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If you’re planning on doing a little shopping while you’re on your travels, many TFG readers recommend that you bring along an extra bag; however, these are handy for a lot more as well. Check out their choices for the best duffle bag to bring along on your trip!
Travel Duffle Bag
Written By: Tae Haahr
Table Of Contents
Cute duffle bags are propping up as a travel accessory, but you may wonder, why bother taking one? Some travelers like an extra one to pack souvenirs or shift things for a flight bag and a popular choice to bring along is a duffle. If you decide to take one, you’ll want to go with something that’s lightweight, doesn’t take up much space but can still fit a ton into it.
TFG readers have some experience in this area so they’ve shared some of their top picks for packable duffles. That way you can bring home all of the souvenirs and goodies that you want!
What’s the Best Carry On Duffle Bag for Travel?
Editor’s Pick: Wandf Duffle Bag Carry On
The Wandf is a popular lightweight duffle bag packable in your carry-on that many readers recommend. It weighs ways just over 1 lb and is wearproof, waterproof, tear-resistant, and it comes in various sizes which is handy if you need a smaller or larger bag. I tried it out myself and I’ve tried out various packable duffles over the past year due to my many international moves and this has become my favorite brand!
I’ve bought their duffles in 40 L, 50 L, and 120 L and was very pleased with their durability for the price. This is a picture of me with the 40 L size. I love that it has a trolley sleeve!!! I traveled to the USA in my carry-on then brought back a bunch of purchases in the packable duffle, which was super convenient.
One reader shares more, “I’m in Paris right now and we packed this for our return trip. It has a strap that can go on your luggage for transport.”
Another one also shares her new discovery. “Someone from here turned me onto the duffle… as I only plan to carry-on for my trip, I plan to check on the way home as there’s no way I’ll be able to avoid goodies in Italy. This bag unfolds into a duffle and I’m impressed with the quality. Also, I like the slit in the back to attach to my suitcase.”
Find our why our readers think the Wandf is the surprising winner in the world of duffles in our review!
Bago Large Duffle Bag
The Bago is durable and ultra-lightweight at only 1.5 lbs. It’s easy to carry with a luggage sleeve or its two top handles. It meets most airline requirements and is waterproof, wearproof, and tear-resistant. To clean it off, just slip it into the washing machine.
One TFG reader shares, “I was apprehensive as to how sturdy this would be as it seemed quite thin when it arrived. However it has survived 4 flights in the hold and still looks brand new. Would highly recommend.”
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Arxus Duffle Bag Carry On
The Arxus is a great bag to carry on your next trip as extra storage. It’s lightweight with multiple pockets and is made of waterproof and tear-resistant fabric. It folds in your luggage or you can use it as your personal item and store it under the seat.
One reader shares, “The Arxus duffle tote is foldable, waterproof, weighs less than a pound and has a trolley sleeve. I’ve been considering this for my next overseas adventure.” Choose from five sleek colors so it can match the rest of your luggage.
Read this post to discover the best ultralight backpacks and add one to your shopping list!
Dimayar Spacious Foldable Duffle Bag
Dimayar Lightweight Packable Duffle
The Dimayar easily packs up so you can drop it in your carry-on and use it when you need to. It’s made from a quality fabric that is water repellent, wear resistant & tear resistant and comes with an adjustable strap and carrying handles. Plus, you can get it in sizes from small to large to make sure it meets your specific needs.
One TFG reader shares, “My hubby came up with a great idea for us, we pack a duffle bag that zips into a small square. I’m into buying wine on trips so we pack that in my hard case on the way home, then all my dirty clothes just get shoved into the duffle.”
Read this post to find out our favorite cute backpacks for travel!
Eddie Bauer Stowaway 45L Duffle
Eddie Bauer Extra Large Duffle Bag
The Eddie Bauer Stowaway 45L Duffle is an ultralight bag made with ripstop polyester. It has space for a “shoe garage” says their Amazon listing and a trolly sleeve, making it a good addition to your normal luggage. It also has a StormRepel RP finish which means moisture rolls off it, making it almost waterproof.“
One reader feels this bag is “lightweight but sturdy.” While another says that this brand makes “some great ones that fold down into my pocket, which makes them a real asset to travel with.
Find out why we love a convertible backpack purse for travel!
Gonex Packable Duffle Bag
The Gonex is a durable and lightweight bag that you can cart along with you as an extra. It’s water repellent and resistant and only weighs 1.1 lbs. Plus, it has 40 liters of capacity yet packs into a compact little bag that can be easily carried anywhere.
One reader shares, “I use this as my carry on on the way home (and check my suitcase). I’ve even checked this before, but since it doesn’t have structured sides, you wouldn’t want to put just anything in it. It’s good quality material, packs flat, and is super easy to get back into the pocket, unlike other brands I’ve had in the past!
Read this post to find out some common items female backpackers longed for on their extended trips!
Fordicher Travel Duffle Bag
The Fordicher is a packable duffle bag Amazon carries and it comes in super cute patterns and is made out of durable material.
It can literally become a very small duffle bag when you need to pack it but it’s large capacity when opened will surprise you.
One TFG readers says, “I bought this bag and it folded pretty small and opens out to a big duffle.” Another reader shares, “I got this bag for souvenirs on the way back” and reports that it works really well.
Our readers chose the best travel bags with trolley sleeve. Take a look at their top recommendations!
Samsonite Tote-A-Ton 32.5 Inch Duffle
Samsonite Duffle Bag
This Samsonite is a popular lightweight packable duffle bag. It’s made of 100% nylon and can hold 6,400 cubic inches of capacity but when it’s empty it only weighs 1 lbs. It’s a great travel sidekick to help you cart home souvenirs or more.
One reader shares, “This one is huge, but lightweight, and has been a workhorse! We’ve used it for years for the same purpose… .hauling home clothes while packing purchases in our sturdier suitcase.”
Take a look at the best luggage brands for travel according to the experts!
Narwey Foldable Travel Tote Carry On Bag
Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag
If you need a little extra room in your carry-on, then perhaps this foldable carry on tote bag from Norwey is the answer to your figurative prayers. It can hold up to 25 liters inside it, but can also be zipped into its own little folding pouch making it easy to take along just in case it’s needed.
Readers recommend using this if you want an empty bag for goodies, dirty clothing, and so on because of its compact travel size. One reader shares, “I always pack this foldable bag. That can serve as my personal item on the way back.”
We’re sharing the best laptop bags that combine style and functionality!
Osprey Transporter 40 Travel Duffle Bag
Osprey Duffle Bag
Here at TFG, we really like Osprey bags and the Transporter 40 travel duffle bag is no exception. It’s a lightweight but heavy-duty and can lock, has multiple straps, and lots of carrying options. There’s also an end pocket where you can stash quick-access items.
Readers feel it’s “great to have an extra bag to throw shoes in if moving between hotels rather than perfectly repacking your suitcase!” It’s also nice to “stash your clothes in it when returning and check the duffle” that way you can keep your souvenirs in the carry-on.
We’ve compiled a list of the best osprey backpacks so you can pick your favorite one!
Paravel Water Resistant Fold-Up Bag
Paravel Fold Up Duffle Bag
Paravel is an up-and-coming luggage brand that readers have been into lately, and their beautiful travel bags are particularly popular. The Fold-Up Bag is such a handy travel duffle that folds flat and zips into a teeny pouch, so it’s perfect to stow away in your suitcase and then whip out to use as a day bag or shopping bag or to bring home souvenirs!
While ultra-lightweight at only 1lb, this bag is incredibly sturdy and water-resistant, so it’ll keep your items safe inside.
Calpak Luka Lightweight Duffel
Calpak Luka Lightweight Duffle
Calpak makes the cutest travel bags that are full of function, and the Luka Duffle is a fantastic option for quick trips or to use as a carry-on. It features a whopping nine pockets to keep everything organized, including a separate shoe pocket. This duffle is sturdy, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant construction while being super lightweight and comfy on the shoulder!
One traveler says she can fit her purse, toiletries, shoes, and clothes, and it fits perfectly under the seat of an airplane, with a trolley sleeve and padded straps to make carrying the bag easy and comfortable. She adds that spills have wiped off easily, and overall, it’s the perfect travel bag!
Why Use a Duffle Bag?
If you already have a set of luggage that works perfectly well for your trips, then you might be wondering why you would even consider bringing along a duffle bag. Many readers say the simple answer is so you can make purchases while you’re out and about.
It’s also useful for short excursions on a longer trip like packing for safaris. Another TFG reader shares her reason, saying, “I am planning on filling my bag up with clothes and packing it inside my carry-on and then checking it for return trip and packing my Christmas market purchases in the carry-on.”
And another reader shares, “I put a foldable backpack or bag inside my carry-on. Then I just check the carry-on and carry my necessities for the flight on the way home in the smaller bag. That way, I can bring all my purchases home without worrying about weight or whether they are liquid.”
There are lots of great uses for an extra bag. And when it comes to bags that are so packable and light, why wouldn’t you bring one along?
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Organize Items in Your Luggage
Packing cubes can help organize items within your regular luggage and even in your duffle. We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything which is illustrated in the video below.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Compass Rose Digital Luggage Scale
Not many people are familiar with luggage scales, but they’re incredibly helpful when you’re a frequent traveler.
We recommend bringing along a lightweight luggage scale to weigh your cases before going to the airport. This will ensure you are below the weight limit and avoid extra charges.
With a compact luggage scale in hand, you’ll never have to worry about excess baggage fees!
What do you think is the best duffle bag for travel? Share and comment below!
For more travel luggage ideas, please read:
- Best Lightweight Luggage Under 5lb: Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees
- Best Rolling Duffle Bags: Great Alternative to a Suitcase
- Best Luggage for Business Travel is Efficient and Easy to Use
- Best Under Seat Luggage and How to Pack with Minimal Space
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My husband is leaving for a 2 week trip, and I’m not sure what he’ll bring back in terms of souvenirs for the whole family, so I decided to pack him a foldable duffel bag, in case his luggage weigh is over the limit.
I’ve followed your recommendations for years and find them very helpful!!
it’s always been tricky trying to plan space for souvenirs, but i had never considered a duffel bag before. this makes a lot of sense if you’re flying carry-on out there but checking a bag on the way back.
I can totally vouch for the Eddie Bauer packable duffle! I brought it with me on two trips this year, Cambodia/Vietnam and Japan! Both times it came in really handy, I stuffed all of my clothes in the duffle and checked it in on the way home so I could put my souvenirs in my roller luggage. The duffle itself is really sturdy, it withstood being checked in and tossed around, and it still is in perfect condition! I learned this tip from TFG, thank you!
I love taking my duffel bag on vacation in case I pick up any “extra” items along the way. Great info here.
My favorites are my Patagonia Blackhole duffels. I have multiple sizes. They’re fantastic as you can carry them multiple ways and they’re practically indestructible.
This article came at the perfect time. My 15-year-old is traveling without of us for the first time. We never carry a duffle, but the teen has his own opinions. However, he did get our need to travel stylishly and doesn’t want to get one that doesn’t look good. LOL. I’ll take the half-win. And perhaps he’s right – maybe we’ve been missing it all along!
This was great info!!! I got the Eddie Bauer smaller version and it has been great!
I’ve been really happy with my Lo & Sons Catalina duffle bag and have been using it for many years. I use it for weekend trips or as airplane carry on. I like that there’s a separate bottom compartment where you can keep your shoes. When I bring a rolling bag or backpack as my primary luggage, I like to bring one of those collapsible duffles for any souvenirs I might by on my trip!
We are planning to pack an extra duffel inside a suitcase for the gifts we are planning to buy.
I have been searching for a packable duffel. One of these will be perfect! Thank you for doing the research!
On my first trip right now with cubes. I will never again travel without them! Why did I wait so long. Love how they keep things organized.
I’ve traveled for decades. On a 2 month trip overseas right now and it’s my first time with the cubes. I will never travel again without them! How did I ever do without them?!?
I love this idea for a tiny duffle for travel! Whether I’m on a group tour and need a little extra room or on my flight home need a carry on for goodies- this is exactly what I was looking for!
I just discovered this article. Great recommendations! I love everything on your site!
I love the Arxus foldable duffle! The shoulder strap is easy to take on and off, and the extra pockets both inside and out help with organization. Plus it folds up easily into itself, and there’s a little loop where you can attach it to the outside of a backpack if needed.
I love the Wandf duffle and have used it as a personal item, as a bus bag on tours and as a dirty clothes checked luggage. Thanks for introducing me to this brand!
I have found the best packing ideas and inspiration on your site! Thank you!
I loved the compression packing cubes on my recent trip. Not only did they allow me to pack a few more items, they kept me very organized! Win-win!
A trick I used was bringing along a vacuum seal bag for my dirty clothes. I didn’t care if they were wrinkled; squishing everything down so small left me plenty of room!
I can’t wait for my next trip!
I like to bring a duffle for overflow, but not my initial bag. They hurt my back to carry. When I flew back from Italy they put it in a plastic bag to help protect the contents…
I am the same. I always bring one, it’s the Eddie Bauer foldable backpack 🎒 for overflow on the return home.
I bought the Narway travel duffle and a big REI rolling duffle for my Africa safari trip. I’m leaving TODAY! So far, so good. I have my most important items in the foldable duffle in case my main bag doesn’t arrive when I do. Then I will combine them. I think this is going to work. I’ve gotten lots of good ideas from you. Thanks!
Love the Vera Bradley large duffle. I can fit a ton in it and it is easy to squish in tight places on the plane. Also easily washable. I sometimes turn it longways and use the long handles as a makeshift backpack so it’s much easier to go down the narrow isles of the airplane.
Just returned from Italy and I love my Wanda duffle bag
I finally bought a travel duffle and packing cubes this summer. The packing cubes are a game changer!! Thanks for the tips on how to use them.
I was wondering how I can bring back my purchases from Italy and now I have several choices! Definitely going to pack a duffle in my suitcase and use it as carry on coming back to the States! Thank you!
I love all of the recommendations! This is one of my favorite blogs 🙂
I am ALL about these recommendations. I am about to go on a trip to Italy and one of these will be just the thing I need to bring home goodies!
I have used many suggestions from this website for my European trip in 2019 and this past summer another 3 1/2 weeks. Both trips I went with just a carryon suitcase and duffle/backpack. Packing in the Compas Rose packing cubes has been a life saver. I also really like the Delsey 21 travel suitcase, and my husband loved his Travelpro suitcase that was recommended. This year I also used the Wandf duffel bag which came in so handy once we got there to use for extra things purchased. From comfortable sneakers, stylist clothes and packing list on what I needed to take, many answers I was able fine within this group. Best of all, my husband was impressed with how well I able to pack smartly. Thank you.
I have the Narway and traveled across the country twice. Using packing cubes makes the packing process very simple.
I appreciate many of your articles
I love this site! Planning a trip to Paris and Italy in December. Struggling to determine what bags to bring/pack in. Thanks for the great info!!!!
I use the Eddie Bauer foldable duffle. Its the right price, durable, and fits easily in a suitcase to bring out for those shopping treasures on the way home.
I love the useable suggestions – am excited for my trip next year!
I wound up getting my kids an under armour duffel for our summer and it was great. Big shoe compartment and huge opening on top.
All of your articles are so helpful!
It is SO helpful to learn about the various duffle and travel bag ideas! This saves an incredible amount of time to learn from those who are travel experts. Thank you for providing so many tips and I am eager to explore more of the blogs on your website!
I have learned and continue to learn so much from your your blog and all the other women who take the time to give their feedback! Thank you for such a variety of suggestions! Now to try and decide which one!!
cute items to use
So very helpful!
Some great ideas . Always liking for a durable roomy duffel bag
Nice article. Thanks!
I’m I was looking for a durable roomy duffel to take on a trip.
Also in that French handbag in your giveaway – I take it to the shoemaker and have a pocket put in the outside of the front of the bag for more storage space A little items like keys and lipstick etc.o
I have been fortunate these past years and have been able to travel. I have used information that you have provided on your blog site which has been helpful.
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog and find it very helpful when I am planning a trip.
Great selection! I’ve been looking for a duffel bag for some time now. Thanks for giving me a place to start.
I bring a foldable duffel in my trips so that on the way back I can carry it with all the souvenirs in there.
I’m in the market for a new duffle to replace one that is annoying to travel with. Thanks for this roundup!
Your blogs are so helpful. I’m ready to start packing. Trouble is, I want to buy everything you show.
I love seeing all the options
Love all of these – may have to ditch my backpack for a duffle!
On a long trip I always take the Gonex Packable Duffle. I have used it to bring home any purchases made along the way. I have carried it on and have also checked it. It has held up well. I also used it on safari in Africa when I was limited on weight on the bush planes. I stored my heavier bag while on safari.
Thanks! Great info!
Great suggestions on the duffle bags! Now I need to narrow down which one I want for my next trips!
For our recent safari, we had to use a soft-sided duffle bag with no wheels. The 40L Wandf Duffle Bag Carry On was the winner for me! I was able to fit everything I needed for the safari and carry it on due to flying through Heathrow. On the way home, I checked it and it came through two flights like a champ! My son borrowed it for our Arizona roadtrip and it squished in to our trunk just fine!