My earliest memories of duffel bags? Not great. I had a fire-engine red one for gymnastics as a kid, and it was bulky and just plain ugly . I even knew it back then.
But now that I'm a full-grown adult who’s made peace with my past, I’ve opened my heart to newer, more stylish duffel options. And boy, am I glad I did. Today’s duffel bags are much chicer and designed to be more functional—especially when used for traveling.
The perfect duffel bag for travel isn't just about looking cute (but don't get me wrong, I love cute), it’s all about meeting your needs. So whether you’re hunting for a bag with a trolley sleeve that can perch on top of your carry-on , a versatile piece that doubles as a personal item , or an investment bag that’ll last you a literal lifetime, I’ve got you covered. I spent hours researching and testing to bring you the best of the best—and trust me, the ones below are a far cry from the ugly red duffel I rocked in 2006.
Here's a little sneak peek: Keep scrolling for 10 seriously covetable duffel bags for every kind of traveler, perfect for taking to the gym, the airport, your best friend’s wedding, and everywhere in between. Pinky promise you'll love at least one of them..
.but I’m betting on all 10..