The best rolling duffel bag for smart travelers

Traveling can be a hassle, but the right tolling duffel bag can make it a breeze, especially if you’re going through different terrains in a trip. They give you the flexibility and convenience of lugging them like traditional duffels or rolling them on wheels through airports and flat areas. 

Rolling duffel bags’ soft design compared to hard case suitcases means they’re easily stored in overheard compartments and righter spaces. They also weigh less and allow you to maximize your luggage weight allowance. 

With multiple compartments and pockets, they provide organized storage for belongings, enhancing their functionality.

If you’re looking for the best rolling duffel bags for your next trip, our editor’s picks of the top brands on the market are a great place to start. 

Read more: Shop top large suitcases for a long trip

Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel

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$116.65 at Amazon

REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel

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$269 at REI

Black Hole 70L Wheeled Duffel

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$399 at Backcountry

Just Right Weekend Wheeled Duffel

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$153.99 at Samsonite

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Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel

$116.65

$116.65 at Amazon

Specifications

Material: Polyester

Size: 22 x 12.5 x 12 in.

Weight: 5.07 lbs.

Pros & Cons

• Locks when fully extended and recessed

• Large opening for easy packing

• Wheels tucked under bag

• Wheels can be noisy

• No shoulder strap

Want a versatile, durable, and spacious duffel bag? The Samsonite Andante 2-wheeled duffel is a great choice for overnight stays, regular gym visits, or packing essentials for a spontaneous weekend getaway. 

Tucked inside its portable design, there's a surprising amount of space, all enclosed by a large U-shaped main opening for easy access. No wonder reviewers love how much gear they can pack into this quality duffel.

It’s easy to pull around, thanks to its in-line wheels and sturdy locking pull handle. The addition of external grab handles and end pockets for shoes and wet items makes it practical too. Plus, it has corner protectors that guard against wear and tear at critical contact points.

REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel

$269

$269 at REI

Specifications

Material: Recycled nylon

Size: 30 x 16 x 14.5 in 

Weight: 9 lbs. 

Capacity: 87 L

Pros & Cons

• Uses recycled materials

• Has mesh pockets for organization

• Can store a lot

• Big wheels

• Attachment strap is short

• Light color gets dirty easily

Constructed from rugged recycled ripstop nylon, the REI Co-op Big Haul recycled rolling duffel is an environmentally friendly travel bag designed to withstand the rough and tumble of travel. The bag's robust oversized wheels and rugged chassis allow for easy navigation over everything from concrete to cobblestone.

Multiple handles positioned on the side, front, and end of the bag enhance its portability and it's always ready to grab and go. A compression strap system aids in compacting large loads, while piggyback clips make it easy to connect to other pieces of luggage.

Like being organized? The duffel boasts internal mesh pockets for added convenience. Additionally, a daisy chain offers numerous lash points for easy gear attachment.

Black Hole 70L Wheeled Duffel

$399

$399 at Backcountry

Specifications

Material: Recycled polyester

Size: 27.5 x 14 x 11.8 in

Weight: 7.13 lbs.

Capacity: 70 L

Pros & Cons

• Durable 

• Made of recycled materials

• Waterproof

• Lifetime manufacturer warranty

• Higher price point

The Black Hole wheeled 70L duffel has a generous capacity so you have ample space for all your gear while on the move. 

It's robust thanks to it being made of recycled ripstop fabric that promises exceptional durability. This makes it a perfect choice for those who are environmentally conscious and prefer eco-friendly products. An additional feature is the laminated exterior which offers extreme weather resistance, a must-have for those unpredictable travel conditions.

The duffel comes with a telescoping handle and stout wheels to make transport a breeze, even when fully loaded. There are internal compression straps to keep your gear secure and prevent shifting. 

If you tend to carry extra equipment, the duffel has daisy chain loops that allow you to latch on additional items and a zippered side pocket provides easy access to travel essentials.

Just Right Weekend Wheeled Duffel

You save $66 (30%)

$153.99$219.99

$153.99 at Samsonite

Specifications

Material: Nylon

Size: 22 x 12 x 11.75 in.

Weight: 4.81 lbs.

Capacity: N/A

Pros & Cons

• Has pocket with USB charging port

• Has side pocket with RFID lining

• Sleek, minimal design

• Limited three-year warranty

• Battery not included for charger

The Just Right Weekend Wheeled duffel is the perfect companion for business travelers and weekend adventurers alike. It combines the convenience of wheeled luggage with the space and organization of a classic duffel, making it an excellent choice for anyone on the go. 

This duffel elevates your travel experience with its sophisticated design and innovative features, too.

With built-in storage spots for your laptop, tablet, and other essentials, you'll have no problem keeping your items organized and within reach. The front pocket features a tech org panel and a USB charging port for charging your devices on the go. A wireless charging pocket offers an additional charging option.

The duffel also includes a padded tablet sleeve and a discreet 15.6” laptop compartment for safe transportation of your gadgets. The side pocket with RFID lining offers an added security measure for your personal information.

If you prefer to carry your luggage, the duffel comes with a removable, adjustable strap with a comfortable neoprene pad. But if you'd rather wheel your luggage, the retractable push-button handle makes it easy to maneuver. The SmartSleeve™ fits over most upright handles, offering hassle-free combination travel.

Amazon Basics Ripstop Wheeled Duffel, Telescoping Handle

$117.83

$117.83 at Amazon

Specifications

Material: 100% polyester

Size: 33’’ - 41" x 16’’ x 14.5’’ (LxWxH)

Weight: 10.6 lbs.

Capacity: 87 L

Pros & Cons

• Sturdy, durable construction

• Affordable price

• Available in three sizes

• Comes in three colors

• Some may find it heavy

If you want ample space for your belongings, this rolling duffel bag fits plenty and keeps everything organized with its multiple zippered front and main compartments.

Made of polyester, it’s durable and will withstand wet weather conditions, as well as rough terrain. Handling this duffel is easy, thanks to an upright, telescopic handle and in-line wheels. 

Users who have purchased and used this bag recommend it for its strong, sturdy material and ability to fit many items in it and rate it 4.5 stars on average.

DAYLITE Wheeled Duffel 85

$240

$240 at Osprey

Specifications

Material: Recycled polyester 

Size: 85 L

Weight: 6.1 lbs.

Capacity: 28H X 16W X 14.57D in.

Pros & Cons

• Collapsible when not in use

• Made from recycled materials

• Can be turned into a backpack

• Higher price point than other brands

Lightweight and spacious, the Daylite Wheeled Duffel 85 is a great travel companion. It features a large main compartment and two exterior pockets for accessibility to your belongings. 

For more mobility, this duffel transforms into a backpack with straps and even collapses when you want to store it. 

Another feature of this rolling duffel is that it’s made from recycled materials and treated with a PFC-free (perfluorinated compound) DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treatment, which makes it water resistant.

Are the best-wheeled duffle bags worth it?

Absolutely! Wheeled duffle bags offer the best of both worlds: the portability of a duffle bag with wheels and the convenience of a suitcase. They are easy to maneuver, especially in crowded airports or train stations. Plus, they can be packed to the brim without becoming too heavy to carry.

Is a duffle bag with wheels better than a suitcase?

It depends on your needs. Duffel bags are more flexible and can fit into tight spaces, making them ideal for car trips or smaller overhead compartments. However, suitcases often have a more structured organization and better protection for fragile items. The best rolling duffel combines the advantages of both.

What are the disadvantages of a rolling duffel bag?

While duffel bags are versatile and easy to carry, they may lack the structured organization of a suitcase. Also, if overpacked, they can become unwieldy and difficult to carry. However, many modern duffel bags have multiple compartments and pockets to improve organization.

Are rolling duffel carry-on bags allowed on planes?

Yes, as long as they meet the airline's size restrictions for carry-on luggage. Always check with your airline before traveling to ensure your bag fits their requirements.

Which rolling duffel bags are our top picks?

After careful consideration, our top picks are the Samsonite Andante 2 Rolling Duffel bag and the REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel. 

The Samsonite Andante 2 stands out for its durability, spaciousness and practical design. Grab handles make it easy to transition from wheeling it around to carrying it and we like that it opens up wide to be able to pack and remove items easily. 

The REI Co-op Big Haul is easy to maneuver and with its rugged construction and usage of recycled materials, it’s a great sustainable choice for a rolling duffel bag. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, these best roller duffel bags are sure to enhance your travel experience. Start packing for your next adventure today!

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Prices updated on 12/22/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.