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9 Best Foldable Travel Bags and Foldable Luggage

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

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Whether you live in a small space and need all the storage room you can get, or you need an extra bag to pack for your return trip home, these nine foldable travel bags fit the bill.

The Best Foldable Travel Bags: Duffels

From hybrid backpack-duffels to collapsible spinners, there’s an easy storage option for every travel style and size.

HEXIN Packable & Collapsible Lightweight Foldable Large Travel Duffel

This large and durable duffel by HEXIN is great to pack with your normal luggage in case you end up buying additional items that can’t fit in your packed bag. It is lightweight and has a shoe storage compartment and an 85-liter capacity. It’s one of the top-rated foldable travel bags on Amazon. Its ripstop nylon fabric protects against water and tearing.

Dimensions: 24 x 9 x 14 inches, folds to 11.5 x 10 x 3 inches.

The North Face Flyweight Duffel

This highly compressible duffel is one of the smallest foldable travel bags on the list. The super-functional duffel is part of The North Face’s Flyweight Collection , featuring 30 percent lighter fabric. The bag has removable shoulder straps and top grab handles, as well as an external zippered pocket and stretch-sleeve pockets. If you’re a light packer, this foldable travel bag is the perfect option.

Dimensions:  13.5 x 20 x 8.5 inches, folds into internal zippered pocket.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel

This 60-liter foldable travel bag packs into its front-end zippered compartment for easy storage. These foldable travel bags also come in sizes small through extra-large. Each size has removable backpack straps, padded top handles, and side grab handles. The U-shaped lid makes for an easily accessible main compartment, and the bottom is foam-padded for rugged environments (or baggage handlers).

Dimensions: Taken from the medium size: 26.5 x 10.25 x 13.5 inches, folds to 13.5 x 10.5 x 5 inches.

Cotopaxi Uyuni Travel Duffel Bag

The Cotopaxi Uyuni is one of the most versatile foldable travel bags out there. While it doesn’t have any special storage features, it lies completely flat and takes up minimal space under a bed, making it easy to stow it. I love this backpack-duffel hybrid because the backpack straps snap under a flap, so they don’t get in the way if you want to use the shoulder strap. The 46-liter size works well as a carry-on.

Dimensions: 20 x 11.25 x 5 inches, folds flat.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

This backpack-duffel hybrid is one of the best foldable travel bags out there as it completely folds into itself (admittedly, the first time is a little tough, but with practice it gets easier). The polyester ripstop material, complete with weatherproof TPU laminate and a sturdy water-repellent finish, makes this bag extremely durable in the outdoors.

Dimensions: 28 x 17.5 x 13 inches, folds into itself.

The 10 Best Weekend Travel Bags for Men

The Best Foldable Travel Bags: Rollers

Biaggi zipsak line.

The Biaggi ZipSak line offers a variety of folding travel bags, but my favorite is the 22-inch spinner . The bag folds up into a package the size of a packing cube for easy storage, with “MicroFold” technology that shrinks the bag. All the products in the ZipSak line are affordable. The upright bags have four multi-directional spinner wheels and are super lightweight.

Dimensions: Taken from the carry-on spinner: 22 x 14 x 10 inches, folds into a Z-Fold pack.

16 Packing Hacks That Will Change How You Travel

Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel

This rolling duffel from Eagle Creek somehow miraculously folds into its own stuff pouch—yes, even the wheels. Available in sizes L and XL , this is one of the largest foldable travel bags on the market. This foldable luggage also has sturdy, oversized wheels, reinforced webbing, and compression straps.

Dimensions : Taken from the L size: 30 x 15 x 14 inches, folds into itself.

Biaggi Lift-Off! Expandable Underseater to Carry-On

Though not fully collapsible, this 2-in-1 bag starts off as an underseater and expands up into a full-on carry-on bag. Separate dirty shoes from your clean clothes by simply unzipping the top lid and pulling up the top fabric in order to reveal a brand-new compartment.

Dimensions: 22 x 14.5 x 7 inches at full size, condenses down to 15 x 14.5 x 7 inches.

Best Carry-On Luggage: Affordable Bags Under $150

Lipault 0% Pliable Collection

Our favorite item in the Lipault 0% Pliable Collection is the Foldable Upright 55/20 . It’s one of the best-quality collapsible bags out there and folds up into its own case. The spinner is soft-sided and lightweight, so you can fit a lot in it without excess bag fees.

Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.6 x 8.6 inches, collapses flat.

What to Pack in Your Foldable Travel Bag

Women’s outfit to wear this spring, shop the look.

Square Shirt

Ankle Skinny Jeans

Hydro Flask

Leather Tote

Wool Runners

Men's shoe-less outfit to wear in spring.

Shielded Money Clip

Wireless Headphones

Waterproof Roll Top Backpack

More from smartertravel:.

• 10 Underseat Carry-on Bags You Can Take on Any Flight
• 9 Great Crossbody Bags for Travel
• Ultralight Rolling Carry-on Bags Under 6 Pounds

Editor’s note: All of these foldable travel bags were available at time of publication.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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10 Best Foldable Travel Bag: Roomy And Packable

Foldable travel bags are a must for any frequent traveler who packs light. They can fit into the pocket of your jacket, but have a capacity of at least 25 liters when unfolded. This means you’re able to go a little crazy on your trip and buy everything you want, without worrying about how you will fit it into your suitcase.

In this detailed review, you will see ten awesome foldable travel bags. Some are tote bags, others are duffel bags and I’ve also found two awesome foldable backpacks. And there are two really unique bags that might just be my favorite of them all!

At A Glance: Best Foldable Travel Bags

• Best Underseat Foldable Travel Bag Samsonite Foldaway Tote Sling Jump To Review
• Best Foldable Backpack Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack Jump To Review
• Best Compact Foldable Duffel Samsonite Foldaway Duffel Jump To Review
• Bug Travel Duffel Bag Bug Travel Duffel Bag Jump To Review
• Best Foldable Toiletry Bag Kaome 2 in 1 Hanging Toiletry Bag Jump To Review

Read on to see if they’re your favorites as well – if not, there are plenty of other foldable travel bags for you!

Top Product Overview

Top products, samsonite foldaway tote sling.

The Samsonite foldable tote is a great option for travel because it is an underseat tote bag . It’s small which makes a great addition to a carry on suitcase. On top of that, this bag is made from some really sturdy polyester , and it is going to last you a lot longer than a no-name bag with loose stitching.

In general, the materials that this bag is made from really are top-of-the-line, and that is why it’s the best under seat tote you can get.

The external pockets are noteworthy too – there’s a zippered one, and two open pockets, so there’s plenty of room for items you want to have easily accessible. And that’s in addition to the main compartment, which features a zippered closure.

There is one other zippered pocket inside the bag, and that’s it. But, the four pockets of the Samsonite are still a lot more than you will get on most other foldable totes. And the best thing is that this tote costs next to nothing, which is very affordable for such a great and established brand.

One downside of the bag is there are only two grab handles, so you can either sling them over your shoulder or carry them in your hand – like with any regular tote bag. I would have loved to see a longer shoulder strap on the bag, which would allow you to carry it like a crossbody bag.

• Fits under airplane seats
• Very durable exterior
• Four pockets total
• You can only carry it like a tote
• Does not have a luggage strap

Product Information

• Dimensions: 5.9” x 12.59” x 15.35”
• Weight: 10.4 oz
• Materials: 600 Denier PU

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

No foldable bag is quite as good as the Osprey Foldable Stuff Pack . The brand is one of the best backpack on the market, and all of their products are high quality . So, if you really want the best foldable backpack, this is the one to get.

The pack is made from durable ripstop nylon  with decent water resistance. It is incredibly lightweight at only 3 ounces, and it’s a carry-on sized backpack, so it’s great for travel. Plus, with a capacity of 18 liters, you will have more than enough room for all your must-have necessities.

The thing I love the most about this pack is that it still has ventilated shoulder straps for your carrying comfort. This is more than you will see on most other backpacks, so it’s already easy to see why Osprey just wipes out the competition.

With dual zippers, you have access to the main compartment from different sides of the backpack. This makes it easily accessible, no matter where you put it in the backpack.

There are a total of three external pockets (two open, one zippered), meaning there’s enough room for all those extra items you want handy at all times.

The only downside of this backpack is that it doesn’t have internal pockets, so organization will be a bit of a challenge. But that problem is easily solved with packing cubes, removable organization panels, and your own laptop sleeve.

• Breathable mesh on the harness
• Multiple external pockets
• Sternum strap not included
• No internal pockets
• Dimensions: 17” x 9” x 7”
• Weight: 3.04 oz
• Materials: Ripstop nylon

Samsonite Foldaway Duffel

Samsonite’s Foldaway Duffel is from the same collection as their foldable tote above. I don’t want to be too repetitive, but if you really want the best foldable travel bag that you can get your hands on, Samsonite is one of the safest options.

The duffel is constructed from 600D PU – a very thick polyester fabric, that is super durable and sturdy. There is also nylon lining on the inside, so the bag has double water-resistant protection. This bag also has both a pair of grab handles and a long shoulder strap, which is rare.

There is one pocket on the outside and another on the inside of the bag that it can fold itself into. And the bag has two extra open pockets that are great for items you want to have easy access to.

In addition to that, the main compartment of this bag is extra roomy and is perfect for fitting in all those souvenirs you bought on your trip.

This is actually a carry-on bag, but not an underseat one. You would have to commit to this as your main carry-on item, so remember that if you plan to pack a carry-on suitcase.

The main downside of this foldable travel bag is the price point. It’s not ridiculously expensive, but it is pricier than most other foldable duffels you will see in the rest of the review. However, this bag does have several features you won’t find on those cheaper bags, and it is made from really durable materials, so it’s definitely worth it.

• Sturdy materials
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Pricier than other foldable duffels
• Not an underseat bag
• Dimensions: 8.26” x 11.81” x 21.65”
• Weight: 0.83 lbs

Bug Travel Duffel Bag

The Bug travel duffel bag is certainly a unique option. It’s not like any other bag you will see in this review, which is why it deserves to be so high up. It is made from a rather thick, waterproof material , so it’s not going to be as thin and lightweight as most of the other bags you will see in this review.

But those bags won’t be nearly as functional or as good as this one. With durable grab handles, a sturdy shoulder strap, and a trolley sleeve in the back, the Bug duffel is just like any other premium duffel bag you can get – with the advantage of being foldable, that is.

This bag doesn’t actually fold into its own pocket, which is why it’s interesting. It’s more like a jigsaw puzzle – the sidewalls of the bag can all be detached, and then folded one over the other. And those walls are full of different zippered and slip pockets so that you can easily stay organized while you’re traveling.

In fact, the duffel has a total of 7 pockets, in addition to a very roomy main compartment. Depending on the size of the bag that you pick up, it’s either going to have a 30 liter or a 50-liter capacity. The difference in the price between the two is less than $10, so I doubt that’s going to be the deciding factor in which one you get.

But the sizing probably will – be sure to check out the exact dimensions of both bags, in order to be absolutely certain you are getting a travel bag that you will wind up using very often.

• Unique design
• Waterproof materials
• Lots of internal pockets for easy organization
• Bulkier and heavier than most other foldable bags
• Dimensions: 19.6” x 9” x 10” (30-liter bag)
• Weight: 2.6 lbs (30-liter bag)
• Materials: Waterproof fabric

Kaome 2 in 1 Hanging Toiletry Bag

Here’s another really unique foldable travel bag to consider. The Kaome bag is a hanging toiletry bag , with an abundance of different compartments and pockets that are really great for travel. It’s an awesome bag to have at the hotel room or an AirBnB, where you never have enough room for your toiletries. Ladies with an established skincare routine definitely know what I’m talking about.

The really cool thing about this bag is that some compartments are removable, so you can actually adjust the size and capacity of this foldable bag to suit your needs perfectly. If you remove some of the compartments, the bag is immediately lighter and more packable.

Plus, the two separate compartments have different uses – the detachable one can actually work as a packing cube or a makeup case. The part of the bag that has four sections is great for all your other toiletries, and it even has elastic bands, so that you can attach your phone and watch the news, while you’re trying to make yourself look decent in the mornings.

This is definitely not as lightweight as the foldable totes and duffels that are made from a single sheet of poly, but it’s about a hundred times more functional than them. Plus, you can actually fold this bag two different ways – one turns it into a slim briefcase and the other makes it the size of a purse, so it will still easily fit into your other travel bag.

The Kaome foldable bag is perfect for people who are looking for something that will help them with organization, and not simply a ‘just in case’ bag.

• Excellent for organized travellers
• Versatile use
• Not very packable
• Capacity isn’t really big
• Dimensions: 11.4" x 45” (entirely unrolled)
• Weight: 14.4 oz
• Materials: Water resistant 300D Oxford

Travelon Packable Folding Tote Bag

The Travelon folding travel bag is another great option if you’re looking for a tote. It is made from polyester ripstop , which has decent water resistance. But the bag does not have any additional coating, so don’t expect it to be entirely waterproof.

This tote has a spacious main compartment with zipper closure, and it can fit quite a lot of stuff inside. The high capacity is an upside for sure, but the big size of the bag is definitely a downside. The Travelon folding bag is too big to be an underseat bag, so you would have to choose this as your main piece of carry-on luggage. And I don’t think it’s a great option for that.

The main reason for that is the devastating lack of pockets. There’s a single zippered pocket on the outside of the bag, and that’s it. That is the same pocket that the bag folds into when not in use.

But there is something you will like about this bag – the really long grab handles. They are very comfortable for carrying the bag on one shoulder, mostly because you get that extra space so you can put it over bulkier winter clothing.

And you’ll also like that this comes with a trolley sleeve , so you are able to mount it on top of a large suitcase. That’s great for traveling with multiple pieces of luggage since it frees up one of your arms entirely.

In addition to that, this is a good option if you want an affordable folding bag. You can get it for as little as some $15, which is pretty great.

• Lightweight and affordable
• Trolley sleeve in the back
• Extra long grab handles
• Not many pockets
• Exterior is not fully waterproof
• Dimensions: 5.5” x 19” x 15”
• Weight: 4.8 oz
• Materials: Polyester ripstop

TUMI - Voyageur Just In Case Backpack

If you want a premium foldable travel backpack, then Tumi is one of the best options out there. All of their bags are made from high-quality materials , including the Voyager backpack. So, there’s no doubt that you will own this backpack for a long time, and it’s a great choice if you know that you will frequently use it.

But is it actually worth the money? Honestly, no. It’s way too expensive for what it is, but the same can be said about most of Tumi luggage . And you can sense where I’m getting at – it’s all about the branding, and what it means for you to carry a Tumi item. So, if you want to show off and let everyone know that price is never an object, then by all means pick up this awesome pack.

It also doesn’t hurt that this foldable bag is so stylish that it doesn’t even look like it folds down into a tiny pouch. It is a really cute backpack that you could actually carry everywhere, especially when traveling with luggage restrictions.

This travel backpack features a single zippered pocket on the outside and double zipper access to the main compartment. It’s a pretty small backpack, and it will actually fit under most airplane seats, so it’s a great bag to have in addition to a carry-on suitcase.

Another great thing about it is that it features a luggage strap in the back, which makes it super easy to move around with multiple pieces of luggage.

• Underseat backpack
• Very durable materials
• Dimensions: 15.5" x 12.3" x 4.5"
• Weight: 0.6 lbs
• Materials: Nylon

WANDF Foldable Travel Duffel Bag

This foldable duffel is a great option for you that need a quick and cheap solution. It costs about $10, which is a bargain for a bag with 25 liters of capacity . The duffel is a pretty good carry-on – it will fit in overhead compartments of all airplanes, but it won’t always qualify as an underseat bag.

This travel bag is made from water-resistant material, and it is a great bag to just throw in your suitcase, just in case. But it’s not remarkably durable – the material is pretty thin, and zippers are a no-name brand, so don’t expect this bag to last you years. But honestly, that’s fair for the price – you will get your money’s worth even if you use this bag just 5-6 times.

The Wandf foldable duffel is available in a wide variety of different colors, so there are plenty of options for everyone. It has two sturdy grab handles  but lacks the really long shoulder strap you get on most other duffels.

The bag has an external zippered pocket , which is great for stuff you want to have easily accessible. That’s actually the pocket the bag folds into, and it is the only pocket on the bag. The cool thing about it is that it actually doubles as a luggage strap since the top and bottom of the pocket aren’t sewn onto the bag.

The Wandf foldable duffel might not be the best or most functional option out there, but it’s a great affordable option. If you know that you won’t use a foldable bag too often, but want to have something just in case, this duffel is as good an option as any.

• Very affordable
• Wide color variety
• Features a luggage strap
• No long shoulder strap
• Not very high quality
• Dimensions: 17.7” x 12.6” x 6.3” 
• Weight: 7.1 lbs
• Materials: Water resistant fabric

Travel Lite Foldable Backpack

The Travel Lite Foldable backpack is an awesome option for people who want something affordable but very functional . Backpacks are usually the most versatile option because they’re great for almost everything, from the plane to the hiking trail.

This foldable backpack has ventilated shoulder straps, so it is pretty comfortable to wear. There’s one zippered pocket on the outside, as well as two stretchy side pockets that can fit a water bottle each.

One thing I really like about this foldable travel bag is that it is actually really good quality for the price. The seams are really well sewn , and they will not come apart easily. And the fabric the bag is made from is water-resistant and will keep all your belongings dry in light rain. The zippers are the only thing I’m not a huge fan of since they are kind of flimsy.

The really cool thing about this foldable travel bag is that you can wear it like both a backpack and a tote . Just fold the top part of the bag inside the bottom, and you get a cute little tote that you can just sling over one shoulder. And you can even turn it into a small purse – you will just need a cute, thin shoulder strap.

If you want to fully fold this down, just stuff everything in that front zippered pocket. That’s a lot of versatility and function for some $10, so it’s a pretty great bag even if it’s not the best quality out there.

Pro-tip – the pink version of this travel bag is slightly see-through, so avoid that one if you want to keep the contents of your bag a mystery. The other three colors are entirely opaque.

• Can be worn as a backpack, purse and tote
• Water resistant exterior
• Really affordable
• Zippers are a bit flimsy
• Dimensions: (backpack) 14.6” x 5.9” x 17.7”

Narwey Foldable Travel Duffle Bag Tote

If you want a foldable travel bag that doesn’t actually look like one, the Narwey Duffel Bag is a really good option. Its exterior is made from durable nylon , which is colored and looks really good. The bag is water-resistant, and it will keep the items inside dry in some light rain. On top of that, the zippers on the bag are actually really sturdy and smooth – a really good feature for a $15 bag!

This duffel is kind of big, but it is carry-on sized. It won’t be accepted as an underseat bag on most airlines though – Spirit and Frontier are the only two that will qualify the bag as a personal item.

There is one zippered pocket on the duffel, which is actually the same pocket the bag folds into. It is pretty big, so great for items you want to have easily accessible. And it doubles as a luggage sleeve since it is not fully sewn onto the bag.

One thing I really like about this foldable travel bag is that a longer shoulder strap is included in the purchase. You can carry this in your hands, or you could sling it over your shoulders. The important thing is that you do have the option, which isn’t the case with some other, cheaper bags.

The total capacity of this bag is 30 liters , which is pretty good for a carry-on bag. Especially since the capacity of an average carry-on suitcase isn’t really much more than that.

• Water and tear resistant exterior
• Large capacity
• Very few airlines will qualify it as a personal item
• Dimensions: 17” x 14” x 7”
• Weight: 11.6 oz

What To Look For

What kind of bag.

Collapsible travel bags have one thing in common – they pack down into one of their pockets so that they can fit into the pocket when you’re not using them. But once you unpack them you want – a backpack, a duffel bag , or a simple tote?

Foldable bags come in many different shapes, so it’s important to know what exactly you want from one. I’ve included backpacks, totes, and duffel bags , as these three are the most common types of foldable travel bags that exist.

Duffel bags are the best option if you’re prioritizing high capacity . You will often find foldable duffels that have a capacity of more than 50 liters, which is perfect for people who have to carry a lot of gear while they’re traveling.

On the other hand, backpacks are the best option if you want a bag that’s really easy to carry . They’re perfect for people who want to have full use of their hands while they’re out and about in their travels, and they give you the option of carrying some really heavy items, without actually feeling their full weight.

Totes are somewhere in between backpacks and duffels. They usually have pretty high capacities due to the shape, but with the same organizational capability, you get in a backpack. One, maybe two pockets, and that’s it. They’re the best option for ladies who are used to carrying a tote bag and want to get something that will actually look okay with their outfits, and not like a scrunched-up piece of nylon.

And I included a couple of very unique foldable bags, which aren’t really the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a packable bag. If you’re willing to experiment and want something extra durable and sturdy, I highly recommend you pick up one of those.

Materials And Durability

Most of the bags featured here are made from either polyester or nylon because those two materials are perfect for these bags. They are lightweight , packable, pretty durable, and very easy to maintain.

Nylon is generally a bit more durable than polyester, but that’s not always the case – it heavily depends on the thickness of the material , as well as whether or not a bag has any additional water repellent coating.

The best bags are made from really thick nylon/polyester (400D and up), and will at least be water-resistant.

Additionally, I did include a couple of bags that are made from other materials – these are sturdier, but not as lightweight or packable as the poly/nylon ones.

So, think about what you’re prioritizing – packability or durability ? If you’re okay with a bag that’s a bit heavier but still foldable, then consider going for one of the unique choices I’ve featured.

It’s fair to say that almost all of the bags featured here are affordable . Sure, some are cheaper than others, but the vast majority of the foldable travel bags are under $30. Meaning that you don’t have to spend a lot of money if you want to get a foldable Samsonite bag.

I did include some pricier options, but those are for a very specific type of traveler. And I’ve also included some really cheap options, for people who don’t really care about the features of a particular foldable bag – they just want something they can throw in the suitcase, and which won’t take up a lot of space in the luggage.

So, there are options on both sides of the spectrum. But the vast majority of the bags are in the middle of it, with a price point that is considered affordable by most people.

Best Foldable Travel Bag: Our Top Choices

Not quite sure which of these foldable travel bags is the right for you? Go with one of our favorite bags then – there’s one in each category!

The best foldable duffel bag would have to be the Bug Travel Duffel . The unique design is just amazing, and it without a doubt outperforms all of the other duffels in this review. And not just because of the incredibly sturdy and durable materials, but because of the abundance of pockets, you get on the bag.

That, compared to the one zippered pocket of most other duffels, is reason enough to pick up the Bug.

• LARGE DUFFEL BAG: The size of this duffel is 19.6”(L) X 9”(w) X 10”(H), about 30 L, 1 big and 7 small pockets totally. With its large space and functional design, you can take a lot of things on your trip;
• UNIQUE DESIGN: We use integrated zipper design which is foldable after you pushing the zippers open completely. You can just put it in your luggage and take out when you need to carry more things, very portable;

If you would prefer a foldable backpack , then go with Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack . The brand is known for manufacturing outstanding backpacks, and this is without a doubt the best foldable backpack you can get your hands on.

The ripstop nylon is really durable, while the ventilated harness will keep you cool on hot, sweaty days. And the pack has several external pockets, which will help you organize some of your smaller belongings.

• Premium efficiency and design
• Storage tuned to the each season

In case you’re looking for a simple foldable travel tot e, your best option is the Samsonite Tote . It’s made from really thick polyester and it is lined on the inside, so it is much more durable than the cheaper alternatives.

Plus, the tote has several external pockets , so you will be able to have some items easily accessible at all times. And it is an underseat bag, so you can bring it on a plane in addition to your carry-on suitcase.

• Constructed of sturdy 600 denier PU
• Large main opening easily stores all extra souvenirs acquired during travel

Those are the top three foldable travel bags we recommend. Head over to Amazon to see the prices and color options of all the bags featured in this review.

If you’re thinking that a foldable bag might not be the way to go, check out our related posts for more ideas on great travel bags!

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BEST CARRY ON BACKPACKS BEST TOTE BAGS FOR TRAVEL  BEST TRAVEL BACKPACKS FOR MEN 

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The 9 Best Foldable Travel Bags to Stash Just About Anywhere

Here are the best just-in-case bags to use on your next trip, including backpacks, totes, and more.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Whether you tend to pack light — and hate the idea of lugging around any more than necessary — or always seem to come back from vacation with more than you arrived with, foldable travel bags can come in quite handy. They typically don’t take up much space but the extra room they provide makes all the difference. The best ones come in an array of shapes, sizes, and silhouettes at any price point — which means options abound, depending on your specific needs and preferences. 

To help narrow things down, we’ve gathered testing insights for our favorite foldable travel bags, plus researched others from brands like Baggu, Away, Lipault, and more. Our top picks combine fashion and function, while prioritizing key features like durability and portability at the same time. 

Best Overall

Paravel fold-up backpack.

Made with water-resistant nylon, this lightweight backpack offers plenty of built-in organization, making it ideal for those on the go.

The soft material means that larger items can sag down or poke out noticeably.

If you’re looking to dip a toe into folding bags for travel, it’s hard to get more practical than the Paravel Fold-up Backpack. Whether you’re using it at your destination or as your in-flight personal item, it’s roomy enough to hold an extra pair of clothes, a 15-inch laptop, and more in the main compartment, plus small essentials such as chargers, a smartphone, and travel documents in the zippered front pouch. There's an interior zip pocket to keep smaller items separated and safe like keys or a wallet, as well. 

We’ve used this bag on our travels and as a personal item and love that the back pocket doubles as a luggage sleeve as needed. It’s also worth mentioning that its lightweight, water-resistant nylon material is made from 15 upcycled plastic bottles. 

When it’s time to unpack, just fold and zip the backpack up into itself — with no extra pouch (to lose). Coming in six colors including canyon yellow, safari red, and scuba navy, you can also opt for personalized initial embroidery to add a custom touch to the shade of your choice.

The Details: 13 x 16 x 9 inches (unfolded); 6 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches (folded) | 0.63 pounds | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Away The Packable Carryall

It folds down very small compared to its size when open.

The nylon material is ultra-thin and the bag has minimal structure.

Coming in at 43 liters, Away’s Packable Carryall is spacious enough to hold pretty much all of your essentials, from clothes to books to a laptop. It weighs around half a pound and folds down to around 4 x 6 inches, making it a compact and lightweight secondary bag, too. With that in mind, we recommend packing this inside your main carry-on or checked bag to use as a backup personal item for souvenirs and other travel trinkets. While the carrying strap is thick, we did find the bag itself lacks the structure that would allow it to stand on its own (so, if you set it down with your items inside, they all melt toward the ground). On a similar note, although the built-in luggage sleeve can come in handy, you’d have to make sure to pack well — with weighty things in the middle — to keep the bag from slipping off your suitcase.

Despite how thin the recycled nylon construction (which comes in four colors) is, it does happen to be water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for the beach or pool. Alternatively, because it’s so spacious inside, it could also serve as an overnighter or weekender bag as part of a longer trip. 

The Details: 15 x 19.7 x 9 inches (unfolded); 6.3 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches (folded) | 8.8 ounces (with pouch), 8 ounces (without pouch) | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Expandable Bag

Longchamp le pliage expandable travel bag.

This chic bag, which expands in height up to 20 inches, can be carried several ways, making it among the most versatile picks on this list. 

Overpackers may be burdened by how heavy it gets when stuffed with weighty items.

We’re big fans of Longchamp bags in general, and the Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag in particular for its ability to be expanded and contracted in a matter of seconds. Leather trimming adds extra flair whether you’re using it as a daily bag at its shorter 14-inch height, or fully expanded at 20.5 inches for a trip instead. In fact, our team has used the bag in both sizes on nearly every occasion: A three-week trip to Europe, weekend visits to the beach, strolling around on hot summer days, long road trips, plane rides, or as an everyday purse.

This bag pulls double duty as both a handheld and hands-free bag thanks to top handles and a long adjustable strap (for crossbody or shoulder carrying instead). Meanwhile, the interior lining and zippered closure offer an extra sense of security, protecting against leaks and other mishaps. We found the nylon material incredibly easy to clean in the event of spilled water, coffee, or even food. We especially love how easy it is to use just about anytime since it folds up into a small square that can be thrown into another bag, perfect for trips where you return home with more than when you left.

The Details: 17.75 x 9 x 14-20.5 inches (unfolded) | 1.56 pounds | Nylon with leather details

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Duffel

Tumi voyageur just in case duffel.

This versatile duffel can be carried four different ways. 

The bag can feel flimsy if not filled completely. 

First off, there are not one, not two, but four different ways to carry the Tumi Just in Case Duffel — crossbody with one long strap, over-the-shoulder (with two medium-sized straps), by hand (with two additional two straps), and, lastly, hands-free (thanks to the sleeve, which slides onto your suitcase). Also, when fully open, the storage pouch actually snaps inside the duffel bag, serving as an extra interior pocket that’s roomy enough to store keys, a wallet, headphones, and other small but essential travel items. This clever design is especially noteworthy because, in many cases, the folding bags’ storage case ends up 1) becoming wasted space and 2) is only too easy to lose. An additional front slip pocket also offers easy access to essentials such as your smartphone, ID, and boarding pass. 

Additionally, despite the bag’s seemingly compact size, it offers a surprising amount of storage space: In fact, we were able to fit four dresses, two shoes, a pair of pajamas, and a toiletry bag — with room to spare! Available in four colors, this foldable duffel is constructed with lightweight nylon, which is water- and stain-resistant. Shoppers also have the option to add embroidery for an extra-special personalized touch. 

The Details: 10.3 x 18.9 x 10.3 inches (unfolded) | 1.1 pounds | Nylon 

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Water-repellent

Caraa baby hospital bag.

Made of water-repellent cotton, this oversized bag can be carried as a backpack or tote thanks to its long cushy straps. 

At around $300, this foldable bag isn’t exactly a bargain.

Don’t be fooled by its name: The Caraa Baby Hospital Bag is so much more than a hospital bag — in fact, this chic foldable bag is especially ideal for travel. The ultra-spacious bag is outfitted with several compartments, including a zippered interior pocket for magazines and other in-flight reading materials and two zippered side pockets that are roomy enough to hold shoes, water bottles, tablets, and more. The interior also features a water-repellent cotton lining to protect your belongings from accidental spillage. 

Travelers can carry the bag by the straps, which feature a fashionable bow detailing. It’s also worth mentioning that the straps are long enough for the bag to be worn as a backpack or carried like a tote bag. When not in use, simply roll, fold, and stash the bag away in the corresponding pouch. Oh, and did we mention it’s machine-washable, too?

The Details: 12 x 24 x 14 inches (unfolded) | 2.2 pounds | Cotton

Best Budget

Baggu nylon ripstop tote.

This machine-washable reusable tote can hold up to 50 pounds. 

There are no zippers. 

Baggu’s signature reusable tote is an editor favorite for its ultra-lightweight construction, and affordable price. In fact, several T+L staffers rarely leave home for vacation — or the day! — without one. The compact design, which folds into the corresponding pouch for convenient storage, is an added bonus. Despite the fact that it weighs less than 2 ounces, this one-of-a-kind bag is sturdy enough to hold up to 50 pounds, and we've used the same one for over nine years. It’s also machine-washable and made with recycled nylon so leaky groceries or drippy sightseeing lunches are no problem at all. Lastly, the durable bag is available in 20 colors and patterns to suit anyone’s style preferences from pistachio green to a raspberry print. 

The Details: 25.5 x 15.5 × 6 inches (unfolded); 5 x 5 inches (folded) | 1.9 ounces | Nylon

Best Suitcase

Lipault foldable plume cabin.

We can fold this down and pack an extra carry-on inside our checked luggage.

The collapsable material doesn't hold its shape very well when unfolded.

If you’re planning on bringing home a lot of souvenirs, you might want something sturdier than a duffle bag or a backpack. That’s where the Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin comes in: this bag works as a standard carry-on but can be folded to a more compact size at the touch of a button. It features two wheels instead of four, which can make it a little more difficult to maneuver but allows you to collapse the bag with minimal bulk. This also helps to keep the bag lightweight, which is helpful when packing it in a larger suitcase.

Although the bag is light enough to break down, it’s sturdy and durable, so you don’t have to worry about transporting it through the airport. Inside, you’ll find one bottom compartment and three pockets for organization in addition to a single exterior pocket. We like the versatility of this bag and appreciate that we can stash it at the bottom of our checked luggage to have an extra suitcase to use on the way home. The foldable design also makes this easy to store at home – just compress it, then slide it under the bed or into a closet until your next trip.

The Details: 8.7 x 21.7 x 14.6 inches (unfolded) | 5.2 pounds | Nylon

Best Sling Bag

Away the packable sling bag.

This bag takes up hardly any room when folded, so it's a no-brainer to pack.

It's on the larger size for a sling bag when unfolded.

A sling bag is a great travel companion, keeping small items like your phone and wallet easily accessible. The Packable Sling Bag from Away folds up and fits into a small zip pouch when not in use, so it’s easy to throw into your suitcase before a trip. It’s lightweight (under four ounces without the carrying pouch) so it’s an ideal second bag option to tote along on long travel days. But don’t let its weight fool you – heavy-duty nylon keeps it sturdy and durable, so you can trust it to carry your phone, wallet, keys, and other valuables.

This sling bag has other features we like to see in our bags, including an adjustable strap to accommodate various sizes, an interior organization pocket, and a zip closure to prevent items from falling out. The bag is also water-resistant, so it can stand up to a walk in the rain from the airport to the bus stop.

The Details: 12.6 x 5.9 x 2.4 inches (unfolded); 3.7 x 5.5 x 2.4 inches (folded) | 3.2 ounces | Nylon

Best Mini Backpack

Paravel mini fold-up backpack.

This lightweight yet sturdy bag contains multiple zippered pockets for organization.

The straps are difficult to adjust when the backpack is on.

Whether it’s being used for traveling or running errands, we loved this mini backpack from Paravel for its compact yet sturdy design. Made from water-resistant nylon, this compact backpack folds flat and can be stored in a small pouch between uses, making it easy to throw into another bag before heading out. Some folding bags can feel like a puzzle but during testing we found that this was a cinch to close back up – just two folds and a zip. The material felt high-quality but still lightweight, and we were impressed to find zippered pockets inside and outside – something we don’t always see in folding bags.

During our lab tests, we found this mini bag could fit a water bottle, hand sanitizer, wallet, keys, phone, and two T-shirts easily. Even when stuffed full, the backpack was comfortable to wear thanks to soft straps that didn’t chafe or rub. We did find it difficult to adjust the straps while the backpack was on, but this wasn’t an issue once we found our ideal size the first time.

The Details: 10 x 12 x 6 inches (unfolded); 4.5 x 5 x 2 inches (folded) | 7.04 ounces | Recycled nylon

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Tips for Buying Foldable Travel Bags

Decide how much space you need.

While shopping for folding travel bags, it’s important to consider how much room you’ll need for gear and other essentials. For example, if you want it for everyday use, you’ll want to prioritize a smaller bag you can easily carry as backup. If you tend to take a fair amount of shorter weekend trips, you likely won’t need a large piece of luggage. Instead, you can probably get away with a duffel bag , travel backpack , or even a large tote. On the other hand, if you often embark on longer trips, buying a larger bag, like a compressible checked suitcase, is a good idea.

Consider how compact the bag gets

As you narrow down your top picks for foldable travel bags, you’ll want to take into account how compact they actually get — because, in this case, size truly does matter. Can the bag fold small enough to fit in your pocket or purse? If it’s a bulkier piece, such as a rolling suitcase, make sure it can fold flat for easy storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Foldable bags function the same way as standard bags, except they’re even more convenient for travel. Put simply, what you can fit inside all depends on the size and type of foldable travel bag you’ve purchased. The folded bags can be carried inside another day bag while at your destination, and used for souvenirs, groceries, and other purchases. For fuss-free organization, consider snagging one equipped with built-in zippered or slip pockets to maximize space. 

Foldable travel bags come in an array of shapes and sizes. With this in mind, it’s worth flagging that foldable travel bags can serve as a carry-on or personal item , depending on the specific one you’ve purchased. Just keep in mind that in order for your foldable travel bag to count as a personal item (as opposed to a carry-on) it has to fit underneath the seat in front of you. As always, check with your carrier before bringing it on board.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Lauren Dana Ellman used her personal experience as a freelance travel writer and editor to choose the very best foldable bags for every type of trip. 

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9 Brilliant Pieces of Collapsible Luggage for the Space-Challenged Traveler

The smartest thing you bring on vacation could be an empty suitcase. we’ve picked our favorite foldable travel bags so you can bring home more souvenirs..

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The lightweight Paravel Fold-Up Bag expands from a small pouch into a duffle that fits all your essentials for a weekend—and it only costs $75.

Courtesy of Paravel

That spontaneous vacation shopping spree boosted your wardrobe significantly, but it dramatically shrunk the free space in your suitcase. To avoid lugging home your new treasures in the paper sack they came in, plan ahead and pack a foldable travel bag.

These are our nine favorite pieces of collapsible luggage—including packable backpacks, totes, duffles, and even roller suitcases—that unfold to offer loads of additional space. Bonus? Many of these can also double as a daypack for when you’re out and about souvenir hunting.

The Away Packable Backpack is available in navy (seen here), as well as black and teal.

Courtesy of Away

1. The Away Packable Backpack

• Buy now: $75, awaytravel.com
• Style: Packable backpack
• Dimensions: 18.1 x 11 x 5.9 inches (7.1 x 4.7 x 2.4 inches packed)
• Capacity: 19 liters
• Weight: 8 oz.

Away launched its first line of packable bags in 2021, with an extra-large carry-all , a small sling bag , and our choice: the Packable Backpack . Constructed with 100 percent recycled water-resistant nylon, this backpack comes with lightly padded shoulder straps for comfort, a zippered interior pocket for organization, and buckle closures to keep your belongings secure. When you’re done, it folds up into a removable zip pouch and stashes away easily.

In addition to black, seen here, the Matador ReFraction Packable Duffle also comes in slate blue and white.

Courtesy of Matador

2. Matador ReFraction Packable Duffle

• Buy now: $50, matadorup.com
• Style: Packable duffle bag
• Dimensions: 21.5 x 11 x 8 inches (7.5 x 5 x 2.75 inches packed)
• Capacity: 25 liters
• Weight: 7.9 oz.

Made from a durable and water-resistant recycled nylon fabric, the Matador ReFraction packable duffle is a 25-liter bag that squishes down to the size of a paperback book and weighs only 7.9 ounces, or the equivalent of a few Snickers bars. Despite its minimalist design, it comes with two external stretch pockets on the front for organization and a built-in shoulder strap.

For those looking for lightweight day bags with a similar sleek design, the ReFraction collection also includes a 16-liter packable backpack as well as a 2-liter packable sling bag .

The Freefly16 Packable Backpack stuffs down into an included sack, shown here in front.

3. Matador Freefly16 Packable Backpack

• Buy now: $80, matadorup.com
• Dimensions: 19 x 10 x 6 inches (3.75 x 3.75 x 5.5 inches packed)
• Capacity: 16 liters
• Weight: 6.7 oz.

For more outdoorsy endeavors, Matador’s Freefly16 Packable Backpack is a great option. As one of the newest additions to Matador’s travel line, it’s designed to perform even better in wet conditions (it’s water-resistant, not waterproof) and weighs less than the previous backpacks by Matador, such as those in the ReFraction series. A rarity for backpacks of this size and weight, it comes with a thin hipstrap for better distributing weight, two water bottle cages (one on each side), and a spacious external pocket for stashing anything you need to reach quickly. It packs down into its own dedicated stuff sack, so you can easily toss it into your luggage and have a quality hiking or walking-about-town daypack on hand when you arrive at your destination. “Overall, I love this bag’s packability, weight, and additional features like the hipstrap,” says Jessie Beck, AFAR’s associate director of SEO & Video. “I’ve used it on at least a dozen trips since getting it, and it’s proven to be durable and sturdy as well.”

This packable bag folds down to the size of a book and comes in six colors, including Safari Green, seen here.

4. Paravel Fold-Up Bag

• Buy now: $75, tourparavel.com
• Dimensions: 18 x 11.5 x 11 inches (9.75 x 8 x 2.75 inches packed)
• Capacity: n/a
• Weight: 16 oz.

Paravel’s ultralight duffle bag can pack into your big luggage for those gotta-have-it souvenir emergencies. The tear- and water-resistant duffle is featherlight and zips neatly into a small pouch when you’re not using it. It’s also AFAR digital content director Laura Dannen Redman’s go-to weekend bag . She calls it the “ Trojan horse of weekend bags ” since it holds so much more inside than you’d expect. She can easily fit two pairs of shoes, two toiletry bags, and three days of winter clothing in it. An added bonus—the sustainable nylon material is made from 22 recycled plastic water bottles.

Paravel’s Negative Nylon Collection also comes with packable backpacks and belt bags that all fold up just like this duffle.

This Patagonia tote pack comes in Burl Red, seen here, as well as four other colors.

Courtesy of Patagonia

5. Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L

• Buy now: $99, patagonia.com
• Style: Packable tote pack
• Dimensions: 15.5 x 10.25 x 8 inches (packed dimensions unavailable)
• Capacity: 27 liters
• Weight: 13.05 oz.

Weighing in at just under a pound, this tote pack has both tote straps for over the shoulder wear and backpack straps. It also stuffs into its own pocket for storage. A wide zipper opening allows easy access to belongings, and zipped exterior and interior stash pockets provide enough space for valuables. Nylon ripstop fabric—made with 100 percent recycled materials—makes the bag tear-resistant, and a special finish means it’s water-repellent, too.

As its name implies, the packable Baggu Cloud tote weighs less than a pound.

Courtesy of Baggu

6. Baggu Cloud Bag

• Buy now: $56, baggu.com
• Style: Packable tote bag
• Dimensions: 21 x 13.8 x 8 inches (9 x 7.5 x 2 inches packed)
• Weight: 8.65 oz.

This lightweight packable tote—which comes in fun, limited edition prints or basic black—folds up into an included pouch and expands to a roomy carry-all. Use it as an overnight bag, beach tote , or in emergencies when your clothes just don’t seem to fit into your carry-on the same way they did when you arrived.

Baggu has also expanded its Cloud Bag collection with the same foldable design to include a mini-version that works as a daily purse, a carry-on duffle that fits in overhead bins, and an extra-large version for when you really need to bring everything with you.

The Eagle Creek Packable Backpack 20L is available in black (seen here) and blue.

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

7. Eagle Creek Packable Backpack 20L

• Buy now: $35, amazon.com
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 10.25 x 5.5 inches (7.5 x 5 x 2.5 inches packed)
• Capacity: 20 liters
• Weight: 6 oz.

Eagle Creek’s Packable Backpack is ideal for casual day hikes—and even has a side water bottle pocket. When you don’t need to use it, just stuff it into its side zipper pocket. When it’s packed, it takes up less space than a Nalgene water bottle, so it’ll fit snuggly in your carry-on or checked bag. Made with 100 percent recycled ripstop polyester, this bag is ultra durable but weighs less than half a pound.

The Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Tote currently comes in Pomegranate (seen here) and Dahlia, a rich burgundy shade.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

8. Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Tote

• Buy now: $130 (was $230), nordstromrack.com
• Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 7 inches (fully expanded); 12 x 11 x 7 inches (zipped)
• Weight: 12.8 oz.

A packable classic for a reason, all of Longchamp’s lightweight nylon totes can be folded down to the size of a paperback book when not in use. ( Pliage literally means “folding” in French.) But this expandable version also includes a zip inset that allows the bag to go from regular tote size to an extra-large carryall so you can bring all your souvenirs home.

Yes, even wheeled luggage can be packable.

Courtesy of Biaggi

9. Biaggi Zipsak Boost Max Luggage

• Buy now: $90 (was $260), biaggi.com
• Style: Collapsible suitcase
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 9.5 x 17 inches (carry-on); 18.5 x 9.5 x 28 inches (check-in); 18.5 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches (packed)
• Weight: 4.9 lbs.

Made with water- and tear-resistant nylon fabric, the Biaggi Zipsak Boost Max wheeled suitcase easily expands from overhead luggage size to checked bagged capacity with the pull of a zipper that increases the bag’s height from 17 to 28 inches. It’s a great way to save the checked bag fee one way when you want to load up on souvenirs on the way back. When completely zipped up, the bag can easily be tucked under your bed or in your closet for storage.

Jessie Beck contributed reporting to this article. This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated most recently on April 4, 2024, to include current information.

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Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve done a whole lot of shopping and found that much of it doesn’t fit into your luggage? Or, have you ever, at least once in your life, stared woefully at a souvenir, knowing that you can’t possibly take it back because of crammed luggage space? Well, if you plan your travel smartly by investing in the best foldable travel bags, you won’t need to worry about foregoing that souvenir! If you’re a big spender, then it’s wise always to carry travel bags that fold up with you. The great thing about these bags is that you can fit them into a small space and literally forget about them until you actually need to use them. Foldable bags for travel are lightweight and surprisingly durable!

However, not everyone who invests in a foldable luggage bag has souvenirs in their mind. Many travelers prefer to invest in luggage that can be safely stowed after use without occupying too much space. So, from the best collapsible suitcase, foldable backpacks, and foldable luggage, you are spoiled for choice. There’s a wide range of options to choose from, which can be quite confusing. To make things easier for you, we’ve reviewed some of the best foldable travel bags that we feel would cater to various travel needs! Keep scrolling and read our picks!

Table of contents

Ifaraday foldable duffel bag 75 l, bago 80l duffle bag.

• Arxus Foldable Duffle Tote 

Naturehike 18L Packable Backpack

Samsonite tote-a-ton 32.5 inch duffel, hanke 20-inch foldable suitcase, verage foldable luggage, wandf foldable travel duffel bag, gonex 60l packable duffle bag, outlander packable backpack, canway 65l foldable weekender bag, redcamp 96 l extra large duffle bag, narwey for spirit airlines foldable duffle bag, paravel foldable travel duffle bag, tumi voyageur just in case backpack, our verdict, size and space saving ability, what is the specified size for carry-on luggage, what is a personal item, is it necessary to invest in a foldable travel bag, how much should i pay for a good foldable travel bag.

We start our list of best foldable travel bags with something so lightweight yet able to fit tons of stuff. The IFARADAY Foldable Duffle Bag 75 L is the best collapsible suitcase you can carry anywhere you travel. When folded, this bag is not that much bigger than an iPad! But once you expand it, you’ll have a 75L capacity.

This bag weighs only half a pound and comes with a lockable, two-way zipper. This means you can make it your main bag as well as your “just in case” bag for when you need extra space to put stuff you buy for your family and friends back home. In addition to that, it’s also available in three different shades, including Black, Red, and Blue. Honestly, all of them look equally great!

• Its 75L capacity allows you to carry a lot.
• Weighing only 0.52 lbs, this bag is super convenient to use.
• We’re huge fans of the smooth two-way zipper.
• This bag is so compact when folded.
• Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the most durable material.

Something cheap with more than 10,000 reviews, there definitely is something special about this multipurpose Bago 80L duffel bag ! You can conveniently fold this large bag and store it away in a drawer when not in use or take it to the gym when you’re done traveling. Since the bag is so lightweight, you can even take it on the flight with you! Or, feel free to carry it empty as an emergency backup, making it one of the best foldable travel bags.

The Honeycomb Ripstop fabric of the bag is pretty good as it resists wear and tear. Additionally, it’s also water-resistant. A bag of this size has ample storage space with a few extra pockets for better organization. We especially liked the expanding side pocket, which would be ideal for separating dirty clothes. One of the best things about it is that it has a separate odor-free space for packing shoes. Meanwhile, the removable shoulder strap gives you more carrying options.

• Despite being lightweight, it’s very spacious.
• The bag comes with an expanding side pocket for better management.
• It’s lightweight and folds into a flat square when not used.
• It has a durable, water-resistant material.
• The secure stitching guarantees the bag’s durability.
• It’s available in 12 different colors.
• There might be an uneven weight distribution if not packed full.

Arxus Foldable Duffle Tote 

Most foldable bags have a main pocket and a small zippered pocket for smaller items, which is no different. However, the Arxus Foldable Duffle Tote also has two mesh side pockets for water bottles. Made from lightweight waterproof, and tear-resistant oxford fabric, this bag is extremely durable. It’s a handy bag for any extra luggage that you may pick up on your travels. As one of the best travel bags that fold up, it sure doesn’t disappoint. When you unfold it, the bag has a storage capacity of 25L.

If you’re planning to take this as backup carry-on luggage, you can pack it to fit under the seat in front of you. The detachable extensible shoulder strap and grab handles are convenient for transporting the bag. Moreover, we also like that it can be slipped onto the handle of bigger luggage with its attach-a-bag sleeve.

Dimensions: Folded 7 x 7 x 1.5 inches – Unfolded 18 x 12 x 6 inches

• We love how lightweight and durable this bag is.
• There are extra pockets on the inside and outside.
• The extensible shoulder straps are detachable.
• There are dedicated mesh pockets for water bottles.
• It’s the most impressive travel bag but good for fitting extra stuff like souvenirs.

For the die-hard ‘backpack fan,’ this one’s for you. The Naturehike 18L Packable Backpack is so convenient that it can be folded small and stuffed into a small space to emerge when you need it. It has some surprisingly good features that made an impression on us too. It’s made from high-quality 30D nylon material and stitched with fine nylon lines, making it more durable. Added to this is the fact that it is tear-resistant. The YKK zippers are also sealed with silicone for additional durability.

As the name suggests, the large main pocket is roomy enough with an 18L capacity. Additionally, there’s also an outer and inner zippered pocket and two side mesh pockets. Padded adjustable shoulder straps make the bag comfortable to carry around. Touted as a ‘sea to sky bag’ for men and women, we couldn’t agree more with the functionality of this backpack.

Dimensions: Folded 4.7 x 2.7 inches – Unfolded 17 x 10 inches

• Though lightweight, this backpack is so durable.
• It folds so small that finding a place for it won’t be difficult.
• The high-quality ripstop-nylon material is long-lasting.
• The YKK zippers are silicone coated.
• There are two extra pockets for small items.
• You can use the large mesh pockets to hold your water bottle.
• Though not a deal-breaker, you should note that there’s no waist strap.

Best Brand. Samsonite has been in the luggage-making business for a while now, and the Samsonite Tote-A-Ton 32.5 Inch Duffel is one of its best products! This foldable duffel bag proves why the brand is so well-liked. With over 6,000 reviews on Amazon, the Samsonite Tote-A-Ton does seem to be a popular buy. With its affordable price tag and durable material, this bag impressed us so much that it even made it to our list of best budget luggage as well!

This no-frills bag can be taken as a foldable backup bag or can even be used as travel luggage. Crafted from lightweight, durable denier nylon, the bag expands to 32 inches when packed to capacity. According to the official website , it only weighs 1 lb! This means you have plenty of packing space. However, like some travel bags that fold up, it’s not big on organizational pockets. An interior zippered pocket and an exterior pocket are your only additional options. Although there are no straps or wheels, a sturdy handle will help you to transport the bag easily.

Dimensions: Unfolded 33 x 17 x 11.5 inches

• This is a versatile and multipurpose bag that you can take wherever you go.
• Crafted from durable denier nylon, it can last for years.
• We love its large compartment with an interior zippered pocket.
• It’s available in 12 different colorways.
• No wheels or straps could make this a little difficult to carry if packed to full capacity.

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Suppose you’re looking for a travel bag that provides you with multiple options for storage or luggage; we highly recommend this best collapsible suitcase. This bag’s versatility allows you to take it as carry-on or checked luggage. The Hanke 20-Inch Foldable Suitcase is a collapsible luggage bag that expands to three heights and has a storage capacity ranging from 54.99L to 90L. Additionally, it folds down flat when empty, so you won’t find it too difficult to store this luggage when you’re not using it.

We think that this is one of the best carry-on luggage for men as there’s a lot that you can fit into the first layer of the bag. The bag has firm top handles and a convenient adjustable shoulder strap. Outfitted with four silent wheels, this foldable luggage bag is also easy to maneuver. Furthermore, we like the durability of the polyester fabric with sturdy zippers. Check out this YouTube video review to get to know this suitcase better!

Dimensions: 1 Layer Expansion (17.72 x 10.24 x 19.68 inches) – 2 Layer Expansion (17.72 x 10.24 x 25.99 inches) – Complete Expansion 17.72 x 10.24 x 31.49 inches)

• Its 3-layer expansion allows it to be one of the handiest travel bags ever.
• As a durable option, it comes with sturdy zippers and handles.
• The sturdy and convenient strap is detachable.
• The 4 silent wheels allow you to maneuver it easily.
• It folds flat for easy storage.
• You must be careful when packing this bag to ensure that items you want easy access to are at the top.

Best Suitcase. This best collapsible suitcase takes your packing game to a new level. Verage Foldable Luggage is not just a bag but a smart suitcase. What makes it one of the best foldable bags for travel is its 2-in-1 feature as both a carry-on and a checked bag! Talk about versatility! In its normal state, this bag is only 24 inches. But once expanded, it becomes a huge 28-inch luggage bag!

The fun doesn’t stop there! Each of these bags comes with spinner wheels that can turn 360 degrees while rolling, making maneuvering through the airport gates so much easier. Material-wise, this collapsible luggage bag is made of heavy-duty fabric that is claimed to be both water and tear-resistant.

Dimensions: Folded 17 x 13 x 5 inches – Unfolded 28 inches

• It has a whopping capacity of up to 28 inches.
• As a durable product, it’s both water and tear-resistant.
• For better maneuverability, it comes with 360-degree spinner wheels.
• This bag works as a carry-on, 24-inch, and 28-inch checked bag.
• Need to pack heavy stuff on the bottom of the bag to keep it balanced.

A multifunctional bag that’s extremely light on the pocket is how we would describe this foldable travel duffel bag. One of the main reasons WANDF Foldable Travel Duffel Bag makes it to our list of best foldable travel bags is the price. This one will suit you if you’re not looking to spend too much on a backup bag.

This bag is crafted from high-quality water-resistant fabric and can be used for multiple purposes. It meets the carry-on regulations of Spirit Airlines and other major carriers. Furthermore, the pouch which the bag folds into can slide over the handle of a trolley for easy transportation. Reinforced straps and sturdy zippers add to the sturdy construction of this lightweight bag.

Dimensions: Folded 7 x 7 x 7 inches – Unfolded 17.7 x 12.6 x 6.3 inches

• This multifunctional bag can be used for gym, travel, and everything in between.
• We love the durable, high-quality water-resistant fabric.
• It meets the carry-on regulations of major airlines.
• Promising durability, it features reinforced straps and sturdy zippers.
• Don’t expect this bag to work like magic at the price you pay. It would probably be a good idea to reinforce the seams, just in case.

Available in dark and neutral colorways, the Gonex 60L Packable Duffle Bag is a nice option for those who want fashionable foldable bags for travel without looking tacky. Crafted from water-resistant and durable honeycomb nylon fabric, this multipurpose bag will serve you well on your travels. You can fold it away into a self-containing pouch, keep it on standby, or use it as a regular travel duffel bag.

Besides rating this as one of the best foldable travel bags, we also think it’s one of the best travel duffel bags. We like that there’s a separate shoe compartment and multiple pockets with a spacious main compartment. You can put a lot into this bag with this organizational space. Meanwhile, the two firm handles will give you grab-and-go portability. In addition, it also has a shoulder strap for additional flexibility.

Dimensions: Folded 11 x 10 x 1.6 inches – Unfolded 24 x 14 x 9 inches

• Many people love its durable, water-resistant fabric.
• There’s a separate shoe compartment.
• We love how the shoulder strap is adjustable.
• It comes with a self-containing pouch to fold and store after use.
• We find the handles to be super sturdy.
• If you’re going to be taking this as a backup bag, there are no issues. However, this foldable travel bag may be smaller than the average duffel bag.

When a bag has over 13,000 ratings on Amazon (and still counting), with more than 70% of them being 5 stars, there must be something special about it. We were curious to find out what makes this backpack so special, and we weren’t disappointed. Firstly, the Outlander Packable Backpack has a spacious packing capacity of 33L, which is a good size to carry on luggage. You can also pack it away in your luggage for those extras you want to bring home or use it as a day pack.

Moreover, it has a classic backpack shape with several pockets for better organization. Two front zipper pockets will hold smaller items, while the internal zippered pocket can be used for your travel documents. It also has a roomy main pocket and two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas. The bag is made from ripstop nylon fabric, meaning it’s both water-resistant and durable. Meanwhile, the durable 2-way abrasion-resistant SBS metal zippers move smoothly to keep your bag secure. Finally, this foldable travel backpack also comes in a wide range of colors.

Dimensions: Folded 6.29 x 5.9 x 2 inches – Unfolded 19 x 13 x 8.2 inches

• The water-resistant rip-stop nylon fabric is durable.
• We love the addition of the 2-way abrasion-resistant SBS metal zippers.
• There are multiple pockets.
• In addition, there are side pockets for bottles as well.
• It comes complete with a carabiner clip.
• It may not stand up to the rigors of the outdoors a regular backpack.

Another foldable bag for travel that ranks high in the reviews is the Canway 65L Foldable Weekender Bag . We weren’t too surprised with the positive reviews as this bag looks great and is also highly durable. The waterproof and tear-resistant fabric is made from 600D polyester fabric. Also, you can be sure that this bag will stand up well to the rigors of travel with premium metal SBS zippers and reinforced stress points.

The lightweight duffel has a spacious main compartment and six separate pockets for better organization. What we like the most is the ventilated shoe pocket that can also be used for dirty laundry! Moreover, the sturdy padded handles and detachable strap make the bag easy to transport. It also has a sleeve to attach to a bigger trolley bag. Oh, we also like the fact that the bag comes with a two-year warranty. Anything that has a warranty reflects the company’s commitment to a good product!

Dimensions: Folded 10.6 x 9.4 x 3.9 inches – Unfolded 26.3 x 13.7 x 12.2 inches

• This bag is super spacious and has multiple pockets.
• There is a separate ventilated side pocket for shoes.
• The 600D polyester fabric is extremely durable.
• It comes with sturdy padded handles and a detachable strap.
• There’s also a sleeve to fit onto bigger luggage.
• A two-year warranty backs it.
• The lack of a sturdy base tends to make the bag fold in the center when full.

Be it for camping, air travel, or road trips, REDCAMP 96 L Extra Large Duffle Bag is the right choice when looking for alternatives to the best collapsible suitcase. This foldable luggage bag is only 8 inches long when folded. So easy to carry and store! Yet, its 96 L volume also gives you the option to use it as your main luggage. That’s way bigger than most weekender bags for travel you can find.

Moreover, its material is water-resistant. So, you don’t have to worry about carrying this bag in drizzling rain when moving from one campsite to another. If somehow water seeps in or if you find any unexpected damage to this bag, you can always return it to REDCAMP and get a new one! This is as long as it’s under 365 days. Yep, this bag comes with a full-year warranty! Not a bad deal, isn’t it?

Dimensions: Folded 8 x 9 inches – Unfolded 31 x 12 x 16 inches

• The water-resistant allows you to carry the bag when raining.
• There are various choices of colors available.
• This bag is compact when folded, making it easy to carry and store.
• It’s backed by a one-year warranty.
• It has up to 96 L of capacity.
• As much as we love this bag, it’s not suitable for heavy loads as the handles aren’t made for heavy lifting.

The Narwey for Spirit Airlines Foldable Duffle Bag is ideal for carrying back your souvenirs. It’ll also serve you well as a personal item on a flight. It fits the personal item size of Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Not to mention, you can safely place it under the seat in front of you. The bag is spacious enough to fit your necessities if you choose to take it as under-seat travel luggage. Small items like travel documents can be stored in the external storage pocket.

This is one of the best foldable travel bags because of its thick water-resistant fabric and functionality. Many others agree with us, too, as the bag currently has more than 16,000 reviews on Amazon. You’re kind of spoilt for choice as well. That’s because this bag is available in a variety of colors. Meanwhile, the attached pouch into which the bag folds can slide over the handle of a trolley bag. Also, the sturdy straps and detachable shoulder strap make it easy to carry.

Dimensions: Folded 7.5 x 6.7 x 2.5 inches – Unfolded 17.7 x 12.6 x 6.3 inches

• It features a durable, water-resistant fabric.
• This bag also comes with sturdy reinforced straps plus a detachable shoulder strap.
• It has a bag strap.
• We love how it fits the new specifications of Spirit Airlines.
• This works well as a backup bag but would not hold up well as a regular travel bag.

Best Duffle Bag. Featherlight and versatile, this Paravel Foldable Travel Duffle Bag folds down into a compact little pouch that can be packed into your main luggage. It’s a great bag to take along for those last-minute souvenirs or gifts. We think this bag looks pretty good, too, with its contrasting straps. Because of this, it looks like it costs way more than it actually is! Not so bad, isn’t it?

Moreover, you have the option to use this foldable luggage bag over your shoulder or slide it over the handle of your rolling luggage. The smart trolley sleeve makes this possible. Also, we have to talk about the material. Made from lightweight, durable nylon with reinforced cotton webbing handles and sturdy zippers, you can be sure this one will stand up to the stress of travel.

Dimensions: Folded 9.75 x 8 x 2.75 inches – Unfolded 18 x 11 x 11.5 inches

• Though featherlight, this bag is surprisingly durable.
• It’s made from durable nylon.
• We love the durability of the reinforced cotton webbing handles.
• Unlike other cheap options, this bag comes with sturdy zips.
• The zippered slot could be a little narrow for sliding over certain handles.

Best Backpack. Those familiar with TUMI luggage know that it doesn’t come cheap. However, the luggage stands up really well for daily use or travel. So, if you’re looking to equip yourself with some of the best durable luggage , we recommend investing in TUMI. For women who love carrying a backpack on their travels, this TUMI Voyageur Just In Case Backpack will definitely win you over. It’s both stylish and practical with a few surprising features. For one, it comes with a convenient back sleeve that slides over rolling luggage, allowing you to juggle fewer bags.

In addition, this backpack can also be folded and stored in a tiny zipper pouch included with the purchase. Thus, you can transport it and access it easily! Though lightweight, this bag is surprisingly sturdy, and we love how big the main compartment is. Not to mention, the backpack straps are highly adjustable, too. Made from durable nylon with sturdy zippers, you can be sure that this backpack won’t go wrong. To know more about this item, check out findmeabackpack.com’s review !

Dimensions: Unfolded 15.5 x 12.3 x 4.5 inches

• It’s crafted from durable nylon.
• This backpack comes with extra sturdy zippers.
• It can easily fold into a small zipper pouch.
• Thanks to the sleeve, you can carry your belongings with only one hand.
• Some people think this backpack isn’t big enough.

All of the best foldable travel bags listed above are nothing short of impressive. Whether you’re into a foldable luggage bag or looking for the best collapsible suitcase, each of them will surely make your travel way more convenient. However, choosing only one can be a hassle, especially since all of them have different things to offer. To help you out, we’ve picked some of our favorites according to the following criteria:

• Best Backpack: TUMI Voyageur Just In Case Backpack
• Best Duffle Bag: Paravel Foldable Travel Duffle Bag
• Best Suitcase: Verage Foldable Luggage
• Best Brand: Samsonite Tote-A-Ton 32.5 Inch Duffel

How To Choose The Best Foldable Travel Bags

The first thing that you need to be aware of is what the luggage will be used for. Are you investing in a bag only for souvenirs, or will it be your main carry-on luggage? For someone looking out for a backup bag only for small knick-knacks, it would be best to pick up something durable yet light in the pocket. Look out for something voluminous yet stylish. On the other hand, if the foldable luggage will be a part of your main luggage, you need to note other factors.

Whatever your reasons for investing in a foldable travel bag, you want to be sure that it can fold down as promised. There’s no point in spending on something labeled ‘foldable’ only to realize that it doesn’t fold back once opened. If you’re going to invest in the best collapsible suitcase or collapsible luggage bag, check out the folded dimensions to know where to store it once you’re done with your travels.

The size you pick depends on what it will be used for. You don’t want to buy something too big or too small, even if it’s only going to be used as a backup. If this bag is going to be carried on luggage, make sure that you’re aware of specified airline dimensions.

Unless you’re looking out for a ‘use and throw’ foldable travel bag, you’ll want to invest in something durable. Good quality makes all the difference in how long a bag will last. Water and tear-resistant materials should top your list of what to look out for.  Bags made from ripstop nylon, high-denier polyester, Cordura, or ballistic nylon are the way to go. Look out for reinforced stitching and sturdy handles. Sturdy zippers are equally important as you don’t want your bag gaping open if the zipper breaks. Even with a souvenir bag, you want to make sure that the stitching is strong. Who wants the bag suddenly splitting open at the seams once it’s packed?

Style is a personal choice as this depends on individual preferences. Foldable travel bags are available in various styles, as enumerated above. If you prefer the grab-and-go option, then a foldable tote or duffel would be your best bet. However, if you’d rather have their hands free, you should look out for a foldable backpack. The advantage of investing in a fold-down suitcase or bigger bag is its flexibility. These bags can be opened up all the way to be used as check-in luggage or folded down to be taken as carry-on luggage. The biggest disadvantage with these bags is that your items are not easily accessible.

Even if you carry a foldable bag as a backup, don’t look for something cheaply made. There’s no point in buying a bag every few months. Pick something durable to stand up to the rigors of travel. You never know when that foldable bag will become a lifesaver. Imagine how terrible it would be if you bought a cheap bag only to have it rip apart on the very first use. Spend wisely so that luggage is the least of your problems when traveling.

The standard carry-on luggage allowed on a flight is 22  x  14  x  19 inches; the size differs from one airline to the next. Check the baggage policy of the airline you’re flying with to be sure. Below are the permitted carry-on luggage sizes of some popular airlines.

Personal items are generally much smaller than your regular luggage. These include purses, a tote or beach bag, a laptop bag, or a briefcase. Limit the size of your personal item if you want to avoid baggage fees. If you carry something too big, you may be charged for it. Strollers and diaper bags are also considered to be personal items by most airlines.

While investing in a foldable travel bag is unnecessary, it’s always good to carry one with you. A foldable bag will occupy a tiny space in your luggage. You can take it out later to carry your dirty laundry or pack your extra shopping. As regular luggage, these bags can be stowed easily after use.

You don’t want to compromise on the price of luggage of any kind. If you’re going to be using the foldable bag as luggage, don’t scrimp on the price. The price is irrelevant if the bag has the features you’re looking for and serves the purpose. However, it would be best to keep in mind that all luxury bags do not live up to the hype. A highly-priced bag may give out by the end of the trip. You’ll sometimes be surprised by how good the best budget luggage sometimes is.  We don’t recommend going overboard with the spending if the bag will only be used as a backup.

Author:  Julie Wharton

As a solo traveler, I have discovered the freedom and adventure that comes from exploring the world on your own terms. With a backpack on my back and a thirst for new experiences, I have journeyed to some of the most remote and fascinating destinations on the planet. As a travel blogger, I share my stories and insights with fellow solo travelers who are looking to break free from the constraints of group tours and package deals. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time adventurer, my blog is dedicated to helping you plan your solo travels with confidence and ease. From tips on finding the best hostels to recommendations for off-the-beaten-path destinations, I provide a wealth of information that will help you make the most of your solo journey. And with a passion for photography and storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid imagery and captivating narratives. So if you're ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, join me on my journey and let's discover the world together.

The 7 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Versatile luggage pieces you can take to any destination

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

For weekends away and other short trips, duffel bags are an ideal pick for your luggage. They’re lightweight, so they won’t dent your airline allowance, and they can be as bare-bones or as feature-packed as you’d like. Plus, they can easily fold down for storage or travel flat in your checked bag as a backup carry-on if you do a little shopping on your vacation. And they look cool, whether you go for a classic take on the duffel or a more modern design.

There are a ton of duffel bags out there to choose from, including classic designs, affordable-but-durable canvas bags, and convertible wheeled options. We tested 19 duffel bag options in our Brooklyn testing lab with an eye toward durability, organization, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other duffel bags we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, patagonia duffel bag.

Deceptively spacious

Multiple ways to comfortably carry

Convenient self storage

Nothing yet

Patagonia calls its duffel line the Black Hole series because of the seemingly endless amount of space these bags offer. Indeed, our testers noticed and enjoyed the vast amount of space this bag—which comes in 40-, 55-, 70-, and 100-liter sizes—truly has. But perhaps the best part about this bag is its ability to collapse in on itself and pack down into a smaller inner pocket.

Beyond its packability, this solid bag scored well throughout our testing. Its ultra-durable ripstop fabric is highly water resistant. Attachable backpack straps give you different ways to haul it around, while zippered side pockets and daisy chain loops help boost the storage and carrying capacity. "This is a very good quality bag with a nice design and great features," one tester concluded. "It can also fit more contents than its appearance suggests." Hence, the Black Hole.

Weight: 2.19 pounds | Dimensions: 22.5 x 13 x 8 inches | Volume: 40 liters (55, 70, and 100 liters also available) | Planet and Social Impact: Made with recycled fabric, materials, and webbing

Best Budget

Gonex canvas duffel bag.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Easy to maintain

Spacious external pockets

Versatile and functional carrying

No sustainability info

Gonex's Canvas Duffel Bag is a classic-looking duffel with handles, a shoulder strap, ample interior space, and many smaller exterior pockets. While our testers could not fit all items into the main center pocket, they were able to utilize the side pockets to complete packing. They also liked that the handles connected via Velcro and found that the extra removable shoulder strap boosted comfort and maneuverability.

The bag's material held up during durability tests, and our testers were impressed that the cloth stayed clean throughout. Our conclusion? "This is a solid choice for someone looking for a duffel on a budget," one tester surmised.

Weight: 2.76 pounds | Dimensions: 20.8 x 9.8 x 11.8 inches | Volume: 40 liters (50-liter expanded option available) | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

Best Weekender

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Dagne Dover

Attractive and practical

Excellent organization

Easy to pack

Some creasing in material during durability tests

Dagne Dover is known for stylish, well-thought-out, minimalist bags, and its carryall duffel is no different. With long straps and a tapered shape that hugs close to the body (rather than, like some duffels, uncomfortably bouncing against it), this bag is a faithful companion for long weekends and shorter trips. It’s full of the thoughtful details the brand is known for, too, and we mean full: Think a padded laptop sleeve for laptops up to 16 inches, a shoe duster, a key leash, a water bottle pocket, and a mesh pouch to keep hand sanitizer and lip balm on hand. Made from super-durable neoprene, which is great for travel, the bag is water-resistant and can be hand-cleaned.

"This bag is made for travel," one tester reported. Our testers loved all the pockets and accessories. They also loved the included zip bag for shoes and how wide the top zip opened for packing accessibility. "I loved this bag, and while the price is steep, it does seem like the type of item that will last a long time and can be used for various types of travel," one tester concluded.

Weight: 2.82 pounds | Dimensions: 15 x 9.5 x 12 inches | Volume: 5 to 42 liters (XS, S, M, L, XL sizes) | Planet and Social Impact: Lining made with recycled materials, like recycled bottles

Best Rolling

Eagle creek no matter what rolling duffel.

• Portability 4 /5

Rugged, long-lasting build

Steady carry

Loads of storage space

Shoulder strap could use improvement

Eagle Creek's No Matter What duffel basically says it all in the name. With sizes up to 133 liters, this super durable and water-resistant bag comes with wheels, making it ideal for pretty much any trip or adventure. Our testers were impressed by the large capacity. They loved the broader straps, which felt very comfortable. "The handle straps were very nice in preventing the bag from swaying when maneuvering, and it feels comfortable in the hand," one tester noted. "For shorter people, the bag allows the wide handle straps to double as shoulder straps, which feels more comfortable than the adjustable shoulder strap."

The No Matter What passed all of our durability tests without any scratches or scuffs, and testers noted it felt tougher than most other bags tested. "We would recommend this bag, especially for the traveler looking for a duffel with wheels," our testers concluded. "It holds a lot and is also soft enough that it can squeeze tightly into an overhead bin."

Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 33 x 15 x 16 inches | Volume: 39 to 133 liters (S, M, L, XL sizes) | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

Best for Durability

Yeti crossroads duffel bag.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 3.5 /5

Adjustable internal organization

Rugged Yeti build

Pockets could be deeper

Not as convenient to store away

Yeti's name has become synonymous with toughness, whether you're buying mugs, tumblers, coolers, or carry-on luggage for men and women. The Crossroads duffel is no different. This large-capacity bag is constructed with Yeti's proprietary TuffSkin nylon and comes with sturdy, rigid partitions on the inside to separate compartments. "The hardshell bottom makes the entire product feel durable and worth the price," one tester noted.

The bag comes in 40- and 60-liter sizes and features side pockets, a water bottle or tumbler holder, and a padded laptop "vault." While our testers did appreciate the bag's durability, they noted that it also added some weight and a level of rigidity that prevents the bag from being packed down small. Still, if your travel involves outdoor adventures where amped durability and strength are luggage necessities, the Yeti is worth the extra spend and weight.

Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Volume: 60 liters (40-liter version also available) | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

Best Eco-Friendly

Lo & sons the catalina deluxe weekender.

Lo & Sons

• Design 3.9 /5
• Durability 4.1 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Separate shoe compartment

Serious standard of sustainability

Comfortable and functional

Zipper can be problematic

Eco-friendliness aside, the Catalina Deluxe is simply an excellent travel bag. But we also love that it's gentle on resources. The bag comes in recycled polyester or organic canvas and doesn't use harsh chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers in its production. Bonus: The brand claims the sourcing and production of the bag encourage species diversity.

But beyond the feel-good environmentally conscious production, our testers loved how easy the bag was to carry using the shoulder straps and top handles. In particular, our testers enjoyed the bottom layer for packing shoes and sneakers. If you're looking for a highly functional bag that's also good for the planet, this is it.

Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 15 inches | Volume: Not listed | Planet and Social Impact: Made with recycled poly and organic cotton, claims to reduce carbon emissions and keep 24+ bottles from landfills per each bag

Most Rugged

Thule chasm sport duffel bag.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 4 /5

Thoughtfully designed details

Choice of carry style

Tough, travel-ready exterior

No pockets on the outside

Our testers were thoroughly impressed with Thule's Chasm Duffel Bag. From its organizational capability to the comfort of its backpack straps, its solid materials, and its waterproof zippers, testers raved about this bag. Thule uses tarpaulin fabric, which is durable and weather resistant. It also features a padded bottom for extra protection of packed items. Its two-in-one design makes it easy to convert from a traditional duffel to a backpack. And there are multiple grab handles around the bag for moving it quickly.

"The bag, when fully packed, is a lot to carry without the backpack straps," one tester commented. "But it's easy enough to hold and carry with the straps." Said another: "I like the size, durability, zippers, and backpack straps of this bag. It also comes with a packing cube that can be used for clothing, toiletries, or even a small pair of shoes."

Weight: 4.22 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 10.5 inches | Volume: 40 liters (70, 90, and 130 liters also available) | Planet and Social Impact: Not listed

Those familiar with Patagonia won't be surprised to find one of its bags topping our list. Rugged, spacious, and easy to store, the Black Hole Duffel is an excellent choice. If you're looking for a budget option, you can't go wrong with the Gonex Canvas Duffel .

Products were selected based on our editors' prior knowledge and experience with luggage brands and products. We also based selections on highly reviewed and rated duffel bags on Amazon and other e-commerce sites. A finalized list of 19 duffel bags was created to meet a wide range of budgets and intended uses.

TripSavvy editors tested all 19 bags mentioned in this roundup in our lab in Brooklyn, New York. Attributes like organization, maneuverability, durability, and value were all considered. After weighing and measuring each bag, we packed it with five shirts, five pairs of pants, two jackets, two pairs of shoes, one toiletry bag, and one coffee mug. We then rated each bag's organizational features based on that list.

With the bags fully packed, we carried them around the testing lab to assess their maneuverability. We carried each bag with handles, shoulder straps, and cross straps when available. Lastly, with the bags still packed, we pushed each one off the top of a ladder three to five times, making sure the bag landed at a different angle each time. We checked how well the coffee mug fared and if there were any visible scuffs, scratches, or marks on the bag's exterior.

Samsonite Tote-A-Ton Duffel Bag : This is a solid choice for anyone wanting an inexpensive bag that holds a lot. Our testers saw this bag as better for a road trip than carrying it through an airport or train station.

Leatherology Kessler Duffle : Our testers thought this was a good option for a high-end leather bag. But for the casual traveler or someone looking for a decent weekender, it's a bit pricy. We envision this being a solid hop-off-the-plane-and-go-to-work bag.

L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag : Our testers thought this was a solid bag. They enjoyed how it rolled and, despite a rather narrow opening, were impressed by how much it could hold. Testers definitely recommend it.

Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffel : This bag is another good pick for anyone looking for a solid weekender bag. This is a good option for a small bag that's meant to look worn.

Rains Duffel Bag : Our testers liked this bag, and while they said they'd like to see the cross strap be more padded, they would recommend it for anyone looking for a durable, waterproof weekend bag.

Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Big : This bag holds a lot and is durable. Our testers recommend it for anyone road-tripping or car camping. However, with backpack straps only, it's not a true duffel.

Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel : Our testers were not impressed with this bag, especially considering its price. "This feels like a common bag," one tester concluded. "Most of the cheaper bags performed comparably, and some even outperformed this bag by a lot." Overall, the bag felt slightly flimsy and didn't hold as much as our testers saw in other bags.

Olympia 8-Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag : The Olympia 8-Pocket is a good option for anyone looking for a simple bag to make it from point A to B. But for anyone looking for a tougher bag able to hold up to more rugged travel, other options on the list are better. And while our testers loved the rolling feature, they did find it annoying to carry.

Yeti Panga Duffel : This bag is probably overkill for the average traveler. But for the adventure traveler or anyone looking to have a duffel that can double as a rafting, camping, or overlanding bag, Yeti's Panga is a solid choice. It's basically a Yeti soft backpack cooler in duffel form.

Paravel Foldable Bag : While this bag had a few things we liked (it's foldable and lightweight), we can't advocate it for extended or airplane travel. After a few drops from the ladder, the test coffee mug shattered, making us unwilling to recommend it for checked luggage.

Modoker Garment Duffel Bag : Less of a travel duffel and more of a gym or day bag, our testers did like the Garment Duffel Bag. Overall, testers reported wanting more space and pockets, but its durability and versatility rated well.

Away The Everywhere Bag : Our testers thought this bag was OK but not great. It looks chic but doesn't have the functionality or practicality our testers were looking for in a proper travel bag. "I like the style of the bag, and it would make a good complement as a carry-on, but I think travelers would need a larger size for more than an overnight," one tester concluded.

What to Look For in a Duffel Bag

Duffels come in all sizes, from an overnight carry-on to bags that can hold a week’s worth of gear. Envision your likely load, and think about sizing up a bit to give yourself some additional space. If you want an easy-to-carry bag to bring souvenirs home from a trip, look for one that collapses into itself so you can stash it in your other luggage and pull it out for the trip home.

Organization

If you’re in the market for one big bag to carry everything, models with a large main pocket will suffice, though they typically come with a few additional zippered pockets for smaller items. Other designs distribute their storage into a handful of different sections, which helps you keep things more organized.

Every duffel bag comes with a shoulder strap. Look for an adjustable, padded, and removable one for optimum comfort. Bags with wheels often include telescoping handles, which allow you to roll through airports and across pavement with ease, then lift the pack to carry it with the shoulder strap when the terrain gets rough.

Traditionally, duffel bags were made of tough natural fabrics such as leather and wool. The genius of these bags is the balance between flexible packing capacity and resistance to wear and tear. Nowadays, the market has branched out into innovative and functional materials looking to take this good idea to the next level; think canvas, polyester, vinyl, neoprene (like in the Landon Carryall ), and recycled materials. Choose a fabric based on where and how you typically travel, your budget, and your aesthetic tastes.

Sometimes it can be challenging to pack a duffel bag because of the lack of interior pockets and organization. It is best to put large, bulky items like shoes and things you won’t need access to so often on the bottom. Fold your clothes and place them on top along with essentials like your phone charger. The outer pockets can be used for small items like travel documents and toiletries. If you prefer more structure, packing cubes help make the most of your bag’s space. For added security, consider tossing in a luggage tracking device .

A heavy duffel bag can cause muscle strain, so be sure to alternate which shoulder you carry it on. Pay attention to the strap when choosing a bag to purchase, because some offer more cushioning than others. Also, try to carry the bag close to your body as this can reduce the stress put on spinal muscles.

Depending on the size of your duffel bag and how much you pack into it, a duffel bag can be a personal item. Most airlines consider a personal item to be anything that can fit in the space under the seat in front of you. If you plan to pack more in your duffel bag, it may be considered a carry-on and can be stowed in the overhead compartment. Extra-large ones will need to be checked.

Amber Nolan  has been working in the travel industry for over 10 years. She has written for TripSavvy since 2016, and her work has appeared in USA Today, Jetsetter, Cruise Critic, and several other travel publications.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He's used duffel bags made by Yeti, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, The North Face, and Outdoor Research. Durability and water resistance or waterproofing are the essential features he considers when picking a duffel bag.

Jamie Aranoff , an associate editor at Travel + Leisure, helped lead testing in our Brooklyn testing lab.

While researching duffel bags, we spoke with grooming and travel journalist Adam Hurly .

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Best Duffle Bag for Travel: Enhance Your Luggage Options

Best Suitcases , Handbags , LUGGAGE , Packing Tips , TRAVEL

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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?

Wandf Foldable Luggage

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 Travel Tote

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 Travel Storage

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 40L Packable Bag

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 Foldable Travel Bag

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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52 comments.

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!

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8 Best Duffel Bags for Men – Stylish, Quality Gear for 2024

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Larger than a backpack but more convenient than rolling luggage, the best duffel bags for men is one of the most practical pieces of gear a guy can own. Take it to the gym, on weekend getaways, or full-blown jaunts across the world. Duffels are dependable, highly versatile, and amongst the best bag options out there.

But with so many brands and models to choose from, the search for men’s duffel bags can quickly become daunting. To help you see through all the noise, I’ve compiled the eight best choices for the modern man. Ranging from duffel-backpack hybrids to sleek leather options, the bags on this list will ensure you get where you’re going in style.

As a full-time traveler, I’m keenly aware of what makes for the best duffel bags, and based on my rigorous testing, you’ll find the top choices below.

Key Takeaways

With endless options out there (believe me, there was no shortage of research to be done), I’ll keep it real simple for ya. The best duffel bag for men is the 40-liter Patagonia Black Hole , which has ample room for a week-long trip, a weatherproof exterior, and ultra-comfortable carry options. If you’d prefer a leather investment piece, opt for the Italian-made Luca Faloni Weekender Duffel Bag , while guys on a budget can’t go wrong with the Adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag .

Keep reading to discover more outstanding options when it comes to men’s duffel bags.

• Buying Considerations

Why You Should Trust Us

Final verdict, best overall: patagonia black hole duffel.

Why It’s Great: In terms of the best duffel bag, it’s impossible to beat the Patagonia Black Hole line. After testing dozens of duffel bags myself, I’ve found that this Patagonia model outperforms North Face’s Base Camp line and other similar alternatives in almost every area (ease of carry, comfort, packability, and beyond). I can’t recommend it enough.

How to Use It: This duffel bag is a backpack hybrid, meaning there are detachable straps to throw over your shoulder, rather than using the dual grab carry handles. One of my favorite features of this bag is how easy it is to convert it from a rucksack to a duffel. Simply clip the backpack straps in, and you’re ready to go. When you want to lug it like a duffel, there’s a designated space to tuck the backpack straps into so they stay out of your way.

Who is This For? This duffel bag is for the man on the move. Thanks to the backpack straps, it’s easy to handle a heavy load, which is just as well, considering this bag lives up to its Black Hole name. Ideal for travel (the 40-liter version fits clothes for up to a week), any man on the go will benefit from this bag.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers: The main downside of this bag is that there’s no crossbody strap and you’ve got limited space to organize. It’s also worth noting that Patagonia recently released a new matte rendition of their most popular bags, including the Black Hole line. While the fabric is more eco-friendly and still water-resistant, many Patagonia fans (including myself) prefer the shinier material, which is why the older version of the duffel is included on the list.

Dimensions: 21W x 13.7H x 10.6D inches | Capacity: 40 liters | Material: Recycled polyester with TPU-film laminate | Colors Available: 1

Best Luxury: Luca Faloni Leather Weekender Duffel Bag

Why It’s Great: There are nice duffel bags, and then there’s the Luca Faloni Weekender. This is the best duffel bag for men seeking a sleek addition to their travel collection, featuring full-grain leather, a handmade Italian construction, and the perfect size for an airplane carry-on.

How to Use It: Haul this bag with either the dual grab handles or the (detachable) padded crossbody strap. To make it more compact, you can even cinch down the sides. There are a few pockets to take advantage of, the most useful being the slip pocket on the bag’s exterior, ideal for quick access to a passport or notebook.

Who is This For? This duffel bag is for the modern gentleman seeking a sleek tote all for travel, whether for business or pleasure. It’s also a wonderful choice for guys looking to invest in a luxurious piece that will last for years to come.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers: Nearly a grand for a duffel bag isn’t for the faint of heart, but genuine luxury always comes with a price tag to match. Think of it as the purchase that will serve you for an entire lifetime.

Dimensions: 20.5 x 11 x 9.5 inches | Capacity: 35 liters | Material: Full grain leather | Colors Available: 3

Best Leather: Lundi Wilson Weekender Duffel Bag

Why It’s Great: There’s something so timeless about a leather weekender, and this men’s duffel bag hits every single sweet spot. Lundi specializes in leather goods, and the Wilson Weekender constitutes a pretty perfect duffel bag. Aside from the classic main compartment, this duffel has several noteworthy aspects to it. Namely: a designated laptop compartment, multiple accessory pockets, a cable organizer, a key strap, and an external pocket for quick access. There’s also a zippered shoe compartment that can be used for toiletries or dirty laundry. In terms of organization, this bag leaves no stone unturned.

How to Use It: Carry this men’s duffel bag with either the top handles or the crossbody shoulder strap. Another standout element of this bag is its stability – the shoulder strap attaches at four points instead of two to balance the load while carrying with ease.

Who is This For? This duffel bag is for the ultra-organized gentleman who understands investing in quality leather goods.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers: Aside from the higher price tag, it’s hard to find flaws in such a perfect piece of gear.

Dimensions: 19.7 x 9.8 x 9.6 inches | Capacity: ~31 liters | Material: Full grain leather | Colors Available: 4

Best Everyday: Mismo Holdall Duffel Bag

Why It’s Great: For a classy look, this is the best duffel bag, made from a stunning linen jacquard fabric with leather and brass accents. It’s sleek and sophisticated, an apt choice for daily use or weekend trips. I love that it’s an airline carry-on size but still manages to fit it all, with an exceptionally spacious interior and multiple pockets for organization.

How to Use It: While there’s no crossbody strap, this bag is comfortable to carry with adjustable leather handles that can easily be worn over a shoulder. The main compartment can fit a few days of clothes and a pair of shoes, while the interior storage pockets are ideal for smaller items like a passport or little electronics.

Who is This For? This duffel is for the man who wants to look good on the go. The creamy linen fabric paired with the soft leather detailing is a chic option – a far cry from the polyurethane-coated duffels or traditional sporty gym bags.  

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers: The price of this bag is on the higher end, but it’s definitely an investment piece. It can easily be used as a work bag or reserved for more special travel occasions.

Dimensions: 21 x 11 x 7 inches | Capacity: 32 liters | Material: Water repellant Grand Herringbone with leather details | Colors Available: 6

Best Budget: Adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag

Why It’s Great: It’s hard not to imagine an Adidas gym tote when thinking of the best duffel bag for men. This style has been the gold standard since the 70s, making it a timeless classic in the duffel bag world. Regardless of whether you use it for a casual spin around town or a longer trip, this is the best men’s duffel bag if you’re on a budget and don’t need anything flashy.

How to Use It: Load up the roomy interior with clothes or workout gear, and use the separate side compartment for a pair of shoes or dirty laundry. This duffel makes a great travel bag thanks to the few external pockets and its ease of carry – use the dual grab handles on the top or swing it over your shoulder like a crossbody bag .

Who is This For? For the practical man, this large duffel bag is a more casual option than others on this list but as trusty as ever. It can do it all, making it a versatile and affordable choice.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers: I definitely wouldn’t use this duffel bag for business travel since it has a much more informal look. The material is also a bit shoddy compared to higher-end options. However, it’s a top option for sports or laid-back use.

Dimensions: 24.75 x 12 x 13 inches | Capacity: ~63 liters | Material: Polyester | Colors Available: 20

Best on Amazon: Carhartt Heavy Haul Utility Duffel Bag

Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a more utility-focused men’s duffel bag, Carhartt can do no wrong. This duffel is on the tactical side, packed with pockets galore and heavily padded straps. The separate side compartment is stellar for shoes, toiletries, or laundry, while the detachable backpack straps make it a breeze to carry, even over long distances.

How to Use It: Fill the cavernous interior with clothes or gear, and then use the side pockets for smaller items or quick access. You can tote the bag with the carry handles or, more easily, with the padded backpack straps, which are complete with a sternum belt to balance heavier loads. The backpack straps stow away into their own compartment when not in use to give easy access to the main compartment of the duffel.

Who is This For? This is the best duffel bag for men seeking an ultra-practical option with plenty of pockets. Made from durable, water-resistant canvas nylon with a range of organizational features, this bag doesn’t leave you wanting for much.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers: Due to the canvas construction and backpack straps, this duffel is on the heavier side. If you want a lighter option, the Carhartt Trade Series Packable Duffel is nearly as durable but a fraction of the weight, making it a pared-back alternative. It also packs into itself, handy for taking on the go or storing when not in use.

Dimensions: 27 x 14 x 11.5 inches | Capacity: 55 liters | Material: 700D nylon canvas | Colors Available: 3

Best Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa Duffel Bag

Why It’s Great: In recent years, Cotopaxi has emerged as a front-runner in the world of travel bags for men. I’ve seen them all over the world, carried by a diverse range of individuals who are seeking practical luggage with a ton of organization. While the Cotopaxi Travel Pack is the brand’s best-seller (the signature multi-colored backpack), the Allpa Duffel Bag is a prime choice. It’s a backpack duffel hybrid, giving a range of carry options and easy access to the external compartments.

How to Use It: The biggest draw to this men’s duffel bag, and Cotopaxi bags in general, is the amount of organization. This bag is decked out with pockets galore, with a designated space for every piece of clothing and gear. Load the main compartment with your outfits, and use the dual accessory pockets for tech or essentials. Finally, separate your dirty clothing with the laundry compartment on the bottom of the bag. When you want to carry the duffel as a backpack, the top straps tuck into the side pockets in seconds to keep out of your way.

Who is This For? This bag is for the guy who isn’t sure if he wants a duffel or a backpack. It offers both carry options as well as plenty of space for a week-long trip.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers: The only aspect I dislike about this bag is how the backpack straps attach. Rather than a clip, you need to thread the straps through the buckle in order to secure them to the bag. It takes a couple of minutes, rather than the mere seconds it takes to attach the Patagonia backpack straps to the duffel using the clip mechanism.

Dimensions: 23 x 13 x 12 inches | Capacity: 50 liters | Material: TPU coated 1000D polyester | Colors Available: 6

Best Waterproof: Rains Hilo Weekend Duffel Bag

Why It’s Great: While Rains backpacks have taken city streets by storm, the brand’s duffel bags are an equally wonderful waterproof solution for travel or transporting gear. Sleek and simple, the Hilo Weekend Duffel comes in ten colors and three sizes, with a roomy main compartment and a waterproof finish. It’s also a much lower price point than most of the best duffel bags for men, making it a practical option if you don’t want to break the bank.

How to Use It: Pack this 37-liter duffel with enough clothes to last five days. If you need more room, opt for the Large Hilo Weekender , which offers an additional 10 liters of space. Regardless of the size you choose, the bag can be made compact by cinching down the sides and can be carried using the top grab handles or the crossbody shoulder strap.

Who is This For? This men’s duffel is for guys seeking a simple bag without any bells or whistles that still gets the job done.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers: The only downside of this bag is there are no pockets for smaller items like keys, headphones, or a wallet.

Dimensions: 20.5 x 10.6 x 10.2 inches | Capacity: 37 liters | Material: Polyester with polyurethane coating | Colors Available: 10

Buying Considerations for the Best Duffel Bags for Men

When it comes to choosing the best duffel bag, size is the primary consideration, as this determines how much it will fit. In my experience, the sweet spot for a duffel bag for men is between 35 and 50 liters. A duffel smaller than 35 liters becomes close to the size of a standard backpack, while duffels larger than 50 liters can be a bit cumbersome.

Opt for a duffel bag with a capacity of 30 to 40 liters for a long weekend and a 45 to 55-liter duffel for a trip that lasts a week or two. Ultimately, size boils down to intended use, so if you’re looking for a weekender, you can stick to the smaller size, while a larger size can take the place of carry-on luggage for the plane.

Material is also an important consideration, as it largely contributes to the look and feel of the bag. The material also dictates the durability of a men’s duffel bag, so it’s worth weighing the options carefully.

Broadly speaking, leather duffel bags are a sound choice because they’re designed to last for years to come and have an unbeatable sleek look to them. Leather duffels are certainly an investment, given their steep price, but are the best material for business travel or for a duffel you plan on keeping for the rest of your life.

On the other hand, there are lots of great duffels made from polyester with a waterproof coating, as seen in the Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and Rains duffel bags. The benefit to this material is it’s often recycled, less expensive, and treated to be weather resistant, which means the duffels can withstand a wide range of conditions and are perfect for more versatile or adventurous travel.

Carry Options

Finally, carefully consider the carry options of the best duffel bag because this is the main dictator of comfort. The last thing you want is to choose a duffel bag that’s impossible to carry or with straps that cut into your shoulder.

At the bare minimum, a duffel will have top grab handles to lift the bag by. But the best duffel bag will also include additional carry options like a detachable crossbody strap or backpack straps to allow you to transport it hands-free.

While the crossbody strap is the most common carry option for men’s duffels, backpack straps tend to be the most practical, especially if you’re dealing with a heavier bag. This option still gives you the versatility of a duffel but with the comfort of a backpack.

As a full time traveler and an absolute bag fiend, duffel bags are my luggage preference, and I own more than 20, spanning dozens of luggage brands and heaps of different models. I have either tested out or owned each bag on this list (my mainstays are the Patagonia Black Hole and the Rains Hilo Duffel ) and created this article to share my expert knowledge with any man seeking a new duffel bag. Whether you’re crossing the city or several continents, the duffel bags on this list are dependable options to get you where you need to go in comfort and style.

While there are thousands of contenders for the best duffel bag for men, the true winner is the Patagonia Black Hole . Weatherproof and made from rugged recycled materials, this bag lives up to its name and can fit everything you need for a trip and then some. Topped off with padded backpack straps, this duffel is reliably comfortable to carry. If you’d prefer to splurge on a leather investment piece, the Luca Faloni Weekender Duffel Bag is second to none.

Men definitely use duffel bags since they’re one of the most versatile and convenient types of bags . Duffel bags are super handy for the gym, commuting, weekend trips, or longer getaways, considering the huge range of styles and sizes they come in.

It’s worth having at least one duffel bag because they always come in handy. Duffels are great for travel in countries where roller bags aren’t convenient (cobblestone streets, I’m looking at you) or if you don’t want to struggle with wheels on a train or a plane.

A duffel bag is better than a backpack if you need more space and a convenient opening. Most men’s backpacks have a top-loading design, which means they only open from the top of the bag, whereas duffels tend to have a clamshell opening, giving easy access to everything that’s inside. Because of this, duffels often feel roomier than backpacks, making them simple to pack.

Jane is a seasoned fashion expert with a particular interest in streetwear, accessories, and luxury leather goods. She splits her time between NYC, Paris, and New Zealand, constantly on the hunt for today’s latest trends

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Designer Duffle Bags: Travel Duffle Bags, Weekend Duffle Bags & More

Whether you’re packing for a weekend or staying overnight, traveling with a well designed Duffle Bag will truly maximize your entire travel experience. Designer Duffle Bags from Bloomingdale’s can store all your belongings while still remaining incredibly fashionable.

Bloomingdale’s Luxury Duffle Bags come in many sizes and materials. Duffle bags also come in several options for men or women, in colors and materials such as black, leather & more. Our Rolling Duffels give you the convenience of a roller carry on with the portability of a duffle bag. For maximum organization, a large Duffel Packing Case by Tumi will help you fit everything you need for the weekend. Bloomingdale’s selection of weekend bags are so unique that you’ll easily identify yours, even from a distance away. Shop designer duffle bags from other major brands like Briggs & Riley, Hartmann, Herschel Supply Co. & more.

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What we know about Kira and Igor Korolev, two Russian-born Australian citizens charged with spying offences

Two Russian-born Australian citizens charged with spying offences "mostly kept to themselves", with neighbours surprised their unit complex is now the centre of a national espionage investigation.

Kira Korolev, 40, and her husband Igor, 62, have been accused of obtaining Australian Defence Force material to share with Russian authorities.

The couple faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday morning, charged with one count each of preparing for an espionage offence, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.

Look back on our live blog to see how events unfolded.

Neighbours say couple 'kept to themselves'

The pair were arrested at their home in the Brisbane suburb of Everton Park on Thursday morning.

It's unclear how long they have been under investigation, but the building manager of the complex they lived in confirmed authorities contacted him around three months ago, and he provided them the keys to access their unit.

"I've had a half a dozen interactions with [Kira] and then I may have seen [Igor] twice over the years," said Blake Fraser.

"As far as I’m concerned, they just kept to themselves."

It's a sentiment echoed by several others in the complex, including some of their closest neighbours.

"I have never seen those two people, ever, the whole entire time I've lived here," said neighbour, Nikki Spalding.

Tristen McKenzie, who lives in the same unit complex as the couple, said a police officer asked them to use the garage.

"Since then, we've just seen canines all around, sniffing around, and then up in the elevator, which we thought was a little bit weird," she said.

"I've seen a lot of people carrying around duffle bags and hanging out in the garage inspecting vehicles.

"It's unreal. Honestly, so strange. I didn't even think that that would be something that's going on, especially here."

Digital footprints show travels across Australia

Police will allege Ms Korolev — who is an ADF army private — undertook undeclared travel to Russia while on long-term leave, where she allegedly instructed her husband on how to log into her work account and access material to send to her.

The couple had been in Australia for more than a decade before the alleged offending.

Kira Korolev’s digital footprints paint the picture of a well-travelled, curious, and physically active woman. 

Her Russian-language lifestyle and travel videos documented her adventures across Australian cities and rural landscapes alike.

They showed her enjoying eateries in Melbourne and Tasmania; visiting the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra (somewhere she would later take her husband to); holding snakes and filming crocodiles outside Darwin; and exploring abandoned gold mines and tropic forests in northern Queensland.

Though she has lived in Australia for at least 15 years, Ms Korolev appeared to have still maintained roots with her Russian heritage and its community. On Facebook she had joined dozens of groups for expatriates from Moscow.

Social media posts and property data also provided glimpses of the Korolevs' suburban life.

The hammer went down on their Everton Park apartment in June 2021, and according to a Google review left for a Brisbane real estate agent by Ms Korolev, it was the first time she ever owned property.

Suppression order issued for 'national security'

Igor Korolev appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday morning. 

There was no application for bail and he was remanded in custody until his next appearance in September. 

Counsel for the Australian Federal Police Dyan Kerr made an application for the suppression of five names related to the case, telling Magistrate Ross Mack that it was a "matter of national security".

Lana Millar, the lawyer representing Kira Korolev, told the court there was no application for bail and her matter was adjourned until September 20.

The courtroom was closed to media for around 20 minutes when Igor Korolev was first taken into the dock. When journalists were allowed back in to the room, he stood quietly with no expression on his face.

An interpreter was on a phone link while his matter was heard. He made no application for bail, and the matter was adjourned to appear on the same day as Ms Korolev.

The court heard he is seeking legal representation.

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