Best duffel bag

Here's a roundup of spacious and lightweight duffel bags for all occasions!

best duffel bag
(Image credit: Erol Ahmed on Unsplash)

A duffel bag makes carrying your stuff easy. Their structured—yet flexible and soft—design makes it possible to store everything you need. You can jam-pack all the nooks and crannies! Some duffel bags even come with pockets and padded straps for added storage and comfort. Bring these versatile bags with you to the gym or even while travelling. Here's a roundup of my favourites.

Staff pick

best duffel bag

(Image credit: Amazon)

Amazon Basics large duffel bag

Large and in charge

This extra-large duffel bag can store up to 98 litres, making it incredibly versatile.

Pros:

  • 98-litre capacity
  • Made from 100-per cent nylon
  • Exterior and interior pockets
  • 82.5-by-43-by-43 centimeters

Cons:

  • Is a bit flimsy
  • Material is pretty thin

If you're someone who often travels from work to the gym or is constantly hopping on flights, this duffel bag is exactly what you need. It measures 82.5-by-43-by-43 centimetres and has a 98-litre capacity. So, it's large enough to store clothes, toiletries, electronics, and more. 

To make packing even easier, this nylon duffel has two zipper pockets, one inside and one outside. The inside pocket is great for hiding your valuables, while the outside pocket is ideal for storing travel documents and other quick-access necessities.

Best for travel

best duffel bag

(Image credit: Amazon)

MOLLYGAN travel duffel bag

Designed to make journeys easier

This duffel bag with a shoe compartment will make travel convenient.

Pros:

  • Shoe compartment
  • 48-by-26-by-28 centimetres
  • Great as carry-on luggage
  • Zipper pocket

Cons:

  • Stitching may fray
  • Zipper is a bit weak

If you're going on a trip and are looking for the perfect piece of luggage to carry your items, this duffel bag is it. It measures 48-by-26-by-28 centimetres, so it's small enough to use as a carry-on item. Plus, its flexible polyester material allows you to stuff it full of things, while still accommodating the overhead compartment. Speaking of compartments, this bag isn't lacking. It has a shoe compartment so you won't dirty your clothing while travelling. And the carry and shoulder straps make transporting this bag super easy too.

Best storage

best duffel bag

(Image credit: Amazon)

Kurt Adler Travel Bag Sport Duffel Bag

A pocket for everything

This duffel bag seriously has a pocket for everything, including your wet items!

Pros:

  • Tear-resistant
  • Special wet and shoe pockets
  • Multiple colours available

Cons:

  • Material is not the toughest
  • Zipper isn't super durable

This duffel bag will make storing all of your items easy. Whether you're using it for the gym, travel, or work, it has pockets for every item. The bag has over six pockets in total including a front zip pocket, front flap pocket, side pocket, back pocket on the exterior main and a shoe and wet pocket inside. It is super convenient to carry, too. It has two hand-held straps and a large cross-body strap, making it comfortable to transport.

Best for sports

NIKE Brasilia 9.0 duffel bag

(Image credit: Amazon)

NIKE Brasilia 9.0 duffel bag

Sturdy and ready to go

Pack all of your sports must-haves in this small, lightweight duffel bag.

Pros:

  • Small size
  • 50.8-by-27.94-by-27.94 centimetres
  • Great for sports
  • Zipper pockets

Cons:

  • Zipper may not be the strongest
  • May be smaller than expected

When it comes to sports, having a convenient way to carry your essential items is super important. That's where this duffel bag comes in handy. It measures 50.8-by-27.94-by-27.94 centimetres, so it's small and manageable. Toss your kit in this carryall and use its large strap or smaller handles to carry it around. Plus, the built-in zipper pockets are great places to store your valuables. 

Best waterproof

STEIN 40-litre rucksack

(Image credit: Amazon)

STEIN 40-litre rucksack

Bright and ready for anything

This waterproof duffel bag comes in bright colours, making it perfect for camping and outdoor adventures.

Pros:

  • Can be worn as a backpack
  • Waterproof
  • Bright colours available
  • Rubber haul handles

Cons:

  • Adjustable straps may slip
  • Not very many additional pockets

Going camping or on an overnight outdoor adventure? This versatile duffel bag is the only luggage you need. Not only is it conveniently waterproof, but it's brightly coloured as well. This means that you can store it on the ground or in damp places without soiling your items and that it's always visible (which is especially important during an emergency). Transporting this duffel bag is easy; it has top handles and rubber handles at the side, and can even be carried as a backpack. What's not to like? 

The bottom line

You can trust Fit&Well We give honest reviews and recommendations based on in-depth knowledge and real-world experience. Find out more about how we review and recommend products.

The best duffel bag makes lugging around your belongings convenient and comfortable. The Amazon Basics large duffel bag is wonderfully versatile and spacious. It has a 98-litre capacity, allowing you to pack it full of your essential items. It also has two zipper pockets to keep your valuables safe.

If you're looking for a duffel bag that can handle adventure, the STEIN 40-litre rucksack is your best bet. This bag makes safety a priority with its brightly coloured fabric. It is also completely waterproof, so your belongings won't dampen when you're trying to stay dry.

Why trust us?

At Fit&Well, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.