The 12 Best Rolling Backpacks, Duffels, and Weekenders of 2024

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The 12 Best Rolling Backpacks, Duffels, and Weekenders of 2024

No matter where your adventures bring you, it likely only takes one trek across an airport to convince you that a wheeled bag is better than anything you have to carry by hand. There are also times when a backpack or duffel slung over your shoulder makes more sense — such as on an African safari or other wilderness expedition where cement sidewalks are few and far between.

Can’t decide between these two options? There are convertible luggage choices that give you the best of both worlds, and we’ve searched high and low to find the best wheeled options around, including backpacks, duffels, and weekenders. Some picks were chosen according to extensive industry research and others came from products the Travel + Leisure team has tested in our lab and out in the real world. The top picks and performers for capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value are all highlighted below.

Solo Leroy Rolling Duffel
PHOTO: Solo

This rolling duffel is the perfect combination of style and substance, offering all the features we want in a rolling duffel bag without sacrificing style. It’s very spacious with a large shoe sleeve side pocket (so you can keep your dirty shoes separate from the rest of your belongings) and several small internal and external pockets. We tested this bag in our T+L lab, and we were able to fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. We also loved all of the pockets on the outside for storing necessities like your phone and wallet (though we’d add more interior pockets if we could). The bag had other elements we liked as well, including smooth zippers and an easy-to-use handle.

This bag weighs just around 6 pounds when empty, so it’s not the lightest option for a carry-on, but we still found it very easy to maneuver when packed full, and the wheels rolled smoothly over various surfaces. It was comfortable to carry as a duffel bag as well if you choose not to roll it. The bag is also extremely durable — it showed no signs of wear and tear during our tests, which included dropping it from a table and hitting it with a baseball bat.

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

Thule Chasm 32 Inch Wheeled Duffel
PHOTO: Thule

From a brand whose name is synonymous with long-lasting durability comes the Thule Chasm 32-inch Wheeled Duffel: a large, checked-sized option perfect for those with lots to pack. It’s made from durable, weather-resistant tauplin fabric with a hardside back panel to help it withstand rough handling. Use the sturdy top and side grab handles to haul it in and out of your trunk, and the oversized wheels and telescoping handle to take the weight off when traveling from one location to the next. 

We tested this option in our lab, and loved the spacious main compartment with a wide opening for easy access, as well as zippered mesh compartments on the underside of the lid that provide a way to separate smaller items, toiletries, or dirty laundry. We liked the organization and pockets inside the bag but would prefer more pockets on the outside as well. The duffel is largely unstructured, which some may find frustrating on a large bag like this. Nevertheless, it’s great for bulky loads, and there’s a zippered pocket on the exterior for stashing quick-access essentials.

The Details: Checked bag | 32 x 17 x 15 inches | 10.2 pounds | 110 liters | TPE laminate, 50-percent recycled polycarbonate backshell | Water resistant    

Tumi Alpha 3 Large Split 2-Wheeled Duffel
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It

  • With clamshell-style dual packing spaces, expansion options, and intuitive compartments, this duffel is a dream for the organized traveler. 

At roughly 2.5 times the price of our overall winner, the Tumi Alpha 3 Large Split 2-wheeled Duffel is certainly an investment. However, we feel that the quality and functionality of the bag represent great value for money, and we would know because we tested this in our T+L lab. It’s made from ultradurable FXT ballistic nylon with stylish cowhide leather accents. The duffel splits clamshell-style into two large compartments that you can keep separate by a zippered divider curtain or combine them to create one oversized packing space. 

We loved that there’s a zippered entry on top of the duffel and that the interior can be made even more spacious with a push-button expansion feature. We were able to fit a week’s worth of gear with plenty of space left over and felt that the clever interior and exterior compartments made packing joyful. One of the exterior pockets is even lined with water-resistant fabric for separating damp laundry. Finally, the duffel has top and side carry handles and a telescoping handle with two smooth-rolling recessed wheels. 

The Details: Checked bag | 30 x 16 x 14 inches | 11 pounds | 98 liters | FXT ballistic nylon

Travelers Club Xpedition Multi-Pocket Upright Rolling Duffel Bag
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It

  • This duffel offers plenty of packing space, abundant pockets, and an impressive level of durability given its lower price tag.

The Travelers Club Xpedition 30-inch Rolling Duffel Bag costs roughly a tenth of the price of our overall winner yet fulfills the same role as a large-capacity gear hauler. It’s made from 600-denier polyester, which we found to be surprisingly durable (although we wouldn’t expect it to hold up to years of constant use). And, while we wish the telescopic handle extended further and more smoothly, it is easily strong enough to lift the loaded bag up onto the sidewalk. The bag rolls well across cement, with a little more effort required for carpet and tight turns. 

The bag doesn’t look particularly large from the outside, but we were able to fit enough clothing and accessories for a 10- to 14-day winter trip with space left over. The main compartment is unstructured while multiple exterior pockets in varying sizes satisfy even the most organized packer. The duffel comes in an impressive range of colors from charcoal gray to hot pink. 

The Details: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | 6.6 pounds | 77 liters | Polyester

Amazon Osprey Farpoint Wheeled 65L Travel Pack
PHOTO: Amazon

The Osprey Farpoint Wheeled Travel Pack offers the last word in flexibility for adventurous travelers. Use the oversized wheels and telescoping handle to navigate effortlessly through the airport and the Airspeed Harness with its breathable mesh back panel, padded shoulder straps, and weight-distributing hipbelt to carry the bag whenever the going gets tough. The harness is fully stowable for protection when checking the bag in, while its frame offers lightweight structure and support. 

Packing and unpacking is easy thanks to the large front panel opening. Stash smaller items in the zippered top pocket or the internal mesh sleeves, then use the interior and exterior compression straps to keep everything securely in place. The backpack even offers attachment points for a compatible daypack or larger items such as a sleeping bag or camping air mattress. You can feel good about your purchase from a sustainability perspective, too, since it’s made from recycled materials with a durable weather repellent (DWR) coating.  

The Details: Checked bag | 27 x 17 x 13 inches | 6.2 pounds | 65 liters | DWR-coated recycled fabrics | Water resistant

Amazon Ektronik Rolling Weekend Duffel Bag
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It

  • This weekender ticks all the boxes with great organization options, an attractive aesthetic, and a very reasonable price tag.

If you’re looking for a new weekender and love having a designated place for all of your belongings, you’ll appreciate the smart design of the Etronik Rolling Weekend Duffel Bag. Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, it fits under most airplane seats yet offers ample space for a weekend away. The main compartment is roomy, with multiple slip pockets for securing your wallet, phone, and electric cables. For many, the highlight is the integrated wet compartment for keeping damp clothes and toiletries separate. 

The weekender comes with a matching cosmetics bag and features two exterior slip pockets perfect for your water bottle and umbrella. Best of all, the entire bottom section of the bag unzips to reveal a separate shoe compartment big enough for two standard-size pairs of shoes. (It’s also vented to prevent odor.) Carrying options include comfortable top handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. Alternatively, use the antiskid wheels and telescoping handle to roll through the airport in style. Colors range from khaki to soft pink. 

The Details: Carry-on | 21 x 13 x 9 inches | 4 pounds | Nylon | Water resistant

Rains Texel Check-in Bag
PHOTO: Rains

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. It’s made from the brand’s signature PU material which not only keeps out the wet but scores points for its on-trend aesthetic. A half-silhouette hardside shell gives the duffel an added layer of durability and helps it to stand upright unsupported, while exterior compression straps adjust its size to suit your load.  

Unzip the clamshell opening to divide the suitcase in half for easy packing. One side features elastic cross-straps to keep everything in place, while the two are kept separate by mesh divider panels. If you have items that you want to keep within easy reach, stash them in the zippered exterior pocket. Despite its large size, the duffel is kept maneuverable by its smooth-rolling wheels, telescopic handle, and sturdy top and side grab handles. 

The Details: Checked bag | 25 x 14 x 11 inches | 8.6 pounds | 62 liters | Polyurethane-coated polyester | Waterproof

Amazon Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible Carry-on
PHOTO: Amazon

Is it a duffel? Is it a backpack? No, it’s the Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible Carry-on, which fulfills both descriptions equally well depending on your needs. On even terrain, save your shoulders by using the wheels and adjustable handle to pull the duffel along behind you. But when the terrain gets rough or you need your hands free, deploy the zip-away backpack straps and wear the bag instead. It also boasts heavy-duty top and side grab handles for maximum maneuverability. 

You can even have a duffel and a backpack at the same time. The front of the bag unzips to become a separate daypack, leaving you with a smaller duffel that easily adheres to airline carry-on restrictions. Meanwhile, the daypack serves as your personal item or underseat bag. Other highlights include an internal zippered mesh pocket and compression panels within the main compartment, a zippered exterior pocket, and a protective laptop sleeve. The bag ticks sustainability boxes, too, being made from durable, fully recycled Cordura Eco ripstop. 

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches | 6 pounds | 37 liters (main), 19 liters (daypack) | Recycled Cordura Eco ripstop | Water resistant

Amazon Travelers Club 18-inch Rolling Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon

While underseat dimensions differ slightly from one plane to the next, the Travelers Club 18-inch Rolling Backpack typically fits unless it is packed to the brim. Its softside construction allows for some wiggle room in posted dimensions, although the base is made from molded plastic for added durability, water resistance, and stability. The fact that the backpack holds its shape even when empty is a bonus, making it that much easier to pack. It’s also small enough to wear comfortably with adjustable, padded shoulder straps. 

It comes with in-line skate wheels and a push-button handle for those that prefer to roll their luggage. To streamline the backpack when rolling it or sliding it under the seat, simply tuck the straps into their integrated stash pocket. The main compartment is unstructured to maximize packing space, but two zippered front pockets offer a padded laptop sleeve and an organizer panel for your pens and credit cards respectively. Colors range from camo to purple tie-dye. 

The Details: Carry-on/personal item | 18.5 x 13 x 9 inches | 5.2 pounds | 36 liters | Water resistant

JWorld Sunrise Rolling Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon

The J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack is ideal for school-age kids, although the fact that it can be rolled makes it suitable for smaller children, too. This is one of our tested options, and we found the S-shaped shoulder straps easy to adjust and liked that they tuck into a convenient pocket when not in use. The air mesh cushioned back panel helps to ensure a comfy carry, but when the backpack gets heavy, the telescoping handle and soft, noiseless rubber wheels come to the rescue. 

Our preschooler was able to move well with the backpack on, and could wheel it without tripping even when running. The main compartment is spacious with plenty of room for books, extra layers, and a packed lunch. We appreciated that even when it was fully stuffed, we could still fit a water bottle into the mesh side pockets. The backpack also features a front zippered pocket with an integrated organizer panel. Fun patterns include bags decorated with martians, pandas, and smiling eggplants. 

The Details: Carry-on/personal item | 18 x 13 x 9 inches | 4.5 pounds | 34.5 liters | Water resistant

Calpak Stevyn Rolling Duffel
PHOTO: Calpak

The Calpak Stevyn Rolling Duffel suits the fashion-forward traveler, offering a rainbow of colorways that go far beyond the utilitarian black preferred by many luggage brands. Whether you like the idea of a subtle daisy pattern or statement-making cheetah, there’s an option to match your personal style. The duffel is as practical as it is pretty, too, with a spacious main compartment and several convenient pockets (though the bag is not water resistant like many others on this list). On the outside, there’s a zippered pocket perfect for your wallet, passport, and travel documents. 

When we tested this bag, we thought it was the perfect size for a weekend away, and we loved that the bottom section unzips to reveal a separate shoe compartment — handy for keeping clothes clean and heels or sneakers unscuffed. The bag is structured so things don’t poke out, and it also stands up on its own, which is nice for packing. The dual top-carry handles and a side grab handle make it easy to haul the duffel into the overhead compartment on a plane, though we wish the straps were longer. Finally, a luggage sleeve allows for seamless integration with your checked bag. 

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 12 x 11 inches | 5.8 pounds | 47.5 liters | Polyester

Amazon Everki Atlas Wheeled Backpack
PHOTO: Amazon

If you travel frequently for work, functionality is top priority when choosing a laptop backpack. The Everki Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack offers just that, with smooth, silent wheels and a reliable pull handle. And when you can’t roll it? Use the padded, extra-wide backpack and chest straps to distribute weight evenly for a comfortable carry. An ingenious flap stows the harness system when it’s not in use and covers the wheels when it is so there’s no chance of dirt being transferred to your clothes. 

The laptop sleeve is fully adjustable, providing a custom fit for 13- to 17.3-inch laptops. When you’re able to leave your computer at home, you can even remove the sleeve to maximize packing space in the main compartment. Other clever features include a dedicated tablet sleeve lined with soft felt, a pocket lined with RFID-blocking material for safeguarding your valuables, and designated spaces for everything from your keys to your water bottle. Use the integrated sleeve to connect the backpack to your suitcase. 

The Details: Carry-on/personal item | 21 x 16 x 8 inches | 6.7 pounds | 30 liters

Tips for Buying a Rolling Bag

Decide which style you need

Wheeled luggage comes in all shapes and sizes and fulfills a wide variety of functions. A rolling backpack is the ideal choice for frequent travelers or commuters who want to wear their pack when navigating subway stairs, busy streets, or uneven terrain while also being able to take the weight off and roll their load when the situation allows. A wheeled weekender serves a similar function but with a different crossbody aesthetic. Weekenders are, as the name suggests, the ideal carry-on companion for a weekend getaway or business trip. Finally, a checked rolling duffel is the correct choice for longer trips when you need to utilize your checked luggage allowance. Having wheels makes transporting a bigger, heavier bag that much easier.

Check your airline’s size requirements

Unfortunately, there’s no universal rule when it comes to size requirements for carry-on luggage. Restrictions vary depending on airline, aircraft size, and your chosen class of travel — but as a general guideline, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends ensuring that your carry-on does not exceed 22 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth, including all wheels and handles. Similarly, some airlines set exact dimensions for checked luggage but more frequently the rules state that bags must not exceed 62 inches when the height, width, and length are added together. Others are concerned only with weight, with 50 pounds being the most common maximum allowance. 

Look for alternative carrying options

The main reason to buy a wheeled backpack, duffel, or weekender is to make your life easier by providing a choice of transportation methods. For this versatility to be truly valuable, you need to make sure that the bag is as comfortable to carry as it is to roll along behind or beside you. Look for backpack or crossbody straps with plenty of padding that you can quickly and easily adjust for a custom fit. You should also be able to remove these straps or tuck them discreetly away into a designated sleeve or pocket when not in use. If you plan on integrating your wheeled backpack or weekender with your checked bag, you should also look for a luggage sleeve that fits over the latter’s pull handle. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the difference between a weekender and a duffel bag?

    Depending on their style, weekenders can look like large totes or small duffels, which sometimes leads to confusion about the difference between each category. The main answer is capacity: as their name suggests, weekenders are designed to fit two to three days’ worth of clothing and other accessories. They are often carry-on compatible, whereas duffels are usually designed to be checked with enough space for a much longer trip. 

    Because a weekender is often the only bag you will pack for your getaway, organization is key. You will find designated pockets for shoes, dirty laundry, tech, and your passport or wallet, whereas duffels are meant as workhorse gear haulers and are usually less structured. Finally, although the best options in each category offer both style and durability, weekenders prioritize aesthetics with luxe fabrics and finishes, while duffels are built for adventure travel from materials meant to withstand weather and rough handling. 

  • Should I choose a wheeled carry-on or checked bag?

    When choosing a bag, consider the kind of trip you’re most likely to use it for. If you’re an overnight business tripper or weekend city-breaker, then an option that can qualify as a carry-on will provide sufficient packing space and save you the hassle and expense of checking a larger bag. As long as your wheeled luggage adheres to the size restrictions of your chosen airline, you should be able to use it as your carry-on. However, if you’re planning a month-long adventure or need maximum packing space for moving across the country, then a checked bag with more capacity is a better fit. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear for more than 10 years and has relied on a wheeled duffel for many of her adventures across six continents. For this article, products were chosen according to extensive online research and the results of real-world and lab-based testing carried out by T+L’s expert travel team. 

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