider, one of the more novel stowage systems we’ve seen packs away the shoulder straps and hip belt for when you want to slim down the bag. Two zippered panels — similar to the structure of the Peak Design packs, save for the closure — envelop the straps when not in use, and provide a lump-free panel for toting around. 

When it comes to downsides, the GlobeRider doesn’t miss much. The laptop sleeve aperture is a bit small at 9.5”, which in today’s age of mondo-screened computers may be limiting to some with larger devices. There also is no ability to convert the pack to a shoulder bag like the Patagonia MLC does, which can be handy when moving quickly through the airport.

Dang-near the top of the list, the Matador GlobeRider 45 would be an excellent choice for anyone who practices one-bag travel, or desires to have a place for everything in their journeys. The price does sting a bit, but based on the long-term testing we’ve completed so far, we’ve seen no indications that this pack will fade away anytime soon.

Read Review: I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Thule Aion 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 3 oz.
• Dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 20.5"
• Material Waxed P600 polyester canvas

• Maxes out on carry-on-compliant space
• Internal roll-top TPU bag separates the clean from the to-do laundry
• Waxed canvas exterior has a classy look
• Centered side handle carries well
• Well-cushioned back panel
• No shoulder strap stowage option
• No hipbelt on a 40L is pushing it

Better known for their roof boxes and racks, it’s fair to say that Thule knows travel, and the addition of smart, organized, and comfortable travel packs like the Thule Aion 40L ($200) makes all the sense in the world to us. This pack is a finely-honed bag for international and local travel alike, and is decked out in some high-class materials.

Like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC pack, the Aion 40L aims to go for the maximum allowed capacity, and at our measurements (21.5” x 15” x 8”), the pack slides in just half an inch less than the normal 45 linear inches typically allowed. That’s efficient. The space is split up into two main compartments and a laptop sleeve, with the larger opening with a full clamshell zip.

This inner compartment hosts a few zippered pockets and internal compression straps, but the star of the show here is the integrated TPU rolltop bag. This sack can be used to cordon off your liquids (and easily presented for inspection), as well as separate your pile of ‘to-do’ laundry. This reminds us of the ActiveShield compartment in the Gregory Border Traveler pack, but we enjoy the removable aspect here even more. 

Round the back of the pack, the spacer-mesh swaddled laptop sleeve rivals the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader , and has an additional sleeve for items like tablets, notebooks, or chargers. The back panel itself is impressively cushioned (one of the more luxe in our testing) and that extends to the shoulder straps. 

Unfortunately, there’s no shoulder strap-stowage system here, so you’ll have to wrangle those yourself, and while we typically enjoy the lack of a hip belt in smaller travel packs, the absence in a 40-liter pack is a little puzzling. Fully loaded, the Aion could certainly benefit from one, and while a separate sling bag can be added to function as one, you’ll need to fork over $50 for it.

Ranking high up there with your Peak Designs and your Ospreys, the Thule Aion 40L nails the style and material departments, and with a full 40 liters of space on board, has all the room to pack for your week-long trips — no roof box required.

Osprey Archeon 30L

• Weight 3 lbs.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 11.4"
• Compartment access Zippered top-access
• Material 840D ballistic polyester with carbonate coating

• Extra-tough exterior fabric with carbonate coating
• High-polish details such as seatbelt webbing straps
• Mini-wing hipbelt tucks away easily when not needed
• Smart internal storage pockets that lay flat when not needed
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit too snug
• Compression straps lay over the main zipper

First off, one word: Rugged. The Osprey Archeon 30L ($250) is a high-end build that spares little in the material department, and looks dang good while it’s at it. The 30-liter size makes this bag weekend travel-ready, and we greatly appreciated the fit and finish.

The overall design of the Archeon reminds us a good bit of the Peak Design Travel Bag (certainly the all-waterproof exterior zippers and curved side-entry pockets), but it’s the exterior fabric that really impressed. The 840D ballistic polyester is coated with a carbonate polyurethane coating, a bolstered recipe that increases durability by a magnitude over traditional PU coatings. In testing, we wore out before putting a dent in it.

The pack itself breaks down into two main compartments, with the main pocket opening behind a curved clamshell zip (we did have a little trouble with the zipper passing behind the exterior straps. Removing them fixed that). Inside, three expandable tech pockets tuck away all of your small kit, and do a good job of keeping things tidy on the interior.

On the exterior, Osprey doesn’t disappoint when it comes to suspension straps, which are comfortable, adjustable, and stashable. The mini wing-style hip belt earns special praise on packed flights, where we find traditional hip belts to be a hassle to store, and combined with the slick shoulder-strap stash pocket, the Archeon converts to minimal mode in under a minute.

Something the Archeon certainly could use, however, is a slightly larger aperture into the laptop/tech compartment. As-is, the zipper doesn’t quite extend down far enough to truly open up the pocket, and as such it can feel a bit like rummaging around in the dark looking for cords and chargers in the bottom of the pack. Extending these zippers down to the middle of the pack would seem to fix the issue, and we hope a later iteration might address this.

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by the Osprey Archeon 30L . There’s also a 40-liter version if you’re looking for a max-capacity carry-on, and even a smaller 24-liter for kicking around coffee shops day-to-day.

Read Review: Hack Carry-On Rules: Osprey Archeon Kit Gives Power Back to Passengers

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.4 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14" x 7.5"
• Material 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

• Overbuilt design with tough materials and chunky zippers
• Plenty of organizational pockets
• Bright interior
• Not the cleanest strap stowage

Chunky zippers, an overhead-savvy profile, and multiple ways to sling it over your shoulder: The Topo Designs Global Travel Pack ($229) has honed in on much of what we love in a travel backpack.

During a recent trip from Seattle to Southern California, we were heavily saddled with the maximum the airline would allow. But this pack made use of every inch of space and reached the allowance of what we could check as our carry-on. The 40 liters of internal capacity is broken down into a series of dividers and pockets, which made condoning off things like electronics from the rest of our kit easy. And the interior of this pack is a cheery canary yellow, which helps with ease and visibility.

On the exterior of this pack, three separate carry styles are available to get you through the concourse in whatever way you choose. We found the full-featured backpack straps to be our go-to, which even sport load-lifters for a comfy carry. This suspension system does tuck away for when you might want to check the bag, though we found the hipbelt to be a bit tricky to fully retract.

Rounding out this travel-ready backpack is a tough build that makes use of 1000D recycled nylon and heavy-duty zippers, and we had no qualms with tossing this bag around during our trip. Perfect for anyone who subscribes to the one-bag travel ethos, the Global Travel Pack from Topo Designs makes the grade for those who want the most out of their carry-on.

And if you’re only going to be away for a short trip, the Global Travel pack is also available in a 30L capacity .

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

• Capacity 28 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 4 oz.
• Dimensions 19" x 12" x 9"
• Material TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester, 840-denier nylon paneling

• Burly exterior material holds up for the long run
• Plenty of zippered mesh storage pockets
• On the heavier side
• TPU-coated nylon can feel grabby

The Allpa 28L Travel Pack ($170) will change the way you travel. It’s sleek, durable, and able to fit an incredible amount of stuff in a small space. The zippered mesh pockets keep clothes organized. And the compression straps maximize what you can pack.

The tough polyester and nylon construction can take a beating without any signs of wear. And we appreciate that the externally accessed, padded laptop sleeve makes pulling out your electronics at security checkpoints a breeze. There’s also a small outer compartment to keep essentials at hand.

You can completely tuck away the backpack straps and carry the pack like a briefcase, or wear it comfortably as a backpack. We’ve stuffed this pack to the gills countless times and have never had a problem with the zippers. Light rain showers or spills roll right off the TPU-coated exterior, but for legit rainstorms, just pull out the included rain cover.

The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L capacities. As our editor noted in the 42L review , “Building on its fun and functional ethos, Cotopaxi beefs up its bestselling product. The Allpa Travel Pack earns big points for clever design, clean aesthetic, and a surprising number of handy — and hidden — features.”

Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs are an investment, but anyone who travels regularly will find it a worthy one. These powerhouse travel backpacks are sturdy, versatile, and built to last.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

• Capacity 25 L
• Weight 1 lb., 13 oz.
• Dimensions 13.4" x 20" x 9.1"
• Material 400-denier Halcyon, 420-denier nylon ripstop

• Many different fabrics and color schemes are available
• Built to last design and materials
• Removable webbing hip belt
• Suspension doesn’t pack away
• Side wing pockets are a little awkward to access

Refined and clean-looking, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a high-end travel backpack we just can’t stop staring at. It just looks that good. Made of burly textiles and zippers, this pack was built to stand the test of tough travel and come out shining on the other side.

The Synapse 25 is the larger version of Tom Bihn’s Synapse 19 , a popular backpack made for daily carry. The bump in volume is appreciated in this travel-oriented version and is doled out in one large compartment as well as a set of pockets on the front of the pack.

We found all the pockets easily accessible, save for the side wing pockets. While these were excellent for the organization of smaller bits and bobs, the openings were a bit awkward to jump into.

Topped off by a cushioned suspension (the foam is a half-inch of supple EV50), this travel backpack didn’t weigh us down on long days of travel when fully packed. And when we wanted to go light, even the webbing hip belt was removable. In terms of the ability to bop around town as a daily driver, this pack is up there with the TimBuk2 Never Check (we liked the back panel on this pack the most).

Along with being carry-on compliant, the Synapse is also one of the few bags on our list that are compact enough to fit under most airline seats without hogging too much precious legroom.

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

• Capacity 32 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.
• Dimensions 19.2" x 12.2" x 11.4"
• Material 420-denier recycled nylon

• TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
• Many options for organization
• Water bottle pockets fit 32 oz. bottles
• Need to release two buckles in order to unzip the main pocket all the way

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey has put in the time — and it shows. The Nebula 32 ($140) feels like all the brand’s most popular packs morphed into one. Most of all, we love how it seamlessly goes from city streets to trails.

This backpack can do it all, whether you’re hauling your laptop and books around town; water, food, and layers on an easy hike; or all of the above and then some for a weekend away.

The internal storage pockets are great for organizing all of your things for easy access. And while the Nebula 32 is top-loading, the main pocket opens up wide enough so you won’t have to unload everything to get to the one thing you want at the bottom. The sternum strap and hip belt are comfortable as well, especially when carrying a heavy load.

On smaller volume packs like this, sometimes design concessions need to be made to accommodate all the functionality, and on the Nebula, it’s in the side compression straps. Like on the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, the compression system of the pack overlays across the main compartment zipper, meaning you’ll need to undo some straps before rifling around in the storage area. Not a deal breaker, but a little annoying when the TSA line starts to back up behind you.

Overall, the Nebula 32 won’t disappoint if you make it your go-to smaller-volume travel backpack.

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

The staff of GearJunkie is a hot-footed bunch, restlessly plodding across the country or around the globe in search of adventure and whatever else comes our way. And we have a lot of stuff, which necessitates having a travel bag or four in the stable.

Surely any old bindle will do in carrying your kit around, but having a travel backpack that is dialed into the needs of travel can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. We’ve been testing travel backpacks since 2019 and have put the market slice through the wringer on thousands of miles of travel to weed out the best of the best.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has a zeal for international travel, and he leads up our current travel pack testing, logging almost 10,000 flying miles in the last year alone. From Iceland to Utah, Belcaster has carried these packs and lived out of them for weeks, relying on them to support back-to-back travel excursions.

In testing, we looked for a number of features in our travel backpacks, including overall capacity, carry style, durability, and aesthetics. It’s important to think about how you’ll use your travel pack, and as such, every pack on our list is carry-on compliant for the worst-case scenario.

We know no trip will be like the next, so we took a broad swath of the travel backpacks on the market in order to create a list that will suit many different travelers. Packs in hand, over our shoulders, or on our backs, we hit the four corners and tested the best travel backpacks of 2024.

Curious about what we pack in our travel backpacks? We’ve penned up a list for both domestic and international trips .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

The International Jet-Setter: The term ‘One Bag Travel’ is no stranger to you, and you’ve just about got your life distilled down into 45 liters of space. If international travel is your bag, then a backpack that’s up to the task will be essential to see you through to further time zones.

Efficiency will be the name of the game here, and going with a pack that is dang-near the carry-on maximums for international flights will mean you can make it through without checking a bag. Look for near to 45-liter packs with plenty of organization baked in, as well as a comfortable (and stashable) carry system.

For international travel, the bag we reach for most often had to be the Peak Design Travel Backpack , with a razor-thin second place going to the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack . For an emphasis on organization, the Matador SEG45 splits up the volume well, and if you’ll be schlepping bags around a long way, the Osprey Farpoint & Fairview Packs have all the Osprey suspension we love.

The Weekend Warrior: Maybe it’s a work trip, and maybe it’s just for fun, but it’s only going to take 2-3 days total, and you’ll need a bag that can pack it in. For weekend excursions, we find packs in the 25-35 liter range work well for the minimalists among us, and the 30-40 liter range for those who like a bit more options.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is easily one of the most stylish packs in our review, only slightly edged out by the Timbuk2 Never Check , and both make the grade for a single overnighter in a foreign locale. For a bit more space, you can’t go wrong with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L , a fun pack that is a lot tougher than the multi-colored exterior would let on.

The Commuter: No flight involved! Duty calls, and sometimes you’ll need to lug around a bit more kit than the old briefcase can allow for. Commuting with a travel backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on longer rides, as shoulder and handbags are cumbersome over the long run. Focus on a bag with a more traditional backpack shape that puts an emphasis on ease-of-access, and is in the 20-30L range.

For bumping around town, we’ve come to love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 , which not only lugs our remote office around with ease, but also looks pretty slick doing it. The drawstring opening here is a huge boon for quickly stashing a jacket, and the tough exterior fears no weather forecast. For a budget just-get-it-done choice, the JanSport Journey Pack will make it happen for less.

The right size pack for you depends on a few things. First, where are you going? And, how long do you plan to stay? Winter travel often comes with more gear, so you’ll need to pack extra layers. Longer trips often require larger bags.

That said, your personal packing style will be the most important factor. We know minimalists who happily travel for months with only a single backpack in tow and others who want the largest travel backpack possible in addition to a totally stuffed duffel bag . One method isn’t better than the other, but knowing your style is helpful when choosing a bag.

In general, we’ve found that something in the 28-45 liter range is ideal for comfort and packability. Many packs will also offer a compression system to allow you to limit the overall volume of the backpack. We’ve seen many different ways to accomplish this, but the most effective by far were the button snaps and expanding zipper of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Packs toward the 40-45 liter range will be your carry-on bags of choice, and the 45-liter Peak Design, Patagonia MLC , and Matador GlobeRider are perfect for maxing out your allowed space. The 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs give up a little internal room for the luxe suspension system they’re carried with.

Packs in the smaller end of the range, from around 25-30 L, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snugly underneath an airliner seat. These small bags move through a city gracefully and look more like everyday carry backpacks than traditional luggage.

What good would a bag be if you couldn’t get into it? From a simple drawstring to a thicket of Velcro and zippers, there are plenty of ways to keep your bag closed while you’re on the go, but not every one will be amenable to travel.

Zippered Clamshells: Most travel backpacks will use a clamshell-style design that opens up the backpack like a suitcase, allowing you to pack intentionally as opposed to stuffing things in. Oftentimes, an internal strap system will help keep your items contained while you’re on the move.

Packs with this clamshell design may also opt to add internal dividers to the main storage area, and make these dividers removable — should you need the entire storage area uninhibited. For packs without internal dividers or straps, consider adding a few packing cubes to keep your items organized.

In addition to the rear entry, some backpacks will offer additional entry points through the top or front of the pack. This can be helpful when you need to quickly retrieve something like a passport from your bag, without the need to totally spill the contents. The majority of packs in our review close in this clamshell manner, and a few of our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack , Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs , and Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack .

Zippered Top-Access: Much like many traditional backpacks, zippered top-access packs load and unload from the topside, and generally only offer one point of entry/egress into the pack. For this reason, packs of this flavor are generally left packed during travel, as digging around for something at the bottom can be a hassle.

Bags of this stripe, including the uber-nice Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and expandable Timbuk2 Never Check , most often make better personal items over carry-ons, as their smaller volumes make for easier searching within.

Drawstring Top-Entry: While not quite as common as a zippered clamshell or top-access pack, drawstring top-entry packs can make for very quick and easy access to your kit if you’re on the move. These packs will integrate an extended fabric collar to the top of the storage area, which can be compressed when needed, or overstuffed with bulky items like jackets.

Carrying Options

There are plenty of ways to lug your kit to your boarding gate, but not all of them will be comfortable for everything. Over-shoulder backpack straps can support a good bit of weight but typically will need some type of frame to truly be supportive. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs were the best-carrying packs in our testing, owed largely to the wire frame and Airscape mesh back panels, but we also enjoyed the carry of the aluminum frame stays on the Matador GlobeRider.

A shoulder strap travel backpack, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L , can be slung across your body and provide a great amount of accessibility on the go. Don’t expect to carry too much weight this way, however.

And then there’s the classic suitcase style, easily towed anywhere. It’s good to note many travel backpacks will have stowable straps to better streamline the pack for a trip through an X-ray machine or stowed under a seat. The strap storage design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L impressed us most of all, utilizing magnetic closure flaps to pack away the shoulder and hip straps neatly.

Pockets & Organization

There’s an organizational saying: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” And we couldn’t agree more. Keeping track of everything while you travel is key for organization. And while more pockets always seem better, there is a threshold where having too many simply becomes more places to misplace things. Instead, we recommend packs with three to six pockets.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Global Travel Bags both have ingenious inner organization systems complete with large zipping “pockets.” It has just enough space to find room for everything but not so many compartments that you’ll be hunting all day for your misplaced passport. For even more organization, the Matador SEG45 splits into five different segments that are accessible from the exterior of the pack.

Bringing along a laptop is a necessary evil for some travelers, and having an incorporated laptop sleeve in your travel backpack can keep it safe during travel. Most laptop sleeves will be padded with some type of foam and nestle in close to the back for maximum protection. In order to be TSA-compliant, a laptop sleeve will need to fold entirely flat away from the pack to be scanned.

Because flying with liquids over 3.4 ounces is prohibited in the U.S., carrying all of these items in a separate toiletry bag can make your foray into the screening line a breeze. Many of the packs on our list incorporate many external pockets where such a bag could be stashed and produced when needed.

Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs. The fan-favorite Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L pack is made with a 900-denier ripstop nylon outer with a TPU laminate for extra durability. It’s nearly indestructible, water-resistant, and versatile.

If you’re traveling somewhere with inclement weather or if your pack needs to double as a climbing bag or hiking pack, durability is extra important. And it’s worth paying more for a backpack that is water-resistant.

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

Astute observers will note many of the packs in our review sport a rectangular shape, which is certainly due to designers aspiring to create a more space-efficient pack. This isn’t to say that more shapely packs won’t make it happen, but when you’re struggling to make every liter of space count, maximizing dimensions matters.

Carry-on luggage is any bag that you plan on bringing into an airplane and storing in the overhead bins. Because space is limited, airlines dictate the maximum size that any carry-on can be. In the U.S., the most common size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). However, this is just a rough guideline; some airlines differ from these dimensions, and you should refer to their information directly.

In general, these dimensions provide a travel backpack with around 40-45 liters of internal volume, so buying a pack that’s as close to that as possible will provide the most space allowed. Many of the packs on our list have the ability to compress to a smaller size, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L .

Be mindful as well, that any protrusions from your travel pack such as shoulder straps or handles will also need to fall within the maximum allowed size. Many travel backpacks today incorporate some type of strap-stowing ability, such as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design packs, the zippered cover of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, and the hybrid zipper/panel of the Matador GlobeRider 45. All of these provide a more streamlined profile that should both hit the mark, and fit better into overhead bins.

Travel backpacks run the gamut of prices — from affordable to downright pricey. There are a number of factors that play into what you get for the money.

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

Travel backpacks, as a category, are generally a bit pricer than your average luggage, as they incorporate tough materials that can put up with extensive wear over the lifespan. Travel is tough on bags, so it’s unsurprising that even budget travel backpacks will cost you around $100-150.

These packs often will incorporate more traditional architectures such as a zippered top access, as opposed to the more complicated (and spendy) full-zip clamshell designs. For example, the JanSport Journey Pack ($95) is pretty much your average school bag.

Volumes, too, will be a bit limited in this price range — added material adds cost. The 32-liter Osprey Nebula ($140) is about the best price-to-volume ratio you can get.

Mid-Range Travel Packs

Mid-range packs make up the bread and butter of travel packs, and can be had for around $150 to $200. These designs are often more of the full carry-on variety, and aim to capitalize on permitted volume as much as possible. The 45-liter Matador SEG45 ($200), Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($239), 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview ($185), and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ($229) all shoehorn in just about as much space as a friendly gate agent will let you get away with.

For the price, you also get a good variety of functionality that makes travel easier, such as stowable pack straps, interior segmented pockets and sleeves (done excellently on the $170 Cotopaxi Allpa ), and an external compression system that limits the space your bag takes up. Some packs, like the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), don’t exactly hit these parameters, but instead make up for it in high-quality design and materials.

Premium Travel Packs

Above $250, you’re likely paying for premium materials or a to-the-hilt design that leaves absolutely nothing on the cutting room floor. The Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300) is a great example, and utilizes super high-quality nylon canvas, custom aluminum hardware, and supple seatbelt material webbing in its build, as well as fitting in just about every conceivable feature you could want in a travel pack. The same can be said of the Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350), which uses high-tech UHMPWE-reinforced materials and sports a total of 19 pockets.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a bit of an outlier, as it commands a high dollar amount not for the extreme amount of space it offers or amount of features, but for being a hyper-customizable, hand-made bag that uses the nicest textiles available, as well as the best zippers, webbing, and foam in its design. If you’re a fan of the finest materials, this is your daily driver pack.

What Is One Bag Travel?

The ‘One Bag Travel’ ethos and travel backpacks go hand-in-hand. Simply put, to travel in one-bag style is to be minimalist in your luggage choices, and only take what you can carry onto the plane/train/pack animal. Not only does this do away with the fuss of deciding what exactly to bring along with you, but it also allows for breezing through airports — skipping the need to check baggage, wait at baggage claim, or fear for lost luggage.

In order to most effectively travel with one bag, be sure to read up on exactly the baggage size allowances provided by your transportation. This can affect both overall size and weight, and having an expandable pack is a large benefit here. In this way, you can carry just enough to skirt through under the limit, and then expand the bag when you’ve hit your destination for more breathing room. If you aim for a 35-40 liter backpack, you’ll be right on the money for one-bag travel.

Finally, remember that this bag is going to be the only item of luggage you’ve got, so ensure it’ll be comfortable enough for the long haul. Look for padded back panels and hip belts that’ll transfer the load correctly, and if they stash away — all the better.

Our team unanimously agrees that the best travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . It’s extremely durable, and it offers plenty of organizational pockets to stash your kit away in. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and we really appreciated the unique shoulder strap storage options available to turn the pack into a stripped-down bag that would slide into any overhead compartment.

The best size bag for traveling depends largely on your travel itinerary and mode of transport. The Cotopaxi Allpa packs range from 28 to 42 liters.

The 28-liter option makes for a compact and comfortable backpack that easily fits in overhead airplane compartments. The 42-liter option is a bit more like carrying a duffel bag on your back, but it still manages to fit in overhead compartments. It’s a great option for maximizing carry-on capacity in backpack form.

While both have their place in travel, a backpack can offer some advantages over a suitcase. Since they’re much more portable, backpacks can be brought to many more places where a suitcase won’t work. Suitcases can be your large load carriers, but a good travel backpack gives you the freedom to strike out on daily adventures.

Travel backpacks absolutely can be carry-on luggage, given they meet the size requirements. In the U.S., the most common maximum size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). But this is only a common size, and different airlines will have different specifics. Consult with your airline specifically to determine what they allow.

While different body types will find different travel packs comfortable, we can all agree that a good support system and ample foam make for a comfortable carry. In our own testing, we found the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Travel Packs were by far the most comfortable due to their plush suspension systems.

Because many different airlines operate a slate of different planes, there isn’t a standard under-seat luggage size, although there is an average: 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches. Some airlines allow personal items larger than this, but you should consult with their customer service for specifics. Our favorite personal item-sized travel pack was the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack , which, at 24 liters compressed, easily slides under a seat.

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re headed to the office, class, or even the trailhead, here’s our top picks for the best laptop backpacks of 2024.

The Best Daypacks of 2024

We tested the best daypacks of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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The 12 Most Durable Duffel Bags for Rugged Travel

No matter where you’re traveling to, you’ll need a bag, and there’s nothing more functional than a cavernous, weatherproof, backpack strap-equipped duffel.

By Tanner Bowden and Hayley Helms

Features have gotten out of hand. No matter what the product is — be it as simple as a knife or as complex as a camera — we’ve come to expect that it’s jammed with as many bells and whistles (sometimes literally) as possible. Outdoor products are among the most egregious culprits here, fooling would-be adventurers into thinking that they simply cannot embark on a trip without bringing the multifunctional-jacket-pant-parachute-vest complete with eighteen camp-stove-dongle-ready removable pocket pouches (and it packs into its own hood!). It’s maddening.

Thankfully, the duffel has remained immune to the feature-packing epidemic. The design hasn’t deviated too far from the canvas sacks travelers used to throw over their shoulders before heading off to lands unknown . Improvements like weatherproof zippers and padded backpack straps are utilitarian, not gimmicky. Materials technology has made duffels all but bomb-proof, which is ideal for poor-weather adventures, but canvas has not been forgotten. Often times, the only feature is an interior pocket. And that’s the way it should be. You already have enough stuff to bring with you; you shouldn’t have to worry about the bag that carries it all.

Products in the Guide

Best Dry Bag Duffel

Best Overall

Best Upgrade Duffel

Best Budget Duffel

Best Alternative To Our Top Pick

Best Waterproof Duffel

Best Durable Duffel with Wheels

Best Duffel for Organization

Best Backpack Carry System

Best Adventure Duffel

Best Luxury Duffel

Best Sustainably Manufactured Duffel

Best Bombproof Duffel

What to Look for in a Durable Duffel

These duffels run the gamut of sizes and materials, but one thing is uniform in every case: resiliency is favored over contrivance. These are bags capable of withstanding countless well-planned weekends to a favorite hideaway, as well as expeditions to corners of the map that still contain question marks.

When choosing the rugged duffel that will work best for your travel habits, it’s best to keep in mind what matters most. Will you be traveling to rainy and wet environments? Make sure your bag is made with water-resistant materials and coated with a waterproofing treatment like DWR; if you’re going on a road trip and don’t want to have to worry about your bag being banged around or ripped, make sure you look for abrasion-resistant materials like ripstop nylon, waxed canvas or twill. Finally, how much will y0u be packing? 25-30 liter volumes will work well for an overnighter or quick weekend trip, but if you’ve got a lot of gear or are planning an extended adventure, we recommend 50 liters and up.

The Most Durable Duffel Bags for Travel

This definitive guide to the best durable duffel bags for travel and adventure provides information on the 11 top duffels based on rigorous testing. In it, we break down each bag’s key features, covering elements such as volume, durability, support, features, weight and more.

Filson Medium Dry Duffel Bag

Filson Medium Dry Duffle Bag

• $75.00 at Filson $98.00 (23% off)
• Velcro closure and straps are strong
• No internal pockets/dividers make staying organized a challenge
• Available Volumes: 65L
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Material: 840D 100% nylon w/clear ether TPU + nylon webbing + high density plastic

When it comes to duffels, Filson is typically known for its rugged, classic canvas versions — like the one you’ll see lower on this list. But the Seattle-based brand is no stranger to bringing quality to whatever material or product it’s working with, and in this case, it’s the dry bag that gets the premium treatment. Filson’s medium dry bag/ duffel can fit a week’s worth of clothes and supplies in it easily, and while camping with mine, I was able to keep it in my truck bed without worrying about it soaking through during rain showers. It’s surprisingly light, and the tough-as-nails nylon material is thin but tough — it’s flexible enough to mold into whatever shape you need it to be, but thin enough to prompt concern over it ripping or tearing. Undeniably though, one of my favorite aspects of this bag has to be its highlighter-green colorway: I can pick it out in a sea of black, brown and navy bags with ease, cutting out on more travel-related headache. If you’re looking for a dry bag that can do it all, consider this option.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L

• $117.99 at Patagonia $169.00 (30% off)
• Available Volumes: 40L, 55L, 70L, 100L
• Weight: 2 pounds, 9.09 ounces (55L)

Patagonia hit the nail on the head with the name of its line of heavy-duty carry-alls: Black Hole. That’s what a duffel should be — a bottomless pit into which you can toss anything and everything you might need for a day at the crag or an entire week in the opposite hemisphere. The bag’s D-shaped zipper opening makes it easier to see all of what’s inside than end-to-end designs, and the lid includes a large mesh pocket for stashing odds and ends you don’t want to dig for.

To that end, there’s another small essentials pocket that you can access from inside or out. Daisy chains and removable backpack straps count for the rest of the bag’s features, but it’s the durability of Patagonia’s Black Hole fabric, which it makes using a water-repellant, TPU-laminated 100-percent recycled polyester ripstop, that makes this duffel great for any imaginable itinerary.

Peak Design Travel Duffelpack

Peak Design Travel Duffelpack 65L

• $219.95 at peakdesign.com
• Available Volumes: Flexible 45-65L
• Weight: 3 pounds, 14 ounces

The main element that sets Peak Design’s Duffelpack apart from the rest is its opening. Its zipper is straight instead of D-shaped, but because it’s extra-long and complimented by internal aluminum stays that help it open fully.

But thoughtful design is present in every element of this bag: its backpack and waist straps tuck neatly behind magnetic flaps, its 600-denier fabric is waterproof but doesn’t necessarily look like it, and an extra zipper can expand its volume from 45 to 65 liters. It integrates perfectly with Peak Design’s packing cubes — which Gear Patrol highly recommends — and is one of the most comfortable duffels we’ve tested.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L Duffel Bag

• $149.00 at eaglecreek.com
• Available Volumes: 40L, 60L
• Weight: 2 pounds, 3 ounces (60L)

Perhaps $119 isn’t your idea of “budget-friendly.” There are cheaper duffels available, but none that are water-repellent, super-durable or have features like stow-away backpack straps or a padded bottom.

Eagle Creek didn’t stop there, though. It gave this duffel an internal removable divider and end pockets — one of which you can pack the whole bag into — for gear organization. Compared to the other bags on this list, the Cargo Hauler is cheaper, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less rich in features.

Black Diamond StoneHauler

Black Diamond Stonehauler 45L Duffel

• $159.95 at blackdiamondequipment.com
• Available Volumes: 30L, 45L, 60L, 90L, 120L
• Weight: 2 pounds, 12 ounces

It’s easy to compare the StoneHauler Duffel to Patagonia’s Black Hole. The bags share features like backpack straps and a perimeter of lash loops, as well as a D-shaped opening. There are, however, a few key differences.

First is a padding layer that adds to the StoneHauler’s durability and comfort when holding pointy gear (like climbing equipment). The second is an internal compression system that prevents contents from moving around. But the most notable feature is something Black Diamond calls DirtBag Internal Storage, which refers to a sack with a cinch closure that’s integrated into its interior. It’s perfect for keeping dirty hiking boots or laundry away from clean items, and you can smush it to the side when you don’t need it.

• $400.00 at Amazon
• Available Volumes: 50L, 75L, 100L
• Weight: 5 pounds, 3 ounces (50L)

Drawing on the success of its soft-sided coolers, Yeti stripped out the insulation and used the thick, laminated nylon skin to create a highly puncture- and abrasion-resistant duffel called the Panga . Like many Yeti products, what appears run-of-the-mill is actually innovation genius.

The Panga has easily removable backpack straps, lash points on all sides and haul handles on either end. Speaking of those ends, they’re sturdy enough to keep this bag standing upright, and the bottom is padded with EVA foam, similar to the stuff in running shoes, to keep things protected when you decide to give the bag a toss. The Panga is also fully submersible thanks to a TIZIP airtight zipper (it’s super-tough, don’t let your sweater get caught in it). One way to test it? Close it up when the bag is empty and stand on it — not even a gasp will escape.

Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel

• $399.95 at Amazon
• Available Volumes: 110L
• Weight: 12 pounds, 3 ounces

Even backpack straps can’t make carrying the biggest bags comfortable, and that’s when wheels come in. Thule’s are oversized to roll over rough terrain and have a sturdy telescoping handle to keep them going. The bag itself opens like other duffels on this list: wide, thanks to a D-shaped zipper, so you can easily access everything inside its cavernous 110-liter compartment. For essentials, its lid has two zippered mesh pockets, and there’s a small exterior pocket too. A laminated weather-resistant fabric protects everything, and Thule included a molded polycarbonate shell on the bottom.

Matador Seg42

Matador SEG42 Travel Pack

• $199.99 at matadorup.com
• Available Volumes: 30L, 42L
• Weight: 2 pounds, 4 ounces (42L)

Instead of the single large opening that defines most duffels, Matador’s Seg42 has six. Five of them are on its lid, each opening into separate variably sized compartments that call to mind packing cubes that add up to the bag’s 42-liter capacity. When such organization isn’t necessary, these tuck away behind a zippered panel, leaving the Seg42’s full volume available as a sixth option for dump-it-all-in packing. Alternatively, you can use a few of those pockets and collapse the others, making it easy to separate clean stuff from dirty stuff.

The Seg42 also has backpack straps that tuck away when you don’t need them, two end pockets for small items and a separate zippered laptop pocket. All are protected by durable and water-repellent ripstop fabric.

Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel

• $229.00 at mysteryranch.com
• Available Volumes: 40L, 55L, 90L
• Weight: 4 pounds, 3 ounces (55L)

The Mission Duffel sits firmly in between backpack and duffel. As such, its shoulder straps aren’t an afterthought but a fully fleshed-out component that draws on the brand’s success with every day and expedition packs. The straps are padded for comfort and equipped with a sternum harness. They also stow away neatly into a flap on the bottom of the bag. In addition to that, the Mission contains a main compartment that feels bigger than it looks and is home to multiple mesh organizing pockets. Like the Base Camp duffel, the Mission offers a separate section at one end for wet, dirty, or bulky items.

Ortlieb Atrack

Ortlieb Atrack Pack

• $270.00 at Moose Jaw
• Available Volumes : 25L, 35L, 45L
• Weight : 3 pounds, 2.4 ounces (25L)

Of all the strap-equipped bags on this list, Ortlieb’s Atrack is the only one that’s a backpack first. Ortlieb previously made waterproof and rugged duffels with backpack straps on them, and it pulled many of those features over to the Atrack — including a tear-resistant fabric and an impregnable TIZIP zipper — which is designed less for hauling huge loads than for facilitating lots of different adventures. Its pack straps are padded, and they have an accompanying hipbelt. Plus, it uses a simple modular strap system that allows for the carrying of skis, snowboards, snowshoes, trekking poles, helmets and whatever else you might think to strap to it.

Filson Large Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

• $650.00 at Filson
• Available Volumes : 43L, 75L
• Weight : 4 pounds (75L)

You may experience a little sticker shock when shopping around Filson’s site, but the 125-year-old brand hasn’t made it this far by peddling wares that don’t pass muster. The Seattle-based brand decided to opt out of canvas for its largest duffel bag and go instead in the direction of rugged twill, which mimics the no-nonsense aesthetic appeal of waxed canvas and boasts exceptional abrasion resistance.

Filson sources the twill from Britain’s oldest mills and pairs it with bridle leather for the handles and shoulder straps. If you’re looking for a tough duffel that won’t go out of style and is rugged enough to be passed on to the grandkids, Filson’s large duffel is a worthy investment. If you’re looking for more of a weekender size, Filson also offers a medium version with a 43-liter capacity.

Cotopaxi Del Dia Mariveles 32L Duffel

• $40.00 at Backcountry
• Available Volumes : 32L
• Weight : 11 ounces

Cotopaxi’s Del Dia collection takes remnant scraps leftover from the production of other bags and transforms them into one-of-a-kind pieces — without the custom price tag. The Mariveles 32L is perfect for quick weekend getaways, overnighters, or very light packers. The custom colorway ensures you’ll never mix up your duffel with another on the baggage carousel, and the ripstop fabric ensures you won’t be left with a useless duffel at the end of your trip.

Uncharted Supply Co. The Vault 65L Duffel Bag

• $159.00 at unchartedsupplyco.com
• 100% waterproof construction holds up
• Zipper is tough to break in
• Dimensions: 27.5″ x 13.9″ x 10″

Announced in March 2023, the brand that brought you 72 hours of survival in a backpack is at it again — this time with a bombproof duffel. Featuring two large internal pockets and one, smaller external pocket for small tools and paperwork, the entire Vault Duffel is 100-percent waterproof. In the spirit of utility, it also includes an air valve — to compress lofty items (like your favorite puffer) — and that doubles as a water spout in case you’re storing liquids. The Vault 65L Duffel Bag starts at $159 and can be upgraded with a Seventy2 Survival Insert ($390 total) or a Seventy2 Pro Survival Insert ($535 total).

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The Best Duffle Bags

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

Few bags are as simple, versatile, and satisfying to use as a duffle.

Its utilitarian design—a soft, oblong bag with one zippered opening plus two handles and/or a shoulder strap—suits anything from a daily commute to a weekend away to a fishing trip.

Though that basic form works in many situations, no single duffle bag (the word is also spelled duffel ) can fit everyone’s taste or needs.

A small, barrel-shaped duffle may be perfect for toting a couple of towels and lunch to the beach, for example, but it doesn’t offer the organization or space to pack for a three-day business trip.

The seven bags we recommend—plus three alternates—are well made, comfortable to carry, and intended to fill a range of roles, including as a versatile adventure bag , a weekend-away duffle , a daily-carry bag , a lightweight convertible backpack , an ultra-packable duffle , a rolling duffle for checking , and a waterproof gear hauler .

The research

Why you should trust me, most versatile duffle: patagonia black hole duffel 70l, also great: decathlon forclaz duffel 500 extend, best weekender: lands’ end waxed canvas travel duffle bag, best for daily carry: herschel supply co. sutton duffle mid-volume, also great: cotopaxi mariveles 32l duffel bag del día, for traveling on foot: cotopaxi chumpi 35l duffel del día, for when you need a spare bag: matador freefly packable duffle, also consider: waterfield packable duffel, best as checked luggage: dakine split roller 110l bag, best for keeping things dry: yeti panga 50l waterproof duffel, other good duffle bags, how we picked and tested, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve reviewed bags for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time, I’ve interviewed countless bag designers, brand executives, fabric specialists, zipper zealots, and a host of bag hobbyists and satchel obsessives. These interviews and my own years of research have earned me at least something of a journeyman’s understanding of how a good bag should feel and what makes it work in a given situation.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L

A rugged, versatile bag to hold your gear.

This bag is the most versatile gear duffle we’ve found. It’s tough, water resistant, and great for toting clothes and equipment in almost any travel or outdoor scenario.

Buying Options

Get this if: You need a sporty, water-resistant bag that can handle anything from toting sports gear to holding stuff for a two-day camping trip to going on a weeklong vacation.

Why it’s great: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L is a true jack-of-all-trades. The exterior is made of polyester ripstop that is laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to protect against abrasion and has a water-resistant coating. Over the years, I’ve dragged, thrown, kicked, and carried these Patagonia bags across most of the country, and they’ve never failed. You can carry the Black Hole at your side using the two handles or over your shoulder using the strap, or you can wear it as a backpack with its two padded straps. The Black Hole is available in three other sizes, too: 40 liters , 55 liters , and 100 liters . (We originally tested a now-discontinued 120-liter version.) For all practical purposes, the bags are identical except for their increasing size, though the two smaller sizes come in a wider range of colors than do the two larger sizes. The Black Hole folds down into its own stuff sack, which turns into a storage pocket when you unfold the duffle. Patagonia has a highly regarded replacement and repair guarantee that we’ve tested many times without complaint.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: There’s little about the Black Hole to critique. It does what it needs to, and Patagonia’s reputation for high-quality materials and craftsmanship has set the standard for this type of bag for years. One small detail: The shoulder straps can take a moment to situate because of their unusual eyelet attachment, but once you figure them out, adjusting them is easy to do with one hand.

Dimensions: 28 by 13 by 17.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 70 liters Other sizes: 40 liters , 55 liters , 100 liters

Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend

If you need a versatile bag that expands.

This expandable bag is an absolute bargain, considering the quality and strength of the materials. However, Decathlon is still a lesser-known brand in the US, and we haven’t tested this bag for as long as we have our other picks.

Get this if: You need a durable and water-resistant bag for travel, sports, or longer adventure trips. With its extra 20 liters of expandable space, it’s a particularly good pick if you tend to travel with a small load and return home with a larger one—so consider this bag if you anticipate receiving gifts or doing some shopping while you’re traveling.

Why it’s great: When we first compared the quality of the Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend against its listed price, we thought there must have been some kind of mistake. We rarely see a bag with coated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyester, both of which offer water resistance and durability, of this quality for less than a hundred dollars. In many respects, the Forclaz Duffel is similar in material quality to the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L , yet it’s less than half the price. That said, we have some small concerns that we can’t address without further testing, namely the stitching at critical points (more on that below).

Beyond the price, the standout feature of the Forclaz bag is its Transformer-like ability to expand from a 40-liter backpack to a 60-liter bag with the adjustment of a few zippers and clips. The expansion process is a bit fiddly at first, but it’s well worth the effort if you find yourself frequently packing more than you expect during your trips.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Upon close examination of the Forclaz bag, we found that our biggest concern involved the stitching at certain critical points, such as at the shoulder attachments and along key seams; we’d prefer to see more double stitching and bar tack reinforcements, as we found on the Patagonia Black Hole. This bag has notably high review scores on the Decathlon website, and its sturdy materials lead us to anticipate that it will wear well. That said, Decathlon’s limited warranty does not look as rock solid as Patagonia’s. There’s really no way for us to address this bag’s potential flaws without spending a lot more time with it, which we plan to do.

Dimensions: 21.5 by 15.5 by 12.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 40 liters (expands to 60 liters) Other sizes: none

Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag

A buy-it-for-life travel bag.

The more you use this rugged weekender, the better it will look. The canvas body, leather reinforcements, and brass hardware all promise durability, though we’d prefer more waxing in the canvas.

Get this if: You want a bag with a heritage look, to carry on quick trips, that can take a few knocks and age well with the wear.

Why it’s great: The Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag is the toughest bag we could find—it’s made of sturdy canvas, with leather trim and brass hardware—that is also consistently available. The shoulder strap comes off, which is useful if you prefer to carry your bags by their handles. A small internal pocket is convenient for tucking away, say, your wallet or your house keys. The waxed duffle fits a specific aesthetic: It’s maybe not the bag you’d take on a business trip but rather to a cabin in the mountains. That outdoorsy look, however, has practical benefits, as with a little care a duffle like this should last a long time. (We should note, however, that Lands’ End no longer offers a lifetime warranty—you now have recourse only within a 90-day return period.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Waxed canvas is heavier than most modern fabrics (such as nylon and polyester), and we noticed the extra heft of the Lands’ End bag in comparison with the weight of other duffles we tested. Although Lands’ End describes this duffle as waxed, we’d call it lightly waxed at best. The canvas is mildly water resistant, but liquids won’t roll off it in the way you might see with more heavily waxed items. If you do want more protection, you can add more wax to the canvas yourself . When we tested the bag, it came in brown and navy. Currently, it’s available only in navy.

Dimensions: 24 by 11 by 11 inches (LWH) Capacity: 40 liters Other sizes: none

Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume

An affordable bag for daily use.

This midsize bag is for anyone who wants a simple duffle to use during the day. It’s great for commuting, going to the gym, or toting supplies on a park or beach excursion.

Get this if: You need an inexpensive bag with a casual style for your day-to-day activities and hobbies.

Why it’s great: If you were to ask a random person on the street to picture a small, basic duffle, they’d probably imagine a bag like the Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume . It has the classic shape, look, and feel of a traditional barrel duffle. Like most of the duffles we looked at, it comes with a removable shoulder strap, but you can carry it comfortably by its top handles, too. This decently constructed polyester bag with a center zipper running down its length is small enough that you can’t really overpack it or make it too heavy; basically, it’s the perfect size for daily tasks. Herschel bags are backed by a limited lifetime warranty . One thing to note for anyone who likes internal organization: The Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume has no internal pockets. It comes in a range of colors and a couple of patterns—six in all.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This Herschel duffle is not the best-made bag we’ve encountered—the fabric feels thin, and the stitching is a bit slapdash. However, it is one of the better-made bags we’ve seen that cost less than $75. Even with light daily use, the Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume should last a good amount of time. Oddly, Herschel placed six small grommets on the bottom of the bag to (we assume) let out moisture. Unfortunately, that placement also lets plenty of moisture in if you accidentally put the bag down on a wet spot or coffee spill, which is not an inconceivable scenario in a gym or office.

Dimensions: 20.25 by 10.25 by 10.25 inches (LWH) Capacity : 28 liters Other sizes: none

Cotopaxi Mariveles 32L Duffel Bag Del Día

A daily-use bag made of upcycled material.

Similar in size to the Herschel bag, this duffle is strongly constructed out of upcycled materials. But it lacks a shoulder strap, and the color-block appearance may not be to everyone’s taste.

Get this if: You need a durable but inexpensive bag for simple daily use, but you also want a duffle made of sustainable materials, from a B Corporation.

Why it’s great: This kind of barrel-shaped 30-liter bag is something of a platonic ideal among duffle designs. Like the Herschel bag, the Cotopaxi Mariveles 32L Duffel Bag Del Día has the classic shape and feel of a barrel duffle. In contrast, however, it’s made of repurposed ripstop nylon that’s of a higher quality than the Herschel’s polyester, and it’s available for a lower price (though it lacks the Herschel bag’s included shoulder strap). We also continue to be impressed by Cotopaxi’s overall transparency and social mission. It’s a listed B Corp , and it takes pains to be as sustainable in its bags’ construction as possible, with a particular focus on labor practices. Like many of the company’s bags (indicated by the Del Día name), the Mariveles duffle is made from discarded material otherwise destined for the cutting-room floor, left over from other companies’ larger production runs. This is why each run of the Mariveles is distinct—the precise colors vary depending on what’s available.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We’d love to see a shoulder strap included. Although the Mariveles does have loops so you can add your own shoulder strap, even a simple nylon one provided with the bag would go a long way toward making it one of our best overall picks. (There’s also a better likelihood that an included strap would coordinate with the motley colors of the bag.)

Dimensions: 17.5 by 10 by 10.5 inches (LWH) Capacity : 32 liters Other sizes: none

Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del Día

A duffle that’s also a backpack.

This bag can be a backpack or a duffle—and it works well as either. If you plan on walking long distances and want multiple ways to carry your gear comfortably, this is a great option.

May be out of stock

Get this if: You expect to walk a lot on your trips—touring cities, say, or doing some light adventuring—and need a comfortable way to carry your stuff, but you don’t require an extra-tough gear bag. Also, this bag is a good choice if you want to support a B Corp and its social and sustainable missions .

Why it’s great: The Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del Día has dedicated backpack straps built into the top that hide away behind two flaps secured by metal clasps when not in use. Many combo backpack-and-duffle designs rely on the handles serving double duty as backpack straps, which usually means they aren’t very good as either. The Chumpi’s dedicated straps allow it to perform as an actually comfortable backpack. When you’re finished wearing it, converting it back into a duffle is simple: Just tuck the backpack straps away and grab the bag by its handles. Unlike several other backpack duffles we tested, this Cotopaxi bag positions its zipper against your back while you’re using it as a backpack. It’s a simple, seemingly obvious (but rare) design choice that lends more peace of mind when you’re walking down a busy street or absentmindedly taking in the sights.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Is a duffle with shoulder straps as good as a backpack? No. Like most backpack duffles, the Chumpi has a tendency to slouch a bit when it’s on the shoulders. That said, I carried the Chumpi fully packed for several miles while on a trip, and I found that using its backpack straps was a nice alternative to shifting a single shoulder strap from side to side. Note that when we tested the Chumpi, it was available in a range of solid colors. Since then, Cotopaxi has switched to making the duffle using a patchwork of remnant fabrics, which is what the Del Día name refers to. This means that each bag will be one of a kind—but also possibly more boldly colored than some people may like.

Dimensions: 20 by 10.5 by 10.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 35 liters Other sizes: none

Matador Freefly Packable Duffle

Lightweight and packable.

This ultralight duffle folds away into its own front pocket or compresses further into a cinch sack. The weatherproof material is paired with sealed zippers, which should keep everything inside dry in moderate rain.

Get this if: You want a lightweight alternative bag for emergencies, a day bag when you travel, or a last-second hauler for going around town.

Why it’s great: Unlike many packable or ultralight bags, which tend to behave like unruly sacks unless they’re filled to the hilt, the 30-liter Matador Freefly Packable Duffle manages to keep its shape whether it’s empty, partially packed, or stuffed like a sausage. It doesn’t pack down quite as small as some bags we’ve tested in the past, but it comes close enough—shrinking to about the size of a mango—and it’s much more pleasant to use as an actual bag once it’s on your shoulder. Where this Matador duffle truly excels, though, is in the high quality of its materials. With reinforced, treated nylon and sealed zippers, the Freefly is especially robust for a lightweight packable. Matador added a few compression straps on the side, too, though personally I find them more trouble than they’re worth on most bags.

If all that seems like too much for what you need, Matador also makes the 25-liter On-Grid Packable Duffle , which typically costs about $30 less. However, with unsealed zippers, it’s not as waterproof, and it doesn’t appear to be as durable. We’ve concluded that having something that should endure years of use and abuse is well worth spending a little more.

All Matador products are backed by a decently trustworthy three-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: One glaring flaw is the shoulder strap. Although the strap is adjustable, it’s nothing more than an inch-wide strip of nylon. Even for a pared-down packable bag, that’s pretty meager considering the bag’s 30-liter carrying capacity. For shorter-term carries, this bag does just fine, but if you need a duffle to constantly haul around town, one of our other picks is likely to keep you (and your shoulders) happier. However, if you need a spare bag to tuck into your suitcase, an extra gym bag while traveling, or a way to carry purchases you pick up on a trip, this bag is a great choice. This duffle comes in only one color, black.

Dimensions: 22 by 11 by 8 inches (LWH) Capacity: 30 liters Other sizes: none

WaterField Packable Duffel

A packable bag for travel.

Like the Matador, this packable duffle folds into its own pocket and is weatherproof. A few thoughtful details—including a luggage loop—make the WaterField more suitable for travel than other models we tested.

Get this if: You need a packable duffle that easily doubles as a carry-on item—it has a luggage handle slot—and provides extra weather protection.

Why it’s great: WaterField continues to make some of the best overall bags we’ve come across in the past few years, and the Packable Duffel is no exception. It’s more expensive than the Matador Freefly , but its upgraded materials and more-robust stitching and build may make the higher cost worth it for certain people. Travelers especially will welcome the luggage loop, which fits over suitcase handles. The exterior of the bag is made from Taslan—a lightweight but substantial woven fabric with an added water-resistant coating, which is complemented by self-sealing waterproof zippers similar to those on the Matador. The interior is lined with a ripstop nylon. Both fabrics are very high-quality materials, helping the bag stand out from the competition. How, exactly? You can scrunch this bag down to about the size of a couple of pairs of socks (it fits into a 9.5-by-8.5-inch pocket), store it for weeks, then open it up and shake it out, and the bag will look fresh and presentable without creases or stress lines. It doesn’t pack down quite as small as the Matador, but many people might prefer its more-structured design. The bag has no shoulder strap, but the handles are long enough to let you shoulder the bag and carry it under your arm.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We wish the nylon strap made for looping over your suitcase handle were more robust. Many companies making underseat bags have opted for an entire “slip-through” panel, which holds the bag securely against your luggage without letting it slouch over.

Dimensions : 8 by 18 by 10 inches (LWH) Capacity : 24 liters (expands to 30 liters) Other sizes : none

Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag

A rolling duffle to check.

This bag offers the space and easy-to-maneuver wheels of a good suitcase in the flexible shape of a duffle bag. Multiple interior and exterior compartments let you easily organize and separate all of your gear, too.

price may vary by color or style

Get this if: You want a rolling duffle that’s well organized. Also, this is a good choice if you need a bag that’s great for checked-luggage excursions and other types of long-distance travel but want something a little more pliable and easy to maneuver than a traditional wheeled suitcase .

Why it’s great: The Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag combines the best parts of checked luggage—internal organization, wheels, and a cavernous interior—with the soft, flexible frame of a duffle bag. The Split Roller opens like a clamshell; one side of the “shell” is divided into top and bottom compartments, and the other consists of one large main compartment. Mesh dividers separate all three compartments to keep everything in place. When you expand this duffle, it holds about 110 liters—nearly 20 liters more than our top pick for checked luggage . But the Split Roller can also adjust to carrying lighter loads, as it works similarly to an expansion case: The bag has a collapsible brace in the front section that can either fold out for extra space or fold back to let the top of the bag lie flat. Two external pockets let you easily access your everyday things and travel items without opening the bag itself. (The duffle also comes in an 85-liter version .)

Similar to many of the rolling duffle models we tested, the Split Roller has dependable #10 YKK zippers and 8 cm urethane wheels. Both features are good enough for a bag of this design and price. Dakine also uses a variety of polyester and Cordura nylon materials for various versions of the Split Roller, ranging from 600-denier polyester (good for most people) to 1,000-denier Cordura blend with DWR coating (useful if you abuse your gear or travel through tough or wet conditions). We tested the 600-denier polyester fabric in the black color, and it seemed plenty durable for a travel duffle. It’s also the least expensive fabric option that Dakine offers; if you instead opt for one of the tougher, water-resistant options, you pay a little more. Dakine covers its products with a limited lifetime warranty .

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If the Split Roller is not packed properly—with the heaviest items toward the wheels—the bag can lean and even tilt over when left upright. More often than not, the Split Roller stays upright, but it isn’t as stable as the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L . However, the bag’s well-thought-out organization and durable construction more than make up for this small frustration.

Dimensions: 32 by 17 by 13 inches (LWH) Capacity: 110 liters Other sizes: 85 liters

Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel

A tough bag for wet adventures.

If you want the toughest possible duffle, this is our choice. It’s comfortable to carry, waterproof, and close to indestructible. However, it typically costs nearly twice as much as the 55-liter version of the Patagonia Black Hole.

Get this if: You want the absolute toughest, most durable waterproof duffle for your adventures—particularly if those adventures leave you wading with your gear through streams or torrential rains.

Why it’s great: A waterproof nylon shell and zipper keep your stuff dry even if you submerge the Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel completely. I didn’t quite believe it until I tested the duffle several times, carrying it fully packed into the beach breaks of Oahu’s North Shore, where its impermeable barrier held in enough air to easily float my 220-pound frame and still kept the towels, clothes, and sneakers inside bone-dry. If you’re on a trip where your bag might end up in the water, you’re sure to appreciate this feature. Like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel , the Yeti Panga Waterproof Duffel comes with a plethora of lash points that you can use to secure your bag on your adventures. Thanks to its rigidity, the Panga is also surprisingly comfortable to use as a backpack. (Its handles serve as the backpack straps.) The Panga comes in two larger sizes, as well: 75 liters and 100 liters .

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The price of the Yeti Panga is nearly double what you pay for a similarly sized Patagonia Black Hole. All that weatherproofing isn’t light, either—the Panga is the heaviest bag we tested, weighing more than 5 pounds when empty. If you need a waterproof bag as tough as the Panga that also includes wheels for load assistance, the Ortlieb Duffle RS is a good option. However, wheels are just one more thing to break on a bag, and the necessary skid plates and axles tend to make rolling duffle bags like the Ortlieb a bit less flexible than the Panga. The Panga comes in two colors: gray and tan.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 10 by 14 inches (LWH) Capacity: 50 liters Other sizes: 75 liters , 100 liters

If you don’t mind a stylized look for your everyday-carry bag: Previously we listed the Topo Designs Classic Duffel 20″ in the Competition section, but we now believe that you should consider it if you like its look. This is a great 27.5-liter duffle with Cordura nylon and rucksack details, but it has a specific style that many people may not like. Topo has a reputation for making excellent gear, though, and if you find this bag appealing, you won’t go wrong with it.

If you transport heavy stuff that can’t get wet: Consider the 85-liter Ortlieb Duffle RS , which is a decent waterproof alternative to the Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel, especially if you prefer built-in wheels to assist with the load. The Ortlieb bag, which is made with PVC-coated polyester fabric, has a rigid aluminum floor plate; this piece protects the base of the bag without taking up a significant amount of space (an issue with other rolling duffle bags). Note that all the extra parts mean more complexity and more things to break. Our biggest complaint, though, is that when the bag is left upright, it has a tendency to tip over because of its narrow wheelbase. (The bag also comes in 110- and 140-liter sizes.)

We began our research by poring through brand websites, reading bag blogs, and surveying a multitude of review sites. We divided the field into several broad categories: duffles for everyday use plus weekend trips and longer travel, backpack duffles, packable duffles, and duffles meant to haul adventure gear. Working from an initial list of 88 possible contenders, we considered each duffle’s design, accessibility, size, features, organization, materials, price, and brand warranty. Using those criteria, we narrowed the list down to 33 bags that we called in for hands-on evaluation.

To test the duffles, I packed and unpacked each one and used them as much as possible in my day-to-day life. With every bag I tested, I asked myself, “Would I live with this bag? Could it replace something I already have?” Specifically, I looked at the following:

Ease of use and accessibility: How easy is the bag to pack, unpack, and otherwise use in everyday situations? Does it have enough pockets? Are they well organized and well placed? I also kept a close eye on zippers and how they acted, tugging them from different angles. It was especially important to me that the zippers on our picks were easy to open on the go, even when the bag was hanging from a shoulder.

Carrying comfort: A great bag is pretty useless if it isn’t comfortable to heft and cart around. After I loaded up each bag with as much gear, clothes, sneakers, books, and usual ephemera of life as I could, I carried it around. I spend a lot of my time on the move, so each of our potential picks became—at least for a short while—something of an everyday-carry companion in my life until I understood the bag’s character.

Quality of the materials: Most bags are made from one of a handful of fabrics (nylon, waxed canvas, polyester). I paid special attention to the material’s weight, heft, and weave, as well as any special tech like TPU coatings.

Weight: Duffles should be light enough to carry easily but not so light that they feel flimsy or about to tear. Most of our picks weigh less than 3.5 pounds.

Cost: We eliminated any duffles that we determined were overpriced for what they were. You do get what you pay for in this category, though, and better quality and materials are often worth spending just a little more.

Guarantee or warranty: Not all company policies are equal. We favored bags that came with a warranty of two years or more.

Versatile/adventure duffles

Sea to Summit Duffle Bag : Although this heavy, water-resistant adventure duffle is good for the price, we were more impressed by the consistent performance and simplicity of the Patagonia Black Hole (our pick among versatile duffles) and the sturdier construction of the Yeti Panga (our pick among waterproof duffles).

The North Face Base Camp Duffel L : This duffle is similar to the Sea to Summit Duffle Bag, except it lacks that bag’s rigidity and attention to detail.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe : We liked the separate compartment at the bottom of the bag that allows you to pack a few pairs of shoes, say, or to separate out dirty laundry as you travel. But the materials of this duffle weren’t as good as those of other picks, and it didn’t carry as comfortably.

Everyday duffles

Mission Workshop Transit Duffle : We aren’t sure who this laptop duffle is for. The bag was so divided up and over-organized that we had trouble carrying much of anything in it. In addition, the main zipper was too short, which made it hard for us to open the center of the bag all the way.

Bellroy Lite Duffel : We very nearly made this one of our picks except for the odd design of its top zipper closure. That zipper extends out past the edges of the bag’s main compartment, which makes it easier to access the interior but also leaves two large openings on either end of the bag when it’s closed. The extra length of zipper does fold down, but the bag doesn’t have buttons or clasps to keep it shut. The gap feels like a large oversight, especially given the duffle’s price.

Backpack duffles

Osprey Transporter Duffel 40 : This duffle bag wasn’t great to pack or carry in our tests. The materials felt thin, and the straps didn’t sit well on our shoulders when the duffle was fully packed.

Piorama A10 : An adjustable duffle bag that’s both a day bag and an extra-large backpack? Seems like it should be great, but in practice the design felt fiddly, and the cinched sphincter-like ends were unsettling.

Topo Designs Mountain Duffel : The one flaw of this Topo backpack duffle is that the shoulder straps are placed on the bottom of the bag, which means that as you wear it, the zipper is worryingly exposed to the world.

Rolling duffles

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L : The rolling Black Hole’s design is identical to that of the non-rolling version that we like, except for the addition of wheels, a reinforced base, and haul handles. Those additions do make it heavier and less flexible than the non-rolling bag. The best part of the design is that it stands upright unassisted, even when empty. But most travelers are better served by the organization and extra pockets in the Dakine Split Roller .

Amazon Basics Ripstop Wheeled Duffel 30″ : Inexpensive and well organized, this Amazon Basics duffle could almost qualify as a budget pick. However, you get what you pay for in this case, and we found that most of the internal materials, such as the pocket dividers, weren’t especially durable. Most people are better served spending a bit more for quality materials.

eBags Mother Lode 29″ Checked Rolling Duffel : The Mother Lode is more of a hybrid piece of checked luggage than a true rolling duffle. Most of the bag is shaped around a hard-shell bottom, which seems to take away from the flexibility of a rolling duffle. You’re likely to be happier choosing one of our other duffle picks or one of our checked-luggage picks.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 : This Osprey model is a large, cavernous bag on wheels similar to the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag. But the Patagonia duffle has a sturdier frame and tougher materials than the Osprey, which needs a bit more structural reinforcement to compete. Again, however, we ultimately preferred the organization and split interior of the Dakine Split Roller in this category.

We also tested duffles from American Apparel, Incase, Marmot, Osprey, Thule, and Tortuga that have since been discontinued.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

We’re testing Peak Design’s Travel Duffel in both the 35- and 65-liter sizes.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

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After stuffing more than 40 gym bags with clothes, gear, water bottles, and more, we want to carry the KNKG Plus Duffel  to our next workout.

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The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Bring all the gear you need in these sizeable luggage pieces

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Jessica Juliao

Rolling duffels are the luggage style of choice for adventure travelers, outdoorsy folks, and chronic over-packers—essentially, anyone who requires plenty of flexible space and the added versatility of a bag that can be carried or slung over a shoulder as easily as wheeling it from A to B. These days, many brands also make duffels that are as fashionable as they are functional, also making them a viable option for business trips and weekend getaways. Things to look out for include sturdy carry handles or straps, a reliable wheel and trolley system, and a generous, durable interior with some organization features.

To help you narrow down your search for the perfect rolling duffel, we tested 30 of the most popular brands in the TripSavvy lab. Using a series of tests designed to simulate the rigors of airline travel, we scored each duffel on its capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

• Others We Tested

How We Tested

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, patagonia wheeled duffel bag.

Backcountry

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Tough, long-lasting material

Burly, smooth-rolling wheels

Won't turn on a dime

The 100L Black Hole Wheeled Duffel from Patagonia impressed us from the outset with its impressive capacity. With some strategic packing, we could fit double or even triple the amount of clothing on our prescribed packing list. We liked its structured bottom for support and its flexible upper, allowing for maximum packing potential. The duffel features ripstop polyester with a highly weather-resistant TPU-laminate coating. We found it sleek, functional, and sturdy enough to potentially be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. After our stringent durability tests, the duffel showed zero signs of wear and tear.

It’s also great for the planet, with 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. The main compartment features a large opening and internal compression straps, with mesh pockets in the lid for smaller items. There’s also a zippered side pocket to separate shoes, toiletries, or dirty laundry. We liked that there are multiple ways to transport this bag. You can use the reinforced haul handles to lift it onto the luggage scale; or weave through the airport using the sturdy, oversized wheels and telescoping handle. Although somewhat tricky to maneuver around tight turns, we found that the wheels rolled perfectly on rough and smooth surfaces.

Dimensions: 32.6 x 16 x 13.7 inches | Weight: 9.49 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: Ripstop polyester with a TPU-film laminate | Sustainability: 100-percent recycled ripstop polyester

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Budget

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 3.8 /5
• Durability 4.7 /5

Plenty of external storage

Handles rough treatment well

Folds away when not in use

We'd like a more functional handle

Made from surprisingly sturdy 600-denier polyester, the Travelers Club Xpedition duffel bag retails for just over a tenth of the price of our overall winner. Despite its low cost, it held up well to our durability tests with no obvious dents, tears, or broken elements. The main compartment is spacious (so much so that we had room left after packing for a 10 to 14-day winter trip) but lacks organization features. This was more than made up for by the bag's exterior, however, which features no fewer than six extra-large zippered accessory pockets.

The duffel features sturdy top and rear carry handles for manual lifting. Alternatively, it has two wheels and a retractable handle—although we felt the latter's design was lacking since it wasn't height adjustable and could have been smoother to extend. Most importantly, though, it was strong enough to maneuver the bag around our simulated airport obstacles while the wheels rolled smoothly over hard surfaces. Finally, the duffel features a tri-fold bottom for convenient storage.

Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Capacity: 77 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag With Wheels

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5

Hybrid design adds sturdiness

Maneuvers well

Generous capacity

Adjustable height handle would be nice

The Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag features 1,200-denier PVC—making it waterproof, lightweight, and (as our tests proved) exceptionally durable. Coming in at roughly a quarter of the price of our overall winner, we felt it offered incredible value for money, especially given its innovative design. The large main compartment features a U-shaped opening for easy access and easily fits everything on our packing list. We loved the half suitcase/half duffel concept, with a structured bottom that gives contents an extra layer of protection.

Organization features include an interior zippered mesh pocket, two exterior pockets, and clever compression straps that fasten outside the duffel to keep everything in place. The duffel comes with high-quality YKK zippers and balanced bottom feet that allow it to stand upright on its own. We found the telescoping handle comfortable but wished it had more than one height setting. Finally, the oversized trolley wheels operated smoothly through turns and over a variety of terrains, including gravel.

Dimensions: 33 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 11.35 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: PVC | Sustainability: Not listed

Best Carry-on

Vera bradley foldable rolling duffel bag.

 Amazon

• Portability 5 /5
• Value 4.6 /5
• Durability 4.6 /5

Made from recycled plastic bottles

Good level of organization

Easy to store

Not as durable as some outdoor brands

Made from Vera Bradley’s lightweight, recycled ReActive fabric, the Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag wins points for sustainability by saving 24 plastic bottles from landfill. It’s also water-repellent and survived our durability tests without sustaining any damage. The main compartment features a mesh slip pocket and a concealed bottom compartment perfect for separating shoes or dirty laundry. We fit everything on our packing list before realizing this bottom compartment existed. There are also two zippered pockets on the outside of the duffel.

We found that the wheels turned smoothly around tight corners and handled all terrains well. The bag is also small enough to carry comfortably using the dual top carry handles. It stands upright on its own and folds flat for convenient storage in the back of your closet. Other thoughtful design features include a travel lock, luggage tag, and a zippered pocket for storing the handle when not in use. The duffel is available in Reactive Black, Rose Foliage, or Sunflower Sky and has a five-year warranty.

Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: ReActive fabric | Sustainability: Saves 24 plastic bottles from landfill

Best Checked

Ebags mother lode checked rolling duffel.

• Portability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

Spacious and easy to pack

Tough construction

No side handle for easy lifting

With a durable, molded bottom and flexible polyester top, this rolling duffel from Mother Lode divides into two sections. The zippered top compartment features a mesh storage pocket and compression straps, while the bottom compartment is unstructured except for two large pockets perfect for shoes or toiletries. Both sides of the bag are deep, allowing space to configure your belongings. We packed for a week and still had room to spare without using the three exterior pockets or the zippered expansion feature.

We found the overall quality good, with zippers that opened easily, smooth-rolling wheels, and a sturdy telescoping handle. The latter offers three height settings for maximum stability and comfort. It was easy to maneuver over and around obstacles and survived our durability tests with no signs of damage. In fact, the only downside was the absence of a side haul handle, which made lifting it a little awkward. The bag comes in one color, Heathered Graphite, and has a limited lifetime warranty.

Dimensions: 29 × 17 × 15 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

Best for International Travel

Ogio terminal travel bag.

• Design 4 /5

All the room you could need

Great manueuverability

Easy to lift

Limited plain colors

If you're planning a round-the-world adventure and need a bag that can fit weeks' worth of belongings while also withstanding the rigors of international travel, you'll love the Ogio Terminal Travel Bag. It's constructed of durable 420-denier nylon, with protective, reinforced skid bars on the back panel. We found it lightweight yet so strong it didn't show any signs of our repeated bat and drop tests. In terms of capacity, we'd have scored it a 10 if we could, with enough space to fit clothes, shoes, and accessories for 14 days.

The interior features a neoprene lining, a mesh divider, and compression straps—while two large external pockets provide space for keeping toiletries or dirty laundry separate. The skate wheels and retractable handle helped the duffel to move smoothly and quietly through our obstacle course, while multiple grab handles came in handy for loading it into cars and buses. Colors, except for sober Black Pindot, are eye-catching with names like Double Camo, Acid Waves, and Nebula.

Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 13 inches | Weight: 10.6 pounds | Capacity: 95 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Not listed

Best Splurge

Tumi large split 2-wheeled duffel.

• Value 4.5 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Easy to pack and organize

Customization options

Smooth roll

The Tumi Large Split 2-Wheeled Duffel will set you back the better part of $1,000, but for those who can afford it, we feel the quality is commensurate with the price. The bag is made from virtually indestructible ballistic nylon, with a molded, impact-resistant bottom and protective bumper rails. It sailed through our durability tests unscathed. We loved its clamshell-style opening and the divided interior with a large mesh zippered pocket and compression straps.

We were able to fit everything on our list with space to spare. With so many compartments on the inside and outside, we actually enjoyed the packing experience! One of the exterior pockets has a water-resistant lining. The duffel maneuvered skillfully across all terrains thanks to its large, high-quality wheels and two-stage telescoping handle. It also has leather-accented top and side carry handles and a bottom grab handle. Other benefits include molded feet for standing upright and the brand’s proprietary Tumi Tracer.

Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 14 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Ballistic nylon | Sustainability: Not listed

Best for Hauling Gear

Rei co-op big haul recycled rolling duffel.

Sleek design

Sturdy, eco-friendly material

Adventure-specific extras

Not particularly fashionable

Need an outdoors-approved duffel big enough to fit the whole family’s gear that's hardy enough to travel where few other suitcases can go? The REI Co-op Big Haul duffel is for you. We packed everything on our list with plenty of space left over. We loved the weather-resistant finish on the recycled ripstop nylon exterior; and the heavy-duty, oversized wheels that easily handled all of our testing terrains and challenges. The telescoping handle felt sturdy, and the side, front, and end handles made the duffel simple to lift as needed.

The main compartment features several practical mesh pockets and a set of compression straps. We also liked that the duffel has exterior compression straps that allow it to be cinched in, depending on how full it is. Other features that reinforce the impression that this duffel is meant for the great outdoors include daisy chain lash points for attaching extra gear and piggyback clips for connecting your daypack or other luggage.

Dimensions: 34 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces | Capacity: 109 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Contains recycled, bluesign-certified materials

Best for Business Travel

Ted baker albany rolling duffel bag.

Chic design details

Solid internal organization

Deceptively capacious interior

High price tag

Despite its carry-on-approved dimensions, we found the Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag much more spacious than it initially looked and were highly impressed with how much we could fit in. We loved its elegant, tapered design, envelope-style front pocket, and stylish faux leather accents. It’s an excellent choice for business travelers , with its rose gold detailing, including on the zippers, embossed Ted Baker logo plate, and aluminum trolley system.

While the exterior is smart, professional black, the interior features a vibrant, butterfly-patterned lining. It has multiple compartments, including a padded sleeve for your tablet or laptop; and TSA-approved locks to keep everything secure in transit. We found that the wheels performed impeccably over gravel, carpet, and through our obstacle course, while the duffel itself was so lightweight that carrying it using the top handles was just as easy. The only drawback was the price tag, although we felt it was a fair reflection of the bag’s quality.

Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Capacity: 33 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

In the end, the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L stood out as our overall winner for its impressive capacity and rugged, all-weather construction. We also like the Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel thanks to its multiple exterior pockets and affordable price.

Other Rolling Duffels We Tested

Briggs & Riley ZDX 27-Inch Medium Upright Duffel : We appreciated the roomy capacity of this medium-sized duffel as well as the thoughtful layout of its compartments (including an expandable one on the front). It was well-made and moved beautifully, but it sits toward the higher end of the price spectrum.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 31-Inch : We could fit all of our items in this duffel with space to spare and liked its compression straps and storage pocket. We found it incredibly easy to maneuver; however, we would have liked to see another height setting for the telescoping handle and larger top carry handles.

Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag 32-Inch : This rolling duffel impressed us with its durability, standing up well to our drop and bat tests. It’s also an attractive option with plenty of packing space despite its relatively small size; however, we found that it listed significantly when packed full and stood upright.

Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel 32-Inch : With its massive main compartment and extra-rugged construction, we love this duffel for those who need to carry a lot of gear. It rolled easily on multiple surfaces, albeit being a little unwieldy around tight turns. It lost points for lack of organization features and usable carry handles.

High Sierra Fairlead 34-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag : This duffel scored highly for its many organization options and highly accessible main compartment. The carry handle and strap were comfortable; however, it was tricky to maneuver around turns and was unstable when upright.

Eagle Creek 130L Cargo Hauler Rolling Duffel : We really appreciated that this duffel’s huge interior is made manageable by an included packing cube. It also converts into a backpack and is super lightweight, although the lack of structure that makes this lightness possible also means it can’t stand upright on its own.

DELSEY Paris Raspail 28-Inch Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag : We were pleasantly surprised by this duffel’s capacity and liked that it has separate pockets for laundry and other essentials. It had multiple handles and rolled well, but it felt a little flimsy overall.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-Wheel Duffel 29-Inch : This duffel accommodated all our belongings with plenty of space to spare. We liked the separate bottom compartment and multiple handle heights but ultimately felt it was overpriced.

Lipault Foldable Plume Wheeled Duffel : If capacity is your priority, this enormous duffel could be a good choice. It also maneuvered beautifully despite its size; however, we found the unstructured interior a bit disorganized.

Samsonite Detour 29-Inch Wheeled Duffel : We liked this duffel’s tactical style and easy roll but ultimately found the interior disappointingly organization-free. We also struggled to fit everything on our list inside.

Samsonite Ripstop 30-Inch Rolling Duffel : This duffel withstood our durability tests well and scored top marks for its versatile pockets. But, it lost points for its awkward carry handles and the fact that the trolley system wasn’t adjustable.

Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch : This duffel maneuvered fine and survived our durability tests; however, we felt the material was flimsy and couldn’t see it lasting more than a few trips. It also didn’t have any interior pockets.

Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch : We felt this duffel was intended for carrying sports gear and would only consider it for that purpose. Otherwise, it was poorly designed and broke during our durability tests.

Eddie Bauer Expedition 30 Duffel 2.0 : We liked this duffel’s sturdy frame and felt it was well-balanced. It maneuvered easily through obstacles but lost points for thin fabric, loose stitching, and confusing organization features.

Travelpro Bold 30-Inch Check-In Drop-Bottom Expandable Rolling Duffel : This is a huge duffel with a main compartment that is accessible in two ways. We liked its sturdy handle and surprising maneuverability but felt it was too bulky for most travelers.

L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag, Large 30-Inch : With just one exterior pocket and no interior organization, we found this duffel challenging to pack. We also felt the quality was lackluster, although it did maneuver well.

Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag : We liked that this bag split clamshell-style into a structured bottom half and a more flexible top half with compartments. However, it scuffed easily during tests, making us question its durability.

Oiwas Small Rolling Duffel Bag : We gave this duffel top marks for maneuverability. Unfortunately, it failed to impress in terms of quality, with a flimsy handle, poor stitching, and zippers that broke during testing.

First, we weighed each duffel to check the accuracy of the manufacturer’s description. Then we packed it according to a packing list meant to replicate a four-day trip for carry-on duffels and a seven-day trip for checked duffels. While doing so, we took note of the bag’s capacity and how well-thought-out its organizational features were. Next, we rolled it back and forth on smooth concrete, pushing and pulling it to check how easily it moved. Then, we tested maneuverability by rolling the duffel through an obstacle course to simulate a busy airport.

Then we repeated these tests on a carpeted floor. We also tested how easy it was to drag the duffel onto the sidewalk and over gaps between cement pavers. We checked how comfortable it was to carry it using its handles and/or straps and then tested durability by repeatedly pushing it off a countertop and beating it with a baseball bat. These tests specifically targeted potential weak spots. Finally, scores were given from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value, resulting in an overall score used to select category winners.

Testing Rolling Duffels for Durability and Portability

What to look for in a rolling duffel, weight and dimensions.

The optimum duffel size depends on how much you want to pack and for how long. Bear in mind that for carry-on duffels, though, the IATA recommends that bags have a maximum length of 22 inches, a width of 18 inches, and a depth of 10 inches. Exact requirements may differ from airline to airline. Checked bags must not exceed a linear dimension (length + width + depth) of 62 inches. In terms of weight, it’s important to find a good balance between quality construction and lightness. However, the lighter your duffel is, the more you can pack before exceeding airline weight restrictions.

Rolling duffels vary significantly in price, with our category winners ranging from just over $40 to just under $1,000. The key is to determine the value of a potential purchase—if the bag is a splurge, is it worth it? A duffel with premium materials could last you a lifetime, in which case, the answer is probably yes. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can comfortably afford. Be sure to check user reviews, however, to help establish how much of the cost reflects performance and how much you’re paying for brand name only.

Other Features

Other features to look out for beyond the duffel itself include organization features—how many pockets or compartments does the bag have, and how easy are they to access? How many carrying options does it offer (can it be comfortably carried using the haul handles, or does it convert to a backpack?)? Some have padded pockets for your laptop or tablet, while tech-savvy carry-on duffels may even have USB or wireless charging facilities. The most important features for a rolling duffel to fulfill its purpose are easily maneuverable wheels and a sturdy, telescoping handle.

Every rolling duffel will have its own specific manufacturer’s instructions regarding the best way to clean it. As a general rule, however, most can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and should be left to dry naturally. Like all luggage, duffels should be completely dry before being put away and kept away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

Duffels are softsided by nature, and the best use sturdy, lightweight materials—most usually, ripstop polyester or nylon. For added weatherproofing, consider a PVC duffel or one coated with TPU laminate; while eco-conscious travelers should look out for bags made using recycled versions of these materials. The best-quality telescoping handles feature aerospace-grade aluminum.

Rolling duffels offer more flexible packing space than hardsided suitcases and are easier to stuff into irregular spaces (e.g., a safari truck’s roof racks or the cargo hold of a bus). Many argue that they’re more durable—all attributes that make them ideal for adventure travel or sports trips. They can usually be carried in more than one way, making them a good fit for journeys that will take you to areas a wheeled suitcase can’t go.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of adventure and family travel articles. She’s packed many a rolling duffel in her time, whether for scuba diving trips across Southeast Asia, research trips to the Peruvian Amazon, or camping adventures around the national parks of South Africa.

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Protect Your Trip »

The best carry-on luggage of 2024.

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Things aren't always as they seem – especially when it comes to luggage. In our quest to find the best carry-on bags, we discovered that while some suitcases look good, they don't always hold up to the demands of travel. Some designs have attractive features that add bulk but not additional functionality, while others just don't live up to the hype.

To determine the best carry-on luggage, we tested dozens of bags on countless trips to find the ideal bag for every travel need. Read on to find the best option in a variety of categories, tested and reviewed by our team of experts.

Best Overall: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original – Large

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓
• Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Hardside Spinner

Best Hard-sided: Away The Carry-On

Best soft-sided: samsonite solyte dlx carry-on spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light, best for international travel: delsey paris helium aero international carry-on - expandable spinner, best affordable: amazon basics 20-inch hardside spinner.

• Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner
• Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Best for Business Travel: Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Carry-On Spinner – 20.4 Inch

Best luxury: carl friedrik the carry-on pro.

• Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder–22"

Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. Original photos were taken by our editors during luggage testing.)

Price:  $315 or less

Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.6 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds; 8.85 pounds with closet insert Packing capacity: 4-7 days |  Color options:  Red, purple, navy or 6 others, plus precious metals options Hard- or soft-sided:  Hard-sided   | Warranty: Lifetime

Sturdy and attractive, this suitcase is set apart from the rest by its patented and removable shelving system. This unique design feature makes packing easier, keeps items in place and removes the need for unpacking at your destination. Rather than a zippered clamshell design, the Solgaard Carry-on Closet has two latches that open with just the squeeze of two levers together; it secures with a TSA-approved lock.

The waterproof polycarbonate exterior has an aluminum frame and corner guards so this suitcase can withstand all the rigors of travel. There's also an ergonomic handle and frictionless wheels, which make it easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. What's more, this sustainable suitcase helps to repurpose 6 pounds of plastics that may have ended up in the ocean.

What our editors say:

This carry-on suitcase has it all! From the power bank (sold separately) to the super sturdy and comfortable handle to the removable closet feature – not to mention the attractive yet functional appearance – this suitcase packs a punch. I really like how easy it is to pull on a variety of surfaces, including carpet and brick. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 10 days; 45 liters | Color options: White, red, blue, green or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner is a truly well-rounded carry-on with a plethora of unique features. USB A & C ports on the outside of the bag give easy access to charging. (A power bank is not included, though the bag does have a pocket for one inside the expansion zipper.) Self-aligning magnetic wheels – a reviewer-favorite feature – allow painless travel through the airport as well as on roads, sidewalks, uneven surfaces and more. A built-in TSA zipper lock offers ultimate protection for your possessions.

Even without the features listed above, this Travelpro spinner is, at its core, a high-quality piece. The hard outer shell is ultra-strong and 100% polycarbonate; aluminum corner guards further protect your belongings. The clamshell-style suitcase has two large interior compartments along with three extra pockets, one of which is water-resistant, and the expansion zipper allows for an extra 2 inches of packing room. Plus, this carry-on is made with genuine leather trim, so you can travel in style as well as comfort.

There are some amazing features on this carry-on, but my favorite is the wheels – as someone who typically prefers hands-free travel (primarily backpacks), I found that the way this suitcase easily glides around everywhere absolutely changed my mind about wheeled luggage. Just know that since this is one of the larger bags on this list, I would still check your airline's carry-on size requirements before traveling (though it's been tested for most major domestic airlines, and it fit perfectly on Delta). – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $275 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 39.8 liters | Color options: Black, navy, blue gray or olive, plus 2 glossy options Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited

When it comes to hard-sided carry-on luggage , nothing beats The Carry-On by Away. The bag is lightweight yet indestructible thanks to a 100% polycarbonate exterior. Plus, you can easily wipe away most scratches with a magic eraser.

In late 2023, Away launched a new iteration of The Carry-On that somehow made it even more efficient. The most notable new features are an additional underside grab handle, three extra interior compartments, and an enhanced compression system that upholds the bag's ability to accommodate nearly a week's worth of clothing. The bag's 360-degree wheels are also slimmer than those of its predecessor for improved maneuverability. While Away has long been known for its neutral colored matte options, glossy options of this bag are now available.

The Away Carry-On is my ride or die. I've taken it on so many trips over the past five-plus years and it's still in perfect shape. I know I'll have it with me for many years to come. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content and SEO Strategist

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $199.99 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Black, gray, green, aqua blue or royal blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This classic soft-sided option from Samsonite offers everything you need for a smooth trip. There are three spacious pockets and a trolley strap on the outside so you can stack it on top of another rolling suitcase, as well as a USB port for charging your phone (though you'll have to purchase a battery separately).

Inside the suitcase, three more zippered pockets – including one for wet items – help you stay organized, while buckles keep the main compartment's tie-down straps out of your way while packing. This spinner can conveniently expand by 0.75 inches, but keep in mind if you're flying that overpacking may put it over your carry-on size allowance.

I've used other spinner suitcases in the past, but none of them glide as smoothly as this bag, with its 360-degree dual-spinner wheels. I also love the high-quality, lightweight material, but my favorite part is its organizational features – especially the WetPak pocket. I'd highly recommend the Samsonite SoLyte DLX for anyone who needs a trusty soft-sided carry-on for a flight; it definitely fits more than I thought it would. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $245 or less

Dimensions: 21.25 x 14.17 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.9 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Beige, light green, dark green, lilac, charcoal or 3 others Hard- or soft-sided: Hard | Warranty: Lifetime with 100-day returns

Weighing just under 4 pounds, this bag is the lightest hard-sided carry-on we found on the market. It's constructed with an extremely durable German polycarbonate shell, and the interior has two mesh zippered compartments to keep your belongings from shifting. The inner nylon lining is also resistant to water and stains. To make the suitcase easy to maneuver, there's a top carry handle, a telescoping handle and dual-spinner wheels.

I was absolutely shocked by how light this suitcase is. While some lightweight designs can be extremely flimsy, this July carry-on is very durable and holds a good amount of clothing. With compression packing cubes I was able to pack enough clothing for a week. It was extremely easy to put in the plane's overhead compartment, and the wheels rolled very smoothly for my entire journey. The only thing I noticed is that since the bag is so lightweight, the trolley bag I had was making it want to topple. Next time, I'd use a smaller tote or a north-south design to avoid that issue. – Rachael Hood

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $179.99 or less

Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.16 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 41 liters | Color options: Black, blue, red or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This DELSEY PARIS carry-on is a well-built piece of hard-sided luggage. It meets carry-on suitcase size restrictions for most international airlines and offers an easily accessible front compartment – ideal for a laptop up to 15.6 inches or other items you want to be able to grab quickly. The suitcase has a TSA lock and two spacious internal compartments for clothing, shoes and travel gear. The double-spinner wheels glide smoothly across all types of surfaces, and the handle pulls out and retracts with ease.

I was incredibly impressed by this little workhorse of a carry-on bag. There are so many different pockets and compartments within it for organization, and it fits a surprising amount of clothes, shoes and accessories. The handle and wheels make it easy to maneuver, and the glossy exterior makes it look sleek and chic. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

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Price: $80 or less

Dimensions: 21.46 x 14.76 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 23 liters | Color options: Black, navy blue, orange or light blue Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

The Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner is similar to many other hard-sided luggage products on the market, but it's available at a fraction of the price. The ABS shell is textured, so even if you – or luggage handlers – bang it around a bit, it does not show scuffs or scratches easily. The double-spinner wheels (a must, honestly, in today's luggage landscape) make the bag effortless to maneuver.

Inside, one side of the bag features a compression strap, while the other has a large fabric zippered closure, complete with a few organizer pockets for smaller items. Thanks to its availability on Amazon Prime, the carry-on luggage ships quickly, so it's also a great option if you need new luggage in a crunch.

This carry-on bag is a superb selection for the budget-conscious traveler. I appreciated how much I was able to get into this bag (it doesn't look huge, but it fit quite a lot), and the textured exterior really ups the durability factor. The compression straps and the interior organizer even helped me squeeze in a bit more. – Erin Evans

Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner

Price: $699 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 (up to 11.5) inches | Weight: 10 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 37-48 liters | Color options: Black, navy or olive Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

The Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner has a standout feature that other bags on this list don't: one-touch CX expansion. Exclusive to Briggs & Riley, this technology allows your bag to expand and compress in one swift motion. Simply press and pull up on the red levers found at opposite ends of the bag, and it will grow 2.5 inches. Once you've packed your belongings, push down on the buttons to compress the bag before zipping it up.

This bag also features a garment folder to reduce wrinkles in a suit or dress, as well as cinch-down garment panels to secure the clothing in place. Other convenient features include interior mesh compartments for organization, an exterior pocket for airport essentials (or even your laptop) and a signature PowerPocket where you can charge your smartphone.

While the bag is undoubtedly an investment at $700, its "simple as that" guarantee (free repairs forever, no questions asked) – plus sturdy features like impact-resistant corner guards and self-repairing zippers – means you'll have it for life.

When it comes to quality, this is the best luggage I've ever used – period. The compression/expansion system is just the icing on the cake. – Amanda Norcross

Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Price: $165 or less

Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds Packing capacity: 2-4 days; 34 liters | Color options: Chocolate, oatmeal or rose quartz Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 2-year limited

Compact and filled with useful features, this CALPAK underseater has a water-resistant exterior, a TSA-approved lock, and side and top handles for easy lifting into the overhead or pushing under the seat. There's a telescoping handle, a luggage trolley sleeve and two exterior pockets for stowing small items like your passport, boarding pass and earbuds.

On the inside, there's a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior pockets and compression straps. For added convenience, the main panel can be secured via built-in snaps to get your laptop out while traveling (and keep your other belongings from spilling out), or you can unsnap it while packing to maximize the interior storage space.

When I'm traveling on a quick trip with my laptop, this is my go-to bag. Its compact size glides easily under the seat, and it's also compact and light enough to fit into the overhead bin even on the smallest regional planes. I love the laptop sleeve and the zippered exterior pocket for my book, earbuds and wipes. To maximize the interior space, I use compression cubes from Lug , and I'm able to squeeze in four to five outfits, a pair of shoes and daily necessities. – Rachael Hood

Price: $83 or less

Dimensions: 20.4 x 14.9 x 8.2 inches | Weight: 6.35 pounds Packing capacity: 2-3 days; 26 liters | Color options: Black, olive, gray, red, blue or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

This simple but sturdy carry-on piece from Amazon is a great option for business travelers, thanks to its front pocket for easy laptop access, smooth double-spinner wheels and TSA lock. This Amazon Basics soft-sided carry-on also features a handle on the bottom between the wheels, which makes it easy to put the bag up into and pull it out of the overhead bin. On some airplanes, it may even be small enough to fit under the seat.

The interior of the bag features one large compartment with two compression straps, plus two zippered pockets on the opposite site. The 20.4-inch option is ideal for shorter trips, but this style is available in larger sizes as well. Another bonus: It's available on Amazon Prime, so it ships quickly.

This Amazon Basics option is on the smaller side for a carry-on, but that's what makes it a solid choice for business travelers going on short trips who only need to pack a few things. The laptop pocket is easily accessible, and the handle on the bottom of the bag is super useful for hauling it out of an overhead bin. The black color is professional, and the price can't be beat. – Erin Evans

Price: $565 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 43 liters | Color options: Gray/cognac, gray/chocolate, gray/black or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime with a 100-day trial

Constructed with premium materials, this luxury carry-on has Italian leather accents, Japanese spinner wheels and a polycarbonate exterior with an aluminum metal frame for stability. It closes via two secure latches with combination locks (rather than a zipper). There's a front laptop compartment with a smaller pocket and pen slots to keep business essentials or travel documents easy to access.

The interior has leather details, compression straps and a removable compression pad with a pocket – ideal for small items like ties, fashion jewelry or silk scarves. Travelers can also purchase an additional compression pad to have a pad on each side of the interior compartment.

This suitcase exudes luxury with its Italian leather trim and understated elegance. The design of it looks very sleek, the interior is spacious, the handle is very sturdy and the wheels glide with ease. I especially liked that the top of the suitcase is very flat, which gave my trolley bag a secure base so it wasn't moving around while I was at the airport, and the front compartment was ideal for accessing my laptop on the go. It feels very sturdy, but the only downside is it weighs more than a typical carry-on. – Rachael Hood

Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder – 22"

Price: $270 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 40 liters | Color options: Black Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The North Face's 22-inch Rolling Thunder duffel doesn't have the bells and whistles of other carry-on options, but it's a sturdy and reliable option for those who want a duffel style on wheels. The duffel has a hard-sided back panel, two wheels that can withstand various terrain and plastic bumpers for abrasion resistance. The soft-sided top of the bag is made of water-resistant Base Camp material and nylon for extra durability. There are two zippered pockets on the outside to stash small items and a mesh pocket inside for some added organization.

I brought this duffel on a trip to New Zealand, and it held up very well. The Rolling Thunder had no issues after being checked on six different flights, and the flexibility of the style allowed me to easily store it out of the way in my campervan once I had unpacked. It's definitely a simpler style, but it does its job well. Be aware, though, that this wheeled style doesn't have straps that would allow you to carry it like a duffel; it can only be rolled. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $200 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-10 days; 35 liters | Color options: Multiple options but color availability changes frequently Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

When it comes to hands-free and adventure travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L can't be beat. This lightweight carry-on backpack comes with a sternum strap, a removable waist belt and a weight-distributing harness system, all to make for a comfortable carry (since sore shoulders can be a concern when it comes to carrying backpacks through time-consuming airport experiences).

Organization is a breeze with a top zippered pocket – perfect for storing travel documents or a Cotopaxi hip pack – and a padded laptop sleeve on the outside. Internally, you'll find two mesh compartments, one large and one subdivided, that work great with Cotopaxi packing cubes . The backpack's straps can be tucked away for more streamlined travel, and the bag even comes with a rain cover (though the Allpa is already TPU-coated to be water-resistant).

Furthermore, Cotopaxi is dedicated to sustainability : 94% of Cotopaxi products contain repurposed, recycled or responsible materials. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind Del Dia Allpa backpacks , for example, use remnant fabric.

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures and it's survived everything – wind, rain, being shoved into tiny rental cars, you name it. Besides being incredibly durable, I love how much this backpack can fit; my longest trip so far with only the Allpa 35L as my luggage has been a comfortable nine days, and that included packing bulky cold-weather gear. I just wish it had a water bottle pocket like the Allpa 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson

Also Recommended

Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner: While the Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner is a solid (and sustainable) carry-on bag for less than $200, it doesn't offer quite enough space – especially for someone who may be traveling for longer.

Away The Aluminum Carry-On Bag: This is a well-built carry-on bag. The only downfall is that it's on the heavier side, weighing nearly 11 pounds. Away's Aluminum Carry-On is also more than twice the cost of the standard carry-on by Away, which works just as well.

Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner: This is a great soft-sided option if you're looking for a lightweight suitcase. Featuring a sleek nylon construction, a large front exterior pocket and internal zippered pockets, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner works well but isn't as lightweight as the July Carry-on Light.

Monos Carry-on Plus: It's a high-quality suitcase with a lot of internal details, but given its larger size this bag doesn't fit in the overhead compartment on multiple planes (especially regional jets). That said, if you're traveling domestically on larger planes, the Monos Carry-on Plus could be an option to consider. Or, the smaller standard Monos Carry-on could be a good option as well.

Pros and Cons of Hard-sided Luggage

Pros and cons of soft-sided luggage, frequently asked questions.

Aside from traditional rolling suitcases, the following items can be used as carry-on luggage provided they meet carry-on size limitations (which vary by airline) and fit in the overhead bin or fully under the seat (not sticking out) in front of you.

• Duffel and weekender bags:  This includes weekenders and duffel bags with wheels . Just note that wheels are included in carry-on dimension restrictions.
• Garment bags:  These are also considered carry-on baggage by most airlines. You can place your garment bag in the overhead bin, or in some cases, a small closet on the plane.
• Pet carriers:  Some airlines consider pet carriers to be carry-on luggage. Check with your chosen airline when preparing for your trip with Fido.
• Backpacks:  If your carry-on backpack fits under the seat, it will count toward your personal item allowance on most major airlines. This means you'll have the option to bring an additional bag for the overhead bin.
• Diaper bags: If you're traveling with a baby, diaper bags and other baby travel gear generally don't count toward either allowance – meaning you can bring these items in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Purses , briefcases and camera bags can be carried on the plane as well, but usually aren't considered carry-on bags and are instead labeled personal items. Underseater bags – often designed specifically to fit comfortably under a plane seat – are also ideal as a personal item.

Typically, travelers can bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (for under the seat) on the plane, free of charge.

Carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline. Several major U.S. carriers, such as American Airlines and United, impose a 22 x 14 x 9-inch rule. If you're buying new carry-on luggage, this is a good default size to choose – especially if you fly with a variety of airlines.

For international airlines, it's often 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. To be sure about dimensions as well as any weight restrictions, see our guide to Carry-on Luggage Size & Weight by Airline . It usually doesn't matter how heavy your carry-on bag is, though some airlines do monitor the weight.

• Hard-sided: The hard-sided July Carry On Light weighs less than 4 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight carry-on bags on the market. Other lightweight carry-on bags we recommend include the hard-sided Away The Carry-On (7.5 pounds) and the Amazon 20-Inch Hardside Spinner (7.3 pounds).
• Soft-sided: If you're looking for a lightweight, soft-sided carry-on bag, consider the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner (4.8 pounds) and the Samsonite SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner (7.1 pounds).

Hard-sided luggage is often heavier than soft-sided luggage – but only by a few pounds. If you're planning to purchase a hard-sided carry-on bag, look for something that's made of polycarbonate or polypropylene, both of which are lightweight yet durable materials.

How We Tested

Our team tested 26 carry-on bags across several price points and on a variety of trips spanning overseas flights, weekend getaways, overnight trips and more. We traveled by car, plane, train and cruise and packed for a variety of climates and activities, from shore excursions in Mexico to rainy road trips around Iceland. For bags with wheels, we tested their maneuverability on multiple surfaces, including gravel, pavement, grass, moving walkways, cobblestone and carpet. After four months of testing, we deem these carry-on bags the best of the best for 2024.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

The following editors personally tested the luggage recommended in this article:

Erin Evans , Managing Editor: Evans loves a durable bag and also can't say no to a good deal. Considering how banged up luggage can get, her picks on this list are both well-made and affordable.

Rachael Hood , Senior Editor: Hood rarely checks a bag, yet she loves to pack a lot and pick up some new finds along her journey. She looks for a combination of durability, functionality, interior space and overall appearance.

Catriona Kendall , Associate Editor: Kendall opts for convenient and versatile carry-ons that can work well for weekend and weekslong trips alike.

Amanda Norcross , Content & SEO Strategist: Norcross has mastered the art of traveling with a carry-on bag only, but believes this is only possible with the right luggage.

Leilani Osmundson , Digital Producer: Osmundson prefers lightweight, streamlined luggage that's ideal for adventure travel.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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Home » Gear » Best Heavy Duty Backpacks

17 Best Heavy Duty Backpacks • CRUSH Your Adventures in 2024

Whether you’re thinking of a new pack for thru-hiking or a canoeing adventure, for everyday use or an epic expedition, what you need is a heavy duty backpack. You’ll need something that stands the test of time – something that will really last.

If you’ve had a quality backpack before, you know that its longevity is all about the durability, the materials used, and the way it’s all put together. Waterproofing/water resistance, ace features, and versatility play their part in creating an epic backpack too.

So, if you’re in the market for a bag that will survive extended trips into nature and travel journeys, you’ve landed on the right page!

I’ve put together a list of the best heavy duty backpacks out there right now – plus a guide on how to choose the best one for you.

We have been traveling the world for more than 10 years and we have tested MANY backpacks. This review is dedicated to all of you backpackers who prioritize quality, durability, and long-run use – this is your article!

There is a heavy-duty backpack on my list for everyone – so let’s get to it.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Quick Answer: These are the Best Heavy Duty Backpacks of 2024

Best heavy duty backpacks of 2024, #1 – best heavy duty backpack overall, #2 – best heavy duty backpack for travel, #3 – best heavy duty backpack for river life, #4 – heavy duty carry-on backpack, #5 – best heavy duty backpack for expeditions, #6 – best heavy duty backpack for thru hikers, #7 – best heavy duty backpack for photographers, #8 – best heavy duty backpack for vloggers, more of the best heavy duty backpacks, buyers guide – how to choose the best heavy duty backpack for you, faq about the best heavy duty backpacks, final thoughts on the best heavy duty backpacks, #1 osprey aether plus 70 pack – best heavy duty backpack overall, #2 aer travel pack 3  – best heavy-duty backpack for travel, #3 sealline big fork dry pack – best heavy duty backpack for river life, #4 osprey farpoint – best heavy duty carry-on, #5 osprey aether plus 85 pack  – best heavy duty backpack for expeditions, #6 hyperlite mountain gear 2400 southwest pack – best heavy duty backpack for thru hikers, #7 wandrd prvke pack 31l  – best heavy duty backpack for photographers, #8 wandrd hexad access duffel backpack – best heavy duty backpack for vloggers.

Osprey Aether Plus 70

• > Well-padded shoulder straps
• > Removable lid pack

Aer Travel Pack 3

• > Shoe compartment
• > Laptop pocket

SealLine Big Fork Dry Pack

• > Water-resistant backpack
• > The pack floats!

Osprey Farpoint 40

• > Carry on compliant
• > Well organised

Osprey Aether Plus 85

• Price $$$ >
• > Made from 210 denier high-tenacity nylon
• > Designed for multi-day journey

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack

• > 100% waterproof fabric
• > 40 litres

WANDRD PRVKE Pack 31L

• > Tons of organisational space
• > Room for lenses, tripods, a laptop etc.

WANDRD HEXAD Access Duffel Backpack

• > Vintage backpack feel
• > 45-litre capacity

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Osprey Aether Plus 70 Pack

This bag is going to last you for years. I’ve used it for week-long trips in the mountains as well as shorter camping trips in the great outdoors, and seriously, this will handle almost everything you throw at it. It’s easily the best heavy duty backpack out there at the moment.

Coming from the folks at Osprey, there’s a lot of cool things about this bag that make it so special. One of the best features is the removable lid pack that works well as a minimal day pack; you can sling it on for shorter hikes from your accommodation or just use it when you’re exploring around town.

Being Osprey, it’s super comfortable. It’s got a unique suspension system that’s highly adjustable and will help keep the pack off your back (goodbye sweaty back), and it makes it feel lighter than it actually is.

The shoulder straps are pretty thick and well-padded, meaning they won’t cut into your shoulders too much.

In some backpacks, it’s tricky to access all your gear easily. But with this model, there are a bunch of different openings so you can get to your things fairly simply, which is a plus point. I wish it came with a rain cover, but you can always grab an Osprey-specific rain cover as an extra.

After a couple of years of regular use, the Osprey Aether AG 70 definitely stands up to the test of time. This versatile workhorse of a backpack easily covers Multi-day hikes, backpacking adventures, all sorts of travels. Trust me; you’ll notice the difference if you switch from another bag to this one.

Check out our in-depth Osprey Aether 70 review .

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is a great option for a carry-on heavy duty backpack. If you’re looking for an investment bag that will see you through years and years of short-term vacations and mini-adventures, one that you’ll never need to replace again, this durable backpack is for you.

Some of you may be put off by the price for a relatively small bag, but honestly, you’ll be happy you parted with your cash for this one.

First off, it’s super good quality, amazingly built from ballistic nylon with duraflex plastic hardware and YKK zippers to add to its rugged credentials. There’s also internal structure and support, as well as handy features like different handles for varied ways of carrying it.

One of the most quality backpacks out there right now, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is the sort of bag you’ll be able to use on a daily basis – forever. From hitting the gym or hopping on a train to jumping on a flight to your next adventure, it’s a versatile and pretty cool looking bag. You’ll never have to check a bag again!

Alongside the sleek minimal design (making it perfect for everyday use, not just adventure-y travels), it’s got tons of room for a long weekend, or a week if you’re a packing whizz. There’s a shoe compartment and lay flat main compartment, as well as a laptop pocket and various internal organisation features.

Even if you do come up against a fault in the bag, Aer’s customer service is high quality and will have a replacement winging its way to you almost in an instant. All-round good quality!

Check out our in-depth Aer Travel Pack 3 review .

Like heading out on the river for overnight canoeing trips? Need a heavy duty backpack that will keep your stuff truly dry? Then you’re in luck; the SealLine Big Fork Dry Pack is a winner.

Built specifically for water-lovers, this is a high performing, durable, and very water-resistant backpack. For starters, the seams are welded to prevent leakage, and the material it’s constructed from is 100% waterproof.

If you’re worried about the closure – don’t be. SealLine’s DrySeal rolltop closure really adds protection to your belongings inside the pack. You know, so you can get on with paddling without having to worry about your stuff getting wet.

There are no fussy elements like waterproof lining that you have to deal with simply because it’s so waterproof. I mean, I’ll say it again – it is literally welded shut.

The SealLine Big Fork Dry Pack is designed to withstand rain, the odd splash, and even a quick submersion. If your boat flips, you won’t have to worry too much either – the pack floats!

One thing to note that’s always a good sign is the lifetime guarantee. However, there’s not much to worry about – it’s an awesome mid-size (30 litre) pack that’ll keep your stuff dry on the river. Well worth the money.

Even if you’re not paddling, it’s great for use in town when it’s wet, or if you’re a bike rider caught in a downpour. Nothing quite compares to final boss-level waterproofing, don’t you think?

Osprey make some pretty popular backpacks, and there’s totally a good reason for that: they’re good quality, they’re comfortable, and they really last. The Osprey Farpoint is testament to that reputation.

Because of it’s 40 litre size, the Farpoint 40 is a near-guarantee to carry on no matter the airline. This will save you hundreds of dollars in checking fees, and countless hours waiting in baggage claim.

 The Osprey Farpoint 40 still has plenty of space. It’s main compartment is very deep, and will allow you to pack more than you’ll need for your travels.

Seriously, the list goes on and on!

The Osprey 40 suspension is great, transferring the load from the harness to the hip belt. The mesh/suspension area is also lined with foam to help increase comfort and overall breathability, and the light wire frame gives comfort, cushioning and great ventilation

So if a comfortable backpack for multi-day trips (or long term backpacking) is what you’re after, I can’t recommend this pack enough .

Check out our in-depth Osprey Farpoint 40 .

Osprey Aether Plus 85 Pack

Not your average traveller backpack, the huge Osprey Aether Plus 85 Pack is for proper expeditions into the wilderness. This basecamp-level heavy duty backpack offers just about everything you’re going to need for comfort on a multi-day trek in the middle of nowhere.

While you could, in theory, take the Osprey Aether Plus 85 on a backpacking trip, this hauler of a pack has been specifically designed for multi-day, long-distance journeys. It’s the sort of pack that can handle carrying camping gear, sleeping bags, hefty clothing layers, and any technical gear you may need.

And yet, even when you’re carrying large loads, it doesn’t feel too heavy. You’ll be able to manage 50 to 80 pounds without feeling uncomfortable.

As far as durable backpacks go, this is one you’re going to have to rely on in extreme conditions, and it has been designed accordingly. It’s thoughtfully laid out and well constructed, meaning you can balance the weight of all your gear well.

Made out of hardwearing, 210 denier high-tenacity nylon, the Aether Plus 85 can really handle abrasion and will stand the test of time, not just on one hard slog of a trip, but a load of ’em. It’ll make your adventure so much more enjoyable, having a backpack that is actually comfortable and doesn’t skimp out on the room. It’s pretty much a beast of a bag.

Check out our in-depth Osprey Xenith review , which is a very similar bag.

Ultralight backpacks don’t tend to be the what I’d define as the best heavy duty backpacks; however, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack is probably the most durable of the lot. It’s a rugged built backpack that’s both lightweight and designed to last.

Tough enough to withstand the elements but light enough (less than 2 pounds, which is insane) that it won’t bug you on a month-long hiking trip, even without load lifters, this awesome pack carries weight super well on the hips.

I’m impressed by the durability of this pack: scrambling through the brush, over rocks, scraping on trees, the 2400 Southwest Pack won’t rip or tear and will see you through rough and tough excursions in the wilderness.

With 100% waterproof fabric, even downpours don’t stop this bag being awesome. Heck, you could even slip over crossing a stream and the bag – or its contents – shouldn’t get soaked.

The super-simple design is another thing I like about this bag. It not only looks cool (love that black and white flex), but you’ll be able to fit everything you need for a multi-day (or longer) trip. It’s 40 litres, so if you pack well, you could be on the road for weeks or even months.

Honestly, compared with heavier packs, this one is going to make you feel much lighter on your feet, so you’ll be practically flying through anything your hike throws at you.

If you’re a photographer looking for a backpack for your gear that’s also super durable, then this one will suit you down to the ground.

The WANDRD PRVKE Pack has got to be one of the most top quality backpacks out there right now for photographers. It’s a dreamy pack with tons of organisational space and compartments that make packing specifically for a work trip with your camera a breeze.

Not just a backpack for photography equipment, there’s room enough in this pack for a few days’ worth of clothes, so you can head out for a weekend away when you’re not on assignment.

The pack’s design definitely makes it THE best heavy duty backpack for photographers. With room for lenses, tripods, a laptop, chargers, and anything else you may need, it’s specifically designed to keep your valuable equipment safe from the elements.

It is TOUGH, being constructed from waterproof tarpaulin and ballistic nylon, plus YKK zippers for good measure.

You could settle for the bag only, but the photography bundle with the camera cubes and straps – or the pro photography bundle with waist straps and a rain fly – really make this bag come into its own.

Check out our in-depth WANDRD PRVKE 31L review .

Another of the quality backpacks from WANDRD, the HEXAD Access Duffel Backpack is a terrific option not only for vloggers but for anyone with electronic gear (a drone, a couple of cameras, etc.).

Carry-on size for most airlines, the 45-litre capacity means that you can pack quite a lot of stuff in and not have to worry about the hassle of checking in luggage.

I also like the functionality. You can carry it like a duffel bag or a backpack – your choice – but there’s also a ton of organisational pockets and separators that mean you can get to where you need to be and stay organised – in style, too. Because yes, I love the steez of this bag. It’s pretty edgy; particularly, I like the buckles. It has that vintage backpack feel, which is cool.

The materials are definitely high spec, with a whole lot of durability and waterproofing that’s going to make your trip an awesome one. The style is cool, and being able to fit in cameras and tripods – among other things, and carry it however you like, makes this a bag you should think about if smart design and practicality are key to your adventures.

All your photo gear will fit, your tablet will fit in the padded pocket, it looks the part – I mean, what more could you ask for out of this pretty incredible pack?

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Gregory Baltoro 85 Pro Pack

This is a pack that you’re going to be able to clock up a whole load of miles with, and it’ll hold up remarkably well, for sure.

The support system, for one thing, is impressive, and the changeable shoulder straps are pretty awesome. This, combined with the cushioned waistbelt and suspended back panel, really helps take the weight off.

When it comes to durable backpacks, this one performs very well. And with that support system, it ends up being a pretty comfortable bag. Even though there’s that 85-litre capacity to play with, it could be packed out and you’ll still end up being able to carry it without too much discomfort.

The Gregory Baltoro is all about long-distance trails and extended backpacking trips. It’ll stand the test of time for a trip where you really need to pack a lot of stuff. It’s top-notch quality.

If you want to know more about that durability, listen up. It’s constructed from 210 denier, high tenacity nylon, which makes it able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Then some features make it really lovely to use, like the U-shaped zipper for ease of packing, water bottle holder, removable hydration sleeve, stash pockets, sleeping bag pocket, and a whole load of other neat ideas.

Basically, it’s super light but still carries the load very comfortably. All-round, a well-designed, awesome quality backpack.

Gregory Denali 75 Pack

Another offering from Gregory, the Denali 75 Pack offers that same Gregory quality but this time in the form of a technical expedition pack.

Though it’s streamlined and rugged – perfect for a jaunt out into the wilderness – this is the kind of thing that I could use for a long-term backpacking adventure and be safe in the knowledge that it won’t break on me anytime soon.

You can pack it with upwards of 40 pounds worth of gear then take to a rugged, off-trail sort of environment without having anything to complain about.

The hip belt is partly to thank for this; it’s super comfortable and really helps bear the weight. In fact, the back panel itself really shapes to YOUR back, making it feel like the backpack is almost hugging you as you wear it. When it comes to comfort, I love a snug fit like this, something that almost feels as if you’re not actually wearing a pack.

There are a few well-placed pockets away from the main compartment of the bag that give you easy access to smaller items and keeps them organised away from larger belongings.

Everything about this bag is about making space, comfort and durability really count in any wild, out of the way environment. I rate this one highly.

Sea to Summit Big River Dry Pack 75L

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Pack is any adventurer’s go-to backpack when it comes to keeping your stuff dry on a river-based journey.

So if you are looking for something that’s going to keep your stuff protected while you’re on a boat expedition, or even if you plan on going somewhere that’s otherwise very, very wet, then this should be one bag you consider because of its outstanding waterproof credentials.

But it’s the straps on this top heavy duty backpack that make it MUCH more than just a dry bag. They add versatility and make it comfortable enough to carry for a few hours of hiking away from the river.

The waterproofing is unfailing. There’s no way any water is getting through here. That’s because it’s made from polyester and double-sided laminated fabric and has welded seams. It’s also resistant to UV and cold temperatures.

The bottom line is that this bag is designed for heavy use and is very, very tough. It will end up being your first choice for outdoor adventures. It may only have one compartment, but that – for me, at least – is outweighed by the fact that this is so much of an all-occasion bag.

No more worries about rolling out of your canoe – even the straps are quick-drying!

REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Pack

Designed to last, and with enough space for all the gear you could desire for a long trip, the REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Pack is another of my favourite heavy duty backpacks.

Though it’s got that 60-litre capacity, I think it’s great not just for a trip around the world for a few months, but even a more rugged weekend away in the woods (or wherever you’re going).

It’s built to last for years and years, and let me tell you – it’s a really SOLID pack. The Trailmade 60 is constructed from rip-stop nylon and crammed full of elements that will make your trip a more easygoing one – in terms of luggage, at least.

The torso is adjustable for different sizes (pretty easily, actually, and surprisingly well done), there’s a sleeping bag compartment, a bunch of stash pockets on the hip pocket, and a load of other neat things about this bag that add to its convenience and versatility on the road.

It’s a budget option, for sure, but it holds up surprisingly well.

We all know that comfort is top priority when you are going to be wearing a backpack for any length of time, but the comfortable shoulder padding, airflow on the back, and the waist straps make it pretty easy to lug your gear around.

Oh, and it’s also available in a women’s version , which does the same outstanding job while fitting a more female frame.

Osprey Ariel AG 55 Pack

As I’ve said already, Osprey is a purveyor of popular backpacks for a good reason. With that in mind, pretty much everything about the Ariel AG 55 is fantastic.

It’s great if you’re heading out for a hundreds-of-miles trek, there’s tons of support, meaning it’s going to feel nicely fitted. That’s part of that Osprey commitment to comfort, which is always something I love about this brand.

You’ll be super stoked if you decide to take this pack with you on your next trip; it’s all about that anti-gravity suspension system! It honestly makes a massive difference, making the load feel lighter.

I’ve owned one of these before, and I can tell you that this thing is tough as nails. I never once had any issues with it.

It stands up against long-term everyday wear and tear, as well as scrapes and scratches out in rough terrain, making it perfect for a few days of backwoods camping or on a multi-day hike. I guarantee that it’ll be a much-loved pack for many years!

Check out our in-depth Osprey Ariel 65 review .

Gregory Paragon 48 Pack

For those who want to travel with a hardwearing but lightweight piece of kit, adventuring on thru hikes and long term journeys, the Gregory Paragon 48 Pack is very much worth your while (and your cash).

This alpine-style backpack occupies that tricky middle ground between ultralight backpacks that are great for long-distance hikes and huge capacity technical packs for expeditions.

You’ll be surprised at what the Paragon can stand up to, even though it’s so light (just 3 pounds). With its 48 litre capacity, it’s large enough to stash away gear for a multi-day trip but light enough to not feel like a burden.

For me, this lightness makes it great as a hiking bag. Being from Gregory and all, you can pretty much hike away with peace of mind that it won’t be falling apart at the seams on day three of your hike – or even after years of regular use.

It’s not just the lightness, but the comfort afforded by the adjustable torso, the aluminium frame, and hip belt is great too. You wouldn’t think such small adjustments would make any difference, but being able to switch it up a little helps balance the weight and make the pack virtually a joy to carry.

Osprey Kyte 48 Pack

The Osprey Kyte 48 Pack is a great all-round option. This women’s backpack ticks a whole lot of boxes, as many backpack offerings from Osprey tend to do.

You can take it on overnight trips, out camping with all the kit you need, and never notice the weight of it. It may not have the capacity of some of the larger packs out there, but even with winter gear and other comforts, it still packs efficiently and is super functional.

Though I’d recommend this more for one or maybe two-night trips, this heavy-duty backpack actually has enough room to last longer – especially if you’re planning to travel during the summer months and don’t need hefty down coats or anything like that.

One thing I particularly like is the price point. Even though it’s at the more affordable end of the scale, the only thing you’re missing out on really is the capacity. Nothing is taken from the functionality of the pack, nor is the comfort or durability that you would expect of Osprey missing.

If you’re looking to replace your go-to backpack for hikes and even day trips, I’d recommend the Osprey Kyte 48. If needed, it even works as a carry-on, which is the bonus of being a smaller capacity. It’ll last you, that’s for sure.

Check out our in-depth Osprey Kyte review .

Osprey Rook 50 Pack

A little sleeker and more streamlined than other Osprey offerings, the Rook 50 Pack is constructed from recycled materials – but that doesn’t make it any less hardwearing.

Nope. This environmentally friendly bag is designed to last. Described by Osprey themselves as “utilitarian,” I’d definitely have to agree – in a good way.

The 50-litre capacity Rook is a nice balance between smaller packs and much larger backpacking packs.

It may look different from other Osprey bags, but don’t let that fool you. The recycled nylon fabric is super sturdy and will stand up against rugged environments without feeling the strain. It’s rigid and capable of taking heavy loads, too.

The fabric means that your stuff won’t get wet if you’re caught in the rain; it’s also abrasion resistant, meaning branches and low hanging rocks are no match for this bad boy.

For me, this is a go-to backpack for day hiking, but it’s just as useful for a short-term backpacking trip. There’s not a ton of room, but there’s space for a hydration sleeve and loops for ice axes and trekking poles, making it handy for a proper outdoors adventure.

So yes, it may come with a price tag, but the sustainable credentials and durability make it totally worth it. It will last you a LONG time.

REI Co-op Traverse 32 Pack

Looking somewhat like one of those vintage backpacks – with its old-school style and natural colour palette – the REI Co-op Traverse 32 Pack is anything but style over substance.

If you’re looking for a rugged, hard wearing pack that’s been well designed for days of rough-and-tumble in the wilderness, this one is a real contender.

Even though it may have only 32-litre capacity going on, it feels like no space has been wasted – there’s a lot of useable space. And while you can pretty much stuff it full to the brim, it’s tough enough that it doesn’t feel overloaded or like it’s going to burst.

It’s got a few neat features, too. It has a specific holder for a 3-litre hydration bladder, which is cool. It’s got on-the-go pockets, so you can grab anything small you might need quickly. There are also tool keepers, meaning you can easily stash your trekking pole.

It holds up well in rugged terrain and long days on the trail. And yes, it even accommodates a sleeping bag, so you could use it for a few nights.

Then again, with that small size, it’s the perfect pack that’s going to last you for multiple-day outings hiking or doing pretty much anything outdoors. And at that price, it’s a steal.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Those were my favourites in the world of the best heavy duty backpacks available at the moment. As you can see, there are a lot of choices, and I know from my own experience that it can be tricky deciding between so many awesome packs. You’ll need to know just how to choose a pack – especially if you’re shopping online and can’t try it on for size.

Lucky for you, I’ve created this handy mini-guide into how to choose the backpack that’s right for you…

1. Material Construction

When choosing the best heavy duty backpack for you, the first things to consider are the materials. Durability comes down to what a rucksack is made of, both in terms of the actual fabric of the bag and the accompanying features, things like zippers and buckles.

When you see words like “ballistic” and “ripstop” in front of nylon, that’s usually a good sign. Nylon isn’t by itself super hard-wearing, but the thicker it is, the better it stands up to scrapes and abrasion.

The thickness of nylon is measured in denier. A good level of thickness begins at 210, with anything above that being pretty great. When a backpack calls itself “ballistic,” that’s usually between 840 and 1680 denier – obviously a whole lot thicker and more durable than 210 denier.

Ripstop, on the other hand, refers to nylon that has had a weave of thicker threads sewn like a grid into it. That makes it more durable, of course, and stops holes and punctures getting worse. But this can – ironically – mean a higher chance of ripping along seams in thinner variations.

You’ll also want to look for the tenacity of a fabric. Tenacity is the rate at which a fabric, once torn, continues to tear; high-tenacity means that chances of rip continuing are lower.

While both nylon – and polyester – are popular, the higher the denier, the heavier the pack will be (though it will also be more robust).

You should take note of what material the bottom of the backpack is constructed from. It should be made from thicker fabric than the rest of the pack, as putting the backpack down and picking it up for years and years can put extra strain on the material.

If you are concerned about sustainability, then you may want to consider a pack that uses recycled materials – including recycled nylon; the Osprey Archeon 45 is a good example of that.

Weight and capacity are usually intrinsically linked. The more you can fit into a pack, the heavier it will be. But how much capacity it has will affect how much you put in it too, making it weigh even more.

Nobody wants to be lugging around more weight than they need to though, right?

With that in mind, it’s important to find a balance between the two that works for your needs. Some of you will be into ultralight travelling; the best option for this will be a frameless backpack.

Any sort of frame adds weight to a bag. Even an aluminium frame, though relatively light, will add weight. Internal frames in packs are usually lighter than external frames, however.

Things like hip belts, sternum straps, adjustable suspension systems, and anything else modifiable add weight to a backpack, too. But it’s important to consider that these things are also designed to help you carry weight, so in many instances, it feels like a good trade-off.

The weight of a pack should mainly rest on your hips, for the most part. Your hips can then disperse the weight. Getting a pack that fits properly and has a good support system for carrying is essential – especially if you’ll be wearing it for hours on end.

Also, note that the more weight you’re going to carry, the more padding you will likely need. In addition, supportive mesh and lightweight foam make it more comfortable to carry any amount of weight.

The bottom line is, will you be comfortable carrying the weight? It all comes down to the suspension system of the backpack. Osprey seem to have this down to a T, if you ask me.

Another crucial thing that you’ll have to consider is just what you’ll be using your heavy duty backpack for.

Do you want it for an expedition? Thru hiking? Everyday use and commuting? River adventures? You’ll have to choose accordingly.

Those of you who need to travel with gear – like photo equipment – will want something with dedicated compartments and the right amount of protection for your valuable stuff. You won’t need much room for anything else, however, as it’s not necessarily a “travelling” backpack.

On the other hand, multi-day treks will require a bag that’s comfortable to wear over long periods, that will be able to support you when you need it the most, and not drag you down. Something lightweight, or even ultralight, is going to be a good option for thru hikers and the like.

Look for Versatility

Some of you, however, may just be looking for a more versatile rugged backpack that will stand the test of time over multiple travel trips, day hiking, and everyday use.

In that instance, you should probably look for a more mid-range, multi-purpose pack that doesn’t have too many fancy additions but will last through everything you put it through.

Rugged backpacks that are for basecamp expeditions need to be large, have the ability to withstand the elements, and be comfortable enough to wear for long periods.

Another thing you’ll want to consider for multi-day hikes is the features the backpack has. Does it have a sleeping bag compartment? Room for a hydration reservoir? Handy pockets for equipment? These are all things you’ll want to take note of.

Basically, the more specific your intended use for the backpack, the more specific and technical the backpack will have to be. For example, a backpack for canoe trips will have to be 100% waterproof but won’t be too hot on suspension systems and all that jazz.

Obviously, how much money you have is going to affect which bag you can opt for.

The general gist of things in this instance is that the more you spend, the more durable a bag is going to be. Going for the cheapest option is not always ideal if you want something that’s truly going to last you a long time.

Price also plays a big option in how specific the bag is. For example, a photography-specific bag like those from WANDRD ends up costing more, with all the packing cubes and internal organisation – but these will be worth it if whatever bag you choose ends up becoming your go-to.

Usually, it’s much more cost-effective to spend a little extra and get something that’s going to last three times as long as a cheaper option. You’ll end up paying so much more if you have to replace your bag after every brush with a rugged environment because it wasn’t up to the challenge.

Fit is something you should really be thoughtful about and is much more important than you may realise.

Not only will a backpack that doesn’t fit you be uncomfortable, but it could also cause you health issues. And that’s just totally NOT worth it at all.

For starters, the distance from the top of the shoulder strap to the hip belt needs to fit your torso length. You can find that distance listed in the backpack’s specs.

A good option, if you’re unsure on measurements, is to choose a heavy duty backpack that has an adjustable torso length. That way, you can lengthen or shorten the distance between the hip belt and the shoulder strap to suit your body.

Another issue you should definitely pay attention to do with fit is the hip belt. You’ve got to be comfortable carrying any amount of weight you’ll put in your backpack, and the hip belt plays a big role in that.

The hip belt should sit snugly on the hip bone. If it’s too big or too small, then you’re going to need a different backpack. Moulded hip belts are a great option; they create much more of a snug, perfect fit that will mould to your body shape over time.

The fit of the straps is also something to consider. The padding needs to be able to support you, and the straps shouldn’t be too short. You should probably at least try on some packs to get an idea of how different straps, hip belts and sizes feel to carry.

Another consideration is body shape. Women’s body shapes are different to men’s, so women-specific packs should have better sizing and specifications for the girls, and usually come in smaller torso sizes.

Lastly, when you get your backpack, learn how to fit it yourself. If a pack doesn’t sit just right, then play around with it – loosen or tighten the shoulder straps, and know where different parts of the pack should sit on your body for you. For longer adventures, comfort is super important.

6. Warranty Consideration

You’ve researched, you know what you want, you’ve got the pack, but sometimes defects or unexpected issues can arise – even with the most prestigious of backpack makers.

This is when a watertight warranty will come into play.

REI Co-op, for example, pride themselves on their 100% satisfaction guarantee. These guys want everybody to be satisfied with their purchase. Their warranty means you can return your backpack for replacement or refund within a year.

This doesn’t cover standard wear and tear that may have occurred, but an apparent defect or unexpected discomfort can mean your pack gets replaced – or you get refunded the money – without any stress.

Lifetime Guarantees

Osprey, however, go one better with their “All Mighty Guarantee.”

This fantastic guarantee states that for “any reason, product or era” something can be repaired or replaced. Whether you bought it yesterday or in the 1980s, you can still get certain parts of your pack repaired or replaced. Osprey covers the cost of all repairs, too, which just adds to how awesome the All Mighty Guarantee is.

Another great thing is that you don’t even need to be the original owner of the pack to qualify for Osprey’s guarantee, which makes it all sorts of amazing.

However, the company does state that you should take into consideration the size and fit of the pack “seriously.” They have a specific sizing and fitting page dedicated to this subject.

Gregory has a lifetime warranty; the only thing it doesn’t cover is damage you may have done to the pack yourself, or normal wear and tear. They will, however, do service and repairs.

SealLine have a limited lifetime warranty, too. As long as you’ve treated the product with care, they’ll be happy to replace or repair one of their packs for you.

All in all, it’s essential to look into what guarantee will suit you. Osprey, however, have a pretty comprehensive warranty that’s pretty hard to beat, let’s face it.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What are the strongest backpacks?

These are the strongest backpacks on the market right now: – Osprey Aether Plus 70 – Osprey Aether Plus 85 – Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 – Southwest Pack

What is a heavy duty backpack?

A heavy duty backpack thrives when it comes to durable material, capacity and the load that can be carried comfortably. They’re like normal backpacks, just a bit better.

What is the best heavy duty backpack for adventures and expeditions?

For adventures and expeditions, opt for the Osprey Aether Plus 85 . You’ll be able to carry up to 80lbs comfortably.

What heavy duty backpack is good for school?

Heavy duty backpacks can also be very handy for students, especially if loads of books need to be carried. The WANDRD HEXAD Access Duffel Backpack is the ideal choice here.

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Choosing a new backpack is much more than selecting a cool brand with decent materials. There’s much more to it than that. In fact, choosing a backpack is a lot like choosing a new pair of shoes; they’ve got to fit JUST right for you to get the best out of them.

Once you’ve got a feel for the sort of fit you’ll need, it’s time to choose your new hardwearing backpack. Whether you choose something that’ll last for years and years on your daily commute, or if you need something for your rugged hiking regimen, my list of the best heavy duty backpacks available right now will have something for you.

Note that I’d always, always recommend trying on a backpack first. Get an idea of what feels right for you, what looks good, and only then venture online to make your final decision.

My top choice has got to be the Osprey Aether Plus 70 . It’s got a ton of room, it will last you practically forever, and it can take a beating. For something more day-to-day, I have a real soft spot for the WANDRD HEXAD Access Duffel Backpack .

Then again, it’s all about YOU – your hobbies, your travel plans, your budget.

What are you currently flexing? Do you rate any of the bags on my list as much as I do? Let me know in the comments below!

Heads up! There’s a new bag on the block, check out the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite , it’s a great heavy duty bag.

• Want something on the other end of the scale? Have a look at our list of the best ultralight backpacks on the market instead.
• Check out our Osprey Renn 50 review – the ideal backpack for a mid-size multi-day hiking.
• And bring along a travel purse to keep all your documents, wallet and passport on you at all times!
• This guide will help you choose the right travel and outdoor gear for your next adventure.

Aiden Freeborn

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Roamlite Extra Large Size 2-X-L Duffel Bag - Very Big Holdall, Cargo Travel Luggage - 100 Litre 30 Inch, L76 cm xW34cm xH37cm - Plain Black RL30K

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• HOLDALL HAS ONE MASSIVE POCKET - A HUGE rectangular zipped space and a front zipped pocket for your phone, travel documents, wallet or purse. These duffle bags are 30 inches long 76cm and are ideal as flight hold baggage or as a sports equipment kit-bag
• ROAMLITE BRAND MEANS SPACE WITHOUT WEIGHT - These super lightweight duffles are ideal for a week or twos holiday or as a biggest weekend or overnight travel bag for your skiing trip away, weighing only 910 grams 0.9kg
• ROOMY 100 LITRE CAPACITY - NO WASTED WEIGHT - Unisex for men and women for carrying or storing the largest amount of clothing. Ideal to put winter clothes into storage in the loft or to use as second fold-away or pack-away bag for extra holiday shopping. It folds flat and in half for easy storing.
• PRACTICAL AND COMFORTABLE TO CARRY - Long adjustable removable seatbelt strength shoulder strap, 2 Vel cro together top carry handles. MEASUREMENTS - 76cm 30 inch X 34cm 13.5 inch X 37cm 14.5 inch, 0.9kg, 100 Litres
• DOUBLE ZIPS AND WIDE OPENING - NO MORE STRUGGLING TO GET STUFF IN - Open the bag a full 270 degrees around using the lockable double zippers. PUT YOUR PASSPORT AND WALLET IN THE FRONT - Don't fumble around at check-in, have your essential documents ready and organised in the small front pocket

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Roamlite Heavy Duty Duffle 29"

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Roamlite Extra Large Size XL Holdall Duffle Bag 30 inch RL30

Product description.

——— TRUSTED BRAND ———

ROAMLITE is a UK brand established in 2011 in London, UK. We are registered for VAT in 7 EU countries, and have registration with the UK Government as a "Great British mark". All items purchased purchased have the protection of the advertised customer care policies through their A-Z program.

RL30K TRAVEL HOLDALL

—————————————————.

LIGHT AND STURDY - This XXL holdall weighs 750 grams (1.65lbs) and is made from 600D reinforced polyester, making this the perfect bag for long and short haul flights.

PACK WITH EASE - These bags have a wide 270 degree, end to end opening, with double zips, making packing and unpacking this huge travel bag, easy and convenient.

100 LITRES CAPACITY - The holdall has the max capacity of 100L, meaning you won't need to worry about running out of space while packing for holiday.

PERFECT FOR

• Storing out of season clothing such as winter clothes
• 1-2 week vacation
• Long weekend away or short city trips
• Sports training kit or equipment

XL Large Extra Very Big Holdalls - Luggage Size Travel Holdall - 100 Litre Black Luggage Duffle Bag

These holiday size bags have 1 huge space, with a small pocket on the front, they fold flat with a semi soft base for storage, great for travel or laundry.

VERY Large 76cm 30 inch travel holdall, luggage size bag.

This extra large cargo holdall is SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT, weighing only 0.75kg 1.65lbs. These holdalls are the same size as a suitcase, approximately 100 Litres. These holdalls have only 1 large compartment, with a full zip around opening (end to end zip covering 270 degrees), this leaves no space wasted. There is a long adjustable "seatbelt strength" strap from one end of the bag to the other which is un-clippable.

On top of the holdall there are 2 hand carry straps which Vel cro together. There is a thin 10 inch by 12 inch zipped pocket on the front (25cm x 30cm), this is suitable for maps, phone, travel documents or a wallet or purse etc. A fantastic alternative to a suitcase for your trip, overnight stay or weekend away. There is no weight or space wasted with the Roamlite RL30 extra large duffle holdall. The travel bag folds completely flat for easy storage.

• IDEAL HOLIDAY TRAVEL BAGGAGE SIZE - 76cm 30 inch X 34cm 13.5 inch X 37cm 14.5 inch Approximately 100 Litres
• ESSENTIAL FEATURES - Very large extra large travel holdall with 1 large rectangular space and a front zipped pocket for your phone, travel documents, wallet or purse. Long adjustable removable shoulder strap, 2 Vel cro together top carry handles
• STRONG BUT LIGHT - 600 denier woven polyester/nylon, semi soft base for structure but to easy fold away and store, excellent for storage of clothes, carrying laundry etc

Product details

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 29.92 x 13.39 x 14.57 inches; 1.65 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ RL30K
• Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex Adult
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ 7bags
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00FQEJ2HC
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China
• #1,641 in Travel Duffel Bags

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Compare with similar items, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the space, quality and weight of the duffel bag. For example, they mention it's spacious, durable and has a nice shoulder strap. That said, some complain about the weight.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the space of the duffel bag. For example, they mention it's huge, convenient, and lightweight.

"The bag is huge and works well!" Read more

"...It has plenty of room inside , a nice shoulder strap, and is durable." Read more

"It has plenty of room and light weight." Read more

" Tons of room and durable material. Flying with this and is amazing how much I can fit in and still be under weight for checked bag." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the duffel bag. They mention that it is lightweight yet heavy duty, has plenty of room inside, and has a nice shoulder strap.

"...It has plenty of room inside, a nice shoulder strap , and is durable." Read more

"Tons of room and durable material . Flying with this and is amazing how much I can fit in and still be under weight for checked bag." Read more

"Love it! Spacious. Feels lightweight but looks heavy duty ." Read more

" Cool bag . Durable." Read more

Customers like the weight of the duffel bag. They mention that it has plenty of room, is light weight, and spacious. Some appreciate the fact that it is a big bulky bag.

"It has plenty of room and light weight ." Read more

"...it is big enough, light and spacious" Read more

"I liked the fact that it was a big bulky bag so for work it helped alot I could stuff everything I needed in this bag and walk into a customer's..." Read more

"Love it! Spacious. Feels lightweight but looks heavy duty." Read more

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11 Best Luggage Pieces for International Travel, Tested by Experts

These are the top-tested soft and hardside carry-ons, checked bags, duffels and more to take on your next adventure abroad.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform hardside expandable spinner.

Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner

Best Carry-On

Away the carry-on.

Best Checked

Briggs & riley 31-inch baseline extra large expandable spinner.

July Checked Luggage

Best for Frequent Travelers

Travelpro platinum elite softside expandable checked luggage.

Best Budget

Delsey paris helium dlx softside expandable luggage.

Best Rolling Duffel

L.l.bean adventure rolling duffle bag, 135l.

Best Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

Best Weekender

Calpak luka duffel.

As you start planning your next trip abroad, looking into hotels, flights and tourist attractions, don't forget that the key to a smooth travel experience is a great piece of luggage. When you're traveling internationally, it's especially important to bring a suitcase that complies with airline restrictions, is comfortable to carry or roll throughout your journey and has plenty of room for all of your belongings and your souvenirs for the trip home.

This top-performing suitcase from our best overall luggage brand Samsonite has repeatedly stood out in the Textiles Lab's and our consumers' tests and is priced under $200 — an incredible value. The hardside carry-on is made of polypropylene and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds, which is one of the lightest bags we've tested, so it won't eat too much into the lower weight restrictions set by many international airlines.

I was impressed by how easy it was to lift and roll the bag around, even when filled with our standard packing load. Despite the lightweight design, this carry-on is spacious with a butterfly-opening, unfolding into two primary compartments for easy packing, and there's an additional one inch of expandable storage with the pull of a zipper.

During our Lab evaluations, we liked how easy it was to pull the bag through our luggage obstacle course. While some testers said the telescopic handle felt a bit loose, the suitcase earned high scores for maneuverability, with testers sharing feedback including "very smooth rolling" and "the wheels moved really well." The material was more prone to scratching than some others we evaluated, but the suitcase proved to be durable overall in our drop tests, resisting major damage.

Listed dimensions: 21.25" x 15.25" x 10" | Weight: 6.5 lbs | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

With more than 34,000 five-star ratings, t his best-selling suitcase from Amazon Basics is loved by both real users and our consumer testers who say it's worth every penny. Made of lightweight ABS plastic, the hardside suitcase isn't quite as durable as those made of polycarbonate, but the material helps to keep the cost low — under $100 — so I recommend it for someone shopping on a budget.

During our Textiles Lab evaluations for durability, there were some noticeable markings in our scratch tests, but we were impressed by how well the bag maintained its shape after being released repeatedly from our drop tester. Amazon reviewers who regularly use the suitcases say they hold up over time, as well.

When our consumer testers rolled the suitcase through our obstacle course, they were wowed by how smooth the wheels were, with one describing the bag as "very easy to move." We gave the carry-on high scores for packability, as we were able to pack our standard load of belongings (clothing, accessories and toiletries) for a short trip inside with room to spare. Plus, there are interior zippered mesh pockets for easy organization, and the bag expands up to one extra inch for additional packing space.

Listed dimensions: 22" x 14.9" x 10" | Weight: 7.3 lbs | Material: Hardside ABS plastic | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

One of the most popular suitcases on the market, Away's standard carry-on is definitely worth the hype . The bag is available in 11 colors, including on-trend options like green and red, along with neutral hues like gray and black.

Not only is the suitcase simple and stylish from the outside, it's also full of functional features inside to make packing for your next international trip a breeze. The bag unfolds into two separate primary compartments to fit all of your things: one fully zippered side and one with adjustable compression straps, and there are mesh pockets to stash smaller items.

Consumer testers and GH analysts alike love to travel with the Away carry-on, including one who shared, "It fit all of the clothes I needed for a long weekend. It rolled really easily and was light enough to pop in and out of the overhead bin." Testers said the telescopic handle felt flimsier than others they tried, but they were impressed with the bag overall, saying that it was easy to maneuver and roll over different types of flooring, including wood, carpet and tile. And it looked great after our drop and scratch tests, showing no major signs of damage or dents.

Listed dimensions: 9" x 13.7" x 21.7" | Weight: 8.1 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Briggs & Riley 31-inch Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

The innovative design details of this softside checked bag from Briggs & Riley help to simplify packing for extended trips abroad. The bag features a unique push-button expansion system unlike any other we've evaluated , which allows you to easily expand the bag, fill it with everything you'll need and then compress it back down to its standard size.

One tester who was impressed with the amount of space in the carry-on version of the bag shared, "It fit clothing and accessories for two people for a seven-day summer vacation." And this checked bag offers more than double the packing capacity. Other innovative features include a built-in trifold garment folder for formal attire and reinforced corners for added protection.

At 15.6 pounds, the suitcase does weigh more than other models we've evaluated, but it is made with a nylon material that resisted wear and tear when I tested it in our abrasion machine. It also earned top marks in our latest round of drop testing. Along with performing well for durability, the suitcase received high scores for maneuverability, with smooth wheels and a sturdy telescopic handle.

Listed dimensions: 31" x 22" x 13.8" | Weight: 15.6 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Rolling a bag through the airport has never been easier than it is with July's classic luggage , including this spacious checked suitcase and its popular carry-on bags . One GH analyst who took the checked bag on a vacation abroad said, "I've never used a suitcase with wheels this smooth." I've personally traveled with luggage from the brand and was blown away by how effortless it was to roll the suitcases, even over carpet and concrete sidewalks.

The telescopic handle technically locks at 20 different heights to prevent it from falling down on its own, and most testers appreciated the slanted grip on the handle, sharing that it was comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver with.

Made with a polycarbonate shell, the suitcase is lightweight and durable, and the corners are reinforced with aluminum bumpers for an added level of protection. The bag held up well after being released repeatedly from our drop tester, but testers noted marks and scuffs on the surface after taking the bag on just one trip.

It boasts 80 liters of packing space and features one fully zippered compartment and one open compartment with a compression panel and Y-strap for security. Even more, it weighs just 8.3 pounds, which is similar to many of the carry-on sized bags we evaluate.

Listed dimensions: 26" x 18.75" x 11" | Weight: 8.3 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate with aluminum corners | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Travelpro luggage was created by a pilot who wanted to make bags specifically for other pilots and airline crewmembers who were always on the go. The result is a collection of highly durable, quality suitcases including the popular Platinum Elite medium checked suitcase.

Built to last, the luggage is made of heavyweight nylon material that performed well when I tested it for abrasion resistance. When I released the bag repeatedly from our drop tester, it showed no signs of damage or dents. Our testers also gave the suitcase high scores for ease of use and appreciated the sturdy feel of the telescopic handle. The suitcase does have a more traditional look, though, which some testers described as "old-fashioned," sharing that they wished it were sleeker.

Full of thoughtful and functional features, the suitcase makes packing and traveling a breeze. The bag can be unzipped to reveal one large packing compartment with compression panels that secure your belongings in place, a removable wet bag for toiletries, a large mesh zippered pocket in the lid for breathable storage and a built-in suiter to help keep more formal clothes in tip-top shape. To prevent the suitcase from tipping over when it's full, it's also designed with a unique tapered expansion system, so the bag is narrower at the top and broader at the bottom.

Listed dimensions: 25" x 18" x 11.25" | Weight: 9.8 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

While some softside luggage is bulky and pricey, this Helium DLX carry-on from Delsey is lightweight, as the name implies, and it's available for a great value. The polyester material isn't quite as durable or substantial as nylon styles we've tested, but the brand's polyester fabric has performed well overall in our abrasion tests without major wear.

Two external zippered pockets allow for easy access to travel essentials like your phone and ID, so you won't have to hold up the TSA line while scouring through your bag. While the bag unzips to expose only one main compartment for packing, it's equipped with a removable bi-fold organizer and expands by two inches for additional room. One tester said, "I love the pockets." Plus, the inner lining can be fully unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.

I personally carry luggage from Delsey and love the smooth wheels and sturdy telescopic handle, and our testers who tried Delsey's luggage found the handle to be comfortable to grip and use. However, they said the bags were more difficult to maneuver through our obstacle course than others they tested.

Listed dimensions: 12" x 17.75" x 28" | Weight: 8.4 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

A rolling duffel like this one from L.L.Bean is ideal for longer adventures abroad or for overpackers like me. The duffel isn't as structured as standard suitcases, meaning you can compress it and slide it under your bed or in a closet if you're pressed for storage space — and on the other hand, you can really fill it to the brim when you're packing. Just be careful that you're not stuffing it too much because it can be easy to exceed an airline's weight restrictions.

One GH analyst who loves to travel with this bag said that it's one of her go-to picks for family vacations. With just two wheels, our analyst said it's a little more cumbersome to maneuver than a spinner suitcase, but you also have the option to carry the bag with the padded strap.

The bag has a wide opening for easy access to everything you need inside, and outer compression straps keep everything in place. Made of durable polyester material with a reinforced base, the duffel lasts for years and years without signs of wear, according to our analyst. Plus, it's water-resistant inside and out — perfect for inevitable leaks or wet weather. If you're looking for something smaller, the brand carries a variety of sizes to meet your travel needs.

Listed dimensions: 14" x 17.25" x 32.5" | Weight: 8.8 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 1 year

When we evaluated this bag in the Textiles Lab, we were amazed by just how much we could fit inside during our packing tests. Not only did it beat out other travel backpacks we tested, it also outperformed some of our carry-ons because of its spacious interior .

The backpack has a suitcase-style opening and fully unzips to expose a highly organized interior jam-packed with zippered mesh pockets for all of your belongings. It also features a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17-inch computer.

Made of recycled nylon and polyester, the bag is durable and water-resistant. When I tested it for abrasion resistance in the Lab, there were no visible signs of wear. Details like a sternum strap, waist belt and padded mesh provide comfort and support. With backpack straps that tuck neatly inside the back of the bag and carrying straps on all sides, you can easily grab it to lift into an overhead bin.

Some online reviewers wished it was equipped with a water bottle holder and said the zippers can be finicky, but we didn't have issues with them in the Lab.

Listed dimensions: 22" x 12" x 10" | Weight: 3.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Able to hold everything you need for a weekend getaway, this weekender from Calpak was the top performer in our Textiles Lab tests. Not only is the bag totally on-trend, thanks to the puffy padded design and fashionable color options, it's also full of functional features . One tester who used it as her personal item on a long trip said, "This bag fits everything I need and more!"

A GH analyst who used the bag added, "I appreciate the well-organized interior," which includes several zippered pockets and elastic storage. Outside, there's a separate shoe compartment, additional zippered pockets and a water bottle holder. Altogether, there are nine pockets, and the spacious bag aced our packing tests.

If you're pairing it with Calpak's popular luggage , this bag has a trolley sleeve that slides right over the telescopic handle of your suitcase. One tester noted that the stitching that secured the sleeve in place started unraveling a bit after just one use. The bag is made of a smooth polyester material that's comfortable to carry and water-resistant. A tester said, "It poured while I was traveling and everything inside this bag stayed perfectly dry."

Listed dimensions: 12" x 16" x 7" | Weight: 2 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L Duffel Bag

This convertible duffel from Eagle Creek is the perfect adventure travel companion. The bag is durable, combining polyester and nylon for a water-resistant material that also held up well when tested for abrasion resistance . One GH analyst who travels with this duffel said that it still looks great after years of regular rough and tough use.

It's structured and maintains its shape for easy packing, but the duffel can be compressed to bring inside of your suitcase as an extra bag or for compact storage at home. According to our testers and GH analyst, the zippers have large pull tabs that are easy to use, and, according to the brand, they're covered in water-resistant strips for the ultimate protection in wet weather.

The duffel features a reinforced top handle and grab handles along the sides for carrying, and there are adjustable backpack straps for hands-free use that can be connected for an additional carrying strap or tucked inside the bag. Some online reviewers said the backpack straps are on the thinner side and weren't as comfortable as other traditional travel backpacks, but they appreciated the convenient option.

Listed dimensions: 11.5" x 23.25" x 11" | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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Highly-rated luggage from Amazon for every type of trip

Choosing a piece of luggage or a travel bag can be a highly personal thing. The style you choose (duffel, spinner, backpack, etc.), the material it’s made out of and the color all come down to an individual’s preferences. Despite these preferences, everyone is looking for some thing durable, that can fit all of your  travel essentials  and make your journey easier.

Below, we’ve compiled 15 different pieces of luggage sold on Amazon. They have different features, but are all highly-rated and under $100. 

SKIP AHEAD Top-rated luggage and travel bags

Selected. Our top picks

select Planning a short weekend trip? These bags can keep your travel essentials in one place.

How we picked top-rated luggage and travel bags.

What you’ll need in your luggage will depend on the type of trip you’ll be taking and what you will be packing. That said, there are a few universal factors we looked for when selecting luggage and travel bags from Amazon.

• High ratings: We only considered bags that had a 4-star average from at least 1,000 reviews on Amazon. We paid special attention to those with even higher star averages and thousands of reviews.
• Size: Most of the bags on our list can be used as carry-ons, but we included a few larger options as well.
• Style: Some people prefer a duffel bag, while others may like a bag with wheels. To address all preferences, we included a variety of shapes and styles. 

Top-rated luggage and travel bags

We compiled highly-rated luggage and travel bags sold on Amazon in different styles — including rolling bags, duffel bags and backpacks — to help you find the right bag for your needs and preferences. 

Ibfun Weekender 3-Piece Set

With this set, you get a weekender bag, a crossbody purse and a toiletry bag. The bottom of the weekender bag unzips to reveal a compartment that can fit up to three pairs of shoes, according to the brand. The bag has a top handle but also comes with a longer shoulder strap. The toiletry bag has a wrist strap and the crossbody back has a small pocket sleeve on the inside to hold keys or your wallet. This set has a 4.5-star average from over 4,500 reviews and comes in 19 colors. 

Dimensions: 20.5 x 9.5 x 13 inches (weekender), 10 x 9 inches (crossbody), 7 x 4.5 inches (toiletry) | Material: Canvas and faux leather | Carry-On: Yes

Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag

Made specifically to fit personal item dimensions, this bag will fit under the seat on most airlines, according to the brand. It is made from water-resistant nylon and has long, reinforced straps to fit over your shoulder, according to the brand. It has one large main compartment and a smaller zippered pocket on the outside and it can be folded up into a small square when not in use. This bag has a 4.4-star average from over 19,800 reviews on Amazon and it comes in over 20 colors. 

Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 6.3 inches | Material: Nylon | Carry-On: Yes

Wonhox Large Travel Tote Bag

This bag is expandable — just unzip the bottom to add an extra four inches of length to the bag. Inside you’ll find a large main compartment, three smaller pockets and a separate zippered pocket to store wet clothes in. When expanded, this weekend bag can fit two pairs of shoes, three to four outfits, a cosmetic bag and a laptop, according to the brand. It comes in a variety of colors (like pink , khaki and white ) and has a 4.7-star average from over 2,600 reviews on Amazon. 

Dimensions: 16.1 x 14.5 x 8.6 inches | Material: Polyester | Carry-On: Yes

Etronik Travel Duffel Bag

Available in medium and large sizes, both of which are carry-on compliant, this weekender bag has a USB charging port on the outside that you can plug your phone into when it needs some juice. Both sizes also have a separate shoe compartment, a separate compartment inside for wet clothes, a luggage trolley strap so you can slip it over a spinner suitcase and a detachable shoulder strap. This bag has a 4.5-star average from over 6,200 reviews on Amazon.  

Dimensions:  18.5 x 14.2 x 8.7 inches (medium), 21.7 x 16.5 x 9.4 inches (large) | Material: Nylon | Carry-On: Yes

Bagsmart Quilted Weekender

This duffel from Bagsmart, a brand that also makes highly-rated toiletry bags , has a 4.7-star average from over 2,380 reviews on Amazon. It comes in medium and large sizes, both of which meet most airlines’ requirements for carry-ons. Along with the main compartment, there are three small pockets on the inside. The outside of the bag features a pocket for a water bottle, a large zippered pocket for a laptop and a smaller zippered pocket for things like keys or your wallet. 

Dimensions:  19.5 x 8.2 x 11.5 inches (medium), 21.2 x 8.7 x 12.3 inches (large) | Material: Polyester | Carry-On: Yes

Bagsmart Overnight Bag

Slightly smaller than the medium weekender from Bagsmart, this quilted option can be used as a gym bag, overnight bag or hospital bag, according to the brand. It has a 4.6-star average from over 2,200 reviews on Amazon and comes in 11 colors, including pink , black and navy . The bag includes a removable shoulder strap, an outer pocket for a water bottle and multiple inner pockets. 

Dimensions:  18.5 x 11 x 8.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Carry-On: Yes

Wildroad 50L Travel Duffel Bag

When not expanded, this bag meets most carry-on requirements. Need something bigger (even if you have to check your bag)? Unzip two zippers to add four inches of length to this bag. The main compartment also has two large zippered pockets to store things in. This bag comes with a top handle, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap and a trolley sleeve. Choose from colors like army green , black and blue , all of which have brown faux leather accents. This bag has a 4.7-star average rating from over 1,100 reviews on Amazon. 

Dimensions:  20.8 x 10.2 x 11.8 inches | Material: Canvas and faux leather | Carry-On: Not when fully expanded

G4free Sling Bag

Keep your hands free with this sling bag, which is worn over one shoulder and across your back. The large, main compartment can fit items like a laptop, books or tablets. Then, there are three smaller zippered compartments on the outside of the bag to fit things like your wallet, keys and more. There is also a small zippered compartment on the strap that goes across your chest, to provide easy access to things you may need to grab quickly (like your phone). This bag is made with water-resistant nylon and has a 4.5-star average from over 5,600 reviews on Amazon.

Dimensions: 16.5 x 3.5 x 9.4 inches | Material: Polyester | Carry-On: Yes

Waterfly Crossbody Sling Backpack

This nylon crossbody from Waterfly, which was expert-recommended as a great travel accessory , comes in 17 colors and has an adjustable, reversible shoulder strap, lots of pockets (including two mesh side pockets) and a hidden earphone hole. It has a 4.5-star average from over 35,000 reviews on Amazon. 

Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 15  inches | Material: Nylon | Carry-On: Yes

Cuero Large Leather Duffel 

Cuero Large Leather Duffel

Made from real leather, this large duffel has a 4.4-star average from over 3,000 reviews on Amazon. It has a large main compartment and two medium-sized side compartments that can hold your shoes, tech or other items you want to keep separate from everything else. It also has two front pockets that you can use for smaller items. You can carry it by its top handle or use the double shoulder strap. This bag also comes in smaller sizes — including options that are 24 , 28 and 30 inches long. 

Dimensions: 32 x 11.5 x 10  inches | Material: Leather | Carry-On: No

Baosha HB-28 Canvas Weekender

This highly-rated bag has a 4.8-star average from over 3,500 reviews on Amazon. The main compartment can hold enough for a one to two-night trip and has a separate compartment at the bottom for shoes, according to the brand. It can be worn over your shoulder via shorter double shoulder straps or a longer detachable strap and it also has a trolley sleeve. 

Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 8  inches | Material: Canvas and faux leather | Carry-On: Yes

Coofay Travel Backpack

Think of this bag as a duffel that can be worn on your back. The bag unzips on three sides, much like a rolling suitcase and can fit three to four days’ worth of clothes, according to the brand. It also has a laptop compartment, a wet pocket and a separate shoe pocket. Padded shoulder straps also provide comfort when wearing it for long periods of time, according to Coofay. This bag has a 4.7-star average from over 2,700 reviews on Amazon. 

Dimensions: 16.5 × 11.8 × 5.9  inches | Material: Nylon | Carry-On: Yes

Wonhox Travel Backpack

Similar to the option from Coofay, this travel backpack comes in large and extra-large sizes, both of which meet the requirements to be a carry-on on most airlines. There is a separate compartment for shoes, an internal sleeve for a laptop and padded straps for comfort. This travel backpack has a 4.6--star average from over 6,000 reviews and comes in 10 colors — including purple , beige and green . 

Dimensions: 16.9 x 11.8 x 7.9 inches (large), 18.5 × 12.2 × 8.6  inches (extra large) | Material: Nylon | Carry-On: Yes

Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag

This checked-size duffel bag can be carried by a dual top handle or you can pull out the retractable handle and glide it on two inline wheels. Along with the main compartment, there are four smaller outer compartments for added storage. This bag has a 4.3-star average from over 5,100 reviews on Amazon. 

Dimensions: 30 × 13 × 12  inches | Material: Polyester | Carry-On: No

Why trust NBC Select?

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33 Best Travel Essentials You Should Always Pack

What our editors always travel with, and you should, too.

For some of us, an affordable carry-on is our travel essential. For others, it's nothing less than a Rimowa suitcase . Some of us never travel without a cashmere sweater . Personally, I swear by this Halfday Garment Duffel , but others swear by a classic weekender . We're exploring all options here.

Best Sweater for Travelling

Naadam cashmere sweater.

Travel Packing Hack

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Packable Tote Bag

Tumi just in case tote.

From post-flight, or in-flight, grooming must haves to luxury wallets that make you feel more put together walking through TSA, you can trust our expertise here. And here's a light warning. We will, only once, recommend that you still wear a suit while you travel. It's part of our DNA, sorry. Other than that, these are the 33 travel essentials that we swear by.

It sounds annoying to say a cashmere sweater is the perfect travel accessory, but it's so warm, soft, and lightweight, there's nothing that beats it. Plus, our favorite sweater from Naadam only cost $100.

I've already written about how great this bag is . A garment duffel isn't a new concept, but for $100, this version of it is life changing. Pack two suits or a few dresses, roll up the bag, then add everything else like normal. Nice clothes stay wrinkle free and everything packs more easily.

We all know the deal. It's a return flight, you have new clothes and souvenirs, or you just are packing a lot less diligently. That's where this Just In Case Tote comes in. It packs down to the size of a book and expands to be a sizable personal item.

Smythson Passport Cover in Panama

A passport cover is tough to call an essential, but once you hit a certain level of frequent flyer, it absolutely is. This one in luxe leather from Smythson is the best you can buy.

Lucchese Dopp Kit

One thing we really believe in is upgrading your dopp kit. That polyester one from Amazon won't make you happy, and it'll disintegrate in a few years. Lucchese makes some of the best travel bags on the market , and this pebble leather dopp kit is the best value on the website.

J.Crew Kenmare Unstructured Suit Jacket

Yes, the men's magazine is still telling you to wear a suit on a flight. A relaxed-fit unstructured suit is a man's matching set. It's just as comfortable as your ugly PJ pants, getting dressed takes two seconds, and you look great no matter how jet lagged you are.

Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Pant

If you insist on doing stretchy pants, make sure you do the best stretchy pants on Earth .

Sabah Baba Leather Slip On

The airport shoe situation is a funny one. There's a lot of ways to tackle the issue. Most people prefer sneakers. Loafers are a great shout. Cowboy boots —they're slip ons!—are my chaotic choice. The only rule is no exposed toes.

Truthfully, though, these Sabah slip ons are the only answer to "What's the best travel shoe?" Slip on, slip off. Wear them to the beach, or use them as a bring your own hotel slipper.

Husbands Paris Black Metal Corners Wallet

When you're an American exploring parts of the world you're unfamiliar with, be smart. A front pocket wallet will keep you from being on the losing end of tourist pickpocket schemes. This one from Husbands is my absolute favorite.

Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag

If you have an especially long self-care routine, you'll need something a bit more tailor-made. This hanging toiletry bag from Away is a great shout.

Cadence Flex System

As far as routines go, this Cadence system is a functional masterpiece. You can customize a set of containers for grooming products, bath products, and supplements. All the little hexagons click together for easy packing. It's some of the best travel design we've ever gotten our hands on.

Byredo Mojave Ghost Roll-On

Creating your own olfactory bubble is a life-changing travel hack, but spray-on cologne is a bit intense for the plane ride. Byredo makes nice roll-on fragrances to solve that problem.

F. Miller Eye Oil

That stale plane air is a nightmare for your skin. This eye oil firms and nourishes skin while still feeling natural. Keep it on hand to take care of any problem areas—around your eyes, lips, and cuticles. It's our best hack for looking good even after a long flight.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

We're big proponents of noise-cancelling headphones for pretty much all things that require either a deep inner focus or a hard distance from the world outside. Bose's QuietComfort headphones silence the world (crying babies, crunching plane neighbors) around you.

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

These socks will reduce any swelling or numbness after a long flight, or a short one for that matter. Compression socks are your new favorite travel companion. These have a daily-use approved 15-20mmHg pressure.

Patagonia Nano Puff Fitz Roy Trout Hoody

A packable Patagonia jacket is one of travel's biggest upgrades. It's super warm, and makes for an excellent extra layer—especially when you're not sure what you'll need. It packs into a little cube, which can double as a travel pillow.

Davek The Mini

Tiny and adorable, this will save you from some unexpected weather. The micro design tucks away perfectly into your suitcase.

Drake's Brown Birds of Paradise Print Wool Scarf

Even more versatile than a sweater is a lightweight scarf. Any scarf from Drake's is a good buy, but this printed one is especially fun. In the terminal, it's an accessory. In the lounge, it's a blanket. On the flight, it's a shawl, eye mask, emergency pillow, or a fucking tablecloth. If you buy one thing for travel, buy a good lightweight scarf.

Adidas Originals Stan Smith

Stan Smith's are another classic choice. Wear them with jeans, sweatpants, or a suit, and look fine in all instances.

NEW BALANCE 990v4 Sneakers

Sometimes you just need to get there, and these sneakers will do the trick. And when you do get there, go stretch your weary plane legs on a long walk without having to change shoes.

@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.4375rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.5625rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}} What We're Buying

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km travel chesterfield 2024 brochure prices

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Lovely holiday - KM British & European Coach Holiday

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Brilliant holiday to Torquay, tinsel & turkey 20 th November to Belgrave Sands hotel. The hotel was... read more

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Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

• Train Times
• Seasonality
• Accommodations

Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Balashikha Arena
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Church of Vladimir
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall

Destinations in May

Destinations in 2024.

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NEW CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024 - Bournemouth - Norfolk Royale Hotel - BROCHURE ADDITION . 2024 EUROPEAN HOLIDAYS - Early release - ITALY - Lake Garda / Alassio Click here to download our 2024 Brochure All Our Holidays Include In The Price: Free Door to Door Taxi ( Subject to Area ) ~ Luxury Coach Travel ~ Reserved Coach Seats . Personally Selected ...

www.kmchesterfield.co.uk

KM Travel of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Request a brochure by: Calling: 01226 245564 email: [email protected] . download: click here to download the 2024 Tour Brochure.

KM Travel is in Chesterfield, KM Travel may offer holiday tours, sightseeing tours, and general city tours in Chesterfield. If you have used KM Travel before be sure to leave your own comment or rating on the city tour or holiday tour that you went on so other poeple wishing to use this company can read fair and honest reviews before the book ...

What people are saying. " HOLIDAY TO BLACKPOOL ". Oct 2023. Thanks to all at KM TRAVEL especially our driver courier Matt who made the trip more enjoyable and a credit to the co... " Lovely place enjoyed it clean need a bit of investment there ". Aug 2022. Stayed at ilfracombe Devon 14 to 20 Aug the coach was lovely our driver Tony was ...

Reviews, contact details and business hours of KM Travel Chesterfield at 27 Stephenson Place, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Check out nearby places on a map. Write a review. Log in. ... 21:03 Tuesday, 23 April 2024: Business hours. Monday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm: Tuesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm: Wednesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm: Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:30 ...

KM Travel of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Tel: (01226) 245564 [email protected] . Home. Booking Guide Request Brochure Customer Information Contact Us. ... Our 2024 British Coach Holiday Brochure is now available to download and available shortly from our Market Street office in paper form.

5. £339. Nil. Please note prices are based on two persons sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements may apply, please call check single availability/price. Price Includes: * Luxury Coach Travel * Local Departure Points. * En-suite bedrooms * Excursions. * Half Board Accommodation.

Page List. (Click on the page required to be linked with that page in the brochure) Page 1 - Front cover. Page 2 - Introduction. Page 3 - Contact information. Customer information. Page 4 - How to make a booking. Holiday index January to June. Page 5 - Holiday index June to December.

Our 2024 UK Brochure is OUT NOW! Order yours today. 01246 474747 Opening Times Brochures . Menu (current) Home Holidays Day Trips ... A-Line Travel 15 Soresby Street Chesterfield S40 1JW 01246 474747 [email protected] . A-Line Travel, Company number 13060548

Lovely holiday. Review of KM British & European Coach Holiday. Reviewed 9 December 2023. Just back from a T&T break at Exmouth. The hotel and food were brilliant, and the driver James was the best. However we had a bad start after waiting nearly one and a half hours in cold and rain at Ilkeston for the coach. I know there was traffic problems ...

Geeveetravelchesterfield, Chesterfield. 1,657 likes · 24 talking about this · 29 were here. DOOR TO DOOR COACH HOLIDAYS DAY TRIPS AND PRIVATE HIRE

Thankyou received our brochure in the post , I see you have new for 2024 Kynren weekend , we went last year and its the most amazing show I've seen well worth going recommended to everybody. 22w. Robert Lindley. Can I have a brochure please 9 monsal crescent Barnsley S71 3PY. 15w.

KM Travel of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Tel: (01226) 245564 [email protected] . Home. Booking Guide Request Brochure Customer Information Contact Us. Skip to content. Request a brochure by: Calling: 01226 245564 . email: [email protected] download: ... Please note prices are based on two persons sharing a twin/double room ...

Central Air Force Museum The Central Air Force Museum, housed at Monino Airfield, 40 km east of Moscow, Russia, is one of the world's largest aviation museums, and the largest for Russian aircraft. 173 aircraft and 127 aircraft engines are on display, and the museum also features collections of weapons, instruments, uniforms (including captured U2 pilot Gary Powers' uniform), other Cold War ...

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is . Journey Duration.

KM Travel of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Tel: (01226) 245564 [email protected] . ... we guarantee excellent customer service and affordable prices. ... Winter/Spring 2024. Blackpool 2024 Potters Resorts 2024. Our booking office is located at: 52, ...

2022 Brochure . Page List ... All Our Holidays Include In The Price: Free Door to Door Taxi ( Subject to Area ) ~ Luxury Coach Travel ~ Reserved Coach Seats . Personally Selected Hotels ~ En-suite Bedrooms ~ Free Varied Excursions . Telephone: 01246 -556617 ...

Prices at Na Ulitse Yalagina 13B Apartments are subject to change according to dates, hotel policy, and other factors. To view prices, please search for the dates you wish to stay at the hotel. What are the check-in and check-out times at Na Ulitse Yalagina 13B Apartments? The check-in time is after 14:00 and the check-out time is before 12:00.

Cities near Elektrostal. Places of interest. Pavlovskiy Posad Noginsk. Travel guide resource for your visit to Elektrostal. Discover the best of Elektrostal so you can plan your trip right.

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The 12 Best Garment Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep wrinkles at bay with garment bags for dresses, suits, and more.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

If you're a frequent business traveler, are planning a destination wedding, or just need to get a formal ensemble from point A to point B, a garment bag is a must. Though disheveled clothes with huge creases are sometimes inevitable byproducts of packing a suitcase, this clever carrier will help prevent wrinkles wherever you go.

Ironing takes up valuable time — which you might not have to spare with a packed itinerary — and not all hotels have steamers. Whether you're transporting a three-piece suit, a floor-length gown, or just an outfit you need to put on as soon as you deboard the plane, a garment bag is the solution. When browsing options, think about the size and length you need, if you want it to fold up, and what storage features you might use.

To help you find the right one for your needs, we tried 22 garment bags in our testing lab. After packing them up, we evaluated each one for ease of use, capacity, performance, quality, and overall value, and we will continue to test them in the real world for another six months as well. 

Best Overall, Duffel

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Mark & Graham

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Capacity 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

It has lots of organizational features and folds up compactly enough to qualify as a carry-on.

After six months of use, we noticed the zippers are prone to snagging.

The best duffel-style option we tested is the Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag from Mark & Graham — a brand known for its product line made of high-quality materials and designed with superior organizational features. It unfolds to reveal a hanger for your garments, plus various pouches and pockets, including compartments for two pairs of shoes. We were impressed by how much fit inside — a men's suit, dress pants, a button-down shirt, two dresses, a belt, a pair of loafers, a pair of stiletto heels, a water bottle, and a smartphone. We appreciate the generous capacity and the fabric's durability as, even after six months of use, it still looks good as new.

This lightweight garment bag is a piece of cake to carry, even when it's full of clothes and shoes. The twill-washed nylon exterior seems sturdy and resistant to tearing. It passed our water-resistance test with flying colors, too, so you can bet it'll protect your clothing from moisture damage.

When folded up into the duffel configuration, the Commuter Garment Bag is nice and compact. It also easily fits within the carry-on size restrictions for most airlines and we think the high-quality design is worth the investment.

The Details: 22 x 10 x 10 inches | Twill-washed nylon | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Brides / Jessica Juliao

Best Overall, Wheeled

Travelpro platinum elite 50-inch check-in rolling garment bag.

This high-end, smooth-rolling bag fits 15 hung items, plus multiple pairs of shoes and various accessories.

You may want to invest in shoe bags when packing those inside this case as there’s no designated separate section. 

Our favorite wheeled option is the Travelpro Platinum Elite Rolling Garment Bag. This carrier effortlessly fit everything on our packing list and then some — two suits, dress pants, a button-down top, two dresses, a belt, a pair of loafers, dress shoes, stilettos, a laptop, a water bottle, and a lunch box. It fit roughly 15 items on the built-in hanger and secured them in place when we zipped everything up. There are also mesh compartments on the corners and various zippered pockets for stashing accessories and other small items, plus a TSA-approved lock if you plan on checking it.

The Platinum Elite Rolling Garment Bag was a breeze to roll around on carpet, hard floors, and concrete — and it's not too heavy to lift, even when packed full. Throughout our six-month test, we used this bag a handful of times including on a trip to London and we found that it's even easy to roll alongside larger, checked luggage. It also passed our durability assessments, showing no signs of wear and tear after using it on a trip and dragging a stiletto heel across the exterior. At nearly $400, this garment bag is more expensive than most but the high-quality design, spacious capacity, and organizational features still stand out.

The Details: 22 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches | 9.9 pounds | Ballistic nylon | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Waterproof

Seyfocnia convertible carry-on travel garment bag.

• Capacity 4.8 /5

It has a water-repellent exterior and a spacious capacity with a shoe compartment and various pockets.

The faux leather exterior isn't scratch-resistant, and there's no designated laptop sleeve.

A waterproof carrier will help ensure your nice clothes don't get wet or wrinkled en route. We like this one, which has a faux leather exterior with a special fiber coating that repels liquids. This duffel-style garment bag has a generous capacity and closes easily, even when packed full. Besides multiple formal ensembles, we fit a pair of heels, a laptop, a water bottle, and a toiletry bag. We like that there are lots of useful pockets and a shoe compartment, but a designated laptop sleeve would be nice.

This bag is lightweight but doesn't feel cheap at all, and it's comfy to carry, thanks to the padded straps. You can also slide it over your suitcase handle with the trolley strap. The faux leather did sustain a scratch when we dragged a stiletto heel across the surface, though the material didn't rip. Considering the reliable, protective design and organizational features, the price range is more than reasonable, even for occasional use.

The Details: 22 x 12.5 x 12 inches | 4.4 pounds | Fiber-coated faux leather | Waterproof

Best Attachable

Away the garment bag.

• Performance 4 /5

This sophisticated garment bag is the perfect medium size, but it's still large enough to fit a floor-length dress, a suit, and two pairs of shoes.

The zippers can snag a little, so be careful when opening and closing them.

Away's take on the garment bag is this sophisticated briefcase-inspired number. We appreciated the sleek, straightforward design and found it to be a perfect medium size for most trips. When unfolded, it's long enough to fit a floor-length dress or a suit — with room to spare for multiple pairs of shoes and a light jacket. Just a heads up, the zippers can snag a little on the enclosed fabrics, so be careful when opening and closing the bag.

All in all, it feels like a high-quality, durable product. After six months of use, we love that the nylon exterior provides plenty of protection from dust and debris as well as some water resistance. It is also spacious enough that it prevents wrinkles, even when storing items long term. With comfortable handles, a removable shoulder strap, and a trolley sleeve for slipping it over your suitcase handle, this versatile garment bag was made with plane travel in mind. You can bring it as a carry-on or a personal item, and it's definitely compact enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. If you travel often for work or are looking to upgrade your current, cheaper garment bag, this one is definitely worth buying.

The Details: 22.5 x 20.5 x 3.5 inches | 2.3 pounds | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best for Multiple Garments

Wallybags garment bag.

• Quality 4.5 /5
• Performance 4.5 /5

This sizable bag can fit multiple long dresses, men's suits, overcoats, and costumes, and holds up to 30 pounds of weight.

A longer clamp would allow it to hold even more hangers.

Need something that can hold more than one thing? The WallyBags Deluxe Garment Bag is big enough for long dresses and gowns, suits, tuxedos, overcoats, dress shirts, costumes — you name it — and it can hold up to 30 pounds of weight. We were able to fit all items on our packing list (with room to spare) and secure everything together with the included hanger clamp. A longer clamp would allow you to fit additional hangers, but if you put multiple items on a single hanger, you can fit more inside.

The garment bag is made of polyester and features a water-resistant coating. It seems durable enough to withstand a journey by plane or car and didn't sustain any scratches during our stiletto test either, making this a solid value for the price point. 

The Details: 60 x 22 x 3 inches | 5 pounds | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best for Business

Zegur suit carry on garment bag.

It easily fits a suit, an overcoat, and two pairs of dress shoes, plus accessories, with room to spare.

The exterior material is somewhat rugged, reminiscent of a backpack or outdoor-friendly duffel.

If you go on frequent work trips and need a solution for transporting your suits and other business attire, we recommend the Zegur Suit Garment Bag. We could fit a suit jacket, dress pants, a button-down shirt, and two pairs of dress shoes inside with plenty of room to spare. There are also multiple pockets for stashing a belt, ties, cufflinks, and other accessories. After attaching your hung items, you can fold it up and carry it like a messenger bag or briefcase using the shoulder strap or grab handles, respectively.

Though it's designed like a briefcase, the material has a rugged quality, which is more reminiscent of a backpack or outdoor-friendly duffel. Still, the quality is very apparent — the zippers work great, and the exterior didn't scratch or scuff during our tests. This garment bag seems like it'll probably last forever, and the brand backs it with a five-year warranty. So the price is absolutely reasonable, if you ask us.

The Details: 23 x 22 x 4 inches | 2.9 pounds | 1800-D polyester | Waterproof

Most Durable

Degeler garment bag.

• Capacity 4.5 /5

This extremely resilient bag resists tearing and repels water while protecting the clothes inside, and the main compartment is easy to load up with hangers.

There's no designated shoe compartment, but the mesh pocket works for shoes.

Degeler's SkyHanger Garment Bag really stood out in terms of durability. The ripstop nylon exterior is lightweight yet extremely tough; it didn't tear or even scratch when we ran a stiletto heel across the surface. What's more, the water-resistant material didn't feel damp at all when we repeatedly sprayed it with water. This bag could probably get run over by a car without sustaining any damage — and any clothing inside would be protected too.

We like how the main compartment opens wide, making it easy to load with hangers. It effortlessly fits several items, and the upper button latch prevents the hangers from falling into the bag. While there's no designated shoe compartment, the interior mesh pocket works well for footwear. We also appreciate that this garment bag is compact enough to fit within a larger suitcase, or it can be used on its own as a carry-on or checked bag. Comfy leather handles are the final cherry on top.

The Details: 21 x 21 x 1 inches | 1.1 pounds | Ripstop nylon | Water-repellent

Best for Weddings

Samsonite garment bag.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Performance 4.8 /5

This well-made carrier fits multiple suits and gowns, then folds into a messenger bag for easy transport.

It can be hard to zip closed when packed full, and longer dresses might wrinkle on the bottom.

If you're heading to a wedding (or planning a destination wedding of your own), Samsonite's Just Right Garment Carrier might be your best bet. When unfolded, it's big enough to fit a suit or a gown and has handy loops for your hangers. We should note that, while you can use it for a floor-length dress, the bottom might wrinkle in transit, so think about whether you'll have access to an iron or steamer where you're headed. You could also fold your dress down at the waist to make it shorter in transit.

Though this bag is big enough to fit multiple items, bear in mind the zippers can be hard to close when it's packed full. Still, all the other pockets and exterior compartments were easily accessible and zipped closed without a fuss. Once full, it folds into thirds and becomes a messenger-style bag with a padded adjustable strap. There's also a trolley sleeve, so you can slide it over your suitcase handle. This certainly isn't the most affordable option we tried, but we can't deny the excellent quality and functionality.

The Details: 22 x 16 x 2.5 inches | 3.4 pounds | Nylon

Best Organization

London fog buckingham 44-inch wheeled garment bag.

• Quality 4 /5

This garment bag has a sizable main compartment and various pockets throughout for stashing accessories and carry-on essentials.

It doesn't have the highest capacity and may be best for weekend trips.

We also liked London Fog's Buckingham Garment Bag. The spacious design held three dresses, a pantsuit, a blazer, two shirts, a pair of shoes, a belt, a tie, a laptop, and a water bottle. Besides the main compartment, there are tons of pockets of various sizes both inside and out. In addition to clothes and accessories, you'll have plenty of room for things like books, snacks, or chargers. Needless to say, it makes a great carry-on.

This garment bag folds into itself and becomes a messenger bag but you may not want to tote it that way at 11 pounds when empty (heavier than most others we tried). But, although the shape is a bit bulky, the wheeled design is a breeze to roll around on carpets, hard floors, or the sidewalk. The Buckingham bag passed our durability test as well and shows no signs of wear and tear after six months of use. In the end, we think the features and overall quality reflect its price tag.

The Details: 23 x 22 x 4 inches | 11 pounds | Nylon

Most Spacious

Modoker convertible garment bag.

• Capacity 3 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

This roomy bag has space for multiple garments, plus various accessories, toiletries, a laptop, and more.

It has more capacity as a duffel bag than as a garment bag.

The Modoker Convertible Garment Bag stood out for its spacious design. It has a large main compartment where you can hang a suit, dress, or jacket. Then when you fold it up into a duffel, it has ample storage and pockets for accessories, toiletries, a laptop, a water bottle, snacks, and chargers. There's even a shoe compartment for stashing heels or dress shoes.

Though you can hang multiple items, we should note it has a bigger capacity as a duffel bag than as a garment bag. Still, the roomy design and organizational features make it an excellent carry-on option. Made of jacquard polyester with a water-resistant coating, this garment bag seems durable enough to withstand any mode of transport while protecting your belongings from damage at the same time.

The Details: 23 x 12 x 11 inches | 2.5 pounds | Jacquard polyester | Water-resistant

Most Compact

Calpak garment bag.

Small enough to be a personal item or slip into a wheeled carry-on, this compact carrier can fit multiple outfits, shoes, and accessories.

It's harder to close with bulky shoes in the shoe compartment, and it's too short for long dresses.

Need something smaller? Check out Calpak's Compakt Garment Bag. Despite the compact design, we were able to fit everything on our packing list, including a suit, dress pants, a shirt, a tie, a belt, and a pair of shoes. Though it's too short for longer gowns, you can also fit a couple of dresses. The shoe compartment was harder to close with larger men's shoes, but it worked well for women's flats. After six months of tests, this garment bag still looks brand new and has become a permanent staple of closets for long-term protection of seasonal items.

When packed with items of various shapes, the bag was still easy to fold up — and you can tighten the straps to make it more compact (and even fit it inside a larger suitcase). This garment bag is small enough to qualify as a carry-on or personal item on a plane, or you could check it instead. Toting it around is no problem, either, thanks to the comfy, sturdy handles. Not only that, but the ripstop nylon exterior appears to resist tearing and water, so you can rest assured the contents will be protected in transit. We also like that this carrier comes in both neutrals and bright, punchy colors.

The Details: 20 x 19 x 1 inches | 1.2 pounds | Ripstop nylon | Water-resistant

Best Budget

Misslo 43-inch gusseted travel garment bag.

• Quality 3.5 /5
• Capacity 4 /5

This no-nonsense garment bag fits multiple outfits and folds in half for easy carrying.

The cheap material isn't very durable, and it lacks organizational features.

On a budget? Go with the Misslo Gusseted Garment Bag. The straightforward design can be quickly packed up. We were able to fit two dresses, a shirt, pants, a suit jacket, and a belt, and the transparent window makes it easy to see what's inside. Beyond the main compartment and hanger slot, it doesn't have much in terms of organizational features. More pockets would be useful, but for under $15, we really can't complain.

It folds in half to be carried with the attached handles. Though the straps appear pretty sturdy, this bag is made of a non-woven fabric that may not stand the test of time. That said, if you need something for one trip and aren't too worried about durability, you won't be disappointed.

The Details: 43 x 22.5 x 3.5 inches | Non-woven fabric

Other Garment Bags We Liked

Halfday The Garment Duffel : This bag was easy enough to pack, though the hanger loop doesn't fit as many hangers as others we tried. Still, we liked the structured design of the duffel and found it comfortable to carry using the handles and shoulder strap.

Away The Centerfold Garment Sleeve : Available in three sizes, this garment bag is lightweight without sacrificing durability. We wish it had more pockets and organizational features but were all-around impressed with the design.

Travel Select Amsterdam Business Rolling Garment Bag : This garment bag has a huge capacity, with space for several hung items and multiple pairs of shoes. However, the upper hook only has room for four hangers, so you might need to put multiple pieces on a single hanger.

The Travel + Leisure team researched today's best garment bags and selected 22 to try firsthand in our testing lab and in real-life settings over a six-month period. After inspecting each bag and examining the features, we packed them with various clothing items (suits, dresses, coats, etc.), plus shoes and accessories if there was room.

Once closed, we carried them around, lifted them overhead, and rolled the ones with wheels. We also assessed whether they worked best as carry-ons, personal items, or checked baggage. Additionally, we ran a stiletto heel over the exteriors to check for scratch and puncture resistance, then sprayed the bags with water to see if they repelled moisture. Each garment bag earned a score for ease of use, capacity, quality, performance, and value, and those with the highest scores made it onto our list.

Tips for Buying Garment Bags

Pay attention to length.

When buying a garment bag, pay attention to the unfolded length. This will tell you what types of items you can hang inside, like suits, dresses, and coats. Some are too short for longer dresses, in which case you can try folding the dress at the waist. Otherwise, have a plan to iron or steam items upon arrival.

Think about foldability

Many garment bags are meant to fold up and be carried around as a duffel or messenger-style bag. Keep this in mind, as folding can crease the items inside. Folding will also double or triple the thickness of the bag, which might make it harder to zip when packed with several articles of clothing.

Consider storage features

In addition to a main compartment with a hook for hangers, garment bags often have other storage features. This might include zippered pockets, a designated shoe compartment, a mesh pouch, a laptop sleeve, or a water bottle holder. These aren't absolutely necessary, but they can certainly come in handy if you use your garment bag as a carry-on.

Look for easy-carrying options

Lastly, look for a garment bag that's easy to get from point A to point B. For instance, some fold up into a duffel or messenger bag with grab handles or a detachable shoulder strap. Others have trolley sleeves meant to slide over a suitcase handle to consolidate your luggage. And some garment carriers are wheeled, so you can roll them around with minimal elbow grease.

Place your clothing items on hangers, then attach them to the upper hook or loop. Some garment bags are spacious but can't fit as many hangers, in which case you might want to put multiple items on one hanger. For extra protection from potential damage, cover each piece with a dry-cleaning bag. If there's a shoe compartment or other pockets, fill those after hanging your garments in the main compartment.

Bifold garment bags fold in half, and trifold garment bags fold into thirds. Aside from the number of potential creases in your clothes, there isn't much difference between the two. What matters more is the size and shape of the folded bag and whether it has straps, handles, or other features for carrying it around.

In most cases, a garment bag can count as a carry-on . The size limit is usually roughly 22 x 14 x 9 inches — if it's small enough, it can even qualify as a personal item. Some airlines allow you to hang your garment bag when you board in a designated closet located in the front of the plane. That said, all airlines are different, so be sure to check the specific rules and requirements ahead of time.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in plane travel, fashion, and luggage. For this story, she compiled our ongoing testing insights, then combed through product descriptions and specs to create a curated list of today's best garment bags. She has personally tried luggage from Away, Travelpro, Samsonite, London Fog, and Calpak.

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