Duffel bags are an extremely convenient piece of luggage whether you need to pack for a weekend getaway or for an extended trip. The only problem is that you may end up with aching and sore shoulders after lugging around all that weight. That’s where rolling duffel bags come in as they combine the convenience of carrying a suitcase with the ease of packing a bag, and you can just roll it when you want. They are an incredibly versatile piece of luggage as they are not only perfect carry-on bags but can also be used as a gym bag or a tote bag for work. They are durable, usually with inline skate wheels, are easy to transport and store, lightweight and rugged, and make your travel life a lot simpler. We hope our review of the 15 best rolling duffel bags will help you find your perfect travel companion.
15 Best Rolling Duffel Bags
1. Best Waterproof:Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag
The rolling duffel bag is lightweight, just 5.1 pounds for a 22-inch bag. Crafted with premium polyester with 1200 denier polyester, it’s incredibly strong and durable. It features recessed metal ball bearing in-line skate wheels which makes its movement smooth and easy. This bag comes with a retractable locking push-button handle for convenient maneuverability. It features an excellent zipper closure which is self-repairing, and has grab handles at the top and bottom, making it easy to lift up and store anywhere. This bag features a total of eight convenient and handy pockets for optimum packing versatility and efficient organization. It measures 22x12x12 inches and has a capacity of 3200 cubic inches. Pros
Features two joined carry handles Retractable handle goes into zippered compartment Waterproof Roomy main compartment with U-shaped top opening
Cons
Might not stand very well unless packed properly Might not be suitable as a carry-on luggage
2. Best Zippers:Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag
Travel light and hands-free by fitting all your essentials in this compact duffel bag. It comes with external grab handles for easy portability, a locking pull handle that keeps the bag steady, and a front U-zip for maximum convenience and durability. You can keep everything you need access to while you travel in this pocket, making your journeys seamless and hassle-free. Another great feature about the bag is that it comes with corner protectors that protect it against critical wear and tear. It measures 30x15x15 inches and weighs 8.8 pounds. Pros
End pockets for shoes and wet items Bumper runners on bottom of duffels Water-resistant polyester Available in various sizes and colors
Cons
Might need to pack the bottom fully for it to stand properly Upper compartment might be a little small
Designed specifically for convenient travel, this large rolling duffel bag is extremely lightweight and practical. Crafted with strong twisted polyester, its exterior is incredibly sturdy and strong, and can withstand rough handling. It features multiple zippered compartments both on the exterior and interior for added security. It comes with a retractable, telescopic handle that locks when extended, as well as a front-mounted duffel hand grip which makes carrying it convenient. It features tie-down straps on the inside so that your things stay in place while traveling, and a soft-sided design for more flexibility to adjust your items. This bag measures 30.75x10x20 inches and weighs 10.2 pounds. Pros
In-line wheels for easy mobility Spacious and functional Limited one-year warranty Collapsible design
Cons
Handle stitching might be a little flimsy Requires several locks to secure
4. Best Long-Lasting:Fila Lightweight Carry On Rolling Duffel Bag
With an extremely spacious main compartment that is fully zippered, this rolling travel duffel bag is designed with durable polyester and is long-lasting and sturdy. It features an in-line skate wheel system that is incredibly durable and ensures that you can pull it along smoothly with minimum friction. In addition, it has four side zippered pockets that are perfect for packing headphones, electronic cords, phones, or magazines, and gives you easy access to them. It weighs 4.7 pounds and measures 22 x 11 x 22 inches. Pros
Top bungee cord tie down Stands on its own Padded top handle Internal retractable handle
Cons
Pockets may not be deep enough Handle might not be long enough for some
5. Best Wear-Resistant:Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag
Designed with premium-quality, high-density 1200D PVC fabric, this rolling duffel bag is waterproof, lightweight, and wear-resistant, and comes equipped with durable YKK zippers. The ergonomically designed alloy telescopic handle is reinforced and extremely handy. The top, bottom, and side are equipped with handles that are easy to grip and carry. Its large diameter rubber trolley wheels are tear-resistant and are suitable for all terrains. It has an interior strap to keep all your items in place in the bag, and two compression fixed belts to secure the luggage case. It features a large and spacious main compartment which has a U-shaped opening, a zip pocket for easy access, an interior zippered mesh pocket, and a vertical zip pocket at the front. It measures 31.69×14.96×13.78 inches and weighs 11.35 pounds. Learn more about the product in this video. Pros
100-liter capacity Double-layer design Side card holder Separated storage design
Cons
Lack of bottom compartment Might not be able to stand properly unless packed full
6. Best Abrasion-Resistant:TPRC Sierra Madre II Upright Rolling Duffel Bag
If you are looking for endurance and value for money, this Sierra Madre rolling duffel bag is just the product for you. Crafted with shiny 900D polyester, this bag is extremely sturdy and abrasion-resistant. The main compartment is spacious and has a large U-shaped zippered top opening that makes packing easy and convenient. Its inline skate wheels come with ball bearings and are durable and ensure your duffel bag rolls very smoothly. It comes with a cushioned and comfortable velcro wrap-handle, and a pull-out retractable alloy handle. It has two zippered side pockets for easy access to your phone, headphones, USB cables, or magazines. This bag measures 21x13x12 inches and weighs 4.1 pounds. Pros
54-liter volume capacity Hideaway water bottle pocket Fully lined drop bottom section for shoes Padded carry handle at the top
Cons
May not have a shoulder strap Wheels might be a little noisy
7. Best Durable:Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel Bag
Crafted with resilient bi-tech fabric that is super durable, abrasion-resistant, and water-resistant with reinforcements at all stress points, this rolling duffel bag is truly built for travel. It also boasts of an extra pouch for storage that can also be used as a pocket for gear and shoes that you may want to keep separate. This practically-designed bag comes equipped with haul handles, lockable and self-repairing zippers, and a pouch for compressed storage. Especially designed for rugged terrain, it can look after your travel requirements with versatility. It measures 30x15x14 inches and weighs 3.14 pounds. Pros
Volume capacity of 104 liters Storm flap for water protection Durable kick plate for smooth rolling Heavy-duty, oversized treaded wheels Protective wheel cover
Cons
Handle might be a little small Might not be large enough for some people
8. Best Spacious:Perry Ellis Rolling Duffel Bag
Designed with strong dobby nylon, this bag comes with plastic knobs at the bottom to reinforce and protect the fabric from getting damaged due to friction. You can carry or roll this bag with its push button aluminum handle that is tucked away when not in use. This rolling travel duffel bag is extremely spacious and can comfortably hold all your travel essentials up to 50 pounds. Extremely lightweight, you can pack more without crossing the weight limit for a flight. It measures 35×17.75×17 inches and weighs eight pounds. Pros
Exterior shoe pocket Bonus small exterior pocket for small items Bungee cord on top Suitable for check-in luggage
Cons
Might not hold its shape unless packed full Lack of grab bars might be a little inconvenient
9. Best Easy-To-Operate:eBags Mother Lode Carry-On Rolling Tropical Bag
Ideal for an extended trip or a weekend getaway, this rolling duffel bag is versatile and practical. It features a telescopic handle which can be adjusted to three levels of height, and wheels that roll smoothly and easily. It can be expanded up to 1.5 inches as per requirement. It features multiple pockets to store various things for easy access— a large main compartment, a mesh zip pocket on the inside, an interior zip-around mesh panel pocket, and two quick-grab zip pockets on the outside. In addition, the zippered front pocket with compression straps is easily accessible if you want to reach for something without opening the whole bag. It measures 21.5x15x9 inches and weighs eight pounds. Pros
5 linear inches Constructed with 840D and 900D twisted polyester Soft side material on the front Molded back for durability
Cons
Inner divider may not be secured Wheels might be a little noisy
10. Best Easy-To-Carry:Travelers Club Pinnacle Rolling Duffel Bag
An ideal piece of luggage to use as a carry-on, this rolling travel duffel bag features a padded grip handle at the top, which makes it extremely comfortable on your hands if you need to carry it. It has a spacious main compartment with a U-shaped top zipper opening that makes both packing and accessing things very convenient. It comes with additional pockets on the side and front to store accessories and for easy access. This bag is available in a 30-inch size as well. It measures 21×5.25×12.5 inches and weighs 5.24 pounds Pros
Water-resistant Can hold 30 pounds of weight Durable in-line skate wheels for better mobility Can be used as check-in luggage
Cons
May not have a bottom compartment Might be a little heavy for some
11. Best Stain-Resistant:Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Rolling Duffel Bag
Compact, lightweight, and soft-sided, this carry-on rolling duffel bag features a spacious interior with an in-built accessory pocket, and two good-sized exterior pockets for easily accessible accessories. The fabric of this bag is stain-resistant and features a duraguard coating along with ergonomic, durable, and high tensile strength zippers for longevity. Its wheels feature high-performance ball bearings and it also comes with a sturdy PowerScope lite aluminum handle that can be adjusted to two heights— 38 and 42.5 inches, making transport easy. Its carrying option includes a comfortable top, side, and bottom carry handle, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a rear stacking strap to stack it securely on top of another bag. It measures 10x13x20.5 inches and weighs 4.4 pounds. Pros
Crafted with polyester fabric Handle features rubberized contour grip Fits comfortably on the overhead bin of most aircrafts Water-resistant
Cons
Might wobble a little Outside pockets might not be deep enough
12. Best Lightweight:Vera Bradley Women’s Lighten Up Foldable Rolling Duffle Bag
Crafted with 100% polyester which is both water-repellant and lightweight, this rolling travel duffel bag is extremely durable and easy to clean. It features a zip pocket and two elastic mesh pockets in their interior spacious compartment, especially designed for jewelry, cosmetics, and other toiletries. The exterior has a zip pocket for reading material, wallets, boarding passes, or snacks for quick and easy accessibility. You can either roll this duffel bag or use the dual nine-inch straps to carry it. The top zip closure ensures that your personal items are protected and stay secure. Its spinner wheels enhance its mobility and smoothness so that you can travel without a care in the world. This bag measures 13x21x10 inches and weighs 5.6 pounds. Pros
Volume capacity of 41 liters Folds down flat TSA lock included Five-year warranty
Cons
Some people might not like the shiny fabric Bottom compartment might be a little small
13. Best Dirt-Resistant:Briggs & Riley Rolling Duffel Bag
Incredibly spacious, this expandable rolling duffel bag has a separate section for dressier clothes with garment securing panels. Extremely easy and convenient to maneuver, it’s crafted with durable ballistic nylon that is moisture and dirt-resistant. Its iconic outsider handle gives you more packing space inside and a flat interior so that your clothes don’t wrinkle. Its leather wrapped and webbing side handle make this bag easy to carry when you cannot roll it. Its innovative CX compression-expansion system increases the packing capacity of this duffel bag by up to 33%, after which it compresses back to its original size so that your items are secure. This bag measures 27.01×14.02×16.5 inches and weighs 9.7 pounds. Pros
Smooth gliding wheels Ideal for a short trip Wear- and abrasion-resistant Exterior gusseted zip pocket for easy access
Cons
Might be a little bulky Ends might not be stiff enough
14. Best Rugged:eBags Mother Lode Carry-On Rolling Duffel Bag
The minimalist rolling duffel bag is a suitable travel companion as it keeps you easy, breezy, and free to handle other things without inconvenience. It has a telescopic handle to adjust to three heights, seamless wheels, enormous storage capacity, and several different-sized compartments to keep your belongings safe and organized. The front zipper is easy to access and has compression straps for better portability. Crafted from durable materials and featuring an innovative backbone design for rigidity, this bag is safe, stylish, and spacious. Features:
Measures 21.5x15x9 inches 840D and 900D twisted polyester Weighs eight pounds Has mesh pockets for increased visibility
15. Best Secure:Dejuno Denim Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel Bag
Designed with durable and lightweight hybrid polyester and denim, this bag’s interior is fully lined with nylon. Its main compartment is extremely spacious and has a zippered U-shape opening that makes packing and accessing your items very convenient. This bag is incredibly rugged, spacious, secure, and has multiple pockets both in the interior and exterior where you can organize your things and have easy accessibility to them. It measures 28×13.5×15 inches and weighs seven pounds. Pros
In-line skate wheels Smooth rolling wheels Drop-bottom compartment for additional storage Available in various colors
Cons
May not be suitable for long trips Lining between top and bottom compartment might be a little flimsy
Now that you have been through our review of the 15 best rolling duffel bags, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind while choosing one so that you have maximum space and convenience for a comfortable trip.
How To Choose The Right Rolling Duffel Bag
Size
Rolling duffel bags come in a wide range of sizes— small carry-ons to large carry-alls. Your duffel bag with wheels gives you the choice of rolling the bag when you can, and carrying it when you can’t roll it. Choose a size that will fit all your things but which you can still lift off the ground when required. If you’re going to mainly use it as a carry-on while traveling by trains and planes, make sure you don’t go overboard with the size.
Material and durability
If you are going to use your rolling duffel bag more in the outdoors and in uneven terrain, you will need a rugged bag made of very sturdy and durable material that is waterproof and resistant to wear and tear. If you’re sure that you will only be using it in airports and offices, the importance of this factor reduces, and lightweight polyester would be a good option. Polyester doesn’t offer much protection in terms of structure and weather. Ensure that the material of your bag fits the kind of travel you need it for. For outdoor adventures, your rolling duffel bag should be made of heavy -duty materials such as thick polyester or nylon, and should have a water-resistant or waterproof finish.
Wheels
An extremely important aspect of any rolling duffel bag— in fact, that’s the reason you are buying a rolling bag. You should go for a type of wheel that suits your particular needs the best. Rolling duffel bags that have wheels with ball bearings are usually the most expensive as they are robust, sophisticated, durable, and long-lasting. In case you will be mainly rolling the bag on airport floors which are smooth you don’t need to worry too much about the wheels, but if you’re going to roll it outside and in rougher terrain, you’ll need to look at a more durable option like inline skate wheels.
Ease of packing
Your choice of a rolling duffel bag would also depend on the type of trip you are usually going to be using it for— short weekend trips or for more adventurous activities in the outdoors. Different types of trips require different types of packing, so if you feel you are going to need a lot of things, go for a rolling duffel bag which has a large capacity, preferably with compartments, which allows you to divide and organize your various belongings.
Carrying options
It’s not always possible to roll your duffel bag everywhere, and sometimes you have no choice but to carry it. If you need to carry the bag for a long distance, shoulder straps, backpack straps, and comfortable handles are a must-have. Without them, your duffel bag becomes impractical and unwieldy. Some duffel bags have the option of removing shoulder straps, which makes them very pleasant and flexible to carry. A telescoping handle is also necessary to pull the bag, which should be strong and sturdy to pull a heavy bag. It should also automatically lock when extended or collapsed. Ergonomic carry handles are a good option for carrying your bag for a short distance or if you have to pick it for storing somewhere. Ideally, they should be padded for comfort, and large enough to fit your hands easily.
Tie-down straps
Duffle bags have large compartments and if you don’t have tie down straps inside, your clothes and other items are going to be messily thrown about in the bag. Straps also prevent your clothes from getting wrinkled and items from getting mixed up.
Pockets
Extra pockets are always a boon, especially if they have zippers, as you can use them for stashing important documents, passports, phones, USB cords, and a whole lot more. They should also have easy access so that you don’t waste any time searching for them.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Traveling can be daunting when you do not have the right bag to pack all of your luggage. Hence, our established writers and reviewers have compiled this list of the best rolling duffel bags you can consider buying. Rolling duffel bags are ergonomically designed to help you carry them around seamlessly. We also provide you with a buying guide mentioning the factors you should consider when choosing a rolling duffel bag.
Recommended Articles :
Best carry bag Best Meal Management Bags Best Beach Bags Best Mirrorless Camera Bags Best Personal Item Bags
