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.

Duffel Bags of 2023 | Tested by GearLab The 6 Best Duffel Bags of 2023 | Tested by GearLab

What we mean by this is: when you load that bag to the absolute brim with absolutely everything you could possibly need for that trip you’re going on, will it still zip closed and will it still be comfortable to carry?

Why You Should Trust Us

The Marmot Long Hauler has an abundance of features, including internal luggage compression straps. The Mountain Hardwear Expedition 100L zips open all the way to the end of the wings on either side creating a large and accessible opening. You don't have permission to access "http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/travel/bags-luggage/holdalls/" on this server.

Duffel Bags for Rugged Travel - Gear Patrol The 12 Most Durable Duffel Bags for Rugged Travel - Gear Patrol

The only downside we could really come up with when we tested Gregory Alpaca is that it’s so similar to The North Face Base Camp duffel, but it usually sells for a good amount more. Volume is very subjective, so it’s up to you to decide on what you need here; if you’re going to be carrying a lot of extra gear on a hiking trip, you might need a bag somewhere between 90-120L, but if you’re just going to visit friends for a few nights, you’ll only need a bag with around 40-70L of space. While it’s not quite as durable as other bags, like The North Face Duffel, it was still able to take pretty much everything we could throw at it.The best ones are so durable they can be battered about by mules for weeks on end and you won't see any serious damage beyond dirt on the outside. The best thing to look for in this situation is the style of the opening to the bag; is the zipper D-shaped or is it a vertical line? It’s a good looking bag with a compact, industrial design. We love just about everything about this bag.