Best Duffels, Backpacks, Carry-Ons for Travel and Outdoors (2024)
When it comes to planning your next big adventure, buying luggage is probably not high on your priority list. But take it from us: a well-designed carry-on suitcase, waterproof tote, or rugged bag that can morph from duffel to backpack at the drop of a shoulder strap can go a long way toward mitigating travel woes.
Over the course of three years, we tested 35 duffels, suitcases, drybags, and backpacks to see which bags were best-suited the adventurer’s needs. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a weekend warrior, a full-time vanlifer, or a sponsored explorer planning your next big expedition, there’s something on this list for you.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated in November, 2024 to include four new products. We’ve also checked details and pricing throughout.
At a Glance
Best Overall
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L
$169 at REI $169 at Backcountry
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Dimensions: 22.8” x 13.3” x 9.5”
Available Sizes: 40 L, 55 L, 70 L, 100 L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Large opening
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Stash pocket to separate shoes or laundry
⊕ Backpack carries well
⊗ Lacks internal organization
Patagonia’s Black Hole has been the gold standard for adventure travel luggage for a long time, and with this newest iteration featuring 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing, the brand continues to lead the way in sustainability.
One of the best features of this duffel is how comfortable it is to carry as a backpack thanks to cushy, removable pack straps. An innovative, recycled TPU-film laminate also makes the bag lightweight and exceptionally abrasion- and weather-resistant. It’s rugged enough for major expeditions, yet convenient for the casual traveler, which makes it our top choice for 2024.
“In the rain, water beaded right off the bag, and it proved durable for outdoor adventures,” said one tester after taking the bag on a canoe camping trip in the Adirondacks and a camping trip to Moab, Utah.
The signature feature of the Black Hole, besides its pack straps, is its large main compartment that accommodates more gear than you’d think and makes finding said gear at a glance easy. The downside to this design is that the Black Hole doesn’t include a ton of internal organizational features found in other duffels, like zippered compartments to keep gear separated. The Black Hole has just one internal pocket on the zip-top lid to keep smaller items like toiletries organized.
However, it does include a surprisingly spacious external pocket for things you don’t want mingling with your other stuff (like wet or dirty items). That compartment also serves as the pocket you can stuff the entire bag into for compact storage when not in use.
Best Checked-Size Roller Bag
$238 at TradeInn $360 at Evoc
Weight: 9.3 lbs
Dimensions: 16” x 34” x 13” (125L)
Available Sizes: 125 L
Pros and Cons:
⊕ Excellent customizable and removable organization system
⊕ Heavy-duty, replaceable wheels
⊕ Well-built
⊗ Fabric can fray if you use the skateboard carry system
When category manager Drew Zieff lived out of the Evoc World Traveller 125 during a three-week road trip through New England this summer, it quickly stood out for its best-in-test combo of organization and durability. “The wheels were on the larger side for a roller bag, and combined with that heavy-duty handle, the World Traveller cruises over uneven brick or packed dirt and gravel with ease,” he reported. He also appreciated the taller, narrower profile of the World Traveller, which was easy to maneuver through tighter gaps at airport terminals and campgrounds alike.
Dan Schwartz, an Outside contributor and endurance athlete, tested the World Traveller on a trip to Vermont to a) ride some singletrack, and b) get married. Despite being a self-proclaimed “minimalist bag guy,” Schwartz fell in love with the World Traveller’s organizational layout. The bag features two access points: an upper zipper reveals a small compartment, while a lower zip gives way to the main compartment. Both feature removable, adjustable dividers. Schwartz divided clothes between the two larger compartments and used the smaller ones for everything from socks and underwear to toiletries, a headlamp, and his derailleur and chain. He even left it packed once he got to his destination—the perfect portable dresser.
The bag sports two external pockets, too: a larger square one on the bottom, and a smaller semi-circle pocket on top. “They’re perfect for stashing gear you’ll need in transit,” said Zieff. “I used them for sunglasses, sunscreen, and snacks while driving from Vermont to Cape Cod.” The two external straps can be used for carrying a skateboard, which Zieff did on his East Coast adventure. Testsers were impressed by the overall durability, reporting no baggage handler-related damage (despite Schwartz loading the World Traveller with 62 pounds of marital and mountain bike gear). However, Zieff did note that his skateboard’s gritty grip tape started to wear on the otherwise tough fabric. Still, we’d recommend the World Traveller as the perfect closet on wheels for all kinds of four-season adventures.
Best Carry-On Roller Bag
DB Ramverk Pro Front Access Carry-On
$799 at DB $799 at Backcountry
Weight: 9.3 lbs
Dimensions: 21” x 16” x 9”
Available Sizes: Carry-On, Front-Access Carry On, Check-In M, Check-In L
Pros and Cons:
⊕ Sleek, Scandinavian design
⊕ Front panel provides easy access
⊕ Durable build
⊗ Really expensive
⊗ Heavy
DB’s Ramverk Pro Front Access Carry-On is everything we love (and one thing we hate) about Scandinavian design. The Norwegian outfitter’s premium roller is clean, minimalistic, functional, and built to last—a masterful blend of elegant aesthetic and rugged utilitarianism. So what’s not to love? A price tag that’ll have you cursing the kroner.
If the sky’s the limit for your carry-on budget, though, the Ramverk Pro is as good as it gets for frequent flyers. The roller features a tough, polycarbonate shell built around an aluminum frame. A stiff-yet-flexible, padded polyester front-access panel unzips to reveal a laptop sleeve, a few organizational pockets, and a spacious main compartment. Jed Doane, a Seattle doctor who moonlights as an ultra-discerning, multi-sport gear tester, loved the durability and construction. “The frame is strong and this bag is quite durable–it feels like a lifetime piece,” he reported after a summer of testing.
Doane dug the 360-degree-spinning, 50-millimeter Hinomoto wheels and the telescoping handle, too. The resulting maneuverability was so impressive that he said he “felt like Lewis Hamilton whipping an F1 racecar while swerving through the crowds of SeaTac.”
Most Rugged
Sea to Summit Hydraulic Pro Dry Pack 75L
$449 at Sea to Summit
Weight: 3.8 lbs
Dimensions: 26.8” x 14.2” x 12.2”
Available Sizes: 50 L, 75 L, 100 L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Includes backpack straps for ease of transport
⊕ 100% waterproof
⊕ Small profile for large carrying capacity
⊗ Price
Testers found this 100-percent waterproof bag featuring a pressure-tested waterproof zipper, fully welded seams, and 100-denier Hydraulic fabric to be nearly indestructible, making it an ideal travel companion to wet and rugged environments. From bouncing around in the back of one tester’s pickup truck, to getting tossed around airports across the country on another tester’s month-long travels, this bag withstood it all.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the exceptionally steep price tag. The price point is comparable to other rugged, waterproof duffels of the same caliber, like the Yeti Panga Duffel, but what sets the Hydraulic Pro Pack apart is its design that makes it so easy to carry.
We tested the 75-liter version, and even when packed to the gills, it proved to be one of the most comfortable bags to carry in our test thanks to form-fitting shoulder straps and extended foam back panels that provide protection and cushioning when carrying it as a pack. This bag has only one external pocket, but testers didn’t mind the lack of internal organization, as this pack is really best suited for major expeditions.
It’s pricey, and generally over-engineered for the average traveler. But for those who rely and depend on a rugged, waterproof, and easy-to-carry duffel bag for overland motorcycle touring, paddling, or rafting adventures, it’s worth every penny for its durability and practicality.
Most Versatile
Nemo Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel & Tote
$180 at REI $180 at Backcountry
Weight: 3 lbs
Dimensions: 63.5” x 86” x 147”
Available Sizes: 55 L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Wide compartment opening
⊕ Many ways to carry and organize the bag
⊕ Folds up small into carrying case when not in use
⊗ Too bulky and uncomfortable to carry for long distances
⊗ On the heavier side
Out of all of the duffels and luggage we tested this season, the Nemo Double Haul proved to be the most ingenious. It’s a combination of a duffel bag and tote bag, with a huge opening designed to stay wide open while you pack thanks to the stiff trusses that give the bag structure.
Astonishingly, considering its size, the bag also folds down neatly into a carrying case, making it easy to travel with or keep in your car. The shell is made from urethane-coated, bluesign approved 100 percent recycled nylon, while the liner is made from bluesign approved, solution-dyed 100-percent recycled polyester with PFAS-free DWR.
This bag is meant for hauling. “It’s best for car camping, when you have dozens of items that may not have a home,” said tester Troy Tetreault after a climbing trip in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. “It also holds up well when tossed around amongst other gear.”
However, our testers wouldn’t recommend this bag for extended airline travel. The bag itself weighs 3 pounds, and testers found it awkward to carry because of the multiple ways the straps are set up for carrying—backpack carry, over the shoulder single arm carry, and suitcase carry.
Best for Watersports
Watershed Largo Tote
$179 at Backcountry $179 at Watershed
Weight: 1.7 lbs
Dimensions: 12.5” x 14.5” x 6”
Available Sizes: 19.5 L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Large, tapered opening allows for easy access to contents
⊕ Waterproof
⊕ Sleek design
⊕ Durable
⊗ Opening/closure system can be finicky
The smallest bag on the list, this waterproof tote is perfect for day trips on the water, with plenty of space for all of the essentials and a guarantee that gear will stay dry.
“I took this bag canoe camping in November in the Adirondacks, and used it to carry camera gear while it was snowing during the canoe to our campsite. All of my stuff stayed dry,” said one tester.
Watershed bags have somewhat of a cult-like following in the paddling community, and testers in the know were keen to put the brand’s new Kyrptothane Plus material to the test. This material, made of 840-denier nylon base fabric, is thicker and more resistant to UV rays, making it more durable and less prone to breaking down from extended exposure in the sun.
Testers appreciated the large, tapered opening that makes it easy to access items inside. One gripe: It takes some elbow grease to open the two pull tabs on either side of the bag’s opening to pry it open. After a couple times of using this opening and closing system, testers got the hang of it, and felt thankful for such an indestructible system that kept their things dry.
Best Gear Tote
Evo XL Utility Tote 95
$100 at evo
Dimensions: 28” x 19” x 15” (95L)
Available Sizes: 50 L, 95 L
Pros and Cons:
⊕ Durable
⊕ Versatile
⊕ Internal and external pockets
⊕ Affordable
⊗ No shoulder strap
⊗ Bulky when fully loaded
The biggest thing Evo’s XL Utility Tote 95 has going for it? It’s big. Really big. With a volume of 95 liters—a size typically reserved for expedition duffels and checked baggage—the Utility Tote is a massive gear hauler our testers quickly fell for. “I love this thing,” gushed veteran gear tester and Tahoe SportsHub bootfitter John Lauer, who reported the tote handled everything from wake-surf days on Lake Tahoe to rowdy mountain bike shuttles in the High Sierra. “I travel with bulky gear all the time, and this makes it so much easier to keep those items together. It fits my entire bike or snowboard kit.”
That said, the Utility Tote isn’t a one-trick pony. The exterior is a thick, water-resistant, polyurethane-coated PET ripstop that hasn’t yet shown any signs of wear, while the tarp lining is both easy to clean and difficult to damage.
Evo managed to add a few organization features without sacrificing the cavernous main compartment, too. Dustin Stiffler, an Arizona-based gear tester and cyclist, appreciated the tote’s padded interior pockets. “It’s nice to have designated spots for bike tools, gloves and cycling caps, and an extra pair of sunglasses,” he said. Testers also dug the exterior pockets, which were perfect for separating wet or smelly gear, and the burly exterior loops, which were ideal for lashing wet towels, bike helmets, and shoes to the outside.
While Lauer claimed he’ll be using the Utility Tote year-round for years to come, he did wish Evo included a shoulder strap; hefting the fully loaded bag by the grab handles was cumbersome over longer distances.
Best Value Roller Bag
Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On 40L/21.5”
$280 at Osprey $280 at Backcountry
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Dimensions: 10” x 14” X 21.5”
Available Sizes: 40 L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Large wheels and high clearance
⊗ Seemed to hold less than other bags the same size
⊗ On the pricier side
The Ozone line from Osprey, featuring five pieces ranging from four-wheeled suitcases to smaller backpacks and boarding bags, was designed for frequent flyers and travelers who value ease of transport. Of those, the Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On is perhaps the most convenient on-board option.
Made from an ultralight yet durable aluminum frame and nanofly recycled nylon fabric, it offers just enough organizational capabilities to make packing for a trip a little easier. This suitcase (like all pieces in this line) features a buttonless trolley handle and a YKK reverse coil coated zipper for improved water resistance—both industry firsts. The Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On also has a high clearance High Road LT frame, and oversized 90 millimeter wheels, making it rugged enough to handle terrain beyond concourse floors.
One tester takeaway: Despite this bag’s advertised 40-liter capacity, it didn’t seem to hold as much as softer duffel-style bags of the same size. That said, the sleek design combined with the function of this bag made it an obvious choice for our testers who needed a transport-friendly yet durable carry-on.
Best Value Duffel
Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 90L
$139 at REI $139 at Backcountry
Weight: 2.9 lbs
Dimensions: 13.5” x 25.5” x 12.25” (90 L)
Available Sizes: 40 L, 60 L, 90 L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Wide-mouth opening for easy access to gear
⊕ Uses 100% recycled fabric
⊕ Good value
⊗ Top zipper isn’t stiff enough
The Migrate duffel was a tester favorite for its holding capacity—you can fit a lot in here. The “doctor bag” style zip-top allows for easier access and full visibility of all your gear and an additional five liters of packing space.
Good news for those who tend to overpack and end up schlepping heavy duffels: Tuck-away backpack straps allow for multiple carry options. The added pockets—internal and front zippered pocket—set it apart from many other duffels in this category.
But perhaps the biggest pro of this bag: it incorporates 100-percent recycled 900-denier Polyester TPU and fully recycled 1680-denier ballistic Polyester RPVB that reuses windshield plastics from landfills and makes the bag abrasion- and weather-resistant.
Testers had just one complaint: the top zipper isn’t very stiff, so testers found the opening closing in on itself while they were packing the bag.
Best Backpack
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
$300 at Peak Design $240 at Backcountry
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Dimensions: 22” x 13” x 11”
Available Sizes: 30L, 40L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Adjustable volume system
⊕ Clean aesthetic
⊕ Good durability
⊕ Great organizational features
⊗ Heavy for a backpack
⊗ Expensive
“If you hate talking to strangers in the airport, then this pack might not be for you,” joked Tyler Macleod, a Denver-based tester who took the Travel Backpack on both a mountain biking trip to North Carolina and a sightseeing sojourn to Scotland this year. “I’ve never received so many compliments from strangers.” And while it’s true that the Travel Backpack’s aesthetic is undeniably sleek, this bag doesn’t just look dapper in transit: it also impressed with its user-friendly feature set and surprising ruggedness.
Features include a padded, 16-inch laptop sleeve and easy-access stash spots for passports, sunglasses, keys, and other odds and ends. Macleod’s favorite pockets, though, were the massive, stretchy water bottle sleeves that Peak Design engineered to double as tripod storage; each fit a Nalgene easily.
Testers also praised the comfy, stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, as well as multiple zippered access points. A set of snaps and expansion panels lets the Travel Backpack 45 slim down to a more manageable 35-liter or 30-liter pack. When compressed, it could fit under an airline seat. We weren’t worried about shoving it under there, either: Peak Design used a polyurethane-coated, DWR-treated, 400-denier nylon that’s seriously durable and water-resistant, and the bottom of the pack is armored with an even beefier 900D waterproof nylon. “I honestly tried to beat the shit out of this bag, and it looks brand new,” reported Tyler Macleod. “I chucked the backpack from a third-story balcony into the bed of our pickup truck. It proceeded to hang with the mountain bikes for more than three hours driving through the rain.” All his gear strayed dry, and the pack was no worse for wear.
Demerits were few and far between, but if we’ve got to nitpick, it’s on the heavy side for daily use. It’s also pretty pricey.
Best for Camping
The North Face Base Camp Gear Box
$150 at Public Lands $150 at Amazon
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Dimensions: 16” x 22.2” x 12”
Available Sizes: 65 L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Lots of space and organizational options
⊕ Folds down flat for storage
⊗ Specific use cases (mainly cars, vans, and home storage)
The North Face Camp Gear Box is made from the same material as the brand’s durable Base Camp duffel—300-denier recycled polyester and 840-denier recycled ballistic nylon. However, unlike a traditional duffel, this hold-all is equipped with internal metal “kickstands” that fold up for rigid support and down for storage, which makes this piece of luggage ideal for the road.
One tester used the 90-liter Base Camp Gear Box (large) to schlep all of her gear to a mountain bike race and was able to fit the whole kit and caboodle: chest protector, two full face helmets, one half shell, two tires, and two pairs of bike shoes within the box itself. She stashed three pairs of sunglasses, two pairs of goggles, and other bike maintenance tools in the added internal pouches. Extra brake pads, grips, and bike tools fit snugly in the lid-zippered pockets.
Even with all of that, the lid closed with ease. Plus, the outer handles on the box make it easy to transport in and out of vehicles. For someone who is on the road often, this box is a must-have for organization and travel.
How We Test
- Number of Testers: 21
- Number of Products Tested: 35
- Number of Miles Traveled: 18,500
Over the course of three years, we tested 35 pieces of luggage designed for the adventurous traveler who hauls their gear through more rugged environments than airport concourses. Think rafting adventures, camping getaways, climbing trips, and cross-country roadtrips.
As such, we primarily considered soft shell luggage between 20 and 100 liters made with abrasion- and weather-resistant materials to withstand plenty of use and abuse. We then rounded up 21 individuals who travel extensively—including a professional photographer, an outdoor educator, a professional skier and mountain biker, a forest ranger, and mapping technology specialist—and tasked them with schlepping these bags around the country to assess the best picks for adventure travel.
We asked them to home in on overall performance, feature-set, ease of transport, and durability, among other qualities. The bags on this list rose to the top of the pile after impressing testers in all categories.
Meet our Testers
Caitlin Kelly
Originally from the Coast of Maine, Caitlin Kelly studied creative writing and environmental studies at St. Lawrence University in Upstate New York. She has called the Adirondack Mountains home since, building community through her work with Women of the Adirondacks and The Adirondack Community Avalanche Project. She currently resides in Lake Placid, NY, and is the social and digital media specialist for North Country Public Radio. She is an avid backcountry skier and a ski patroller at Whiteface Mountain. Her writing has appeared in Powder Magazine, Adirondack Life Magazine, Freeskier, The Ski Journal, Outside Magazine, and Ski Magazine, among other publications. If you sit too close to her on a chairlift, you may get some glitter on you.
Drew Zieff
Drew Zieff is a Tahoe-based freelancer who writes for Backcountry Magazine, REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. A regular Outside contributor, he heads our snowboard gear coverage in the winter. A few years back, he and his partner turned a plumbing van into their dream adventure mobile. After a couple years of vanlife, the highlight of which was surfing from Canada to Mexico, the couple put roots down in Tahoe, though they still take van trips to the coast when there’s swell. Familiar with the needs of both weekend warriors and full-time nomads, Zieff happily directs our camping accessories, travel luggage, and camping kitchen coverage each summer.
link
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-armour-vert-marcel-wool-peacoat-rosie-marder-6-1-43a49e23eb284bf3a076f244131fa372.jpeg "The Best Women’s Travel Clothing, Tested and Reviewed")
