With airline carry-on restrictions evolving rapidly, a durable and reliable duffel bag has become an essential travel accessory in our post-pandemic world. Ideal for weekend getaways, gym trips, or extended vacations, finding one of the best duffel bags for men is crucial.
Originally designed for military use, duffel bags were crafted from coarse woolen cloth and named after a town in Flanders, Belgium. Early versions were heavy, wet, and used rope closures. After World War II, waxed-canvas duffel bags gained popularity across Europe and the U.S., often repurposed from military surplus. By the 1970s and '80s, these cylindrical bags evolved into lighter, more colorful designs, becoming popular with athletes and civilians alike.
Today, duffel bags have transformed into versatile accessories that blend functionality with style. To help you stay on-trend while traveling, we've curated a list of the best weekenders and duffel bags available online.
What’s the Difference Between a Weekender and a Duffel Bag?
Duffel bags and weekenders are often seen as similar, but there are key differences between the two. Generally, duffel bags are larger and feature more compartments, making them suitable for extended trips or carrying more gear. They are also typically made from heavier-duty, more durable fabrics compared to weekenders.
On the other hand, weekenders are designed to be more compact, with smaller straps for easier handling. They are ideal for shorter trips or quick getaways. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right bag for your needs.
Los Angeles Apparel Bull Denim Weekender Bag
Pros and Cons of the Los Angeles Apparel Bull Denim Weekender Bag
Pros: Durable, affordable, easy to carry
Cons: Less spacious compared to other duffel bags
Dimensions: Bottom Width: 26.5" • Depth: 13" • Strap Length: 24"
Capacity: 13 oz
Los Angeles Apparel, formerly known as American Apparel, has maintained its commitment to USA-made products and fair wages. Their bull denim weekender bag exemplifies this dedication with its remarkable durability. Manufactured and dyed in batches, the bag features a weathered texture that enhances its rugged appeal. Built to last up to a decade, the bag is washable with high-quality dyes that resist fading, ensuring your duffel or weekender bag remains both functional and stylish over time.
Sprayground Romeo Air Italia
Pros and Cons of the Sprayground Duffel Bag
Pros: Durable, spacious design
Cons: Bag’s structure may not suit everyone
Dimensions: 20" x 10" x 10.75"
Capacity: N/A
Sprayground is renowned for blending functionality with sophistication in their designs. This duffel bag stands out with its durable, water-repellent material that offers excellent protection against the elements. The understated Sprayground logo highlights the bag's refined style, while its minimalist design is complemented by striking details. Ideal for those who appreciate both practicality and a touch of elegance, this duffel is designed to be versatile and eye-catching.
Alexander McQueen Metropolitan Selvedge Duffel
Pros and Cons of the Alexander McQueen Duffel Bag
Pros: Unique design, perfect for gym, weekend trips, and airport travel
Cons: Available in only one size
Dimensions: Width: 55 cm • Height: 25 cm • Strap Length: 75.5 cm • Handle Length: 12 cm
Capacity: 25 cm
Alexander McQueen's products are known for their opulence, and this duffel bag is no exception. It features the iconic couturier’s name on the selvedge handles and straps, complemented by a black signature fabric lining. While the design appears deceptively simple, it exudes luxury both inside and out, embodying the extravagant style synonymous with Alexander McQueen. Ideal for those seeking a blend of high fashion and functionality, this duffel is perfect for the gym, weekend escapes, or airport travel.
Herschel Novel Duffel
Pros and Cons of the Herschel Duffel Bag
Pros: Stylish design, spacious interior, high-quality leather straps
Cons: Lacks internal pockets
Dimensions: 11.75" (H) x 20.5" (W) x 11" (D)
Capacity: 42.5L
Herschel's reputation for combining normcore street style with functionality is well-earned. Their duffel bag exemplifies this blend perfectly. Often hailed as “the ideal weekend bag,” it offers a robust design featuring an internal storage sleeve, reinforced handles, and a signature shoe compartment. Despite its stylish appearance, the bag lacks internal pockets, which may be a drawback for some users. However, with its generous capacity and durable build, this Herschel duffel is an excellent investment in both design and practicality.
Burberry Boston Holdall
Pros and Cons of the Burberry Boston Holdall
Pros: Stylish design, spacious interior
Cons: Higher price point
Dimensions: 50 x 25 x 27 cm
Capacity: Not available
Discover the Burberry Boston Holdall duffel bag—an elegant blend of minimalistic design and ample space. Crafted from premium leather, this sleek and smooth bag offers timeless style and durability that Burberry is renowned for. Though it comes with a premium price tag, the Boston Holdall is an investment in quality, promising to be a long-lasting addition to your collection.
Yukon Avalanche Crazy Horse Duffel
Pros and Cons of the Yukon Avalanche Crazy Horse Duffel
Pros: Sustainable materials, available in multiple colors
Cons: Higher price compared to other duffels
Dimensions: 22.4" x 18.5" x 57 cm
Capacity: Not available
The Yukon Avalance Crazy Horse duffel bag combines effortless style and practicality, making travel a breeze. Designed for durability with a soft feel, this cabin-approved duffel is perfect for air travel. Crafted from sustainable materials, it comes in various colors to suit your style. A convenient front pocket provides quick access to essentials like your wallet, ID, and phone, ensuring you stay organized during your adventures. While slightly pricier than other options, the Avalance Crazy Horse duffel is a reliable and eco-friendly choice for travelers.
Shinola Utility Duffle
Pros and Cons of the Shinola Utility Duffle
Pros: Spacious with multiple pockets, TSA carry-on approved
Cons: Prone to water stains
Dimensions: 10" x 18.25" x 8.75"
Capacity: Not available
Shinola's Utility Duffle is all about the details, offering top-tier functionality in a stylish package. This spacious duffle bag is TSA carry-on approved and comes with plenty of pockets for easy organization. Beyond the standard compartments, it features a leather card pocket and a dedicated pen pocket, perfect for storing your ID, credit cards, and pens securely. While the Utility Duffle provides ample room for all your essentials, be mindful that its material can be susceptible to water stains. Overall, it's a highly functional and well-designed travel companion.
How We Chose the Best Men’s Duffel Bags
Selecting the best men’s duffel bags involved careful consideration of several key factors:
Weight: The primary function of a duffel bag is to be lightweight and easy to carry. We prioritized bags that remain manageable even when fully packed. Whether you're using it as a carry-on or for outdoor adventures, a duffel bag should never be so heavy that it risks tearing or becomes cumbersome to transport.
Ease of Use: We recognize that a significant portion of people use duffel bags for travel, so accessibility was a major factor in our selection process. We focused on bags with easy-access compartments for essentials like IDs, passports, and credit cards. The last thing you want is to misplace these crucial items, especially when on the go.
Cost: Budget is a personal decision, so we included a variety of duffel bags at different price points. This ensures that there's an option for everyone, no matter your spending limit.
Materials: We selected duffel bags made from a mix of materials to cater to different needs. For frequent travelers or outdoor enthusiasts, polyester or nylon bags offer durability and resilience. Leather, while stylish and durable, can wear over time with heavy use, so it's best for occasional travel. We also included waterproof options to protect your belongings in case of unexpected weather.
FAQs About Duffel Bags for Men
What size duffel bag should I buy?
Duffel bags generally come in small, medium, or large sizes. Consider your intended use before purchasing. Is it for the gym, travel, or as your main suitcase? Knowing your needs will help you choose the right size.
What is the difference between a gym bag and a duffel bag?
Duffel bags are typically larger and more versatile than gym bags. While gym bags are designed specifically for sports and fitness, duffel bags offer more space and are often crafted with a broader range of uses in mind. Duffel bags also tend to feature more elaborate designs.
What brand makes the best duffel bags?
While many brands produce excellent duffel bags, we chose Fred Perry as our top pick. Fred Perry’s duffel bags strike a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. They're spacious, efficient, and stylish enough to be worn on a runway—yet still affordable.
What material is best for a duffel bag?
Waxed canvas is our top choice for duffel bag material. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and incredibly durable, designed to last for years while resisting UV rays and wear and tear. Waxed canvas bags are also excellent for travel, maintaining their quality over time.