Larger than a backpack but more convenient than rolling luggage, the best duffel bag 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 bag, 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Buying Considerations for the Best Duffel Bags for Men
Size
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
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.
Why You Should Trust Us
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.
Final Verdict
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.
FAQ
-
-
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.
-
