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Duffel Bags & Luggage

Carry a duffel over stairs and gravel; at the airport a wheeled bag rolls along. Open the advisor ›

Guide

Duffel Bags & Luggage

Choose a travel bag by how you'll move it. A duffel with backpack straps goes up stairs and over gravel; a wheeled bag rolls along platforms and through airports.

Key points

Each airline sets cabin baggage rules, often per fare.
Power banks and spare batteries go in the cabin only.
IP67 means dustproof and briefly submersible.

Person pulling an olive wheeled bag across a wooden boardwalk, an orange backpack on their back

Buying advice

Which luggage suits your trip?

Answer four questions about your trip, transport, carrying preference and budget.

4 questions
Cabin dimensions matter
Rolling or carrying

Open the luggage advisor ›

Which type for which use?

Use	Choose	Reason
Flights, trains, expeditions, sports kit	ChooseDuffel	ReasonLots of volume, shoulder straps for stairs and short walks. Heavy on long walks without a hip belt
Boats, bikes, rain, dust	ChooseWaterproof duffel	ReasonIP67 according to Ortlieb, submersible to 1 m for 30 minutes. Only sealed with the zip closed
Airports, stations, hotels	ChooseWheeled bag	ReasonThe weight rolls, large opening. Frame and wheels add weight; hard going on gravel and stairs
Backpacking, long walks	ChooseTravel pack	ReasonHip belt, adjustable back, front opening like a suitcase. Limited volume, too small for bulky items
In any bag	ChoosePacking cubes	ReasonOrder, less air with compression; a medium Thule cube weighs 130 g. No substitute for a waterproof bag

Types compared

Duffel
For flights, trains and expeditions, also on your back.
- Advantage: Removable shoulder straps
- Drawback: Heavy on long walks
Example: The North Face Base Camp Duffel ›
Waterproof duffel (IP67)
For boats, bikes, roof racks and rain.
- Advantage: Dustproof, briefly submersible
- Drawback: Only sealed when closed
Example: Ortlieb Duffle 60L ›

What to look for when buying

Question	In brief	Why
How big can cabin baggage be?	In briefPer airline and fare	WhyEach airline sets this, often per fare: on cheaper fares only a small personal item may be included. Measure your bag including wheels and handles.
How many litres do I need?	In brief40 L for the cabin	WhyAccording to Osprey, its 40-litre travel pack meets the cabin baggage rules of most airlines. For checked luggage there are duffels of up to 140 litres.
Waterproof or water-repellent?	In briefFrom showers to IP67	WhyWater-repellent bags protect against light moisture. Ortlieb rates its Duffle at IP67: dustproof and briefly submersible, to 1 m for 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a duffel as cabin baggage?

Yes, if its size and weight match your fare. Smaller duffels of around 30 to 40 litres are more likely to qualify than large ones. You'll find the dimensions on the product page.

Do I need wheels?

They're handy at airports and stations because the weight rolls. But frame and wheels add weight: an Osprey 90-litre wheeled bag weighs 3.2 kg empty. On gravel and stairs a duffel is easier to carry.

How do I protect valuables in the bag?

Many travel bags have lockable zips; the lock is sold separately. Keep ID, money and batteries in your cabin bag or on your body.

How do I pack a duffel so it carries well?

Cinch the compression straps so nothing slides down when you carry it as a backpack. Packing cubes keep the contents in shape; shoes go in a separate bag.