Tech & Gear Luggage The Best Rolling Duffels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald Facebook LinkedIn King's College London Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 01/03/23 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. John Dowland/ Getty Images Rolling duffels are the luggage style of choice for adventure travelers, outdoorsy folks, and chronic over-packers—essentially, anyone who requires plenty of flexible space and the added versatility of a bag that can be carried or slung over a shoulder as easily as wheeling it from A to B. These days, many brands also make duffels that are as fashionable as they are functional, also making them a viable option for business trips and weekend getaways. Things to look out for include sturdy carry handles or straps, a reliable wheel and trolley system, and a generous, durable interior with some organization features. To help you narrow your search for the perfect rolling duffel, we decided to review 30 of the most popular in the TripSavvy lab. Using a series of tests designed to simulate the rigors of airline travel, we scored each duffel on its capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value. In the end, the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L stood out as our overall winner for its impressive capacity and rugged, all-weather construction. Other products shone in their own niche categories, though, so read on for our pick of the best rolling duffels for every traveler. The Rundown Best Overall: Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Samsonite Just Right Weekend Wheeled Duffel at Belk.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Travelers Club Xpedition Upright Rolling Duffel Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Gonex Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels at Amazon Jump to Review Best Carry-On: Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Checked: eBags Mother Lode Checked Rolling Duffel at Amazon Jump to Review Best for International Travel: OGIO Terminal Travel Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Tumi Large Split 2 Wheeled Duffel at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hauling Gear: REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel at REI Jump to Review Best for Business Travel: Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Other Rolling Duffels We Liked Other Rolling Duffels We Tested How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L 4.9 Backcountry View On Backcountry.com View On Evo.com View On Patagonia.com What We Like Ultra-durable, weatherproof material Impressive capacity Sturdy, smooth-rolling wheels What We Don't Like Tricky to maneuver through tight turns The 100L Black Hole Wheeled Duffel from Patagonia impressed us from the outset with its impressive capacity. With some strategic packing, we could fit double or even triple the amount of clothing on our prescribed packing list. We liked its structured bottom for support and its flexible upper, allowing for maximum packing potential. The duffel features ripstop polyester with a highly weather-resistant TPU-laminate coating. We found it sleek, functional, and sturdy enough to potentially be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. After our stringent durability tests, the duffel showed zero signs of wear and tear. It’s also great for the planet, with 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. The main compartment features a large opening and internal compression straps, with mesh pockets in the lid for smaller items. There’s also a zippered side pocket to separate shoes, toiletries, or dirty laundry. We liked that there are multiple ways to transport this bag. You can use the reinforced haul handles to lift it onto the luggage scale; or weave through the airport using the sturdy, oversized wheels and telescoping handle. Although somewhat tricky to maneuver around tight turns, we found that the wheels rolled perfectly on rough and smooth surfaces. Price at time of publish: $419 Dimensions: 32.6 x 16 x 13.7 inches | Weight: 9.49 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: Ripstop polyester with a TPU-film laminate | Sustainability: 100 percent recycled ripstop polyester TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik Best Overall, Runner-Up Samsonite Just Right Weekend Wheeled Duffel 4.9 Dillards View On Belk.com View On Dillards.com View On Samsonite.com What We Like Sophisticated yet durable aesthetic Multiple tech pockets Wheels smoothly over rough surfaces What We Don't Like Only available in black We loved the look of the Samsonite Just Right Weekend Wheeled Duffel's chic, matte black fabric that was also thick enough to survive our bat and drop tests unscathed. It's an excellent choice for the tech-savvy traveler, with padded sleeves for your tablet and laptop, a tech organization panel hidden within one of the exterior pockets, a front zippered pocket with a USB charge port, and a patent-pending wireless charging pocket. Another side pocket uses an RFID-blocking lining to protect your data while traveling. The main compartment is spacious and well thought out, with multiple zippered pockets for organizing smaller items or keeping dirty items separate. We particularly liked that there are three ways to transport this bag. Slip the rear sleeve over the handle of your bigger suitcase to link them together, or carry it hands-free using the removable, adjustable, padded shoulder strap. Alternatively, the two wheels and retractable push-button handle provide a smooth roll even on carpet and gravel. Price at time of publish: $450 Dimensions: 22 × 12 × 11.75 inches | Weight: 4.81 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Not listed Best Budget Travelers Club Xpedition Multi-Pocket Upright Rolling Duffel Bag 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot What We Like Multiple exterior pockets Surprisingly durable Folds away when not in use What We Don't Like The handle is not adjustable Made from surprisingly sturdy 600-denier polyester, the Travelers Club Xpedition duffel bag retails for just over a tenth of the price of our overall winner. Despite its low cost, it held up well to our durability tests with no obvious dents, tears, or broken elements. The main compartment is spacious (so much so that we had room left after packing for a 10 to 14-day winter trip) but lacks organization features. This was more than made up for by the bag's exterior, however, which features no fewer than six extra-large zippered accessory pockets. The duffel features sturdy top and rear carry handles for manual lifting. Alternatively, it has two wheels and a retractable handle—although we felt the latter's design was lacking since it wasn't height-adjustable and could have been smoother to extend. Most importantly, though, it was strong enough to maneuver the bag around our simulated airport obstacles while the wheels rolled smoothly over cement. Finally, the duffel features a tri-fold bottom for convenient storage. Price at time of publish: $42 Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Capacity: 77 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed Best Value Gonex Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Structured bottom half adds sturdiness Wheels roll smoothly and turn easily Clever exterior compression straps What We Don't Like The handle has only one height setting The Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag features 1,200-denier PVC—making it waterproof, lightweight, and (as our durability tests proved) exceptionally durable. Coming in at roughly a quarter of the price of our overall winner, we felt it offered incredible value for the money, especially given its innovative design. The large main compartment features a U-shaped opening for easy access and easily fit everything on our packing list. We loved the half suitcase/half duffel concept, with a structured bottom that gives contents an extra layer of protection. Organization features include an interior zippered mesh pocket, two exterior pockets, and clever compression straps that fasten outside the duffel to keep everything in place. The duffel comes with high-quality YKK zippers and balanced bottom feet that allow it to stand upright on its own. We found the telescoping handle comfortable but wished it had more than one height setting. Finally, the oversized trolley wheels operated smoothly through turns and over a variety of terrains, including gravel. Price at time of publish: $156 Dimensions: 33 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 11.35 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: PVC | Sustainability: Not listed Best Carry-On Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target What We Like Made from recycled plastic bottles Separate shoe compartment Folds flat for easy storage What We Don't Like Not as durable as some outdoor brands Made from Vera Bradley’s lightweight, recycled ReActive fabric, the Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag wins points for sustainability by saving 24 plastic bottles from landfill. It’s also water-repellent and survived our durability tests without sustaining any damage. The main compartment features a mesh slip pocket and a concealed bottom compartment perfect for separating shoes or dirty laundry. We fit everything on our packing list before realizing this bottom compartment existed. There are also two zippered pockets on the outside of the duffel. We found that the wheels turned smoothly around tight corners and handled all terrains well. The bag is also small enough to carry comfortably using the dual top carry handles. It stands upright on its own and folds flat for convenient storage in the back of your closet. Other thoughtful design features include a travel lock, luggage tag, and a zippered pocket for storing the handle when not in use. The duffel is available in Reactive Black, Rose Foliage, or Sunflower Sky and has a five-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $180 Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: ReActive fabric | Sustainability: Saves 24 plastic bottles from landfill Best Checked eBags Mother Lode Checked Rolling Duffel 4.8 eBags View On Amazon View On Ebags.com What We Like Spacious, two-sided packing Sturdy construction Zippered expansion What We Don't Like No side handle for easy lifting With a durable, molded bottom and flexible polyester top, this rolling duffel from Mother Lode divides into two sections. The zippered top compartment features a mesh storage pocket and compression straps, while the bottom compartment is unstructured except for two large pockets perfect for shoes or toiletries. Both sides of the bag are deep, allowing space to configure your belongings. We packed for a week and still had room to spare without using the three exterior pockets or the zippered expansion feature. We found the overall quality good, with zippers that opened easily, smooth-rolling wheels, and a sturdy telescoping handle. The latter offers three height settings for maximum stability and comfort. It was easy to maneuver over and around obstacles and survived our durability tests with no signs of damage. In fact, the only downside was the absence of a side haul handle, which made lifting it a little awkward. The bag comes in one color, Heathered Graphite, and has a limited lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $230 Dimensions: 29 × 17 × 15 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed Best for International Travel OGIO Terminal Travel Bag 4.8 Ogio View On Amazon View On Ogio.com What We Like Huge capacity Smooth, quiet skate wheels Multiple grab handles What We Don't Like Limited plain colors If you're planning a round-the-world adventure and need a bag that can fit weeks' worth of belongings while also withstanding the rigors of international travel, you'll love the OGIO Terminal Travel Bag. It's constructed of durable 420-denier nylon, with protective, reinforced skid bars on the back panel. We found it lightweight yet so strong it didn't show any signs of our repeated bat and drop tests. In terms of capacity, we'd have scored it a ten if we could, with enough space to fit clothes, shoes, and accessories for 14 days. The interior features a neoprene lining, a mesh divider, and compression straps—while two large external pockets provide space for keeping toiletries or dirty laundry separate. The skate wheels and retractable handle helped the duffel to move smoothly and quietly through our obstacle course, while multiple grab handles came in handy for loading it into cars and buses. Colors, except for sober Black Pindot, are eye-catching with names like Double Camo, Acid Waves, and Nebula. Price at time of publish: $240 Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 13 inches | Weight: 10.6 pounds | Capacity: 95 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Not listed Best Splurge Tumi Large Split 2 Wheeled Duffel 4.7 Tumi View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales What We Like Clamshell and top-loading openings Plenty of interior, and exterior compartments Smooth, high-quality wheels What We Don't Like Likely to be out of budget for most The TUMI Large Split 2-Wheeled Duffel will set you back the better part of $1,000, but for those that can afford it, we feel the quality is commensurate with the price. The bag has virtually indestructible ballistic nylon, with a molded, impact-resistant bottom and protective bumper rails. It sailed through our durability tests unscathed. We loved its clamshell-style opening and the divided interior with a large mesh zippered pocket and compression straps. We were able to fit everything on our list with space to spare. With so many compartments on the inside and outside, we actually enjoyed the packing experience! One of the exterior pockets has a water-resistant lining. The duffel maneuvered skillfully across all terrains thanks to its large, high-quality wheels and two-stage telescoping handle. It also has leather-accented top and side carry handles and a bottom grab handle. Other benefits include molded feet for standing upright and the brand’s proprietary TUMI Tracer. Price at time of publish: $995 Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 14 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Ballistic nylon | Sustainability: Not listed Best for Hauling Gear REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel 4.8 REI View On REI What We Like Sleek, outdoorsy design Water-resistant, recycled nylon Interior and exterior compression straps What We Don't Like Aesthetic may not be smart enough for some Need an outdoors-approved duffel big enough to fit the whole family’s gear and is hardy enough to travel where few other suitcases can go? The REI Co-op Big Haul duffel is for you. We packed everything on our list with plenty of space left over. We loved the weather-resistant finish on the recycled ripstop nylon exterior; and the heavy-duty, oversized wheels that easily handled all of our testing terrains and challenges. The telescoping handle felt sturdy, and the side, front, and end handles made the duffel simple to lift as needed. The main compartment features several practical mesh pockets and a set of compression straps. We also liked that the duffel has exterior compression straps that allow it to be tightened depending on how full it is. Other features that reinforce the impression that this duffel is meant for the great outdoors include daisy chain lash points for attaching extra gear; and piggyback clips for connecting your daypack or other luggage. Price at time of publish: $289 Dimensions: 34 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces | Capacity: 109 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Contains recycled, bluesign-certified materials Best for Business Travel Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales What We Like Stylish rose gold accents Lightweight and easy to carry Deceptively spacious interior What We Don't Like High price tag Despite its carry-on-approved dimensions, we found the Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag much more spacious than it initially looked and were highly impressed with how much we could fit in. We loved its elegant, tapered design, envelope-style front pocket, and stylish faux-leather accents. It’s an excellent choice for business travelers, with its chic rose gold detailing, including on the zippers, embossed Ted Baker logo plate, and aluminum trolley system. While the exterior is smart, professional black, the interior features a vibrant, butterfly-patterned lining. It has multiple compartments, including a padded sleeve for your tablet or laptop; and TSA-approved locks to keep everything safe in transit. We found that the wheels performed impeccably over gravel, carpet, and through our obstacle course, while the duffel itself was so lightweight that carrying it using the top handles was just as easy. The only drawback was the price tag, although we felt it was a fair reflection of the bag’s quality. Price at time of publish: $395 Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Capacity: 33 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed Other Rolling Duffels We Liked Briggs & Riley ZDX 27-Inch Medium Upright Duffel: We appreciated the roomy capacity of this medium-sized duffel as well as the thoughtful layout of its compartments (including an expandable one on the front). It was well-made and moved beautifully, but definitely toward the higher end of the price spectrum. Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 31-Inch: We could fit all of our items in this duffel with space to spare and liked its compression straps and storage pocket. We found it incredibly easy to maneuver; however, we would have liked to see another height setting for the telescoping handle and larger top carry handles. Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag 32-Inch: This rolling duffel impressed us with its durability, standing up well to our drop and bat tests. It’s also an attractive option with plenty of packing space despite its relatively small size; however, we found that it listed significantly when packed full and stood upright. Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel 32-Inch: With its massive main compartment and extra-rugged construction, we love this duffel for those who need to carry a lot of gear. It rolled easily on multiple surfaces, albeit a little unwieldy around tight turns. It lost points for lack of organization features and usable carry handles. High Sierra Fairlead 34-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag: This duffel scored highly for its many organization options and highly accessible main compartment. The carry handle and strap were comfortable; however, it was tricky to maneuver around turns and was unstable when upright. Eagle Creek 130L Cargo Hauler Rolling Duffel: We really appreciated that this duffel’s huge interior is made manageable by an included packing cube. It also converts into a backpack and is super lightweight, although the lack of structure that makes this lightness possible also means it can’t stand upright on its own. The North Face Rolling Thunder 22-Inch Carry-On Bag: This duffel stood out for its superior maneuverability and handles on all sides, making it possible to carry it in several different ways. Our only complaint was that the zippers were somewhat sticky and that the size could be a little too compact for some. Other Rolling Duffels We Tested DELSEY Paris Raspail 28-Inch Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag: We were pleasantly surprised by this duffel’s capacity and liked that it has separate pockets for laundry and other essentials. It had multiple handles and rolled well, but it felt a little flimsy overall. Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-Wheel Duffel 29-Inch: This duffel accommodated all our belongings with plenty of space to spare. We liked the separate bottom compartment and multiple handle heights but ultimately felt it was overpriced. Lipault Foldable Plume Wheeled Duffel: If capacity is your priority, this enormous duffel could be a good choice. It also maneuvered beautifully despite its size; however, we found the unstructured interior a bit disorganized. Samsonite Detour 29-Inch Wheeled Duffel: We liked this duffel’s tactical style and easy roll but ultimately found the interior disappointingly organization-free. We also struggled to fit everything on our list inside. Samsonite Ripstop 30-Inch Rolling Duffel: This duffel withstood our durability tests well and scored top marks for its versatile pockets. But, it lost points for its awkward carry handles and the fact that the trolley system wasn’t adjustable. Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch: This duffel maneuvered fine and survived our durability tests; however, we felt the material was flimsy and couldn’t see it lasting more than a few trips. It also didn’t have any interior pockets. Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch: We felt this duffel was intended for carrying sports gear and would only consider it for that purpose. Otherwise, it was poorly designed and broke during our durability tests. Eddie Bauer Expedition 30 Duffel 2.0: We liked this duffel’s sturdy frame and felt it was well-balanced. It maneuvered easily through obstacles but lost points for thin fabric, loose stitching, and confusing organization features. Travelpro Bold 30-Inch Check-In Drop-Bottom Expandable Rolling Duffel: This is a huge duffel with a main compartment that is accessible in two ways. We liked its sturdy handle and surprising maneuverability but felt it was too bulky for most travelers. L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag, Large 30-Inch: With just one exterior pocket and no interior organization, we found this duffel challenging to pack. We also felt the quality was lackluster, although it did maneuver well. The North Face Rolling Thunder 36-Inch Rolling Duffel: This duffel impressed us with its generous capacity and thoughtful compartments. However, it lacked a proper handle making it difficult to maneuver it up steps or across rough terrain. Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag: We liked that this bag split clamshell-style into a structured bottom half and a more flexible top half with compartments. However, it scuffed easily during tests making us question its durability. Oiwas Small Rolling Duffel Bag: We gave this duffel top marks for maneuverability. Unfortunately, it failed to impress in terms of quality, with a flimsy handle, poor stitching, and zippers that broke during testing. How We Tested First, we weighed each duffel to check the accuracy of the manufacturer’s description. Then we packed it according to a packing list meant to replicate a four-day trip for carry-on duffels and a seven-day trip for checked duffels. While doing so, we took note of the bag’s capacity and how well-thought-out its organizational features were. Next, we rolled it back and forth on smooth concrete, pushing and pulling it to check how easily it moved. Then, we tested maneuverability by rolling the duffel through an obstacle course to simulate a busy airport. Then we repeated these tests on a carpeted floor. We also tested how easy it was to drag the duffel onto the sidewalk and over gaps between cement pavers. We checked how comfortable it was to carry it using its handles and/or straps and then tested durability by repeatedly pushing it off a countertop and beating it with a baseball bat. These tests specifically targeted potential weak spots. Finally, scores were given from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value, resulting in an overall score used to select category winners. 0:27 Testing Rolling Duffels for Durability and Portability What to Look for When Buying a Rolling Duffel Weight and Dimensions The optimum duffel size depends on how much you want to pack and for how long. Bear in mind that for carry-on duffels, though, the IATA recommends that bags have a maximum length of 22 inches, a width of 18 inches, and a depth of 10 inches. Exact requirements may differ from airline to airline. Checked bags must not exceed a linear dimension (length + width + depth) of 62 inches. In terms of weight, it’s important to find a good balance between quality construction and lightness. However, the lighter your duffel is, the more you can pack before exceeding airline weight restrictions. Price Rolling duffels vary significantly in price, with our category winners ranging from just over $40 to just under $1,000. The key is to determine the value of a potential purchase—if the bag is a splurge, is it worth it? A duffel with premium materials could last you a lifetime, in which case the answer is probably yes. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can comfortably afford. Be sure to check user reviews, however, to help establish how much of the cost reflects performance and how much you’re paying for brand name only. Other Features Other features to look out for beyond the duffel itself include organization features—how many pockets or compartments does the bag have, and how easy are they to access? How many carrying options does it offer (can it be comfortably carried using the haul handles, or does it convert to a backpack?)? Some have padded pockets for your laptop or tablet, while tech-savvy carry-on duffels may even have USB or wireless charging facilities. The most important features for a rolling duffel to fulfill its purpose are easily maneuverable wheels and a sturdy, telescoping handle. Frequently Asked Questions How should I care for and wash my rolling duffel? Every rolling duffel will have its own specific manufacturer’s instructions regarding the best way to clean it. As a general rule, however, most can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and should dry naturally. Like all luggage, duffels should be completely dry before being put away and kept away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. What materials should I look for in a rolling duffel? Duffels are softsided by nature, and the best have sturdy, lightweight materials—most usually, ripstop polyester or nylon. For added weatherproofing, consider a PVC duffel or one coated with TPU laminate; while eco-conscious travelers should look out for bags made using recycled versions of these materials. The best-quality telescoping handles feature aerospace-grade aluminum. When is a rolling duffel better than a rolling suitcase? Rolling duffels offer more flexible packing space than hardsided suitcases and are easier to stuff into irregular spaces (a safari truck’s roof racks or the cargo hold of a bus). Many argue that they’re more durable—all attributes that make them ideal for adventure travel or sports trips. They can usually be carried in more than one way, making them a good fit for journeys that will take you to areas a wheeled suitcase can’t go. Why Trust TripSavvy Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor to adventure and family travel articles. She’s packed many a rolling duffel in her time, whether for scuba diving trips across South East Asia, research trips to the Peruvian Amazon, or camping adventures around the national parks of South Africa. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 10 below. Continue to 9 of 10 below.