Image: MomJunction Design Team
Duffel bags are extremely convenient to carry during weekend getaways or extended trips. However, you may end up with aching and sore shoulders after lugging around all that weight. That’s where the best 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.
Raluca Oita, a fashion designer and co-founder of Georgette’s Patterns, says, “Rolling duffel bags are a must-have accessory for any fashion-conscious traveler. Not only do they offer the spaciousness and versatility of a traditional duffel bag, but they also have the added convenience of wheels, making them easy to navigate through airports and other crowded spaces.”
She adds, “Rolling duffel bags also lend a touch of class to your travel ensemble. A sleek, leather duffel bag with wheels can up your casual airport look, while a colorful, patterned duffel can add a pop of personality to a more formal outfit.”
We hope our review of the best rolling duffel bags from trusted brands will help you find your perfect travel companion. Keep scrolling.
Top Picks
15 Best Rolling Duffel Bags For Easy Traveling In 2024
1. Best With Extra-Large Pockets:Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel Bag
The 600D polyester duffel bag by Travelers Club has a spacious main compartment lined with cotton. Featuring rear and top carry handles, it is easy to lift and stow. Its extra-large zippered compartment and organizer pockets offer ample storage space to allow easy and efficient organization. Weighing 5.6lb with a capacity of 77 liters, the durable backpack has a large U-shaped opening for ease of access when packing and unpacking, and it has a tri-fold bottom board for compact storage when not in use.
Pros
- Retractable telescopic handle
- In-line blade wheels and collapsible design
- Lightweight rolling luggage
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- May tip over if packed incorrectly
- May have a peculiar smell initially
"Thanks to the ample space provided by this bag, I can easily carry all my belongings while traveling. While its wheels could have been smoother, the multiple carrying handles allow easy handling. Plus, its contrasting black and purple hues are very vibrant."
Quick tip2. Best Zippers:Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag
Travel light and hands-free by fitting all your essentials in this compact duffel bag from the trusted brand Samsonite. 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 best-selling bag is that it comes with corner protectors that protect it against wear and tear. It measures 30 x 15 x 15 inches and weighs 8.8 pounds.
Pros
- End pockets for shoes and wet items
- Bumper runners on bottom of duffels
- Water-resistant polyester
- Compact travel duffel
- 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
"I’ve always liked Samsonite bags, so I quickly got this one. It's roomy enough to hold clothes for a month-long trip, and the compartments are also placed very smartly. I was skeptical about its close-set wheels, but they have offered seamless maneuverability even in wet conditions."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 931 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
3. Best Expandable:Travelpro Rolling Duffel Bag
Designed with a unique drop-bottom feature, the duffel bag by Travelpro provides expandable storage and increases the available space. This space can be used as a separate compartment or opened up to become part of the main compartment. The tried-and-tested high-density polyester fabric is durable and has a water-repellent coating, and the duffel rolls smoothly on high-performance ball-bearing wheels. This expandable rolling luggage features an additional zippered exterior pocket that can be used as a wet pocket for soiled and damp items. With cushioned neoprene handles and compression straps, the bag can be carried comfortably.
Pros
- Skid guards to protect from wear and tear
- Aluminum telescopic handle
- Stain-resistant fabric
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- May be a bit heavier than expected
- Side buckles may not be helpful
"Having used this bag for a few trips, I can now vouch for its functionality. It does not bulk even when I pack it to the brim, and the distinct green and black colors enable easy recognition on the carousel. Moreover, its ability to withstand rain and shine has also been impressive."
Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel Bag Best With Extra-Large Pockets | Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag Best Zippers | Travelpro Rolling Duffel Bag Best Expandable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 30" | - | - |
| Color | Purple | - | - |
| Material | Cotton lining | - | - |
| Weight | - | 0.16 ounces | 11.99 pounds |
| Dimensions | - | 15 x 15 x 30 inches | 17 x 16.5 x 29 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,145 | 931 | 191 |
| Price | $39 | $105.99 | $249.99 |
4. Best Long-Lasting:High Sierra Fairlead Wheeled Duffel Bag
The High Sierra Fairlead duffel has compression straps for added protection and long-lasting usage. It also features grab handles at the top, front, and bottom for ease of carrying and lifting. The front pockets provide additional storage and easy organization. This spacious bag is perfect for airplane travel, as the size and weight are compatible with airline weight limits and the wheels make it easy to maneuver at busy airports. You can easily clean and maintain the bag with just a wipe down the exterior if it gets too dirty.
Pros
- Includes molded ID holder
- Drop-bottom design
- Recessed telescoping pull handle
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- May not have a locking ring for the top compartment
- May tip over if over-packed
"The wheeled design of this bag is a boon for my back. It's also spacious, and the durable build has made it my preferred option regardless of the adventure I go on. However, I’d recommend packing it evenly to keep it from tipping."
5. Best Wear-Resistant:Nautica Submariner Rolling Duffel
If you’re a light packer looking for a compact duffel bag, the Nautica rolling duffel weighing 5.5 lbs is the ideal solution. Its front and side zippered pockets allow convenient accessibility and organization of your essentials. The smooth-rolling in-line wheels take the weight off your hands and shoulders and offer easy maneuvering through crowded airports and uneven terrains. Made from durable printed polyester fabric, the rolling duffel bag is spacious, wear- and tear-resistant, and well suited for rugged usage, making it a trusted choice of many.
Pros
- Mesh inner pocket
- Fully lined interior
- Zippered shoe tunnel pocket
- Push-button locking trolley handle
Cons
- May not stand upright
- May not be suitable for long trips
"The slightly flimsy zippers aside, this bag has been the perfect find for my frequent travels. Its storage space is also ample, and the compartments like the one for the shoe keep my clean clothes from coming in contact with the used ones. Besides, the red color looks very lively."
6. Best With Laundry Compartment:Solo New York Wheeled Duffel Bag
With a capacity of 49 liters and measuring 22 x 12 x 10 inches, the duffel bag by Solo New York has a spacious main compartment, an inner mesh pocket, and two zippered exterior pockets that give you ample storage space. It features an additional separate compartment to put laundry or shoes without soiling the rest of the contents. The compact size of the bag makes it ideal for airline travel, as it fits the carry-on luggage requirements for most airlines. Further, the easy-glide wheels provide you with a smooth carrying experience, and it is equipped with two bottom rails for additional stability and protection.
Pros
- Padded straps for comfort
- Lockable zipper pulls
- Push button telescoping handle
- Sustainably designed
Cons
- May tip over on uneven terrains
- May not be free-standing
"The best part about this bag is the dedicated laundry and shoe compartment, which keeps it from holding onto odors. Its large opening makes it easy to pack my stuff, and the zippers move smoothly. The handle can be finicky sometimes, but the overall craftsmanship is top-notch."
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, known for its quality craftsmanship, 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
"Although compact, this bag fits an impressive amount of my clothes. It's also flexible, and the option to fold it saves storage space. I wish its wheels were smoother, but the bag, on the whole, has been excellent in safeguarding my clothes from water, dust, and rough transit."
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The 371 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
8. Best Spacious:Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel Bag
Made of high-quality tarpaulin, the tried-and-trusted Thule Chasm duffel bag with wheels is water-resistant and weather-resistant. It features a wide-mouth opening for ease of access during packing and unpacking, and its spacious interior can hold all your essentials comfortably. The V-channel telescoping handle and smooth, oversized wheels ensure a seamless rolling experience. Its internal mesh pockets are useful for storing laundry away from the rest of the contents of the bag. Further, the compression straps on the exterior provide better protection while adjusting the size of the bag based on how full it is.
Pros
- Quick-access pocket for essentials
- Built-in ID card slot
- Molded polycarbonate back shell
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- May not have interior straps
- May not be abrasion-resistant
"After experimenting with different bags, I have settled on this one due to its practical design. Its wheels have also held up well to being pulled on various rough terrains. The only issue is the tangle-prone internal straps, but I consider that a minor con compared to its overall durability."
9. Best Abrasion-Resistant:Eddie Bauer Expedition Wheeled Duffel
With a durable, abrasion-resistant, rugged polycarbonate and nylon construction, the Eddie Bauer Expedition duffel bag is suitable for adventures. It features a wide opening for easy access to the interior and includes a cinch-closure laundry compartment with Polygene odor control, keeping the rest of the contents fresh. The compression straps on the exterior add a layer of protection to your gear, and there is a drop-bottom compartment with lockable zippers.
Pros
- Has under-lid zip pocket
- Retracting telescoping handle
- Reinforced inline skate wheels
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- May not have internal straps
- Interior may not be lined
"Whether going on a weekend trip or a long holiday, I always reach for this bag as it has a lot of pockets. It also remains stable when packed with heavy items. The lack of a locking zipper is an issue, but the bag has maintained its shape and color even after being used for months."
10. Best Easy-To-Carry:Travelers Club Pinnacle Rolling Duffel Bag
The Highland Tactical rolling duffel bag boasts a 100-liter capacity and measures 30 x 14 x 14 inches. Crafted with premium polyester material, this bag is durable and designed to withstand rough handling. The spacious main compartment features a U-shaped opening and an internal mesh compartment on the top flap for easy organization. Further, the external bungee system on the top of the bag is ideal for stowing outerwear and other essentials. Its rough terrain in-line wheels are suitable for various types of terrain, and the multiple handles located at the front and top of the bag make it easy to carry whether it’s being rolled or handheld.
Pros
- Molle webbing and hook-and-loop system for external storage
- Side-pocket for shoes and boots
- Double-zippered closure
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- Wheels may not be noiseless
- Handle may be slightly flimsy
"Not only does this bag feel durable, but it also has different pockets to organize my clothes and tech gear. Initially, I found it a bit heavy, but the heft has only kept it from fraying despite being used regularly."
11. Best With Noiseless Wheels:J World New York Duane Wheeled Duffel Bag
The J World New York wheeled duffel bag has a capacity of 45.5 liters and measures 11.4 x 11.6 x 21 inches. It is made of durable 600D polyester and features a large main compartment with a full-size zipper opening for easy access. The wheels on this tried-and-tested rolling duffel are soft and noiseless, ensuring a smooth rolling experience. Further, it has multiple interior and exterior pockets, ensuring ample storage space for all your essentials. With a built-in ID tag holder and a hidden fob pocket for smaller essentials, this rolling gym bag has versatile usage, suitable for school, work, vacation, and adventure travel.
Pros
- Locking handle with push button
- Convertible design
- Waterproof travel duffel
- Detachable and adjustable shoulder strap
- Available in multiple colors and patterns
Cons
- Handle may be a bit flimsy
- Lining zipper may be a bit tight
"Every feature of this bag, including the large size, reinforced corners, and lightweight build, has made my travels easy. The only drawback is its not-so-sturdy handle, but its lockable design makes up for that minor issue. Plus, the bag fits the overhead bin without a hassle!"
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 convenient travel duffel bag, known for its high-quality craftsmanship, is highly durable and easy to clean and carry. 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 top security of all your personal items. Its spinner wheels enhance its mobility and smoothness so that you can travel without a care in the world, making it one of the best travel duffel bags. This lightweight travel duffel measures 13x21x10 inches and weighs 5.6 pounds.
Pros
- Volume capacity of 41 liters
- Folds down flat
- TSA lock included
- Durable rolling suitcase
Cons
- Some people might not like the shiny fabric
- Bottom compartment might be a little small
"The bag’s floral pattern was the first thing that appealed to me–it looks cute and stands out in the sea of black luggage. While its storage capacity is ample, the outer pockets could have been more spacious. Still, the aesthetic looks and foldable design have made it my favorite."
13. Best Sturdy: Osprey Rolling Transporter 120
The Osprey duffle rolling bag has a generous capacity of 120 liters and measures 38H x 22.4W x 15D inches, providing ample storage and making it easy to carry your essentials. It is made of superior-quality, durable polyester and features an aluminum chassis and extendable handle, eliminating the need for frequent bending to pick up your belongings. In addition, its 110mm sealed-bearing wheels effortlessly glide over any surface. The bag’s dual-sided TPU coating, sturdy hardware, and oversized flap also prevent damage from external factors, and the easy-to-grab padded handles and molded foot make it easy to lift, carry, and store the bag.
Pros
- Water-resistant coating
- Zippered pockets
- Available in two colors
- Has internal compression straps
Cons
- Some compartments might be smaller than expected
"This duffel-style bag easily accommodates all my clothes without a hitch and even has small pockets to store the delicates. Its wheels are also super smooth, and the material has proven durable enough to sustain harsh weather and rough airport handling."
14. Best Rugged:eBags Mother Lode Carry-On Rolling Duffel Bag
The minimalist rolling duffel bag with a lightweight design 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, enormous storage capacity, and several different-sized spacious 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 stylish rolling suitcase is safe and spacious.
Features:
- Measures 21.5x15x9 inches
- 840D and 900D twisted polyester
- Weighs eight pounds
- Has mesh pockets for increased visibility
Pros
- 840D and 900D twisted polyester
- Lightweight at eight pounds
- Smooth wheels
- Has mesh pockets for increased visibility
Cons
- Rod inserts may be slightly flimsy
"In addition to being durable, this bag is spacious enough to accommodate all my clothing and grooming essentials. The separate section for shoes is also very thoughtful. While the lack of a side handle was surprising, its inline wheels have been efficient and perfect for small spaces."
15. Best With Retractable Handle: HiPack Carry-On Rolling Duffle Bag
The HiPack rolling duffle bag made of high-quality 600D polyester features heavy-duty skate wheels for enhanced mobility and a retractable locking push-button handle for easy storage. The durable bag is also equipped with adjustable straps and grip handles on the top and side for comfortable carrying. Additionally, its straight-top opening design and several compartments, including a U-top main compartment, a zipper pocket at the top, a mesh pocket, and two exterior zipper pockets, make it easy to store and access your belongings. Measuring 20 x 13 x 11 inches, this carry-on rolling bag is ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Multiple carrying options
- Available in four colors
- Suitable for air travel
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- May not have a stable base
- Some might find it smaller than expected
How To Choose The Right Rolling Duffel Bag?
Consider these factors to ensure you lay your hands on the right rolling duffel bag.
1. 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.
2. 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 nice 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 and have a heavy base weight and water-resistant or waterproof finish.
3. 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 and trusted option, such as one with inline skate wheels.
4. 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 an easily packable duffel bag that has a large capacity, preferably with compartments, which allows you to divide and organize your various belongings.
5. 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 a great option–it should be sturdy, strong, and durable 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.
6. 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.
7. Pockets: Extra pockets are always a plus, especially if they have zipper closures, 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
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size are TSA-approved carry-ons?
The TSA does not set size restrictions for carry-on baggage. The size dimensions may vary from airline to airline. For instance, as per United Airlines, the size of your carry-on bag shouldn’t exceed 9 x 14 x 22in.
2. How big of a duffel bag do I need?
That depends on how long you plan to travel and how much stuff you need to carry. Usually, for a week-long trip, an 80-100l duffel bag offers plenty of space to serve as a standalone luggage.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Traveling can be daunting when you do not have the right bag to pack all of your luggage. Hence, Poulami Nag, our established writer and reviewer of travel accessories, has compiled this list of the best rolling duffel bags you can consider buying after going through numerous user reviews. Rolling duffel bags are ergonomically designed to help you carry them around seamlessly. She has also included a buying guide mentioning the factors you should consider when choosing a rolling duffel bag from a trusted brand.
The Bottom Line
Duffel bags are here to make your next getaway as easy and convenient as possible. They are easy to carry around and are low maintenance. However, these come in different sizes, and you must choose an appropriate size to suit all your needs. When selecting the best rolling duffel bags from trusted brands, check the durability of the material, as these bags need to be sturdy enough to carry luggage safely. An additional feature that could make the rolling duffle bag a hit during your travel would be waterproof technology. Lastly, be particular about the smoothness of its wheels so that you can carry it around easily. Our top recommendations include the Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel Bag for its ample storage space, the Travelpro Rolling Duffel Bag for its telescopic handle, and the Solo New York Wheeled Duffel Bag for its compact size.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of A Rolling Duffel Bag?
A rolling duffel bag is a versatile travel companion, combining the convenience of wheels with the spaciousness of a duffel, making it perfect for adventurers on the go. Check out the infographic below to discover why investing in a rolling duffel bag can be great, as it highlights the merits of using one while traveling.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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