Joshua Babicz
When you’re going away for a long weekend or short vacation, it’s best to travel with a compact piece of luggage that’s easy to transport through hotels and airports. That’s where rolling duffel bags come in handy. A rolling duffel bag is lightweight to carry around, and you can choose from carrying this bag on your shoulders or rolling it through the airport. They are large enough to store everything you need for your time away, without being too big to fit in a car or taxi. Wheeled duffel bags are perfect for short trips, and by choosing one of these best rolling duffel bags today, you’ll find it completely transforms your traveling experience on your next vacation or weekend away.
Best Rolling Duffel Bags to Buy in 2022
1 – Gonex Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels
Storage
The 30-inch bag offers a whopping 100-liter capacity, so it’s one of the largest duffel bags on the market in terms of storage. There’s a huge main section with a U-shaped opening, and you’ll also find a mesh pocket, zip pocket, and a quick-access pocket. It’s suitable for trips which are a week or two long, as well as shorter weekends away.
Design and Materials
This Gonex duffel bag is made from PVC fabric which is 1200D and high-density. It’s wear and tear-resistant and also waterproof, yet is extremely lightweight for carrying around. This kind of bag can be carried with multiple different top and side handles, which are easy to grip when on the go. The rubber wheels are large in size and won’t make a noise as you are walking through the airport. When you are on the go, you’ll appreciate the inner straps, ensuring your gear doesn’t move all over the place and get damaged. The zippers are all YKK zippers, so you won’t have to worry about them getting broken after a few uses.
Pros
- 100-liter capacity
- Made from 1200D PVC fabric
- Multiple pockets to choose from when packing
Cons
- Not suitable for use as carry-on luggage
2 – Ecko Unltd. 32″ Steam Collection Rolling Duffel
Storage
With dimensions of 32 x 15.5 x 15 inches, this Ecko Unltd bag is a stylish yet functional duffle bag for all of your carrying needs. You’ll be able to pack anything you could need for a weekend away, and it has a spacious main pocket that will take all of your clothes and accessories. If you are using this bag on a plane journey, you’ll find this duffel easy to spot on the luggage carousel. It also has side and front pockets, which are perfect for adding items you need easy access to.
Design and Materials
This bag is made from durable polyester material with a printed design and would be perfect for a weekend away. The skate wheels make navigating busy airports a breeze, and the wheels offer a smooth gliding motion. The telescoping handle is easy to use and has a push-button to easily retract the handle when you need to use it in a rush.
Pros
- Unique design will stand out when you travel
- Wheels offer a smooth gliding motion
- Large main compartment for storing all of your travel gear
Cons
- The design may not appeal to everyone, as some users may prefer a plain design
- Material not as durable as other ripstop polyester bags
3 – Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag
Storage
At 22 inches in size, this is one of the smaller duffel bags on our list today. However, it still offers a whole lot of features with a small price tag. The U-shaped top makes it easy to access the main section of the bag, so you can pack this travel duffel in a rush for your next trip. With eight pockets to choose from, it’s one of the best small luggage options on the market.
Design and Materials
This bag is made from Protecflon polyester material, which is a 1200D polyester. The zippers are self-repairing, so you don’t have to worry about damaging this bag when in a rush. While it offers plenty of packing space, it also has the ability to stand up by itself as long as you’ve not overloaded your luggage. The skate wheels are extremely easy to use, and the hideaway telescopic handle is quick and easy to access when you’re on the go. Finally, we love the wide selection of colors this bag is available in, which sets it apart from other duffle bags.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Wide variety of colors available
- Plenty of packing compartments for a smaller bag
Cons
- No drop bottom to this bag
- No shoulder straps or backpack straps
- Better for a short trip than a grand tour
4 – Amazon Basics Ripstop Rolling Travel Luggage Duffle Bag With Wheels
Storage
This bag’s interior dimensions are 34.5 x 18.25 x 5 inches, and its external dimensions are 37.5 x 18.25 x 16 inches. It has a huge capacity of 137 liters, so it is one of the largest capacity bags on our list today. You’ll be able to add more of your belongings than many of the other options, so it’s great for a long-term trip or vacation. Your bag comes with a one-year limited warranty, so you can purchase with more peace of mind before your next vacation. Unfortunately, the bag is far too big for carry-on luggage, so it’s more suitable for use when traveling by car or checking in airplane luggage. There are multiple compartments on this bag, which give you plenty of options for organizing your belongings.
Design and Materials
This black duffel bag is made from polyester. The top is 100% polyester, and the sides and base of the bag are made from 1680D ripstop material. It’s lined with a 210D material, which gives even more protection to anything you are storing within your duffel. There are also gray accents for a stylish addition to the black bag, which makes it a little more fashionable than a plain black bag. This bag is designed to last for many years, and the material is durable and hardwearing. Most users will rely on the in-line wheels and telescopic handle when it comes to their carrying options. These offer easy movement through airports and hotels, and the upright handle is sturdy for use even when your bag is full. There are top carry handles as well as wheels and external compression straps to keep your bag secure throughout its journey.
Pros
- Made from 1680D ripstop material
- One year limited warranty included with your purchase
- Large 137-liter capacity
Cons
- Hand carrying options are not as good as on other duffels
- Weaker material than other options on the market
5 – Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag
Storage
This 30-inch duffel is ideal for a longer trip, thanks to its multiple compartment options. The main section is very large, and then you’ll also benefit from multiple zippered pockets, which help you to keep any valuable items well organized. Throughout the bag, you’ll find a fabric lining, so all of the items you store inside these duffels will be safe and sound.
Design and Materials
These duffels are made from nylon and are lined with fabric. Nylon is a durable and lightweight material, making it ideal for long trips and then easy storage when you get back home. The zipper closures are reasonably strong, so even when it’s at full capacity, you’ll feel secure using one of these duffels. The heavy-duty wheels are ideal for use on all surfaces, and there’s also a top and rear carry handle option for an alternative carrying solution.
Pros
- Great value for money and makes a good alternative to some of the more expensive duffels
- Multiple zippered pockets to keep all of your belongings organized
- Heavy-duty wheels
Cons
- Weaker fixtures and zips than other options on the market
- No drop bottom for easy access
6 – Samsonite Luggage 22 Inch Andante Wheeled Duffel
Storage
This is one of the smallest best wheeled duffel bags on our list today, but it’s a great option for short trips. It’s 22 inches in size, which makes it significantly smaller than other options listed here, but the main compartment is roomy enough to store everything you need. It has a lightweight design and multiple zip pockets for better organization when you are on the go. We love the U-shaped opening on the top of the bag, which makes it easy to find a sweater or coat if you are traveling between different climates.
Design and Materials
This is a very lightweight bag, but you may find the material to be a lot weaker than other ripstop polyester bags on our list today. When it comes to carrying this bag, you’ll have multiple options. The carry handles are very comfortable for walking around with, and due to the bag’s smaller size, this is a good option for busy streets and airports. Alternatively, the wheels offer a smooth rolling motion and the handle locks in an upright position to make navigating the streets easier.
Pros
- Very lightweight bag
- Good for weekends away or short trips
- One of the lowest priced wheeled duffel bag options
Cons
- Weaker material than other options on our list today
- This smaller bag won’t be big enough for a long trip or a lot of gear
7 – Fila 32″ Lightweight Rolling Duffel
Storage
This Fila duffle bag’s dimensions are 32 x 12 x 31 inches, so you’ll enjoy plenty of space for gear organization before your next vacation. The main compartment is extremely roomy, so it’s perfect for storing clothes, shoes, or sporting equipment. The side pockets are a great feature, and they’ll make storing your gear even easier, especially if you have items you need easy access to.
Design and Materials
Designed to last for years to come, this Fila duffel bag is made with durable polyester material. When you’re on the go, you’ll appreciate the internal handle system, including a telescoping handle that extends up to 13 inches. If you can’t use your wheeled duffel when you are on an uneven surface, you’ll also appreciate the comfortable padded handles, which make carrying the bag in your hands fine for a short while. The skate wheels make traveling a pleasure, and you won’t feel the weight of your gear at all when using this duffel bag.
Pros
- Handle extends up to 13 inches
- Very spacious main compartment
- Zippered side pockets
Cons
- Bright colors may not be to everyone’s taste
- Zippers are not as strong as on other bags, and they aren’t self-healing zippers
8 – High Sierra Dells Canyon Wheeled Duffel Bag
Storage
The most popular model of this bag offers 73 liters of storage, so it’s great for adding all of your gear and clothes for a week-long trip. We love the quick access side pocket for your phone or any small thing you may need easy access to on the go. There are a few options for accessing the main pocket, so you’ll find it’s easy to search for clothes even when it’s at full capacity.
Design and Materials
Your belongings will all be safe in this bag thanks to its Hex Ripstop material, which is durable for even the most adventurous types of trip. You can either use grab-and-go handles or the wheels, so you won’t struggle to carry the bag even if it’s at full capacity. The compression straps are built into the bag, which makes it stand out from the other options on our list. You can also make this bag into a backpack, thanks to the detachable backpack straps.
Pros
- Detachable backpack straps included
- Internal compression straps
- Large capacity and three different size options
Cons
- No drop bottom compartment
- More expensive than many other types of bag
9 – The North Face Rolling Thunder 30″
Storage
This 30-inch bag offers plenty of storage space, but sadly no drop bottom compartment. It has an 80-liter capacity and measures 40 x 76 x 33 cm. It’s quite a lightweight bag considering its size and material, weighing just 9.7 pounds. You’ll be impressed with the size of the storage compartments, which offer you plenty of space for sporting gear or equipment. Inside you’ll find a mesh pocket and two zipped pockets to keep your valuables close at hand.
Design and Materials
This bag may look like it’s made from leather, but in fact, it’s made from a tough material with a 1680D nylon layer. It offers a rugged look, and the Bomber Base Camp material is ideal for a long expedition or flight. The wheels are self-cleaning, so you don’t need to worry about using them on muddy or dirty surfaces. There’s also a sherpa strap, which is another option for carrying the bag. We love the addition of the plastic bumpers, which are found throughout the bag, and offer you more protection when you’re on the go.
Pros
- More storage space than many other duffel bags
- Very hardwearing material in comparison to other duffels
- Large packing compartments and extra pockets for valuables
Cons
- Very expensive model in comparison to other bags of the same size
- The leather look of the material may not appeal to everyone
10 – Travelers Club Xpedition 30 Inch Multi-Pocket Upright Rolling Duffel Bag
Storage
The dimensions of this duffel bag are 30 x 13 x 12 inches, and it offers a 77-liter capacity. Considering the size of these duffels, you’ll be impressed it only weighs 6.6 lbs. It’s ideal for longer vacations or outdoor adventures, and any piece of gear or technical thing you may need can be stored in this bag. The main section is extremely large, although it doesn’t offer a drop bottom access option. As well as this main pocket, you’ll find six other smaller pockets, so there’s a space for every piece of luggage you need for your vacation.
Design and Materials
This lightweight bag is made from 600D polyester and is more lightweight than other options of the same size. We appreciate the choice of carrying options with this bag, which includes top and rear handles. The wheel system is very efficient, and you won’t feel a thing as you transport your bag, even over the roughest surfaces. For the times you choose to put this luggage into your car or check it in at the airport, you’ll appreciate the protection the bag offers for your belongings.
Pros
- Great value for money for the size of the bag
- Large compartment and six extra pockets on this duffel
- Top and rear handles as well as wheels
Cons
- No drop bottom access to the main section
- No compression straps to keep your belongings secure when on the go
11 – Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag
Storage
With two main front compartments, this bag offers plenty of storage space. The 30-inch size is the most popular option and offers a good capacity for sports gear and personal belongings. It’s a soft-sided bag, so you may find that your things inside don’t have as much protection as other types of duffel bag on the market. The U-shaped zipper on the top makes it easy to access the large compartment, which has a full lining and gives an aesthetically pleasing profile to the bag.
Design and Materials
Made from 600D polyester, this heavy-duty material will offer you a piece of luggage that will last for the next few years of adventures. The skate wheels make it easy to navigate your way around hotels or airports. One of the best things about this bag is the range of colors that are available, which are the most extensive on our list today. For those times where you can’t wheel the bag, you’ll also find shoulder straps that are fully adjustable and ergonomically designed to minimize the pressure on your body.
Pros
- Adjustable shoulder straps for an alternative carrying method
- Great value for money
- Large packing space which is accessed by a U-shaped zipper
Cons
- No drop bottom to this bag
- Not a water-resistant bag
12 – Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel
Storage
The large size Eagle Creek duffel bag comes in at 36 x 15 x 14 inches yet weighs just 4 lbs 3 oz. As well as offering a large main compartment, you’ll also find this bag comes with an additional storage pouch, which can be used as a packing pocket to keep dirty shoes or gear away from your clean clothing. This bag is protected by the Eagle Creek warranty, which is a lifetime warranty with guaranteed repair or replacement.
Design and Materials
Made from bi-tech fabric, this is a highly durable and long-lasting bag that you’ll enjoy using for years to come. It’s one of the best wheeled duffel options as it is water-resistant, so it can be used in a wide variety of settings. The bag offers users self-healing zippers, and the main zipper is also protected by a flap. Every stress point on the bag is reinforced, and you can also lock this bag for extra security on the go. The wheels are oversized and treaded, so you’ll find them easy to use on even the most uneven surfaces.
Pros
- Lightweight for the size of the bag
- It comes with an additional storage pouch to keep dirty gear separate
- Protected by the Eagle Creek warranty
Cons
- The bag lacks structure and reinforcements
- Some users find it difficult to wheel around for an extended period of time
13 – Travelers Club Adventure Upright Rolling Duffel Bag
Storage
The largest and most popular size of the duffel is 36 x 14 x 14.5 inches, so it’s perfect for long trips or backpacking adventures. It’s recommended that you don’t overload this bag and try to keep your capacity under 40 lbs. There’s a double packing compartment and then multiple extra packing space pockets for your smaller items and to keep you well organized. This duffel is suitable for both men and women, and you’ll find it easy to search for anything inside thanks to the U-shaped opening. There’s also a 2-section drop bottom to the duffel, which makes finding items in a rush quick and easy. For your shoes, there’s a separate storage compartment to keep them away from your clean items of clothing.
Design and Materials
This bag is made from lightweight yet durable polyester material, however, you’ll still want to keep an eye on your capacity to ensure it does not get stretched or damaged. The heavy-duty wheels are suitable for use on any type of terrain, and there’s also a grab handle on the top for use on the go. The external compression straps will keep your items secure and minimize the size of this bag for checking in at the airport.
Pros
- External compression straps built-in to the design
- Drop bottom compartment
- Great value for money option for first-time duffel bag users
Cons
- Ensure you don’t overload this bag, as it’s recommended you shouldn’t carry more than 40 lbs between all of the compartments
- Thinner material than other similar options on the market
14 – Samsonite Ripstop Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag
Storage
The smallest duffle bag in the range measures 26 x 14 x 14 inches, but the larger options stretch up to 30 and 35 inches in size. You’ll find multiple pockets to choose from, including the large main one, which is firmly secured with compression straps. The main section of the bag has locking zippers, so you’ll feel secure using this bag traveling anywhere in the world. Within the main pocket, you’ll find an interior divider to help organize your belongings. There are also additional rivets on the bail handles, which give this bag additional strength and support.
Design and Materials
As this bag is made from 840 denier nylon, it’s one of the most durable options on the market today. The ripstop polyester material is wear and tear-resistant while also being lightweight for carrying around on trips. The skate wheels are made from polyurethane and have ball bearings for easier movement. As well as the wheels, you’ll find a carry handle on the top, which makes it easy for carrying when rolling is not possible.
Pros
- Made from 840 denier nylon
- Polyurethane skate wheels with ball bearings
- Interior divider within the main section
Cons
- Poor quality of the zippers
- A pricey option considering the design and durability of the bag
15 – Samsonite Andante Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag
Storage
We love how quick packing is with this Samsonite wheeled duffel, thanks to the multiple pockets and a large main compartment. There’s a split bottom compartment which makes packing even easier, and the larger bag in the range also offers a drop bottom compartment. The U-shaped opening makes accessing the main pocket much simpler, especially if you are in a rush when traveling.
Design and Materials
Made from durable polyester fabric, this bag offers wheels or comfortable handles for carrying. The wheels are extremely smooth over any surfaces, and the telescopic handle locks into place when you are on the go. The wheels are housed, and this housing offers good shock suspension for bumpy surfaces. The grab handles are painless on your hands, so these are another good option for busy airports.
Pros
- The functional design is ideal for business travelers
- U-shaped opening for easy access to the main compartment
- Smooth wheeling motion
Cons
- Poor quality zip pocket construction
- Wheeled duffel is easily scuffed when it’s dragged along the floor
Best Rolling Duffel Bag Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to purchasing a new duffel bag, there are certain things we always recommend looking for. This will help you to purchase a long-lasting and durable bag that can be used for your luggage for years to come.
Size
When you start comparing the best rolling duffel bags, you’ll be surprised by the variety of sizes available on the market today. In our selection of bags, you’ll see smaller carry-on bags, all the way up to massive duffel bags that you’ll need to check-in when you are traveling by plane. If you travel by air regularly, consider if you need a wheeled duffel bag that you can use as hand luggage or if you are happy with something a little bigger. If you are going on an extended vacation or backpacking trip, a large duffel bag can be a much easier option to take with you than a hard suitcase.
Materials
In comparison to other luggage, you’ll find your wheeled duffel will be thrown around a lot more when you travel. You’ll want to try and find one made from a strong material, such as nylon fabric or polyester. As these bags are often used outdoors, try to find a bag that’s water-resistant. You’ll want to find a bag that’s durable so you won’t have to replace your new wheeled duffel after just a few uses. Look for frames and reinforcements throughout the duffel, which will help to keep its shape even when it’s packed full of clothes and accessories.
Compartment Options
When packing for a trip, having a wide selection of compartments and pockets is essential for good organization. Try to look for duffel bags with multiple pockets as well as a spacious main compartment. The main compartment should be big enough to hold your clothing and shoes for any vacation. If you are traveling for sport or with specialist equipment, you may have different priorities for gear organization based on the items you need to carry for your event or trip. Ensure you also look at whether there are internal and external compression straps, as these can help to keep your personal belongings safe during your journey.
Strong Wheels
The wheels and handle are going to play an integral part in the success of your duffel bag. Try to find a duffel bag that offers skate wheels or ones that can easily move around on a variety of surfaces. The handle should be sturdy enough to be used for years at a time, and a telescopic handle is generally your best bet for easy storage. The size of the wheels is also important. If you are ever going to need to use your duffel bag on uneven ground, look for large wheels that won’t get stuck in cobbles or gaps in the pavement.
Carrying Options
While you’ll use a rolling duffel with the handle and wheels the majority of the time, ensure a new duffel bag comes with grab handles and side handles. This is essential if you are using this item in an airport, where baggage handlers will need a way to move your travel duffel bag around. There will also be times when you are walking across uneven ground, which may be impossible to use your wheeled duffel bag on. A good rolling duffel bag will have multiple carrying options and may even have a shoulder strap for carrying the bag across your body. If you prefer to carry your bag on your back, look for an option with adjustable backpack straps. While this is a less common feature on rolling duffel bags, it’s a great way to carry the bag through a crowded location.
