23 Best Backpacks for College Students That Are Comfortable and Spacious

safari college bags review

By Brittany Romano

Best Backpacks for College

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best backpack for college will have to pull a lot of weight. It has to protect your delicate laptop on the way to class, house gym clothes, and even double as a carry-on for trips back home during school breaks.

So it’s essential to find a backpack for school that can help you do the heavy lifting comfortably and stylishly (of course!). We suggest looking for a roomy bag with plenty of organizational compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve (we’ve also got cool laptop backpacks if you’re looking for some). Wide, cushioned straps and back panel padding can help distribute the weight evenly and provide ample back support. Depending on where you live, you may also want to opt for a backpack constructed with water-resistant materials to keep all your school gear safe.

You won’t have to worry about finding the right pick, though, because there are plenty of styles, colors, and types to choose from. And we selected the most popular backpacks according to customer reviews and student-loved picks on TikTok. Yes, there are the same good old classics—like Jansport and North Face—you relied on in your younger years. But some fashion brands—like Patagonia and MZ Wallace—are also creating plenty of ultra-cool, luxe options that still happen to be highly functional. There are also tons of budget-friendly backpacks on Amazon .

Whether you prefer a sophisticated leather backpack , a solid black quilted number, or a more durable water-resistant canvas, these are the 23 best backpacks for college students.

Our top picks:

  • Best overall college backpack: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack , $75
  • Best backpack for college students with laptops: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack , $138
  • Best North Face backpack: The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack , $75
  • Best backpacks for college guys: Jansport The Rightpack , $64
  • Best backpacks for college girls: Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack , $140

safari college bags review

Vera Bradley Campus Backpack

Vera Bradley

This backpack has one of the broadest ranges of colors and designs on our list, and you can’t go wrong with any. You’ll also find multiple compartments, including two mesh tech sleeves for laptops and tablets and a zippered front pocket for easy access to essentials like your dorm key card. Best of all? You can toss the whole thing in the washing machine for a quick refresh.

Pros :✓Available in many colors and prints ✓ Machine washable

Cons: ✓ Some wish it was bigger

Color(s): 61 (varies by retailer)

Size: 7.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches

Materials: 100% Cotton

Review : “This bag is great! You have pockets upon pockets! You will not run out of room with this one. It’s very sturdily made and has held up with my heavy water bottles, too! I love having the option to carry so many different items such as a laptop/tablet, but the pocket is flat enough that you wouldn’t be burdened by the extra fabric/weight if you aren’t using it.”

the north face

The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack

Need one of the best North Face backpacks? Step right up and reach for this campus-ready choice. Perfect for those needing ample storage, this roomy 28L backpack includes two external water bottle pockets, a padded internal laptop sleeve (up to 15 inches), and extra zippered pockets inside. It stands upright on its own, so you can effortlessly load and unload it. It’s also endorsed as ergonomic by the American Chiropractic Association. (That means it’s extra comfortable to carry.)

Pros: ✓Two-webbing top handles for easy movement ✓ Fits up to a 15-inch laptop ✓ Straps remain comfortable with long periods of use

Cons: ✓ Some say the padded laptop sleeve lacked adequate protection

Color(s): 19 (varies by retailer)

Size: 8.25 x 11 x 18.13 inches

Materials: 600D Recycled Polyester

Review: “This backpack is a great size for fitting many school books, laptops, or iPads. It has several pockets for storing your smaller items. Great color combo and price! It was cheaper than purchasing it at a big box store.”

two-toned-laptop-backpack-with-handle

LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack

Fashion meets function with this LOVEOOK laptop backpack. It has a wide-open design, and a 17-inch laptop compartment that will keep your electronics padded and protected. And if pockets are what you're after, you’ll find plenty of them here. This backpack has two front-zip pockets, two side pockets for a water bottle (or two!), and best of all? There is a USB charging port to keep you powered up no matter where you go.

Pros: ✓Durable fabric ✓Multi-pocket design ✓Mesh shoulder strap promotes circulation

Cons: ✓ Many had issues with the compartments not being large enough

Color(s): 30+

Size: 7.48 x 11.81 x 16.14 inches

Materials: Nylon

Review : “[I] purchased this for travel for my tween; she loves it and has raved about all the pockets and space for organizing her items when we travel. She loves that it has the strap for her luggage because sometimes that’s easier than having it on your back. Imagine our surprise when we flew across the Atlantic and landed at Charles De Gaul airport and saw at least 10 of the same bags being carried by ladies of all ages and in all colors. Think I will get one for myself.”

safari college bags review

Himawari Backpack

Love thrifting at vintage stores? You’ll adore this laptop backpack! It’s made from nylon and features leather closure straps on the front exterior pocket. The shoulder straps are padded and breathable and you can switch up how you hold the bag thanks to the dual top handles.

Pros: ✓ The leather looks so expensive ✓ Extremely sturdy straps ✓ 30-Day Returns

Cons: ✓ Some reviewers said it didn’t last as long as they’d like

Color(s): 20

Size: 15 x 11 x 6 inches

Materials: ‎ Nylon and Leather

Review : “This backpack is great quality, looks very nice, and comes in many nice colors. It’s water resistant and has a convenient size for school or as a handbag for traveling.”

Best backpack for college students with laptops

tan-faux-leather-laptop-backpack

CALPAK Kaya Faux Leather Laptop Backpack

Sure, this backpack is on the expensive side, but trust us, it’s worth every penny. It's constructed from faux leather and features gorgeous exposed stitching and gold-tone construction hardware. On one side, you'll find a padded laptop sleeve and a phone pouch. We also love that it comes with a luggage trolley sleeve on the back that can slip right over the handle of your carry-on.

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Pros: ✓ Great for those who need extra room ✓ Looks expensive ✓ Lots of pockets

Cons: ✓ It didn’t last long for some

Color(s): 2

Size: 15 œ x 11 œ x 4 œ inches

Materials: 100% Faux Leather

Review : “I love this laptop bag. [I] was looking for something cute and good quality, and this is that. I have dragonfruit pink, and I am so in love with the bright pink color. The quality is amazing and has a lot of room for what I need. I am trying to justify buying a second one just because of how much I love this bag. If you’re contemplating due to the price, it’s worth every penny! But it! You won’t regret it!”

safari college bags review

WONHOX Large Backpack

This backpack comes with everything you need to carry all your school supplies. There’s an internal laptop sleeve pocket, a zippered pouch to hold tiny tech accessories like headphones or adapters, and an exterior front pouch that can store credit cards and keys. It’s made from eco-friendly, sustainable materials, meaning this bag doesn’t just look good but also does some good for the planet, too.

Pros:✓ Perfect size to hold all your essentials ✓ Made from sustainable materials ✓ Fashionable and sturdy

Cons: ✓ Many wish the side of the backpack had some sort of padding

Color(s): 32+

Size: 16.93 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Review : “This is the perfect bag for all different needs. I use this for school, and it has plenty of pockets for my laptop, books, and notebooks while keeping all those things separate. Has plenty of padding that makes it comfortable to wear even for long periods of time.”

Best backpacks for college girls

safari college bags review

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

You may already be familiar with Longchamp's tote bag, but don't sleep on the Le Pliage backpack. It's crafted from a water-resistant nylon and has a dark brown textured leather trim that gives off an elevated chic touch.

Pros:✓ A great bag for travel ✓Water-resistant

Cons: ✓No pockets

Color(s): 5 (varies by retailer)

Size: 7.48 x 5.98 x 1.73 inches

Materials: 100% Nylon

Review: “This is the perfect size for travel. It folds up to envelope size in the suitcase, is small enough that you do not have to check it in the museums, holds as much as a purse, is lightweight, and distributes weight evenly so one shoulder isn’t carrying the weight, pickpocket-proof, and you can toss it into the washing machine. Best of all: it is highly water resistant and will keep your things dry in a downpour.”

tan-backpack-purse

Aurora Backpack

Are you having trouble breaking up with your beloved tote bag? Don’t—or at least you won’t when you reach for this choice from Kreya. The Aurora easily transitions between both a tote bag and backpack with a few minor adjustments; a quick tug will have you moving this piece from one shoulder to two. Dubbed “the perfect all-day bag,” the superior cow leather looks sleek and sophisticated and can fit a 14-inch laptop, school supplies, and more. Plus, the metal snaps expand when you need some extra space!

Pros: ✓Fits a 14-inch laptop ✓Both a tote bag and backpack ✓Made from sleek leather

Cons: ✓ N/A

Color(s): 1

Size: 14 x 13 x 3 inches

Materials: 100% Cow Leather

Review: N/A

brown_backpack_for_college

Cole Haan Triboro Leather Backpack

This Cole Haan leather backpack can fit a ton of items. It has a laptop sleeve that can hold any tech gadget that's 16 inches or smaller, and tech pockets for any additional accessories like chargers or cell phones. For added support and comfort, this backpack also has a breathable mesh back and wide padded straps.

Pros:✓ Beautiful leather material ✓Fits a 15-inch laptop ✓Padded shoulder straps for added comfort

Cons: ✓ Some say the quality isn’t as good as it should be for the price

Color(s): 2 or 3 (varies by retailer)

Size: 11 x 18 x 6 inches

Materials: Leather/Textile

Review: “Style, comfort, versatility, and security in an understated package. Must have! It has all of my needs in mind as well as security. I would have preferred a tan version, but I’m exceedingly happy with this version.”

black-waterproof-backpack

Rains Mini Reflective Waterproof Backpack

Perfect for commuting on rainy days, this waterproof backpack will keep your school valuables safe and sound. It’s available in a sleek black shade and has smooth adjustable shoulder straps that won’t dig into your skin.

Pros :✓Waterproof ✓Fits laptops up to 15-inches ✓ Versatile color

Cons: ✓Higher priced

Color(s): Varies by retailer

Size: 11.4 x 15.7 x 3.9 inches

Materials: 100% Polyurethane

Review : “This backpack is great! The soft touch, water-resistant material feels very premium and the matte hardware feels sturdy. Straps are on the shorter side but that’s okay as I’m a thinner build, so it fits me well. The minimalist style of this backpack makes it look much more expensive than it is. It’s well worth every penny. I’d easily pay twice for this backpack as I feel it’s worth it. I appreciate that I can dress this up for business or dress it down for flights.”

safari college bags review

Coofay Carry on Backpack

If you’re looking for a lightweight, casual backpack that can pair with many outfits, look no further! This Coofay pick will feel light on your shoulders (thanks to the low-density polyethylene) and can be used for all types of outdoor activities. Inside, you’ll find a separate sleeve that can hold a 14-inch laptop and an inner zipper pocket to keep your smaller items organized.

Pros :✓Lifetime warranty (depends on retailer) ✓Has thicker shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ Some said the backpack they ordered didn’t look like the picture

Color(s): 16

Size: 15 x 9.57 x 3.62 inches

Materials: Polyethylene

Review : “This backpack is water resistant with many pockets to keep your stuff organized. It doesn’t weigh anything, so your load is always lighter. It has comfortable straps for carrying and is sleek enough to be used for any occasion. This is a great product!!”

yellow-backpack-for-college

Herschel Classic Backpack

This classic Herschel backpack features a sleek silhouette, adjustable padded shoulder straps, an exterior front zip pocket, and a top handle. It's also made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles!

Pros :✓Very durable ✓Front pockets for easy access ✓Two zipper pulls to lock in valuables

Cons: ✓ Some reviewers say the pictures didn’t match up to the item they received

Size: 5.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches

Materials: 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles

Review : “Great quality. I find the weight distribution between the straps to be much better than any other knapsack I have/had. This size is perfect for my everyday needs."

safari college bags review

FjÀllrÀven Kanken Laptop Backpack

Your walks to class will feel light and breezy with this Fjallraven backpack. The feather-weight construction is crafted from vinylon-F, which is moisture-repellant, so your valuables inside will avoid any (or all) of Mother Nature’s wrath. The design features also include a full front zipper pouch and a laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 15 inches.

Pros :✓Extremely durable ✓Ample space ✓ Wide range of colors

Cons: ✓Some didn’t like how their water bottles wouldn’t fit inside

Color(s): 10

Size: 15.79 x 11.54 x 2.68 inches

Materials: 100% Vinylal

Nordstrom Customer Review: “The bag is cute and durable. It’s a really good backpack for college, especially if you commute to campus. It can fit a lot due to the boxy shape and how it opens. The straps are comfortable and it distributes the weight evenly. I love how there are separate compartments. I especially love that I can keep my electronics separate from my lunch and my water bottle! I keep my 13” Macbook, iPad, and the cases/accessories in the padded section and still have room for more! I can fit most of my textbooks in the middle compartment and keep my personal stuff in the pouch. The side pockets are perfect for carrying an umbrella and a water bottle. However, this bag picks up a lot of lint and looks dusty very easily.”

safari college bags review

New Crew Backpack 22L

College students who spend a decent amount of time at sports practice or in the gym should reach for this backpack. It has a spacious interior and is crafted from a water-repellent material to keep your valuables safe. You’ll have enough room to store workout clothes, sneakers, and class essentials. We also love the built-in exterior padded laptop sleeve. Plus, it doubles as a carry-on backpack; the luggage trolley sleeve will make the TSA check-in process much smoother.

Pros :✓Extremely sturdy ✓Water-repellent fabric ✓ Great for travel

Cons: ✓ Some users noted that the overall size of the backpack is small

Color(s): 3

Size: 11.4 x 7.3 x 16.5 inches

Materials: Body: 100% Nylon

Review: “I’ve used this bookbag for all four years of high school and I’d recommend it to anyone. I absolutely love it and will be buying a new one for college!! It fits every book I ever needed and has a laptop compartment!”

navy-blue-backpack-for-college

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Backpack

Kenneth Cole

This fashion-forward backpack has a stylish chevron quilted design with contrasting gold hardware. It feels lightweight and has plenty of room for laptops and textbooks (and dedicated pockets for each). Factor in the trolly strap that fits over luggage, and consider this your new best friend.

Pros :✓Gorgeous chevron pattern ✓Two open-top pockets for easy access ✓ Stylish and sophisticated

Cons: ✓ The seams didn’t hold up for some

Size: 16 x 10 x 7.5 inches

Materials: 100% Quilted Polyester

Review: “The bag is luxurious, sturdy, and spacious. I keep a 15-inch laptop, an iPad, and a full purse in it as needed. It’s great for my busy life as a college student. The many zip pockets are helpful. The price was great. It arrived quickly.”

gray-laptop-backpack

MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack

This isn’t just one of the best backpacks for college students. It’s one of the best laptop backpacks on the market. With more than 83,000 positive Amazon reviews, you can rest assured that this bag is worth every penny. You can choose from 23 colors and patterns, and it has a spacious interior to store school essentials. It also has a soft padded back panel and comes with a built-in USB port that can be used to charge all your tech gadgets.

Pros :✓Has a removable keychain ✓Lots of pockets ✓ Extremely affordable

Cons: ✓The zippers can be difficult

Color(s): 22+

Size: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches

Materials: 100% Polyester

Review : “So for the three years I’ve been in university, I’ve been searching for the perfect backpack and I think I finally found it. This backpack has space for everything that I need. I was initially looking at Northface bags, but [I] saw this one on TikTok tok and this one is so much better — for a fraction of the price. I’m in nursing school and am required to carry around a lot of equipment, plus all my school supplies and my previous bags were always too full and bulking. But this bag has two big main pockets. The first fits my laptop, tablet, notebooks, and folders, and the second is perfect for my stethoscope case, BP cuff, and pencil case with room for more!”

jansport superbreak

JanSport T501 Superbreak Backpack

An oldie but a goodie, the JanSport Superbreak has been a fan-favorite backpack for years. Its unisex design can fit all styles (or needs). It’s made from a water-repellent material and has a front zipper pocket on the exterior. Reliable and lightweight, you can store all your school supplies—from laptops to pencils—and there is still room for some snacks. Do yourself a favor and cop your favorite color!

Pros :✓ Classic “old school” style ✓Many colors available ✓ Great for everyday use

Cons: ✓ Doesn’t have a laptop pocket or pocket for water bottle(s)

Color(s): 33 (varies by retailer)

Size: 17 x 12.5 x 6 inches

Materials: 100% Recycled 600d Polyester

Review : “I was starting freshman year of high school when I first went to a store and bought this black Jansport. It survived all of high school, various vacations, moving from place to place, camping trips, hiking, work bag, beach bag, etc. That bag went through it all, 10 years. It took 10 years for it to finally kick the bucket and stop zipping properly. Comfort and reliability, this bag will NEVER let you down! It even got attacked by a vacuum cleaner and still served its purpose and did its job well.”

safari college bags review

Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack

Consider this a budget-friendly dupe of the Herschel bag. Its got the same classic silhouette, canvas fabric with contrasting buckles, and exterior pockets. The main compartment is roomy enough for textbooks and features a laptop pocket. On the outside, you'll find a front zipper pocket for smaller accessories, tech gadgets, and two side pockets for water bottles.

Pros: ✓Comfortable rucksack ✓Has a total of six pockets ✓Includes an external USB charging port

Cons: ✓ The side pockets don’t have a lot of stretch

Color(s): 4

Size: 11.8 x 16.5 x 5.1 inches

Materials: Lightweight 600D Polyester, Leather Trim Exterior

Review : “I ordered this for my daughter’s first year away at college. She took that bag everywhere, to every class and club meeting and the dining hall and in between, and now at the end of the year it looks brand new. It’s big enough to hold her notebooks, textbooks, and laptop and isn’t bulky. I highly recommend this backpack! I might even order a second one in case this one ever wears out so we have a backup.”

pale-pink-backpack-with-straps

Herschel Survey Backpack ll Weather-Resistant

Saks Fifth Avenue

This trendy backpack has been spotted all over TikTok, and for good reason. Aside from its sleek exterior, customers also love its spacious interior. The main compartment features an internal coated mesh organizer pocket, a key clip, and a laptop sleeve. The shoulder straps are also padded and you’ll find dual exterior pockets to store water bottles.

Pros: ✓Made from recycled materials ✓ It’s water-resistant ✓ Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ On the expensive side

Color(s): 7 (varies by retailer)

Size: 11.5 x 16.25 x 5.5 inches

Review: “My favorite, inside out! I think it’s a backpack that stands out with its distinctive style. I love the matte texture and while it might get a little sweaty on a hot summer day, it’s perfect in a city where it rains a lot. It’s optimal in size, has enough space for a laptop, and looks good on the back of an adult.”

black-laptop-backpack

Thompson Medium Backpack

Want something that looks and feels oh-so-luxurious? Reach for this Kate Spade Thompson Backpack. The medium bookbag is crafted from smooth pebble leather, giving it a sophisticated look. It also has thin shoulder straps and a removable top handle.

Pros: ✓Has a magnetic strap closure ✓Triple compartments ✓ The pebbled leather looks so sleek

Cons: ✓The strap broke for some easily

Size: 11.25 x 11.25 x 5 inches

Materials: Pebbled Leather

Review: “It is a must-have for backpack lovers; I highly recommend it. The compartments are well thought out and the zip in the middle keeps the wallet safe! The front lock is pushed up to open. I love everything about this backpack. Thanks to the designer!!! It comes with a pink color dust tote!”

safari college bags review

JanSport Right Pack

Another JanSport favorite, this Rightpack is exactly as the name sounds
it’s just right! It has the brand's iconic suede leather bottom for extra durability, a side water bottle pocket, and an internal laptop sleeve. The large main compartment can also hold plenty of the big stuff—textbooks, binders, and more. You can also store smaller items in the front zipper pocket.

Pros :✓Lifetime warranty ✓Classic design ✓Affordable

Cons: ✓ Not as sturdy as previous versions were

Color(s): Up to 26 (varies by retailer)

Size: 10 x 3 x 8 inches

Materials: 915D Cordura with Premium Suede

Review : “Jansport makes great products. This backpack holds a lot of weight. The side pocket can fit a standard-size water bottle (does not hold a 32 wide-mouth Hydroflask) zipper, pockets, and straps are functioning as I hoped!”

safari college bags review

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Need to hop on a plane to make your way to college? You’ll love this 100% recycled polyester travel backpack. The water-resistant pick comes in five sophisticated colors, and in addition to the roomy interior that’s perfect for school, is built to make travel easier. Think: a pass-through strap that attaches to a rolling suitcase and a front laptop pocket to simplify the TSA screening process.

Pros: ✓ Travel-friendly ✓ Water-resistant finish

Cons: X Some customers would like the laptop sleeve to come with padding

Dimensions: ‎‎17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches

Color(s): 5

Size: 17.5 x 7.25 x 12

Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester

Review: “I bought this backpack for school and it carries a lot. It has smart pockets. Looks super sleek, very happy with the backpack.”

L.L.Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Pack

L.L.Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Pack

L.L.Bean’s super durable backpack is ergonomically designed with a rigid back panel, an adjustable sternum strap, a tuck-away waist belt, extra foam padding, and breathable mesh straps to minimize strain on your body, and that doesn’t change no matter how much (or little) you have inside. Perfect for the organizational lover, there are compartments for all your must-haves, like a top pocket for phone access, a water bottle pocket to stay hydrated (up to 32 ounces), and a laptop sleeve for 15 inches or smaller.

Pros:✓ Versatile ✓Multiple zippered pockets ✓Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ Many say the material didn’t hold up over time

Color(s): Up to 5 (varies by retailers)

Size: 18.75 x 11.75 x 10 inches

Materials: 200-Denier Ripstop Polyester, 420-Denier Ripstop Nylon

Review: “This is a wonderful backpack. It’s a perfect size, is very comfortable, sturdy, and efficient storage.”

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The Best Safari Luggage

By Mara Balagtas and Lale Arikoglu

The Best Safari Luggage

Choosing the right luggage for a safari can make or break the trip: One day, you might be rumbling along Botswana’s lush delta with nothing to protect your camera, and the next, you're boarding a tiny domestic aircraft that prohibits all suitcases with wheels. You'll need to pack light to adhere to strict weight limits, but still invest in something that can hold enough layers for warm days and cool nights, as well as a bag to hold all your gear while actually out on a game drive. Here, our picks of the best luggage to take on safari—from camera bags and dopp kits to backpacks and duffels.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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A backpack is going to be your best friend when you're out on a game drive all day. Choose one with plenty of pockets and compartments to hold everything from a change of clothes, to camera batteries, to sunscreen, and if you can, go for a roll top version that can be stashed away in your larger duffle when you don't need it.

Tumi Alpha Bravo Tyndall backpack ($495, saksfifthavenue.com ); Hobo River backpack ($298, hobobags.com ); Marni backpack ($1,090, eastdane.com ); Fjallraven Split Pack weekender bag ($175, backcountry.cocom ); Oakley roll top backpack ($93, amazon.com ); Herschel Supply Co. Heritage backpack ($65, herschel.com ).

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Classic Duffel Bags

"You're usually on rough terrain once outside of the international airport, so wheels are not that helpful on safari," says West Coast editor Rebecca Misner. And given that most safari camps are only accessible by small propeller planes, hard-sided luggage is a no-go. Instead, invest in a soft-sided duffle that's roomy enough to hold everything you need for the week, but still meets all the requirements of your jumper plane.

Paravel Grand Tour ($365, tourparavel.com ); Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Walton suitcase ($1,550, anyahindmarch.com ); Wool & Oak Duffel Suitcase ($425, woolandoak.com ); Hobo Zeppelin Duffel ($598, hobobags.com ); Filson Large Rugged Twill duffel bag ($425, filson.com ); Ghurka Cavalier canvas duffel bag ($1,295, ghurka.com ).

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While you still need all your beauty essentials (there's cocktail hour back at camp, after all), you don't want a dopp kit that takes up too much space. Opt for a soft one that can be squeezed easily down the side of a bag.

Prada cosmetic pouch ($525, prada.com ); Hobo cosmetic pouch ($78, hobobags.com ); Dolce & Gabbana Necessaire nylon case ($415, us.dolcegabbana.com ); Louis Vuitton Toiletry Bag 25 ($745, us.louisvuitton.com ); Bottega Veneta Intrecciato beauty case ($580, bottegaveneta.com ); Filson wash bag ($125, filson.com ).

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Technical Duffel Bags

On safari, you never know what the day will bring. Find a bag that has a water-repellant shell and detachable straps that allow you to sling it over your shoulder—or even transform it into a backpack—at a moment's notice.

Patagonia duffel ($129, patagonia.com ); Best Made Co. SWS 100L roll top duffle ($198, bestmadeco.com ); Herschel Supply Co. Outfitter luggage ($140, herschel.com ); Cotopaxi Chumpi travel duffel ($110, cotopaxi.com ); Burton Backhill duffel ($109, amazon.com ); Eastpak Perce duffel ($77, selfridges.com ).

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Fanny Packs

Given that you've traveled thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of wildlife roaming free, you'll want your hands free to grab your camera at any given moment. Luckily, fanny packs are in vogue again—perfect for holding all your essentials.

VereVerto Convertible Mini Mox bag ($295, shopbop.com ); Patagonia Ultralight hip pack ($29, patagonia.com ); Clare V. belt bag ($345, nordstrom.com ); Marc Jacobs belt bag ($315, marcjacobs.com ); Paravel belt bag ($35, tourparavel.com ); Herschel Supply Co. 17 hip pack ($45, herschel.com ).

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Camera Bags

You'll want a compact, sturdy bag to protect that new camera you splurged on. We love the Palma camera bag from ONA, which comes with a handy compartment to store your spare memory cards or lenses in.

Madewell camera cross body bag ($128, madewell.com ); Lo & Sons Claremont leather camera bag ($368, loandsons.com ); Ganni tech bag ($135, ganni.com ); Yeezy Season 6 crossbody bag ($119, endclothing.com ); ONA The Palma camera bag ($329, amazon.com ); Tumi Luanda Flight bag ($295, tumi.com ).

Divergent Travelers

15 Best Safari Bags for your Next Adventure

Traveling on safari brings with it countless obstacles and situations that you need to be prepared for and having the right safari bags with you can help you to be ready, and to best enjoy your trip.

Safaris in Africa, Asia, or anywhere else in the world where you may choose to head off into the wilderness in search of wildlife, will ensure that you are encountering extreme weather conditions, be it rain, dust, mud, heat and cold, potentially all within the same day, so it’s imperative to choose safari bags that are able to withstand the worst that will be thrown at them.

There’s a lot more to reflect on too, and you’ll need to consider your style of travel, be it luxury safaris or budget safaris, expeditions, overland travel or charter plane flights.

Luckily, there are a lot of great safari bags out there to meet almost any requirements, and to help you decide what exactly you need, here’s our guide to buying the best products on the market.

Top 5 Best Safari Bags

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: Best Safari Bags

  • Best OverAll Safari Bag: North Face Base Camp Duffel
  • Best Budget Safari Bag: Osprey Packs Trilium 65 Duffel Bag
  • Best Safari Bag for Women: Osprey Packs Fairview 70 Women’s Travel Backpack
  • Best Safari Bag for Men: Osprey Packs Farpoint 70 Men’s Travel Backpack
  • Best Woman’s Safari Bag for Hiking: Osprey Fairview 40  
  • Best Men’s Safari Bag for Hiking: Osprey Farpoint 40
  • Best Safari Duffel Bag: North Face Base Camp Duffel
  • Best Safari Duffel/Backpack Bag: RAB Expedition Kitbag 80L Duffel Bag Blue 80L
  • Best Safari Day Bag: Osprey Porter 46  
  • Best Malti-Day Safari Bag: Osprey Packs Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack 
  • Best Wheeled Safari Bag: Eddie Bauer Unisex-Adult Expedition Drop-Bottom Rolling Duffel
  • Best Lightweight Safari Bag: Gonex 80L Packable Travel Duffle Bag
  • Best Waterproof/Dustproof Safari Bag: North Face Base Camp Duffel
  • Best Leather Safari Bag:   Komal’s Passion Leather 24 Inch Square Duffel Travel Safari Leather Bag
  • Best Canvas Safari Bag:   Filson Medium Duffle – Waxed canvas
  • Best Soft Side Safari Bag: Mountain Warehouse 90 Cargo Bag – 3 Ways to Carry All-Season Backpack Black
  • Best Packable Safari Bag: Gonex 80L Packable Travel Duffle Bag

Best Safari Bags

What Type of Safari are You going on?

The first thing to think about when you begin delving into the vast world of safari bags is what type of safari you are actually going to be going on. Different types of bags will be more suited for different types of safari, and the season you will be traveling.

If you are traveling across Africa in the rainy season, you will want to make waterproofing a priority. If you are a wildlife photographer and have a lot of equipment, you will want to ensure that your safari bags will provide adequate protection against dust and the elements.

Luxury travelers may want to ensure they have a fashionable yet durable bag that looks the part at their remote bush camp, while backpackers opting for cheaper safaris may want to have a more practical hiking or duffel bag to cope with the stress of long-distance, overland travel.

Best Safari Bags

Practicality vs Style

Practicality vs style then is another important consideration to make. There are a lot of classic, leather-bound carry bags on the market that wouldn’t look out of place in the late Victorian era, and while they might look stylish, you might want to determine if it is the best fit for you.

Some of the most practical bags, however, won’t look the most stylish, but you can find some quality safari bags produced by outdoor companies as kit bags, that are suitable for almost anything.

Colour and aesthetics, while they may seem trivial, can be an important part of the buying process. Many bags that are specifically aimed at safari-goers may be brown, beige or green in color, to almost blend in with the classic safari environment.

Some travelers though, find it is more practical to have a brightly colored bag that they can actually find quickly amongst piles of other luggage when traveling by bus or plane.

Best Safari Bags

Size Considerations

The size of your chosen safari bags will come down to a number of factors, but the most important thing to note is that your luggage needs to be suitable for air travel.

Likely, you will arrive at your destination via air, and if you are planning on visiting remote, luxury camps in the African savannah, then getting there will generally involve flying in small, charter aircraft that are very restricted by weight and size requirements.

Don’t overpack, and make sure your luggage fits the airline requirements. If you travel light and hand luggage only, then ensure your backpack or duffel is in line with ever-changing airline restrictions.

If you are planning on traveling overland as part of your safari, or are planning it as part of a wider trip, then you may want to choose a bag that is easy to carry around, that can fit in luggage compartments, or that you can easily walk around with.

Again, the size will depend on your individual requirements, but just remember, when you are on safari, it’s always best to pack light.

Best Safari Bags

Material and Durability

The material that your safari bags are constructed from can make the difference between a terrible bag and a bag that will last you a lifetime of traveling.

You may want to invest in a waterproof bag , or at the very least be able to attach a rain cover to the outside, particularly if it is a backpack that you might be walking around with.

Luxury travelers may want to invest in specialized leather or canvas bags that not only look the part at your safari lodge in the wilderness but that will also be water-resistant and durable.

In the long run, unless this is a one-off trip, you will be better off investing money into quality products that will last. You don’t want your bag falling apart mid-flight, or on the taxi ride out of the airport, after all, you want it to last a lifetime.

Best Safari Bags

Bag straps are another important aspect that you don’t want to overlook. If you are just traveling from one point to the next then you might be fine with just a holdall that you can pick up with one handle.

If you are hiking, backpacking or walking around a lot, then you’ll want to make sure your safari bags have adequate support, be it comfortable back straps, or even waist or chest straps to take the weight off your shoulders.

Many kit bags now come with a versatile number of straps, allowing you to instantly transform your handheld duffel bag into a backpack or a single strap, shoulder-worn bag.

Best Safari Bags

You will also want to look at the number of pockets and different compartments that your bag has. If you purchase a basic duffel or kit bag, then the number of compartments is usually restricted to one open space, which can be fine if you aren’t too fussy.

If you want to separate your dirty laundry and your wet towels from your fresh, clean clothes, then this isn’t going to be an ideal situation.

As well as separate compartments you may also want safari bags that allow you space and different pockets for being organized. For instance, you may want pockets for toiletries, for your chargers and batteries, for your passport, or for your socks. The opportunities are quite endless really.

Best Safari Bags

Best Types of Safari Bags and Product Recommendations

There is a great selection of safari bags out on the market right now, catering to all budgets, styles, designs, and needs. Here are a few of the most versatile types of bags to think about selecting for your trip, and a few specific product recommendations too.

Best Safari Bags

Duffel Bags

Duffel bags and kit bags are great all-rounders that are perfect for the frugal traveler on a budget , making multiple, and varied trips each year. Modern kit bags can be incredibly versatile, with waterproofing, different outside straps that can be arranged to carry the bag how you feel is best or most appropriate for the situation, and a high level of resilience. 

Some of the best are made by outdoor companies and can come in many different capacities, from 40 liters up to 120 liters. The North Face makes excellent, quality, and great value kit bags, as do Rab , Mountain Warehouse and increasingly, many more well known outdoor brands too.

The Top Five Best Safari Duffel Bags:

  • North Face Base Camp Duffel
  • RAB Expedition Kitbag 80L Duffel Bag Blue 80L
  • Mountain Warehouse 90 Cargo Bag – 3 Ways to Carry All-Season Backpack Black
  • Osprey Packs Transporter 65 Expedition Duffel/Backpack
  • Osprey Packs Trilium 65 Duffel Bag

Best Safari Bags

Hiking Bags

Hiking bags are another fantastic, versatile choice that has long been the favored luggage-style of backpackers across the world. They can make for perfect safari bags, particularly if you are planning on hiking, or have an extended trip that will also take you on other adventures too.

Hiking bags come in many different sizes, with large capacities suitable for remote expeditions and small capacities which can make for perfect day hiking bags and carry-ons when flying.

Hiking bags have the added bonus of being designed for the outdoors, and if you pick a quality brand, you can also get lifetime warranties on your kit.

Osprey is a favorite amongst travelers, and they offer not only excellent hiking bags but also hybrid bags that cater to backpackers. Great examples are the Osprey Farpoint or the Osprey Transporter .

While you can get incredibly cheap hiking bags from sports outlets, it’s also best to invest in a quality product, with guarantees and reputation if you want it to last.

The Best Safari Hiking Bags:

  • Osprey Farpoint 40  –  Men’s Best Safari Bag For Hiking
  • Osprey Fairview 40  –  Women’s Best Safari Bag For Hiking
  • Osprey Porter 46

Best Safari Bags

Vintage Bags

Some of the most popular safari bags amongst luxury travelers or short terms holidaymakers are vintage bags. Not only do they look the part, but the best ones are made of quality leather or canvas, that is rugged, durable and able to stand up to the harsh requirements of the savannah while also looking great in the city.

Classic style safari bags are not for everyone, however, and they will be limited as to the variety and diversity of travel situations that they are handy in, but if you want a fashionable way to carry your luggage, then these are the bags for your safari.

Great vintage options include the excellent leather duffel bag by Komal , which retails at an incredibly affordable price, upwards to the canvas, bespoke designs from the likes of Ralph Lauren.

The Top Five Best Safari Vintage Bags:

  • Travel Duffel Bag Waterproof Canvas or Leather  
  • Filson Medium Duffle – Waxed canvas
  • DRAKENSBERG Kimberley Long Weekender, canvas, buffalo leather
  • Komal’s Passion Leather 24 Inch Square Duffel Travel Safari Leather Bag
  • Komal’s Passion Leather 24 Inch Duffel Travel Gym Sports Overnight Weekend Leather Bag

Other Safari Items We Can Not Live Without?

Camera Gear: 

  • Canon 6d DSLR Body
  • Canon 100-400mm L Lens
  • Canon ET-83C Lens Hood
  • Canon 2x Extender
  • OptiTech Sling Comfort Strap
  • Rain Cover Coat Dust Proof Camera Protector (THIS IS A MUST)

Camera Bag:   Vanguard Alta Sky 45D .

Monopod: VEO2 AM-234 or the VEO CM-264 Carbon Fiber

Binoculars: Nikon Monarch 7   ( If you want to be able to spot and identify wildlife and birds then a good pair of safari binoculars are a must-have.)

  • Cell Phone Binocular Adapter Mount (So you can take photos through your binoculars)

Safari Hat:  Panama Jack Men’s Mesh Safari Hat 

  • Woman’s Safari Packable Khaki Summer Hat

Buff Headwear: BUFF Unisex Lightweight Merino Wool, Forest Night or  BUFF Unisex UV Multifunctional Headwear

Travel Insurance: Things can happen before your safari, while on your safari and after your safari while traveling home. Why not be protected with Travel Insurance? We have used Allianz Travel Insurance since our first trip together back in 2003. Simply use this link to get their travel insurance.

Not finding what you are looking for? Check out our favorite places to go shopping for travel gear.

  • Shop Columbia – The industry leader in outdoor apparel and products; You can find anything from great jackets, gloves, hats, shirts, and travel pants.
  • Shop REI – They offer some of the best outdoor gear around. We love REI since they have a year Love it or hate it no questions guarantee.
  • Shop Moosejaw – Has a huge selection of outdoor gear at killer prices.

More on Travel Gear:

  • 85 Best Travel Gifts for Travelers
  • Best Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather – From Africa to Greenland
  • Best Sleeping Bag Liners
  • Best Drones For Travel From A Real Drone User
  • Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List 
  • Photography Gear Every Adventure Traveler Should Carry
  • The Best GoPro Accessories for Adventure Travel
  • 30 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Travel
  • Best Travel Rain Jacket to Stay Dry on the Go
  • A Man’s Travel Clothing Essential- Bluff Works Pants
  • How To Wear A Buff Headwear – It’s Easy!
  • Best Hiking Backpack for your Next Adventure
  • Best Compact Binoculars for Outdoors & Travel
  • Best Carry on Backpacks for Travel

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

2 thoughts on “15 Best Safari Bags for your Next Adventure”

Very informative article and i get to know about types of safari bags. Thanks for sharing.

Glad you found it useful, good luck in your search for a new bag!

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Africa , Kenya , South Africa

The best luggage for safari holidays.

Safari duffel bag

Wherever you’re heading on your wildlife travels, picking the best luggage for safari is essential. 

Most safari companies specify a number of rules your safari luggage should follow, regarding the weight, material and features, in order to help it squeeze into cramped places in luggage compartments and your tent. 

But you also need to make sure it holds all your stuff
 so what are we to do?! 

Never fear! I’ve done the research on the best bags to take with you, that not only fit your entire packing list but also meet all the requirements of the airlines AND look stylish too!

And remember, if you buy anything after clicking on a link in this post, you’re supporting my blog to keep bringing you unbiased safari luggage reviews like this one! 

Best safari holdalls and duffel bags

Most safari companies recommend a soft holdall case without wheels, as they’re easily squished into planes and onto the back of jeeps. 

If that’s what you’re after, read all about my favourite safari duffel bags right here:

Rufiji Canvas Duffel Bag

A traditional canvas holdall , available in two colour ways and holding an impressive 72 litres of stuff. 

Available exclusively from The Safari Store for ÂŁ179. Use my code reallywildlife to get an awesome 5% off. 

This is a really stylish holdall in traditional safari colours, and there’ll be no mistaking your bag for another once it appears on the luggage carousel. 

It’s comfortable to carry (as long as you’ve kept within the weight limits!) using the short grab handles, as well as the longer over-the-shoulder strap. 

The zipper opens up really wide, allowing you to see all your belongings quickly and easily.

These bags can be pricey once you’ve already shelled out for the safari itself, but if you go on safaris fairly often, it’s a great investment for the future. 

There are no internal pockets at all, meaning everything is in the same main area when you open it. This isn’t necessarily a problem for everyone, but if you like to be organised and STAY organised, consider a few packing cubes to help. 

>> Click here to buy !

Rab Kit Bag II 80L

One of the largest options on our list of the best safari luggage, this rugged bag has plenty of room for up to 80L of your stuff.

Find it online at Cotswold Outdoor (UK) from ÂŁ80.  

Despite the amount of stuff it can carry, the Rab kit bag is really easy to transport. Its detachable shoulder straps allow you to wear it like a backpack, while the 4 other handles give you the option of carrying it in many other ways too. 

It’s made from a very hard-wearing and water-resistant fabric, making sure your belongings stay safe and dry no matter how they’re squeezed into luggage compartments or thrown around by luggage handlers!

It’s a matter of personal preference, but I don’t find this bag to be particularly stylish. It’s a bog-standard style only available in a couple of muted colourways, so it doesn’t spark joy as much for me as other brightly coloured choices!

North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag

This medium-sized duffel bag is an iconic choice, offering 71L of space and a classic design.

You can find this holdall in lots of other colourways and sizes at Cotswold Outdoor (UK) for ÂŁ120. 

The classic North Face holdall is hard-wearing and durable, while also being made from water-resistant, recycled materials. This makes it a sustainable and practical choice too. 

The large interior with a mesh pocket offers plenty of space for your clothes, while a separate compartment on the end can be used to store shoes or dirty laundry while travelling. 

It’s very easy to carry thanks to its flexible and adjustable straps, meaning you can wear it comfortably like a backpack or use the padded side handles to carry as a holdall. 

It’s genuinely difficult to find a con for this one; there are plenty of reasons to choose it as your next safari holdall, which may make it difficult to spot yours on the luggage carousel amongst many lookalike bags. It’s a very popular choice! 

Best wheelie cases for taking on safari 

Though bags with wheels aren’t always recommended, they do make carrying your luggage a whole lot easier! 

My favourite safari suitcases are right here: 

Craghoppers 28” Wheelie Bag

A soft wheelie case , bursting with features and 70 litres of space for all your safari essentials. 

Buy direct from Craghoppers , where two of the colours are currently on sale for ÂŁ136.50. 

This wheelie bag has tons of space in the main compartment, as well as a number of internal pockets to keep you organised when travelling. If you manage to fill the cavernous 70-litre interior, the wheels on this bag will make navigating through airports and the bush a breeze. 

The soft fabric is made from 19 recycled plastic bottles, so it boasts eco-credentials too. But that doesn’t make it any less secure:  it’s been designed to be slash-resistant for extra security! 

Yes, I’ve already listed the fact this bag has wheels as a pro. However, not all safari companies or airlines recommend bags with wheels as they can be more difficult to fit into the hold on small aeroplanes. That said I have seen wheelie cases being used widely across Africa – just make sure you do your research first.

Osprey Sojourn 60 Travel Pack 

The most suitcase-like bag on our list is packed with features and flexibility, from one of travel’s most widely recognised brands.

Choose between two different colourways from Cotswold Outdoor (UK) for ÂŁ275.

This bag is incredibly flexible. Thanks to its wheeled chassis, walking through airports will be a breeze. And when you don’t have the option to use the wheels, pick the bag up and carry it like a backpack with its shoulder straps. 

At 60L, it’s not the largest bag on our list, but various compartments and mesh pockets will keep your clothes, toiletries and accessories safe and secure. Even if you overpack, the compression straps help you maximise capacity and meet any limits on dimensions. 

This bag is the most expensive bag reviewed so, naturally, the price will count against it. But if you’re after a well-made bag from a well-known brand, the Osprey Sojourn 60 is a great option. 

Despite the bag’s soft material, it is one of the most structured bags, particularly due to the plastic high road chassis that holds the wheels. That means it won’t be as flexible or as easy to squeeze into luggage compartments and you may get some disapproving looks from the pilot when loading. But the bag’s manoeuvrability is a worthy trade-off if your airline will allow it.

Cabin-friendly safari bags

Many safari-goers swear by keeping their luggage small and going with hand luggage only. This makes travel incredibly efficient, so consider these bags for your next trip:

Craghoppers 40L Holdall

A small but mighty backpack that’s compact enough to fit in the cabin but large enough to fit in plenty of stuff for a short break. 

Buy from the official Craghoppers site from ÂŁ105. 

The small size means you’ll struggle to go over the weight limits imposed by small aeroplanes. It’s also incredibly comfortable to wear with adjustable straps that can be worn as a backpack or across your shoulder.

Despite its size, the holdall boasts lots of compartments to keep your laptop and tablet secure, as well as smaller internal organiser pockets so you won’t lose your essentials. 

The 40L interior won’t be big enough for long trips but is ideal if you’re committed to travelling with hand luggage only. Plus, many safari lodges offer laundry facilities so you can afford to take less with you.

——–

Whatever you’re looking for in a safari bag, whether it’s space, security or style, our unbiased reviews are designed to help you find it!

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Anna is the founder of Really Wildlife. She's a 30-something lover of wildlife travel, vegetables and listening to the Lion King soundtrack on full blast.

Minimalist Focus

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Minimalist Focus

Choosing the Perfect Safari Trolley Bag: A Buyer’s Guide

Dawn

Going on a safari is an exciting adventure, and having the right safari trolley bag can make all the difference. A good safari trolley bag should be your reliable travel companion, accommodating all your belongings while enduring the rough safari terrain. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some tips and recommendations to help you choose the perfect safari trolley bag, considering size, durability, and essential features.

  • Size Matters – When selecting a safari trolley bag, size is a critical factor. You want a bag that’s spacious enough to fit all your essentials without being too bulky or oversized. Consider the duration of your safari and the number of items you plan to carry. A medium-sized safari trolley bag, with a capacity of around 60-80 liters, is often a good choice. This size can hold your clothing, toiletries, and other necessities while maintaining a manageable size for travel.
  • Focus on Durability – Safari adventures can be rugged, with bumpy rides and varying weather conditions. Durability is key when it comes to your safari trolley bag. Look for a bag made from high-quality, tough materials like ballistic nylon or reinforced polyester. Ensure the bag has sturdy zippers, robust stitching, and reliable handles. A durable safari trolley bag will withstand the challenges of the safari and last for multiple trips.
  • Check the Wheels and Handles – A trolley bag’s wheels and handles are often overlooked, but they are crucial for smooth travel. Opt for a safari trolley bag with sturdy, all-terrain wheels that can maneuver through sand, gravel, and uneven terrain. The wheels should be able to swivel for easy navigation. Additionally, telescopic handles made of durable materials will allow you to pull the bag comfortably without strain.
  • Compartments and Pockets – The ideal safari trolley bag should have well-designed compartments and pockets. These help in organizing your belongings efficiently, making it easier to access what you need during your safari. Look for a bag with separate compartments for clothing, toiletries, electronics, and other items. Exterior pockets can be handy for quick access to essentials like water bottles, maps, or a camera.
  • Security Features – When you’re in the wild, it’s essential to keep your belongings secure. Choose a safari trolley bag with robust security features, such as lockable zippers or built-in TSA-approved locks. These features add an extra layer of protection to your valuables and give you peace of mind during your safari.
  • Weight Considerations – While durability is crucial, you don’t want your safari trolley bag to be unnecessarily heavy. Remember that you’ll need to lift and maneuver it. Opt for a bag that strikes a balance between sturdiness and weight. Lightweight materials that still offer durability are a good choice, as they won’t weigh you down during your adventures.

In conclusion, choosing the ideal safari trolley bag involves careful consideration of size, durability, and other security features. By keeping these tips in mind and prioritizing your specific needs, you can find the perfect bag to accompany you on your safari adventure. With the right safari trolley bag by your side, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the wonders of the wild with comfort and convenience. Remember , your safari trolley bag is more than just luggage, it’s your dependable partner in your thrilling safari journey. So, choose wisely, and let it be your reliable companion in the heart of the wilderness.

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The Best Duffle Bags

The Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del DĂ­a, on a stone wall next to a water bottle and surrounded by plants.

Few bags are as simple, versatile, and satisfying to use as a duffle.

Its utilitarian design—a soft, oblong bag with one zippered opening plus two handles and/or a shoulder strap—suits anything from a daily commute to a weekend away to a fishing trip.

Though that basic form works in many situations, no single duffle bag (the word is also spelled duffel ) can fit everyone’s taste or needs.

A small, barrel-shaped duffle may be perfect for toting a couple of towels and lunch to the beach, for example, but it doesn’t offer the organization or space to pack for a three-day business trip.

The seven bags we recommend—plus three alternates—are well made, comfortable to carry, and intended to fill a range of roles, including as a versatile adventure bag , a weekend-away duffle , a daily-carry bag , a lightweight convertible backpack , an ultra-packable duffle , a rolling duffle for checking , and a waterproof gear hauler .

The research

Why you should trust me, most versatile duffle: patagonia black hole duffel 70l, also great: decathlon forclaz duffel 500 extend, best weekender: lands’ end waxed canvas travel duffle bag, best for daily carry: herschel supply co. sutton duffle mid-volume, also great: cotopaxi mariveles 32l duffel bag del día, for traveling on foot: cotopaxi chumpi 35l duffel del día, for when you need a spare bag: matador freefly packable duffle, also consider: waterfield packable duffel, best as checked luggage: dakine split roller 110l bag, best for keeping things dry: yeti panga 50l waterproof duffel, other good duffle bags, how we picked and tested, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve reviewed bags for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time, I’ve interviewed countless bag designers, brand executives, fabric specialists, zipper zealots, and a host of bag hobbyists and satchel obsessives. These interviews and my own years of research have earned me at least something of a journeyman’s understanding of how a good bag should feel and what makes it work in a given situation.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (100L

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L

A rugged, versatile bag to hold your gear.

This bag is the most versatile gear duffle we’ve found. It’s tough, water resistant, and great for toting clothes and equipment in almost any travel or outdoor scenario.

Buying Options

Get this if: You need a sporty, water-resistant bag that can handle anything from toting sports gear to holding stuff for a two-day camping trip to going on a weeklong vacation.

Why it’s great: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L is a true jack-of-all-trades. The exterior is made of polyester ripstop that is laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to protect against abrasion and has a water-resistant coating. Over the years, I’ve dragged, thrown, kicked, and carried these Patagonia bags across most of the country, and they’ve never failed. You can carry the Black Hole at your side using the two handles or over your shoulder using the strap, or you can wear it as a backpack with its two padded straps. The Black Hole is available in three other sizes, too: 40 liters , 55 liters , and 100 liters . (We originally tested a now-discontinued 120-liter version.) For all practical purposes, the bags are identical except for their increasing size, though the two smaller sizes come in a wider range of colors than do the two larger sizes. The Black Hole folds down into its own stuff sack, which turns into a storage pocket when you unfold the duffle. Patagonia has a highly regarded replacement and repair guarantee that we’ve tested many times without complaint.

A person attaching the shoulder straps on the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel bag.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: There’s little about the Black Hole to critique. It does what it needs to, and Patagonia’s reputation for high-quality materials and craftsmanship has set the standard for this type of bag for years. One small detail: The shoulder straps can take a moment to situate because of their unusual eyelet attachment, but once you figure them out, adjusting them is easy to do with one hand.

Dimensions: 28 by 13 by 17.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 70 liters Other sizes: 40 liters , 55 liters , 100 liters

The Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend duffle bag outside on gravel with a water bottle nearby.

Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend

If you need a versatile bag that expands.

This expandable bag is an absolute bargain, considering the quality and strength of the materials. However, Decathlon is still a lesser-known brand in the US, and we haven’t tested this bag for as long as we have our other picks.

Get this if: You need a durable and water-resistant bag for travel, sports, or longer adventure trips. With its extra 20 liters of expandable space, it’s a particularly good pick if you tend to travel with a small load and return home with a larger one—so consider this bag if you anticipate receiving gifts or doing some shopping while you’re traveling.

Why it’s great: When we first compared the quality of the Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend against its listed price, we thought there must have been some kind of mistake. We rarely see a bag with coated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyester, both of which offer water resistance and durability, of this quality for less than a hundred dollars. In many respects, the Forclaz Duffel is similar in material quality to the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L , yet it’s less than half the price. That said, we have some small concerns that we can’t address without further testing, namely the stitching at critical points (more on that below).

The black shoulder attachments of a green Decathlon Forclaz Duffel 500 Extend, outside near plants and a water bottle.

Beyond the price, the standout feature of the Forclaz bag is its Transformer-like ability to expand from a 40-liter backpack to a 60-liter bag with the adjustment of a few zippers and clips. The expansion process is a bit fiddly at first, but it’s well worth the effort if you find yourself frequently packing more than you expect during your trips.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Upon close examination of the Forclaz bag, we found that our biggest concern involved the stitching at certain critical points, such as at the shoulder attachments and along key seams; we’d prefer to see more double stitching and bar tack reinforcements, as we found on the Patagonia Black Hole. This bag has notably high review scores on the Decathlon website, and its sturdy materials lead us to anticipate that it will wear well. That said, Decathlon’s limited warranty does not look as rock solid as Patagonia’s. There’s really no way for us to address this bag’s potential flaws without spending a lot more time with it, which we plan to do.

Dimensions: 21.5 by 15.5 by 12.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 40 liters (expands to 60 liters) Other sizes: none

Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Duffle Bag

Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag

A buy-it-for-life travel bag.

The more you use this rugged weekender, the better it will look. The canvas body, leather reinforcements, and brass hardware all promise durability, though we’d prefer more waxing in the canvas.

Get this if: You want a bag with a heritage look, to carry on quick trips, that can take a few knocks and age well with the wear.

Why it’s great: The Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag is the toughest bag we could find—it’s made of sturdy canvas, with leather trim and brass hardware—that is also consistently available. The shoulder strap comes off, which is useful if you prefer to carry your bags by their handles. A small internal pocket is convenient for tucking away, say, your wallet or your house keys. The waxed duffle fits a specific aesthetic: It’s maybe not the bag you’d take on a business trip but rather to a cabin in the mountains. That outdoorsy look, however, has practical benefits, as with a little care a duffle like this should last a long time. (We should note, however, that Lands’ End no longer offers a lifetime warranty—you now have recourse only within a 90-day return period.)

A close up of the hardware on the Lands' End Waxed Canvas Duffle.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Waxed canvas is heavier than most modern fabrics (such as nylon and polyester), and we noticed the extra heft of the Lands’ End bag in comparison with the weight of other duffles we tested. Although Lands’ End describes this duffle as waxed, we’d call it lightly waxed at best. The canvas is mildly water resistant, but liquids won’t roll off it in the way you might see with more heavily waxed items. If you do want more protection, you can add more wax to the canvas yourself . When we tested the bag, it came in brown and navy. Currently, it’s available only in navy.

Dimensions: 24 by 11 by 11 inches (LWH) Capacity: 40 liters Other sizes: none

A person carrying the Herschel Supply Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume bag with the strap over their shoulder.

Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume

An affordable bag for daily use.

This midsize bag is for anyone who wants a simple duffle to use during the day. It’s great for commuting, going to the gym, or toting supplies on a park or beach excursion.

Get this if: You need an inexpensive bag with a casual style for your day-to-day activities and hobbies.

Why it’s great: If you were to ask a random person on the street to picture a small, basic duffle, they’d probably imagine a bag like the Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume . It has the classic shape, look, and feel of a traditional barrel duffle. Like most of the duffles we looked at, it comes with a removable shoulder strap, but you can carry it comfortably by its top handles, too. This decently constructed polyester bag with a center zipper running down its length is small enough that you can’t really overpack it or make it too heavy; basically, it’s the perfect size for daily tasks. Herschel bags are backed by a limited lifetime warranty . One thing to note for anyone who likes internal organization: The Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume has no internal pockets. It comes in a range of colors and a couple of patterns—six in all.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This Herschel duffle is not the best-made bag we’ve encountered—the fabric feels thin, and the stitching is a bit slapdash. However, it is one of the better-made bags we’ve seen that cost less than $75. Even with light daily use, the Sutton Duffle Mid-Volume should last a good amount of time. Oddly, Herschel placed six small grommets on the bottom of the bag to (we assume) let out moisture. Unfortunately, that placement also lets plenty of moisture in if you accidentally put the bag down on a wet spot or coffee spill, which is not an inconceivable scenario in a gym or office.

Dimensions: 20.25 by 10.25 by 10.25 inches (LWH) Capacity : 28 liters Other sizes: none

A bright blue Cotopaxi duffle bag resting on the ground with the logo on its side and a water bottle next to it.

Cotopaxi Mariveles 32L Duffel Bag Del DĂ­a

A daily-use bag made of upcycled material.

Similar in size to the Herschel bag, this duffle is strongly constructed out of upcycled materials. But it lacks a shoulder strap, and the color-block appearance may not be to everyone’s taste.

Get this if: You need a durable but inexpensive bag for simple daily use, but you also want a duffle made of sustainable materials, from a B Corporation.

Why it’s great: This kind of barrel-shaped 30-liter bag is something of a platonic ideal among duffle designs. Like the Herschel bag, the Cotopaxi Mariveles 32L Duffel Bag Del Día has the classic shape and feel of a barrel duffle. In contrast, however, it’s made of repurposed ripstop nylon that’s of a higher quality than the Herschel’s polyester, and it’s available for a lower price (though it lacks the Herschel bag’s included shoulder strap). We also continue to be impressed by Cotopaxi’s overall transparency and social mission. It’s a listed B Corp , and it takes pains to be as sustainable in its bags’ construction as possible, with a particular focus on labor practices. Like many of the company’s bags (indicated by the Del Día name), the Mariveles duffle is made from discarded material otherwise destined for the cutting-room floor, left over from other companies’ larger production runs. This is why each run of the Mariveles is distinct—the precise colors vary depending on what’s available.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We’d love to see a shoulder strap included. Although the Mariveles does have loops so you can add your own shoulder strap, even a simple nylon one provided with the bag would go a long way toward making it one of our best overall picks. (There’s also a better likelihood that an included strap would coordinate with the motley colors of the bag.)

Dimensions: 17.5 by 10 by 10.5 inches (LWH) Capacity : 32 liters Other sizes: none

The multi-colored Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del DĂ­a duffle bag on a stone wall, near plants and with a water bottle nearby.

Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del DĂ­a

A duffle that’s also a backpack.

This bag can be a backpack or a duffle—and it works well as either. If you plan on walking long distances and want multiple ways to carry your gear comfortably, this is a great option.

Get this if: You expect to walk a lot on your trips—touring cities, say, or doing some light adventuring—and need a comfortable way to carry your stuff, but you don’t require an extra-tough gear bag. Also, this bag is a good choice if you want to support a B Corp and its social and sustainable missions .

Why it’s great: The Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del Día has dedicated backpack straps built into the top that hide away behind two flaps secured by metal clasps when not in use. Many combo backpack-and-duffle designs rely on the handles serving double duty as backpack straps, which usually means they aren’t very good as either. The Chumpi’s dedicated straps allow it to perform as an actually comfortable backpack. When you’re finished wearing it, converting it back into a duffle is simple: Just tuck the backpack straps away and grab the bag by its handles. Unlike several other backpack duffles we tested, this Cotopaxi bag positions its zipper against your back while you’re using it as a backpack. It’s a simple, seemingly obvious (but rare) design choice that lends more peace of mind when you’re walking down a busy street or absentmindedly taking in the sights.

The back and shoulder straps of the Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Del DĂ­a duffle bag, near plants and a water bottle.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Is a duffle with shoulder straps as good as a backpack? No. Like most backpack duffles, the Chumpi has a tendency to slouch a bit when it’s on the shoulders. That said, I carried the Chumpi fully packed for several miles while on a trip, and I found that using its backpack straps was a nice alternative to shifting a single shoulder strap from side to side. Note that when we tested the Chumpi, it was available in a range of solid colors. Since then, Cotopaxi has switched to making the duffle using a patchwork of remnant fabrics, which is what the Del Día name refers to. This means that each bag will be one of a kind—but also possibly more boldly colored than some people may like.

Dimensions: 20 by 10.5 by 10.5 inches (LWH) Capacity: 35 liters Other sizes: none

A black duffle bag with two snap buckles and a mesh bottom resting on the ground.

Matador Freefly Packable Duffle

Lightweight and packable.

This ultralight duffle folds away into its own front pocket or compresses further into a cinch sack. The weatherproof material is paired with sealed zippers, which should keep everything inside dry in moderate rain.

Get this if: You want a lightweight alternative bag for emergencies, a day bag when you travel, or a last-second hauler for going around town.

The Matador Freefly duffle bag packed into a small, fist-sized mesh bag in someone's hand.

Why it’s great: Unlike many packable or ultralight bags, which tend to behave like unruly sacks unless they’re filled to the hilt, the 30-liter Matador Freefly Packable Duffle manages to keep its shape whether it’s empty, partially packed, or stuffed like a sausage. It doesn’t pack down quite as small as some bags we’ve tested in the past, but it comes close enough—shrinking to about the size of a mango—and it’s much more pleasant to use as an actual bag once it’s on your shoulder. Where this Matador duffle truly excels, though, is in the high quality of its materials. With reinforced, treated nylon and sealed zippers, the Freefly is especially robust for a lightweight packable. Matador added a few compression straps on the side, too, though personally I find them more trouble than they’re worth on most bags.

If all that seems like too much for what you need, Matador also makes the 25-liter On-Grid Packable Duffle , which typically costs about $30 less. However, with unsealed zippers, it’s not as waterproof, and it doesn’t appear to be as durable. We’ve concluded that having something that should endure years of use and abuse is well worth spending a little more.

All Matador products are backed by a decently trustworthy three-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: One glaring flaw is the shoulder strap. Although the strap is adjustable, it’s nothing more than an inch-wide strip of nylon. Even for a pared-down packable bag, that’s pretty meager considering the bag’s 30-liter carrying capacity. For shorter-term carries, this bag does just fine, but if you need a duffle to constantly haul around town, one of our other picks is likely to keep you (and your shoulders) happier. However, if you need a spare bag to tuck into your suitcase, an extra gym bag while traveling, or a way to carry purchases you pick up on a trip, this bag is a great choice. This duffle comes in only one color, black.

Dimensions: 22 by 11 by 8 inches (LWH) Capacity: 30 liters Other sizes: none

A green WaterField Packable Duffel, our pick for a packable bag for travel, on a beige background.

WaterField Packable Duffel

A packable bag for travel.

Like the Matador, this packable duffle folds into its own pocket and is weatherproof. A few thoughtful details—including a luggage loop—make the WaterField more suitable for travel than other models we tested.

Get this if: You need a packable duffle that easily doubles as a carry-on item—it has a luggage handle slot—and provides extra weather protection.

Why it’s great: WaterField continues to make some of the best overall bags we’ve come across in the past few years, and the Packable Duffel is no exception. It’s more expensive than the Matador Freefly , but its upgraded materials and more-robust stitching and build may make the higher cost worth it for certain people. Travelers especially will welcome the luggage loop, which fits over suitcase handles. The exterior of the bag is made from Taslan—a lightweight but substantial woven fabric with an added water-resistant coating, which is complemented by self-sealing waterproof zippers similar to those on the Matador. The interior is lined with a ripstop nylon. Both fabrics are very high-quality materials, helping the bag stand out from the competition. How, exactly? You can scrunch this bag down to about the size of a couple of pairs of socks (it fits into a 9.5-by-8.5-inch pocket), store it for weeks, then open it up and shake it out, and the bag will look fresh and presentable without creases or stress lines. It doesn’t pack down quite as small as the Matador, but many people might prefer its more-structured design. The bag has no shoulder strap, but the handles are long enough to let you shoulder the bag and carry it under your arm.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We wish the nylon strap made for looping over your suitcase handle were more robust. Many companies making underseat bags have opted for an entire “slip-through” panel, which holds the bag securely against your luggage without letting it slouch over.

Dimensions : 8 by 18 by 10 inches (LWH) Capacity : 24 liters (expands to 30 liters) Other sizes : none

a man standing with a blue suticase

Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag

A rolling duffle to check.

This bag offers the space and easy-to-maneuver wheels of a good suitcase in the flexible shape of a duffle bag. Multiple interior and exterior compartments let you easily organize and separate all of your gear, too.

price may vary by color or style

Get this if: You want a rolling duffle that’s well organized. Also, this is a good choice if you need a bag that’s great for checked-luggage excursions and other types of long-distance travel but want something a little more pliable and easy to maneuver than a traditional wheeled suitcase .

Why it’s great: The Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag combines the best parts of checked luggage—internal organization, wheels, and a cavernous interior—with the soft, flexible frame of a duffle bag. The Split Roller opens like a clamshell; one side of the “shell” is divided into top and bottom compartments, and the other consists of one large main compartment. Mesh dividers separate all three compartments to keep everything in place. When you expand this duffle, it holds about 110 liters—nearly 20 liters more than our top pick for checked luggage . But the Split Roller can also adjust to carrying lighter loads, as it works similarly to an expansion case: The bag has a collapsible brace in the front section that can either fold out for extra space or fold back to let the top of the bag lie flat. Two external pockets let you easily access your everyday things and travel items without opening the bag itself. (The duffle also comes in an 85-liter version .)

a suitcase unzipped and being packed

Similar to many of the rolling duffle models we tested, the Split Roller has dependable #10 YKK zippers and 8 cm urethane wheels. Both features are good enough for a bag of this design and price. Dakine also uses a variety of polyester and Cordura nylon materials for various versions of the Split Roller, ranging from 600-denier polyester (good for most people) to 1,000-denier Cordura blend with DWR coating (useful if you abuse your gear or travel through tough or wet conditions). We tested the 600-denier polyester fabric in the black color, and it seemed plenty durable for a travel duffle. It’s also the least expensive fabric option that Dakine offers; if you instead opt for one of the tougher, water-resistant options, you pay a little more. Dakine covers its products with a limited lifetime warranty .

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If the Split Roller is not packed properly—with the heaviest items toward the wheels—the bag can lean and even tilt over when left upright. More often than not, the Split Roller stays upright, but it isn’t as stable as the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L . However, the bag’s well-thought-out organization and durable construction more than make up for this small frustration.

Dimensions: 32 by 17 by 13 inches (LWH) Capacity: 110 liters Other sizes: 85 liters

A person carrying the Yeti Panga 50 duffle bag on their back. The bag is structured in a cylindrical tube shape.

Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel

A tough bag for wet adventures.

If you want the toughest possible duffle, this is our choice. It’s comfortable to carry, waterproof, and close to indestructible. However, it typically costs nearly twice as much as the 55-liter version of the Patagonia Black Hole.

Get this if: You want the absolute toughest, most durable waterproof duffle for your adventures—particularly if those adventures leave you wading with your gear through streams or torrential rains.

A close up of the hardware on the Yeti straps.

Why it’s great: A waterproof nylon shell and zipper keep your stuff dry even if you submerge the Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel completely. I didn’t quite believe it until I tested the duffle several times, carrying it fully packed into the beach breaks of Oahu’s North Shore, where its impermeable barrier held in enough air to easily float my 220-pound frame and still kept the towels, clothes, and sneakers inside bone-dry. If you’re on a trip where your bag might end up in the water, you’re sure to appreciate this feature. Like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel , the Yeti Panga Waterproof Duffel comes with a plethora of lash points that you can use to secure your bag on your adventures. Thanks to its rigidity, the Panga is also surprisingly comfortable to use as a backpack. (Its handles serve as the backpack straps.) The Panga comes in two larger sizes, as well: 75 liters and 100 liters .

A person wading into the ocean with the Yeti duffle bag. There are several surfers riding the waves nearby.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The price of the Yeti Panga is nearly double what you pay for a similarly sized Patagonia Black Hole. All that weatherproofing isn’t light, either—the Panga is the heaviest bag we tested, weighing more than 5 pounds when empty. If you need a waterproof bag as tough as the Panga that also includes wheels for load assistance, the Ortlieb Duffle RS is a good option. However, wheels are just one more thing to break on a bag, and the necessary skid plates and axles tend to make rolling duffle bags like the Ortlieb a bit less flexible than the Panga. The Panga comes in two colors: gray and tan.

The writer struggling to submerge the Yeti duffle bag in the ocean.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 10 by 14 inches (LWH) Capacity: 50 liters Other sizes: 75 liters , 100 liters

If you don’t mind a stylized look for your everyday-carry bag: Previously we listed the Topo Designs Classic Duffel 20″ in the Competition section, but we now believe that you should consider it if you like its look. This is a great 27.5-liter duffle with Cordura nylon and rucksack details, but it has a specific style that many people may not like. Topo has a reputation for making excellent gear, though, and if you find this bag appealing, you won’t go wrong with it.

If you transport heavy stuff that can’t get wet: Consider the 85-liter Ortlieb Duffle RS , which is a decent waterproof alternative to the Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel, especially if you prefer built-in wheels to assist with the load. The Ortlieb bag, which is made with PVC-coated polyester fabric, has a rigid aluminum floor plate; this piece protects the base of the bag without taking up a significant amount of space (an issue with other rolling duffle bags). Note that all the extra parts mean more complexity and more things to break. Our biggest complaint, though, is that when the bag is left upright, it has a tendency to tip over because of its narrow wheelbase. (The bag also comes in 110- and 140-liter sizes.)

a person dragging a duffle bag behind them

We began our research by poring through brand websites, reading bag blogs, and surveying a multitude of review sites. We divided the field into several broad categories: duffles for everyday use plus weekend trips and longer travel, backpack duffles, packable duffles, and duffles meant to haul adventure gear. Working from an initial list of 88 possible contenders, we considered each duffle’s design, accessibility, size, features, organization, materials, price, and brand warranty. Using those criteria, we narrowed the list down to 33 bags that we called in for hands-on evaluation.

To test the duffles, I packed and unpacked each one and used them as much as possible in my day-to-day life. With every bag I tested, I asked myself, “Would I live with this bag? Could it replace something I already have?” Specifically, I looked at the following:

Ease of use and accessibility: How easy is the bag to pack, unpack, and otherwise use in everyday situations? Does it have enough pockets? Are they well organized and well placed? I also kept a close eye on zippers and how they acted, tugging them from different angles. It was especially important to me that the zippers on our picks were easy to open on the go, even when the bag was hanging from a shoulder.

Carrying comfort: A great bag is pretty useless if it isn’t comfortable to heft and cart around. After I loaded up each bag with as much gear, clothes, sneakers, books, and usual ephemera of life as I could, I carried it around. I spend a lot of my time on the move, so each of our potential picks became—at least for a short while—something of an everyday-carry companion in my life until I understood the bag’s character.

Quality of the materials: Most bags are made from one of a handful of fabrics (nylon, waxed canvas, polyester). I paid special attention to the material’s weight, heft, and weave, as well as any special tech like TPU coatings.

Weight: Duffles should be light enough to carry easily but not so light that they feel flimsy or about to tear. Most of our picks weigh less than 3.5 pounds.

Cost: We eliminated any duffles that we determined were overpriced for what they were. You do get what you pay for in this category, though, and better quality and materials are often worth spending just a little more.

Guarantee or warranty: Not all company policies are equal. We favored bags that came with a warranty of two years or more.

Versatile/adventure duffles

Sea to Summit Duffle Bag : Although this heavy, water-resistant adventure duffle is good for the price, we were more impressed by the consistent performance and simplicity of the Patagonia Black Hole (our pick among versatile duffles) and the sturdier construction of the Yeti Panga (our pick among waterproof duffles).

The North Face Base Camp Duffel L : This duffle is similar to the Sea to Summit Duffle Bag, except it lacks that bag’s rigidity and attention to detail.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe : We liked the separate compartment at the bottom of the bag that allows you to pack a few pairs of shoes, say, or to separate out dirty laundry as you travel. But the materials of this duffle weren’t as good as those of other picks, and it didn’t carry as comfortably.

Everyday duffles

Mission Workshop Transit Duffle : We aren’t sure who this laptop duffle is for. The bag was so divided up and over-organized that we had trouble carrying much of anything in it. In addition, the main zipper was too short, which made it hard for us to open the center of the bag all the way.

Bellroy Lite Duffel : We very nearly made this one of our picks except for the odd design of its top zipper closure. That zipper extends out past the edges of the bag’s main compartment, which makes it easier to access the interior but also leaves two large openings on either end of the bag when it’s closed. The extra length of zipper does fold down, but the bag doesn’t have buttons or clasps to keep it shut. The gap feels like a large oversight, especially given the duffle’s price.

Backpack duffles

Osprey Transporter Duffel 40 : This duffle bag wasn’t great to pack or carry in our tests. The materials felt thin, and the straps didn’t sit well on our shoulders when the duffle was fully packed.

Piorama A10 : An adjustable duffle bag that’s both a day bag and an extra-large backpack? Seems like it should be great, but in practice the design felt fiddly, and the cinched sphincter-like ends were unsettling.

Topo Designs Mountain Duffel : The one flaw of this Topo backpack duffle is that the shoulder straps are placed on the bottom of the bag, which means that as you wear it, the zipper is worryingly exposed to the world.

Rolling duffles

a man wearing flip flops standing beside a rolling duffle bag

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L : The rolling Black Hole’s design is identical to that of the non-rolling version that we like, except for the addition of wheels, a reinforced base, and haul handles. Those additions do make it heavier and less flexible than the non-rolling bag. The best part of the design is that it stands upright unassisted, even when empty. But most travelers are better served by the organization and extra pockets in the Dakine Split Roller .

Amazon Basics Ripstop Wheeled Duffel 30″ : Inexpensive and well organized, this Amazon Basics duffle could almost qualify as a budget pick. However, you get what you pay for in this case, and we found that most of the internal materials, such as the pocket dividers, weren’t especially durable. Most people are better served spending a bit more for quality materials.

eBags Mother Lode 29″ Checked Rolling Duffel : The Mother Lode is more of a hybrid piece of checked luggage than a true rolling duffle. Most of the bag is shaped around a hard-shell bottom, which seems to take away from the flexibility of a rolling duffle. You’re likely to be happier choosing one of our other duffle picks or one of our checked-luggage picks.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 : This Osprey model is a large, cavernous bag on wheels similar to the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag. But the Patagonia duffle has a sturdier frame and tougher materials than the Osprey, which needs a bit more structural reinforcement to compete. Again, however, we ultimately preferred the organization and split interior of the Dakine Split Roller in this category.

We also tested duffles from American Apparel, Incase, Marmot, Osprey, Thule, and Tortuga that have since been discontinued.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

We’re testing Peak Design’s Travel Duffel in both the 35- and 65-liter sizes.

Meet your guide

safari college bags review

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

Three of our favorite backpacks, totes and duffle bags on display

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

A person at the gym carrying a duffel bag.

The Best Gym Bag

by Kit Dillon

After stuffing more than 40 gym bags with clothes, gear, water bottles, and more, we want to carry the KNKG Plus Duffel  to our next workout.

Our pick for The Best Underseat Personal Items to Pair With Your Carry-On Bag, the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag.

The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags

There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs.

Four Osprey travel backpacks, two blue, two green, sitting next to each other.

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

Africa Freak

Best safari luggage – Duffel bags & backpacks for African travels

Unloading safari luggage from a small plane at the Maasai Mara airstrip

The best African safari luggage is completely different to the necessary luggage for a city trip or backpacking expedition.

There are some very unique conditions that make it important to choose specific safari luggage. This includes the dusty savanna, cramped buses, and a jam-packed Land Cruiser bouncing into the wilderness.

The single most important part of African travel is having a suitable bag . Everything else you can work out after you have arrived.

But what is the best luggage for an African safari? Is it a duffel bag or backpack? And if so, what are the best safari bags for your trip?

In this guide, we’ll detail everything you need to know .

Best Luggage for Travel to Africa: The Basics

Off-roading in the Serengeti, in harmony with nature

An elephant does not care what you look like. Neither does a lion or even a safari guide .

So put the fancy clothes away and get practical . The wilderness simply isn’t a place for frivolities, and that starts with your safari luggage.

First, take a look at our detailed guide on what to pack for an African safari. In short – pack light and keep it simple .

Why? Well, however you plan to travel in Africa, it’s going to be full, and there isn’t enough space for big safari luggage.

  • Light aircraft safari flights have strict 15 kg baggage weight limits.
  • Safari vehicles are generally designed for off-roading and don’t have much space for luggage.
  • Travel on public transport, and you must be comfortable carrying your own luggage, including walking with it for more than a kilometer.

On an African adventure, you will be moving from place to place. On many safaris, you go to a different camp every day.

So there isn’t even time to unpack everything. Just take the basics and stay practical – this isn’t a fashion statement!

It doesn’t help if you are a wizard at folding safari clothing into crease-free, super-flat, super-organized piles. If your safari luggage is a complete dinosaur, it’s going to be disastrous.

And all the skillful arrangement adds up to nothing if your bag weighs more than King Kong with the Empire State Building in his left hand and a distressed blonde in his right!

What is the Best Luggage for Safari?

Driver loads safari luggage on top of a jeep

It is important to choose the right luggage for your African safari. This way, you can ensure the safety of all your belongings , whether on the plane, bus, or the savanna.

As mentioned above, you will need to pack light. And in addition to sticking to the strict weight limits, the bag should be able to hold all your clothing and gear .

Chances are you’ll need to pack several layers for those warm days and cold nights. You may also need space for your camera equipment .

Luckily, there are many lightweight duffel bags and backpacks that fit the bill. Below is a breakdown of the best safari duffel bags, backpacks, and travel bags for your next African adventure.

Best duffel bag for safari

The North Face duffel bags for a safari

Soft-sided luggage for safari is a must , and there are many duffel bags that offer exactly that. They are also spacious enough to store up to a week’s worth of clothing and toiletries, along with your other safari gear.

Depending on which African safari you’re visiting, it may help to look for a technical duffel bag .

These travel bags have unique features that can help a ton when out in the wilderness. Common features include a water-repellent shell and detachable straps .

But what is the best duffel bag for an African safari? Top brands to look out for include The North Face, Travelpro, and Red Oxx .

Best backpack for safari

Targus Drifter 15.6

While duffel bags are the preferred pick, backpacks are good too – especially if you’re going on a walking safari through Mana Pools National Park or elsewhere in Africa.

Like duffel bags, backpacks for safari need to be light , durable , and compressible . They also need to have enough pockets and compartments to store your belongings securely.

Backpacks also make for a good secondary bag. As such, opt for a roll-top as these can easily fit into your larger duffel bag during your flight and transfer. This way, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

What is the best safari backpack? Recommended picks include the Saddleback Leather backpack and the Targus Drifter.

Other safari travel bags

In addition to your safari duffel bag or backpack, there are a few other luggage items you may want to bring along.

These items are fanny packs , dopp kits , and camera bags . Each of these can easily fit into a larger bag and can come in hand when on a safari.

Remember to only bring these along if necessary as you might need the extra space.

How to Pick the Best Luggage for African Safari

Crossing the river whilst on safari in Tanzania

Let’s recap on the conditions, especially if you haven’t been on a safari in Africa.

On an African safari, you will be driving off-road , often on arid landscapes shrouded in dust. If it’s not dusty, it will probably be muddy.

Take a holiday at an all-inclusive beach resort, and you only use your luggage once – to get from your home to the resort.

In Africa, you will be on the move .

Whether public or private transport, flights or local buses, all that moving means things will spill, and your safari luggage is going to get dirty .

There are usually two options when it comes to what to wear on holiday. Change your clothes every day, or change your destination every day instead.

As you regularly move between destinations, you won’t need lots of luggage . And don’t worry if your clothes are a little sweaty or dust-stained. You will look more out of place in incredibly clean clothes.

It’s going to be hot, probably very hot. You will be battling against humidity. If it’s the rainy season, you and your luggage will get drenched.

These can be tough conditions, so the fundamental principle of all safari luggage is to make it easier for yourself .

In addition to knowing what the best bags for exploring in the wild are, here is how to choose safari luggage . These are sure to make your African adventure easier and packing less challenging.

1. You need quality luggage for safari (but not designer or expensive)

The eternal conundrum is whether to head for an exclusive luggage shop or select the cheapest , most rubbish piece of safari baggage available at a local supermarket.

Airline baggage controllers do not distinguish between designer labels and care not for price tags. Your bags get completely stuffed up, whether you paid a small fortune or got them in the bargain bin.

Cheap black and blue duffel bag

Your bag will be treated like a bag of potatoes by the majority of the people who handle it, from baggage controllers to local bus boys squashing your carefully labeled luggage next to some chickens and maize sacks.

Be warned – fragile stickers don’t work , especially not when you are on safari.

Spending hundreds or thousands on Louis Vuitton’s finest or the very latest Antler miracle is not a wise thing. And the cheapest safari luggage won’t live up to the demands of traveling in Africa.

Antler holdall

So go for a good , middle-of-the-road bag – the “iSpot” duffel bag range from Travelite is a recommended choice. They are durable and inexpensive.

iSpots are soft , relatively light, and have a built-in wheely handle so you can pull them along the road and runway when necessary.

iSpots have concealed zips , which all have locking facilities on them (so many lightweight safari bags only have locking docks on their main zips and not on side pockets).

Travelite iSpot range

They are hard-wearing , rugged , and spacious enough for two-week trips in Africa. The seams won’t rip and dispose of half your belongings onto a buffalo -covered savanna.

2. Safari travel bags should be soft

In Africa, there is plenty of space for elephants to charge around. But there is not enough space for luggage.

Keeping your weight below 15 kg is important. Your safari luggage needs to mold and squeeze into any available space.

Solid-state suitcases may be good for European city trips, but they are completely impractical for Africa .

These massive, stainless steel megalodons are too bulky, do not stack neatly, and take up too much unnecessary room.

Solid state suitcases

African safaris require soft , squishy bags that can squeeze into small spaces. As previously mentioned, duffel bags are perfect for this.

Backpacks are also a good choice, provided they don’t have a protruding and inflexible frame.

So let’s recap. The perfect safari luggage is light , squishy , hard-wearing , rugged enough for the dusty African savanna , and spacious enough for the safari essentials.

3. Reduce the volume of your safari bag

That aside, you should also take the volume of your bag into account. A 70-liter capacity is around average.

There are some excellent duffels out there , especially those designed for diving or adventure pursuits, which offer more space.

Coming in at $14.95, you get what you pay for with a duffel bag like this. It may last one trip if you are lucky!

But remember that a tightly packed soft bag is better than a loosely packed one because it keeps your belongings from rolling around and getting damaged.

It also prevents your cosmetics bag from getting a bang and leaking its contents all over your clothes.

Some duffel bags have straps that can compress the contents inside. These are ideal, as you can start light and still compress. Then you can expand it if you end up purchasing half a bag of souvenirs.

4. Other key considerations for the best luggage for safari travel

Travel toiletry bag

A wet bag is a great idea for cosmetics. Don’t buy an expensive one. You can use a run-of-the-mill high-street supermarket bag and tie the handles up tight to prevent unwanted spillages.

Consider decanting things like shampoo and moisturizer into small containers, or buy them in small bottles, to begin with.

The Body Shop , for example, has some great small bottles of products that are ideal for traveling. This reduces volume.

Your choice of safari luggage is peculiar to you and your needs , what you want to put in it and where you are going.

Whether you spend a lot of money on it or not, just make sure that it is secure with decent locks or, failing that, cable ties.

When flying, never put anything of value in it (jewelry, cameras, computers, cell phones, etc.).

And if it gets damaged by an airline’s baggage handler, make sure you stand up for your rights and get it either repaired or replaced.

Where to Take Your Safari Luggage

Photography equipment on a land cruiser bonnet

Having the right safari luggage can make or break your trip. But with this guide, you now know what to take and how to take it. So all that’s left is to go out and explore !

There are endless opportunities for a wild adventure in different locations – South Africa , Botswana , Namibia , Zambia , Zimbabwe , Tanzania , Kenya , Uganda , and gorilla trekking in Rwanda .

Hopefully, your safari luggage will keep you returning to Africa and experience as many incredible safaris as possible.

About The Author

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Editorial Team

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This Is the Only Bag You'll Need to Pack for a Safari

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

safari college bags review

The world's best safari spots aren't located just outside of city centers or major airports. They take some effort — and usually a bush plane — to get to.

Unfortunately, your beautiful Away carry-on and large roll aboard suitcases won't be welcome onboard. The small chartered flights that typically ferry guests to safari hotspots across Africa have strict weight requirements and space limitations.

CroisiEurope, an international river cruise company, warns African safari customers in all-caps and red exclamation points that operators may refuse to transport noncompliant luggage. They also instruct passengers to keep carry-ons under 6.6 pounds — less than the weight of an empty Away carryon — and to keep checked luggage at 44 pounds.

Of course, that 44 pounds needs to fit inside a package that's no more than 23.6 inches long, 15.7 inches tall and 11.8 inches wide, just larger than the average American Airline's domestic carryon limit. Suitcases also must be soft-sided and have no more than two wheels, a rarity in this age of spinner wheels.

Needless to say, getting everything you need for the trip of a lifetime into such a small package can be a challenge.

Mark Lakin, a frequent Africa traveler and the co-founder of the bespoke travel agency Epic Road, meets that challenge by starting with the right bag: a lightweight Eagle Creek rolling duffel packed with just two sets of clothes.

"Every day one [set of clothes] is being washed and one is being worn," he said. "That leaves room to bring the extra stuff." For Lakin, those extra essentials include a daypack, hiking boots, sun protection, camera gear, and a favorite Alpaca wool poncho for lounging at the safari lodge.

And bringing back one-of-a-kind finds from the trip of a lifetime becomes a whole lot easier with a soft, flexible bag that can expand along the journey.

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Safari Seek 32L Black Backpack Suitcase with Two Way Handle, Luggage Style Packing and Compression Straps

Safari Seek 32L Black Backpack Suitcase with Two Way Handle, Luggage Style Packing and Compression Straps

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The interiors are thoughtfully designed to give you the best of space, comfort and flexibility.

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We've got your Back (back). Designed with padded back and shoulder straps for optimum comfort.

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Side mesh pockets that can fit a water bottle or umbrella.

Size and Dimensions

Size: 47 x 22 x 32 CM, Capacity: 32 L, Weight: 920 Grams

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  5. 10 Best Safari Bags, Duffles, Backpacks, & Luggage (2024)

    MSRP: $99 | Weight: 2 lbs.| Capacities: 33, 42.5L . The Novel Duffel Bag is an excellent piece of soft-sided luggage for safari. At only 2 lbs, we love the weight savings this provides, making it far more manageable.The Herschel Duffel bag is 100% polyester and features its signature shoe compartment for easy and organized travel while keeping to a classic and simple style.

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