Buying guide for best wheeled duffel bags
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
Even those who really love to travel will tell you that getting from point A to point B can sometimes be a hassle, particularly if you have the wrong travel bag.
Wheeled duffel bags are a lightweight and easily transportable luggage solution. Compared to a duffel bag that you carry, a wheeled duffel bag won't ever slow you down or lead to straining your shoulders and back; it simply glides along with you. Thanks to its flexible exterior, it can be squeezed into tight spaces and takes up less room in your closet than a suitcase when you need to store it.
When looking for a wheeled duffel bag, there are several factors to consider. Is it durable enough or large enough for your needs? Are the zippers and wheels sturdy? Does it have enough pockets and compartments to keep your stuff organized?
After researching dozens of wheeled duffel bags, we found the Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag to be the best. It features two separate compartments and large, rugged wheels that can take on any terrain.
Editors' picks for 2025
Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag
Editors' Favorite
Dimensions: 15.9” W x 13.5” D x 33.5” H | Weight: 10.8 lb | Capacity: 100 L | Type: Checked | Water-repellent: Yes
The Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag is a heavy-duty travel bag with a sizeable 100-liter capacity, making it an excellent choice for extended vacations. Constructed from durable 1200-denier PVC fabric, this 33-inch bag is both lightweight and water repellent.
It offers multiple pockets for storing your belongings. The large main compartment is best for clothes, while the interior zip mesh pocket, quick-access zip pocket and front vertical zip pocket are ideal for smaller items such as toiletries and electronics. There are handles on the top, side and bottom, so you can easily carry it, and the rubber wheels are quiet and designed for various surfaces.
The telescopic handle is reinforced for superior durability, and the inner strap helps keep your stuff in place. The side card holder makes it easy to recognize your luggage from a distance, and the water-repellent outer material keeps moisture at bay, making it an excellent choice for outdoor traveling.
Amazon Basics 35-Inch Large Rolling Duffel Bag
Great Value
Dimensions: 16” W x 16” D x 35” H | Weight: 11.9 lb | Capacity: 137 L | Type: Checked | Water-repellent: Yes
The Amazon Basics 35-Inch Large Rolling Duffel Bag is an excellent value compared to some other, more expensive options. It’s made from durable polyester and features inline wheels for smooth navigation across various surfaces.
It’s a 35-inch bag with multiple zippered storage pockets to keep your belongings in place when traveling. Customers love it for its considerable 137-liter storage capacity, which is ample enough to store four days' worth of clothing. The telescopic handle makes it easy to maneuver, and the water-repellent exterior keeps the contents safe even when it's raining or snowing.
It’s a well-built bag that’s suitable for 50-pound air travel limits. There are some concerns over the durability of its zippers, but given the size and the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value. Plus, it’s available in black and blue, and if you want a slightly smaller bag, you can opt for the 30-inch model instead of the 35-inch suitcase.
Away Active Rolling Duffel 85L
Best for its Durability
Dimensions: 16.1" W x 11" D x 30.5" H | Weight: 8 lb | Capacity: 85 L | Type: Checked | Water-repellent: Yes
If durability is your primary concern for your luggage when traveling, then we can’t recommend the Away Active Rolling Duffel 85L enough. It’s a lightweight bag that weighs just 8 pounds and boasts an interior capacity of 85 liters, which is enough room to keep several days' worth of clothing and a few essentials.
The front is made from Dual Action fabric, which is highly water repellent and keeps your belongings dry even if you’re traveling in inclement weather conditions. The Flip Fold frame collapses completely when you’re not using the bag, making home storage convenient. The easy-roll oversized wheels make it a cinch to pull or push around the bag, whether you’re walking outdoors on a bumpy sidewalk or through an airport.
Customers love this bag for its eco-friendly design. It’s made from recycled materials and has a rugged exterior to withstand the rigors of traveling. Plus, all-side handles make it easy to grab and lift the bag, and you can choose from three stylish colors: jet black, navy blue and forest green.
Samsonite Andante 2
https://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Inch-Rolling-Duffel-Black/dp/B07HPLJRFX
Best for its Lightweight Design
Dimensions: 12.5” W x 12” D x 22” H | Weight: 5 lb | Capacity: 69.8 L | Type: Carry-On | Water-repellent: Yes
If you want a duffel bag from a reputable brand, look no further than the Samsonite Andante 2. This wheeled bag has a durable yet lightweight build that makes it excellent for those who want to travel light. Plus, unlike our other top picks, this bag is compact enough to carry on, giving you peace of mind when traveling by air.
It has strategically placed handles that make it easy to grab and lift to store in overhead compartments, as well as a push-locking retractable handle for easy maneuvering. The exterior is constructed from water-resistant fabrics to keep moisture from contacting your clothing and accessories.
Customers love this bag for its spacious end pockets that are designed to hold shoes or larger accessories. The inline-skate wheels make it easy to push around, and the 69.8-liter capacity is enough to store a few days' worth of clothing. It’s the top choice for those who want to travel light or for short vacations.
Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel Bag
Best Under $50
Dimensions: 30" x 13" x 12" | Weight: 6.6 lb | Capacity: 77 L | Type: Checked | Water-repellent: Yes
Traveling can be expensive as it is. If you want a reliable duffel bag for your next trip but don’t want to spend too much, consider the Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel Bag. It’s a 30-inch bag with a 77-liter capacity that offers plenty of storage space. However, it’s much more compact than some of our other top picks, which are better suited for more extended vacations.
This upright rolling duffel bag has durable inline-blade wheels that are versatile enough for various surfaces, including rough sidewalks. The six pockets make it easy to store and organize your clothing and other essentials, and top and rear carry handles allow you to lift the bag easily. The three-fold bottom board makes it collapsible and convenient for home storage or whenever you’re not using the bag.
It’s an affordable duffel, and although it’s not nearly as durable as some other options, it’s a fine choice for light traveling and shorter vacations. Plus, it’s available in 14 color styles.
How we analyzed
We considered more than two dozen duffel bags for our top five choices. Ultimately, we decided on those with superior specs and the best customer reviews. The best duffel bags offer multiple storage pockets, a water-repellent exterior, durable wheels and ample space for clothing, essentials and accessories.
Key features to consider
Materials and durability
Fabric
Wheeled duffel bags can be constructed from a wide range of materials, including leather, canvas, polyester and nylon. Whichever material you choose, it should be rugged enough to withstand the rigors of travel. The outer material should be abrasion-resistant and water-repellant. The bag should have strong seams and offer added protection on the corners to guard against stray bumps and scrapes on the road.
The duffel bag’s flexible, soft sides mean less weight for you to carry, and they allow the bag to be stored more easily. But be sure that the bag is still of high enough quality so that it will last for many adventures.
Zippers
Zippers are the standard way that wheeled duffel bags are secured. All zippers on a bag should be durable and resist sticking or breaking (YKK zippers are notable for being especially well-made). Some bags feature self-repairing zippers. While few bags have built-in locking mechanisms for use with their zippers, they should offer zippers that you can easily use compact locks with to secure your bag.
Our top picks: Material and durability
- Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag: It’s made of 1200-denier high-density PVC fabric and has durable YKK zippers.
- Amazon Basics 35-Inch Large Rolling Duffel Bag: This bag is 100% polyester, which gives it water-resistant properties.
- AWAY Active Rolling Duffel 85L: It’s made from abrasion-resistant recycled polyester and Dual Action fabric for superior water resistance. Plus, it has a hard polycarbonate backing for extra support and durability.
- Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel Bag: This duffel bag is made from water repellent dobby polyester and features reinforced corners for superior durability.
- Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel Bag: This lightweight polyester bag has a water-resistant exterior.
Weight and size
Weight
You need a bag that will hold everything you need for your trip (with a little extra for souvenirs on the return). However, even with the benefit of wheels, a large and full bag may be a bit hard to handle, particularly if you are going to be hoisting it up stairs and managing curbs or other obstacles. Be sure you don’t get a bag that is going to be too heavy for you.
Size
In addition to the bag’s weight, size is a crucial factor to consider. The majority of wheeled duffel bags are compact enough that you can carry them onto the plane, but you should check with the airline you are flying with to be sure. All airlines have their restrictions concerning bag size. A plane’s capacity can further affect the size of bags that you can carry on. But to give you a general idea, an airline won't usually go smaller than 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches deep, and many go an inch or two bigger than that.
If this is a primary concern, you should definitely select a more compact bag and not overpack it.
Our top picks: Weight and size
- Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag: This bag has a standard 100-liter capacity and weighs about 11 pounds, making it suitable for most traveling situations.
- Amazon Basics 35-Inch Large Rolling Duffel Bag: It weighs about 12 pounds, and the extra-large 137-liter capacity makes it excellent for more extended vacations.
- AWAY Active Rolling Duffel 85L: It weighs just 8 pounds and has an 87-liter capacity, making it an excellent option for short vacations.
- Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel Bag: This bag is the best choice for those who want to travel light, thanks to its 22-inch length and 5.2-pound weight.
- Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel Bag: This bag is excellent for all traveling scenarios because of its 77-liter capacity and lightweight design.
Design and features
Appearance
If you travel often, you will be spending some quality time with your bag, so be sure it complements your style. If a bag’s looks are a primary concern for you, some brands offer a wide range of colors and prints. Keep in mind that dark colors hide stains better, while bright colors or unique prints can help you quickly spot your bag at baggage claim and prevent luggage mix-ups from happening.
Handles
The handle is what you grasp to drag the duffel bag around. The best handles will be telescoping, so you can pull them out to use them and push them back into the duffel when they're not in use. The handle should sit flush with the bag when idle; some can even be hidden entirely via a zippered compartment. The button used to lock and unlock the telescoping handle should be durable and easy to use. A handle that offers padding will be more comfortable to use.
Carry straps
While a handle is standard on a wheeled duffel bag, carry straps can vary from bag to bag. Since we are talking about a duffel here, the bag should have hand straps so you can carry it like one. Some bags also have a shoulder strap, giving you the option of holding them that way.
Rarer still are wheeled duffel bags that have straps so that you can wear the bag like a backpack. These may also have daisy chains, which you can use to attach gear to the outside of the bag easily.
The more straps the bag has, the more versatile it will be in terms of how you can carry it. All straps should be durable and offer rugged stitching where they attach to the bag.
Pockets
The more pockets in your duffel bag, the easier it will be to organize your stuff. Larger bags will tend to feature more pockets. A variety of easy-to-access pockets on the outside of your duffel bag will give you a quick way to reach your passport, boarding pass and other essential items.
Wheels
Arguably, the primary feature of a wheeled duffel bag (it’s in the name, after all) is its wheels, which should be large enough to handle whatever terrain you will drag it through. Treaded wheels will also provide better traction on rough surfaces, such as cobblestone streets. Some bags feature wheels that recess into the bag when you’re not using them.
Our top picks: Design and features
- Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag: It has one large compartment and three zippered pockets for smaller items. It also features three handles, an inner fixable strap and tear-resistant rubber trolley wheels.
- Amazon Basics 35-Inch Large Rolling Duffel Bag: Its inline wheels make it easy to pull when walking, and multiple zipper compartments allow for convenient organization of clothing and accessories.
- AWAY Active Rolling Duffel 85L: Its flip-fold frame collapses for convenient storage, and the oversized wheels make it easy to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. It has multiple hidden pockets and a handle with two adjustable height settings.
- Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel Bag: It features a retractable handle, strategically placed grab handles, dedicated pockets for shoes and wet clothing articles, and smooth-rolling inline skate wheels.
- Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel Bag: It has six pockets for convenient storage and organization, and an in-set blade wheel system that makes it easy to move around while walking.
Tips
- For increased weather protection, try to find a bag that includes a durable storm flap.
- Avoid choosing a bag too big for your needs. It will not only be harder to lug around, but the space inside it will also put your possessions at greater risk of damage.
- Self-repairing zippers refer to zippers that, should the zipped track split apart, allow you to easily “repair” the split by simply unzipping and rezipping the bag.
- Separate compartments in a duffel bag allow you to easily isolate items, such as dirty shoes or laundry, to protect clean clothes and personal items.
- If you plan to carry your duffel onboard, weigh it before you leave for the airport to verify that you are within the airline's weight limits.
- Larger outside pockets on a duffel bag are perfect for storing so-called “3-1-1 rule” items (liquids, gels and aerosols up to 3.4 ounces go in one bag, one bag per passenger).
- If you are looking for a bag that you plan to check, go with a bright color. It will be easier to pick up on a luggage carousel.
- Interior cinch straps are handy for securing clothing and electronics and compressing everything so that you can fit more in the bag.
- A general rule of thumb: The more durable a duffel bag is, the heavier it will also be.
- Daisy chains are straps on a bag that you can use to clip a variety of gear to. While not standard, some wheeled duffel bags include these.
FAQ
Q. How much do wheeled duffel bags cost?
A. The price of these bags varies quite a bit depending on the quality and size. Bags on the low end will cost $30 to $40, while a premium wheeled bag can cost up to $300. Shelling out for a better-quality bag is advised here, as the bag will tend to last longer and easily pay for itself over time.
Q. Can these be used as a backpack?
A. Some can, although this is relatively rare. For a wheeled duffel bag to be used in this way, it must have shoulder straps and a sturdy, lightweight frame that can fit comfortably against your back. A belt strap should also be included to help take up some of the load.
Q. How do these bags open?
A. Again, it depends on the bag. The majority of them zip open like a suitcase, providing easy access to all your stuff. This is in direct contrast to a traditional duffel bag, which opens on one end, requiring you to dig through the bag to reach items on the bottom. Some bags combine the two, with a bottom suitcase-like compartment and a top duffel-like section. These bags give you more organization options.
