Discover Your Ideal Men’s Duffle Bag Here
The best duffel bags are versatile carry-alls that accommodate enough clothing for short trips, the grooming items you require (within reason) and a couple extra odds and ends. There are many different kinds, from weekender-sized models that meet the size requirements of most airline carry-ons to expedition-size bags capable of toting a week’s worth of gear. While some are designed to be rugged, the best men’s duffles can also be stylish. To help you find your perfect match, we spoke with luggage/travel experts including Coralie Lindvay of DELSEY Paris, Jarryd Salem of Nomadasaurus, Alesha Bradford of Boarding Discover Your Ideal Men’s Duffle Bag Here Pass NYC, Lauren Yakiwchuk of Justin Plus Lauren and Renee Hahnel of Helene in Between to get their recommendations.
They all agreed that while a luxe leather duffel can certainly stand up to the wear and tear of frequent use and develop a unique patina, there are plenty of other options that can be just as durable—and far more wallet-friendly. And so we put dozens of duffels to the test, sourced from top travel brands like Away, Beis, Calpak and more. The results? We narrowed it down to our top picks, below.
When you think of a basic, no-frills duffle, chances are that you picture the Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume. It has the classic shape and look of a barrel duffle and features a sturdy canvas outer that’s abrasion-resistant and can fend off light moisture. Plus, it meets the size requirements for most airline carry-ons and has a bunch of useful internal and external storage pockets.
Another great choice for the guy who doesn’t want to look like he’s carrying a duffle bag is the Cotopaxi Mariveles 32L Duffel Bag Del Dia. Unlike the Herschel, it doesn’t have any additional bells and whistles, but it does feature a sturdy ripstop nylon exterior that fends off water and abrasion, plus a padded interior compartment for shoes or a laptop. Plus, the brand is a listed B Corp and takes care to be transparent about its social mission and labor practices.
While it might not be as rugged as Filson’s version, the Heritage Weekender is a stylish take on an old-school model. It boasts vegetable-tanned leather from Pennsylvania’s renowned Wickett & Craig and a thick bridle leather handle that gets softer and more durable with each use. Plus, it has a storm flap that sits over the main zip for added weather protection.
As a bonus, the Heritage can be worn on one shoulder or over your head backpack-style, depending on how you like to carry it. It’s also an excellent option if you’re heading to a warm destination because the bag has a separate, fully-insulated section for your clothes. And, if you’re worried about packing a lot of clothes for a short trip, the Heritage has a compression strap that reduces the amount of space needed to fit everything. You’ll be able to pack more into less space, which is always a good thing.
