The Best Rolling Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Oct 16, 2024

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We tested 34 bags to find the best rolling duffel for every trip.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

New travel gear can quickly add up, so it’s important to invest in the right pieces that will last a long time, especially for luggage and other bags. To help you in this journey, we set out to find the best of the best when it comes to rolling duffels, combing the market before ultimately putting 34 products through a battery of tests.

We packed them to the brim to test their capacity. We went over them with a fine-tooth comb to consider design features big and small. We pushed them, pulled them, and steered them every which way to test their maneuverability. We then took a baseball bat to them to test durability (seriously). And, above all else, we evaluated all of these tests and the bags' respective price tags to consider what total value these bags offer.

It was tough work, but somebody had to do it — and that’s how we landed on our favorite rolling duffels. We found the perfect pick for anyone traveling light, a standout for camping trips and other outdoor adventures, and more.

It’s incredibly spacious and durable.

Because it’s so large, some may struggle with maneuvering it.

Get on board with the bag that travelers around the world swear by: Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel, which comes in a 40-liter, a 70-liter, and an unbelievably spacious 100-liter version. We tested the largest size which features a large main compartment that makes it a cinch to pack whatever gear you throw its way, as well as a zippered side pocket and mesh pockets for smaller items you want to keep separate. Packing quickly, we found that we had so much room to spare during tests. If we were to roll the clothes or even use packing cubes, we could fit double or triple the number of items.

The bag is also highly weather-resistant, crafted from a coated ripstop material made from 100 percent recycled fabric, lining, and webbing — exactly what you want to pack for a trip to Antarctica. The durable, oversized wheels performed well during our maneuverability tests, but travelers should note that this is a very, very large bag that smaller individuals may have difficulty moving around, especially in crowded spaces. We also noticed after regularly using the bag for two months that it sometimes falls over when fully packed because it is front-heavy.

The Details: Checked | 32 x 16 x 14 inches | 10.5 pounds | 100-liter capacity | Recycled polyester ripstop with weather-resistant, recycled TPU-film laminate

It's stylish, durable, and extremely functional with multiple organizational features.

It could use a few more interior pockets.

If you want to make a fashion statement at the airport without sacrificing the organizational features and quality of heavier duty luggage, look no further than the Solo Leroy Rolling Duffel. It's equipped with a large shoe pocket that can hold multiple pairs of shoes, several other internal and external pockets, smooth-running zippers, two easily maneuverable wheels, and an extra-spacious main compartment, but still looks sleek and stylish for women and men alike. Plus, it was both easy to roll on the ground and easy to carry as a duffel since it's not overly large.

As we tested it, we particularly appreciated its durability: after repeatedly tossing it off counters and smacking it with a baseball bat (to recreate the wear and tear of travel, of course), it showed zero signs of damage. It even holds it shape better than a typical floppy, unstructured duffel, yet it's still soft enough to squish down a bit come time to store it in an overhead bin or packed away at home. We also loved that it's compact for a spacious duffel, making it portable and small enough to use as a carry-on, though we'd add more internal pockets if we could.

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 12 x 12 inches | 6.04 pounds | Polyester

It's crafted from water- and abrasion-resistant materials and features ample storage space.

We thought it was odd that the tracks for the adjustable handle are fully visible inside the bag.

We were seriously impressed with how rugged and durable Away's 85-liter rolling duffel is, a newer launch from the popular luggage brand. A polycarbonate backing gives the bag its structure, while the rest of the duffel is crafted from water- and abrasion-resistant recycled polyester fabric, which gives the bag an overall light feel. Aside from a few minor scuffs near the bottom of its two wheels, the duffel emerged virtually unscathed after we hit it a couple of times with a metal bat, which leads us to believe that it'll be able to withstand the wear and tear of travel.

The duffel’s main compartment is cavernous, and we found that we could pack all of our essentials and gear, including a sleeping bag, with plenty of room to spare. Inside, you’ll find compression straps and two zippered mesh pockets inside of the bag’s lid that are ideal for stowing away smaller items like magazines, cables, or even socks and underwear. The duffel's exterior features a zippered pocket at the base of its adjustable handle, three additional handles on each of the bag's remaining sides, and two security straps to further compress your items. The handle worked well, but we didn't love that the tracks are visible inside the bag because you have to pack around them.

There’s tons of room thanks to internal and external compartments.

It’s on the heavier side when empty.

If you love built-in organization, this bag has multiple compartments ideal for two weeks’ worth of clothing, shoes, accessories, toiletries, and more that can fit far more than needed. We also appreciated the variety of external handles which make loading this bag into a car or onto a luggage rack a cinch. We found the wheels to roll very smoothly, making it easy to maneuver this checked bag. After six months of use, we think it's the perfect size — large, but not bulky. It gives off major “campfire couture vibes,” so we love the idea of taking this bag on an outdoor adventure or road trip, which could call for a wide range of gear.

The Details: Checked | 16 x 13 x 29 inches | 10.6 pounds | 95-liter capacity | 420D doby nylon

It has very sturdy handles, especially considering the affordable price tag.

It's too big to fit in the overhead bin.

When we packed this duffel with two weeks’ worth of winter gear, there was plenty of room left over. The main compartment was much more spacious than we originally thought, and we especially loved the variety of exterior pockets which made staying organized a breeze. The handle, while sturdy, is on the thinner side and the wheels are smaller than some others on this list, which made maneuvering this bag over carpet, cement, and through tight turns marginally more challenging. After traveling with this bag regularly for six months, we love how it rolls, though you're going to have to check this luggage. For under $50, you’ll have a hard time finding a better rolling duffel, and it comes in a wide range of colors for an option that will stick out at baggage claim, too.

The Details: Checked | 8 pounds | 30 x 12 x 13 inches | 77-liter capacity | Polyester

It maneuvers very well across different environments.

The exterior picks up dust easily.

They say that travel is about the journey, not (necessarily) the destination, and packing a Tumi bag is always an enjoyable part of any journey. In fact, after regularly using the bag for six months, we found that it can fit weeks' worth of clothing while keeping gear and accessories organized in individual pockets. The fabric and the zippers are substantial and luxurious, and the bag easily held up for multiple bat whacks and drops from a high table. We were especially impressed by how easily it maneuvered over a variety of different surfaces and noted how smoothly the oversized wheels worked on uneven carpeting, too. This rolling duffel also has enough compartments to satisfy any organization enthusiast, with two sides including one with added compression straps to hold clothing securely. The price tag may be steep, but this bag’s looks and performance make it a worthy investment.

The Details: Checked | 16 x 30.3 x 14 inches | 11 pounds | 98-liter capacity | Ballistic nylon

It’s the lightest bag we tested, and it even includes a packing cube and convertible backpack straps.

After using this bag for six months, we felt it can be cumbersome and isn't suitable for light packers.

This bag is proof that when it comes to luggage, bigger can, in fact, be better. It packs an astonishing 130 liters of volume (which is rare to find, even in bags two or three times its weight), yet manages to clock in at a positively featherweight 4.4 pounds — making it one of our favorite lightweight luggage options. But just because it’s big doesn’t mean it doesn’t pull its own weight: it’s constructed from an abrasion-resistant material that’s designed to last and repells anything from rain to sleet and snow.

Our favorite thing about this bag was that it also converts to a backpack, which can justify the fact that it won’t stand upright (as you wouldn’t want a hard frame pushing into your back if carrying that way). We can see this bag being an excellent choice for a safari bush plane with weight limits, or any instance when you wanted to start off with a featherweight bag before loading up your gear into the bag and the included packing cube.

The hefty bottom compartment is great for packing multiple pairs of shoes.

It has a pretty large capacity for a carry-on, but it may not be the best choice for overpackers.

The ideal carry-on is one that not only performs well, but looks good doing it, too. This bag manages to do both. It’s made from ReActive, a lightweight, durable, water-repellent material made from recycled water bottles, and folds down neatly for storage when not in use. There’s an interior curtain that can be zippered to separate the top and bottom compartments to keep you organized, and the main compartment also features one mesh slip pocket for smaller items. In fact, we packed enough items for a several-day trip in the top before realizing there was room at the bottom for at least four more pairs of shoes. Plus, this being Vera Bradley, the bag also comes in a few stunning patterns as well — so in a sea of black carry-on bags, you’ll be sure to stand out.

The main compartment is basically just one giant, superdeep pocket that's perfect for large items.

The bag is so large it can be difficult to roll.

For anyone who wants a large-capacity bag with a simple design, the Thule Chasm wheeled duffel is the perfect choice. If you're packing for a long trip or one that involves bringing a lot of bulky items, this is a great option thanks to its large compartment that is easy to pack. There's an additional pocket on the top with a mesh opening between it and the main compartment, as well as two mesh zipper pockets on the lid to keep smaller items organized and secure.

The handle works well, but the bag is so bulky, the best way to transport this bag is by rolling. We found that the wheels glide quite smoothly, but the bag can be unwieldy due to its size, so it may not be best for those who know they're likely to move in a hurry. Throughout our tests, we found the bag to be extremely durable with no damage to the bag after we hit it with a bat. The outer seems exceptionally tear-resistant and thick, so it's great for anyone looking to get the most out of their luggage.

The bag is like a half-suitcase, half-duffel with a structured bottom and flexible top half.

The bag itself is on the stiffer side.

There’s a fine line between budget and value options — and we feel like this Gonex rolling duffel bag delivered quality at a very competitive price point, stacking up to many of the more expensive bags at a fraction of the cost. It’s a long, stiff bag, but we had no issues racing it through our obstacle course and over rougher surfaces. Even after six months of frequent use, the wheels move with élan and the handle was easy to hold. We loved the design, too — it’s like a half-suitcase, half-duffel with a structured bottom half and a fabric upper flap, plus easy-to-adjust straps on the sides to secure the contents even more. We were also impressed with the sturdiness of this bag, including the structured bottom half, which makes the bag even more durable.

It's customizable, and one of the most spacious duffels we've tested.

The monograming costs extra.

When we say this bag is spacious, we mean this bag is spacious. In fact, Travel + Leisure senior editor Jasmine Grant said she "couldn't ask for more room in a duffel bag" as she tested it. At 28 by 12.5 by 6 inches, this bag is large enough to fit several days worth of clothes and accessories in the main compartment and couple pairs of shoes in the separate shoe compartment on top of the bag. While the bag did lack organizational features and pockets beyond the shoe compartment, we felt it wasn't necessary anyway — the bag is structured so the items inside don't ball up, and it zips opens wide enough to see everything inside easily.

You might think a bag of this size would look cumbersome and unsightly at the airport, but thanks to stylish features like gold hardware, a structured design, and the option to add a monogram, we felt sleek as can be while we were testing it out. The monogram options are plentiful and attractive (you can choose from 19 styles, 11 colors, and three character lengths), and we noticed they're high quality — no peeling or scratching off expected. You do have to pay extra for the monogram, though.

The Details: Checked | 28 x 12.5 x 6 inches | 8.5 pounds | Recycled polyester with polyurethane trim

Some rolling duffels we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list, but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-wheel Duffel: This luxury rolling duffel definitely delivers on the style front. We especially liked that it had both a large duffel section and a flat packing section, but it is on the more expensive side and only had one exterior pocket.

Travelpro Bold by Travelpro Check-in Drop-bottom Expandable Rolling Duffel: This rolling duffel is made from a rugged, water-repellant and stain-resistant polyester fabric and comes with a reinforced telescoping handle, but it’s incredibly bulky and may be difficult to store.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel: This water-resistant bag is great for inclement weather and rough handling conditions, but the exterior handles were awkward to hold, and we wish there was an additional handle to carry the bag horizontally.

In our quest to find the best-of-the-best wheeled bags, we combed the marketplace and narrowed our top selections down to 34 rolling duffels that then underwent a vigorous luggage testing process over a six-month period. We weighed them with luggage scales while empty before filling carry-on duffels with a week’s worth of clothes and checked duffels with closer to two week’s worth of clothes. We considered organizational and storage features such as padded sleeves, compression straps, pockets, and external daisy chains. We obsessed over how every single zipper opened and closed, too.

The tests continued with how these bags might perform in the real world. We rolled the duffels back and forth across a range of surfaces to test them for maneuverability, on everything from smooth lab floors to high-pile carpets. We even set up an obstacle course to make sure these bags can turn on a dime, taking notes on how smoothly the wheels and handles felt under pressure. And, perhaps most fun of all, we took a baseball bat to each bag to test them for durability. We also threw the bags off tables to check for wear and tear. Ultimately, we chose our favorites for this list.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Even the perfect rolling duffel won’t be much use to you if it doesn’t meet your airline’s size requirements for carry-on or checked luggage, so be sure to check online before committing to a new bag. This is especially important when it comes to carry-on duffel bags. It’s also worth mentioning that since duffel bags lend themselves to being stuffed to the brim, you may want to consider how much your bag weighs, especially if it’s on the larger side (or invest in a good luggage scale so you don't go over the weight limit).

With a roomy duffel bag, you may be tempted to go with a “more is more” mentality when it comes to packing, especially with the higher-volume duffels that have truly enormous main compartments. But it’s worth considering the smaller stuff, too. Different models of bags come with different varieties of internal and external organizational features such as zippered compartments, padded laptop or tablet sleeves, or even included packing cubes. It all depends on how organized you’d like to be and how much you’ll depend on your bag itself to keep you organized.

A duffel, once packed, can vary widely in terms of bulk and weight, and a good bag will keep up with you in a variety of environments. You’ll want to make sure your bag has a variety of straps so you can carry it in multiple ways, whether that’s by hand via a top handle, by its telescoping handle as you roll it down long airport hallways, or perhaps by convertible backpack or crossbody straps for other alternatives.

The right duffel bag can last a lifetime, especially if you buy one made from the right materials. This is the kind of bag you’ll probably be checking at airports, throwing under buses, and really putting through the ringer in terms of durability, so look for materials that are up for the challenge. Ripstop fabrics in particular are extremely durable but also lightweight, and products coated with DWR or other weather-resistant coatings are an added bonus.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. But for shorter business trips or weekend getaways, something carry-on sized with a maximum of 40 liters in volume, such as a weekender bag, is probably enough. If you’re packing for a week or more or looking to pack bulky camera equipment or camping gear, look at bags that hold 80-100 liters (you'll have to check your luggage, though).

Duffel bags are spacious, flexible, lightweight, and easy to carry. They don’t always have the same structural support or protective elements of a more traditional, four-wheeled suitcase, making them best for things that can’t necessarily break in transit. So, if you’re just traveling with clothes and soft goods, a duffel bag is a good choice for you.

The first step is always to read the manufacturer’s instructions — but you can clean most duffel bags with a damp rag, perhaps with a little soap or white vinegar, and then allow it to air dry fully before packing it again or stowing it away so it doesn't acquire mold.

We've given plenty of other impressive rolling duffel bags a whirl — some of which we've covered in the past. These picks stood out because of their durability, quality materials, and impressive capacity, and we think they're also worth considering,

Ektronik Rolling Weekend Duffel Bag: Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, this duffel fits under most airplane seats yet offers ample space for a short weekend away.

Rains' Texel Check-in Bag: Those who frequent destinations with plenty of precipitation (whether that’s ski resort snow or tropical rain) would do well to invest in a fully waterproof duffel. The Texel Check-in Bag from Rains is a great option.

Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel Bag XL: When size matters, choose the Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel Bag XL. With a massive capacity of 130 liters, it pushes the boundaries for the maximum size allowable by most airlines but should offer enough room for just about anything you want to pack.

For this article, contributor Todd Plummer used the T+L team’s testing insights to compile a list of the best rolling duffel bags for travel. We will continue to update this article as we test even more rolling duffel bags that we love.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter, and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

The Details:The Details:The DetailsThe Details:The Details:The Details:The Details:The Details:The Details:The Details:The Details:Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-wheel DuffelTravelpro Bold by Travelpro Check-in Drop-bottom Expandable Rolling DuffelOsprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel: Ektronik Rolling Weekend Duffel Bag: Rains' Texel Check-in Bag:Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel Bag XL:

Previous: The 4 Best Fireproof Document Safes of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter Next: The 10 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Send inquiry

Send