The best carry-on duffel bag avoids checking luggage (and most importantly the associated airline fees) and provides a practical use at the same time. You can fit enough in it, sling it over the shoulder, and you are set for your trip.
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What is the Best Carry-On Duffel Bag?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Carry-On Duffel Bag and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available duffel bags for carry-on that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these carry-on duffel bags.
We also wrote a brief carry-on duffel bags Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 10 duffel bags for carry-on based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Osprey Transporter 40 Travel Duffel Bag
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 40 Liters Weight: 2.7 Pounds (1.2 kg) Size: 16 x 12 x 6 Inches (40.6 x 30.5 x 15.2 cm) |
See it in your local store:
This duffel bag for travel offers an all-around use for weekend trips and outdoors adventures. I like that you can use it as a duffel, messenger bag, or backpack with the hideaway harness system. You get a detachable sternum strap with an emergency whistle, and hopefully, you won’t need it. There is also an end storage pocket with dual-zippers and overlapping rain flaps, providing quick access to smaller items.
Pros
- Weather-protected main cubicle,
- U-zip access to the main compartment,
- Stowaway harness for backpack carry,
- providing quick access to smaller items.,
- Sturdy and water-resistant,
- Comfortable to wear, even when full,
- Available in unique colors
Cons
- Lacks a water bottle pocket and laptop compartment
2. KAKA Convertible Duffel Bag
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 35 Liters Weight: 3.7 Pounds (1.7 kg) Size: 20.5 x 11.8 x 7.1 Inches (52.1 x 30 x 18 cm) |
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Kaka 2070 travel backpack features a unique hybrid design that allows you to use it as a travel bag, outdoors backpack, duffle bag, and shoulder bag, depending on your needs. It features a functional design that fits your work travel needs with a professional aesthetic and an outdoors hiking trip with its durable and comfortable construction. On the downside, the pack’s capacity is smaller than it looks, giving you only 26L of capacity while at the same time being heavy when empty.
Pros
- Multifunctional design for versatile use,
- Large capacity pack with 10 compartments for organization,
- Fusion and stylish design that converts from backpack to duffle bag,
- High-quality scratch and water-resistant material,
- Anti-theft design with a secure password lock
- Handy key and beverage pocket,
Cons
- Heavy even when empty,
- Limited storage access and space
3. SALVS Waterproof Duffle Bag 50L
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 50 Liters Weight: 2.6 Pounds (1.2 kg) Size: 25.6 x 13 x 11 Inches (65 x 33 x 28 cm) |
See it in your local store:
The distinctive roll-top design of this duffel bag makes it sandproof, waterproof, dirtproof, and snowproof. It’ll keep your clothes and gear safe and dry, especially if working outdoors and in a wet environment. Its dual cross straps keep it fully secure on both sides, making it ideal for carrying items of odd shapes and sizes.
Pros
- Thoughtfully designed for convenience and durability,
- Laser straight and accurate stitching makes it a truly waterproof bag,
- Oversized, sturdy and thick straps and buckles,
- Light and easy-going,
- Feels and looks robust and durable,
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not suitable for holding fragile items
4. Peak Gear Weekender Duffel Bag
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 42 Liters Weight: 1.9 Pounds (0.9 kg) Size: 20 x 11.5 x 11 Inches (50.8 x 29.2 x 27.9 cm) |
See it in your local store:
For the best duffel bag for men this weekender bag, you can customize how you want to carry it. You can use it as a duffel, backpack, or messenger bag, and everything is done using the cord hook quick-connection system. The pack organizes well with different pockets. There is a lined shoe compartment to keep your footwear separated from the clothes. For airline use, it has a suitcase trolley sleeve for carrying.
Pros
- Multiple carrying styles,
- Well protected at the bottom of the bag,
- Separate shoe compartment,
- Elegant and functional,
- Made from recycled fabric,
- Great organization inside the bag
Cons
- Weak magnetic clasps in the handle,Not very water-resistant
5. Jiao Miao
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 43 Liters Weight: 1 Pounds (0.5 kg) Size: 20.5 x 12 x 12 Inches (52.1 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm) |
See it in your local store:
For the best travel duffel bag carry on, this one has a lot of packing space for a weekend or business trip. You can load your laptop, phone, clothes, snacks, and other essentials. It works well as a sling, single-shoulder, or cross-body bag for commuting. On the top flap, there is a zipper pocket to put your tickets for easy access.
Pros
- Durable with the canvas and PU leather design,
- Multiple interior pockets,
- The sides clip together when not fully packed for carrying,
- Reasonable price,
- Quality stitching and zippers,
- Versatile to use as travel and work bag
Cons
- No water bottle pocket
6. Vera Bradley Women’s Signature Cotton Large Travel Duffle Bag
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 49 Liters Weight: 1.3 Pounds (0.6 kg) Size: 22 x 12 x 12 Inches (55.9 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm) |
See it in your local store:
This lightweight travel duffel bag is great for girl adventure getaways to pack in style. The interior pockets keep your clothes, cosmetics, and flat iron sorted. Seasonal fliers will find the exterior pocket a big help to hold reading material, snacks, and boarding passes close by. The bag is machine washable making it easy to keep clean and to last a long time.
Pros
- Colorful, lightweight, and packable,
- Detachable shoulder strap,
- Interior and exterior pockets,
- Roomy to hold everything for a weekend trip,
- No problems using it as a carry-on bag,
- Well made
Cons
- Lacks a firm bottom
7. Defender III Small Duffel Bag
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 43 Liters Weight: 1 Pounds (0.5 kg) Size: 20.5 x 11.7 x 11 Inches (52.1 x 29.7 x 27.9 cm) |
See it in your local store:
For overnight trips by plane, this carry-on duffel bag size works well. You can use it for business travels or a trip to the gym. The small size packs well and has a durable ripstop fabric to withstand wear and tear with traveling. The main compartment helps to make packing easier. On both sides, there are zip pockets to keep your dirty clothes and shoes separated.
Pros
- Wipeable fabric for spot cleaning,
- Adjustable and removable shoulder strap,
- Zip pockets on the ends with side zip pocket,
- Perfect size for on-the-go,
- Attaching the shoulder strap is easy,
- Quality construction
Cons
- The shoulder strap squeaks at the attachment points
8. NUBILY Leather
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 55 Liters Weight: 3.4 Pounds (1.5 kg) Size: 21.6 x 12.6 x 11 Inches (54.9 x 32 x 27.9 cm) |
See it in your local store:
This waterproof duffel bag for travel carries all your gear for a three to six-day business or weekender trip. The luggage works well as a carry-on flight bag to fit in the overhead compartment as well. The canvas fabric is water and tear-resistant for unexpected rain. It has 12 pockets to keep your clothes and other items organized. You have a dedicated shoe compartment with holes for ventilation to separate your shoes and gear.
Pros
- Separate shoe compartment,
- Plenty of room for organizing,
- Water and tear-resistant fabric,
- Has a distinctive look,
- Great to use for a weekend getaway,
- Heavy-duty stitching and canvas
Cons
- Quality control concerns with zipper tabs missing
9. Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack 35L
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 35 Liters Size: 19 x 14 x 9 Inches (48.3 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) |
See it in your local store:
The Earth Pak mens waterproof backpack comes with a generous main compartment with inner and outer pockets for organization. It provides a good fit to the body with an ergonomic padded back panel and contoured shoulder straps as well as a chest and waist strap. The backpack features 500D PVC fabric construction with attention given to the seams and stress points to ensure performance and durability, although the seems may give way after some use. We like the extra features that this pack brings, such as the MOLLE system and convenient D-Rings on the shoulder straps that allow you to attach extra gear and can serve as an anchor point to latch to a bike, boat, or kayak. It also comes with an external waterproof phone case for keeping your phone dry while using it in wet conditions.
Pros
- Roll-top closure with single reinforced strip,
- D-ring attached shoulder strap,
- Molle looping system with attachment points,
- Thick fabric to withstand wear and tear,
- Small enough as carry-on luggage,
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- No hip belt,
- Seams are not very strong,
- Heavy with poor weight distribution
10. Fila 22 inch Lightweight Carry On Rolling Duffel Bag
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.1 Pounds (2.3 kg) Size: 22 x 17 x 12 Inches (55.9 x 43.2 x 30.5 cm) Wheels: Yes |
See it in your local store:
Fila 22-inch lightweight rolling duffel bag gives you a ton of space for all your essentials, and its lightweight design makes it a great carry-on bag for air travel. The side pockets are spacious for your headphones, lightweight drone and other small electronics and books. It also features a bungee cord that you can use to hold your jacket or shawl. The back and the base are rigid and will not collapse when the bag is full of heavy stuff. But, it gets unstable when packed up, which makes it wobble when rolling it.
Pros
- Lightweight to allow you to pack more luggage,
- Four side pockets for packing smaller items,
- Bungee cord for holding your hoodie or jacket,
- Lightweight design to pack extra clothes,
- Good size as carry-on luggage,
- Excellent quality for the price
Cons
- Unstable with a narrow wheelbase,
- The telescopic handle also doesn’t lock in place
- Filmsy zipper
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best carry-on duffel bag is below:
Overall best carry-on duffel bag out there: Osprey Transporter 40 Travel Duffel Bag
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Osprey Transporter 40 Travel Duffel Bag
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: SALVS Waterproof Duffle Bag 50L
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
Questions and Answers About Carry-On Duffel Bags
Can I bring a duffle bag as a carry on?
Yes, if the duffle bag is within the size requirements of the airline you use. I recommend checking with the different air services for your trip.
What size duffle bag can I carry on a plane?
The size requirements can differ from one airline to another, and best check it with them first what their specific regulations are.
How heavy can your carry-on duffel bag be?
Airline baggage policies and regulations change without notice and differ from one to another. Be sure to check with your carrier before planning a flight.
Which is better suitcase or carry-on duffel?
When carrying bulky or large amounts of equipment, the suitcase works better. However, the duffel bag is more comfortable to pack, more practical for traveling, and secure.
How do you pack a carry-on duffel bag for travel?
Packing your pack, you can do with the following steps:
-Fold-down the edges for easy access to the bottom of the bag (you will fold it back as it fills up),
-Fill the bottom with things you do not need in a hurry,
-Place your non-clothing items such as electronics next,
-Put the rest of your clothing on top of your devices rolled up in a cylindrical shape in rows, -Keep filling it up and folding up the edges to keep items in place,
-As you near the top, pack in your socks, underwear, and toiletries/medication in the available spaces, -Use the pockets available for smaller items such as valuables,
-Once reaching the top, give it a fair shake to help clothes settle for more space,
-After completing your packing, secure the bag as per the instructions received from the manufacturer
