The Best Duffel Bags for Women
Whether you're headed on a weekend jaunt or a weeklong vacation, having the right duffel bag is key. Versatile, utilitarian, and spacious, duffel bags can be the key to your packing woes. So what makes for the best duffel? Your bag has to be made from tough, durable materials, have padded straps, and have enough storage compartments for your need without being too big or bulky to fit in overhead bins on planes. Frequent travelers would do well to pick from the bags on this list, which we've culled after researching the best duffels available.
Canway 65L Travel Duffel
This 65-liter travel duffel from Canway is an excellent choice for any traveler given its many awesome features and ultra-streamlined design. This top-notch duffel boasts an exceptionally spacious capacity, with one main compartment and six separate pockets, so you’ll have plenty of space for all your belongings. It’s made from waterproof, tear-resistant polyester fabric, and it boasts premium metal SBS zippers and reinforced major stress points, so you can rest assured that it’ll withstand the wear and tear of travel.
Pros:
- Has a super-spacious 65-liter capacity and well-organized storage
- Made of 600D polyester fabric that’s waterproof and tear-resistant
- Detachable shoulder strap can be adjusted and locked to any length
- Lots of bonus features: side shoe pocket, air vents, and an additional adhesion belt
Cons:
- We wish this great bag came in more colors
Plambag Canvas Duffel
Need a little extra help in the organization department? This canvas duffel from Plambag has ample organizational storage in the form of a large main compartment, multiple zipper pockets, and multiple front and back pockets. Sporting a 50-liter capacity, it’s spacious enough to hold a 15-inch laptop, clothing, shoes, and other daily essentials. This bag is also just plain comfy to carry thanks to its rounded, stitched grip handles and padded, adjustable shoulder straps. You can even carry it in one of three ways: in your hand, over your shoulder, or across your body.
Pros:
- Has a variety of perfectly sized pockets
- Carry it one of three ways
- Made from sturdy, durable, chic canvas
Cons:
- It would be nice if there were snap-button closures instead of Velcro
S-Zone Duffel Bag
The S-Zone duffel bag is crafted from durable anti-wrinkle canvas with heavy-duty silver hardware, so you know it’s built to stand the test of time. Not only is this bag incredibly sturdy, but it’s exceptionally stylish, too, with its cute, on-trend striped pattern. This bag also has a roomy capacity but it’s also the appropriate size to serve as a carry-on item for most airlines. Plus, the handles are perfectly rounded, so it’s comfy to carry, and it comes with a detachable, adjustable PU leather strap.
Pros:
- Crafted from ultra-durable, anti-wrinkle canvas with heavy-duty hardware (in other words, this bag is built to last)
- Exceptional value
- Handles are rounded and very comfortable
- Comes with a detachable strap
Cons:
- The packaging that this bag comes in needs to be improved
Samsonite Andante Rolling Duffel
The only thing better than a standard duffel bag is a duffel with wheels. The Samsonite Andante has a retractable handle and smooth-rolling wheels, so you can easily maneuver it through crowded airports and along city streets. Crucially, the corner protectors guard against scuffs and tears. And, the storage options with this bag are great. There are end pockets for shoes, and the drop-bottom construction allows you to separate everything as you see fit. This duffel is also available in three sizes, so you really get the best fit possible.
Pros:
- End pockets for shoes
- The drop-bottom construction lets you separate all your belongings easily
- Available in three sizes and multiple colors
Cons:
- On the pricey end (although we think it’s worth it)
Newhey Oversized Travel Duffel
Over-packers, take note
Well-crafted and more spacious than most, this oversized duffel from Newhey is the perfect bag for over-packers or anyone who tends to bring home more than their fair share of souvenirs. Available in a multitude of classy colors, this top-quality duffel is made of highly durable canvas that’s resistant to ripping and tearing. You’ll love the look of this bag, too, with its sleek, narrow silhouette, hidden zippers, and sophisticated stitching.
Pros:
- Has more capacity than most but looks sleek and doesn’t feel bulky
- The colors are particularly stylish
- The high-density canvas won’t rip or tear
- Solid zinc-alloy hardware doesn’t rust easily
Cons:
- When you first remove this bag from its packaging, it may be pretty wrinkled
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-have features that I should look for in a duffel bag?
Your ideal duffel bag should come with comfy, padded straps, have several organized compartments (for things like your laptop, phone, wallet, etc.), and be compact and lightweight while still having a spacious-enough capacity for all your belongings.
What are the most water-resistant and tear-resistant fabrics for duffel bags?
Look for bags that are made of ripstop fabric (canvas, polyester, and nylon) with DWR coating. If the fabric is water-repellent, it should say so in the product info.