Duffel bag for travel

[Jeff Jeff]

Can anyone recommend a durable, low key duffel bag for traveling? Something roughly 70L in volume. Water resistant would be really nice to have as well. I really like my North Face base camp duffel, but the logos are a little too flashy. I feel it might increase the odds of it getting stolen.

[twig .]

Cactus from New Zealand make some great stuff – http://www.cactusoutdoor.co.nz/bbb-big-burly-bag-590.html

[John S.]

If it does not need to be worn as a backpack, I'd go check out STP. Mountainsmith has some on sale there.

[r m]

If I could own just one duffel it would be a HMG one. Bit bigger than you're looking for but not too bad on the weight. But damn they're expensive. Cilogear makes duffels too. I use off brand cheap ones that look surprisingly like north face ones.

[Ken Thompson]

Gregory makes a durable waterproof, well all but the zipper, duffel. Logo is low key and easily removable as it is just a tag.

[JP]

Cabelas Ripcord on sale for $15-$25 http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&N=0&fsch=true&Ntk=AllProducts&Ntt=Ripcord+duffels&x=10&y=6&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[Ken Thompson]

Giant logo on those Cabelas

[Arne L.]

Arc'Teryx makes a really nice duffel: the Carrier. It is highly water-resistant and very light (albeit not cheap…): the 75L weighs 19 ounces. Hendrik from Hiking In Finland did a review on them: https://hikinginfinland.com/2015/10/one-duffle-to-rule-them-all-the-arcteryx-carrier-duffle.html Personally I think they're good value.

[Rick M]

#ERROR!

[Maris L]

I like my TNF Base Camp duffel and have used it a lot for travel, but I agree that I would prefer not having the large logo. I just moved overseas and packed several 110L Eagle Creek No Matter What duffels. They're half the weight of TNF bags, they're similarly water resistant and tough, they have compression straps, and in a pinch I've carried them as a backpack. They compress much better for storage. Best of all, they were inexpensive at around $50-60 when I found them. Good warranty. The catch is that they do have a larger logo, but I feel it's less noticeable than TNF's "desirable" brand name. I've also used MEC duffels which are entirely plain and inconspicuous.

[JP]

"Giant logo on those Cabelas" If you don't like the Cabelas logo there are the LL Bean version that doesn't have as big of logo, but is lesser denier: http://www.llbean.com/llb/search/?freeText=adventure+duffel+bags&init=1&sort_field=Relevance I just picked up a few of the Cabelas versions to use on my toboggan that I'm going to carry wrapped in a tank. The logo is big, but doesn't scream money like TNF. And as long as you can get past that you'll save this $$. I think there a great price compared to what I found out there after the last couple weeks of looking.

[Paul Magnanti]

The Arcteryx one looks nice, but I *think* that is almost a "STEAL ME" as much as TNF nowadays? Canvas, but durable as hell, would be this one that is GI style but with a side zip: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Side-Zipper-Canvas-Duffle/dp/B000P9CJ2S Need to buy a strap or two if you want to use it as makeshift pack/shoulder bag. http://www.amazon.com/General-Purpose-Extra-Utility-Straps/dp/B004NKSQTA/ref=cts_ap_1_fbt Get it in black so it looks less military like. Just need a bag to throw crap in and not necessarily carrying it like a backpack…I swear by a Flyers Kit Bag. Comes in nylon. The black version is a little more expensive, but, again less military looking (if that is a concern where you are traveling). http://www.pmags.com/flyers-kit-bag-easy-staging-for-trips Swallows everything…I often throw it over my shoulder ala Santa Claus even full. But, again, not really meant for schlepping around town..so it all depends on what kind of travel you are doing.

[Nathan Wernette]

patagonia's black hole duffels are bulletproof…well not literally but they are great. http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/black-hole-duffel-60-liters?p=49341-0

[John Martin]

I work for an airline and travel a lot. I have seen every conceivable bag and The North Face logo in my opinion does nothing to get a bag stolen or rummaged through. People check Louis Vuitton bags costing thousands. I have a beat up NF rolling duffel I take with all of my gear in it. I have had no issues. I see lots of Patagonia but North Face is the most popular duffel on a baggage belt besides green army duffels. I would pick a water resistant/proof duffel. I as a backpacker respect how a bag is picked up but if you travel know your duffel is going to be picked up by one strap and that is how they rip out. Most duffels with weight in them will rip the first time you pick them up by one strap. The North Face duffels don't rip that I have seen. I would also tell anyone checking a backpack tape down all straps except the haul loop. Most of the time backpacks will be moved by picking up by a shoulder strap. If you don't secure the straps they get caught in the belt loaders and on baggage belts from time to time. Ask your airline to put your backpack in a plastic bag with just a hole the haul loop is accessible and then use packing tape to make picking up your bag from its strap impossible. These guys like the Mammut duffels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtpU3PPftwg

[Jeff Jeff]

Wow, that is a much more detailed response than I was expecting. I guess I'll just use my current north face base camp duffel. Maybe I can tape over the logo for less flash. I did find these which are a bit cheaper and less flashy. Something other than black is nice for easy identification though. I wonder if they are made in the same factory that the north face ones come from. If you see a green north face duffel through seatac, be gentle : )

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